Code of Conduct

Introduction

The Ringling College of Art and Design Conduct System is the mechanism by which most of the College policies and community standards of Ringling College of Art and Design are enforced. Alleged violations of academic integrity are handled by Academic Affairs. It is the purpose of this Conduct System to be of educational value and to protect the rights of all members of the College community.

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct are handled according to the College's Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy, which is online here: https://studenthandbook.ringling.edu/sexual-misconduct-and-title-ix-policy-0

Allegations of Discrimination or Harassment based on a Protected Trait are handled according to the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy. 

In some circumstances, such cases may be referred back to this Conduct System as explained in more detail in those policies.

Students’ Rights

Ringling College of Art and Design further encourages all members of the College community to endorse, support, and abide by the following statement of values which are deemed fundamental to its mission and integral to its growth:

1. Students have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of age, gender, color, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. In their individual roles as members of student organizations, students have the responsibility not to discriminate against others.
2. Students have the right to express themselves freely on any subject provided they do so in a manner that does not violate the Code of Student Conduct. Students in turn have the responsibility to respect the right of all members of the community to exercise these freedoms.
3. Students have the right to accurate and plainly stated information relating to maintenance of acceptable academic standing, graduation requirements and individual course objectives and requirements. Students can expect instruction from designated instructors at appointed class times and reasonable access to those instructors. Students have the responsibility to attend class and know their appropriate class requirements.
4. Students have the right to expect a reasonably safe environment supportive of the College’s mission and their own educational goals. Students have the responsibility to protect and maintain that environment and to protect themselves from all hazards to the extent that reasonable behavior and precaution can avoid risk.
5. Students have the right to establish representative governmental bodies and to participate in College governance in accordance with the rules and regulations of the College. Students who accept representative roles in the governance of the College have the obligation to participate responsibly.
6. Students have the right to be heard before formal disciplinary sanctions are imposed by the College for violations of the Code of Student Conduct or other published policies. Students have the right to written notice and the opportunity for a hearing before any change in status is incurred for disciplinary reasons unless a significant threat to persons or property exists.

Definitions

Advisor

An Advisor is a person, chosen by an accused student, to serve in an advisory capacity during their involvement in the meeting / hearing process. The primary role of the Advisor is to assist the student in preparing for meetings/ hearings and to attend meetings / hearings as support for the student. The student is responsible for presenting their own information and, therefore, Advisors are not permitted to speak or participate directly in any meetings / hearings without approval. An Advisor may be a current student or employee of the College.

Preponderance of Evidence

The standard of proof used to determine whether a policy has been violated is based on a preponderance of the evidence, meaning facts that are more likely true.

Student

  The term student means an individual who has been accepted for admission to the college, registered for classes, enrolled at the college, or otherwise entered into any other relationship with the college to take or audit classes. Student status lasts until an individual graduates, withdraws, is dismissed, or is not in attendance for an academic semester.

Student Organization

  The term “student organization” refers to any number of students who have completed the necessary requirements to be registered and recognized by the college.

Application and Jurisdiction

Ringling College of Art and Design is committed to maintaining a purposeful learning community, one that promotes intellectual inquiry through vigorous discourse and encouragement of creativity. Essential values, which support this purpose include civility, inclusiveness, dignity, diversity, education, equality, freedom, honesty and safety.

When students choose to accept admission to Ringling College of Art and Design, they accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in the College’s academic and social community. As members of the community, students are expected to uphold its values by maintaining a high standard of conduct. Student misconduct is defined as any student behavior that violates rules of Ringling College of Art and Design as stated in this Student Handbook, contained within any College publication, or on the website; and / or is in violation of State, Local or Federal laws and ordinances. Students who are present or accompanying others while in the act of violating the code of conduct are as culpable as the violators. Ringling College of Art and Design considers the following behavior, or attempts thereof, by any student or student organization, whether acting alone or with any other persons, to violate the Code of Student Conduct:

Jurisdiction

Generally, the jurisdiction of the College shall be limited to conduct which occurs on College premises, during a College sponsored activity or which adversely affects the College community and / or the pursuit of its learning objectives. Any student found in violation of College policies is subject to disciplinary action according to the procedures outlined in this conduct hearing system.

