Matriculation Pledge

In enrolling at Georgia College & State University, I solemnly pledge that I will conduct myself in such a manner as to reflect credit on the Georgia College & State University community, and I will uphold the Honor Code of the University. If I violate this Honor Code, I will accept the imposed penalty, which may include expulsion from the University.

Preamble

Since 1942, there has been an Honor Code at Georgia College & State University. This Code is a dynamic aspect of the University that helps to define its character as an institution of higher learning in the best liberal arts tradition. Through the years, this Code has given rise to an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust on the Georgia College & State University campus.

And, as a result of periodic examination and review, the Honor Code continues to grow stronger. After undergoing thoughtful study and meticulous revision during the 1998-99 academic year, the new Honor Code reflects a renewed desire of the present student generation for an honorable community and also guarantees stiff punishments for dishonorable actions.

The commitment to honor has its own rewards, but the Honor Code also brings responsibilities - a respect for the ideas, values, and property of others; a readiness to subordinate one's own interests to the interests and well-being of the whole university community; and a dedication to abide by the rules of the University. In order to maintain an honorable campus, student commitment is vital. This commitment begins with personal integrity, extends to the refusal to condone violation of the rules, and ends with support of an appropriate punishment for those who violate the spirit and provisions of the Honor Code. Anything short of full commitment undermines the very essence of

Georgia College & State University honor. Those who engage in dishonorable behavior may be banned from the University for one or two semesters, or permanently.

Students who are unfamiliar with the concept of honor or who have a history of dishonorable behavior are urged to consider alternatives to Georgia College & State University. However, those wishing to renew themselves in the spirit of honor will be invited to join the community of Georgia College & State University by formally embracing the Honor Code and signing the Honor Roll at the beginning of their academic career at GC&SU (the Honor Code, however, is applicable to all students who matriculate at GC&SU).

The Honor Code

It is presumed that any student who matriculates at Georgia College & State University is willing to conform to a pattern of mutual trust and honor and shall deal honorably with all members of the university community. It must be understood that it is the responsibility of each student, faculty, and staff member to preserve, nurture, and strengthen this spirit of honor. Georgia College & State University students shall at all times refrain from, discourage, and as far as possible, prevent all attempts at lying, cheating, stealing, and plagiarism. When a violation of the Honor Code is detected, a student must take steps to bring the matter to the attention of the Judicial Council or the Vice President and Dean of Students. Failure to take this responsibility is in itself a violation of the Honor Code.

Violations Defined

"Lying" is defined as any attempt to deceive, falsify, or misrepresent the truth in any matter involving university business. University business includes but is not limited to, financial aid information, excuses for absences, statements to professors in order to reschedule tests or assignments, and responses to the queries of Public Safety officers.

"Cheating" is defined as the employment of or rendering of any illicit aid in any assigned work.

"Stealing" is defined as the appropriation of money or property belonging to another person, organization, or the University, or the borrowing of property without the knowledge of the owner.

"Plagiarism" is defined as presenting as one's own work the words or ideas of an author or fellow student without proper documentation through quotation marks and footnotes or other accepted citation methods. Ignorance of these rules concerning plagiarism is not an excuse. When in doubt, students should seek clarification from the professor who made the assignment.

"Failure to enforce the Honor Code" is defined as any act of omission which permits violations of the Honor Code to occur or to go unreported.

Penalties

The Judicial Council may, for any first offense violation of the Honor Code, impose immediate suspension for the remainder of the current semester and possibly for one additional semester (depending on the severity of the violation). If suspended in the fall, one would be suspended for the remainder of the fall semester and possibly the spring semester; if suspended in the spring, one would be suspended for the remainder of the spring semester and possibly the following fall semester.

The normal penalty for a second Honor Code violation is immediate expulsion from the University.

Presented by the Student Government Association, passed by the University Council, and ratified by the student body of Georgia College & State University, March 1999.

General Statement

Georgia College & State University may discipline a student in nonacademic matters. This normally involves matters which occur on the GC&SU campus or at GC&SU-sponsored events, but may be extended to off-campus matters which could reasonably be expected to impact the GC&SU community. For the purposes of this section the term conduct shall include acts which knowingly or unknowingly violate federal, state, or local laws, and/or Georgia College & State University rules and regulations, or which the student knew or reasonably should have known would result in occurrences prohibited by this section. All students are expected to adhere to the stipulations of the GC&SU Honor Code, which addresses lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and failure to enforce the Honor Code. All residence hall students are expected to adhere as well to the contract terms and stipulations listed in the University Housing Handbook. Students are subject to disciplinary action for violating the following Code of Conduct:

1. Conduct that damages or destroys, or attempts to damage or destroy, university property or property belonging to others.

2. Conduct which constitutes a danger to the personal safety of other members of the university community.

3. Conduct that obstructs, seriously impairs, attempts to obstruct or seriously impair university-run or university-authorized activities on any university property, indoors or out.

4. Acts which violate the provisions concerning parking, traffic, ID cards, university keys, alcohol and other drugs, smoking in unauthorized places, carrying firearms, unauthorized peddling, unauthorized use of sound amplifying equipment, and other acts which violate local, state or federal laws, or which violate appropriate conduct.

5. Intentional harassment of another person. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, threatening, intimidating, verbally abusing, impeding, telephoning, communicating electronically, following or persistently bothering or annoying. Harassment may represent but is not limited to acts based on sex, race, religion, national origin, handicap or sexual orientation.

6. Failing to abide by disciplinary sanctions imposed by a GC&SU judicial body.

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