Student Conduct

Students enrolled at Cañada College are expected to conduct themselves as responsible citizens and in a manner compatible with the functioning of an educational institution.  Students must follow the Student Code of Conduct which is outlined in SMCCCD Board Policy 7.69.  Violators shall be subject to disciplinary action, including possible cancellation of registration, and may be denied further admission to the colleges of the San Mateo County Community College District. 

If you have been charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, then you will be required to follow the college's student disciplinary process.  The process is outlined in the following steps.  A complete description of the process is included in SMCCCD Administrative Procedure 7.69.2.

Step 1. Incident Occurs and Is Reported

A potential violation of the Student Code of Conduct is reported to the Disciplinary Officer.  A fact-finding investigation is conducted to determine whether to pursue an Administrative Conference or Student Disciplinary Hearing.

Step 2. Administrative Conference and/or Student Disciplinary Hearing is Held

  • Administrative Conference: The Disciplinary Officer will schedule a meeting with the student and let the individual know of the charges and the basis for them.
  • Student Disciplinary Hearing: A notice of the hearing will be sent with the date, time, and place of the conduct hearing and a statement of the charges against the student. 

Step 3. Disciplinary Action(s) Recommended to the Vice President, Student Services (VPSS)

The VPSS will review the recommendations from the disciplinary hearing.  The recommendations include: 1) if the student is responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, and 2) if responsible, the recommended sanctions.

Step 4. Written Decision Provided to the Student

The student will receive a written notification of the decision.

Step 5. Appeal to the President

If the student chooses to appeal, it must be done within two working days of the receipt of the notice.  A student may appeal the decision if there is: 1) new information or 2) due process has not been followed.  Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Office of the College President.  If there is no new information or due process violations, there are no grounds for appeal and the decision stands.

Step 6. Appeal to the Chancellor

If the student chooses to appeal the President's decision, it must be done within five working days of the delivery of the notice.  A student may appeal only if there is: 1) new information or 2) due process was not followed.

Step 7. Appeal to the Board of Trustees

If the student chooses to appeal the Chancellor's decision, it must be done within five working days of the delivery of the notice.  A student may appeal if there is: 1) new information or 2) due process was not followed.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Any student may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion.  Disciplinary sanctions are outlined in SMCCCD Administrative Procedure 7.69.3.