Student Life and Activities

An important part of the college experience at Johnston Community College is participation in student activities. JCC prides itself on the diverse opportunities available to students as a part of student life. These experiences include developing leadership skills through participation in student organizations, playing intramural sports and events, and working with fellow students on social, recreational, and community service projects. Student clubs and organizations are organized by students in response to student interest and need and are recognized as a significant dimension of the educational experience.

Student Government Association

These clubs and organizations are led by the Student Government Association, which exists to promote good relations and understanding among students, administration, faculty, and trustees; to unify the student body in the development of self-government and good citizenship; and to set high ethical standards for students through responsible conduct.

Six officers are elected in the spring for the following year. These positions are president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, public information officer, and parliamentarian. Responsibilities and requirements for each are listed below.

The duties of the office of President shall be as follows:

  • To administer and uphold the Constitution of the Association, its bylaws, and laws enacted by the senate.
  • To call and preside at meetings of the executive board, the senate, and the student body.
  • To appoint any additional committees necessary to carry out executive functions, subject to approval of the senate.
  • To issue orders to all committees and to request reports from them.
  • To be the official representative of the college on all other occasions and at functions wherein participation is appropriate.

The duties of the office of Vice President shall be as follows:

  • To assist the President in any way required by the President.
  • To fulfill the duties of the President in the case of illness or absence of the President.
  • To assume the office of President and to carry out the duties of the office for the remainder of the term if the President resigns or is unable to fulfill the duties of the office for any reason.
  • To serve as chair for the judicial branch and to preside over all meetings of the judicial branch.

The duties of the office of the Secretary shall be as follows:

  • To accurately record and preserve the minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Association
  • To oversee all necessary paperwork required by the executive officers, the executive board, and the senate.
  • To submit periodic reports to the membership or the Association, the advisor, and the college concerning the progress and actions taken by the Association.
  • To prepare and keep a record of all actions, bylaws, statutes, and resolutions of the senate.

The duties of the office of the Treasurer shall be as follows:

  • To keep an accurate record of the financial actions of the Association based on financial reports prepared monthly by the college business office.
  • To serve as Chairperson of the Finance Committee, which is responsible for submitting budget recommendations.
  • To report periodically to the Association or at any time required.
  • To solicit quotes and financial proposals from vendors.

The duties of the office of Parliamentarian shall be as follows:

  • To assist the President in maintaining order in accordance with parliamentary procedure at meetings of the senate, the Association, and the student body.
  • To serve as advisor to the President and the executive board on matters involving parliamentary procedure.

The duties of the office of Public Information Officer shall be as follows:

  • To gather facts about upcoming meetings, events, or issues and distribute them to the student body.
  • To produce promotional and other material for dissemination.
  • To maintain communications continuity of the association with the college and student body.

Participation in College Governance

Johnston Community College encourages its students to participate in the College’s decision-making processes to the fullest extent possible. Opportunities for participation are provided through formalized structures and the administration’s practice of an open-door policy.

Formalized participation is provided in the following ways:

  • The Student Government Association appoints one executive board member to serve as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees (ex officio status accords the SGA member all rights as other trustees except the voting privilege).
  • Student representatives may serve on standing committees.
  • Student representatives serve on the College’s planning team when it conducts the strategic planning phase of the planning cycle and participates in the development of operational plans during the operational planning phase of the planning cycle for such areas as the SGA, student activities, ambassadors' program, etc.
  • When appropriate, student representatives serve on College ad hoc committees.
  • The president meets with the SGA senate on a regular basis to discuss how the College can best meet student needs.
  • Students may appeal decisions made by faculty and staff through the College’s appeals procedure.

The College’s administration practices an open-door policy. Students may, as individuals or groups, present ideas for improvement or concerns to the appropriate administrator or president at any time. The College administration will respond to such input in a timely manner.

The College believes it can only achieve excellence by the full participation of those it serves, the students, in institutional decision-making.

Clubs and Organizations

Student clubs and interest groups are encouraged to develop common bonds or friendship between students with similar occupational and academic interests. Faculty/staff members serve as advisors and assist student leaders in planning club programs and developing group activities.

Student organizations on campus include SGA, Student Ambassadors, Phi Theta Kappa, and National Technical Honor Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, as well as clubs linked to programs of study, such as criminal justice, early childhood education, paralegal, radiography, and cosmetology.

Membership in student clubs and organizations is open to eligible curriculum students. Johnston Community College is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities.

The requirements for being elected to an executive office of any club or organization and continuing to hold that office throughout the term of office shall be as indicated in the individual club’s bylaws.

Statement on Membership in Student Organizations 

To be eligible for official recognition from the College - and the privileges that accompany official recognition - a student club or organization must abide by the following:

  • Membership and participation in the organization must be open to all students. JCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
  • Student clubs or organizations that select their members based on commitment to a set of beliefs (e.g., religious or political beliefs) may limit membership and participation in the organization to students who, upon individual inquiry, affirm that they support the organization's goals and agree with its faith, beliefs, and mission.

Recreational Activities 

Informal recreation is part of the student activities program. Recreational activities are organized by students in response to student interest and needs and are supported by the student activity fund.

Students are encouraged to organize and participate in various recreational activities. 

