STUDENT LIFE


Student life at Georgia College & State University offers students a wide range of opportunities to become involved in university programs, services, and activities. Learning that takes place outside the classroom is an integral part of personal and educational development

THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS


The educational mission of Georgia College & State University is the advancement of student learning both within and outside the classroom. The persons and offices which comprise the Division of Student Affairs contribute to this mission by providing programs and services which facilitate student learning, enhance student success, and teach responsible community membership. This Division is committed to helping students meet their full potential through providing co-curricular experiences that complement the university's academic experiences. In order to help students progress toward their educational and career goals, a number of student services, programs and activities are provided by the Student Affairs Office which is responsible for leadership, management and supervision of the operations of all departments within the Division. Counseling services, health services, intramural recreational programs, athletics, multicultural student programs, university housing, student activities, and disabled student services are coordinated by this office.

The Student Affairs Office administers the university's disciplinary code of rights, responsibilities and conduct and assures due process procedures for students accused of misbehavior. The university's Honor Code and disciplinary policy is administered by the Vice President/Dean of Students. The office also represents student interests and concerns to the faculty, staff and administration of Georgia College & State University.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Georgia College & State University provides a full range of counseling services free of charge to all Georgia College & State University students and limited services to faculty and staff. Services are designed to help students adjust to the college, understand themselves and others, and plan life goals. Personal counseling is available to help individuals deal with the stress and concerns that university students experience. Career counseling and inventories may be helpful to those who are undecided about a choice of major or career path. Educational counseling on such matters as study skills, time management and academic requirements is also available. Confidentiality is maintained, and test or interview results are released only by authorization of the student. Services to faculty and staff include consultation, presentations to classes and crisis intervention. Information is provided to assist individuals in assessing life interests. Group experiences, workshops, and seminars are offered to help students develop goals and achieve skills.

Counseling Services also works closely with Disabled Student Services and the university's Committee on Learning Accommodations to facilitate evaluations and appropriate accommodations for students with various disabilities.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

The purpose of Student Health Services is to provide for the maintenance of good health for currently enrolled students. Students eligible for treatment must complete a medical history questionnaire including an appropriate record of immunizations prior to registration. Outpatient medical care for the treatment of minor illnesses and accident-related injuries is available for students at the Health Service Facility on campus. Referrals are made to the local Oconee Regional Medical Center Emergency Room or to consultant specialists for more serious problems. In cases of serious illnesses and accidents, parents or guardians will be notified with the student's permission.

Nurse practitioners hold daily clinics, Monday through Friday. Other staff members include a board certified physician consultant, a medical assistant and a pharmacist.

The Health Services Office promotes the Wellness Concept as an educational process and life style for students. Health education information, designed to have a positive influence on students' health, behavior, and manner, is provided through the office.

WELLNESS SERVICES

Georgia College & State University's Wellness Services provides students, faculty, and staff with numerous educational activities and opportunities for life style enhancement. Information and resources are available in the areas of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental health. Seminars and workshops are offered on a range of wellness topics, such as sexual choices, fitness, smoking cessation, and alcohol awareness. Individual health counseling is also offered through the offices of Counseling Services and Student Health Services.

INTRAMURAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS

The Office of Intramural and Recreational Programs' purpose is twofold: to provide students with recreation opportunities and to enhance their development outside the classroom. The Intramural Office provides team as well as individual sports. Included also is the chance to compete in intramural sports events at a state level. In addition, students may participate in fencing, bowling, swimming, and rugby as club sports.

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Georgia College & State University has offered intercollegiate athletics since 1968. The purpose of the athletics program is to enrich the students' collegiate experience. Students are expected to place a priority on academics while participating in an athletic program, thus striving for excellence as students and as athletes.