College Conduct action may be initiated if a student is charged with a violation of a law which is in violation of College policy. The College may take conduct action prior to, during, or after the disposition of the case by a court of law.

The College will cooperate fully with Federal, State and / or Local authorities and other agencies in the enforcement of civil or criminal laws. If the alleged offense is also being considered for action within this Conduct System, the College may advise off- campus authorities of how such matters will be handled within the College community.

A student who withdraws from the College while conduct action is pending is subject to conduct action before permission to re- enroll is granted. In such cases, the College retains the right to investigate and adjudicate alleged violations regardless of whether the student elects to participate in the process.

Prohibited Conduct

1. Academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to plagiarism and cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct, for example, misuse of academic resources or facilities, misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks. For additional information, please see the Academic Integrity Policy: https://www.ringling.edu/about/policies-and-procedures/
2. Alcohol
   1. Possession, sale, manufacturing, distribution, consumption of, and being in the presence of alcohol on campus regardless of age.
   2.  Possession, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol off-campus for those under the legal age to possess alcohol.
   3. Sale or distribution of alcohol to those under the legal age to possess alcohol.
   4. Driving while under the noticeable effect of alcohol.
   5. Any behavior that is the direct result of alcohol consumption.
   6. Possession of any items that provide for the common distribution of alcoholic beverages on property owned, occupied, or leased by the College or in College facilities. Furthermore, empty containers of alcohol (beer cans, beer bottles, wine bottles, distilled spirits, etc.) are a violation of the alcohol policy.
   7. Consumption from or the possession of an open container of alcohol in public, off-campus locations, regardless of age, except at licensed events or establishments.

                (See Ringling College Drug & Alcohol Policy in this Student Handbook)

3. Bicycles, Motorized Vehicles, Scooters, Rollerblades, Skateboards, Hoverboards:
   Using any of the above items near doorways or to jump stairs or ride railings is prohibited.
4. College Property:
   1. Unauthorized Use- engages in unauthorized use of property, keys, equipment, resources, supplies, buildings, or facilities owned or controlled by the College
   2. Unauthorized Entry-engages in unauthorized entry into property owned or controlled by the college.
   3. Damage- damages, defaces, destroys, or tampers with property of the College, property belonging to any student or employee of the college, or property of a visitor of the college.
5. Discrimination: Discrimination is unequal treatment of an individual based on a Protected Trait. Further detailed information of prohibited discrimination is set forth in the College’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.
6. Disorderly Conduct:
   1. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd or in- decent
   2. Breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on Ringling College premises or at functions sponsored by or participated in by, Ringling College or members of the academic community.
   3. Any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on Ringling College premises without their prior knowledge, or without their effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, rest room or residence hall.
   4. Public intoxication, lewd, indecent or obscene behavior, libel, slander or illegal gambling.
   5. Intentional disruption or obstruction of lawful activities of the College or its members, including their exercise of the right to assemble.
   6. Active or passive, willful or deliberate disruption of any class. (Refer to Classroom Policies in “Academic Policies and Procedures.”)
7. Drugs:
   1. Illegal selling, manufacturing, distribution, possession, delivery, and/or medically unsupervised usage of prescription drugs, hallucinogenic drugs, and controlled substances or being in the presence of such substances.
   2. Sale, possession, and/or distribution of drug paraphernalia, including, but not limited to, hookahs, bongs, pipes, etc.
   3. Driving while under the noticeable effect of drugs.
   4. Behavior that is a direct result of drug consumption.

               (See Ringling College Drug & Alcohol Policy in this Student Handbook).

