Our Philosophy

NSCC is committed to providing high-quality facilities and living/learning programs that support your growth and success as a student, in a safe and inclusive environment. We want to make sure that all students can study, live and work in an environment that is conducive to mutual respect and dignity, free from harassment and discrimination.

Living in Campus Housing is a privilege and with that privilege comes certain expectations that must be met by all students.

The principles of our Campus Housing Community Standards include:

• Be a positive College citizen. Demonstrate citizenship through compliance with the law and with all NSCC policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Be civil. Act with civility by behaving in a manner that is respectful of other members of the College community.
  • Refrain from any intentional or reckless conduct, which unreasonably interferes with or disrupts other members of the College community or campus or classroom activities.
• Act with honesty and integrity.
• Act with honesty and integrity by being honest in the performance of your work and in your dealings with other members of the College community.
• Refrain from substance misuse/abuse.
• Respect property including property of the College, other members of the College community, or third parties.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal interactions.
  • Refrain from negative or harmful interpersonal interactions by being respectful of the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of other members of the College community and by avoiding harassing, abusive, malicious, intimidating, or defamatory conduct or comments.
• Refrain from inappropriate online and electronic activities including social media activities. How you act online matters, too.

An Introduction to Community Standards and Practices

Campus Housing Community Standards and practices are a combination of guidelines and expectations of student and guest behaviour in Campus Housing (also can be referred to as rules), and a non-academic student conduct process. These policies and procedures are outlined at NSCC Policies and Procedures online.

Our Community Standards process employs fair and equitable procedures based on a student-development foundation/approach to behavioural intervention. We meet breaches of the standards with compassionate yet firm consequences designed to protect the dignity and safety of all. NSCC Campus Housing uses a combination of remedial, educational, and where appropriate, restorative strategies in response to violations of our policies.

By signing the Campus Housing Agreement, every student has agreed to follow and abide by the Campus Housing Community Standards and practices as outlined in this guide, and supporting documentation, which will also be provided digitally and/or in print.

Campus Housing Community Standards include:

• Alcohol
• Illegal Substances and Narcotics
• Excessive Noise/Quiet Hours
• Fire/Life Safety
• Guests
• Failure to Cooperate
• Harassment Discrimination & Bullying
• Illegal or unauthorized entry/access
• Personal and Community safety
• Campus Housing and Personal Property
• Sexual Violence
• Smoking
• Violence and Hazing
• Weapons

Scope of Community Standards

The NSCC Campus Housing Community Standards applies to all areas within Campus Housing, as well as the immediate surrounding areas/grounds of the Campus Housing building and the associated parking areas.

The community expectations and standards apply to everyone in the community, including both students and their guests or visitors. Students are responsible for all activities that take place in their assigned space, which include their personal bedspace and, if applicable, any shared areas in their assigned suite.

Actions by students (students or guests) are also subject to review/investigation under the following NSCC policies:

• Student Community Standards Policy
• Sexual Violence Policy
• Respectful Communities Policy

Parallel or additional actions may be undertaken at the discretion of the College. This means that the College has the ability to take other steps or actions if needed, depending on the situation. There are also other policies in place that address academic matters and expectations for respectful behavior in the broader campus community.

NSCC Campus Housing also commits to an ongoing and collaborative relationship with local Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, Lifesaving and Health Services, and community support organizations to support action and efforts of positive intervention and support in Campus Housing. In practice, this means that if there is a situation that requires immediate attention, these local partners can be called upon to help. For example, if there is an emergency or a student needs health services, Campus Housing can work closely with these organizations to provide the necessary support quickly. This collaboration ensures that students are safe, supported, and can access the resources they need to thrive within the housing community.