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STC Regulations

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Student Conduct Code
Student Disciplinary Procedure
Student Grievance Policy and Procedures
Academic Appeals
Academic Misconduct
Academic Probation
Academic Suspension
Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students Procedure
Record Retention
Tobacco Policy
Acceptable Computer and Internet Use Policy
Student Right to Know
Where to Find Student Right to Know (SRTK) Information

Student Conduct Code

The mission of Sandersville Technical College (STC) is to provide learner-centered and high-quality services, courses, and programs through both distance and traditional delivery methods. To fulfill this mission, STC must provide opportunities for intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. STC students assume an obligation to act in a manner compatible with the fulfillment of the mission. STC recognizes its responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to growth. With these principles in mind, STC establishes this Student Code of Conduct.

Proscribed Conduct

  1. Jurisdiction of STC

    Generally, STC jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct which occurs on STC premises, off-campus classes, activities or functions sponsored by STC, the STC Foundation, Inc., or student organizations, or which adversely affects the STC community and/or the pursuit of its objectives.

  2. Conduct Rules and Regulations

    Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the STC Procedure: Student Disciplinary.

    1. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
      1. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty.
      2. Furnishing false information to any STC official, faculty member or office.
      3. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any STC document, record, or instrument of identification.
      4. Tampering with the election of any STC recognized student organization.
    2. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other STC activities, including its public-service functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-STC activities.
    3. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, coercion and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
    4. Unauthorized entry to STC, attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of STC or property of a member of the STC community or other personal or public property.
    5. Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization.
    6. Failure to comply with directions of STC officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
    7. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to STC premises or unauthorized entry to or use of STC premises.
    8. Violation of published Technical College System of Georgia or STC policies, rules or regulations including, but not limited to, rules imposed upon students who enroll in a particular class or program.
    9. Violation of Federal, state or local law.
    10. Use, possession or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law.
    11. Use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by the law and STC regulations, or public intoxication.
    12. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on STC premises.
    13. Participation in a campus demonstration that disrupts the normal operations of STC or STC Foundation, Inc. and infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus. The dissemination on campus of publications, which do not bear the name of the originator or which are not disseminated in accordance with College rules and regulations is prohibited.
    14. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on STC premises or at STC sponsored or supervised functions.
    15. Conduct that is unbecoming to a student, including but not limited to, conduct that is disorderly, lewd (including profane verbal or body language), or indecent; a breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on STC premises or at other locations where classes, activities, or functions sponsored or participated in by STC may be held.
    16. Computer Usage: STC encourages the use and application of information technology to support research, instruction, and the mission of the College. STC has developed a standard of behavior when using the College’s computer equipment and networks. Using a computer without permission is theft of services and is illegal under state and Federal law. Computer access is a privilege and not a right.
      1. Entering an account, file, or network to use, read, send, transfer, change or delete the contents, or for any other purpose.
      2. Using another individual’s computer account.
      3. Granting another individual access to your account.
      4. Loading, downloading, modifying or reconfiguring programs or files in violation of copyright laws;
      5. Using computer facilities and the web to link, send, receive, view, or print obscene, sexually explicit language or images, abusive, derogatory or harassing messages.
      6. Displaying, transmitting, distributing or making available information that expresses hate towards a particular individual or group of individuals.
      7. Using computer facilities for profit, non-profit, or commercial gain or to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or STC official.
      8. Using computer facilities for any purpose that could be seen as a violation of Federal, State, or Local laws.
      9. Using computer facilities to interfere with the normal operations of the College’s computer system and connecting networks.
      10. Misleading transmittal of names or trademarks (falsely identifying yourself or falsely claiming to speak for a person or organization by using their name, trademark, logo, or seal).
      11. To create, install, or knowingly transmit a computer virus.
      12. To conduct any activity or solicitation for political or religious causes.
      13. Users should not expect files to be private. It is possible to trace all links to the web. STC reserves the right to monitor and record the usage of all computer resources.
    17. Abuse of the Judicial System, including but not limited to:
      1. Failure to obey the summons of a judicial body or Technical College official.
      2. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial body.
      3. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.
      4. Initiating a judicial proceeding knowingly without cause.
      5. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the judicial system.
      6. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body prior to, and/or during the course of, the judicial proceeding.
      7. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial body, a witness or a complainant prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.
      8. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.
      9. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system.
    18. Use of tobacco products on STC campuses and vehicles operated by the College is not permitted. STC is a tobacco-free campus.
    19. STC trains for professions, therefore, certain types of clothing are not acceptable. Students are not permitted to wear dirty or ragged clothing. The length of shorts, dresses, or skirts will be no shorter than the bottom of the person’s longest fingertips when arms are extended to the side. The wearing of distracting clothing include but are not limited to the following: showing undergarments, wearing clothing with cut outs, tank-top style shirts, mesh shirts (see-through), and wearing halter tops, tube tops, or shirts with offensive, obscene, or abusive language. These styles are not permitted anywhere on campus. Dress should at all times be neat (no cut-offs unless hemmed or rolled up), clean, conservative (loose fitting), and in good taste. At no time will exposed midriffs be allowed. Students at all times should observe generally accepted hygiene practices, neatness of appearance, good grooming, and safety. Many programs have a more restrictive dress policy that governs students class attendance and clinical/practicums settings.
    20. Student Organizations: i) the operation of a student organization not approved by STC administration is prohibited; ii) the operation of a student organization meeting or event without supervision of the faculty advisor is prohibited; iii) the participation in functions on the local, state, or national level not sponsored by a faculty advisor is prohibited.
    21. Students shall not eat or drink inside any area of buildings other than designated areas. Students are expected to clean their own tables by disposing of refuse in garbage receptacles.
    22. Minimum classroom regulations:
      1. Students will exercise all safety precautions given by the instructor regarding the use of supplies, tools, and equipment. Students are not to use any equipment except under the supervision of the instructor. It is desirable that no accidents occur; however, should an accident occur, regardless of how minor, the student shall report it to the instructor immediately. Instructors will make an accident report to the appropriate director. All students will assist in maintaining safe working/learning conditions by notifying their instructors of any hazardous conditions that exist or any unsafe practices being conducted.
      2. Each instructor has individual procedures for the security of equipment, tools, and supplies. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the procedures of their department and put forth every effort to assure that it is carried out.
      3. Every class is required to clean up their training area at the conclusion of the period. Every instructor will have a routine for this activity and students will carry out their share of this duty with a cooperative attitude. In addition to good housekeeping in the training area, every student will practice good housekeeping throughout the buildings and grounds.
    23. Gambling at STC is prohibited.
    24. Students should not bring children on campus for extended periods of time.
    25. All individuals must be registered for courses they are attending. All visitors to a classroom must be pre-approved.
    26. Students Vehicle Usage: Students are permitted to have automobiles on campus. Vehicular use on any STC campus or at any STC function is a privilege not a right.
      1. Students are prohibited from driving STC vehicles except in the case of the Commercial Truck Driving program.
      2. Parking Code: There are specific areas for student parking, and all students are required to park their vehicles in these areas. Parking along the thoroughfares or in the grass is prohibited. Students are not to park in reserved or visitor spaces. Students must have a “handicap decal” to park in handicapped spaces. Regular and handicapped parking spaces are available at all buildings. Failure to observe this parking code may result in the vehicle being towed away at the owner’s expense.
      3. Operation: Automobiles operated on the campus are to proceed at a rate of no more than fifteen miles per hour (15 MPH).
      4. Repair: Students are not permitted to perform extensive repairs on automobiles in the College parking lot.
    27. Any program or department may have rules and/or regulations in addition to those in the Code. Students and visitors are subject to the department’s rules and regulations in addition to this Code.

