Section 4 - Student Affairs

4.1 General Policy

Reviewed May 26, 2016

4.1.1 Institutional Responsibility

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.1.1.

4.1.1.1 Student Rights and Responsibilities

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Georgia Gwinnett College has as its primary mission the development of an intellectual community within an environment that values honesty, fairness, integrity, and respect for others. In accordance with the American Council on Education statement on Academic Rights and Responsibilities, GGC welcomes intellectual pluralism and the free exchange of ideas. The institution encourages debate over complex and difficult issues about which individuals disagree. Such discussions will be held in an environment characterized by openness, tolerance, and civility. As such, GGC recognizes its responsibility to provide a secure learning environment which allows members of the community to express their views in ways which do not disrupt the operation of the college.

Standards for Georgia Gwinnett College students are higher than those of communities not engaged solely in scholarly pursuits. Upon accepting enrollment, GGC students acquire rights in, as well as responsibilities to, the Georgia Gwinnett College Community. These rights and responsibilities, embraced by the GGC community in the spirit of the institution’s mission, are considered critical to producing graduates inspired to contribute to local, state, national, and international communities and graduates who are prepared to anticipate and respond to an uncertain and changing world.

Specific student rights include:

• The right to access technology, classrooms, information resources, and instruction in various active-learning environments which enhance the student learning experience.
• The right to attend classes in an environment which promotes active-learning and student engagement.
• The right to communicate ideas in written and oral form free of discrimination as defined by federal, state, local, and institutional regulations.
• The right to express diverse opinions, to think creatively and critically, in inter- and multidisciplinary contexts, in ways which do not infringe on the rights of others.
• The right to participate in activities, programs, and leadership opportunities designed to enhance academic, social, and personal development while providing practical opportunities for the application of knowledge.
• The right to access established academic and administrative policies and procedures for presenting, addressing, and resolving student concerns, complaints, and grievances.
• The right to participate in an institutional system of shared governance designed to inspire and encourage student development through community participation on judicial boards, programming boards, and other institutional boards.
• The right to be free from unreasonable intrusion in personal, health, safety, or student disciplinary records, in accordance with APM 10.9 Records Management and Security policy.

Students are not only members of the academic community but are also members of the larger society. Students retain the rights, guarantees and protections afforded to, and the responsibilities held by, all citizens. A student may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies irrespective of whether the College initiates student integrity proceedings in a given situation.

As members of the College community, students have the responsibility to:

• Adhere to local, state, and federal laws.
• Act in a manner that demonstrates integrity and respect for others and the campus environment.
• Follow the College conduct regulations contained in the Student Handbook: Rights, Responsibilities, and General Information.
• Adhere to the principles contained in the Honor Statement.

It is furthermore an expectation of the College Community that students will engage in learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom, participate in on-going assessment of the campus learning environment, utilize the campus mentoring program, and ultimately, contribute to the to the local, state, national, and international community.

The Georgia Gwinnett College community recognizes that every situation a student may encounter may not be anticipated in a written document. In order to provide direction for the expectation that students demonstrate integrity and respect for others and the campus environment, Georgia Gwinnett College has created a Student Code of Conduct as a means of clearly articulating student rights, responsibilities, and expectations.

The Student Code of Conduct provides useful information to students, clubs and organizations that have been charged with violating a conduct regulation. All procedures for responding to possible violations of conduct regulations, including specifics of the student integrity process, a listing of possible sanctions, complaint, and appeals procedures are included in the Student Handbook: Rights, Responsibilities, and General Information. These procedures have been established to ensure due process and fundamental fairness to all involved in the College’s student integrity process.

Georgia Gwinnett College has adopted conduct regulations for individuals and organizations and has established a student integrity process to foster an active learning environment designed to enhance academic, social, and personal development while protecting the rights and privileges of all students. When a student, club or organization is suspected of violating a conduct regulation, the Division of Student Affairs is responsible for investigating alleged conduct regulation violations and coordinating the student integrity process.

4.1.1.1.1 Student Complaints

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Georgia Gwinnett College has procedures for resolving written student complaints. The complaint may be alleging the student’s rights have been abridged by violating college rules and procedures. Students who disagree with a decision made by a college official and wish to file a written complaint should contact the Office of the Dean of Students or follow the appropriate appeal procedure under the “Appeals” section later in this handbook. Grievances will be directed to the next level of authority above which the complaint or decision was made.