Intercollegiate Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics at Johnston Community College strives to provide a competitive athletic program that is consistent with the College's mission and a total educational experience for its student-athletes. The underlying assumption that athletics contributes to the overall development of character, sportsmanship, leadership, integrity, and responsible decision making is consistent with the College's mission to assist all students in developing their full potential for participation in a global workforce and lifelong learning experiences

The athletic program, at all times, adheres to the tenets of fair play and amateur athletic competition as defined by National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The College also holds its coaches, administrators, and student-athletes to a high standard of sportsmanship and ethical conduct. The president of Johnston Community College has ultimate responsibility for, and exercises appropriate administrative and fiscal control over, the institution’s intercollegiate athletic program. Athletic offerings may vary depending on student interest and facilities availability.

Student Rights, Responsibilities and Judicial Procedures 

Note: For purposes of brevity, the title “vice president” will refer to the vice president of student services throughout this section

Preamble

Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of this academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth.

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility. As members of the academic community, students are subject to the obligations accrued to them by virtue of this membership. As members of the larger community of which the College is a part, students are entitled to all rights and protection accorded them by the laws of that community.

By the same token, students are also subject to all laws, the enforcement of which is the responsibility of duly constituted authorities. When students violate laws, they may incur penalties prescribed by legal authorities. In such instance, college discipline will be initiated only when the presence of the student on campus will substantially disrupt the educational process of the College. However, when a student’s violation of the law also adversely affects the College’s pursuit of its recognized educational objectives, the College may enforce its own regulations.

When students violate college regulations, they are subject to disciplinary action by the College whether their conduct violates the law. If the student’s behavior simultaneously violates both College regulations and the law, the College may take disciplinary action independent of that taken by legal authorities.

Student Rights

  • All rights and privileges guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution of the United States and by the state of North Carolina shall not be denied any student.
  • Students are free to pursue their educational goals. Appropriate opportunities for learning in the classroom and on the campus shall be provided for by the College. Student performance will be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
  • Students have the right to freedom of expression, inquiry, and assembly without restraint or censorship subject to reasonable and non-discriminatory rules and regulations regarding time, place, and manner.
  • Students have the right to inquire about and to propose improvements in policies, regulations, and procedures affecting the welfare of students through established student government procedures, campus committees, and College offices.
  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provides safeguards regarding the confidentiality of and access to student records and this act will be adhered to by the College. Students and former students have the right to review their official records and to request a hearing if they challenge the contents of these records. No records shall be made available to unauthorized personnel or groups outside the College without the written consent of the student involved except under legal expulsion.
  • No disciplinary sanctions (other than temporary removal from class or activity only for duration of said activity) may be imposed upon any student without due process. Procedures are established to guarantee a student accused of a Student Code of Conduct violation due process.
  • The Student Right to Know Act requires Johnston Community College to disclose information about graduation, completion, and transfer-out rates to current and prospective students and the public. This information is provided to students and prospective students in The College section of this catalog under the Performance Measures Results heading, through the College Website, from the Office of Student Services, and in other publications.

Student Code of Conduct

The College reserves the right to maintain a safe and orderly educational environment for students and staff. Therefore, when in the judgment of College officials, a student’s conduct disrupts or threatens to disrupt the College community, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to restore and protect the sanctity of the community.

Enrollment at Johnston Community College indicates student acceptance of published rules and policies of the College. This code's purpose is not to restrict student rights but to protect those of individuals in their academic pursuits.

The following regulations set forth rules of conduct prohibiting certain types of student behavior. Violation of one or more of the following regulations may result in one of the sanctions described in the sanction section.

Prohibited conduct shall include, but not be limited to:

  • Violation of the Academic Integrity Policy
  • Theft of, misuse of, or damage to College property, or theft of or damage to property of a member of the College community or a campus visitor on College premises or at College functions; unauthorized entry upon the property of the College or into a College facility or a portion thereof which has been restricted in use and thereby placed off limits; unauthorized presence in a College facility after closing hours.
  • Possession of or use of alcoholic beverages or being in a state of intoxication on the College campus or at College sponsored or supervised functions off-campus or in College owned vehicles. Possession, use or distribution of any illegal drugs, except as expressly permitted by law. Any influence which may be attributed to the use of drugs or of alcoholic beverages shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the individual for the consequences of his or her actions.
  • Disorderly, lewd or indecent conduct, including but not limited to, public urination, defecation, sexual acts performed in public or on college premises, taking pictures of another person in a gym locker room or restroom without that person's consent, disrobing or streaking, and possession or distribution of any obscene materials.
  • The use of legally obscene language or behavior that materially or substantially disrupts college function.
  • Excessive noise on college property including its hallways, walkways, driveways, and parking areas
  • Conduct which threatens or endangers the health/safety of any person on the campus, online, or at any College authorized function/activity including, but not limited to, physical abuse, the threat of physical abuse, sexual misconduct and assault.
  • Discrimination on the grounds of age, race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, creed, military or veteran status, or genetic information of on College premises, at College-sponsored or supervised functions, or online that is sufficiently severe that it limits or denies an individual the ability to participate in or benefit from the College's educational program or activities.
  • Any act, comment, or behavior that materially and substantially disrupts the college or interferes with a student's performance including that which promotes actual violence or harm, fighting words, true threats, violations of the law, criminal or severe harassment, defamation that harms a person's reputation, false advertising or commercial speech that is misleading, or the use of public resources for partisan political activities.
  • Intimidation (implied threats) or coercion that causes a reasonable fear of harm in another.
  • Material or substantial obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration or disciplinary proceedings, or other College activities, including public service functions and other duly authorized activities on College premises.
  • Occupation or seizure in any manner of College property, a College facility or any portion thereof for a use inconsistent with prescribed, customary, or authorized use.
  • Participating in or conducting an assembly, demonstration, or gathering in a manner which threatens or causes injury to person or property; which interferes with free access to, ingress or egress of College facilities; which is harmful, obstructive or disruptive to the educational process or institutional functions of the College; remaining at the scene of such an assembly after being asked to leave by a representative of the College staff.
  • Possession or use of a firearm, incendiary device, or explosive, except in connection with a College approved activity. This also includes unauthorized use of any instrument designed to inflict serious bodily injury to any person.
  • Setting off a fire alarm or using or tampering with any fire safety equipment, except with reasonable belief in the need for such alarm or equipment.
  • Gambling.
  • Smoking and/or using other forms of tobacco products or use of electronic cigarettes in classrooms, shops, and labs or other unauthorized areas.
  • Violation of College regulations regarding the operation and parking of motor vehicles.
  • Forgery, alteration, copyright violation, or misuse of College documents, records, computer software, or computer equipment with intent to deceive; making a knowingly false statement, either orally or in writing, to a College official.
  • Failure to comply with instructions of College officials acting in performance of their duties, including failure to provide student ID in a timely manner when requested.
  • Violations of the terms of disciplinary probation or any College regulation during the period of probation.
  • Fiscal irresponsibility such as failure to pay College levied fines, failure to repay College funded loans, or the passing of worthless checks to College officials.
  • Violation of a local, state, or federal criminal law on College premises adversely affecting the College community’s pursuit of its proper educational purposes.
  • Violation of the College’s Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy.
  • Use of cell phones, pagers or other electronic devices while attending class or participating in class-related activities (i.e. labs, clinicals, etc.) without prior approval of the instructor.
  • Failure to respond to a notice of charges.

Please note: Certain programs, including associate degree nursing and basic law enforcement training, also have supplementary codes of conduct to which students within those programs must adhere.

Disciplinary Procedures

Immediate Suspension

If an act of misconduct threatens the health or well-being of any member of the academic community or seriously disrupts the function and good order of the College, an instructor or administrative officer may direct the student(s) involved to cease and desist such conduct and advise them that failing to cease and desist will result in immediate suspension. If the student(s) fails to cease and desist, the instructor may then temporarily suspend the student(s) from the class. The vice president/designee or the president may suspend the student(s) from either the class or the College until a resolution of the matter can be made.

The instructor or administrative officer invoking such suspension shall notify the vice president in writing of the individual(s) involved and the nature of the infraction as soon as possible but no more than two days following the incident. The vice president/designee shall resolve the matter in a timely fashion utilizing the steps outlined below in disciplinary procedures.

Violations of Academic Integrity Policy

Johnston Community College expects its students to exhibit integrity in all their academic endeavors and behavior. Students are expected to demonstrate integrity by doing their own work, without unauthorized help or assistance from others. Consequently, the College will not tolerate any incidents of academic dishonesty such as, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating, unacceptable collaboration, and/or assisting others in acts of academic dishonesty.

The following list is representative, but not all inclusive, of various types of academic dishonesty.

Cheating

  • copying tests, assignments, projects, presentations, and similar work
  • submitting work that was previously submitted in another course or at another institution without instructor approval
  • changing grades without the instructor’s knowledge
  • using unapproved sources (print, electronic, or web materials, etc.) or electronic devices during tests
  • receiving and giving assistance with tests or other assignments without instructor approval (in or out of the class if prohibited by the instructor)
  • lying or fabricating to improve your grade or others’ grades
  • stealing or destroying others’ work
  • taking a test for another person
  • any action which misrepresents or defrauds

Plagiarism

  • presenting others’ work (papers, tests, assignments, projects, etc.) in any form, print, electronic, web, etc., as your own
  • downloading or submitting a purchased paper, project, or presentation as your own original work
  • copying a phrase, sentence, or passage from someone else or another source without proper quotation marks
  • failure to use proper citation
  • Submit AI-generated work, from sources such as ChatGPT, as your own
    NOTE:  Consult with your instructor's guidelines regarding the use of AI in accordance with course-specific assignments.
  • self-plagiarism (submitting work that was previously submitted in another course or at another institution without instructor approval)

*This list of examples is not exhaustive. There may be other instances of academic dishonesty that would violate this policy.

Academic integrity violations will be dealt with as follows: the instructor will notify the student and may ask to meet to verify student work. The instructor will submit an Academic Integrity Violation Form and levy a sanction depending on the severity of the infraction. This form will be forwarded to the department chair, AVP, VP of Instruction, and the VP of Student Services to maintain on file.

Sanctions

The following sanctions for violation of the Academic Integrity Policy may be imposed by the instructor or a JCC administrator depending on the severity of the infraction:

  • Loss of Grade
  • 0 for the work in question with an opportunity to revise depending on the severity and intent of the offense
  • A "0" for an assignment, quiz or test
  • Loss of Credit
  • An "F" for the course

Violation of the Academic Integrity policy is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Documentation of all Academic Integrity violations will be retained by the office of the vice president of student services. Multiple violations of the Academic Integrity Policy may result in additional sanctions.