Responsibility

The Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs has the overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented.

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Sandersville Technical College Student Disciplinary Procedure

The administration of Sandersville Technical College (STC) reserves the right to maintain a safe and orderly educational environment for students and staff. Therefore, when, in the judgment of college officials, a student’s conduct disrupts or threatens to disrupt the College community, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to restore and protect the atmosphere of collegiality and mutual respect on campus. This procedure is intended to provide an orderly protocol for handling student disciplinary cases in accordance with the principles of due process and justice.

Definitions

  1. The term “Technical College” means STC.
  2. The term “Student” includes all persons taking courses at STC, both full-time and part-time. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the College are considered “students.”
  3. The term “Faculty Member” means any person hired by STC to conduct teaching service or research activities.
  4. The term “College Official” includes any person employed by STC, performing assigned administrative responsibilities.
  5. The term “Member of the College Community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, college official or any other person employed by STC.
  6. The term “College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by STC (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).
  7. The term “Student Organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for STC recognition.
  8. The term “Judicial Body” means any person or persons authorized by the President of STC to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code or other regulations and to recommend imposition of sanctions.
  9. The term “Judicial Advisor” means a College official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the President to impose sanctions upon students found to have violated the Student Code. The President may authorize a Judicial Advisor to serve simultaneously as a Judicial Advisor and the sole member or one of the members of a Judicial Body. Nothing shall prevent the President from authorizing the same Judicial Advisor to impose sanctions in all cases. Unless otherwise noted, the “Judicial Advisor” of STC is the Student Disciplinary Officer.
  10. The term “Appellate Board” means any person or persons designated by the President to consider an appeal from a Judicial Body’s determination that a student has violated the Student Code, other regulations, or from the sanctions imposed by the Judicial Advisor. The President may serve as the Appellate Board.
  11. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.
  12. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.
  13. The term “policy” is defined as the written regulations of STC as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, Students Handbook(s), STC Catalog, the STC Policy Manual, and the Policy Manual approved by the State Board for the Technical College System of Georgia.
  14. The term “System” means the Technical College System of Georgia.
  15. The term “business days” means, for disciplinary purposes, weekdays that the College administrative offices are open.
  16. The term “Continuing Relationship” means any person who has been enrolled as a student and may enroll in the future as a student at STC.
  17. The term “Academic Misconduct” means any incident involving as any act which improperly affects the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement (i.e. cheating, plagiarism, etc).
  18. The term “Student Disciplinary Officer” refers to the person designated by the President to administer this procedure.

A. Filing A Complaint

  1. Any member of the College community may file a complaint with the Student Disciplinary Officer against any student for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The individual(s) initiating the action must complete a Student Code of Conduct Complaint Form, and forward it directly to the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee.
  2. Investigation and Decision
    1. Within 5 business days after the complaint is filed, the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee shall complete a preliminary investigation of the incident, and schedule a meeting with the student against whom the complaint was filed in order to discuss the incident and the charges. In the event that additional time is necessary, the student will be notified. After discussing the complaint with the student, the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee shall determine whether the student is guilty of the alleged conduct, and whether the alleged conduct constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. If the student fails to appear at the meeting, he or she will be considered guilty and the appropriate actions will be taken.
    2. In the event that a complaint alleges violations of the Student Code of Conduct by more than one student, each student’s disciplinary proceeding, as well as any appeals relating to that proceeding, shall be conducted individually.
    3. If the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee determines that the student is guilty of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, he/she shall impose one or more disciplinary sanctions consistent with those described below. If the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee determines that the alleged conduct did not occur, or that the conduct was not a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, he/she shall not impose any disciplinary sanctions on the student and the investigation shall be closed.

