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Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is dedicated to promoting student engagement and success by offering a campus culture of safety and well-being through education and awareness initiatives for students. By encouraging an environment of support and overall wellness, students are encouraged to embrace appropriate individual and group behaviour throughout their time at Georgia Southwestern. Students have access to a variety of resources to support both academic and behavioral success. 

Student Resources

Student Code of Conduct

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Reporting

Student Conduct Procedures

Wellness Coaching & Training

Hazing and Public Disclosures

Make a Report

Contact

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Caitlin Grindall
Coordinator of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Student Success Center, Room 3437

229-931-2329
833-855-0079 24/7 hotline
caitlin.grindall@gsw.edu

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Staff

Services Provided to Students

In order to support the overall educational mission of the University, the Office of Rights & Responsibilities provides the following:

  • Student Conduct
  • Student Advocacy
  • Wellness and Life Coaching
  • Mediation
  • Behavioral Intervention
  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Programs & Services
  • Preventative and Wellness Program Initiatives

FAQ

How can I know what is expected of me as a student?

Students should have ethical actions on campus. A detailed list of expectations is found in the Student Code of Conduct.

Why can't I smoke and on campus if I'm of legal age?

All schools in the University System of Georgia, including GSW, have smoke-free campuses. Smoking is not allowed on campus for any reason.

I don't want anyone to find out that I reported them. Are reports confidential?

Requests for confidentiality for anyone reporting a possible student misconduct will be honored to the point that it does not impact the ability for the institution to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment.

Limited Confidentiality: Where a reporting party or Complainant requests that his or her identity be withheld or the allegation(s) not be investigated, the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities should consider whether or not such request(s) can be honored while still providing a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for the University. The Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities will inform the requesting party (1) that the University generally cannot guarantee confidentiality, (2) that honoring the request may limit the ability to respond fully to the incident, and (3) that such request may limit the University’s ability to carry out its Student Conduct Process. 

Will I get in trouble if I come forward and report misconduct if I consumed alcohol and/or used controlled substances ?

If an individual, voluntarily and in good faith, reports their use of alcohol or drugs, or the use by others, prior to or during an investigation, such information will not be used against any individual in a disciplinary proceeding and will not be voluntarily reported to law enforcement; however, individuals may be provided with resources on drug and alcohol counseling and/or education, as appropriate.

If I report an incident am I protected from retaliation?

Anyone who, in good faith, reports what he or she believes to be student misconduct, participates or cooperates in, or is otherwise associated with any investigation, shall not be subjected to retaliation.

Mission
Student Confidentiality
Programs & Services
Goals
Resources

The mission of the Georgia Southwestern State University Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is to foster student engagement and success by promoting a campus culture of safety and well-being through education and awareness initiatives focused on individual responsibility and adherence to community standards of acceptable behavior and civic virtues outlined in the Student Conduct Code. The office will help students understand the impact of their behavior on the global community and to assist them with making future decisions that lead to personal and professional success.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of student records. More information.

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibility fulfills this mission by providing programs and services that:
  • develop, disseminate, interpret, and enforce campus regulations;
  • teach students about appropriate behavior and community membership;
  • provide programs and activities that foster students' intellectual, ethical and cultural development;
  • intervene effectively when behavior violates the Conduct Code;
  • encourage students to seek assistance through individual life coaching and wellness coaching sessions;
  • offer educational and leadership opportunities for students who participate in the operation of the Student Conduct Process; and
  • assist and advocate for students with non-academic complaints.

The goals of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities are:

  • to promote a campus environment that supports the overall educational mission of the University;
  • to create a climate of wellbeing and support;
  • protect the University community from disruption and harm;
  • to provide advocacy for all students;
  • to encourage appropriate standards of individual and group behavior; and
  • to foster ethical standards and civic virtues.

Complaints Related to Non-Academic Issues

A student may have a complaint about a problem that occurs outside of the classroom or is not related to a student's program of study. Students may email or bring any complaints in person to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. They may also seek assistance or advocacy with any part of the informal or formal non-academic complaint process with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Students should contact the Office of Rights and Responsibilities with their concerns.

Concerned about a fellow student on campus? Don't hesitate to contact the Behavioral Intervention Team about your concern.
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