Student Conduct Process

Notice Letter

Disciplinary action starts with a letter sent to you, the student. This letter is usually sent to your official Shoreline email account (preferred account in ctcLink) and mailed to the address on your student record (ctcLink). The letter describes the factual allegations, sections of the Code that you may have violated, and the range of possible sanctions. A sanction is a consequence. Most importantly, the letter tells you the date and time for your disciplinary meeting.

Disciplinary Meeting

At your disciplinary meeting, the student conduct officer reviews and discusses the allegations against you. You have the opportunity to respond and explain what happened. The conduct officer uses this information to decide if you violated the Student Conduct Code. If you choose not to attend the disciplinary meeting, the student conduct officer makes a decision and takes action based on the available information.

For more information, refer to the Student Conduct Code (WAC 132G-121).

Written Decision and Disciplinary Action

Within 10 business days of your disciplinary meeting, the student conduct officer sends you a written decision. Your written decision outlines the decision (usually responsible or not responsible), the facts used to make the decision, and any disciplinary sanction(s) imposed.

A sanction is a consequence for a behavior that is in violation of the Student Conduct Code. The Student Conduct Code (WAC 132G-121) describes possible sanctions.

Sanctions include, but are not limited to, disciplinary warning, written reprimand, disciplinary probation, suspension, dismissal, and “not in good standing” status. Sanctions can also be combined with conditions such as education projects, restitution, and professional evaluation.

Appeal Process

A student can appeal a disciplinary action by filing a written notice of appeal with the conduct review officer within 10 days of the written decision. More information about the appeal process is found in WAC 132G-121.

How to Prepare for a Disciplinary Meeting

Tips to Prepare

  • Read your notice letter carefully. This letter describes the factual allegations and the items in the Student Conduct Code that you may have violated. The letter also specifies the time and location of your disciplinary meeting. If you need to reschedule, contact your assigned student conduct officer as soon as possible.
  • Review the Student Conduct Code. The Code includes information about your rights as a student and information about the process.
  • Prepare to share what happened. Plan to describe the incident as honestly and clearly as possible. Some students find it helpful to write notes or statements before the meeting to remember important information, timelines, etc.
  • Consider what documents might be helpful. Look for text messages, emails, or assignments that you want to share with the student conduct officer.
  • Identify any witnesses. Think about who was present at the incident.  Who else should the student conduct officer speak to about the incident? Bring their names and contact information to your meeting.
  • Decide if you want to bring a support person. This person can provide support and advice to you during the meeting, but they can’t speak for you. You identify and invite your support person. Please tell your student conduct officer if you plan to bring a support person.
  • Request accommodations or an interpreter. If you have an accommodation through Student Accessibility Services (SAS), contact them. For example, request an interpreter if you cannot easily understand or communicate in spoken language because of a hearing or speech impairment.  You may also request an interpreter if you cannot readily speak or understand the English language.  Contact your student conduct officer directly to request an interpreter.

If you have questions about the conduct process, contact your student conduct officer or the Dean of Student Engagement & Retention. We can answer questions, explain the process, and provide additional resources. 

For more information, refer to the Student Conduct Code (WAC 132G-121).

Academic Dishonesty 

Doing your own work matters. It helps you learn and keeps things fair for everyone. If you’re ever unsure about what’s allowed—like working with others or using online sources—just ask.

If you see or experience something that seems like academic dishonesty, please let your instructor or our office know. The goal is to support learning, not to punish mistakes.