IX Policy Statement (Sexual Harassment & Misconduct)

1. Nondiscrimination Notice

Callins College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This prohibition extends to admission and employment.

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2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Because Callins College is an online institution, this policy applies to conduct that occurs:

• Within the Institute’s education program or activity (including Canvas, Zoom, and official email).

• Against a person in the United States.

• In any digital context where the Institute exercises substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the harassment occurs.

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3. Defining Sexual Harassment

For the purposes of this policy and federal compliance, Sexual Harassment is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

1. Quid Pro Quo: An employee of the Institute conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.

2. Hostile Environment: Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the Institute’s education program or activity.

3. VAWA Crimes: Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined by the Violence Against Women Act.

4. Reporting and Coordinator Contact

5. Any student or employee who believes they have been the victim of sexual harassment should report the incident immediately. Reports may be made at any time (including non-business hours) by mail, telephone, or email.

6. Supportive Measures

7. Upon receiving a report, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly contact the complainant to discuss Supportive Measures. These are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate and reasonably available, without fee or charge (e.g., course extensions, section transfers, mutual no-contact orders).

8. Retaliation Prohibited

9. Retaliation against any person who files a complaint, participates in an investigation, or refuses to participate in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in separate disciplinary action.

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Part 2: Student Code of Conduct (Online Focused)

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1. Preamble

Callins College expects all students to uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and respect. As a 13th/14th-year postsecondary institution, we treat students as emerging professionals. This Code applies to all interactions, including discussion boards, live video sessions, and group projects.

 

2. Academic Integrity

Academic honesty is the foundation of our institute. The following are considered violations:

• Plagiarism: Submitting work that is not your own without proper citation. This includes copying from websites, textbooks, or other students.

• Cheating: Using unauthorized notes or assistance during an exam or quiz.

• Unauthorized Collaboration: Working with others on assignments designated as individual work.

• Misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Using Generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini) to write essays, solve problems, or generate code without the explicit permission of the instructor and proper attribution. Students must adhere to the specific AI guidelines provided in each course syllabus.

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3. Digital Citizenship and Netiquette

Students must maintain a professional demeanor in the online environment.

• Respectful Communication: Profanity, insults, and inflammatory language (flaming) are prohibited in discussion forums and live sessions.

• Cyberbullying: Any behavior intended to intimidate, harass, threaten, or humiliate another student or faculty member is strictly prohibited.

• Disruption: Deliberately disrupting a live virtual class (e.g., "Zoombombing," excessive noise, inappropriate background visuals) is a conduct violation.

• Privacy: Recording live sessions or distributing screenshots of other students or faculty without their consent is prohibited.

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4. Technology Use

• Account Security: Students are responsible for all activity conducted under their username/password. Sharing login credentials is prohibited.

• Malicious Activity: Attempting to hack, bypass security, or introduce viruses/malware to the Institute’s Learning Management System (LMS) will result in immediate expulsion and potential legal action.

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5. Disciplinary Sanctions

Violations of the Student Code of Conduct are adjudicated by the Office of Student Affairs. Sanctions may include:

1. Written Warning: A formal notice that the conduct violates the code.

2. Academic Penalty: Zero on an assignment or failure of the course (for academic integrity violations).

3. Probation: A specific period where any further violation results in suspension.

4. Suspension: Temporary removal from the Institute and LMS access.

5. Expulsion: Permanent separation from the Institute.

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Generative AI Acceptable Use Policy

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1. Philosophy and Purpose

Callins College recognizes that Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, GrammarlyGO, and Midjourney) are powerful technologies that will likely be part of your future professional life.

Our goal is to teach you how to use these tools ethically, critically, and transparently. However, AI must never replace your own critical thinking, analysis, or voice. You are here to develop your mind, not to outsource your learning to a machine.

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2. The "Traffic Light" Framework

Because every course and assignment is different, Callins College utilizes a three-tier system. It is the student's responsibility to check the specific instructions for every assignment to determine which level applies.