5.1 Purpose of These Standards
GCC expects students to treat others with respect, take responsibility for their choices, and contribute to a campus where everyone can learn. Consistent with our philosophy of student conduct at GCC, the expectations in this section exist to promote the following:
Personal Growth. We believe that these expectations can help students build habits and develop skills that will benefit them across their lives.
Community. We recognize that our actions have an effect on those around us. Shared expectations allow us to flourish together as an educational community.
College Assets & Resources. We seek to steward institutional resources in a way that promotes the success of our students and the good of our local community. Some of these expectations are designed to protect GCC’s campus, property, and operations.
The purpose of Section 5 is to overview and describe the standards of conduct for students at GCC. Section 1 describes where and when they apply, including at College-sponsored events, at off-campus placement sites, and, in limited circumstances, to conduct off campus or online. Section 6 explains what happens when a student is reported for not meeting these expectations.
5.2 How to Read These Standards
The following principles apply across all the expectations in Section 5:
Attempted violations, or supporting others’ attempted violations, matter. Attempting to do something listed in 5.3, or aiding, assisting, encouraging, or abetting another person in doing it, is treated the same as doing it.
Incidents can involve more than one violation. A single incident may be addressed under more than one provision of 5.3. Provisions in 5.3 are not designed to be incompatible or mutually exclusive.
Efforts to do the right thing matter. Reasonable and responsible actions taken may be considered in determining responsibility and sanctions. Examples include efforts to seek help; efforts to leave the situation; efforts to speak up; and efforts to protect oneself or others from immediate harm, in a manner that is restrained and proportionate to the threat presented.
The specific actions of each person are considered in context. Where more than one student is involved, the College will take a careful look at the specific roles and actions of each involved person. For example, in a physical altercation, the College considers factors such as who initiated the physical contact, whether each student had a reasonable opportunity to disengage, and whether each student’s response was proportionate to the threat presented.
Bias makes a violation more serious. Where there is reasonable cause to believe a student selected a person to harm, or property to damage, or otherwise violated this Code because of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other personal characteristic or status, the College treats that as an aggravating factor at sanctioning. Bias-motivated conduct is charged under the provision that fits the behavior, and the bias is weighed in the outcome.
Students may be responsible for guest behavior. Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests on College property and at College-sponsored events. Students are expected to inform their guests of College expectations and standards, to help correct behavior that may be misaligned with College policies or expectations, and to seek help if needed. Students should generally remain with their guests while on campus. A student may be charged under this Code for a guest’s violation of these standards.
Health and safety first. When a student seeks emergency help for themselves or for another person, such as during a drug or alcohol emergency, the College will focus on getting help, not on punishment. A student who seeks emergency help, and who completes any recommended education or support, will not have a formal conduct record created for the alcohol or drug violation. The College keeps a note of the incident for context if there is a future concern, but does not report it out. This provision does not apply if the student does not complete the agreed steps, or where there is a pattern of repeated incidents. Separate amnesty provisions apply in sexual and interpersonal violence cases. See Section 4.
5.3 Prohibited Behavior
Genesee Community College prohibits the following behavior:
5.3.1 Abuse of the Conduct Process
Falsifying, distorting, or misrepresenting information before a hearing body or in an investigation.
Disrupting or interfering with the orderly conduct of a hearing.
Attempting to discourage a person from properly participating in or using the conduct process.
Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a hearing body before or during a proceeding.
Harassing or intimidating a member of a hearing body before, during, or after a proceeding.
Influencing or attempting to influence another person to abuse the conduct process.
Knowingly filing a false report. A report made in good faith that is not substantiated is not a false report.
5.3.2 Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and facilitating academic dishonesty. See: Classroom Policies
Altering any academic coursework and/or examinations so as to unjustly affect the grade awarded.
Using Artificial Intelligence or AI (such as ChatGPT) without the express permission of the instructor. The student must divulge its use for anything including generation of ideas, creation of text, and/or reporting the sources. The use of generative AI must be appropriately acknowledged and cited, and it is each student’s responsibility to assess the validity and applicability of any generative AI product used and submitted.
Submitting someone else’s coursework as your own, including from past semesters.
5.3.3 Alcohol, Cannabis, Drugs, and Tobacco
Use, sale, transfer, or possession of alcoholic beverages on College premises or at College-sponsored events, except where permitted by the President.
Use, sale, transfer, or possession of cannabis, or illegal drugs on College premises or at College-sponsored events. Prescription drugs must be kept in their original container.
