ACADEMIC POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

THE SEMESTER SYSTEM

The University year is divided into two semesters (fall, spring) of approximately fifteen weeks each, as well as summer terms. Daytime classes generally meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday. Afternoon and evening classes may meet from one to two days a week.

SUMMER PROGRAM

The Georgia College & State University Milledgeville Campus offers a summer term in which courses may be taken in either the eight-week term, or two four week sessions, or three week Maymester. Courses are offered in all programs in both daytime and evening programs enabling students to pursue summer studies on either a fulltime or part-time basis. The summer program is designed to allow students to engage in continual study for the graduate degree, seek teacher certification, take refresher courses and pursue further study. For graduate students, programs are also offered in the summer in Macon and at the Robins Center.

CREDIT

Academic credit assigned to a subject is expressed in semester hours. A passing grade on a subject that requires three one-hour meetings a week (or the equivalent) for one semester earns three semester hours credit. A laboratory period of two to three hours is equivalent to one class hour. When a student exempts a course requirement at Georgia College & State University, the exemption includes only the subject matter, not the credit hours. The credit hours have to be made up by passing other non-exempt courses.

COURSE LOAD

A normal course load is 9 semester hours each semester. Students are encouraged to use their own judgment in deciding the course loads they will take each semester. The advice of the student's faculty adviser should be given serious consideration. Nine semester hours is considered a full-course load for graduate students and for Veteran's Certifications purposes. Students can only take 3 hours during the Maymester part of term.

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY

Although it is recognized that absences will sometimes be necessary, students are expected to attend classes regularly. It is the responsibility of students to be cognizant of their own record of absences and to consult the instructor regarding work missed. The decision to permit students to make up work rests with the instructor. At any time during the semester an instructor has the right to drop a student from the course and assign a grade of F for excessive absences when a student exceeds the number of allowable absences as specified in the instructor's attendance policy as distributed to the student in the instructor's course syllabus. If a student is representing the University in an official capacity, as verified on a list released from the Office of the Vice President/Dean of Faculties, the instructor for those absences will not penalize the student. However, students should consult their instructor before anticipated absences.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Any student whose institutional grade point average falls below 3.0 will received an academic warning. If the grade point average falls to or below the equivalent of 6 hours of uncompensated Cs, the student will be academically dismissed from the degree program. An uncompensated C is one letter grade below a B where there is not an A to bring the grade point average up to a 3.0. For example, one C without an A equals one uncompensated C; one D without an A would equal two uncompensated Cs. Academic credit towards a graduate degree will not be granted for any grade below a C. However, these grades will be used in determining the institutional grade point average for courses that have not been repeated. For the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, please refer to the degree program section of the catalog for grade requirements.

A student who has been academically dismissed and wants to be considered for readmission to a program must petition the degree graduate coordinator and be approved by the Dean of the school in which the program resides. In order to be considered for admission into a different degree program, the student must petition the degree graduate coordinator and be approved by the Dean of the school in which the program resides.

GRADE AVERAGES

Policies of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia state:

Regents Cumulative Grade-Point Average. The regents cumulative grade-point average in each institution of the University System of Georgia will be calculated by dividing the number of hours scheduled in all courses attempted in which a grade of A, B, C, D, F, or WF has been received into the number of grade points earned on those hours scheduled. The regents' cumulative grade-point average will be reflected on the transcript. Institutional credit shall in no way affect the regents' cumulative grade-point average.

Each institution for internal uses as may be required may compute other averages.

Georgia College & State University calculates three averages each semester. One is the term average, based upon all work attempted in a particular semester. The second is the regents cumulative average, as defined in the above statement from Regents' regulations. The third is the institutional average, which is described below and is used to determine academic standing and graduation average.

