Recognizing its purpose as an educational institution, Dana College approaches violations of the Student Code of Conduct and other policies from a learning perspective. The disciplinary process is designed to prevent inappropriate behavior from recurring in the future and to address the cause of the behavior in order to help the student develop and become a positive contributor to the College community. One of the most important elements of addressing inappropriate behavior is discussing it honestly and openly in a formal disciplinary meeting. Levels of responses to inappropriate behavior take into account the behavior of the individual and the effect this behavior has on his or her surrounding environment. While most responses allow the student to learn from his or her behavior while still enrolled, serious violations of Student Code of Conduct may require a student to leave the campus community for a period of time or permanently. The Dean of Students has the right, depending on the safety of the student body, to make immediate decisions regarding discipline.