B. Disciplinary Sanctions

  1. After a determination that a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee may impose one or more of the following sanctions:
    1. Restitution – A student who has committed an offense against property may be required to reimburse the College or other owner for damage to or misappropriation of such property. Any such payment in restitution shall be limited to the actual cost of repair or replacement.
    2. Reprimand – A written reprimand may be given any student. Such a reprimand does not restrict the student in any way, but it signifies to the student that he/she is in effect being given another chance to conduct himself/herself as a proper member of the College community, and that any further violation may result in more serious sanctions.
    3. Restriction – A restriction upon a student’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. This restriction may include but is not limited to denial of the right to represent the College in any way, denial of use of facilities, alteration or revocation of parking privileges, or restrictions from participating in extracurricular activities.
    4. Disciplinary Probation – Continued enrollment of a student on probation may be conditioned upon adherence to specified terms. Any student placed on probation will be notified of the terms and length of probation in writing. Any conduct determined after due process to be in violation of these terms while on probation may result in the imposition of more serious disciplinary sanctions, as specified by the terms of probation.
    5. Failing or Lowered Grade – In cases of academic misconduct, the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee will make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee who may authorize the instructor to award a failing or lowered grade in the course, a loss of credit on the assignment or examination, and may impose other additional sanctions including suspension or dismissal from the College. Reference: Policy V.H. Academic standards, evaluations and appeals.
    6. Disciplinary Suspension – If a student is suspended, he/she is separated from the College for a stated period of time. Conditions of reinstatement, if any, must be stated in the notice of suspension.
    7. Disciplinary Expulsion – Removal and exclusion from the College, College controlled facilities, programs, events, and activities. A record of the reason for the student’s dismissal is maintained by the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee. Students who have been dismissed from the College for any reason may apply in writing for reinstatement twelve (12) months following the expulsion. If approval for reinstatement is granted, students will be placed on disciplinary probation for a specified term. The probationary status may be removed at the end of the specified term at the discretion of the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee.
    8. Interim Disciplinary Suspension – As a general rule, the status of a student accused of violations of the Student Code of Conduct should not be altered until a final determination is made regarding the charges against him/her. However, interim suspension may be imposed upon a finding by the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee that the continued presence of the accused student on campus constitutes a potential or immediate threat to the safety and well-being of the accused student or any other member of the College community or its guests, or that the continued presence of the student on campus creates a risk of substantial disruption of classroom or other college-related activities.
  2. Violation of Federal, State, or Local Law
    1. If a student is convicted or pleads Nolo Contendere to an off-campus violation of Federal, state, or local law, but not with any other violation of the Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary action may be taken and sanctions imposed for misconduct that is detrimental to the College’s vital interests and stated mission and purpose.
    2. Disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law that is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct if both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to criminal arrest and/or prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following criminal proceedings.
    3. When a student is charged by Federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a student. The College will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators. Individual students, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental representatives as they deem appropriate.
  3. Conditions of Suspension and Expulsion
    1. A student who has been suspended or expelled from the College shall be denied all privileges afforded a student and shall be required to vacate STC premises at a time determined by the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee.
    2. In addition, after vacating the STC premises, a suspended or expelled student may not enter upon STC premises at any time, for any purpose, in the absence of written permission from the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee. A suspended or expelled student must contact the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee for permission to enter the STC premises for a limited, specified purpose.
    3. If the student seeks to submit a signed Disciplinary Sanction Appeal Form, the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee must accept the Form by mail or fax if he/she refuses the student’s request to enter the STC premises for that specified purpose.
    4. A scheduled appeal hearing before the Judicial Body shall be understood as expressed permission from the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee for a student to enter the STC premises for the duration of that hearing.

C. Appeals Procedure

  1. A student who wishes to appeal a disciplinary decision by the Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee must file a written notice of appeal through the President’s Office for review by the Judicial Body within 5 business days of notification of the decision.
  2. The student will then have the right to appear in a hearing before a Judicial Body assigned by the President or his/her designee within 10 business days to present evidence and/or testimony. The student has the right to be assisted by any advisor he/she chooses, at his/her own expense. The student is responsible for presenting his/her own case and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing before a Judicial Body. The Committee will consist of two faculty members, one staff member and two students. There shall be a single verbatim record, such as a tape recording, of all hearings before the Judicial Body. The record shall be the property of STC. The Chairperson of the Judicial Body shall notify the President and the Student Disciplinary Officer in writing of the Judicial Body’s decision. The STC President or his/her designee will notify the student in writing of the Committee’s decision and the opportunity to appeal directly to the President within five working days.
  3. In the event that the student chooses to contest the decision of the Student Judicial Committee, he/she has the right to appeal the decision to the President of the College within 5 business days of notification of the Committee’s decision. The appeal to the President shall be in writing. The President shall only consider evidence currently in the record. New facts not brought up in earlier stages of the appeal shall not be considered. The President shall deliver his/her decision to the student within 10 business days. The decision of the President shall be final and binding.