INSTITUTIONAL GRADE-POINT AVERAGE

Georgia College & State University uses the institutional average. Under the institutional average, students may repeat a course or courses and have only the last grade earned count toward the institutional grade point average and will receive credit for the last attempt of the course. The institutional average is the basis for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation. The institutional average applies to all students. The institutional average became effective with the fall quarter, 1993; the policy is retroactive and all students who are currently matriculated or who have yet to graduate from Georgia College & State University are eligible for the calculation of the institutional average. The decision to use the institutional average for purposes other than academic standing and graduation is covered in other sections of this catalog. Students should be aware that when transferring to other institutions or when making application for graduate school, most receiving institutions make admission decisions based on the regents' cumulative grade point average. The institutional grade point average is for internal use at Georgia College & State University and is based on 5000-7999 level courses.

METHODS FOR DETERMINING STUDENT ACADEMIC STANDING

A student's academic standing is determined by the institutional grade-point average at the end of each semester. Equating letter grades earned at Georgia College & State University to the following numerical code computes the grade-point average:

Each point represents a quality point earned per semester hour credit. Total quality points are determined by multiplying the number of points awarded for the grade in the course (a student who receives an A in a three-hour course would earn twelve quality points for work in that course). It should be noted that students may earn credit through wellness activities, internships, student teaching and similar experiences which generate grades of either S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). When an S (satisfactory) grade is earned for courses in which credit toward graduation is received, the credit will be counted but there will be no quality points given. The institutional grade average will thus be determined by the total quality points for those courses in which A through F & WF grades were given divided by the number of credit hours in which those grades were given. Students may repeat courses under the institutional average as described above. In the calculation of the institutional average only the last grade earned will count toward the institutional grade-point average.

The following symbols are used in the cases indicated, but they are not included in the determination of the grade-point average.

Note: registering in a subsequent semester for a course in which an I has been received will not remove the I in the regents cumulative average. As noted in the policy above, the symbol I will be changed to the grade of F.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Currently enrolled students and new and returning fully accepted students, without holds, may register for the upcoming term online at http://paws.gcsu.edu. Online registration instructions, including information on viewing holds, are available on the PAWS info page at http://paws.gcsu.edu. Click on "Student Web Registration Instructions". See the University calendar for designated registration dates.

Currently enrolled students and new and returning fully accepted students, with holds, may register for the upcoming term by meeting with their adviser or through Office of the Registrar with a signed Schedule Planning Sheet during the designated Schedule Planning and Registration period each term. Each adviser will post a list of available times on the office door, and students are expected to keep these appointments. See the University calendar for designated registration dates.

New, returning, and currently enrolled students who do not take advantage of the Schedule Planning and Registration period will register for classes during late registration.

ADDING COURSES

A student may add courses to the schedule for a period of three class days after late registration during Fall and Spring semesters (for a period of two days after late registration during the Summer semester and for a period of one day after late registration during Maymester). Students without holds may add classes via the web or by submitting a Course Change Card to the Office of the Registrar for processing during this period. Students with an adviser hold must obtain approval from their faculty adviser to add a class. Classes may be added by your advisor via the web or by submitting a signed Course Change Card to the Office of the Registrar for processing during this period. Changing course sections does not require the approval of the adviser when using the Course Change Card.

Adding courses after the add period requires submitting a Course Change Card to the Office of the Registrar. The approval of the Chairperson, adviser, and the instructor are required on the card. No credit will be awarded in any course for which a student is not properly registered.

DROPPING COURSES

A student may drop courses from the schedule for a period of five class days after late registration during Fall and Spring semesters (for a period of two days after late registration during the Summer semester and for a period of one day after late registration during Maymester). Students without holds may drop classes with via the web or by submitting a Course Change Card to the Office of the Registrar for processing. Students with holds may drop courses by submitting a Course Change Card to the Office of the Registrar for processing. No approval is required on the Course Change Card to drop a course during this time period.

Students attending classes that do not meet until after the published drop/add dates are allowed 24 hours following their first class meeting to adjust their course load.

After the drop period, but on or before the last day to drop a course without academic penalty (unless previously assigned an 'F' by the professor for excessive absences), students may drop courses by submitting the Course Change Card to the Office of the Registrar. Approval of the instructor and faculty adviser are required.

