This page is designed using Cascading Style Sheets. You are being shown the raw text because the style sheet has not reached your browser. In order to view the page as intended, you will need to upgrade your browser.

Skip to content



Community Policies

Promoting Effective Citizenship - Social Conduct

Code of Conduct

Northland College, in the liberal arts tradition, embodies certain values that give an institution a distinctive identity and character. As a church-related institution of higher learning, Northland is committed to fostering individual development and believes this can be done only in community. The College therefore assumes that those who choose to enter the Northland College community will conduct themselves as persons of honor, integrity, and civility. Furthermore, because each student contributes to the character of the entire community, the College expects that each individual will show respect for self, other persons, and property. Recognizing that individuals at times, for a variety of reasons, do not meet the expectations of the community, a code of conduct has been prepared to clarify expectations and spell out consequences for failing to meet expectations.

The Code

Acts or behavior, which shall be deemed unacceptable at Northland College, will include the following:

  1. Violations of local, state, or federal laws.
  2. Any intimidation; racial, sexual, or other form of harassment; abuse; or physical assault of any person.
  3. Any acts which are either malicious or potentially dangerous to persons or property.
  4. Violations of rights of privacy of residents' rooms or of College offices.
  5. Theft or vandalism of College or personal property.
  6. Violation of College policies pertaining to: (a) firearms, (b) parking, (c)alcohol and substance abuse, (d) food service, (e) residential life, and (e) safety
  7. Initiating false fire alarms, tampering with fire fighting equipment, or setting any unauthorized fires on College property.
  8. Creating unnecessary noise or disturbances around the campus.
  9. Failure to appear before a hearing officer or board when given written notification.
  10. Plagiarism, cheating, or any act of academic dishonesty.

Administrative Procedures

Article I General Jurisdiction of Hearing Officers and Conduct Boards

Section 1. All Northland College hearing officers and boards shall be charged with the just and dispassionate disposition of all cases arriving under the Northland College Conduct Code and all applicable College Regulations.

Section 2. No person shall serve on more than one board in any capacity.

Section 3. No defendant shall serve on any board before which that person is tried. In the event that any member of the board before which the hearing or appeal is to take place is a defendant, that person shall automatically be disqualified from sitting in the board throughout the conduct of the hearing.

Article II Jurisdiction of Particular Officers and Boards

Section 1. The Director of Student Development or designee shall have primary jurisdiction as the hearing officer in all cases arising under the Northland College Conduct Code and any and all applicable College regulations, with the exceptions indicated in Section 2 below.

Section 2. The Academic Dean or designee shall have primary jurisdiction as the hearing officer in all cases involving questions of academic honesty.

Section 3. The Appeals Board shall be composed of: (1) a student member appointed by NCSA, (2) a faculty member appointed by the faculty president, (3) a member of the administration appointed by the President of the College.

Section 4. The Appeals Board shall have appellate jurisdiction on any and all cases arising under the Northland College Conduct Code, other College regulations, or questions of academic honesty, in which hearing officers have previously acted, if: a) written appeal is presented to one of the officers of the Appeals Board within five days of the decision of the hearing officer; and b)any two members of the Appeals Board are of the opinion that an important legal or constitutional issue is raised by the case in question. In the event that appeal is not made to the Appeals Board within five days of the decision of the hearing officer, or fewer than two of its members are of the opinion that the Appeals Board should hear the case, the decision of the hearing officer shall stand.

Section 5.The President of Northland College shall have power to pardon persons convicted under the Conduct Code. Convicted persons seeking pardons shall, within five days of the proceedings in the Appeals Board to which they previously appealed, submit a petition in writing to the President seeking a pardon.

Section 6. The President of Northland College and the Director of Student Development (or designee) are empowered, in case of "clear and imminent danger" to suspend individual(s). They will inform the student(s) that they have the right to appeal. If appealed, the suspension shall last no longer than three class days after the written appeal is received, during which time the Appeals Board shall meet. After hearing arguments, the Appeals Board shall decide whether to: a) terminate the suspension, or b) suspend the individual(s) for a period to be determined by the Appeals Board and/or levy other sanctions.

Article III Procedures

Section 1. Filing a Complaint - Any member of the Northland community may file a Community Complaint indicating the alleged violation of Conduct Code. Community Complaints should be filed with :(1) the Director of Residential Life for all incidents in the residence halls, (2) The Academic Dean for all incidents involving academic honesty, and (3) the Director of Student Development for all other incidents.

Section 2. Initial Hearing-- Designated hearing officers will meet with the person complained against, to determine responsibility and levy a sanction as appropriate. A copy of the complaint and the hearing officer's decision will be given to the person complained against.