In addition: Certain programs including, but not limited to, Nursing, BLET, and EMS, have additional program standards, guidelines and policies. Students within these programs are subject to additional penalties up to and including program dismissal for violations of program policies.

Appeals Process for Academic Integrity Violations

Attendance and Participation

Until the appeal process has been completed, the student may:

  • Attend class and participate without prejudice.
  • Register for the next course in a sequence if applicable. However, if the appeal fails the student can be removed from the more advanced class.

A student wishing to contest a penalty would follow the procedure outlined below.

  • Student appeals informally to the instructor of the course in which the violation occurred within five working days of the instructor’s decision to discuss the violation and determine fault.
  • If student contests the instructor’s decision, the student submits an Academic Integrity Appeal Form within five working days to the department chair for the curriculum or continuing education program in which the course is offered. The department chair reviews the matter and renders a decision.
  • If student contests the department chair's decision in which the course is offered, the Academic Integrity Appeal request will elevate to the associate vice president of curriculum or continuing education who reviews the matter and renders a decision. 
  • If student contests the associate/assistant vice president’s decision in which the course is offered, the Academic Integrity Appeal request will elevate to the vice president of curriculum or continuing education who reviews the matter and renders a decision. The decision of the vice president of instruction is final.

Violations of Student Code of Conduct

  1. Academic Integrity violations will follow the procedure outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy
  2. Other Student Code of Conduct violations

In order to provide an orderly procedure for handling student disciplinary cases in accordance with due process, the following procedures will be followed:

Charges

Any administrative official, faculty member, or student may file charges with the vice president/designee against any student or student organization for violations of College regulations. The individual(s) making the charge must complete a charge/complaint form (available from the office of the vice president or the College’s Web site) stating:

  • name of the student(s) involved,
  • the alleged violation of the specific Code of Conduct,
  • the time, place, and date of the incident,
  • names of person(s) directly involved or witnesses to the infractions,
  • any actions taken that relate to the matter
  • the completed charge form will route directly to the vice president.

Investigation and Decision

Within ten (10) working days after the charge is filed, the vice president/designee shall complete a preliminary investigation of the charge and shall schedule a meeting with the student to discuss the alleged infraction. (Title IX complainants will follow the Title IX grievance procedure)

The vice president/designee may act as follows:

  • Continue investigation of Charges
  • Drop the charges.
  • Impose a sanction consistent with those shown in Sanctions section.
  • Refer the student to a College office or community agency for services.

Notification

The decision of the vice president/designee shall be presented to the student verbally or in writing immediately following the meeting with the student. In instances where the student cannot be reached to schedule an appointment with the vice president/designee or where the student refuses to cooperate, the vice president/designee shall send official communication to the student’s College issued email account providing the student with a list of the charges, the vice president’s/designee’s decision, and instructions governing the appeal process.

Sanctions

The Student Code of Conduct sanctions are listed below. The list does not imply an order or sequence of sanctions. The sanctions in each case will be determined by the factors related to the specific cases. Sanctions include the following:

  • Verbal Warning: A verbal warning statement, including friendly advice, counsel, criticism, or rebuke, to the student that further disciplinary action will take place if the specific behavior/condition is continued or repeated.
  • Reprimand: A written warning statement to the student which gives official notice to the student that any subsequent offense against the Student Code of Conduct will carry heavier penalties because of this prior infraction.
  • General Probation: An individual may be placed on general probation when involved in a minor disciplinary offense. General probation has two important implications: the individual is given a chance to show capability and willingness to observe the Student Code of Conduct without further penalty; secondly, if the individual errs again, further action will be taken. This probation will be in effect for no more than two semesters.
  • Restrictive Probation: Restrictive probation results in the loss of good standing and becomes a matter of record. Restrictive conditions may limit activity in the College community. Generally, the individual will not be eligible for initiation into any local or national organization and may not receive any College award or other honorary recognition. The individual may not occupy a position of leadership or responsibility with any College or student organization, publication, or activity. This probation will be in effect for not less than two semesters. Any violation of restrictive probation may result in immediate suspension.
  • Restitution: Paying for damaging, misusing, destroying, or losing property belonging to the College, College personnel, or students.
  • Interim Suspension: Exclusion from class and/or other privileges or activities as set forth in the notice until a final decision has been made concerning the alleged violation.
  • Loss of Academic Credit or Grade: Imposed as a result of academic integrity policy violation.
  • Withholding the Transcript, Diploma, or Right to Register or Participate in Graduation Ceremonies: Imposed when financial obligations are not met. (Will not be allowed to register until all financial obligations are met.)
  • Suspension: Exclusion from class and/or all other College privileges or activities for a specified time. This sanction is reserved for those offenses warranting discipline more severe than probation or for repeated misconduct. Students who receive this sanction must get specific written permission from the vice president before returning to campus.
  • Expulsion: Dismissing a student from campus for an indefinite period resulting in losing student status. The student may be readmitted to the College only with the approval of the president.
  • Suspension from Campus Activities: Exclusion from participation in designated student clubs, organizations, or activities for a specified period of time and/or loss of officer standing within a student organization.
  • Group Probation: This is given to a College club or other organized group for a specified period of time. If group violations are repeated during the term of the sentence, the charter may be revoked or activities restricted.
  • Group Restriction: Removing College recognition during the semester in which the offense occurred or for a longer period (usually not more than one other semester). While under restriction, the group may not seek or add members, hold or sponsor events in the College community, or engage in other activities as specified.
  • Group Charter Revocation: Removal of College recognition for a group, club, society, or other organizations for a minimum of two years. The re-chartering of a group/club must be approved by the College president.
  • Other Sanctions: Students may be required to attend workshops or research topics that pertain to the behavior that violated the Code of Conduct. These sanctions assist the student to gain the skills necessary to avoid future conduct code violations.