Georgia College & State University fields National Collegiate Athletics Association Division II (NCAA II) teams in the following:

Women Men
Basketball Basketball
Fast-Pitch Softball Baseball
Tennis Tennis
Cross-Country Cross-Country
Golf

GCSU athletics teams compete in the Peach Belt Athletic Conference, one of the premier NCAA II athletics conferences in the nation. The PBAC is comprised of 12 universities from Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

The Bobcat and Lady Bobcat women's teams have enjoyed success in every sport. Men's basketball, baseball, golf and tennis, and women's softball and tennis have all earned trips to the national championships, while women's basketball is a top conference and regional program.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATION

Students who represent the university in intercollegiate athletic, musical, or dramatic activities must not be on academic probation.

MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS

The Office of Multicultural/Greek Affairs helps minority students resolve academic, personal, or career concerns through direct assistance or referral. The office helps new students identify and use the student services provided by the university, consults with minority student groups and organizations, and works for a better understanding of minority student culture and heritage. It sponsors intercultural associations, as well as minority student programs and events.

The Office of Greek Affairs is a unit of the Department of Multicultural Affairs. The office provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to enhance the quality of student organizations. It aids in the personal, educational and leadership development of all interested students through training workshops, conferences, organizational and leadership consultation, recognition and resources. The office currently provides service to eleven national Greek organizations, which are composed of four national Interfraternity Conference organizations, three National Panhellenic Conference organizations and four National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations.

There are six sororities and five fraternities recognized on campus. The Pan-Hellenic, Panhellenic, Interfraternity, and Greek Presidents Councils coordinate rush and other activities. The Greek Organizations on campus are:

Sororities--Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu and Zeta Phi Beta.

Fraternities--Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Pi Kappa Phi.

Further information may be obtained at the Greek Affairs Office.

UNIVERSITY HOUSING

The goal of the Department of University Housing is to provide a positive living-learning environment. Georgia College & State University provides six residence halls for student occupancy on campus. Rooms are assigned using a priority system based on date of application and payment of a deposit. A meal plan is required of all students who live in the residence halls. Students interested in information on residence hall living should write the Director of University Housing. Information and guidelines for living in the residence hall will be distributed to students upon check-in.

Only regularly enrolled students may live in the residence halls. When accepting a room assignment, the student agrees to abide by the rules and regulations established by the university, including carrying at least five academic hours each semester. Exceptions to the six-hour minimum requirement may be granted through the Department of University Housing.

Each residence hall is staffed by a Resident Director. All residence halls have one student on each floor who serves as the Resident Assistant (RA). The RA represents the Department of University Housing and is available to provide assistance and to enforce hall regulations.

REGULATIONS

Regulations pertaining to residence halls may be found in the housing contract and in the University Housing Student Handbook.

Although every precaution is taken to maintain adequate security, the university cannot assume the responsibility for loss or damage of student possessions.

Students are encouraged to lock their rooms and secure property insurance.

Rooms may be occupied only upon assignment; and all exchanges, transfers, and vacating of rooms must be approved by the Department of University Housing.

Most rooms are normally occupied by two persons. If one of the occupants vacates the room, the student remaining agrees to accept a roommate to move to another room, or to pay for a private room. The Department of University Housing reserves the right to make all final decisions on assignments. Private rooms are offered at an additional charge when space is available.

The residence halls close between semesters and on other dates as indicated in the official university calendar. The university is not responsible for personal property left during the times the halls are closed.

COUNCILS AND PROGRAMS

Each residence hall has a hall council which has responsibility for hall governance and the planning of recreational, social, educational, and cultural activities.

RESIDENCE HALL ACCOMMODATIONS

All spaces now feature computer connection to campus network.
Residence Hall Occupancy Level Males/Females Room and Bath Students* per Room Air Cond. TV Room Kitchen Laundry
Adams 149 Females/Males by Community Rooms w/floor Baths 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bell 188 Females Suites w/ Connecting Bath 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Napier A 196 Females/Males by Community Rooms w/ floor Baths 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Napier B 196 Females/Males by Community Rooms w/ floor Baths 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sanford 102 Males Suites w/ connecting baths & rooms w/ community baths 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Terrell 89 Females/Males by Community Rooms w/ Community Baths 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wells 116 Females/Males by Community Rooms w/ Floor Baths 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
*limited private rooms available.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES
The Office of Student Activities is responsible for the intentional promotion of student development by encouraging student self-appraisal, assisting students in acquiring the skills necessary to excel in all areas of their life, assisting students in developing effective social and leadership skills, and creating and encouraging involvement opportunities within the university. Student Activities offers programming that contributes to the university's mission of providing quality educational and co-curricular experiences, complementing the academic efforts in the classroom.