A student, who drops a course after the last day to drop a course without academic penalty (unless previously assigned an 'F' by the professor for absences), will receive a grade of 'WF' (Withdrew Failing) for each course being carried at the time of withdrawal. However, with the approval of the class instructor, the student may petition the Dean of the school in which the student will be advised for a 'W' (Withdrew) or 'I' (Incomplete) if the drop is due to nonacademic extenuating circumstances and the student is passing all courses at the time of withdrawal. Supporting documentation will be maintained by the Dean's office.

The timing of dropping a course in order to avoid academic penalty is the responsibility of the student. Deadlines are published in the University calendar.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY

To withdraw from the University, a student must report to the Office of the Registrar to complete a Withdrawal Request. Failure to withdraw officially will result in the grade of 'F' in all courses.

A student who withdraws from the University either temporarily or permanently at any time after the last day to drop a course without academic penalty (unless previously assigned an 'F' by the professor for excessive absences) will receive a grade of 'WF' (Withdrew Failing) for each course being carried at the time of withdrawal. However, with the approval of the class instructor, the student may petition the Dean of the School in which the student will be advised for a 'W' (Withdrew) or 'I' (Incomplete) if the withdrawal is due to nonacademic extenuating circumstances and the student is passing all courses at the time of withdrawal. Supporting documentation will be maintained by the Dean's office.

The timing of withdrawals in order to avoid academic penalty is the responsibility of the student. Deadlines are published in the University calendar.

INVOLUNTARY MEDICAL WITHDRAWAL POLICY

A student may be administratively withdrawn from the University and/or from University housing when, in the judgment of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and a professional member of the University's Health Services or Counseling Services staff, it is determined that the student's physical, mental, emotional or psychological health:

1. poses a significant danger or threat of physical harm to the student or to the person or property of others; or
2. causes the student to interfere with the rights of other members of the University community or with the exercise of any proper activities or functions of the University or its personnel.

Except in emergency situations, a student shall, upon request, be accorded a meeting with a University official or a hearing prior to a final decision concerning his or her continued enrollment at the University. If the student requests a hearing on such a matter, the Georgia College & State University Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students shall appoint a hearing body, consisting of students and faculty.

AUDITING COURSES FOR NON-CREDIT

Any student may audit any course with the permission of the instructor. Audited courses will not be counted, as part of the normal course load and no grades will be awarded. Instructors may set special conditions for students who audit their courses. Audited courses will be designated by a V and will be considered in fee assessment. Auditing a course will not prevent a student from taking the course for credit at a later time. Students must register as an audit student and pay regular matriculation and fees. Changes from audit to credit or vice-versa cannot be made after the last day to add courses.

CREDIT FOR ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL

Georgia College & State University has been designated as an institutional member of Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a group of over 400 colleges and universities providing voluntary postsecondary education to members of the military. As a SOC member, Georgia College & State University recognizes the unique nature of the military lifestyle and is committed to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and experiences. SOC has been developed jointly by educational representatives of each of the Armed Services, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and a consortium of thirteen leading national higher education associations; it is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for a graduate degree at Georgia College & State University it is the student's responsibility to know and satisfy the following requirements:

1. Fulfill the departmental requirements for the degree chosen. These requirements are described in the degree programs section of this catalog.
2. Present a written application for the degree on the form available in the Office of the Registrar, 107 Parks Hall, by the dates indicated in the Official University Calendar.
3. A graduate student must have an institutional average of B (3.0 GPA) and a B average (3.0 GPA) in the degree program. Only grades in courses numbered 5000 - 7999 shall be counted in a student's institutional grade point average. Courses in which the student has earned less than a C cannot be counted for degree credit. The Georgia College & State University Permanent Record will reflect an institutional average of all work attempted at the University once a student enters a graduate classification.
4. A student planning to use transfer work to qualify for a degree must have official transcripts submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the beginning of the semester immediately preceding graduation exercises.
5. Students may graduate in absentia provided they submit written notice to the Office of the Registrar of their intention to do so at least seven days before the date of commencement.
6. Georgia College & State University reserves the right to refuse to forward transcripts for any student who has an unsatisfactory conduct record or who is in financial arrears to the University.
7. Students enrolled in degree programs requiring a thesis or final research paper must deposit the approved unbound original and one bound copy of their work in the Library and Instructional Technology Center. Other copies of the thesis or final research paper may be required by the department in which the major work has been done.

APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION

Each applicant for a graduate degree from Georgia College & State University must make formal application for graduation by the deadline in the official University calendar for the term the student plans to graduate. This application is submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the applicant. The degree program coordinator approves the applicant's plan to graduate.

Any student who is unable to complete final requirements for graduation after formally applying for a degree will be ineligible to graduate. Students will be notified if graduation requirements are not completed and will be required to resubmit the application for graduation for a future semester.

COMMENCEMENT

The University holds one formal commencement each Spring. Students graduating during the Spring semester, Maymester, and Summer semester may participate in the Spring ceremony. Students graduating during the Fall semester will participate in the following May ceremony. Diplomas are mailed following graduation each semester. Graduating students are responsible for maintaining a current permanent home address or informing the Office of the Registrar of a diploma mailing address. Refer to the dates in the on-line University Calendar or the graduation section on the Office of the Registrar website for deadlines for applying for degrees.

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 GCSU 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 the 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 for Student Affairs/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 for Student Affairs/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 /student_affairs/student_handbook for the most recent version.

THE HONOR CODE

All students are expected to abide by the requirements of the Georgia College & State University Honor Code as it applies to all academic work at the University. Failure to abide by the Honor Code will result in serious penalties.

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 GCSU (the Honor Code, however, is applicable to all students who matriculate at GCSU).

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, plagiarism, and vandalism. When a violation of the Honor Code is detected, a student should take steps to bring the matter to the attention of the Judicial Council or the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

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.

"Vandalism" is defined as intentional, malicious damage to University property or property belonging to others.

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. Amended by Student Government Association, February 2001.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

GENERAL STATEMENT

Georgia College & State University may discipline a student in nonacademic matters. This normally involves matters which occur on the GCSU campus or at GCSU-sponsored events, but may be extended to off-campus matters which could reasonably be expected to impact the GCSU community. Repeated off-campus arrests generally result in GCSU judicial charges as well as criminal charges. 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 GCSU Honor Code, which addresses lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and vandalism. All residence hall students are expected to adhere as well to the contract terms and stipulations listed in the University Housing Handbook for Residence Hall students and The Village residents. Students are subject to disciplinary action for violating the following Code of Conduct:

1. Conduct that violates local, state, or Federal laws or GCSU regulations regarding alcohol and other drugs.
2. Conduct that constitutes a danger to the personal safety of other members of the university community. This may include assault, attempted assault, or the threat of assault.
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 University provisions concerning parking, traffic, ID cards, University keys, 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 GCSU judicial body.

STUDENT ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

1. Policy Statement

   Georgia College & State University acknowledges the need to preserve an orderly process with regard to teaching, research, and public service, as well as the need to preserve and monitor students' academic rights and responsibilities. Since the primary goal of education is to increase one's own knowledge, academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at Georgia College & State University. Possible consequences of academic dishonesty, depending on the seriousness of the offense, may range from a revision of assignment, an oral reprimand, a written reprimand, an F or a zero for grade work, removal from the course with a grade of F, to suspension or exclusion from the University.

   Academic dishonesty includes the following examples, as well as similar conduct aimed at making false representation with respect to academic performance:

   1. Cheating on an examination;
   2. Collaborating with others in work to be presented, contrary to the stated rules of the course;
   3. Plagiarizing, including the submission of others' ideas or papers (whether purchased, borrowed, or otherwise obtained) as one's own. When direct quotations are used in themes, essays, term papers, tests, book reviews, and other similar work, they must be indicated; and when the ideas of another are incorporated in any paper, they must be acknowledged, according to a style of documentation appropriate to the discipline;
   4. Stealing examination or course materials;
   5. Falsifying records, laboratory results, or other data;
   6. Submitting, if contrary to the rules of a course, work previously presented in another course;
   7. Knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above, including assistance in an arrangement whereby any work, classroom performance, examination, or other activity is submitted or performed by a person other than the student under whose name the work is submitted or performed.

