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Each individual is considered a responsible adult and is expected to maintain standards of conduct appropriate to membership in the college community. Emphasis is placed on standards of student conduct rather than on limits or restrictions of students. Guidelines and regulations governing student conduct usually are developed by representatives of the students, faculty, and administration. The college refrains from imposing a rigid code of discipline, but it reserves the right to take disciplinary action compatible with its own best interest if such action is clearly necessary.
The policies contained in this catalog pertain to student rights and responsibilities. Additional policies may be found at http://es.vccs.edu/. Failure to meet standards of conduct acceptable to the college may result in disciplinary probation, suspension, or other penalty depending on the nature of the offense. Unless specified otherwise, a disciplinary probation period is for the duration of one semester. Students who are dismissed must reapply to the college. Readmission is not assured.
As part of the Virginia Community College System, ESCC guarantees to students the privilege of exercising their rights of citizenship under the Constitution of the United States without fear of prejudice. Special care is taken to ensure due process and to spell out defined routes of appeal when students feel their rights have been violated.
Application of Laws
The laws of the United States, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the ordinances of Accomack County and Northampton County, and regulations of the Virginia Community College System are fully applicable on the campus. These laws and regulations were not written by the college and cannot be altered or suspended by college officials.
A single act may simultaneously violate a federal law, a state law, a county ordinance, and a college regulation. Judgment and punishment by one governmental agency for a violation of its laws and a second judgment and punishment by a different governmental agency for a violation of its laws, even though based on the same act, does not constitute double jeopardy.
The policy of the college in cases of violation of state, federal, or county laws is to state the facts to the appropriate authorities, and to neither press for, nor interfere with, their judgment and punishment. Separate action by the college for violation of the college rules will be conducted without reference to the action of other authorities.
ESCC has, for its orderly and effective conduct, special regulations in addition to the laws of the land. These regulations supplement, but do not supersede, higher laws and regulations.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
Eastern Shore Community College is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment free from sexual misconduct or other forms of inappropriate behavior. Examples of sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to: sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and sexual violence. As a result of this commitment, ESCC will investigate all reports of sexual misconduct. Reported cases of sexual misconduct will be adjudicated in accordance with the ESCC’s student disciplinary procedures. Incidents of alleged sexual misconduct shall be reported to the college’s Title IX Coordinator.
As a recipient of federal funds, Eastern Shore Community College is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities, admission and employment. Under certain circumstances, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and similar conduct constitute sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The Title IX Coordinator may be contacted by phone at 757.789.1759 or by email at TitleIXCoordinator@es.vccs.edu.
The college’s Title IX Policy applies to all campus community members, including students, faculty, staff and third parties, e.g., contractors and visitors. Conduct that occurs off campus can be the subject of a complaint or report and will be evaluated to determine whether it violates this Policy, e.g. if off-campus harassment has continuing effects that create a hostile environment on campus.
The full policy is accessible online at https://es.vccs.edu/about/college-policies/.
Weapons and Firearms on Campus
Possession or carrying of any weapon by any person, except a law-enforcement officer, is prohibited on campus property.
Any individual in violation of this prohibition shall be directed to remove the weapon immediately. Failure to comply may result in a student or employee disciplinary action, and/or arrest.
The college’s Weapons on Campus Policy is available online at https://es.vccs.edu/.
Expressive Activity
Eastern Shore Community College property is primarily dedicated to academics, student life and administrative functions. It also represents the “marketplace of ideas,” and especially for students, many areas of campus represent a public forum for speech and other expressive activities. ESCC may place restrictions on expressive activities occurring indoors, primarily to prevent disturbances within the learning environment. However, especially for students and student organizations, the outdoor areas of campus remain venues for free expression, including speeches, demonstrations, and the distribution of literature.
Indoors or outdoors, ESCC will not interfere with the rights of individuals and groups to the free expression of their views or impermissibly regulate their speech based on its content or viewpoint. Nevertheless, ESCC may establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activity. Such restrictions will be content-neutral, narrowly tailored to serve a significant governmental interest, and allow ample alternative channels for communication of the information.
No event or expressive activity shall be permitted that violates or hinders the rights of others within the campus community or substantially disrupts normal college operations.
The college’s Expressive Activity Policy is available online at https://es.vccs.edu/.
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