Georgia College & State University students may participate in a variety of activities which are coordinated or organized through this office. Such activities include concerts, drama productions, comedians, intramurals, movies, club sports, special interest groups, academic organizations, honor societies, and Greek organizations. The university provides a number of campus facilities for student uses described below.

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DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES


The Office of Disabled Student Services provides services and accommodations to disabled students.

POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES THAT AFFECT LEARNING

It is the policy of Georgia College & State University to provide accommodations to students identified as disabled in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the subsequent Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities that affect learning are served through the Georgia College & State University Committee on Learning Accommodations. Students who identify themselves as disabled through the admissions process are referred directly to this committee from the Office of Admissions and Records. However, faculty and staff who have reason to believe a student under their advisement or in their class has a disability that affects learning must refer this student to the Committee on Learning Accommodations. The purpose of this process is to permit Georgia College & State University to identify and accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.

The Committee on Learning Accommodations will make a determination that may result in further processing and decision making regarding possible accommodations required under University System of Georgia Policy and Federal law. A further referral may be made by the Committee on Learning Accommodations to the Board of Regents Testing Center at the University of Georgia.

Faculty and staff should contact Dr. Craig Smith, Chair, Georgia College & State University Committee on Learning Accommodations, Kilpatrick Education Center, Room 217 for information and help in addressing the needs of students with disabilities.

POLICY FOR ACCESS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Georgia College & State University is committed to the full and total inclusion of all individuals and to the principle of individual rights and responsibilities. To this end, policies and procedures will ensure that persons with a disability will not, on the basis of that disability, be denied full and equal access to academic and co-curricular programs or activities or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under programs or activities offered by Georgia College & State University.

This policy was developed to ensure equal access at Georgia College & State University for individuals with disabilities and to ensure full compliance with all pertinent federal and state legislation, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1992.

Definitions

For the purpose of clarification, the following terms will have the meanings outlined below:

Auxiliary Aids--includes but is not limited to Brailled and taped material, interpreters, and other aids for persons with impaired cognitive, sensory, motor, or speaking skills.

Modifications--includes but is not limited to the use of auxiliary aids in classroom settings; allowances for time and energy level considerations such as reduced courseloads; additional time for taking exams; substitutions of other acceptable assignments, courses, tests, or test formats when necessary to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities; also includes physical modifications such as ramps, elevators, lifts, curb cuts, etc.

Person with a Disability--means any person who has a physical or mental condition which substantially limits one or more major life activities or has a record of such a condition.

Physical disability--means any physical condition, anatomic loss, or cosmetic disfigurement which is caused by bodily injury, birth defect, or illness.

Mental disability--includes (1) developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, or any other neurological conditions; (2) an organic or mental condition that has substantial adverse effects on an individual's cognitive or volitional functions, such as central nervous system disorders; significant discrepancies among mental functions of an individual, including any mental or psychological disorder, such as head injury; emotional or mental illness; and specific learning disabilities. The term "mental disability" does not include active alcoholism or current drug addiction and does not include any mental condition, disease, or defect that has been successfully asserted by an individual as a defense to any criminal charge.

Major Life Activities--means functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and experiencing leisure.

Has a record of such condition--means that has a history of or is regarded as having a mental or physical condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Qualified Person with a Disability

  1. with respect to postsecondary services, a person with a disability who meets the academic and technical standards for admission or participation in the education program or activity given appropriate accommodations.

  2. with respect to any other program or activity, a person with a disability who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt from, that program or activity given appropriate accommodations.