Section 3. Appeals-- Persons wishing to appeal the decision of the hearing officer must submit a written appeal to a member of the Appeals Board within five days of the hearing officer's decision. The Appeals Board will meet to consider the request for an appeal hearing. If the appeal is denied the appealing officer's rule shall stand. If the board agrees to hear the appeal they will set a hearing date at which time they will hear from all sides of the issue. They will then render a decision, which may confirm or over-turn the ruling of the hearing officer. Written copies of their decision will be given to the person requesting the appeal and to the original hearing officer.

Section 4. Pardons-- A request for a pardon must be submitted in writing within five days of the decision of the Appeals Board. The President will consider the request for a pardon within 10 days of its receipt and will give a written copy of the decision to the person requesting the pardon, to the Appeals Board, and to the original hearing officer.

Article IV Search and Seizure Evidence

Section 1. Search Warrants shall be issued only for probable cause, attested by known persons whose names shall appear on the Warrant that the items for which the Warrant is specifically issued are in the place indicated on the Warrant.

Section 2. The following personnel shall be empowered upon the testimony of a witness, to issue Search Warrants; Director of Student Development (or designee), and President of Northland College.

Section 3. Valid Search Warrants shall contain the following information:

  1. specific name of the person(s) to be searched, specific and unambiguous description of the place(s) to be searched, and specific description of the things to be seized;
  2. the period during which the search may be conducted, which shall not be longer than twenty-four (24) hours after the Warrant is issued;
  3. The name(s) of the person(s) empowered to carry out the search, who shall not be the person issuing the Warrant.

Section 4. Items which are seized as a result of issuance of any Search Warrant shall be specifically noted on the face of the Warrant, and shall include no other articles whatsoever.

Section 5. Personnel who conduct a search as a result of issuance of any Warrant shall not be hearing officers or members of boards before which a hearing is subsequently conducted as a result of the particular search.

Section 6. Official copies of all Search Warrants shall be introduced in evidence at any hearings resulting from searches conducted under them. Persons who conduct Searches and/or Seizures shall be called as witnesses at any hearing resulting from said searches and seizures to certify that they conducted the Search according to the provisions set forth above and in the properly issued warrant.

Sanctions

The appropriate hearing officers and boards are charged with hearing a complaint, determining responsibility, judging the seriousness of the behavior, and determining the appropriate sanction. Sanctions may be of a developmental, punitive, or protective nature depending upon the situation. Our goal is to correct behavior, educate individuals and help them develop; however, the safety and welfare of the majority is of prime importance. Repeat offenders can expect to be given more severe sanctions than first-time offenders. Persons whose behavior indicated that they present a clear and imminent danger to persons or property should expect to be suspended from College.

The following list includes sanctions which the hearing officers and boards are empowered to impose. Certain cases may also be taken to civil court:

  • fine and restitution
  • community service
  • probation for a set period of time with behavioral expectations
  • removal from a room, a residence hall or the residence halls
  • educational projects
  • alcohol or chemical dependency assessment
  • alcohol or chemical dependency treatment
  • psychological assessment
  • psychological counseling
  • suspension from the College

For certain violations there are mandatory minimum sanctions. See Alcohol and Controlled Substance Policy.

What is a Community Complaint?

A community complaint is the form which is used by any College member who has a complaint against another community member. When a community complaint is issued against someone, a notification form and a copy of the complaint is sent to them. The notification form indicates the options available to you, should you violate policy. Each notification form has a date by which you must reply. If you do not reply by the date/time assigned, you will be given a sanction in addition to the one for that offense. The sanction will be automatic barring extenuating circumstances, and may not be appealed.

If you decide to contest the allegations made against you, you must return the form to the Office of Residential life and supply the office with times you will be available for hearing. Failure to show up to a hearing also will result in an additional sanction. For some offenses you may have the option of pleading no-contest, and paying a fine. Should you decide to pay a fine, you must indicate your choice on the notice of community complaint form, and return it to the person indicated on the form. Fines not paid within three weeks will double.

What is an Information Report?

An information report is a written warning used in certain policy situations where a community member feels a community complaint may not be warranted. The Director and Assistant Director of Residential Life reserve the right to convert an information report to a community complaint if the facts of the situation appear to indicate a greater impact on the community.

Alcohol Beverage Policy

Northland College is committed to maintaining an academic and social environment conducive to the intellectual and personal development of each student. To foster that development, the College strives to provide for the safety and welfare of all its members of the College community. It is in this context that the College seeks to promote responsible, informed choices involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages in accordance with state laws. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in moderation is a privilege for campus residents of legal age. Furthermore, the College discourages alcohol abuse that may lead to academic failure, socially disruptive behavior, or chemical dependency.