D. Document Retention

The Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee shall retain a copy of all documents concerning complaints, investigations, administrative actions, and communications in relation to any incident that resulted in a disciplinary investigation of any kind against a student. The Student Disciplinary Officer or his/her designee will also retain records of any disciplinary appeals filed by the affected student, as well as the resulting record of appeal and decision submitted by the Student Judicial Committee. A record of the final decision must also be retained, in the event that the decision is appealed to the President. All records specified in this section shall be retained for a period of five years.

E. Responsibility

The Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs has the overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented.

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Student Grievance Policy and Procedures

It is the policy of Sandersville Technical College to maintain a grievance process available to all students that provides an open and meaningful forum for their complaints, the resolution of these complaints, and is subject to clear guidelines. This procedure does not address complaints related to the unlawful harassment, discrimination and/or retaliation for reporting harassment/discrimination against students. Those complaints are handled by the Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students Procedures.

Definitions:

  1. Grievable issues: Issues arising from the application of a policy/procedure to the student’s specific case is always grievable. Specifically grievable are issues related to student advisement, improper disclosure of grades, unfair testing procedures and poor treatment of student; this is a representative list and is not meant to be exhaustive.
  2. Non-grievable issues: Issues which have a separate process for resolution (i.e. disciplinary sanctions, FERPA, financial aid, academic grades, etc.) are not grievable and a student must take advantage of the process in place.
  3. Business days: Weekdays that the college administrative offices are open.
  4. Vice President for Academic/Student Affairs: The staff member in charge of the student services division at the college.
  5. Retaliation: Unfavorable action taken, condition created, or other action taken by a student/employee for the purpose of intimidation directed toward a student because the student initiated a grievance or participated in an investigation of a grievance.
  6. Grievant: The student who is making the complaint.

Procedures

  1. Informal Complaint Procedure: Student complaints should be resolved on an informal basis without the filing of a formal grievance.
    1. A student has 10 business days from the date of the incident being grieved to resolve their complaint informally by approaching their instructor, department chair or any other staff or faculty member directory involved in the grieved incident.
    2. Where this process does not result in a resolution of the grievance, the student may proceed to the formal grievance procedure.
  2. Formal Complaint Procedure: Where a student cannot resolve the complaint informally, they may use the formal grievance procedure.
    1. Within 15 business days of the incident being grieved, the student must file a formal grievance in the office of the Vice President for Academic/Student Affairs with the following information:
      • Name,
      • Date,
      • Brief description of incident being grieved,
      • Remedy requested,
      • Signed, and
      • Informal remedy attempted by student and outcome.
    2. If the grievance is against the VPA/SA, the student shall file the grievance in the Office of the President.
    3. The VPA/SA, or his/her designee, will investigate the matter and supply a written response to the student within 15 business days.
    4. If the grieved incident involves possible unlawful harassment, discrimination or retaliation for reporting unlawful harassment/discrimination, the investigation will be handled pursuant to the Procedure: Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students.
    5. If the grieved incident is closely related to an incident being processed through the disciplinary procedure, the disciplinary procedure will take precedence and the grievance will not be processed until after the disciplinary procedure has run it course.
    6. The VPA/SA, or his/her designee, shall be granted an additional 15 business days to investigate the grievance upon notice to the grieving student.
  3. Appeal of Staff Response: If a student is unsatisfied with the response from the VPA/SA, the student may appeal the decision to the President of the College. The college staff has no right to appeal.
    1. A student shall file a written appeal to the President within 5 business days of receiving the response.
    2. The appeal will be decided based entirely on documents provided by the student and the administration; therefore, the student must ensure that he/she has provided all relevant documents with his/her appeal.
    3. At the President’s sole discretion, grievance appeals at their institution may be held in one of the following two ways:
      • The President may review the information provided by the student and administration and make the final decision; or
      • The President may appoint a cross- functional committee comprised of 5 members, including one chair, to make the final decision.
      • The decision of either the President or the cross-functional committee shall be made within 10 business days of receipt by the President of the appeal.
      • Whichever process is chosen by the President, the decision of the grievance appeal is final.

Retaliation against a student for filing a grievance is strictly prohibited.

Requests for additional information on the policies, standards, or procedures of the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education may be addressed to:

Dr. Gary Puckett, Executive Director
Commission of the Council on Occupational Education
41 Perimeter Center East, N.E., Suite 640
Atlanta, GA 30346

Phone: 770-396-3898 or 1-800-917-2081
Fax: 770-396-3790

Students may write to: Office for Civil Rights (404) 562-6350; 61 Forsyth St SW; Atlanta, GA 30303, to express any concerns that they may have about the matters related to discrimination.

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Academic Appeals

STC maintains academic standards that are, to the maximum extent feasible, uniformly applied among all students.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, instructors shall provide a copy of the course syllabus to all students in each class by the end of the first full week of class for every term. Instructors’ evaluations of student work should be periodic, measure the achievement of the objectives or competencies, have clear directions, be reasonable in difficulty, and be comprehensive. Instructors shall allow students to review all graded tests and other academic evaluations within a reasonable time to allow feedback and remedial instruction. Instructors shall maintain documentation sufficient to justify the grade a student earns. This documentation shall be maintained one year following the quarter the grade was conferred or until any grade appeal is resolved, whichever occurs last.

