Judicial Affairs

Foothill College Judicial Affairs

Mission

Our mission is to uphold the standards of Foothill College by fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where all students can thrive. We are committed to supporting student success through fair and consistent application of the college's policies and procedures, emphasizing personal growth, responsibility, and accountability.

Consistent with this mission, the staff members in the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, in conjunction with the deans and faculty of the discipline hearing boards, are committed to the following:

• Educating the community by publishing, distributing, and reviewing the Student Code of Conduct and by presenting information on the Judicial Affairs system to members of this community
• Holding students and student groups accountable and challenging them to accept responsibility for their inappropriate behavior through a developmentally-based process of conduct review and resolution
• Providing an opportunity for students to develop leadership and critical thinking skills in the context of a peer review process
• Protecting the interests and rights of students and the Foothill College community by conducting all business in the Judicial Affairs system following appropriate state and federal laws and requirements for due process protections.

Board Policies

Foothill College operates under a set of board-approved policies that guide our actions and decisions in matters of student code of conduct, and Title IX. These policies ensure that our practices align with state and federal regulations while upholding the values of our institution.

• Student Code of Conduct Policies  
  • Administrative Procedure 5510: Student Code of Conduct.
  • Administrative Procedure 5520: Student Due Process and Discipline.
• Title IX Policy
  • Board Policy 4640: Harassment and Discrimination.
  • Administrative Procedure 4640: Procedures to Resolve Complaints Regarding Harassment and Discrimination.

Restorative Justice Approach

At Foothill College, we believe in a restorative justice approach to addressing student conduct issues. This method focuses on repairing harm, restoring relationships, and reintegrating students into the community. We aim to create opportunities for students to learn from their mistakes, make amends, and contribute positively to the college environment.

Restorative Justice is driven by four guiding principles: 

• Inclusive decision-making - Putting the decision-making back into the hands of the individuals who care most about the harm that has occurred. 
• Active accountability - An offender cannot sit back and be judged. They must be engaged in the process and take responsibility. 
• Repairing harm - Focuses on hearing a reparation to bring up the harmed party. 
• Rebuilding trust - Rebuilding the relationships so that the offender can once again be trusted and the harmed party can feel safe. 

Educational Approach

We prioritize an educational approach over punitive measures in our judicial process. This philosophy recognizes that students are here to learn, not only in the classroom but also in their interactions with others and their understanding of community standards. We provide resources and support to help students understand the impact of their actions and encourage them to make better choices in the future.

Annual Report 2023-2024

Our annual report provides insights into the work of the Judicial Affairs office over the past year. The report includes data and analysis on student conduct, Title IX cases, and academic integrity violations, highlighting our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

2023-2024 Report