Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Student Rights and Responsibilities Office (SRRO) is responsible for addressing alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct and seeking resolutions for complaints students may have. The Student Conduct Officer (SCO) assists the Director of Students Rights and Responsibilities with policy development, implementation and evaluation of the SRRO.

The mission of the Students Rights and Responsibilities Office is to proactively encourage safety and a positive learning environment by promoting and upholding the standards and integrity of Dallas College.

Each campus of Dallas College supports a positive educational environment designed to encourage student completion. In order to ensure the protection of student rights and the health and safety of Dallas College community, as well as to support the efficient operation of Dallas College programs and services, the Dallas College has established a Student Code of Conduct.

The Student Code of Conduct are rules and regulations that involve the legal, ethical, and professional standards of Dallas College. The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures is to provide guidelines for the educational environment of Dallas College.

If you have questions about the Student Code of Conduct contact the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office at AdvocacyOffice@dallascollege.edu for more information.

To report a possible violation of the Student Code of Conduct, please submit a Report Student Conduct Form.

Students may file a complaint, concern or grievance by submitting a General Complaint or Grievance Form to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office.

Please contact the Student Right and Responsibilities Office with the accommodations you will require. Requesting accommodations should be requested at least five business days prior to a student conduct meeting.

A student conduct meeting (or conference) is a meeting in connection with an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct where the Student Conduct Officer (SCO) provides the student with a copy of related policies and procedures, reviews the alleged conduct, determines responsibility and, if applicable, issues possible sanctions (or outcomes). If a student disagrees with the decision at this conference meeting, the student can request a formal hearing related to the misconduct.

A student conduct meeting (or conference) is typically 30-60 minutes. However, depending on the severity and/or the complexity of the alleged violation(s), the length of the meeting(s) may be longer or shorter.

A student meets with a Student Rights and Responsibilities representative at the schedule conduct meeting (or conference). The meeting will entail review of alleged violation(s), review of student’s rights, explanations of possible sanctions, ask question specific for the investigation of the case and answer questions about the case. During this time, the student can also present evidence or witnesses regarding the alleged violation(s) and explain their perspective of the incident. The student can ask questions before the meeting ends and a follow-up email verifying that the meeting has occurred.

A Notice to Appear is a letter sent to a student regarding an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The notice will direct a student to appear at a specific, date, time and place not less than five (5) business days after the date of the notice. The notice will also include the college rule(s) allegedly violated by the student. It is vital that all requested students attend the conduct meeting. The letter will be emailed to the student’s email address that is on file with Dallas College.

Read the Notice to Appear letter, which will include date, time, location, alleged violation and the contact information for the Student Rights and Responsibilities representative. Attend the meeting (conference) and bring any questions, concerns, evidence or witnesses you may have involved in your case. If you have questions about the meeting, please contact the individual listed on the Notice to Appear letter or the appropriate campus Student Conduct Officer listed at the Contact Us webpage.

Student rights involved in an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct include the alleged violation, the basis for the allegation, and advise the parties of their right:

1. To a hearing.
2. To appear alone or with a representative or legal counsel. The role of legal counsel is limited. See FMA (LOCAL) Policy for limitations.
3. If the student is a minor, to have a (1) parent or legal guardian present at the hearing.
4. To cause the committee to summon witnesses and to present or require to be introduced at the hearing documentary and other evidence. However, evidence, including testimony, that is irrelevant, immaterial or unduly duplicative or repetitious may be excluded.
5. To know the identity of each witness who will testify.
6. To appeal.

This information will also be included in the Notice to Appear letter sent to a student involved in alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

After the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office receives a complaint, a Student Conduct Officer will begin an investigation. The student is provided an opportunity to explain the incident at issue, identify other individuals with relevant information and provide materials helpful to the investigation. Additional investigation may also include:

1. Gathering information from other parties and witnesses to the alleged incident.
2. Reviewing student records.
3. Obtaining reports from the Dallas College Police Department or other law enforcement agency, if applicable.
4. Reviewing available video footage (if available) related to the incident.
5. If provided, a review of available text messages, emails and social media information.
6. Gathering and examining other relevant documents or evidence.

The time it takes to investigate an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct varies depending on the severity and/or the complexity of the alleged violation(s).

A sanction is an action or consequence imposed on a student who is found responsible for engaging in misconduct and violating the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions are intended to provide educational opportunities and accountability while also reducing the likelihood of future prohibited conduct. Sanctions may include administrative, educational and restorative components. Some conduct, however, is so egregious in nature or so damaging to the educational environment that it requires more serious sanctions, including suspension or dismissal.

If the student does not complete an assigned sanction, a hold will be placed on the student’s account, and the hold will block course enrollment until the sanction is satisfactorily completed by the student.

If the student has questions about a student conduct hold, the student should contact the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office by sending an email to AdvocacyOffice@dallascollege.edu or Contact Us.

The student conduct file is confidential within limitations, which may include appropriate College Official (administrators, faculty and staff) who have a legitimate educational reason. Upon the student’s written request, information regarding their file may be released to entities or individuals in compliance with state and federal laws.

The student’s transcript will show suspensions and expulsions. All other sanctions are confidential and will not appear on a student’s transcript/records.

To locate the Student Conduct Officer(s) for your campus, please visit the Contact Us webpage or contact the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office at AdvocacyOffice@dallascollege.edu. If you receive a Notice to Appear Letter, the advocate handling your case or for your campus should be listed within the letter.

Yes, a student can file a complaint regardless of the campus as long as they are still a student.

The student has until they have completed their academics and have graduated from Dallas College to submit a complaint with the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office.

A Dallas College employee has until the student completes their academics or the employee is no longer employed by Dallas College.

Retaliation is where any form of adverse action is taken or a threat of adverse action is made against an individual for reporting/filing a complaint or being involved in the complaint process. The act of retaliation violates the Student Code of Conduct.

The threat, attempted act or actual act of retaliation violates the Student Code of Conduct. Any individual engaging in such action will be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and subject to disciplinary action.

Parents and legal guardians do not have access to a student’s conduct file, unless the Student has signed a release of information form and submitted the form to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office. The release of information corresponds with federal regulations. Records are released only in person.

The Student Rights and Responsibilities Office representative will communicate with the student through the email address or phone number that is registered with Dallas College.

If a student is not satisfied with the decision or resolution, the student may Submit an Appeal within five business days after receipt of the decision. If the student does not appeal the conduct decision, then the original decision and sanction(s) stand.

A student can appeal a conduct decision within five (5) business days from the date that the outcome notice letter which is emailed to the student. Submit an Appeal.

• Who is submitting the complaint?
• Why is the complaint being reported?
• Have any steps been taken to resolve the concern before filing a complaint with the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities?
• Has the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities been contacted to determine where to report the complaint?