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Student Code of Conduct

It is the policy of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to provide technical and adult education programs for the people of Georgia. Technical Colleges must provide opportunities for intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. Technical College students assume an obligation to act in a manner compatible with the fulfillment of the mission. The Technical College community recognizes its responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to growth. With these principles in mind, the Technical College System of Georgia establishes this Student Code of Conduct.

ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS

  1. Appellate Board: as defined in the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedure.
  2. Faculty Member: any person hired by the Technical College to conduct teaching, service, or research activities.
  3. Judicial Body: as defined in the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedure.
  4. Member of the Technical College Community: any person who is a Student, Faculty Member, contractors, Technical College Official or any other person/s involved with the Technical College or the community or employed by the Technical College.
  5. Policy: the written regulations of the Technical College as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook(s), Residence Hall Handbook(s), Technical College Catalog(s), the Technical College Policy Manual, and the Policy Manual approved by the State Board for the Technical College System of Georgia.
  6. Student: all persons taking courses at the Technical College, including full-time, part-time, dual enrollment, joint enrollment, non-credit, and credit. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the Technical College are considered "Students".
  7. Student Disciplinary Officer: as defined in the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedure. (Vice President of Academic Affairs and Vice President for Student Affairs)
  8. System: the Technical College System of Georgia.
  9. Technical College: any college within the Technical College System of Georgia.
  10. Technical College Official: any person employed by the Technical College performing assigned administrative responsibilities on a part-time, full-time or adjunct basis.
  11. Technical College Premises: all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the Technical College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).

ARTICLE II: PROSCRIBED CONDUCT

ACADEMIC

Academic Misconduct Definitions

Academic Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. Aiding and Abetting Academic Misconduct Knowingly helping, procuring, encouraging or otherwise assisting another person to engage in academic misconduct.
  2. Cheating
    1. Use and/or possession of unauthorized material or technology during an examination, or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade, such as tape cassettes, notes, tests, calculators, computer programs, cell phones and/or smart phones, or other electronic devices.
    2. Obtaining assistance to an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade from another person with or without that person’s knowledge.
    3. Furnishing assistance to an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade to another person.
    4. Possessing, using, distributing or selling unauthorized copies of an examination, computer program, or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade.
    5. Representing as one’s own an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade taken by another person.
    6. Taking an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade in place of another person.
    7. Obtaining unauthorized access to the computer files of another person or agency and/or altering or destroying those files.
    8. Obtaining teacher edition text books, test banks, or other instructional materials that are only intended to be accessed by Technical College Officials, college administrator or Faculty Member.
  1. Fabrication

    2. The falsification of any information or citation in an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade.

  2. Plagiarism
    1. Submitting another’s published or unpublished work in whole, in part or in paraphrase, as one’s own without fully and properly crediting the author with footnotes, quotation marks, citations, or bibliographical reference.
    2. Submitting as one’s own original work, material obtained from an individual or agency without reference to the person or agency as the source of the material.
    3. Submitting as one’s own original work material that has been produced through unacknowledged collaboration with others without release in writing from collaborators.

NON-ACADEMIC

  1. Jurisdiction of the Technical College.

    2. Generally, Technical College jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct which occurs on Technical College Premises, off-campus classes, activities or functions sponsored by the Technical College, an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade, or which otherwise adversely affects Members of the Technical College Community and/or the pursuit of the Technical College’s objectives.