Programs include but are not limited to:

Academic majors and degree plans, including coursework and practical; research; occupational training; housing; counseling; financial aid; physical education; athletics; recreation; transportation; student organizations; placement; and any other programs offered by the university.

The Board of Regents has established definitions and criteria for documentation of disorders which affect learning. Georgia College & State University will adhere to these definitions as delineated in Section 2.22 of the Academic Affairs Handbook.

Rights and Responsibilities

In order to ensure the full translation of this policy for access of individuals with disabilities into procedures, two important areas of rights and responsibilities have to be considered: (a) the right of the individual with a disability to be included on the basis of criteria that do not unfairly discriminate because of the disability and (b) the right of the university to set and maintain standards for admitting and evaluating the progress of students.

To assure full consideration of both areas, this section of the catalog outlines the rights and responsibilities of the university and the rights and responsibilities of students who have disabilities. The procedures that follow create a mechanism for dispute resolution for those instances in which the usual channels have not resulted in decisions that are acceptable to both the individual and the university's decision-making authorities.

Rights and Responsibilities of the University

Georgia College & State University recognizes that its basic responsibility is to identify and maintain the academic and technical standards that are fundamental to providing quality academic programs while ensuring the rights of individuals with disabilities. To meet this obligation, Georgia College & State University recognizes the following rights and responsibilities:

Rights:

  • GCSU has the right to identify and establish the abilities, skills, and knowledge necessary for success in its programs and to evaluate applicants and students on this basis;

  • GCSU has the right to identify and establish the abilities, skills, and knowledge that are fundamental to academic programs/courses and to evaluate each student's performance against these standards. Fundamental program and course standards are not subject to modifications;

  • GCSU has the right to request and receive documentation that supports request for modifications. The university has the right to deny a request if the documentation demonstrates that no modification is necessary, or if the individual fails to provide such documentation;

  • GCSU has the right to select among equally effective modifications for individuals with a disability;

  • GCSU has the right to refuse an unreasonable modification or one that imposes an undue hardship on the university.

    • Responsibility:

  • GCSU has the responsibility to ensure that its recruitment information and activities are available and accessible;

  • GCSU has the responsibility to evaluate applicants based solely on their abilities and qualifications. If an evaluation method of criterion unfairly discriminates against an applicant with a disability, the university will seek reasonable alternatives.

  • GCSU has the responsibility to ensure that all of its academic programs are accessible and usable;

  • GCSU has the responsibility to select and administer tests used to evaluate students so as to best ensure that test results accurately reflect aptitudes or competencies and do not discriminate against an individual with a disability. Tests designed to measure specific skills related to fundamental/essential course goals are allowable even when those skills are impacted by the disability.

  • GCSU has the responsibility to adjust, substitute or waive any academic requirements within Regents' policy which unfairly discriminate against students with disabilities and that are not essential to the integrity of students academic program;

  • GCSU has the responsibility to make reasonable modifications for a student with a disability in the delivery, instructional method, and evaluation system of a course;

  • GCSU has the responsibility to inform its applicants and students about the availability of auxiliary aids and the range of possible modifications as well as the procedures for requesting them. If a request for modification is denied, Georgia College & State University has the responsibility to inform the individual of his or her right to appeal the decision and the procedures for initiating an appeal.

    • Rights and Responsibilities of Individuals with Disabilities

    An individual with a disability has a right to an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs offered at Georgia College & State University. To ensure this right, individuals with disabilities at Georgia College & State University must identify themselves as disabled to Dr. Craig Smith, Chair, Georgia College & State University Committee on Learning Accommodations.

    Rights of individuals with disabilities:

  • Individuals with disabilities have the right to an equal opportunity to learn. They have a right to reasonable modifications in aspects of their educational experiences such as location, delivery system, or instructional methodologies that limit access, participation, or ability to benefit.