Please note, a student may not file a complaint under this section if the subject matter is covered under another institutional policy or complaint procedure.

Filing a Written Student Complaint

The student is encouraged to first discuss the matter with the other party. Every effort should be made to follow the chain of command in the resolution of the complaint first. If the student wishes to pursue the grievance, the student should file a written complaint online at student complaints. The Dean of Students or his/her designee will review the complaint and a decision shall be given to the student within 10 working days after the matter has been presented. The time may be extended for extenuating circumstances.

Appeals of the Student Complaint Process

If the complaint cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student may file an appeal in writing with the Office of the Senior Associate Provost for Student Affairs (SAPSA) stating the reasons and grounds for the appeal within 10 working days of receiving the decision of the Dean of Students or his/her designee. The appeal shall be reviewed by an ad hoc panel comprising at least three (3) persons. One (1) must be a student; the others may be a faculty member or administrator as deemed appropriate by the SAPSA. The panel shall assemble to hear the complaint and decide by a majority vote based upon the information presented. The panel shall make a decision within 10 working days from the appeal hearing and shall inform the student in writing of their decision. If the person directly involved is not satisfied with the decision, he or she may file an appeal in writing to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (SVPASA)/Provost within 10 business days. If the student wishes to appeal the SVPASA/Provost’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the President of the College submitting the same documentation as was submitted earlier in the process within 10 business days of the Provost’s decision. The decision of the President of the College is final.

Intellectual Diversity/Academic Freedom

In cases dealing with alleged Intellectual Diversity/Academic Freedom infractions, students are encouraged to follow the informal and formal procedures above. In matters where the student can demonstrate a justifiable reason(s) for why an initial concern could not be discussed with the other party, a written detailed grievance with a justification statement may be filed directly to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost for consideration within 10 business days of the alleged infraction. The Provost will respond to the student within 10 working days after receipt of the grievance. Upon receipt of a final decision by the Provost, the student may make a written appeal of that decision to the President of the College within five (5) business days. The decision of the President represents the final institutional decision.

Once the President’s decision has been rendered, any further appeal, if applicable, must be filed with Board of Regents in accordance with the procedures and timelines noted in published Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 8.6 Application for Discretionary Review.

4.1.1.1.2 Academic Integrity Policy for Academic Dishonesty Matters

Reviewed May 26, 2016

The following are conduct regulations related to academic integrity:

1. Academic Dishonesty. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

1.  Academic Misconduct: Performing, attempting to perform, or assisting another in performing any act of academic dishonesty.
2. Cheating: This act of dishonesty includes but is not limited to giving information to or taking information from other students during examinations. Cheating is also committed when students copy from unauthorized sources and/or represent some other person’s work as their own. Collaboration on out-of-class assignments or examinations is considered to be cheating if prohibited by the professor.
3. Plagiarism: This category includes copying material from unpublished or published sources, including electronic resources, and submitting that material as the student’s own work. Students are responsible for identifying the proper source and for giving credit to that source anytime that they present ideas which are not their own.
4. Unauthorized Use or Possession of Materials or Resources: Students must not use or possess unauthorized materials or resources in an academic activity. This act includes but is not limited to use/possession of a cheat sheet when not authorized to do so or use/possession of any other resources or materials during an examination, quiz, or other academic activity without the express permission of the faculty member, whether access to such resources or materials is through a cell phone, other electronic device, or any other means.
5. Collusion: This act of dishonesty includes but is not limited to buying or selling material which will be misrepresented as a student’s own work. In addition, students who fail to report known acts of academic dishonesty on the part of others are responsible for collusion.
6. Previously submitted material: Students must not submit work which has been or is being concurrently submitted, in whole or in part, in another class without first having received the permission of all the professors involved.
7. Misrepresentation or falsification of material: This act includes but is not limited to misrepresenting, fabricating, or altering academic material, such as transcripts, diplomas, grades or records, professors’ or administrators’ signatures or initials. In addition, students must not take an examination or test in the name of another student or present another student’s work as their own.
8. Misrepresentation of circumstances: Students must not misrepresent personal circumstances (e.g., illness, conflicting responsibilities, etc.) to avoid meeting academic responsibilities or to gain an academic advantage.

Procedures for Resolving Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy

All violations of the Academic Integrity Policy shall be resolved via the Faculty Adjudication Process and/or the Formal Resolution (Student Integrity Board hearing through the Office of Student Integrity) as outlined below.

