Student Policies
Saint Paul College fosters the highest standards of academic integrity and the highest regard for truth and honesty. The attempt by students to present as their own any work not actually performed by them; collusion, fabrication and cheating on examinations, papers and other course-related work; stealing, duplicating or selling examinations; substituting for others in class discussions or examinations; producing other students’ papers or projects; knowingly furnishing false or misleading academic information on official College records are considered violations of academic integrity and destructive to the central mission of the College.
Students who violate academic integrity shall, after due process, be subject to College sanctions that may include failure on assignments and examinations, and in courses, and suspension or expulsion. Established academic integrity policies, procedures, and sanctions are communicated in classes and publications, such as the student/faculty handbooks, and during orientation programs.
Students are expected to be familiar with the Code of Student Conduct and the Student Conduct System as presented in the Student Handbook. The rights and responsibilities of students and the expectations of the College are described in the handbook, along with grievance and other procedures. Students are responsible for observing all civil and criminal laws while on school property and for conducting themselves in a manner that does not interfere with the educational process. Behavior that is threatening to the safety or welfare of one’s self or others, or that is harassing or discriminatory in nature, will be reviewed promptly by the College and appropriate action will be taken. The Code of Student Conduct does not replace nor reduce the requirements of civil or criminal laws. The Student Handbook is available in the Admissions Office. Students are also expected to be familiar with academic policies and procedures as described in this catalog.
Racial harassment is a form of discrimination in violation of Title VI, of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and Chapter 363 of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Saint Paul College will not tolerate racial bias or racial harassment.
The College declares that its policy is to provide an educational environment free of offensive, hostile, or intimidating actions or speech directed against any person because of the person’s race. It is a goal of this policy to ensure that timely and appropriate actions will be taken to correct these conditions whenever and wherever found and substantiated. The substantiation of such conditions and description of appropriate actions are defined in administrative procedures that implement this policy. It is the Policy of the College to exercise clear, responsible, and decisive leadership in affirming these principles and accomplishing these purposes.
Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination which is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 363, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Saint Paul College Policy.
Saint Paul College disapproves of any form of sexual harassment. It will deal swiftly and severely with employees or students found guilty of sexually harassing other employees or students. You have the right to attend classes:
- Free from physical or verbal abuse;
- Free from un-welcome, un-wanted sexual advances; and
- Free from personal intimidation or sexual harassment from staff or other students.
Saint Paul College adheres to the following policy with regard to smoking and tobacco use. A designated smoking area is located (outdoors) at the east end of the building at the front circle drive. According to this policy, you may not smoke or use a tobacco product while in:
- Any buildings that are owned or leased by the College;
- Any location or facility during any College or College sponsored educational program, activity, or event regardless of its location.
State of Compliance
Saint Paul College adheres to the federal Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA) and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board Policy 5.18 which prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees on the College premises, or in conjunction with any college-sponsored activity or event, whether on- or off- campus. In accordance with federal regulations, this policy is included in the Student Handbook, which is made available to every student and employee and included with the annual Campus Crime and Security Report, which is distributed to every student and employee. The College conducts a biennial review of this policy to determine the effectiveness of this policy and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions for violating standards of conduct are enforced consistently.
Standards of Conduct
- No student or employee shall manufacture, sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, or distribute; or possess with the intent to manufacture, sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, or distribute a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia while involved in a college-sponsored activity or event, on- or off- campus.
- No student or employee shall possess a controlled substance, except when the possession is for that person's own use, and is authorized by law while involved in a college-sponsored activity or event, on- or off-campus.
- No student shall report to campus, and no employee shall report to work while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, except as prescribed by a physician, which affects alertness, coordination, reaction, response, judgment, decision-making, or safety.
- Except as allowed by the system Board Policy 5.18, the possession, use, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages and 3.2% malt liquor at Saint Paul College and at Saint Paul College sponsored events is prohibited.