The student may appeal a grade by raising the issue with the instructor who awarded the grade or made the academic decision. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the appeal must be filed within two weeks from the date the student learned, or reasonably should have learned, of the grade or other academic actions. If the consultation with the instructor does not resolve the appeal a student may appeal to the Dean for Instruction by filing a written request for review. Absent extraordinary circumstances this request for review must be filed within four weeks from the date the student learned, or reasonably should have learned, of the grade or other academic action. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. Absent extraordinary circumstances, this request for review must be filed within six weeks from the date the student learned or reasonably should have learned of the grade or other academic action.

The decision of the Vice President for Academic/Student Affairs shall be final.

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Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is any act that does or could improperly distort student’s grades or other student academic records. A student enrolls at Sandersville Technical College to gain technical skills to lead to greater employability. Academic misconduct is not only “cheating” the student of learning the needed skills, it is an offense to the academic integrity of the learning environment. All forms of academic dishonesty will call for discipline.

Cheating

The giving or receiving of unauthorized assistance on a test, quiz, project, or examination through the use of unauthorized notes, books, knowledge of specific test ques¬tions and/or their answers prior to the examination, ideas or facts from another’s paper, and/or pertinent information during examination.

Plagiarism

The use of facts, ideas, phrases, charts, etc. from any source without giving credit for the information to the originating source. Downloaded material has become one of the most blatant and common forms of plagiarism, as well as one of the most commonly detected forms of plagiarism. Material submitted in a paper, report, or similar graded submission is certified by the author to be the original work of the author, except where acknowledged by the author through citations. Individual professors/instructors are responsible for explaining their referencing policies in each class. Submissions may be certified against outside sources and plagiarism detection sources to verify authenticity.

Academic misconduct also includes abuse of computer resources as follows:

  • Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or alter contents.
  • Unauthorized use of another person’s password or identification.
  • Use of computer resources to interface with the work of another student or school official.
  • Use of computer resources to look at, to send or receive obscene or abusive materials.

Procedure for Academic Misconduct

The procedure for dealing with academic misconduct and dishonesty is as follows:

  • First Offense — Student will be assigned a grade of “0” for the test or assignment. Instructor keeps a record in course/program files and notes as first offense. Student’s program advisor and the Dean for Instruction will also be notified.
  • Second Offense — Student is withdrawn from the course and given a failing grade (WF/F) in which offense occurs. Instructor submits name to Office for Student Affairs indicating the grade has been issued as a result of second offense. Student’s program advisor and the Dean for Instruction will also be notified.
  • Third Offense — Student is withdrawn from the course and given a failing grade (WF/F) in which offense occurs. Instructor submits student’s name to Office for Student Affairs indicating the grade has been issued and is student’s third offense. The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Student Affairs, or designee, will notify the student of suspension from the College for a period not less than two quarters.

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Academic Probation

A student who fails to maintain a 2.0 GPA for all work attempted in any quarter shall be placed on academic probation. The purpose of academic probation is to alert students to the fact that their academic performance is not acceptable and to point out the possible consequences if improvement is not made during the next quarter of enrollment. A student placed on academic probation (or admitted on probation) must attain a minimum 2.0 GPA during the next quarter in attendance to remove him/herself from probationary status. A student who fails to do so is subject to academic suspension. Students may not graduate while on probationary status.

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Academic Suspension

A student who fails to remove him or herself from academic probation by attaining a minimum 2.0 GPA the next quarter in attendance after being placed on probation is subject to academic suspension. A student who is academically suspended will not be allowed to attend the College for one quarter before petitioning for readmission. A student who is academically suspended the second time will not be allowed to attend the College for one year before petitioning for readmission. During the first quarter of enrollment after academic suspension, a student is placed on academic probation.

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Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students Procedure

Purpose:

  1. It is the policy of the Technical College System of Georgia and Sandersville Technical College that all students shall be provided an environment free of unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, retaliation, and intimidation.
  2. All students are expressly prohibited from engaging in any form of harassing, retaliating, discriminating, or intimidating behavior or conduct.
  3. Any student who has engaged in prohibited behavior or conduct will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
  4. All students are encouraged to report any act of unlawful harassment, discrimination, retaliation and/or intimidation. Reports will be treated in an expeditious and confidential manner.
  5. The College will not tolerate retaliation for having filed a good faith harassment and/or discrimination complaint or for having provided any information in an investigation. Any student or employee who retaliates against a complainant or witness in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion.
  6. Any student who knowingly makes a false charge of harassment/discrimination or retaliation, or any student who is untruthful during an investigation is guilty of misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal.

Applicability:

This procedure shall uniformly apply to all Department employees, technical college students, and other persons conducting business with the College. This procedure applies to all interactions between staff and students, and between students, whether or not the interaction occurs during class or on or off campus.