Any member of the community may report an alleged violation. A violation may be reported to the instructor of the course in which the alleged act occurred, to the dean of the school with which the course is affiliated, or to a staff member within the Office of Student Integrity or Dean of Students Office. An individual who suspects a student of academic misconduct may at any time contact the Office of Student Integrity to receive assistance with any aspect of the academic integrity process. All reports should be in written form.

When an instructor believes that a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy in one of the instructor’s classes, the instructor must first contact the Office of Student Integrity to report the alleged violation and determine whether to proceed with the Faculty Adjudication Process or the Formal Resolution (Student Integrity Board hearing). The instructor should also notify the dean of the school of the alleged violation.

Faculty Adjudication Process

The Faculty Adjudication Process should be utilized when the student does not have any prior academic dishonesty cases (in which the student was found responsible) and if the behavior does not warrant more than academic sanctions. If the instructor and dean believe a student’s behavior may warrant a suspension, expulsion, or other nonacademic sanction, the case should be referred to a Formal Resolution (Student Integrity Board hearing). After the instructor, dean, and the Office of Student Integrity have established that the case should be resolved through the Faculty Adjudication Process, the following steps should be followed:

1. The instructor will complete the Faculty Adjudication Form.
2. The instructor will notify the student of the need to meet to discuss the allegations (via email or other written form).
3. The student shall then have five business days from the time of the notification to contact the instructor to schedule a meeting. If a student drops or withdraws from a course in which he/she is found responsible of an academic dishonesty violation, the College reserves the right to assign the student a grade of “WF” for that course.
4. The instructor shall then meet with the student. Both the student and the instructor may invite an advisor to be present during this meeting and any phase of this process; however, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in the process. During the meeting, the instructor will share the completed Faculty Adjudication Form and all other evidence with the student. The student will have the opportunity to speak and share any additional information with the instructor.
5. At the conclusion of the meeting, the instructor will make a decision regarding the allegation. The standard of proof shall be preponderance of evidence. One of the following actions should result from this meeting:

1. The instructor determines that no violation of academic dishonesty occurred. The instructor will notify the student via email or other written form that no violation occurred. The Office of Student Integrity and the dean of the school will also be notified. The matter shall then be closed.
2. The instructor determines that the student is responsible for the violation of academic dishonesty and assigns an academic sanction (refer to Sanctioning Guidelines). The student is then asked to sign the Faculty Adjudication Form. The instructor must then send the completed Faculty Adjudication Form and all other evidence/documentation to the Office of Student Integrity.
3. If the student chooses to not schedule a meeting or fails to attend a scheduled meeting, the student will be found responsible for the violation of academic dishonesty. The instructor must send the completed Faculty Adjudication Form and all other evidence/documentation to the Office of Student Integrity.

6. Once the Faculty Adjudication Form and other evidence/documentation are received by the Office of Student Integrity, a staff member in the office will send a decision letter of responsibility and sanctions to the student, the instructor, dean of the school, Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost, Senior Associate Provost for Student Affairs, and Dean of Students. A copy of the decision letter will also be filed in the student’s conduct record within the Office of Student Integrity.

Sanctioning Guidelines for Academic Dishonesty Violations

The appropriate sanction(s) for a violation of academic dishonesty must be decided on a case-by-case basis as appropriate by academic discipline, teaching method, course level, academic classification, maturity of the student, and degree of misconduct. The instructor may issue any of the sanctions listed below separately or in combination:

1. Failure of the course
2. Reduction of final course grade
3. No credit (“0” for assignment)
4. Reduction of points earned on the assignment
5. Retake/replace assignment
6. Reprimand: Stated disapproval or a warning issued to the student
7. Referral to educational seminar/workshop.

The Office of Student Integrity will monitor any sanction deadlines assigned.

Appeals of Faculty Adjudication Process

Students wishing to appeal a decision from the Faculty Adjudication Process must file an appeal with the appropriate dean. The student will have 15 calendar days from the date of the decision letter to submit the written appeal (including all supporting documentation) to the dean. An interview with the student and/or the course instructor may be a part of the dean’s decision. The dean will issue a decision letter to the student within 15 calendar days of the date the appeal was submitted or refer the case to a Formal Resolution. A copy of this letter will also be sent to the instructor and the Office of Student Integrity.

