Section 1 | KCTCS

Code of Student Conduct

Section 1

General Principles

A. Purpose

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (“KCTCS” or “System”) student code is intended to set forth the expectations for academic and behavioral responsibilities of the students who enroll in and attend the sixteen KCTCS colleges across Kentucky. As declared in Article I, KCTCS Colleges are committed to creating a community where learning flourishes and students from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome and respected. The KCTCS Code of Student Conduct provides the framework for student success without unnecessary distractions and harmful disruptions.

B. Authority

The Kentucky General Assembly through KRS 164.350 authorized the KCTCS Board of Regents to adopt rules, regulations, and bylaws governing its members. The KCTCS Code of Student Conduct is enacted under the legislatively granted authority to govern student academic and behavioral matters. The KCTCS President exercises delegated authority in promulgating this Code for the safety and well-being of the campus community. The KCTCS President delegates authority to each College President to apply the Code at their respective college, and the College Presidents designate the Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAO) as the front line authorities for application of the Code.

This Code may apply to acts conducted on or off campus when those acts have a direct impact on the orderly conduct of regular college business. This Code may apply to acts conducted as face-to-face encounters, cyberspace, or by use of any means or medium that facilitates violation of the rules contained herein. The Code is written to provide a reference for general guidelines of expected student behaviors and penalties for failing to meet those expectations. It is not a criminal code nor an exhaustive list of misconduct.

C. Proceedings

Disciplinary actions conducted pursuant to this Code are to be conducted in a manner that is fair, expedient, and civil. Disciplinary actions under the Code are not legal processes and are not subject to the procedures governing criminal or civil actions, such as formal rules of evidence and the burden of proof. Deviations from the processes outlined in this Code shall not invalidate a proceeding or decision unless such deviation clearly results in significant prejudice to the student or the College.

Jurisdiction for violations of this Code may be extended to conduct that occurs off College premises if that conduct adversely affects the College community.

D. Interplay of Code of Student Conduct with Local, State and Federal Law

  1. Students who enroll at a KCTCS college enjoy the privilege of attendance at the college, and accept the governance of KCTCS policies, local ordinances, state law, and federal law, including any direction or guidance issued by federal, state, or local authorities as well as business decisions made by KCTCS and College administrators.
  2. Students who enroll at KCTCS accept the responsibility of reviewing and abiding by the rules of conduct described in this Code. Violation of these general rules of conduct may lead to disciplinary action by the College in accordance with this Code.
  3. If a student engages in conduct that is in violation of state or federal law as well as this Code, KCTCS reserves the right to refer such conduct to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution in addition to College disciplinary action. Disciplinary action under this Code may proceed regardless of the status of criminal prosecution; action taken under this Code does not constitute or necessarily reflect formal legal processes under law.