Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic)

• Causing disruption within the learning environment
• Engaging in unwelcome or persistent conduct that a student knows, or ought to reasonably know, would cause another person to feel demeaned, intimidated, or harassed
• Endangering or threatening the health, safety, or wellbeing or property of any person
• Harming or injuring any person
• Engaging in harassment or discrimination
• Engaging in sexualized violence
• Engaging in acts of intimidation

Theft, damage to property, or unauthorized access to BCIT property or facilities

• Providing false information or false document to any Institute representative with the intent to deceive
• Impersonating an employee, contractor, or student at BCIT
• The unauthorized use or alteration of any Institute document or record

• Violating provincial liquor laws or BCIT alcohol or cannabis policies
• Possession, use, sale or distribution of illegal substances

Unsafe conduct in an academic setting including on the shop floor, laboratories, or worksites.*

*Students are responsible to carry out their work in accordance with the established occupational health and safety policies and programs which include:

• Using personal protective equipment, devices, and clothing as required.
• Refraining from engaging in conduct that may endanger themselves or any other person.
• Avoiding impairment by alcohol, drugs, or other causes.
• Reporting any hazards and incidents to the supervisor.

Possessing, carrying, or storing weapons or dangerous substances

• Abuse of information technology or electronic devices
• Failure to comply with any BCIT policy

When Student Success receives a report, we will review the incident and determine if it outlines behaviour that could violate the Student Code of Conduct (non-academic) policy. If needed, we will consult with Safety, Security, and Emergency Management for risk assessment and/or refer to other campus services if we believe a student may benefit from supports. Where possible, Student Success will explore opportunities for conflict transformation and informal resolutions.

If the behaviour is deemed to be a potential violation of the Student Code of Conduct (non-academic) policy, an investigator will be assigned to begin gathering evidence and learn more about what happened. The investigator will either be the Senior Director, Student Success or an appointed delegate. At times, interim measures may be applied to protect the safety and wellbeing of individuals. Interim measures can include no contact between individuals, temporary loss of privilege or access to facilities, temporary removal from class, and other measures.

The investigation will generally involve the following:

• Interview the reporter
• Interview the respondent
• Interview witnesses if needed
• Gather any additional evidence which can include communication between individuals, screenshots, videos, photos, etc.

In some cases, there may be multiple meetings with an individual to clarify what happened.

The investigation is private and confidential, and individuals involved are not to share any information about the investigation with other people.

In some cases, Interim Measures can be put in place to maintain the safety of those involved and the larger BCIT community. These measures are temporary (during the course of the investigation) and non-disciplinary. Interim Measures can include, but are not limited to:

• Restricting access to non-essential educational activities at BCIT
• Limiting contact between individuals
• Placing interim restrictions on access to campus locations and services

Once the investigator has completed the investigation, they will determine, on the balance of probability, what took place and if a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred.

If there is no violation, the case will be closed and no further action will be taken.

If a violation has occurred, Student Success will determine what outcomes will be imposed. When determining potential outcomes, we will consider many factors:

• Nature and severity of the violation
• Role of the student in the incident
• Student’s attitude and understanding of the situation
• Student’s prior conduct record
• Impact on others
• Likelihood the student may be a danger to the BCIT community
• Other aggravating or mitigating factors

Below is a non-exhaustive list of possible outcomes resulting from an investigation and decision:

• Formal warning
• Referral to services
• Support agreement on guidelines for conduct at BCIT
• Educational activity
• Attending a workshop or course
• Restorative justice or conflict mediation
• Requirement for no contact with an individual
• Suspension of privileges
• Restriction of accessing parts or all of any BCIT’s campuses
• A move to another set or class
• Restriction on future registration in BCIT courses or programs
• Suspension from BCIT (with approval from the BCIT President)

Once a decision has been made, the respondent will be informed of the investigation findings and if applicable, the outcomes imposed. The reporter of the incident will be notified that the investigation has been completed. Outcomes of investigations are only shared with complainants or other members of the BCIT community on a need-to-know basis.

Students have the right to appeal the decision. More information can be found on the Appeals (Decision Review Board) page.