  1. The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited. (Possession includes: On the person, in their room or vehicle, or in a room where alcohol is being consumed.)
  2. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by people of legal age is allowed only in the rooms of individuals of legal age where all persons present are of legal age.
  3. Serving alcoholic beverages anywhere on campus other than private rooms requires a permit process to be initiated through the campus food service, Chartwells.
  4. On-Campus advertisement of on-campus or off-campus events at which alcoholic beverages are to be served should not promote excessive drinking. Signs that do so shall be removed.
  5. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are permitted in College motor pool vehicles.
  6. Anyone who is unconscious due to alcohol over-consumption will be treated as a medical emergency. Any costs incurred as a result are the responsibility of this person.
  7. Giving and/or selling alcohol to underage persons and selling without a license to anyone is a violation of state laws and College policy. (Selling is defined by the State as: "Sell", "Sold", "Sale" or "Selling" means any transfer of alcohol beverages with consideration or any transfer without consideration if knowingly made for purposes of evading the law relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages or any shift, device, scheme or transaction for obtaining alcoholic beverages, including solicitation of orders for, or the sale or future delivery of, alcoholic beverages.) Such an infraction shall be considered a second offense of the Alcohol Beverage Policy.
  8. "Open Containers" are not permitted in any public area of campus, unless permission has been granted pursuant to item 3. An open container is defined as an alcohol beverage in any container where the seal has been broken.
  9. No Large amounts of alcohol, such as kegs, party balls, "wapituli" buckets, and multiple cases are allowed on campus unless permission has been granted pursuant to item 3.
  10. The use of alcohol by any person (s) should not interfere with safety or welfare of any individual.
  11. The manufacture of alcohol beverages is prohibited.
  12. All violations of the Alcohol Beverage Policy shall be cumulative during a student's time at Northland College
  13. Northland College supports all local, state and Federal laws governing alcohol.

All alcohol that is in the possession of a person who stands in violation of the Alcohol Beverage Policy shall have the alcohol confiscated and disposed of.

Sanctions for Violations of Alcohol Policy

These are mandatory minimum sanctions which will be assessed to students who violate the alcohol beverage policy:

1st Offense: $100.00 fine and/or $35 fine and Alcohol 101, probation.

2nd Offense: $250.00 fine and/or an alcohol dependency assessment administered by an AOD professional and treatment if necessary, probation

3rd Offense: a) No less than one (1) full semester suspension (exclusion for off-campus students) from residence halls, loss of room rent and/or b) mandatory AOD counseling and/or c) $400.00 fine; probation.

4th Offense: No less than one full semester suspension from the College and an indefinite exclusion from campus housing.

Controlled Substance Policy

The illegal use or possession of controlled substances is prohibited. Those who are alleged to have sold controlled substances will be referred to civil authorities. If a person is convicted of delivering controlled substances they will be suspended from the College for not less than one year. Persons found in violation of this policy may be suspended immediately if they are deemed a danger to others. (See Art. II, Sec. 6 of the conduct code.)

  1. The possession of controlled substances is prohibited.
  2. The possession of paraphernalia that has been used to deliver or to consume controlled substances is prohibited. Items suspected of being used to deliver or consume controlled substances will be confiscated and tested, with those items that test positive being forfeited for disposal.
  3. Individuals found in the possession of a controlled substance in quantities one-half ounce or greater or with smaller quantities with packaging and weighing materials is considered possession with attempt to deliver (a felony under Wisconsin Law) and will be referred to the local authorities.
  4. The manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is prohibited.
  5. Odor or smoke is considered actionable under this policy.

Sanctions for use of Controlled Substances:

For Marijuana (for amounts not meeting the criteria of item 3 of the "Controlled Substance Policy"):

1st offense: $100.00 fine and/or $35 fine plus educational program; probation

2nd offense: $250.00 fine and/or a chemical dependency assessment administered by an AOD professional and treatment if necessary, probation

3rd Offense: a) No less than one (1) full semester suspension (exclusion for off-campus students) from residence halls, loss of room rent and/or b) mandatory AOD counseling and/or c) $400.00 fine; probation.

4th Offense: No less than one full semester suspension from the College and an indefinite exclusion from campus housing

For all other Controlled Substances (for amounts not meeting the requirements of item 3 of the "Controlled Substance Policy"):

1st offense: $250.00 fine; probation; mandatory chemical dependency assessment administered by an AOD professional and treatment if indicated.

2nd offense: a) No less than one (1) full semester suspension (exclusion for off-campus students) from residence halls, loss of room rent and/or b) mandatory AOD counseling and/or c) $400.00 fine; probation.

3rd offense: $600.00 fine and not less than two full terms of suspension; indefinite exclusion from residence halls.

Northland College Acute and Communicable Disease Policy

Purpose:

This policy will serve as a guideline for the purpose of controlling the spread of communicable diseases. This policy also includes other diseases or conditions having the potential to affect the health of other persons through transmission from one person to another, but are not listed below in Appendix A.

