Student Conduct
Franklin Cummings Tech has a rich tradition in which all members of the community teach and learn in an environment conducive to intellectual and moral development. All members of the college community must take responsibility for their actions and be willing to accept the consequences of their deeds.
The college has a set of regulations, not meant to limit a student’s freedom, but to ensure the well-being and rights of all community members. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner reflecting favorably on the college.
Failure to comply with student regulations will lead to disciplinary action and may lead to separation from the college.
Interpretation of Regulations
The purpose of publishing the conduct policy is to give students general notice of prohibited behavior. This code is not written with the specificity of a criminal statute.
Inherent Authority
The college reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well being of the campus community. Such action may include pursuing conduct action for any violation of state or federal law — on or off-campus, or any behavior that negatively affects the college’s educational interests.
Disciplinary Action while Criminal Charges Are Pending
Students may be accountable both to civil authorities and to the College for acts that constitute violations of law and of this code. Disciplinary action at the college will normally proceed during the pendency of criminal proceedings, and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.
Interim Suspension
The Assistant Dean of Student Life (or designee) may suspend a student from the college for an interim period pending disciplinary or criminal proceedings, or medical evaluation.
The Dean of Academic Affairs, along with the faculty of the suspended student, will be informed regarding an interim removal of a student from class during a disciplinary investigation.
The interim suspension shall become immediately effective without prior notice whenever there is evidence that the continued presence of the student at the college poses a substantial and immediate threat to him/herself or to others, or to the stability and continuance of normal college functions.
A student suspended on an interim basis shall be given a prompt opportunity to appear personally before a conduct hearing officer in order to discuss the issue.
Standards of Classroom Behavior
The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. Longer suspensions from a class, or dismissal based upon conduct behavior grounds, must be consulted with the Assistant Dean of Student Life, Dean of Students, and the Dean of Academic Affairs.
Reporting
Any student, faculty, or staff member may report actions and behaviors that affect the well-being and rights of all community members. To ensure a safe and comfortable learning and working environment for all, the college supports a see-something, say-something philosophy, without fear of retaliation.
Students, faculty, and staff should report incidents or concerns to Security security@franklincummings.edu at 617-588-1355 or to the Dean of Students via the Incident Report Form.
Zero Tolerance
The College supports a zero tolerance policy against any violent action or threat of violent action toward a student, faculty, staff member, or to the Institution as a whole. Students are expected to engage in appropriate conversations and use appropriate language at all times. Interpretation of language in regards to threats of violence will be at the discretion of the Dean of Students or designated professional staff members.