Appeals Procedure for Violations Other Than Academic Dishonesty 

A student who disagrees with the decision of the vice president/designee may request a hearing before the disciplinary review committee. This request must be submitted in writing to the vice president/designee within three (3) working days after receipt of the decision. The vice president/designee shall refer the matter to the disciplinary review committee together with a report of the nature of the alleged misconduct, the name of the complainant, the name of the student against whom the charge has been filed, and the relevant facts revealed by the vice president’s/designee's investigation.

Committee Composition

Membership of the Disciplinary Review Committee shall be composed of the following:

  • One faculty member and one staff member appointed by the president of the College.1
  • One student member appointed by the Student Government Association and approved by the president of the College.
  • The president will appoint one administrator/hearing officer/decision-maker to serve as committee chairperson.*
  • Committee members will serve a two-year term, beginning in January and ending in December. Replacements will be appointed by the president or SGA if necessary.
  • Title IX complaints will be handled according to the Title IX grievance procedure.
1

The three faculty/staff members and the chairperson appointed by the president of the College will serve as the Disciplinary/Grievance Review Committee for all Title IX cases.

Procedure for Hearings Before the Disciplinary Review Committee

  • Procedural responsibilities of the vice president/designee:
    The Review Committee must meet within twenty (20) working days of receipt of a request for a hearing. At least five (5) working days prior to the date set for the hearing, the vice president/designee shall send official communication to the student’s college issued email account providing the student with the following information:
    • A restatement of the charge or charges.
    • The time and place of the hearing.
    • A statement of the student’s basic procedural rights.
    • A list of witnesses.
    • The names of committee members.

Basic procedural rights of students include the following:

  • The right to counsel. The role of the person acting as counsel is solely to advise the student. The counsel shall not address the committee. In cases of sexual misconduct, the accuser and accused can have an advisor/attorney of their choice present during the disciplinary hearing. Sexual misconduct hearings will follow guidelines outlined in the Title IX Non-Discrimination policy.
  • The right to produce witnesses on one’s behalf.
  • A complainant or respondent may not question one another or other witnesses directly, but may submit questions to the hearing panel, which will determine whether the questions will be asked.
  • The right to request, in writing, the president to disqualify any member of the committee for prejudice or bias. (The request must contain justification.) A request for disqualification, if made, must be submitted at least three working days prior to the hearing. If such disqualification occurs, the appropriate nominating body shall appoint a replacement to be approved by the president.
  • The right to present evidence.
  • The right to know the identity of the person(s) bringing the charge(s).
  • The right to testify or to refuse to testify without such refusal being detrimental to the student.
  • The right to appeal the decision of the committee to the president who will review the official record of the hearing. The appeal must be in writing, and it must be made within five working days of the completion of the hearing.

The Conduct of the Committee Hearings

  • Hearings before the committee shall be confidential and shall be closed to all persons except the following:
    • The student
    • Counsel and/or, in cases of sexual misconduct, Advisors
    • Witnesses
  • The hearing will be recorded. Recordings will be used for transcription purposes. Deliberation of the committee will not be recorded.
  • The committee shall have the authority to adopt supplementary rules of procedure consistent with this code.
  • The committee shall have the authority to render written advisory opinions concerning the meaning and application of this code.
  • Upon completion of a hearing, the committee shall meet in executive session to determine concurrence or non-concurrence with the original finding and to recommend sanctions if applicable.

Decisions of the committee shall be made by majority vote.

  • Within two working days after the decision of the committee, the vice president/designee shall send a communication to the student’s official JCC email account with the committee’s decision.

Appeal to the President

  • A student who refuses to accept the findings of the committee may appeal in writing to the president within five working days after receipt of the committee’s decision. The president shall have the authority to:
    • Review the findings of the proceedings of the committee.
    • Hear from the student, the vice president, and the members of the committee before ruling on an appeal.
    • Approve, modify, or overturn the decision of the committee.
    • Inform the student in writing (through his/her official JCC student email account) of the final decision within 10 working days of the receipt of the appeal.

Student Grievance Procedure 

Purpose

The purpose of the student grievance procedure is to provide a system to channel student complaints against faculty, staff, and students concerning the following:

  • Alleged discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law, excluding sexual discrimination complaints.
  • Sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, complaints should be directed to the Title IX coordinator. Because of the sensitive nature of this kind of complaint, a conference with the Title IX coordinator will replace the first and second steps of the grievance procedure. The Title IX coordinator will counsel the student to determine the appropriate action and/or supportive measures. If the complaint meets the federal definition of sexual harassment, the Title IX complaint procedure will be followed. If the grievance does not meet the federal definition of sexual harassment, then the remainder of this grievance procedure will be followed.
  • Academic matters, excluding grades and attendance.