Related Authority:

  • Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972
  • Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Age Discrimination Act of 1975
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
  • Procedure: Student Grievances

Definitions:

For purposes of this procedure, the words listed below are defined as follows:

  1. Unlawful Harassment (Other Than Sexual Harassment): Verbal or physical conduct that disparages or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of that person’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. Harassment does one or more of the following:
    1. has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic or work environment, or
    2. has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance.
  2. Examples of Unlawfully Harassing Conduct or Behavior (Other Than Sexual Harassment):
    1. Harassing conduct or behavior includes, but is not limited to, epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts that relate to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability. This includes jokes or pranks that are hostile or demeaning with regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability. Harassing conduct may also include written or graphic material that disparages or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability, and that is displayed on walls, bulletin boards, computers, or other locations, or circulated in the work place.
    2. This is a representative list of harassing conduct or behavior and is not intended to be exhaustive.
  3. Sexual Harassment (a form of unlawful harassment): Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, and other unwelcome verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
    1. submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s education;
    2. submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for education decisions affecting such individual; or,
    3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
  4. Examples of Sexually Harassing Conduct or Behavior: Sexually harassing conduct or behavior (regardless of the gender of the persons involved) includes:
    1. physical touching;
    2. sexual comments of a provocative or suggestive nature;
    3. suggestive looks or gestures;
    4. jokes, printed material or innuendoes intended for and directed to another employee;
    5. making acceptance of unwelcome sexual conduct, advances, or requests for sexual favors of any nature a condition for education, education decisions, or continued enrollment (pressure for sexual favors).

      This is a representative list of harassing conduct or behavior and is not intended to be exhaustive.

  5. Discrimination: The denial of benefits or admission to the College or to any of its programs or activities, either academic or nonacademic, curricular or extracurricular, because of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or handicap and disability.
  6. Retaliation: Unfavorable action taken, unfavorable condition created, or other action taken by a student or employee for the purpose of intimidation that is directed toward a student because the student initiated an allegation of unlawful harassment/retaliation or who participates in an investigation.
  7. Department: All Technical College System of Georgia work units, including technical colleges.
  8. Employees: Any individual employed in a full or part time capacity in any Department work unit.
  9. Non-Employee: Any third party (e.g. volunteer, vendor, contractor, etc.) who conducts business with or on behalf of a Department work unit.
  10. President: The President of the technical college where the accused violator is currently enrolled.
  11. Human Resources Director: The person holding the position of Human Resources Director at the TCSG Central Office or that person’s designee.
  12. Local Investigator: The person at the technical college who is responsible for the investigation of unlawful harassment/retaliation complaints.
  13. Compliance Officer: The person designated by the Commissioner to conduct investigations.
  14. Intimate parts of the Body: Intimate parts of the body mean the primary genital area, anus, groin, inner thighs, or buttocks of a male or female and the breasts of a female.

Procedure:

  1. Policy Administration

    The Commissioner’s Statement Prohibiting Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination should be permanently displayed on official bulletin boards of the Department and its technical colleges.

    Instructors/administrators must take ongoing proactive steps to ensure their classrooms are free from any type of unlawful harassment.

    Any employee, student, contractor or volunteer who has any questions concerning this procedure should direct those questions to the Executive Director, Legal Services at (404) 679-1605, Human Resources Director at (404) 327-6927, or the Deputy Commissioner at (404) 679-1706.

  2. Reporting and Management Action
    1. 1. All students are encouraged to report events of unlawful harassment, discrimination, and/or unlawful retaliation against themselves or others. A student may attempt to resolve any issue arising under this policy informally.
      1. Allegations or suspicions of unlawful harassment or unlawful retaliation may be reported by the complainant to any college employee, the President of the technical college, Legal Services at (404) 679-1605, the Commissioner’s Office at (404)679-1601, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office at (404)679-1706, or by email at unlawfulharassment@TCSG.org
      2. Such reports can initially be expressed in writing, by telephone, or in person; however, the report will ultimately be required to be in writing.
      3. After an allegation is made to a department employee that employee shall report the allegation to the President, or his designee, as soon as possible, not to exceed 48 hours.
    2. Instructors/administrators who have reason to believe that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation may exist shall immediately inform their President or one of the persons listed above in 1(a).
    3. The reporting individual should keep the information confidential unless release is approved, or unless final action has been approved pursuant to this procedure.
    4. An effected President may suspend, transfer or reassign personnel or students involved, in order to prevent possible further harassment, discrimination, retaliation or to facilitate the investigation. In emergency situations of a severe nature a President or their designee may take appropriate actions to protect the complainant/alleged victim and/or to deter the alleged violator from any further harassment of the complainant/alleged victim. If the alleged harasser is an employee, the affected President shall report all actions of this nature and any subsequent change in status or assignment to the Human Resources Director.
    5. Unless otherwise authorized by the Commissioner in writing, no disciplinary action shall be taken against the alleged violator until an investigation has been completed, a written report has been issued and action has been taken in accordance with this procedure.
    6. Any allegation of unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation may be referred by the President of a technical college to the Executive Director, Legal Services for investigation by the Compliance Officer. Investigations by the Compliance Officer may be done in conjunction with the local investigator at the President’s request.
    7. The Compliance Officer/local investigator shall notify the affected President of the complaint and the pending investigation, unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner.
  3. Investigations
    1. All complaints of unlawful harassment, discrimination or unlawful retaliation shall be investigated thoroughly. Any President or local investigator is encouraged to consult with the Compliance Officer, Human Resources Director or Executive Director, Legal Services with any questions or concerns.
    2. If a complaint does not specify facts sufficient to allege unlawful harassment or retaliation as prohibited by this procedure, the local investigator may determine that the allegations shall not be investigated. This will be done with joint approval by the local investigator and President. In the case of an investigation being performed by the Compliance Officer this shall be done with joint approval of the Assistant Commissioner of Technical Education and the Executive Director, Legal Services. This decision will be made within 5 business days of receiving the complaint. Immediately following the decision, notice will be given to the complainant, and the complainant shall have the same rights of appeal as set forth in part V.E. of this procedure.
    3. Where a complaint is investigated, the investigation shall commence within 5 business days of receipt of the complaint.
    4. Investigations will be conducted by gathering relevant information and interviewing appropriate witnesses. All witnesses provided by the complainant will be interviewed.
    5. The process from initial complaint to completed investigation should take no longer than 60 days. If additional time is needed, the complainant will be informed.
    6. The local investigator/Compliance Officer who conducts the investigation will present facts in a written report to the President.
    7. Reports concerning the unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of students will be processed and handled confidentially to the extent permitted by law.
  4. Review and Disposition
    1. After reviewing the final report, the President shall make a recommendation; based on a preponderance of the evidence, as to whether the facts support a finding that unlawful harassment, discrimination, or unlawful retaliation has occurred. The President shall make this recommendation within 5 business days of receipt of the completed investigation.
    2. If the recommendation is that the facts do not support a finding of unlawful harassment, discrimination, or unlawful retaliation, and it is determined that no action should be taken, then the matter can be closed.
    3. If the recommendation is that the facts do support a finding of unlawful harassment, discrimination, unlawful retaliation, or a policy violation, appropriate sanctions will be recommended and taken pursuant to the applicable disciplinary procedure (either student or employee).
    4. The investigator will provide written notice to the complaining party and subject that the investigation is complete. Notice should be given within 5 business days, provided that if a disciplinary action is to be initiated, no parties will be notified until all disciplinary actions are served.
  5. Appeal by Complainant
    1. If the complainant wishes to appeal the recommendation by the president that the facts do not support a finding of unlawful harassment and/or discrimination, the complainant may do so in writing within 5 business days of receiving notice of the president’s recommendation.
    2. The complainant must send the appeal by regular mail, facsimile, or email to the following: Executive Director, Legal Services 1800 Century Place NE, Suite 400 Atlanta, Georgia 30345-4304 (404) 679-1615 (facsimile) UnlawfulHarassment@TCSG.org
    3. The Executive Director of Legal Services will convene a diverse committee of at least three persons to review the investigative file to determine whether there are sufficient facts to support a finding of unlawful harassment/retaliation/discrimination.
    4. If the facts do support a finding of unlawful harassment, retaliation, or discrimination, appropriate sanctions will be taken pursuant to the applicable disciplinary procedure.
    5. If the facts do not support a finding of unlawful harassment/retaliation/discrimination, the matter will be closed.
    6. The Executive Director of Legal Services will provide written notice to the complaining party and subject of the investigation within 15 business days of the receipt of the appeal by the Executive Director of Legal Services.