Knowingly being in the presence or possession of alcoholic beverages, cannabis, and/or other drugs or empty containers for such substances on College premises or at College-sponsored events.
Disruptive behavior exhibited as a result of alcohol, cannabis, and/or other drug use, whether the use was on or off campus, including noticeable odors of these substances from a person’s body or belongings.
Attendance in class while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Smoking and tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes and vapes, and smokeless tobacco, are permitted only in designated outdoor areas, and not within 50 feet of any College entrance or exit. See College Procedure 611.
See Health and Safety First, above, for the College’s approach to alcohol and drug emergencies.
5.3.4 Animals on Campus
Possession or accompaniment of animals in any campus building at any time.
Exceptions include laboratory animals and service/comfort animals as defined and recognized through the Access and Accommodations Office, Procedure 610 Animals on Campus, and the College Village pet policy guidelines.
Improper handling or behavior of a service or assistance animal.
Failure to clean up after a service or assistance animal.
5.3.5 Computer and Technology Misuse
College Procedure 420: Student Misuse of College Computing Resources
A person is responsible of unauthorized use of a computer when he or she knowingly uses, causes to be used, or accesses a computer, computer service, or computer network without authorization.
A person is responsible of computer trespass when he or she knowingly uses or causes to be used, or accesses a computer, computer service, or computer network without authorization and he or she thereby knowingly gains access to computer material.
A person is responsible of computer tampering when he or she uses, causes to be used, or accesses a computer, computer service, or computer network without authorization and he or she intentionally alters in any manner or destroys computer data or a computer program of another person.
A person is responsible of unlawful duplication of, downloading of computer related material when having no right to do so, he or she copies, reproduces or duplicates in any manner computer material.
A person is responsible of misuse when he or she intentionally seeks information on, obtains copies of, or modifies files or passwords belonging to others.
A person is responsible of misuse when he or she intentionally develops or uses programs that harass other users.
A person is responsible of misuse when he or she authorizes individuals who are not associated with the College to use an account, or uses the academic computers for non-work related tasks.
A person is responsible of misuse when he or she fails to cooperate with or follow established computing resource procedures.
A person is responsible of misuse when he or she intentionally alters any computer resources that the College has installed, set-up, or implemented for general or specific use such as but not limited to disconnecting cables from College computers and connecting personal computers or devices to College telecommunication connections, unless written permission has been obtained from the Director of Computer Services or their authorized designee.
Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject the student to civil and criminal penalties (View the following Internet web site for penalties of copyright infringement: http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html) and is a misuse of computing resources.
5.3.6 Demonstrations Without Authorization
Participation in a campus demonstration which disrupts the normal operations of the College and infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; leading or inciting others to disrupt schedules and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement.
Providing or dispensing of materials that could lead to harm or injury to a person, including, but not limited to, self-defense spray, objects that can be thrown, objects that can be used to deface property, etc.
See College Procedure 137: Maintenance of Order
5.3.7 Destruction of Property
Destroying, defacing, materially altering, or otherwise damaging property not their own. This includes, but is not limited to, doors, windows, swipe card mechanisms, restroom equipment, vending machine equipment, College transportation equipment, etc.
Creating a condition which endangers or threatens property not their own.
5.3.8 Discrimination
Unfair treatment of a person or group based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, and/or criminal conviction.
5.3.9 Discriminatory Harassment
Harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, and/or criminal conviction, that is sufficiently persistent or pervasive such that it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits someone’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational program and/or activities, and is based on power differentials, the creation of a hostile environment, bullying or retaliation.
5.3.10 Dishonesty & Fraud
Knowingly furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member, employee, or office.
Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any instrument of identification, including, but not limited to, driver’s licenses, passports, GCC ID cards, etc.
Posing as someone else, using a false name, or using another person’s identification, in person or electronically. This includes creating an account, profile, or message that appears to come from another person.
Use or attempted use of counterfeit money.
Forgery, alteration, falsification, or misuse of any College or official document, supplies, or record, including, but not limited to:
Submission of a falsified grade change form to the College;
Submission of false grade information of any sort to a College office or department, employer, academic institution, etc.;
Knowingly providing false information on an application.
Offering or giving anything of value to a College employee or another student in exchange for personal gain or preferential treatment.
5.3.11 Disorderly Conduct
Conduct that breaches the peace of the community, whether or not that behavior is directed at any specific person or persons. This includes: unreasonable noise; lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior; mutual participation in a fight or argument; or creating a physically offensive condition that serves no legitimate purpose.
Aiding or encouraging another person to breach the peace on College premises or at College functions.