  • Individuals with disabilities have the right to an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the academic community. This includes access to services and co-curricular activities when reviewed in their entirety, which are comparable to those provided any other student;

  • Individuals with disabilities have the right to confidentiality of all information and have the right to choose to whom information about their disabilities will be disclosed;

  • Individuals with disabilities have the right to information regarding the availability of auxiliary aids and possible modifications as well as procedures for making requests for either;

  • Individuals with disabilities have the right to be informed of procedures for initiating an appeal of a decision by the institution regarding auxiliary aids or modifications;

  • Individuals with disabilities have the right to be informed of procedures for initiating further appeal of an institutional decision through external channels. This typically would be done through filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights or filing a case through the civil court system.

    • Responsibilities of individuals with disabilities:

  • Individuals with disabilities have the same responsibility as any other student to meet and maintain the institution's academic standards;

  • Individuals with disabilities have the responsibility to advocate for their own individual needs and to seek information, counsel, and assistance as necessary to be effective self advocates;

  • Individuals with disabilities have the responsibility to demonstrate or document how their disabilities limit their ability to benefit from a particular delivery system, instructional method, or evaluation criteria when they make a request for modification. The individual must provide documentation from an appropriate professional as required by Regents Policy;

  • Individuals with disabilities have the responsibility to follow published procedures for making such requests and to do so in a timely fashion;

  • Individuals with disabilities have the responsibility to follow published procedures for filing an appeal.

    • Procedures for Access

    Admissions

    Admission to Georgia College & State University is based on the requirements outlined in the university catalog. Admissions decisions are made to ensure that applicants with disabilities will not be subjected to discrimination in admissions on the basis of their disability. A prospective student who needs a modification in the admissions process should document such need when the application is requested or submitted. For those individuals who choose to identify their disabilities in the admissions process, the Admissions Office will provide assistance and accessible admissions material upon request.

    Auxiliary Aids of a Long-Term or Permanent Nature

    Georgia College & State University seeks to ensure that individuals with disabilities who can meet the academic and technical standards for admission are not excluded from full participation in the programs the university operates because of the absence of necessary auxiliary aids or reasonable modifications.

    Students with disabilities are expected to exercise initiative in identifying and obtaining auxiliary aids and assistance through every reasonable channel available to them. The primary role of the university in this effort should be informative/supportive of active self-advocacy on the part of the student. The coordinator of services for individuals with disabilities will serve as a resource in this process. The university has a responsibility to determine the necessity of aids and ensure that students are not denied the right to participate in programs, benefits, classes, or services because of the absence of reasonable and appropriate auxiliary aids that would make participation possible.

    Students who believe they will need auxiliary aids to participate fully in the activities inherent in their programs at Georgia College & State University should make those needs known as early as possible, preferably as soon as they have been admitted or determined to have a disability. These requests should be made through direct contact with the Chairman, Georgia College & State University Committee on Learning Accommodations. To expedite the process, requests should be accompanied by a written evaluation of the student's disability. For students with learning disabilities (LD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), this documentation must meet the criteria established by the Georgia Board of Regents.

    Course Modifications and Substitutions

    All students are expected to meet the essential requirements of their programs. Requests for course modifications and substitutions will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Students should report to Dr. Craig Smith, Chairman, Georgia College & State University Committee On Learning Accommodations, to obtain procedures for requesting modifications and substitutions.

    Course Modifications

    When the ADA supports course modifications, the Chairman of the Georgia College & State University Committee On Learning Accommodations will confer with the student to determine individualized modifications according to the student's specific disabilities and course requirements. Such modifications may require changes in the distribution and presentation of course material and in the evaluation of academic performance. The student will meet with the instructor to discuss implementation of the modifications. The Academic Adviser will assist as needed.

    Course Substitutions

    Courses may be substituted when the documentation supports a determination that the disability precludes learning a specific subject, that modifications would most likely be futile, and that the course is determined not to be essential to the student's program of study. The student, in consultation with the approved adviser, will select substitute courses from the approved list of courses or may petition the dean for approval of alternative substitutes. In the absence of an approved list, the degree granting unit will provide a list of acceptable substitutions.