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Record Retention

Documents relating to formal complaints including investigations, depositions and the complaint itself shall be held for 5 years after the graduation of the student or the date of the student’s last attendance.

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Tobacco Policy

Sandersville Technical College is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable and productive work environment for students and employees. Therefore, smoking, and the use of smokeless tobacco or other tobacco products are not permitted inside any of Sandersville Technical College’s facilities. Smoking is permitted outside the building in designated areas.

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Acceptable Computer and Internet Use Policy

In making decisions regarding access to the Internet and use of its computers, the College considers its own stated educational mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees. The College expects faculty to blend thoughtful use of the Internet throughout the curriculum and provide guidance and instruction to students in its use. As much as possible, access from Technical Colleges to Internet resources should be structured in ways that point students to those resources that have been evaluated prior to use. While students shall be able to move beyond those resources to others that have not been previewed by staff, they shall be provided with guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to learning objectives. Students and employees utilizing STC-provided Internet access are responsible for good behavior online just as they are in a classroom or other area of the college.

Using a computer without permission is theft of services and is illegal under state and Federal laws. Federal law prohibits misuse of computer resources. In addition, the following specific computer crimes are prohibited by state law in Georgia (O.C.G.A. 16-9-90 et seq.):

  • Computer theft (including theft of computer services, intellectual property such as copyrighted material, and any other property);
  • Computer trespass (unauthorized use of computers to delete or alter data or interfere with others’ usage);
  • Computer invasion of privacy (unauthorized access to financial or personal data or the like);
  • Computer forgery (forgery as defined by other laws, but committed on a computer rather than on paper);
  • Computer password disclosure (unauthorized disclosure of a password resulting in damages exceeding $500 - in practice, this includes any disclosure that requires a system security audit afterward);
  • Misleading transmittal of names or trademarks
  • (Falsely identifying yourself or falsely claiming to speak for a person or organization by using their name, trademark, logo, or seal). Maximum penalties for the first four crimes in the list are a $50,000 fine and 15 years of imprisonment, plus civil liability. The maximum penalties for computer password disclosure are a $5,000 fine and 1 year of imprisonment, plus civil liability.

The purpose of STC provided Internet access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education. To remain eligible as users, students’ use must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the College. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.

Users should not expect files stored on College based computers to be private. Electronic messages and files stored on College-based computers shall be treated like other premises that are temporarily assigned for individual use. Administrators may review files and messages in an effort to maintain system integrity and in an effort to insure that users are acting responsibly.

Moreover, College officials shall cooperate with law enforcement officials who are properly authorized to search College computers and computer systems.

All information created, stored or transmitted by College computers or networks is subject to monitoring for compliance with applicable laws and policies.