If the student wishes to appeal the dean’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost within 15 calendar days of the decision. The Provost will issue a decision letter to the student or remand the case back to a Formal Resolution. If the student wishes to appeal the Provost’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the President of the College within 15 calendar days of the Provost’s decision. The decision of the President of the College is final.

In instances where the campus is closed for holidays or other reasons, the timelines noted herein will be extended.

Formal Resolution (Student Integrity Board Hearing)

If the instructor, dean, and the Office of Student Integrity establish that the case should not be resolved through the Faculty Adjudication Process, the case will be referred to a Formal Resolution (Student Integrity Board hearing) via the Student Integrity Process outlined later in this Code.

4.1.3 Student Voting Privileges

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.1.3.

4.1.4 Fraternities and Sororities

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Georgia Gwinnett College does not currently offer fraternities and sororities as options for student organizations. Persons attempting to organize fraternities and sororities utilizing the Georgia Gwinnett College name shall be deemed violators under this policy and will be disciplined under the Student Code of Conduct.

4.1.6 Admission of Persons Not Lawfully Present in The United States

Reviewed May 26, 2016

A person who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible for admission to any University System institution which, for the two most recent academic years, did not admit all academically qualified applicants (except for cases in which applicants were rejected for non-academic reasons).

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.1.6.

4.1.5 Students with Disabilities

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.1.5.

4.1.5.1 Disability Services

Reviewed May 26, 2016

The Office of Disability Services at GGC encourages all students to reach their full potential, both academically and personally, by providing equal access to classes and campus life. The Office of Disability Services works to:

1. Provide reasonable accommodations that ensure an accessible educational, academic and social environment to students with documented disabilities.
2. Advocate for students and teach students to advocate for themselves.
3. Educate faculty, staff and students regarding disability related issues
4. Continually evaluate physical accessibility at the College and look at changing conditions that may affect a person’s accommodations.
5. Upon acceptance, any student with a documented disability or special need should notify the Office of Disability Services to receive assistance or accommodations.

4.1.5.2 Emotional Support Animals

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is committed to making reasonable accommodation to afford people with disabilities an equal opportunity to access its programs, services, and activities.

1. Definitions

A. Pet

A “pet” is any animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. Service animals and emotional support animals, as defined below, are not considered pets. Pets are prohibited indoors on the Georgia Gwinnett College campus.

B. Service Animal

A “service animal” means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. The provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship does not constitute work or tasks for the purpose of this definition. For definition of Emotional Support Animals please see below.

Service animals will be permitted to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of GGC’s facilities where students, members of the public, and other participants in services, programs or activities are allowed to go. GGC does not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal. Additionally, GGC cannot ask about the nature or extent of a person’s disability to determine whether a person’s animal qualifies as a service animal. However, when it is not readily apparent that a dog is a service animal, GGC faculty and staff may make two inquiries to determine whether the dog qualifies as a service animal, which are:

a. Is the dog required because of a disability?

b. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

For additional information, please contact the Office of Disability Services.

C. Service Animal In Training

Georgia law allows animals that are being trained to be service animals to access GGC Facilities.

D. Emotional Support Animals

“Emotional support animal” is an animal that provides emotional support that eases one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals are not trained to perform work or tasks, and they include species other than dogs and miniature horses.

Emotional support animals are not allowed to accompany persons with disabilities in all areas of GGC, but they may reside in Residence Life with people with disabilities. Before an emotional support animal can move into GGC Residence Life with a person with a disability, a request must be submitted to GGC’s Office of Disability Service and approval must be granted (preferably at least 60 days prior to move in). Requests must include documentation from a licensed physician or mental health provider, and must meet the documents criteria set forth on the GGC website (link will be provided later)

2. Responsibility

GGC is not responsible for the care or supervision of service or emotional support animals. People with disabilities are responsible for the cost, care, and supervision of service and emotional support animals, including:

• compliance with any laws pertaining to animal licensing, vaccination, and owner identification;
• keeping the animal under control and taking effective action when it is out of control; and
• feeding and walking the animal, and disposing of its waste.

Owners are required to bag waste and dispose of in outdoor receptacle bins/dumpsters. Do not use the building internal trash chutes.

GGC will not require any surcharges or fees for service animals or emotional support animals. However, a person with a disability may be charged for damage caused by a service animal or emotional support animal to the same extent that GGC would normally charge a person for the damage they cause.