  2. Conduct Rules and Regulations

    3. Any Student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedure:

  1. Behavior
    1. Indecent Conduct: The Technical College prohibits disorderly, lewd, or indecent conduct, including public physical or verbal action; language commonly considered offensive (not limited to, but including profanity); or distribution of obscene or libelous written or electronic material.
    2. Violence: The Technical College prohibits mental or physical abuse of any person (including sex offenses) on Technical College Premises or at Technical College-sponsored or Technical College-supervised functions, including verbal or physical actions which threaten or endanger the health or safety of any such persons. This includes fighting and/or other disruptive behavior, which includes any action or threat of action which endangers the peace, safety, or orderly function of the Technical College, its facilities, or persons engaged in the business of the Technical College.
    3. Harassment: The Technical College prohibits any act, comment, behavior, or clothing which is of a sexually suggestive, harassing, offensive, or intimidating nature. The Technical College also prohibits stalking, or behavior which in any way interferes with another Student's rights or an employee's performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. (This also includes the display of or navigation to pornography and other inappropriate websites and materials.)

      4. If, in the opinion of Technical College Officials, clothing and/or behavior (including the presence of gang colors, signs, and/or symbols) are threatening, intimidating, or offensive in nature, sanctions may be imposed immediately.

    4. Disruption: The Technical College prohibits intentional obstruction or interruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other Technical College activities, including public service functions, and other duly authorized activities on Technical College Premises or at Technical College-sponsored activity sites.
    5. Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with directions of Technical College Officials and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
  2. Professionalism
    1. Personal Appearance: Refer to Columbus Technical College Dress Code Policy.
  3. Use of Technical College Property
    1. Theft and Damage: The Technical College prohibits theft of, misuse of, or harm to Technical College Property, or theft of or damage to property of a Member of the Technical College Community or a campus visitor on Technical College Premises or at a Technical College function.
    2. Occupation or Seizure: The Technical College prohibits occupation or seizure in any manner of Technical College property, a Technical College Premises, or any portion thereof for a use inconsistent with prescribed, customary, or authorized use.
    3. Presence on Technical College Premises: The Technical College prohibits unauthorized entry upon Technical College Premises; unauthorized entry into Technical College Premises or a portion thereof which has been restricted in use; unauthorized presence in Technical College Premises after closing hours; or furnishing false information to gain entry upon Technical College Premises.
    4. Assembly: The Technical College prohibits participation in or conducting an unauthorized gathering that threatens or causes injury to person or property or that interferes with free access to Technical College facilities or that is harmful, obstructive, or disruptive to the educational process or functions of the Technical College.
    5. Fire Alarms: The Technical College prohibits setting off a fire alarm or using or tampering with any fire safety equipment on Technical College Premises or at Technical College-sponsored activity sites, except with reasonable belief in the need for such alarm or equipment. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, Students must evacuate the building unless otherwise directed by a Technical College Official.
    6. Obstruction: The Technical College prohibits obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on Technical College Premises or at Technical College sponsored or supervised functions. Refer to Columbus Technical College Parking Policy and Regulations.
  4. Drugs, Alcohol and Other Substances

    5. Substances referred to under this policy include all illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, and misused legal drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter).

    1. Alcohol: Georgia Law and the Technical College prohibit possession of or use of alcoholic beverages on Technical College Premises unless used for educational purposes or for a religious ceremony. Alcohol is also prohibited by the Technical College at Technical College-sponsored or supervised functions unless permitted by the Technical College President. College-sponsored or supervised functions will be permitted only if the event takes place at (1) a Technical College business conference center capable of accommodating more than two hundred persons or (2) at an off-campus facility and all provisions of the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia Policy II.C.6. must be followed. The Technical College further prohibits Students being in a state of intoxication on Technical College Premises or at Technical College-sponsored or supervised functions (including off-campus functions) or in a Technical College-owned vehicle.
    2. Controlled substances, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia: The Technical College prohibits possession, use, sale, or distribution of any controlled substance, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law. Any influence which may be attributed to the use of drugs or of alcoholic beverages shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the individual for the conduct or consequences of his/her actions.
    3. Food: The Technical College prohibits eating and/or drinking in classrooms, shops, and labs or other unauthorized areas on Technical College Premises, unless otherwise permitted by Columbus Technical College Officials.
    4. Tobacco: The Technical College prohibits smoking, or using other forms of tobacco products in classrooms, shops, and labs or other unauthorized areas on Technical College Premises. Refer to the Columbus Technical College Tobacco Policy.
  5. Use of Technology
    1. Damage and Destruction: Destruction of or harm to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Technical College or to others is considered unacceptable usage. This may include altering, downloading, or installing software on Technical College computers, tampering with computer hardware or software configuration, improper access to the Technical College's network, and disconnection of Technical College computers or devices.
    2. Electronic Devices: Unless otherwise permitted by Technical College Officials, the Technical College prohibits use of electronic devices in classrooms, labs, and other instructional, event, or support facilities on Technical College Premises. Such devices include, but are not limited to cell phones, beepers, walkie talkies, cameras, and other electronic devices, which may cause unnecessary disruption to the teaching/learning process on campus. The Technical College also prohibits attaching personal electronic devices to college computers under any circumstances.
    3. Harassment: The Technical College prohibits the use of computer technology to harass another Student or Technical College Official by sending obscene, harassing or intimidating messages, jokes, or material.
    4. Unacceptable Use: Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another Student, Faculty Member or Technical College Official. This includes the unauthorized use of another individual's identification and password. Columbus Technical College prohibits any additional violation to the Department’s Acceptable Computer and Internet Use Policy.
  6. Weapons