      Students accused of academic dishonesty may appeal through the student academic dishonesty procedures in effect at Georgia College & State University.

2. Procedures for Academic Misconduct Appeal
   1. Informal conference

      A student accused of academic dishonesty shall first participate in an informal conference with the instructor. If an informal conference, designed to explore academic dishonesty with the instructor and the student, does not end in satisfactory resolution, the following procedures for an academic misconduct appeal will apply. Options at the conclusion of an informal conference may include the following: a revision of assignment, an oral reprimand, a written reprimand, an F or 0 for the graded work or an F for the course, and/or referral to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students in accordance with paragraph II (F).

   2. Formal conference

      If the student is dissatisfied with the results of the informal conference, the student must state in writing to the instructor his/her dissatisfaction within ten class days following the informal conference. The instructor shall schedule a formal conference within ten class days of the informal conference or receipt of the student's written complaint. The Vice President/Dean of Faculties may extend the ten class-day period in unusual circumstances. The purpose of the formal conference shall be to review the evidence against the student, to review the evidence and argument presented by the student in his/her defense, and to review the appropriateness of the penalty which may be imposed by the instructor. The instructor and the student may both be accompanied at the formal conference by a student, faculty member or staff member of their choice.

   3. Notice

      At least five class days in advance of the formal conference, the instructor shall inform the student in writing of the alleged offense and of the facts or conduct on which the allegation is based. The student shall be informed of the date, time, and place of the formal conference. This notice shall be served on the student in person or by certified return-receipt requested mail and shall be accompanied by a copy of the Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedures.

   4. Academic penalties imposed by the instructor

      The instructor may give the student a revision of assignment, an oral reprimand, a written reprimand, an F or 0 for the graded work or an F for the course. An academic penalty may or may not be imposed where the student's own academic performance was not affected, such as in the following instances: (1) the student assisted another student to engage in academic dishonesty, (2) the student stole a copy of an examination, and the theft was discovered before the exam so that the student did not take the exam. In such cases, if the student is enrolled in the course, the instructor may impose the penalties permitted by this section, or if the student is not enrolled in the course, the instructor may refer the matter to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

   5. Instructor's decision

      If after the formal conference, the instructor believes that the student has not violated the Academic Dishonesty Policy, he/she shall so inform the student in writing within five class days. If the instructor believes that the student has violated the Academic Dishonesty Policy he/she shall inform the student of his/her decision in writing with a copy to his/her supervisor; such decisions shall be served in person or by mail and shall include: (1) a full explanation of the facts on which the instructor's conclusions were based; (2) specifications of the penalty or penalties imposed; (3) further action in the case, if any, which the instructor has recommended; and (4) notice that the decision may be appealed to the instructor's supervisor.

   6. Referral to VP/Dean of Students

      If the instructor believes that the student should be considered for nonacademic disciplinary sanctions, including but not limited to suspension or expulsion of the student from the school, college or University, the instructor may request that the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students proceed in accordance with the University's nonacademic disciplinary procedures. In such event, the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students shall receive and maintain copies of all correspondence and final decisions on academic misconduct. If the instructor concludes that the conduct in question may constitute a violation of the Honor Code or the Student Code of Conduct, but (1) does not constitute academic dishonesty as defined in this policy, or (2) does constitute academic dishonesty but cannot be sufficiently addressed by an academic sanction under this policy, then the instructor shall request that the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students proceed in accordance with the University's nonacademic disciplinary procedures; in this event, the instructor shall forward in the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students all documentation and correspondence regarding the accusation.

   7. Appeal from the instructor's decision

      The instructor's decision to impose an academic sanction may be appealed to the instructor's appropriate supervisor, either as to the issue of whether the student did engage in conduct as alleged or as to the penalty or penalties. Appeals shall be in writing and must be filed with the office or person designated within 10 class days of the instructor's decision. While such appeal is pending, the penalty or penalties shall be stayed and no grade assigned for the course. If the student does not file an appeal within ten class days of the instructor's decision, the instructor's decision shall become final. If the instructor's decision is affirmed in whole or in part, the supervisor (if the instructor has not done so) may request that the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students proceed in accordance with the University's nonacademic disciplinary procedures.

