The following policies apply to all courses at Georgia College & State University.
Other syllabus requirements for faculty are available in the GCSU Policies, Processes, and Procedures Manual.
Religious Observance Policy
GCSU values the religious diversity of our students. Major religious holidays that will be observed on class days are included on the academic calendar for each term.
Students are permitted to miss class in observance of religious holidays and other activities observed by a religious group of which the student is a member without academic penalty. Observance is limited to the date(s) of the holiday; supplemental time (e.g., travel time to go home to observe the holiday with family) is not eligible for accommodation. Exercising one’s rights under this policy is subject to the GCSU Honor Code.
Students who will miss class in observance of a religious holiday or event are required to notify each instructor in writing within the first week of class of the semester in which the observance occurs and to make up the coursework missed as a result of the absence. The Religious Observance Faculty Notification Form may be used to facilitate this notification. The nature of the make-up assignments and the deadline for completion of such assignments are at the sole discretion of the instructor. Given the time limitations inherent in completing end-of-semester assignments and final exams, this policy does not apply during finals week. Students are expected to take final exams at the scheduled times and complete end-of-semester work by the deadlines set by each instructor.
Failure to follow the prescribed procedures voids all student rights under this policy. Students may appeal actions taken by an instructor under this policy through the GCSU academic grievance process.
Assistance for Student Needs Related to Disability
If you have a disability as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, you may be eligible to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and physical accessibility. The Student Disability Resource Center can assist you in formulating a reasonable accommodation plan and in providing support in developing appropriate accommodations to ensure equal access to all GC programs and facilities. Course requirements will not be waived, but accommodations may assist you in meeting the requirements. For documentation requirements and for additional information, we recommend that you contact the Student Disability Resource Center located in Russell Library 109 at 478-445-5931.
Student Mental Health
In order to best meet the needs of students and their mental health, GCSU provides on-campus Counseling Services (478-445-5331). Additionally, the GCSU 24/7 Emotional Support Line (833-855-0085) is available for students to speak to a counselor for in-the-moment support for large or small concerns. Online counseling is available through the University System of Georgia (USG) at LiveHealth Online (https://usg.startlivehealthonline.com) by using the service key GCSUSTUDENT and selecting the “University System of Georgia LiveHealth Online StudentTeletherapy” tile.
Student Rating of Instruction Survey
Given the technological sophistication of GCSU students, the student opinion survey is delivered through an online process. Your constructive feedback plays an indispensable role in shaping quality education at GCSU. All responses are completely confidential, and your name is not stored with your responses in any way. In addition, instructors will not see any results of the opinion survey until after final grades are submitted to the University. An invitation to complete the online opinion survey is distributed to students near the end of the semester. Your participation in this very important process is greatly appreciated.
Academic Honesty
The integrity of students and their written and oral work is a critical component of the academic process. The submission of another’s work as one’s own is plagiarism and will be dealt with using the procedures outlined in the GCSU Catalog. Remember that allowing another student to copy one’s own work violates standards of academic integrity.
Student Use of Copyrighted Materials
As a student your ability to post or link to copyrighted material is governed by United States copyright law. The law allows for students to post or link to copyrighted materials within the course environment when the materials are pertinent to course work. Students are expected to adhere to the stipulations of the GCSU Honor Code, which addresses plagiarism. Violations are subject to disciplinary action. Policy recognizes that exclusive rights of copyright holders are balanced by limitations on those rights under federal copyright law, including the right to make a fair use of copyrighted materials. The absence of a copyright notice or symbol on a work does not denote a lack of copyright. Failure to comply with this policy, including federal copyright laws, may result in restriction or loss of university network access and/or disciplinary action through the Office of Student Life. For questions involving copyright issues, please consult the GCSU Office of Legal Affairs. Refer to the USG Policy on the Use of Copyrighted Works at https://www.usg.edu/copyright.
Electronic Recording Policy
Electronic video and/or audio recording is not permitted during any class unless the student obtains permission from the instructor and every student present. If permission is granted, any distribution of the recording is prohibited. Violation of this policy is grounds for removal from the class and referral for disciplinary action. Students granted specific electronic recording accommodations from Disability Services do not require special permission; however, the instructor must be notified. Any distribution is prohibited.
Academic Grievances or Appeals
An academic grievance or appeal is an allegation by a student of substantial and/or unjustified deviation, to the student’s detriment, from policies, procedures and/or requirements regarding admission, grading policies, special agreements, instructor’s requirements and academic requirements of the University. Students shall have the right to file academic grievances or appeals according to the procedures approved by the University and outlined in the University Catalog.
Fire Drills
Fire drills will be conducted annually. In the event of a fire alarm, students will exit the building in a quick and orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit. Learn the floor plan and exits of the building. Do not use elevators. If you encounter heavy smoke, crawl on the floor so as to gain fresh air. Assist disabled persons and others if possible without endangering your own life. Assemble for a head count on the front lawn of main campus or other designated assembly area.