Procedure

  • The student must go to the faculty or staff member where the alleged problem originated. An attempt will be made to resolve the matter equitably and informally at this level. The conference must take place within five working days of the incident which generated the complaint.
  • If the complaint is not resolved at the informal conference with the faculty or staff member, the student should meet with the faculty member’s department chair in consultation with the associate/assistant vice president or staff member’s direct supervisor within five (5) working days after satisfying step 1. As part of the effort to resolve the issue, the department chair or supervisor will consult with the individual who the complaint is directed toward and the associate/assistant vice president or the chief administrative officer of that division.
  • If the complaint is not resolved at the informal conference with the department chair in consultation with the associate/assistant vice president or direct supervisor, the student may file a written grievance/complaint with the vice president of student services/designee. The grievance/complaint form may be obtained from the office of the vice president of student services. The completed grievance/complaint form and the reason why the response of the associate/assistant vice president or supervisor was unsatisfactory must be presented to the office of the vice president of student services within five (5) working days after satisfying Step 2.
  • The vice president/designee will confirm the composition of the Student Grievance Committee. The vice president/designee will send copies of the appeal to the members of the committee, the employee or student, and the employee’s supervisor. The employee or student against whom the grievance was filed shall be given an opportunity to respond in writing to the chairperson/hearing officer of the committee.
  • Meeting(s) shall be conducted between (5) and twenty (20) working days following the date of the request. A postponement or extension may be granted by the chairperson/hearing officer upon written request of either party if the reason stated justifies such action.
  • The committee shall hold interviews with the grievant, the employee, and the supervisor. The committee may interview any additional witnesses that it considers necessary to render a fair decision.
  • The committee shall decide by a majority vote the resolution of the grievance/compliant. In case of a tie, the chairperson will vote, thus breaking the tie. The chairperson shall forward a copy of the committee’s decision to all parties involved and to the Office of the President of the College within two working days.
  • The committee’s decision may be appealed to the president of the College within three (3) working days of the committee’s decision by either party involved. The president shall review the committee’s findings, conduct whatever additional inquiries deemed necessary, and render a decision within ten (10) working days of receipt of the appeal.
  • The Disciplinary Review Committee will serve as the Student Grievance Committee.

Rights of Parties Involved in a Grievance

When a grievance committee meeting is scheduled, the parties involved are entitled to:

  • A written notice of the complaint.
  • A written notice of the time and place of the meeting. This notice shall be forwarded to all parties through their JCC official email account at least three working days prior to the meeting unless they waive this requirement.
  • Review all available evidence, documents, or exhibits that each party may present at the meeting.
  • Have access to the names of the witnesses who may testify.
  • Appear in person and present information, call witnesses, and submit questions for witnesses to the hearing panel, which will determine whether the questions will be asked.
  • The right to counsel. The role of the person acting as counsel is solely to advise the client. The counsel shall not address the committee. (Sexual misconduct hearings will follow guidelines outlined in the Title IX Non-Discrimination policy).
  • In cases of sexual misconduct, the complainant and the respondent can have an advisor of their choice or attorney present during the grievance proceedings.
  • Time Periods and Limitations
    Reasonable efforts shall be made by all parties to expedite the grievance process. A time limitation specified for either party may be extended by mutual agreement. If there is no mutual written agreement to extend the time limits, and if a decision at one level is not appealed by the student to the next level of the procedure within the time limits specified, the right of the student to further appeal is terminated.

Title IX and Sex Discrimination

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that states "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from the participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program and activity receiving Federal Financial Assistance." (20 U.S.C §1681)

Notice of Nondiscrimination 

Johnston Community College (“JCC”), in compliance with and as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its implementing regulations (“Title IX”) and other civil rights laws, as well as in furtherance of its own values as a higher education institution, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities.

Know Your Rights

Johnston Community College (JCC) is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment. In compliance with federal law, Johnston Community College has adopted policies and procedures to prevent and respond to incidents of sex discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

These guidelines apply to all members of the JCC community (students, faculty, and staff) as well as contractors and visitors. Individuals who are found "responsible" for violation of the Title IX Non-Discrimination policy may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate sanction.

Individuals who have experienced, witnessed, or know of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the College for assistance and investigation.

Once reported, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures with or without filing of a Formal Complaint and to explain to the Complainant the process for filing a Formal Complaint.

Filing a Complaint

Against Another Student:

In addition to or in lieu of filing a criminal complaint, a student who feels they have been a victim of sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, has the right to file a Title IX complaint with the college even if police conclude they do not have sufficient evidence of a criminal violation.

A complaint of sex discrimination or sex-based harassment against another student may be filed with the Title IX Coordinator and will be handled in accordance with the College's Title IX Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures or the student disciplinary procedures which are outlined in the College Catalog.

Against a College Employee:

A complaint of sex discrimination or sex-based harassment against a college employee or other non-student should be filed with the Title IX Coordinator and will be handled in accordance with the Title IX Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures or other established College procedures.