Disciplinary Sanctions
Students or employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. The severity of the sanctions will be appropriate to the violation. Sanctions including, but not limited to: official reprimand, restitution, completion of a rehabilitation program, community service, suspension, expulsion and/or reporting to local law enforcement will be imposed on students who violate the preceding standards of conduct. Sanctions, consistent with existing contracts, up to and including termination of employment, will be imposed on employees who violate the preceding standards of conduct.
Legal Sanctions
Federal and state sanctions for illegal possession of controlled substances range from up to one year imprisonment and up to $100,000 in fines for a first offense, to three years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines for repeat offenders. Additional penalties include forfeiture of personal property and the denial of federal student aid benefits. Under federal laws, trafficking in drugs such as heroin or cocaine may result in sanctions up to and including life imprisonment for a first offense involving 100 gm or more. Fines for such an offense can reach $8 million. First offenses involving lesser amounts, 10-99 gm, may result in sanctions up to and including 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $4 million. A first offense for trafficking in marijuana may result in up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $500,000 for an offense involving less than 50 kg, and up to life imprisonment and fines up to $8 million for an offense involving 1,000 kg or more. The State of Minnesota may impose a wide range of sanctions for alcohol-related violations. For example, driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content of .08 or more) may result in a $700 fine, 90 days in jail, and/or revocation of driver's license for 30 days. Possession of alcohol under age 21 or use of false identification to purchase alcohol results in $100 fine. Furnishing alcohol to persons under 21 is punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment.
Health Risks
Alcohol - Alcohol consumption causes a number of changes in behavior and physiology. Even low doses significantly impair judgment, coordination, and abstract mental functioning. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of violent behaviors on college campuses, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, fights, and incidents of drinking and driving. Continued abuse may lead to dependency, which often causes permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of a healthy lifestyle.
Amphetamines - Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, depression, damage to the brain and lungs, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse, and death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts.
Cocaine/Crack - Cocaine users often have a stuffy, runny nose and may have a perforated nasal septum. The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, paranoia and depression. Cocaine is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, psychosis, convulsions, stroke and even death.
Hallucinogens - Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) causes illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when use has ceased. Phencyclidine (PCP) affects the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Hallucinogens can cause liver damage, convulsion, coma and even death.
Marijuana - Marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Users often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer. Users also experience interference with psychological maturation and temporary loss of fertility. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is stored in the fatty tissues of the brain and reproductive system for a minimum of 28 to 30 days.
Methamphetamine - Methamphetamines, known as speed, meth, ice, glass, etc., have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Taking even small amounts may produce irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Over time, methamphetamine users may experience symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, a severe movement disorder.
Narcotics - Narcotics such as codeine, heroin or other opiate drugs cause the body to have diminished pain reactions. The use of heroin can result in coma or death due to a reduction in heart rate.
Steroids - Steroid users experience a sudden increase in muscle and weight and an increase in aggression and combativeness. Steroids can cause high blood pressure, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, sterility and prostate cancer. Additional information can be found at: www.nida.nih.gov.
Educational and Treatment Programs
- The Counseling Center is available to assist students deal with personal concerns the might interfere with their academic work while at Saint Paul College. Services are free and confidential and can be arranged by contacting the Counseling Center at 651.846.1383.
- The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all Minnesota State system employees. EAP can assist employees by providing a professional assessment of a possible alcohol or drug problem. The mission of EAP is to provide confidential, accessible services to individual employees and state agencies in order to restore and strengthen the health and productivity of employees and the workplace. For additional information, contact the Human Resources Department.
- Community area substance abuse treatment center referrals can be contacted by calling United Way First Call for Help at 651.291.0211.
Students at Saint Paul College as members of the College community, in addition to the basic constitutional rights enjoyed by all citizens, have specific rights related to academic freedom and their status as students. The rights are described in the Students Rights and Responsibilities Policy.
Students are expected to exercise their freedom with responsibility. Student responsibilities include, but are not limited to, respecting and valuing the rights and differences of all members of the College community; refraining from any and all proscribed behaviors as listed in the next section, “Proscribed Conduct;” refraining from performing acts of violence or harassment against any member of the College community; and abiding by all College policies and procedures.