8. Failure to comply:
   1. Failure to comply with the directives of any college official(s) acting in the performance of their duties, and who has the authorization to issue such directives;
   2. Failure to identify oneself to a college official(s) when requested to do so;
   3. Failure to comply with rules, regulations, procedures, policies, standards of conduct, or any other directive of the college, including but not limited to departments, studios or labs.
9. Free Speech: Ringling College of Art and Design makes space for dialogue for students to express their viewpoints and opinions through freedom of speech. The College wants to embrace everyone’s right to freedom of speech as long as it does not cross the line to hate speech and violate our Code of Conduct and/or the law. We do not condone this behavior in any way. We do not condone words of incitement, hate speech, fighting words, obscene material, or other non-verbal symbols conveying these ideas. Freedom of speech is a protected right and we at the College want all to feel comfortable to exercise this right.
   1. Words of Incitement: speech that is intended and likely to provoke imminent unlawful action. In Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), the Supreme Court of the United States held that in order to lose First Amendment protection as incitement, speech must be “directed to inciting imminent lawless action and is likely to produce such action.”
   2. Hate Speech: any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group or a class of persons on the basis of race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or national origin.
   3. Fighting Words: words that by the very act of being spoken, tend to incite the individual to whom they are addressed to respond violently and to do so immediately, without any time to think things over.
   4. Obscene Material: expression may be loosely understood as “hard-core” depictions of sexual acts. You do not have a First Amendment right to produce, transmit, or even, in many situations, possess obscene material on campus.
   5. Non-Verbal Speech: the action clearly conveys a specific message to anyone who sees and reads it. 
10. Forgery, alteration, fabrication or misuse of identification cards, records, grades, diplomas, or other College documents.
11. Harassment- is a form of discrimination that is unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on one or more Protected Traits. Further detailed information of prohibited harassment based on a Protected Trait is set forth in the College’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.
12. Harassment, that is not based on a Protected Trait, this is an action directed toward a specific individual or individuals with the intent or effect to harass, harm, or alarm, through oral, written, graphic, physical, or social media contact. Harassment includes attempted or threatened physical contact or an act that creates the reasonable apprehension of unwanted contact, or any repeated pattern of verbal communications or nonverbal behavior, without invitation or over an individual’s objection, which includes but is not limited to making telephone calls, emails, electronic communications, or sending letters or pictures.
13. Hazing:

Hazing means doing any of the following, or pressuring, causing, forcing, soliciting, or coercing any person to do any of the following, for the purpose of initiating, admitting, or affiliating an individual into or with a student group or student organization; continuing, reinstating, or enhancing an individual’s membership or status in a student group or student organization; or perpetuating or furthering a tradition or ritual of a student group or student organization:

•  Engage in any conduct prohibited by federal, state, and/or local law, regardless of whether an arrest is made, or criminal charges are brought;
• Take into their body any food, liquid (including alcohol), drug, or other substance that subjects the person to a substantial risk of mental or physical harm; and /or
•  Cause or create a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to another, and/or engage in any act or omission that contributes to the death of another.

      Hazing Prohibited Conduct includes the following behaviors and constitute a violation of the Hazing Policy:

1. Purposefully, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently hazing any person.
2. Involvement in the planning of hazing and/or being present during hazing.
3. Failing to intervene to prevent or stop hazing if the individual has knowledge of a planned hazing activity.
4. Failing to assist or seek assistance if the individual knows or reasonably should know that another is in danger from effects of hazing.
5. Knowingly making a false accusation of hazing.

