Linda Tanner

The process and procedures of disciplinary action in academic and educational settings are meant to be flexible. At Universities, colleges, and other educational institutions, the student disciplinary action is a locally developed process that sets procedures that are respectful, effective and fair but are not intended to duplicate a court of law. Our State University and College systems have a well-developed, long-standing set of policies and disciplinary procedures based on clearly stated and published rules and responsibilities in a code of conduct, behavior policies, academic integrity and sexual misconduct. Implementation of these rigid requirements in 510 and its one size fits all for unionized employees would require extended negotiation with various bargaining units to change agreements to meet the letter of this bill. The legislature has a long history of leaving process and operational issues like this to the boards of Trustees and Administrators of the community college and University system rather than creating detailed management instructions.