People with disabilities who are accompanied by service animals or emotional support animals must comply with the same College rules regarding noise, safety, disruption, and cleanliness as people without disabilities.

3. Exceptions and Exclusion

GGC may pose some restrictions on, and may even exclude, a service animal or emotional support animal in certain instances. Restrictions or exclusions will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws, but an animal may be excluded if:

• it is out of control and effective action is not taken to control it;
• it is not housebroken (or in the case of a support animal that deposits waste in a designated cage or litter box, the owner fails to clean such cage or box such that the cleanliness of the room is not maintained); or
• it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be mitigated by reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures, or the provision of auxiliary aids or services.

In considering whether an animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, GGC will make an individualized assessment, based on reasonable judgment, current medical knowledge, or the best available objective evidence, to determine: (1) the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; (2) the probability that the potential injury will actually occur; and (3) whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will mitigate the risk.

In the event that restriction or removal of an assistance animal is determined to be necessary, the person with a disability will still be given the opportunity to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the assistance animal present. The person may also contact the Office of Disability service to reevaluate their reasonable accommodation(s).

4. Etiquette for Members of GGC Community

To ensure equal access and nondiscrimination of people with disabilities, members of the GGC community must abide by the following practices:

• Allow assistance animals to accompany people with disabilities on campus;
• Do not ask for details about a person’s disabilities;
• Do not pet an assistance animal, as it distracts the animal from its work;
• Do not feed an assistance animal;
• Do not deliberately startle, tease, or taunt an assistance animal; and
• Do not separate or attempt to separate a person from his/her assistance animal.

If you have a disability that may be affected by the presence of animals, please contact the Office of Disability Services. GGC is committed to ensuring that the needs of all people with disabilities are met and will determine how to resolve any conflicts or problems as expeditiously as possible.

Sexual Misconduct

Policy Number: 4.1.7
Effective Date: August 14, 2017
Revision History: June 30, 2016
Policy Contact: Executive Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Title IX Program Administration

Purpose and Policy Statement

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), Georgia Gwinnett College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities or in employment. The College is committed to ensuring a safe learning and working environment for all members of the Georgia Gwinnett College community. To that end, this policy prohibits sexual misconduct, as defined herein.

In order to reduce incidents of sexual misconduct, GGC is required to provide prevention tools and to conduct ongoing awareness and prevention programming and training for the campus community. Such programs will promote positive and healthy behaviors and educate the campus community on consent, sexual assault, alcohol use, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, bystander intervention, and reporting.

When sexual misconduct does occur, all members of the GGC community are strongly encouraged to report it promptly through the procedures outlined in this policy.

Roles and Responsibilities

Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment Officer, Title VI Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator: the Executive Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Title IX Program Administration (“DETIX Executive Director”) serves as the Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Officer, the College’s Title VI Coordinator, and the College’s Title IX Coordinator. The DETIX Executive Director is the individual designated by the President with responsibility for providing education and training about prohibited discrimination and harassment to the College community and for receiving and overseeing the investigation of reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment in accordance with this policy. The DETIX Executive Director can be reached at the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Title IX Program Administration, located in Building B, by phone at (678) 407-5010, or via email at titleix@ggc.edu.  

Special Assistant Office of Diversity, Equity and Title IX Program Administration/Deputy Title IX Coordinator: the Special Assistant shall serve as and assume the responsibilities of the Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Officer, Title VI Coordinator, and the Title IX Coordinator, upon task delegation or case-specific designation by the DETIX Executive Director.

Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Investigator: the Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Investigator shall be appointed to investigate individual complaints by the Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Officer or his/her designee to conduct investigations pursuant to alleged violations of the Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy.

Title IX Investigator:  the Title IX Investigator shall be appointed to individual complaints by the Title IX Coordinator or his/her designee to conduct investigations pursuant to alleged violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Definitions and Prohibited Conduct

Amorous Relationships: The College follows APM 8.2.23 Amorous Relationships, which prohibits some forms of amorous relationships. However, amorous relationships that are not prohibited under GGC policy may still result in sexual harassment allegations.  See APM 8.2.23 Amorous Relationships for additional information.

Community: Students, faculty, and staff, as well as contractors, vendors, visitors and guests.

Complainant: An individual lodging a complaint. The complainant may not always be the alleged victim.

Consent: Words or actions that show a knowing and voluntary willingness to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. Consent cannot be gained by force, intimidation or coercion; by ignoring or acting in spite of objections of another; or by taking advantage of the incapacitation of another where the respondent knows or reasonably should have known of such incapacitation.

