Georgia Southwestern State University Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities aims to promote a campus environment that supports the overall educational mission of the University, to protect the University community from disruption and harm, to encourage appropriate standards of individual and group behavior, and to foster ethical standards and civic virtues. In order to achieve the environment and educational goals of the University and to protect the rights and privileges of its students, the University has adopted a Student Code of Conduct for individuals and organizations and has established a Student Conduct Process.
This Student Code of Conduct provides information to students and organizations about their rights and responsibilities as members of the University community. All procedures for responding to possible violations of policies, including specifics of the Student Conduct Process, a listing of possible sanctions, and the appeals procedures are included in the Student Code of Conduct. These procedures promote due process and fundamental fairness to all involved in the University’s Student Conduct Process. The GSW Student Conduct Code ensures compliance with the procedural standards outlined the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regent’s Policy Manual 4.6.5 Standards for Institutional Student Conduct Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings and 6.7 Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Caitlin Grindall
Coordinator of Student Rights and Responsibilities
229-931-2329
caitlin.grindall@gsw.edu
Generally, policies contained in this Student Code of Conduct shall apply to conduct which occurs on University premises and to conduct which occurs while a student is attending or participating in any University-related activity, wherever that activity may take place. Additionally, as standards for University students and organizations are higher than those not a part of the University community, any behavior, on or off University premises, is subject to action under this Student Code of Conduct. Students and organizations are expected to abide by the conduct regulations in this Student Code of Conduct, both on and off campus, and acknowledge the University’s authority to take action to address behavior incongruent with these policies, wherever that behavior may occur.
Each student shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between semesters of actual enrollment. The Student Code shall apply to a student's conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.
Resolutions of the University’s Student Conduct Process neither establish nor are based upon precedent. Matters of local, state or federal law are independent of the Student Conduct Process. Proceedings under this Student Code of Conduct may be instituted against students charged with a violation of a municipal, state, or federal law when the alleged conduct is also a violation of this Code. Proceedings under this Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings.
The Vice President for Student Engagement and Success (VPSES) or his/her designee is responsible for the Student Conduct Code development and administration. The VPSES’s primary designee shall be the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities may designate hearing officer(s) as outlined in procedures. The Title IX Coordinator works in conjunction with the VPSES and Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Decisions about the timing of specific actions will be made by the Director for Student Rights and Responsibilities or Title IX Coordinator based on the status of the evidence and other relevant case factors.
Updated 8/11/2021