   8. Appeal from the supervisor's decision

      The supervisor's decision may be appealed within 10 class days by either party to the appropriate Dean of the School or College who may refer it to an appropriate academic misconduct hearing committee for review and recommendation. The committee shall act within the bylaws of the school or college in which the alleged violation occurred. The committee must include student representation.

      1. Jurisdiction. The committee shall hear appeals of the supervisor's decision.
      2. Penalty. The penalty recommended to the Dean of the School or College by the appropriate committee may exceed the penalty imposed by the instructor. Further, the committee may modify the academic penalty imposed by the instructor. If the instructor's decision is affirmed in whole or in part, the Dean (if neither the instructor nor the supervisor has done so) may request that the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students proceed in accordance with the University's nonacademic disciplinary procedures. If the committee finds that no violation of the Academic Dishonesty Policy occurred, and if the Dean concurs, the instructor shall eliminate any academic penalty which was based on the alleged academic misconduct.
   9. Appeal from the Dean of the School or College

      The Dean's decision may be appealed by either party to the Vice President/Dean of Faculties within 10 class days of the decision of the Dean.

   10. Appeal from the Vice President/Dean of Faculties

       The Vice President/Dean of Faculties' decision may be appealed by either party to the President of Georgia College & State University within ten class days of the decision of the Vice President/Dean of Faculties. The President's decision on Academic Dishonesty shall be the final decision on the Georgia College & State University campus.

3. Notice to Students

   Georgia College & State University shall publish the Academic Dishonesty Policy in the current catalog and/or Student Handbook.

STUDENT ACADEMIC APPEALS PROCESS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

POLICY STATEMENT

Any student or former student of Georgia College & State University has the right of timely petition. Petitions are available from the Dean of the appropriate school and are to be used by the student, in consultation with the faculty adviser, to remedy undue hardships and specific inequities that may adversely affect the student's ability to fulfill the academic requirements of the University. Petitions must be used to secure approval of special agreements between faculty and students on academic matters and to provide for emergency situations caused by unforeseen complications in fulfilling academic requirements. Petitions to be effective must have the approval of the appropriate University official's name on the petition.

DEFINITION

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 following procedures approved by the University.

PROCEDURES FOR ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE OR APPEAL

Following are the proper procedures for resolving academic grievances or appeals:

1. The student shall petition in writing the appropriate academic or administrative official responsible for the action which forms the basis of the grievance or appeal. The petition 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.
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.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the results of the discussion 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.
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.
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 vice president for academic affairs. This grievance or appeal must be filed within ten class days after the secondary supervisor has completed consideration of the grievance or appeal. The decision of the vice president for academic affairs will become the final decision of the academic grievance or appeal at the institution. A clear statement of the reasons for the decision shall accompany the decision as to the resolution of the grievance or appeal. The student and appropriate University officials shall be notified in writing of the decision within ten class days after 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 Academic Affairs are resource areas where students may receive assistance.

The time limit for a grievance or appeal may be extended upon approval of a written request to the vice president for academic affairs.

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 10 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 for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

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

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, 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.

   While FERPA rights cease upon the death of a student, the Georgia College & State University policy will not release educational records of a deceased student, unless specifically authorized by the executor/executrix of the deceased, or

   next of kin.

4. The right to refuse to permit the designation of the following categories of personally identifiable information as "directory information," which is not subject to the above restrictions on disclosure.
   1. Name
   2. Date of birth
   3. Major field of study
   4. Student classification; freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student
   5. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
   6. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
   7. Dates of attendance and graduation
   8. Degrees and awards received
   9. Visual images of students used in University publications and media in which individual students are not identified.

      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 Office of the Registrar, 107 Parks Hall, Campus Box 69, Milledgeville, GA 31061 or request a copy by phone, (478) 445-6286.