Filing a Criminal Complaint:

Victims of sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual misconduct or assault have the right to file a criminal complaint by contacting JCC Campus Police and Security at (919) 209-2111, by visiting the department in the Wilson Building, or by emailing them at jcccampuspolice@johnstoncc.edu. Victims may file a criminal complaint before, during, or after the college's investigation of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment.

Note: No student or employee shall be subject to any form of reprisal or retaliation for having made a good faith complaint or for participating in an investigation of such complaint. Appropriate steps will be taken to protect students and employees from retaliation.

Title IX Coordinator
Human Resources Director
Wilson Building, C1023C
245 College Road
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 209-2025

Classroom Conduct 

Faculty and students at Johnston Community College have the right to a classroom environment that is conducive to study, expression, and full concentration on study topics.

The College expects:

  • Classrooms where students arrive and depart on time
  • Classrooms where there is no material or substantial disruptive behavior
  • Classrooms where the rights of others are respected and where students treat each other and the instructor with civility and respect

Parking and Traffic Regulations

Traffic regulations of the state of North Carolina are applicable to all persons who drive a motor vehicle on the campus. General student parking is available in any lined spaces not designated for visitors, handicapped persons, faculty and staff members, etc. Enforcement of JCC-issued parking and traffic regulations and penalties for violations are administered by Campus Police and Security and the Business Office.

Parking Permits 

A parking permit is provided for each student. Students should obtain a parking permit from the Campus Police and Security Office in the Wilson Building. The parking permit is valid from August to August.

Student Parking

Building Name Location
Elsee Front of building
STEAM Front of building
Wilson/Tart Front of Wilson building
Health/Smith Front of building
Learning Resource Center/Britt Side and rear of buildings
Truck Driver Training Front of building
Public Safety Services Front of building

Minors on Campus

College policy does not allow minors to be left unattended in vehicles or on campus or brought to class. Although minors may accompany parents or guardians to the campus during registration and other appropriate times, minors are not allowed on campus unattended while parents are attending class. The practice of bringing minors to class is a potential disruption for others and places the College in a position of liability. Students bringing minors to campus, the library, or during any inappropriate time will be asked to leave; however, children may visit the Children's Room of the library when accompanied by an adult.

Student Publications

Student publications, either by an individual or student organization, must be approved through the appropriate organization advisor and the vice president of student services before production and distribution. The Publications Guidelines for College publications contained in the Johnston Community College Operational Policies and Procedures Manual must be followed if the student publication meets the criteria for a public document.

Student publications must not conflict with the Student Code of Conduct as published in this section of this catalog.

Student Lounge 

The student lounge provides a convenient place for relaxation, conversation, and a break between classes. Sandwiches, coffee, soft drinks, and other food items are available in the lounge from vending machines. Vending machines are also available at various locations on the campus. Non-students are not allowed to use the student lounge without permission of the administration. ID cards are checked on a random basis.

Smoking on Campus 

All buildings on the JCC campus are smoke-free. In addition, smoking adjacent to buildings will only be permitted at outdoor areas that have been designated as smoking areas. This policy is implemented to reduce secondhand smoke, litter and fire hazards. The designated smoking areas are listed below:

Student Identification Card

The student identification card (ID card) is provided to each student and is made in the College library. Students need a driver’s license and a copy of their current class schedule in order to obtain an ID card. Each semester a student should take his or her ID card to the library to receive a validation sticker for the current semester. There is a $5 replacement fee for lost cards.

The student ID card serves as the college library card and no materials will be issued without one. The card is also required for student functions on campus. Students should always carry their ID card with them. Police and Campus Security or a College official may ask a student to show his or her ID at any time while on campus or at any activity sponsored by the school off campus. If the student fails to show identification, the college official may ask the student to leave campus.

Student Dress Recommendations

Johnston Community College students are expected to always dress appropriately, and their dress should not be distracting to the educational environment. Students are not allowed in any campus facility without shoes and shirts.

Students should be advised that certain program specific apparel or protective equipment requirements exist. Explanation of these requirements will be explained during program orientation or at the start of the semester. Students in violation of dress policies which create a health or safety issue may be subject to corrective action, including removal from the setting.

Students' overall personal appearance must reflect cleanliness and good grooming. If a student's dress or hygiene interferes with the learning process, the student's instructor will counsel the student. Repeat offenses will result in referral to the CARE Team.

Security and Emergencies 

Johnston Community College encourages all students and employees to report emergencies and/or criminal actions. If the emergency or criminal action involves personal injury or damage, Campus Police and Security and the vice president of student services should be notified immediately. If the emergency or criminal action involves injury to property or buildings, the vice president of finance and facility services. The vice president of finance and facility services is responsible for responding to emergencies and criminal actions. In their absence, other college vice presidents are responsible for responding to any emergency in their areas.

The administration attempts to provide a safe, secure educational environment for all students and employees. Security officers are on duty at nights and on weekends. The security officers provided by the College have no law enforcement powers and contact the Smithfield Police Department as needed. The College also contracts with the Smithfield Police Department to provide police authority on campus and these police officers have full law enforcement powers.

Campus safety information is presented through new student orientation. Information regarding drug and alcohol abuse is covered under a separate drug and alcohol policy in the Student Development Services section of this catalog and on the College Web site.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information pertaining to the number and type of criminal actions occurring on campus is collected by the college security and emergency preparedness coordinator and compiled annually. It is housed in the Student Services Office and is provided to students and employees through publications, including the Campus Crime Report, the College Web site, email correspondence, and other media. A copy of the report may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President of Student Services or campus security office. Also, the Campus Crime Report can be found on the College’s Web site.