    Appeals Process

    Georgia College & State University recognizes both the wide variation in the needs of students with disabilities and the variation in course contexts as students progress through their programs. When needs arise, the Chairman of the Georgia College & State University Committee on Learning Accommodations will, at the request of students, faculty, or staff, review the process by which the current modifications were determined and seek to revise the modifications. The dissatisfied party may file an appeal.

    Basis for Appeal

    Students may appeal on one of the following bases:

    1. The access plan does not represent a reasonable accommodation of their disability. The basis for such an appeal should be that their disability, in the absence of the requested alternatives or additional modifications, limits their full participation or their accurate evaluation in a specific activity, service, program, or course. The appeal must include a rationale for the requested additions or alternatives.

    2. A particular course or requirement is not essential to the integrity of the program of instruction being pursued. The basis for such an appeal should be that their disability, in the absence of the requested substitution, limits their full participation in the academic program. The appeal must include a rationale for the requested substitution.

    Faculty/Department Heads/Program Coordinators may appeal a student's access plan on the grounds that the modifications represent a fundamental alteration in a course, program, or service.

    Filing Appeals

    Students and instructors should make every effort to work together to implement modifications determined to be reasonable and appropriate.

    Appeals should be directed to:

    Dr. Craig Smith
    Chairman, Georgia College & State University Committee on Learning Accommodations
    Kilpatrick Education Center, Room 217

    These policies and procedures are subject to revision from time to time. Please refer to the Americans with Disabilities for the most recent version.

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    STUDENT NONACADEMIC GRIEVANCE OR
    APPEAL PROCESS

    POLICY STATEMENT

    Georgia College & State University recognizes the importance of providing a prompt and efficient procedure for fair and equitable resolutions of a nonacademic grievance or appeal. A nonacademic grievance or appeal alleges discrimination by a university employee on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, physical handicap/disability or involves personal behavior and/or University policy. Accordingly, students are encouraged to use the nonacademic grievance or appeal process without fear of prejudice or reprisal for initiating the process or participating in its resolution.

    DEFINITION

    A nonacademic grievance or appeal is an allegation by a student concerning (1) a university employee, (2) administrative policies, procedures, regulations or requirements of the university, (3) student employment, or (4) a university program, service or activity. Students shall have the right to file a grievance or appeal according to established procedures.

    PROCEDURES FOR NONACADEMIC GRIEVANCE OR APPEAL

    Following are the proper procedures for resolving a nonacademic grievance or appeal:

    1. The student shall submit a complaint in writing to the appropriate university official responsible for the action which forms the basis of the grievance or appeal. The complaint shall contain a clear and concise statement of the grievance or appeal, the remedies sought, and a request for a meeting with the involved person or persons. The complaint must be submitted within five days of the event unless there are extenuating circumstances.

    2. The respondent shall schedule a meeting with the student within ten class days of receipt of the written grievance or appeal to discuss the matter. A written reply by the respondent to the student, indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken, shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal.

    3. If the student is not satisfied with the results of the discussion and reply and wants the grievance or appeal to be considered further, the student shall appeal in writing to the respondent's supervisor to seek a resolution. This consultation must begin within ten class days after the conclusion of the discussion with the respondent. A written reply by the respondent's supervisor to the student, indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken, shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal.

    4. If the student is not satisfied after seeking consultation at the supervisor's level and wants the grievance or appeal to be considered further, the student shall appeal in writing to the secondary supervisor to seek a resolution. This consultation must begin within ten class days after the supervisor has completed consideration of the grievance or appeal. A written reply by the secondary supervisor to the student, indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken, shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal.

    5. If the student is not satisfied and wants the grievance or appeal to be considered further, the student shall appeal in writing to the next appropriate supervisor. This grievance or appeal must be filed within ten class days after the secondary supervisor has completed consideration of the grievance or appeal. A written reply by the next appropriate supervisor to the student, indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken, shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal.

    6. The decision of the President will become the final campus decision on the grievance or appeal. A written reply by the President to the student, indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken, shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal. The student and appropriate university officials shall be notified in writing of the decision within ten class days after the last consideration of the grievance or appeal.