     (For additional details, see the College’s Anti-Hazing Policy)

14. Hostile Conduct:
    1. Physical assault – attempting and/or physically striking another person or persons.
    2. Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person or any act that unreasonably interferes with, impedes, or harasses other person or persons.
    3. Threatening another individual physically, verbally, or by any other means in a manner to make that individual reasonably believe that the threat or threats are likely to be carried out; harassment; intimidation; or coercion by any means, including electronic communication.
15. Improper Sales and Solicitations- Unauthorized or prohibited solicitation, sale of goods or services, fundraising or canvassing, distribution or position of any written material, email, web or printed material, door- to-door solicitations are never allowed in campus housing.
16. Retaliation:  Any acts or attempted acts against an individual for the purpose of discouraging and/or exercising right(s) of an individual under the Code or other applicable college policies. Retaliation can be committed by any individual or group of individuals. Retaliation may include continued abuse or violence, other forms of harassment, and slander and libel. Retaliation relating to sexual misconduct is prohibited in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy. Retaliation related to Discrimination or Harassment based on a Protected Trait is prohibited in the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.
17. Sexual Misconduct: the commission of any "Prohibited Conduct" as described in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy. Prohibited Conduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, fondling, incest, statutory rape, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and retaliation. Note that stalking and domestic violence are prohibited even if they are not committed on the basis of sex.
    More detailed information about each of these types of misconduct, is available in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy.
18. Weapons:
    1. Possession of firearms, explosives, fireworks or weapons on campus or in vehicles parked on College property (police definition of weapons).
    2. Possession or displays of ammunition, explosives, or other items that could be used as weapons, including but not limited to sticks, poles, clubs, swords, shields, body-armor or make shift body-armor, masks, helmets and other garments, such as sporting protective gear, that alone or in combination could be reasonably construed as weapons or body-armor on property owned or controlled by the college.
19. Abuse of the student conduct system which includes, but is not limited to:
    1. Failure to obey the notice from a Student Conduct Board or Ringling College official to appear for a meeting or hearing as part of the Student Conduct System.
    2. Falsification, distortion or misrepresentation of information before a Conduct Board.
    3. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a Conduct Official or Board proceeding.
    4. Institution of a student conduct code proceeding in bad faith.
    5. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participating in, or use of, the Student Conduct System
    6. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Conduct Official or Board prior to, and / or during the course of, the Conduct meeting.
    7. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/ or intimidation of a member of a Conduct Officer or Board prior to, during and / or after a Conduct meeting.
    8. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.
    9. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the student conduct code system.
20. Conduct
    1. Any violation of Federal, State, or Local law that has a negative impact on the well-being of Ringling College or its individual members, including students, faculty, staff or administrators, shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Residence Life and Housing Prohibited Conduct