Minors under the age of 16 cannot legally consent under Georgia law.

Consent is also absent when the activity in question exceeds the scope of consent previously given. Past consent does not imply present or future consent. Silence or an absence of resistance does not imply consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time by either party by using clear words or actions.

Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the alleged victim. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence: Violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the alleged victim; by a person with whom the alleged victim shares a child in common; by a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the alleged victim.

Incapacitation: The physical and/or mental inability to make informed, rational judgments. It can result from mental disability, sleep, involuntary physical restraint, status as a minor under the age of 16, or from intentional or unintentional taking of alcohol and/or other drugs. Whether someone is incapacitated is to be judged from the perspective of an objectively reasonable person.

Nonconsensual Sexual Contact: Any physical contact with another person of a sexual nature without the person’s consent. It includes but is not limited to touching (or penetrating) of a person’s intimate parts (such as genitalia, groin, breasts, or buttocks); touching (or penetrating) a person with one’s own intimate parts; or forcing a person to touch his or her own or another person’s intimate parts.

Confidential Employees: Institution employees who have been designated by Georgia Gwinnett College’s Title IX Coordinator to talk with an alleged victim in confidence. Confidential Employees must only report that the incident occurred and provide date, time, location, and name of alleged respondent (if known) without revealing any information that would personally identify the alleged victim.

This minimal reporting must be submitted in compliance with Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”). Confidential Employees may be required to fully disclose details of an incident in order to ensure campus safety.

Privileged Employees: Individuals employed by Georgia Gwinnett College to whom a complainant or alleged victim may talk in confidence, as provided by law. Disclosure to these employees will not automatically trigger an investigation against the complainant’s or alleged victim’s wishes. Privileged Employees include those providing counseling, advocacy, health, mental health, or sexual-assault related services (e.g., sexual assault resource centers, campus health centers, pastoral counselors, and campus mental health centers) or as otherwise provided by applicable law. Exceptions to confidentiality exist where the conduct involves suspected abuse of a minor (in Georgia, under the age of 18) or otherwise provided by law, such as imminent threat of serious harm.

Respondent: Individual who is alleged to have engaged in conduct that violates this policy.

Responsible Employees: Those employees who must promptly and fully report complaints of or information regarding sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. Responsible Employees include any administrator, supervisor, faculty member, or other person in a position of authority who is not a Confidential Employee or Privileged Employee. Student employees who serve in a supervisory, advisory, or managerial role are in a position of authority for purposes of this policy (e.g., teaching assistants, residential assistants, student managers, orientation leaders).

Sexual Exploitation: Taking non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for one’s own advantage or benefit, or for the benefit or advantage of anyone other than the one being exploited.

Examples of sexual exploitation may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Invasion of sexual privacy;
2. Prostituting another individual;
3. Non-consensual photos, video, or audio of sexual activity;
4. Non-consensual distribution of photo, video, or audio of sexual activity, even if the sexual activity was consensual;
5. Intentional observation of nonconsenting individuals who are partially undressed, naked, or engaged in sexual acts;
6. Knowingly transmitting an STD or HIV to another individual through sexual activity;
7. Intentionally and inappropriately exposing one’s breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals in non-consensual circumstances; and/or
8. Sexually-based bullying.

Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct, based on sex or on gender stereotypes, that is implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of employment or status in a course, program, or activity; is a basis for employment or educational decisions; or is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to interfere with one’s work or educational performance creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment, or interfering with or limiting one’s ability to participate in or to benefit from an institutional program or activity.

Sexual Misconduct: Includes, but is not limited to, such unwanted behavior as dating violence, domestic violence, nonconsensual sexual contact, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking.

Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with person’s property. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

A complainant of sexual misconduct may, but need not, file a criminal complaint with law enforcement officials; file a misconduct report with a Responsible Employee or Title IX Coordinator; or file both. A report may be filed anonymously, although anonymous reports may make it difficult for the College to address the complaint. Any individual who believes that he or she has been a victim of sexual misconduct is encouraged to report allegations of sexual misconduct promptly. All reports of sexual misconduct alleged to have been committed by a student must be handled consistently with requirements set forth in Section 4.6.5, Standards for Institutional Student Conduct Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings. All reports of sexual misconduct alleged to have been committed by a non-student member of the College community will be addressed and/or resolved through the College’s and the Board of Regents’ applicable policies for discipline of non-students.