    Students should be aware that their faculty adviser, the Office of Counseling Services, the Student Government Association, and the Office of Student Affairs may be resource areas whereby students may receive assistance on a grievance or appeal. The time limit may be extended upon approval of a written request submitted to the Vice President/Dean of Students.

    These policies and procedures are subject to revision from time to time. Please refer to the Student Handbook online at for the most recent version.

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    STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    Students are expected, under all circumstances, to show a proper respect for law and order, care of property, rights of others, and a sense of personal honor and integrity as is required of good citizens. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner becoming a university student. Students at GC&SU can expect that they will be treated with reason and respect, and that the faculty and staff of the university will act responsibly toward them. The university expects that students will employ reason to show respect to others and to take responsibility for their actions.

    Students who disregard the expectations placed upon them as good citizens subject themselves to the disciplinary process. Georgia College & State University has a policy on the standards and procedures for student nonacademic discipline. The policy acknowledges both the need to preserve the orderly processes of the University with regard to its teaching, research, and public service missions, as well as the need to observe the student's rights. While the rules and regulations of Georgia College & State University are not meant to duplicate general laws, there are some respects in which the lawful interests of the institution as an academic community coincide with the broader public interests treated in general laws. Students who commit offenses against the laws of municipalities, states, or the United States are subject to prosecution by those authorities and are liable for disciplinary action under Georgia College & State University rules.

    The Vice President/Dean of Students is the administrative official with primary responsibility for student discipline.

    Students accused of misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct may choose between an administrative hearing or a student judicial board hearing. Hearings of alleged violations of the University's Honor Code are heard by the Student Judicial Board. The administrative hearing will be one in which the Vice President/ Dean of Students chairs the case, and a staff panel determines guilt or innocence and imposes sanctions. The judicial board hearing will be conducted by the Student Judicial Board, chaired by a designated faculty adviser.

    Sanctions against a student judged guilty of misconduct could include oral or written reprimands, personal probation, revocation and/or limitation of privileges, restitution, probation, suspension or expulsion. A student may be temporarily suspended, pending final action on the charges, if potential harm to self or others is judged to exist. The student shall be afforded an opportunity for a preliminary hearing prior to temporary suspension.

    Further, the Vice President/Dean of Students shall have power to impose such temporary sanctions, including suspension, pending a hearing, when a student engages in conduct that materially and substantially interferes with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the university.

    IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES.

    These policies and procedures are subject to revision from time to time. Please refer to the Student Handbook online at for the most recent version.

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    STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS

    Notification of Rights under Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA)

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are as follows:

    1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.

      Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

    2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights.

      Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

      If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

    3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

      One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to a University official with legitimate educational interests. A University official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance Committee, or assisting another University official in performing his or her tasks. A University official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University discloses education records without a student's consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

    4. The right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the following categories of personally identifiable information as "directory information," which is not subject to the above restrictions on disclosure.

        a. Name, campus address, home address, telephone listing, and campus e-mail address
        b. State of residence
        c. Age, and date and place of birth
        d. Sex and marital status
        e. Name of adviser
        f. Name and address of parent(s)
        g. Major field of study, including the college, division, department, or program in which the student is enrolled
        h. Classification as a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student, or by number referring to such classes
        i. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
        j. Weight and height of member of athletic teams
        k. Dates of attendance and graduation, and degrees received
        l. The most recent educational institution attended
        m. Honors and awards received, including selection to a Dean=s list or honorary organization, and the grade point average of students selected
        n. Photographic, video, or electronic images of students taken and maintained by the University.

      Any student wishing to exercise this right must inform the University Registrar in writing, on or before the first day of classes of the academic year, of the categories of personally identifiable information which are not to be designated as directory information with respect to that student.

    5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure by GCSU to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are as follows:

      Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 600 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605

    For a FERPA Release Form, contact the GCSU Student Records Office, 107 Parks Hall, Campus Box 69, Milledgeville, GA 31061 or request a copy by phone, 478-445-6286.

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