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Student Handbook

Georgia Southwestern's Student Handbook is designed to serve as a central resource and guide for student policies and procedures. Updates may be made throughout the academic year to improve clarity, address interpretation of USG regulations, and best serve students. For a printed copy, please contact the Executive Vice President for Student Engagement and Success. 

Resources

University Mission Statement

University Diversity Statement and Commitment

Contact

Division of Student Engagement and Success

800 GSW State University Dr.
Americus, GA 31709

Laura Boren, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President
229-931-2339
laura.boren@gsw.edu

Student writing in notebook

Bulletin

The Bulletin is the official academic catalog intended to serve as a resource for students looking for specific information on academic programs and policies.

Students walking in hall of dome

Conduct Code and Procedures

The Student Conduct Code details the role and expectations of GSW students. GSW is a community of scholars, therefore academic integrity is essential to the educational experience.

Student using computer

Student Complaint Procedures

The Student Complaint Procedures are established to ensure that students’ voices can be heard and receive a response from the appropriate person regarding raised concerns.

Student Group

Student Organization Policies and Procedures

The Student Organization guide is a central source of policies, procedures and resources to support student activities and special interests.

Residential Leader

Living on Campus Guide

The Living on Campus Guide is the housing expectations and resources for residential students and guests to know.

Students riding bikes

General Policies & Procedures

This section is a compilation of general student policies that apply to being a GSW community member and campus life.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students are not only members of the academic community, but are also members of the larger society.  Students, therefore, retain the rights, guarantees, and protections afforded to and the responsibilities held by all citizens. As members of the University community, students have a responsibility to know and follow the Student Code of Conduct.  Violations of these regulations will result in action by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Students’ Rights – As a member of the GSW community, students have the right to:

General

  • Freely exchange ideas, freedom of speech, expression, petition and peaceful assembly as set forth in the U.S. Constitution.
  • Participate in all areas and activities of the University, free from any form of discrimination, including harassment, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation or Veterans status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
  • Personal privacy except as otherwise provided by law, and this will be observed by students and University authorities alike.
  • Fundamental due process when reviewing disciplinary concerns guided by the Student Conduct Code.
  • Be treated with dignity, courtesy, and fairness.
  • Receive access to their own personal records.

Academic

  • Miss, without penalty, class meetings held at hours other than their regularly scheduled times.
  • Consult with an assigned academic advisor for semester support and future academic planning.
  • Transfer core curriculum courses within the University System of Georgia.
  • Consult with faculty outside of classroom time during regularly scheduled office hours or by appointment.
  • Access campus facilities of which use is required to complete course assignments and objectives, i.e., computer lab, any academic building.
  • Receive at the beginning of each semester, for each course, a syllabus which outlines course objectives and requirements. If changes to the syllabi are made during the semester, students should be informed of these changes in writing.
  • Access standards of grading and evaluation.
  • Be informed of the grade appeals process.

 

Students’ Responsibilities – As a member of the GSW community, students have the responsibility to:

  • Respect the rights and property of others, including other students, the faculty, staff and University officials.
  • Be fully acquainted with the published University Student Rules and to comply with them, as well as federal, state and local laws.
  • Recognize that student actions reflect upon the individuals involved and upon the entire University community.
  • Maintain a level of behavior that is consistent in supporting the learning environment of the institution and to recognize the University’s obligation to provide an environment for learning.

As would be expected, standards for Georgia Southwestern State University students are higher than those of communities not engaged in scholarly pursuits.  Not every situation a student may encounter can be anticipated in a written document.  Therefore, students are expected to act in a manner that demonstrates integrity and respect for others and the campus environment.

 

Student Engagement Good Standing

GSW students enrolled in 1 or more credit hours are eligible to participate in university sponsored programs, co-curricular activities, NCAA athletic programs, and other related university affiliated activities. A student may become ineligible to participate in specific university sponsored programs due to university conduct sanctions or eligibility requirements associated with regulated programs such as NCAA athletics, national associations, or other related governing organizations.   

Inquiries about the Student Handbook, Student Rights and Responsibilities and student policies should be directed to the Executive Vice President for Student Engagement and Success.

 

Handbook Updated 8/17/2023