PAC Cares – Office of Student Conduct

What happens after a report is filed?
The Student Conduct Officer will review the report to determine if it falls under Student Conduct, SOBI or Title IX. All three processes begin the same way with interviews of complainant, alleged and witnesses. 

Can I take back a report after it is submitted?
Once a report is in the system we are obligated to review it and investigate if necessary. If the report is found to be false or unfounded then it will be archived and the reporter will be notified.

Can I appeal a Student Conduct decision?
Yes. You have five business days after receipt of your outcome letter to submit the nature of your appeal, in writing, to Vice President of Student Success, Delilah Marquez by emailing dmarquez1@alamo.edu . The letter must state if you appeal the findings, sanctions, or both, and the grounds for the appeal. After the appeal request is received, an appeal hearing or meeting will be scheduled.

I’m afraid to report an issue, what if the person I’m reporting finds out?
Retaliation against any individual who reports or participates in the investigation of alleged violations is strictly prohibited. This will be enforced by college administration. If you feel you are being retaliated against because of your participation please let the Student Conduct Officer know immediately.

If you feel unsafe or need a police escort call Alamo College Police Department 210-485-0099 (non-emergency) or 210-485-0911 (on-campus emergency).

The Alamo Colleges District developed a Student Code of Conduct that governs the student disciplinary process. The Student Code of Conduct describes prohibited behaviors, potential sanctions for violations of the Code of Conduct, and the process for adjudicating alleged violations. All students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct can be found online:

F.4.2 (Policy) Student Code of Conduct - Non-Academic Misconduct, Academic Integrity

F.4.2.1 (Procedure) Non-Academic Misconduct Disciplinary and Appeal Process

F.4.2.2 (Procedure) Academic Integrity Disciplinary and Appeal Process

Resources

7 Student Conduct Facts

Video/Trainings

Student Conduct 101

Academic Misconduct

FAQs

When do I file an Incident Reporting Form?

Anytime you are concerned a Student Code of Conduct violation has taken place, Academic or Non-Academic Misconduct. If you see something, tell someone.

It is the Office of Student Conduct’s job to review and assess all reports that come in.

If it is an emergency and you fear for your safety or the safety of others please call Alamo Colleges Police Department 210-485-0911. 

Can I follow up on a report that was submitted?
A confirmation of receipt will be sent after a report is received stating that it will be investigated and addressed.

If a conduct violation is found from a report, after the student against whom the report was filed is notified, the complainant will be notified in writing that his/her complaint or allegations of non-academic misconduct have been investigated, and of the disciplinary sanctions imposed on the student who was found responsible. 

What happens if it is alleged that I violated the Student Code of Conduct?
You will be sent an email to your Alamo Colleges email address stating the conduct that was reported, violations alleged and your appointment time.

If you fail to respond or do not show up for your scheduled appointment the conduct process will continue without your input and you could be found in additional violation of Obstruction of Disciplinary Process.

When was I given a copy of the Student Code of Conduct?
In your Apply Texas application you acknowledge receipt of and that you will follow the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct is available in the Palo Alto College Student Handbook.

Can I appeal a Student Conduct decision?
Yes. You have five business days after receipt of your outcome letter to submit the nature of your appeal, in writing, to Interim Vice President of Student Success, Delilah Marquez by emailing dmarquez1@alamo.edu. The letter must state if you appeal the findings, sanctions, or both, and the grounds for the appeal. After the appeal request is received, an appeal hearing or meeting will be scheduled.

What is Restorative Justice? 
Restorative Justice is a student conduct sanctioning practice that asks the responsible student to accept responsibility, repair the harm they caused, and rebuild trust. Restorative Justice is used at Palo Alto College to ensure responsible students can remain in our community and be successful.

SOBI is a district wide initiative to guide students, faculty and staff on how to address disruptive or threatening behavior of students at the Alamo Colleges. This initiative is in place to help intervene when behaviors become worrisome because they become larger issues.

Resources

SOBI Introduction
SOBI Employee and Student Guide 
SOBI Quick Guide

FAQs

When do I file an Incident Reporting Form?
Anytime you are worried about the behavior or wellbeing of a student and believe they may need additional resources. If you see something, tell someone. It is the Office of Student Conduct’s job to review and assess all reports that come in.

If it is an emergency and you fear for your safety or the safety of others, please call Alamo Colleges Police Department 210-485-0911.

Can I follow up on a report that was submitted?
A confirmation of receipt will be sent after a report is received stating that it will be investigated and addressed.

If an issue is SOBI, the initial receipt notification will contain the information that will be shared with students.

What happens if it is determined the issue is a SOBI?

Resources will be shared with the involved parties, including but not limited to: a referral to the Personal Counselor on campus; academic advisors; Alamo Colleges Police Department; and/or community resources.

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex (gender) of students, including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and relationship/dating violence.

The Alamo Colleges District does not tolerate sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence of any kind. Palo Alto College’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator can be reached at 210-486-3930.