Reports of Communicable Diseases:

When a case is identified or suspected at Northland College, the Campus Nurse shall ensure that the Main Street Clinic and the Ashland County Health Officer are notified immediately. The Campus Nurse will work closely with the consulting physician at Main Street Clinic along with the local health officer on a plan of action for post exposure prophylaxis. In the absence of the Campus Nurse, the Director of Student Development will fill that role. According to Wisconsin State Statues, diseases listed in Appendix A are defined as Acute and Communicable Diseases.

Appendix A:

  • Anthrax
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Botulism
  • Plague
  • Cholera
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Diphtheria
  • Rabies (human)
  • Food or waterborne outbreaks
  • Ricin toxin
  • Haemphilus influenzae invasive disease
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis A
  • Rubella (congenital syndrome)
  • Hantavirus
  • SARS
  • Smallpox
  • Tuberculosis
  • Measles
  • Yellow Fever
  • Meningococcal disease

Other communicable diseases not classified under Appendix A:

  • Lice
  • Scabies

Hazards to Health

As an employee of the Northland College Health Center, the Campus Nurse maintains the right to provide reasonable and necessary care to abate the threat and transmission of any of the communicable diseases listed above. In the event of refusal of treatment, the Campus Nurse has the right to refer all cases to the Ashland County Health Officer to ensure the health and safely of the Northland community.

Northland College Crisis Management Plan

Depending upon the nature of the diagnosis and the severity of the outbreak the Northland College Crisis Management Plan maybe implemented.

Policy on Psychological Disorders

The College strives to balance its concern for the health and welfare of individual students with those of the larger campus community. Consequently, when a student's conduct is dangerous or disruptive of campus life, the College may take disciplinary action against him or her. In some cases, the Director of Student Development, in consultation with the counseling staff, may recommend a psychological assessment from an agency, institution, or practitioner selected by the College, instead or in addition to disciplinary action.

The assessment process will be coordinated by the Director of Student Development. A student selecting this option will be required to sign a release providing appropriate college officials access to the assessment results. The college will use the information gathered through the assessment to determine whether the individual will continue as a student and/or remain in a College residence hall.

A student who is permitted to continue at the College will be required to follow the recommendations of the assessing agency/practitioner as well as those imposed by the College. The student will be required to execute a release to enable College officials to receive copies of the agency/practitioner's records to monitor the student's compliance with the treatment plan. Confidentiality in this process, from referral through the completion of treatment, will be provided according to the College's policies on student records.

The student will be responsible to pay the costs of treatment and the initial assessment. Any failure to adhere to the treatment plan, further endangerment to the well being of the student or others or further disruption of the campus environment may result in immediate suspension or expulsion.

Firearms Policy

Definition of "Firearms": Includes, but is not limited to: rifles, shotguns, air guns, pellet guns, blow guns, paintball guns; black powder guns, bb guns, bows, cross bows, compound bows, wrist rockets, and sling shots.

  1. Handguns are not permitted on campus. Exceptions are given to peace officers in pursuit of their duties.
  2. All firearms must be registered and stored in the College "Gun Room". The gun room is located in the basement of McMillan Hall.
  3. Firearms may not be kept, stored or cleaned in any other College buildings.
  4. Northland College assumes responsibility for guns while in the gun room.
  5. Firearms may only be released from the gun room to the registered owner of the firearm.
  6. Firearms that are being transported on campus must be in an appropriate, closing case and must be unloaded (Wisconsin State Law).
  7. The use of firearms on campus is subject to civil law. It is prohibited to discharge a firearm within the City limits.
  8. Use of a firearm for purposes of intimidation, harassment, etc. is prohibited and will be referred to the local authorities. Confirmation of such uses may result in immediate suspension from the College.

Sanctions for violations of the Firearms Policy

1st offense: $250.00 fine and/or one full year of revocation of all firearm privileges on campus; impoundment of the firearm for the balance of the academic year; probation.

2nd offense: $500.00 fine and/or permanent revocation of firearm privileges; impoundment of firearm for the balance of the academic year and or suspension form residence halls with loss of room rent.

3rd offense: No less than two full terms suspension and indefinite exclusion from campus housing.

Fire Safety, Firefighting Equipment, Alarms, and Security Policy

  1. Individual(s) may not tamper with, disable, or interfere with any firefighting equipment, smoke alarms, sprinkler heads, etc.
  2. All individuals must evacuate a building when a fire alarm or firefighting equipment is activated.
  3. Individuals may not report a false alarm.
  4. The disabling, tampering with or otherwise making non-functional any lock, door, camera or security device is prohibited.

Sanctions for Firefighting Equipment, Alarms, and Security Policy

1st offense: Fines ranging from $50 - $500 and an educational sanction, plus any restitution that may be required by the Fire Department; probation.


Sidebar

Page Options

Related Pages

    Resources


    Footer Northland College
    1411 Ellis Avenue - Ashland, Wisconsin 54806-3999
    (715) 682-1699