21.  Alcohol:
    1. Not permitted on campus, in any Ringling College residence hall except in private units in the Bayou Village Apartments, Bridge Apartments, Bradenton Road Apartments, the Cove, the Roy and Susan Palmer Quadrangle, Family Housing, and student houses for those who are of the legal drinking age in Florida (21 years or older). Open containers of alcohol are not permitted in any common or outdoor area of any Ringling College-owned or leased/managed student housing facility, including the Bayou Village Apartments, Bridge Apartments, Bradenton Road Apartments, the Cove, Family Housing, the Roy and Susan Palmer Quadrangle, or student houses, including balconies, hallways, community room, work rooms, laundry rooms, etc. Kegs, party balls and punches containing alcohol are strictly prohibited. Common sources (i.e. kegs, beerballs, garbage pail punch) are not permitted. Students who are age 21 may not provide alcohol to underage roommates, suitemates, visitors or guests.
22. Appliances: 
    1. With the exception of housing facilities with kitchens, electrical kitchen appliances including hot plates, full-size refrigerators and any appliance with exposed elements (i.e. hot plates, Instapots, air fryer, toaster oven, rice cooker and, George Foreman Grills) are prohibited.  Coffee makers and teapots with automatic shut-off are acceptable within the residence halls.  Although you may bring your own, the College supplied appliances must remain in your room and may not be stored elsewhere. Prohibited devices will be confiscated and stored temporarily until they can be removed from campus. U.L. Approved microwaves less than 600 watts and mini-refrigerators less than 4.0 cubic feet are allowed. No grills are permitted in any student housing.
23. Damage Policy:
    1. Ringling College students are held financially responsible for damage to College property incurred by their own actions or that of their guests, which is beyond normal wear and aging. In cases where the damage is intentional or malicious, disciplinary action will result.
    2. When damage occurs on a common floor area, such as a hallway or bathroom, and no individual or individuals are found responsible, the charge will be absorbed by all residents of that particular hallway or floor.
    3. During move out of housing space, students are expected to leave assigned residence hall spaces, apartments, and common spaces without damages, clean and free from trash and personal items. Reluctance to leave space in suitable condition at move out will result in a fee deducted from the student's damage deposit. It is the student's responsibility to check their student account for any damage fee deductions. Appeals for damage fees assessed to a student account should be emailed to reslife@ringling.edu.
24. Door Propping / Hall Security
    1. In an effort to protect the security of students and their belongings in the residence halls, Conduct System action and / or a fine of $25 may be imposed where a student is found to have propped open a residence hall door that is supposed to be locked.
25. Fire Alarm Systems & Safety
    1. Tampering with fire alarms, fire extinguishers or any other fire equipment is a third-degree crime. Any person found responsible for such actions may be subjected to a fine of up to $500. In addition to potential criminal charges, students engaging in this behavior will be referred for disciplinary action and / or civil prosecution that may result in separation from the College.
26. Fire Safety:
    1. Student rooms are equipped with individual smoke detectors. If you hear a smoke detector activated in a student room, contact Public Safety immediately 941-359-7500 to investigate the alarm. Hot air, smoke, or aerosols directed toward the detector will set off the alarm
    2. Hanging objects from, or attaching to, sprinkler heads, pipes and electrical conduit is strictly prohibited. Live cut trees (such as Christmas trees) are not permitted anywhere in student housing.
    3. Halogen floor lamps are not permitted as they pose a severe fire safety risk due to the intense heat generated by the high wattage bulb.
    4. The Florida Fire Prevention Code and State of Florida Electrical Code only permit extension cords with integrated UL-approved surge protectors (internal breaker – on/off switch or GFI) for use within the housing facility. All other types of extension cords (including daisy-chaining cords) are prohibited.
    5. Blocking entries and exits with furniture or personal belongings is prohibited. Stacking furniture in front of residence hall room doors is a fire hazard and could be potentially life threatening.
    6. Flammable Items: Open flames such as candles, incense, and potpourri burners are not permitted in any student residence.  No containers of flammable liquids or volatile toxic materials like gasoline or kerosene are permitted in housing facility.
    7. Motorized vehicles, including such items as e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, etc. may not be kept inside any housing facility due to fire hazard.
    8. Use, operation, or storage of 3D printers within individual residence hall rooms, common areas, or any other designated residential living spaces, is strictly prohibited due to potential fire risks.
27. Guest Policy
    1. Residents must accompany their guests during their entire visit in the residence hall. A guest is defined as a visitor that does not live on the wing / floor / building of the host. Students must register overnight guests with the Residence Life Office three business days prior to the guest's arrival. Residents are also responsible for informing their guest(s) of policies and notifying them when a policy is violated. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in a guest being removed from campus housing
28. Smoking (cigarettes/e-cigarettes/vapes/smokeless tobacco/tobacco pouches) is prohibited within all residential units and for all persons under the age of 21. This includes all public access areas such as bathrooms, hallways, lounges and lobbies. Smoking is only approved in the official designated smoking areas. (See the full Smoking Policy.)
29. Windows/Screens/Rooftops/Ledges:
    1. Screens not only provide protection from insects, but they are also an integral part of security for campus buildings. Removal of window screens is a violation of policy and will result in a minimum $50 charge for repair/replacement. Likewise, except in the case of a fire or other emergency, students may not access any rooftops or exterior building ledges or use windows as an egress
30. Weapons
    Firearms or any sort of weapon (using police definitions), including decorative ones, and the storage of ammunition are prohibited. For this reason, even water/soft-dart guns (i.e. squirt guns, Nerf-type guns) are not allowed on campus.