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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY & EXPECTATIONS


JCC is committed to creating and maintaining an effective community of learners in which all can grow and develop. We look forward to interacting with you in a civil and respectful classroom environment that encourages dialogue, supports the acquisition of knowledge, and assists all students in meeting their academic and personal goals.


Civility and Student Responsibility Statements


JCC is committed to the highest standards of academic and ethical integrity, acknowledging that respect for self and others is the foundation of educational excellence. As such, we will cultivate an environment of mutual respect and responsibility. Whether we are students, faculty, or staff, we have a right to be in a safe environment, free of disturbance and civil in all aspects of human relations.
All JCC students are expected to take an active role in their learning by recognizing they are accountable for their academic success. Student responsibility is demonstrated when students make choices and take actions which lead them toward their educational goals. Responsible students take ownership of their actions by exhibiting the following behaviors. They:

  • demonstrate academic integrity and honesty.

  • attend and participate in classes, labs, and seminars, prepared and on time.

  • complete the assigned work in a timely manner with attention to quality of work.

  • avoid making excuses for their behavior.

  • communicate in a careful and respectful manner with professors, peers, and other members of the college community

  • are engaged learners who dedicate sufficient time outside of class to college work.

  • act in a civil manner that respects the college learning/social environment and complies with college policies outlined in the student constitution and college catalog.

  • utilize college resources and seek help when needed.

  • respect diverse ideas and opinions.

  • identify, develop, and implement a plan to achieve their educational goals.


Expectations of Students in the Classroom


Your academic attitude is a major factor in your success at JCC. You share responsibility, along with your professor and other students, for creating a productive learning environment. This responsibility includes behaving courteously and respectfully toward your professors and your classmates and becoming self-disciplined in your learning. To create a productive college experience for you and all students, you should:

  • Attend class and pay attention. Do not ask the instructor to go over material you missed by skipping class or not concentrating. If you have difficulty understanding the presented material, ask the instructor to assist you.

  • Not come to class late or leave early. If you must enter late, do so quietly and do not disrupt the class by walking between the class and the instructor. Do not leave class early unless it is an absolute necessity. If you know you need to leave class early, sit near an exit and inform the instructor prior to class.

  • Not talk with other classmates while the instructor or another student is speaking. If you have a question or comment, please raise your hand, rather than start a conversation with your neighbor. Others in the class may have the same question.

  • Show respect and concern for others by not monopolizing class discussion. Allow others time to give their input and ask questions. Do not stray from the topic of class discussion.

  • Turn off electronic devices, including but not limited to: cell phones and beeping watches. If, due to work or family obligations, you need to remain in contact, inform your instructor ahead of time and set the devices to be as unobtrusive as possible.

  • Avoid audible and visible signs of restlessness. These are both rude and disruptive to the rest of the class.

  • Focus on class material during class time. Sleeping, talking to others, doing work for another class, checking email, exploring the Internet, etc., are unacceptable and can be disruptive.

  • Not pack bookbags or backpacks to leave until the instructor has dismissed the class.

  • Clear any visitors you would like to bring to class with your instructor ahead of time.


Your Rights as a Student


As a student, you have the right to a learning environment free from distractions. If others in your classroom are engaging in behavior that interferes with your learning, bring the situation to the attention of your instructor. He or she is responsible for managing the classroom environment and determining the action that should be taken.


Consequences of Inappropriate Classroom Behavior


The instructor has the right and the responsibility to take appropriate action when he or she observes inappropriate classroom behavior. The form of intervention taken by the instructor will depend on the nature of the misconduct observed. The student constitution outlines the process to be followed and sanctions that may be placed on students who engage in various forms of misconduct.


Student Complaint Process


JCC has an internal complaint system available to students who believe they have a grievance with the institution. For more information on the process, consult with the vice president of student affairs on the Jamestown Campus, the vice president’s office on the Cattaraugus County Campus, or the director at JCC’s North County Center.


Student Constitution


Students who enroll at JCC do so with the understanding that they have accepted the responsibilities for proper conduct both in and out of the classroom. The student constitution addresses two key areas in which students have important responsibilities:
Academic Integrity - Providing an atmosphere that promotes honesty and free exchange of ideas is the essence of academic integrity. As members of the college community, students have an obligation to uphold high intellectual and ethical standards. Academic integrity includes adherence to codes of ethical behavior associated with all areas of study including specialized environments such as internships, fieldwork, and cooperative and clinical experiences. Students who violate the college’s policies on academic integrity will be subject to discipline by members of the college community.
Student Conduct - When the actions of students hinder the academic life of students or the ability of the college to achieve its educational purposes, students will be subject to discipline by members of the college community.