Title IX Policies and Procedures

• H.1.1 Civil Rights: Equal Education and Employment Opportunities (Policy) (PDF)
  • H.1.1 Attachment-A Title IX/VII/ADA/504 Coordinator Organization (PDF)
• H.1.2 Civil Rights Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (Policy) (PDF)
  • H.1.2.1 Civil Rights Complaints and Resolution Procedure (Procedure) (PDF)
  • H.1.2.1 Civil Rights Complaint Procedure Process A (Diagram) (PDF)
  • H.1.2.1 Civil Rights Complaint Procedure Process B (Diagram) (PDF)
  • H.1.2.2 Civil Rights Complaint Appeal Procedure (Procedure) (PDF)
  • H.1.2.2 Civil Rights Appeal Process A (Diagram) (PDF)
  • H.1.2.2 Civil Rights Appeal Process B (Diagram) (PDF)
  • H.1.2.3 Bully-Free Workplace and Campuses (Procedure) (PDF)
• H.2.1 Civil Rights Under Texas Law: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking Complaints, Resolution, and Appeals (Policy) (PDF)
  • H.2.1.1 Civil Rights Under Texas Law: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking Complaints, Resolution, and Appeals (Procedure) (PDF)
    
    

These policies are also in compliance with HB 1735, codified as Texas Education Code, Sub-Chapter E-3, Section 51.281-51.295 on sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking applicable to each enrolled student and employee of the institution.

Resources

Alamo Colleges Resource Guide for Students on Sexual Misconduct
Title IX: Pregnant and Parenting Students FAQ 

Pregnant and Parenting Students additional resources

• Department of Education
• Pregnancy, Parenting and Breast Feeding

Title IX Complaint Form

Video/Trainings

Title IX Training Introduction

FAQs

When do I file a Title IX Reporting Form?
Anytime you are worried about a potential Title IX issue has occurred. If you see something, tell someone. It is the Office of Student Conduct’s job to review and assess all reports that come in.

If it is an emergency and you fear for your safety or the safety of others, please call Alamo Colleges Police Department 210-485-0911

Can I follow up on a report that was submitted?
A confirmation of receipt will be sent after a report is received stating that it will be investigated and addressed.

If a Title IX complaint is reported the complainant and the alleged will be notified concurrently of the result.

What happens if it is decided the issue is Title IX?
The process for handling Title IX issues resides with the Vice President of Student Success. Additional information is available regarding Title IX in the Student Resource Guide.

Can I follow up on a report that was submitted?
A confirmation of receipt will be sent after a report is received stating that it will be investigated and addressed.

If a Title IX complaint is reported the complainant and the alleged will be notified concurrently of the result.

What Title IX training is required?
All new students at Palo Alto College are required to complete mandatory Title IX training during their first semester of enrollment. Students will receive an email to their Alamo.Edu email address with instructions on how to complete the training. The training is due by November 1st for summer or fall enrollment and April 1st for spring enrollment.

Additional required training material can be found on the Alamo Cares website.

The Continuous Feedback Model (CFM) is a process for in person and written feedback and response, that allows for improvement and alignment with our mission, vision, values and strategic directions.

Comments and commendations are received through grievances, complaints, department satisfaction surveys, the online comment form, phone calls, emails, face to face interactions, Town Hall meetings, Student Body Meetings, and the Student House of Representatives (a meeting of student organization leaders).

A summary and report of comments and commendations are reported to key stakeholders quarterly.

Submit comments or questions

FAQs

What happens to my feedback?

1. Feedback is routed to the Student Conduct Officer, who receives and compiles the comments/commendations into a log.

2. Comments are responded to within three business days.

3. If a suggestion/complaint requires an elevated response, it is forwarded to the appropriate Vice President or Dean.

4. All comments are addressed and resolved within two weeks.

5. A summary and report of comments and commendations are reported to key stakeholders.

If a situation occurs in which a student believes that they have been treated unfairly by a faculty or staff member, they may use the Academic or Non-Academic Grievance Process. Prior to initiating the formal grievance process, the student should make a reasonable attempt to resolve the concern directly with the faculty or staff member. 

The Academic or Non-Academic Grievance Process should not be used for academic integrity issues, sexual harassment, financial aid eligibility, or student disciplinary appeals. Only when an informal resolution fails should the formal grievance process begin. To start the formal process, a written complaint must be made using the Academic or Non-Academic Grievance Forms.

F.4.7 Non-Academic Grievances (Policy)
S 28.0  Student Non-Academic Grievance (PDF)
Attachment A: Student Non-Academic Grievance Form (PDF)

F.4.6 Academic Grievances (Policy)
S 27.0  Student Initiated Academic Grievance (PDF)
Attachment A: Student Academic Grievance Form (PDF)

FAQs

What can I expect in the Grievance Process?
We try to resolve all grievances at the lowest possible level. The Academic Grievance process begins with the Chair of faculty member’s department. The Non-Academic Grievance process begins with the direct supervisor of the employee. If this informal resolution does not work, then the direct supervisor or department chair will ask for the formal grievance form to be filled out to continue the process.