Social Media

Students accessing and posting on "social networking services" such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Tumblr, Snapchat and others should carefully read the terms and conditions set forth by such services. Students are solely responsible for the content of their social networking sites/accounts. Johnston Community College does not assume any responsibility for what students place there. Material placed on social networking sites may be subject to JCC’s Student Code of Conduct Process. In addition to violation of College policy, the posting of material may subject students to criminal and civil penalties.

Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy

General Policy

Faculty, staff, students, and LRC public patrons shall be expected to be responsible for appropriate behavior regarding use of the College’s computer network and computing resources and given that communications on the network are often public in nature.

The computer network shall be provided for faculty and students to conduct research and for communications. Access to the computer network shall be considered a privilege, not a right.

Access entails responsibility, and access to network services shall be provided to employees and students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.

Individual users of the College's computer network shall be responsible for their behavior and for communications over the network. Users shall be expected to comply with the College’s standards and honor all agreements.

Computer network storage areas shall be treated as public space, and network administrators shall be authorized to review computer files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly.

Policy Provisions

Rules/sanctions for computer use
The following computer uses shall not be permitted, and violations may result in a loss of access, and as applicable, the involvement of law enforcement agencies and potential prosecution:

  • Sending or displaying legally obscene messages or images;
  • Using legally obscene language;
  • Severe or pervasive harassing behavior;
  • Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks;
  • Violating copyright laws;
  • Using the passwords or identities of others;
  • Trespassing in the folders, work, or files of others;
  • Intentionally wasting limited resources; and
  • Employing the network for commercial purposes.

Acceptable Use

Given that the College considers access to its computer resources a privilege, which may be limited or forfeited by abuse, misuse or violations, users shall be expected to comply with the following conditions:

  • Compliance with all federal and state laws pertaining to copyright, privacy and confidentiality and regarding transmission of illegal, harassing or obscene materials;
  • Use of the computer only for educational, instructional, and administrative purposes;
  • Use of the computer in a manner that does not impede access by other authorized users by unnecessarily tying up the network resources or disrupting the use of the network;
  • Demonstration of respect for other users, both College users and users who can be reached through network connections, by adhering to proper network etiquette; and
  • Demonstration of respect for the integrity of the computer system and all networks by operating the system properly;
  • Use of computing resources and access accounts only for the purpose assigned and not for commercial purposes or non-college related activities;
  • Responsible use of assigned accounts, including password protection and Internet resources – allowing friends, family, or co-workers to use an account shall be deemed a serious use violation;
  • Use that does not damage or disrupt hardware or communication such as virus creation and propagation, wasting system resources, or overloading networks;
  • Use that does not create, display, transmit, or make accessible (Threatening, legally obscene, pornographic, or severe or pervasive harassing language and/or materials); and
  • Use that does not broadcast unsolicited messages or unwanted e-mail.

Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policy

Johnston Community College maintains a campus network to support and enhance the academic and administrative needs of our students, faculty, staff and other campus users. The College is required by Federal Law – H.R. 4137, Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) – to make an annual disclosure informing students that illegal distribution of copyrighted materials may lead to civil and/or criminal penalties. Also, the HEOA requires institutions to take steps to combat and disclose its policies and sanctions for copyright infringement. The College must certify to the Secretary of Education that a policy is in place. Finally, the HEOA requires the College to provide alternatives to illegal file sharing.

Although the HEOA makes reference only to students using Peer-to-Peer (P2P), this policy applies to all Johnston Community College network users. The College reserves the right to suspend or terminate network access to any campus user. Likewise, network access may be suspended if any use is impacting the operations of the network. Violations may be reported to appropriate authorities for criminal or civil prosecution.

Annual Disclosure

Johnston Community College computers and wireless access will require users to click okay to agree with our acceptable use policy which references copyright violations. Each semester a reminder of these policies will be sent to student, faculty, and staff e-mail accounts. This information is also referenced in the Johnston Community College Student Handbook and Johnston Community College Catalog.

Plans to “Effectively Combat” the Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Material

Johnston Community College currently employs bandwidth-shaping technology to prioritize network traffic. The College limits the amount of bandwidth available to P2P applications but does not filter such applications since much of the traffic is legal.

Offering Alternatives to Illegal File Sharing

Both the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) have Web sites that list legal alternatives to illegal P2P. Some of the more popular alternatives include:

Music

  • iTunes
  • SpiralFrog
  • Pandora
  • amazonMP3

Movies and Television

  • iTunes
  • Hulu
  • Netflix Watch Instantly
  • Major Television Network Web Sites

Intellectual Property Policy 

Johnston Community College seeks to provide an environment that supports the teaching, learning, scholarship, and creativity of its students, faculty, and staff. Within this context, the College has adopted a policy that addresses the ownership of materials, compensation and copyright issues, and the use of revenue from the creation and production of all intellectual property that applies to students, faculty, and staff. The Intellectual Property Policy was approved by the Johnston Community College Board of Trustees and is published in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual (PM 2.14). The policy is also available to faculty, staff, and students on the College’s Web site and in hard copy in Student Services or Human Resources.