The following uses of College-provided computers, networks and Internet access are not permitted:

  • To access, upload, download or distribute, obscene material;
  • To transmit obscene, abusive or threatening language;
  • To violate any local, state or Federal statute;
  • To vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization;
  • To access another individual’s password, materials, information, or files without permission;
  • To violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization in violation of the law, including software piracy;
  • To engage in any personal commercial enterprise without advance approval in writing by the President of the Technical College;
  • To knowingly endanger the security of any college computer or network;
  • To willfully interfere with another’s authorized computer usage;
  • To connect any computer to any of the college networks unless it meets technical and security standards set by the college;
  • To create, install, or knowingly distribute a computer virus, “Trojan horse,” or other surreptitiously destructive program on any college computer or network facility, regardless of whether any demonstrable harm results; and
  • To modify or reconfigure the software or hardware of any agency computer or network without proper authorization.

Users of STC computers and computer systems are subject to the college’s policy on the development of Intellectual Property. Any violation of this policy and rules may result in disciplinary action against the employee or student. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

The College makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the computers, computer systems and Internet access it provides. The College shall not be responsible for any damages users suffer, including but not limited to loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service. The College shall not be responsible for the accuracy, nature or quality of information gathered through technical college diskettes, hard drives or servers; nor for the accuracy, nature or quality of information gathered through technical college-provided Internet access. The College shall not be responsible for personal property used to access its computers or networks or for college-provided Internet access. The College shall not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from college-provided access to the Internet.

The foregoing standards are equally applicable to employees of the College, wherever housed, and to employees and students of the Sandersville Technical College.

Penalties

Violations of these policies incur the same types of disciplinary measures as violations of Sandersville Technical College policies or state or Federal laws, including criminal prosecution.

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Student Right to Know

Student Right to Know (SRTK) refers to a federally-mandated public disclosure of a college’s Completion Rate and Transfer Rate. The intent of SRTK is to provide to the consumer a statistic of comparable effectiveness that they can use in the determination of college choice. All colleges nationwide are effectively required to participate in the disclosure of rates.

SRTK is a “cohort” study; that is, a group of students who are first-time freshmen who are enrolled full-time and are degree-seeking as identified in a fall term and their outcomes are measured over a period of time. The outcomes that the two SRTK rates measure are Completion (the total number of students in the cohort who earn either a degree, a certificate, or who successfully completed a two-year equivalent transfer-preparatory program) and Transfer (the total number of cohort non-completers who were identified as having enrolled in another institution). The tracking period of the cohorts is three (3) years, at which time the SRTK rates are calculated and made public.

SRTK Rates are derived and reported yearly on the IPEDS-GRS (Integrated Post-secondary Educational Data System-Graduation Rate Survey). The IPEDS-GRS also tracks part-time student cohorts over a six (6) year period; however, full-time cohort status after 3 years is the only basis for calculating SRTK rates.

STC Graduation Rate Data

In compliance with the federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, Sandersville Technical College is reporting completion and graduation rates for a select group of students who entered in Fall Quarter 2004. This report identifies percentages of students who had completed their programs by August 27, 2008. The student group, as specified by federal law, includes only students who were:

  • Enrolled in credit classes FULL-TIME
  • Entering college for the FIRST TIME and
  • SEEKING A DIPLOMA or planned to transfer to a 4-year college or university.

Federal law allows each student to be counted in only one of the categories below. A student who fits the definition of more than one category is counted in the top priority category. For example, a student who achieves a diploma AND transfers to a university is only counted under COMPLETION, not under TRANSFER.

Definitions:

  • Completion: The student completed a diploma.
  • Transfer: The student transferred to another public postsecondary institution - STC’s mission is not to provide preparation for transfer therefore, the transfer rate is not applicable to the SRTK.

Sandersville Technical College

2005 Cohort
Completion Rate *		 2005 Cohort
Transfer Rate		 Still
Enrolled
44% N/A 0

* The group of students being reported to comply with federal student right-to-know regulations made up 5.7 % of the total Fall 2005 quarter enrollment at Sandersville Technical College . These rates do not represent the success rates for the other 94.3 of students who attended STC in Fall 2005. They do not include any of the students who attended part time, who enrolled full-time but had previous college experience, or who took courses only to improve job or academic skills. These rates also do not take into account students who started full-time but later enrolled part-time because of work or family commitments. They do not recognize that many technical college students may take a quarter or more off from school because of other demands. The rates also do not take into account the students who have completed programs or transferred since August 31, 2008.

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Where to Find Student Right to Know (SRTK) Information

  • Tuition and Fees Charged to Full-time and Part-Time Students: Student Handbook, and STC Web Site
  • Estimates of Costs Necessary for Books and Supplies: STC Web Site
  • Additional Program Costs for Enrolled and Prospective Students: STC Admissions Office and STC Web Site
  • Refund Policy for the Return of Unearned Tuition and Fees and Other Refundable Costs: Student Handbook and STC Web Site
  • Requirements and Procedures for Officially Withdrawing from STC: Student Handbook
  • Financial Aid Refund Policy: Student Handbook
  • Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974: Student Handbook, STC Web Site, and annually in the Fall Line Connector.
  • Current Degree Programs and other Educational and Training Programs: Catalog
  • Sandersville Tech Faculty and other Instructional Personnel: STC Web Site
  • Names of Associations, Agencies, or Governmental Bodies that provide Accreditation, Approval, and Licensing: Student Handbook and STC Web Site
  • Procedures for Reviewing Documents which Describe Accreditation, Approval, and Licensing: Office of Institutional Effectiveness
  • Special Facilities and Services Available to Disabled Students: Student Handbook and STC Web Site

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