    7. Georgia Law prohibits the carrying of weapons on college campuses. For Exceptions see O.C.G.A 16-11-127.1 and O.C.G.A 16-11-130.

  7. Gambling

    8. The Technical College System of Georgia prohibits the violation of federal, state or local gambling laws on Technical College premises or at Technical College sponsored or supervised activities.

  8. Parking

    9. The Technical College prohibits violation of Columbus Technical College regulations regarding the operation and parking of motor vehicles on or around Columbus Technical College Premises.

  9. Financial Irresponsibility

    10. The Technical College prohibits failure to meet any and all financial obligations to the Technical College. All tuition and fees must be paid prior to the first day of class.

  10. Violation of Technical College Policy

    11. Violation of published System or Technical College Policies, rules or regulations including, but not limited to, rules imposed upon Students who enroll in a particular class or program or Students who reside in on-campus housing.

  11. Aiding and Abetting

    12. Aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to do an activity which otherwise violates this Code of Conduct is prohibited.

  12. Violation of 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 Technical 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 Technical College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his/her status as a Student. The Technical 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.
  13. Abuse of the Student Judicial Process, including but not limited to
    1. Failure to obey the notification of a Student Disciplinary Officer, Judicial Body, Appellate Board or Technical College Official.
    2. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information in a judicial proceeding.
    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 process.
    6. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Student Disciplinary Officer, Judicial Body, or Appellate Board prior to, and/or during the course of, the judicial proceeding.
    7. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a Student Disciplinary Officer, Judicial Body, or Appellate Board prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.
    8. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.

Reporting of Violations:

Any member of the college community (Faculty, Staff, or Student) may report a student in violation of the Student Code of Conduct; Report Forms are in the Student Affairs Department, Hartline Building Room 162; or on the website, link to Student Affairs.

Summary of Procedure for Reporting Violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Violation reported in written form by member of college community to Disciplinary Officer/Judicial Advisor (VP of Academic Affairs, VP student Affairs) within 5 days of incident.

Disciplinary Officer etc. determines if Code of Conduct has been violated (major or minor) and determines disciplinary action, either as Judicial Advisor or with a Judicial Body, within 5 to 15 days. (Refer to Student Rights)

Written notification to the student explaining sanctions, within five days or sooner if necessary. Security, VP of Operations and other college officials to receive notification of actions against student.

If student accepts sanctions, then all recordings and files are placed in office of VP for Student Affairs for 5 years.

Should a student appeal to the president within five days of sanction notification, a judicial body (appellate board) will be formed. The student has the right bring an advisor, but must plead his/her own case. The Judicial Body shall notify the student in writing of the Committee’s decision and the opportunity to appeal directly to the President.

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.

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