This section does not apply to speech protected by the First Amendment.
5.3.12 Disruption
Conduct that materially and substantially interferes with or obstructs the College operations, including teaching, learning, research, administration, events, meetings, or the work of College offices, whether on or off campus.
Conduct that blocks or interferes with the movement of people on campus, whether on foot or in a vehicle.
Classroom disruptions are addressed first through College Procedure 431, Student Concerns in the Classroom.
This provision does not apply to expression protected under the College’s commitment to free expression and peaceful assembly. See Demonstrations, above.
5.3.13 Election Tampering
Tampering with the election process of any College-recognized student organization.
5.3.14 Endangerment
Any reckless or intentional conduct that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to themselves or another person, whether or not injury results.
This includes indiscriminately throwing objects, the unsafe use of equipment or vehicles, blocking egress, and similar conduct.
5.3.15 Failure to Comply
Refusing to obey any reasonable or lawful request, order, or directive of a Campus Safety officer, faculty member, administrator, or any other identified representative of the College acting within the scope of their duties. This includes presenting identification when Campus Safety is responding to an incident or concern.
This provision does not reach a student’s decision not to participate in the conduct process. A student who does not respond to a notice, or who does not attend a conduct meeting or hearing, is not charged under this provision. See Section 6.
5.3.16 Fire and Safety Hazards
Tampering with, misusing, or negligently activating fire alarms or firefighting equipment, including, but not limited to, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, heat and smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, etc.
Causing a fire or explosion or unauthorized use of any potential incendiary device or equipment.
Tampering with, or misuse of, or rendering useless any elevator device or systems.
Failing to exit the building during a fire alarm or drill, except as authorized in a documented safety plan.
Using elevators during a fire alarm or drill.
Possession and/or use of any equipment or materials that is/are determined to be a fire or safety hazard, including but not limited to:
Any device with an open flame (candles, Bunsen burners, etc.);
Combustible/flammable liquids (butane, gasoline, etc.);
Hoverboards, motorized self-balancing or hands-free scooters and e-bikes;
Explosives, or any other hazardous materials including sparklers and fireworks;
Storage of any motor vehicle or internal combustion machine within any College building.
Conduct, intentional or reckless, that results in the activation of fire alarms may be addressed under other provisions depending on circumstances, including 5.3.12 Disruption.
5.3.17 Gambling
Money and/or other valuables being exchanged or wagered on College premises or at College functions.
5.3.18 Harassment
A course of conduct (two or more acts) directed at a specific person that is unwelcome and that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, or that is severe or persistent enough to interfere with another person’s ability to participate in College programs, activities, or daily life.
Harassment that targets a person because of a protected characteristic is addressed under Discriminatory Harassment. A single incident is addressed under Threatening or Abusive Behavior. Stalking and sexual harassment are addressed under Sexual Misconduct (5.3.25) and Section 4.
5.3.19 Hazing
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:
Is committed during an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered during participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.
The College’s full Hazing policy is available at genesee.edu/hazing or College Procedure 433
5.3.20 Keys/ID Access Abuse
Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys or IDs to any College or College Village premises.
Unauthorized entry to, or use of, College or College Village premises.
5.3.21 Leaving the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident, injury, or incident that you caused or participated in, without promptly identifying yourself and reporting the incident to Campus Safety, a College official, or law enforcement.
Where a person has been injured, leaving without seeking or summoning help for them.
This provision does not apply where a student leaves in order to summon help, or where a student reasonably believes that remaining would put their own safety at risk. In either case, the student is expected to report the incident as soon as it is safe to do so.
5.3.22 Physical Violence and Assault
Any act that intentionally or recklessly inflicts (or attempts to inflict) bodily harm upon any person or subjects (or attempts to subject) another person to unwanted physical contact, including hitting, pushing, grabbing, kicking, punching, biting, or spitting. This includes an act that would have made contact if someone had not moved out of the way or if someone else had not stepped in.
Note on Self-Defense: The College may not find a student responsible under this section if the student acted reasonably to protect themselves or another person from immediate physical harm. A student’s response must be no greater than what was needed to stop the harm, and it must stop once the danger has passed. A student may not claim self-defense if:
The student responded physically to words alone (escalation);
The student could have safely left the situation but chose to respond physically instead; or
The student acted to punish someone or to get back at them.
Threats made through words or gestures, without physical contact or an attempt at contact, are generally addressed under Threatening or Abusive Behavior.
5.3.23 Publicity, Posting, and Solicitation
Distributing promotional material that is not approved by the College and/or College Village.
Promoting Your Event Guidelines
5.3.24 Retaliation
Adverse action against another person for reporting a violation or for participating in any way in the investigation or conduct process.
Retaliation includes harassment and intimidation, including but not limited to violence, threats of violence, property destruction, adverse educational or employment consequences, and bullying.
5.3.25 Sexual Misconduct
Sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating or domestic violence, and other related conduct are prohibited.
These matters are addressed under Section 4 of this Code, which sets out the applicable definitions, rights, and procedures under Title IX and New York State Education Law Article 129-B
5.3.26 Theft
Using, taking, and/or possessing property or services that you know are not your own, with the intention to deprive the owner of their rights.
This includes cafeteria theft, including using another person’s ID to obtain food or taking food without paying for it.
5.3.27 Threatening or Abusive Behavior
Threatening another person with harm, whether the threat is spoken, written, communicated electronically, or made through gestures.
Abusive or intimidating communication directed at another person in a way that would make a reasonable person fear for their safety.
Threatening to damage or destroy someone’s property or reputation.
Evaluation of potential violations under this provision will consider whether or not the student knew, or a reasonable person would generally know, that the words or actions would be understood as a threat.
This section covers communication. Conduct involving physical contact, attempted physical contact, or restraint is addressed under Section 5.3.22, Physical Violence and Assault. Conduct involving a pattern of behavior may be addressed under Section 5.3.18, Harassment.
This section does not apply to speech protected by the First Amendment. Expressing an opinion that others find unpopular, offensive, or upsetting is not by itself a violation of this section.
5.3.28 Traffic, Parking, and Wheeled Conveyances
Obstructing the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or free access to or exit from any part of College or College Village premises.
Unsafe or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on campus grounds, including operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.
Failure to report accidents to Campus Safety.
Operating bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or other recreational items in a reckless or unsafe manner on College grounds, including College Village.
Using bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or other recreational items inside any College or College Village building or facility. See College Procedure 613.
Storing electric bikes, hoverboards, scooters, and similar electronic items in College buildings or College Village.
5.3.29 Trespassing/Unauthorized Entry
Knowingly entering or remaining in a building, office, residence hall room, apartment, or any other College/College Village property at any time without permission or authorization.
5.3.30 Use of College Space and Equipment
Use of College facilities, spaces, and grounds by an organization or person without a reservation or proper authorization.
Use of College equipment without a reservation or proper authorization.
5.3.31 Violation of College Policies
Failing to follow any of the College’s published policies, rules, and regulations, or any of the published policies of College Village.
5.3.32 Violation of Law
A student may be subject to College action when their conduct violates federal, state, or local law and that conduct also meets the standard in Section 1.
A student who is arrested or charged with a crime off campus, other than a minor traffic infraction, is expected to notify the Dean of Students within five (5) business days. The College may then review the underlying facts to determine whether there is a related violation of this Code.
5.3.33 Violation of Prior Sanctions
Failing to complete a sanction imposed under this Code, or failing to follow the conditions of a sanction, including the terms of disciplinary probation, a deferred suspension, a no contact order, or a behavioral agreement.
5.3.34 Weapons and Dangerous Items
Possession or use of any dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument on any College-owned or controlled property or at any College-sponsored or supervised function.
For purposes of these guidelines, a “dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument” includes but is not limited to any firearm, shotgun, rifle, pistol, air rifle, BB gun, folding pocket knife, dirk, dagger, locking blade knife, switch blade knife, brass knuckles, blackjack, billy club, nun-chuck sticks, sling shot, taser, stun gun, shocker, razor blade, acid, metal pipe, sharpened wood or metal trap, or any other weapon, instrument or object designed or modified to inflict physical harm on another person or animal.
The following are also prohibited: any toy or simulated firearm that shoots a projectile, including gel blasters and similar devices; any replica or imitation of a weapon that a reasonable person could believe is real; any chemical irritants (e.g. pepper spray).
The College retains discretion to determine what constitutes a dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument in the interest of protecting students, employees, and campus visitors.
5.4 Additional Standards at College Village
Students living in College Village are also subject to the College Village Housing Regulations and the College Village License Agreement. Not knowing those rules does not exempt a student from the standards in them.
College Village Housing Regulations
College Village License Agreement
5.5 Submitting a Report
Anyone may report a concern or a possible violation of this Code. Reports are received and managed by the Dean of Students or designee.
Section 6 describes what happens after a report is received, including notice to the student, the opportunity to respond, and the resolution pathways available.