Institutional Reports

Complainants of sexual misconduct who wish to file a report with the College should notify a Responsible Employee or the Title IX Coordinator. Responsible Employees informed about sexual misconduct allegations involving any student should not attempt to resolve the situation, but must notify and report all relevant information to the Title IX Coordinator as soon as practicable. Confidential Employees are not bound by this requirement but may be required to report limited information about incidents without revealing the identities of the individuals involved to the Title IX Coordinator, consistent with their ethical and legal obligations.

All members of the Georgia Gwinnett College community are encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct promptly. The Title IX Coordinator’s identity and contact information shall be published by each institution prominently on the College’s website, as well as in any relevant publication. The College may choose to have Deputy Title IX Coordinators to whom reports may be made, as well. The College encourages complainants to report their complaints in writing, though oral complaints should also be accepted, taken seriously, and investigated, to the extent possible. While complaints should be made as quickly as possible following an alleged incident of sexual misconduct, all reports should be accepted regardless of when reported. The Title IX Coordinator shall refer to the System Director any allegation(s) of sexual misconduct that could, standing alone as reported, lead to the suspension or expulsion of the respondent(s). The System Director will work with the College to determine whether any interim measure(s) are necessary and to assign an investigator who will work under the direction of the System Director or designee, if directed by System Director. If an allegation is not initially identified as one that would lead to the suspension or expulsion of the respondent(s), but facts arise during the course of the investigation that would require transfer to the System Director, the Title IX Coordinator shall transfer oversight to the System Director or designee. The System Director shall have the discretion to retain oversight or transfer oversight to the College.

Law Enforcement Reports

Because sexual misconduct may constitute criminal activity, a complainant also has the option, should he or she so choose, of filing a report with campus or local police, for his or her own protection and that of the surrounding community. Georgia Gwinnett College may assist the complainant in reporting the situation to law enforcement officials.

Complainants considering filing a report of sexual misconduct with law enforcement should preserve any evidence of sexual misconduct, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Clothing worn during the incident including undergarments;
2. Sheets, bedding, and condoms, if used;
3. Lists of witnesses with contact information;
4. Text messages, call history, social media posts;
5. Pictures of injuries; and/or
6. Videos.

Anonymous Reports

Each institution shall provide a mechanism by which individuals can report incidents of alleged sexual misconduct anonymously. Complainants should understand, however, that it will be more difficult for the College to investigate and to take action upon anonymous reports.

Retaliation

Anyone who, in good faith, reports what he or she believes to be misconduct under this policy, or who participates or cooperates in, or is otherwise associated with any investigation, shall not be subjected to retaliation. Anyone who believes that he or she has been the target of retaliation for reporting, participating, cooperating in, or otherwise being associated with an investigation should immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator for the College. Any person found to have engaged in retaliation in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.

False Complaints

Individuals are prohibited from intentionally giving false statements to a system or institution official. Any person found to have intentionally submitted false complaints, accusations, or statements, including during a hearing, in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (up to and including suspension or expulsion) and adjudicated under the student conduct policy.

Amnesty

Individuals should be encouraged to come forward and to report sexual misconduct notwithstanding their choice to consume alcohol or to use drugs. Information reported by an  individual during an investigation concerning use of drugs or alcohol will not be used against the particular individual in a disciplinary proceeding or voluntarily reported to law enforcement;  however, individuals may be provided with resources on drug and alcohol counseling and/or education, as appropriate.

Handling Reports of Sexual Misconduct

Support Services

Once a student or employee makes a complaint or receives notice that a complaint has been made against him or her, or the Title IX Coordinator otherwise learns of a complaint of sexual misconduct. The complainant, respondent and alleged victim (where applicable) should receive written information about support services, such as counseling, advocacy, housing assistance, academic support, disability services, health and mental services, and legal assistance, available at the student’s institution.

Information on support services will be provided regardless as to whether an individual elects to go forward with filing a formal complaint of sexual misconduct or with notifying law enforcement. Information on support services will also be provided to students and employees, regardless of where the alleged misconduct occurs. Available support services should also be listed on the College’s Title IX website.

Interim Measures

Interim measures may be undertaken at any point after the College becomes aware of an allegation of sexual misconduct and should be designed to protect the alleged victim and the community.

Before an interim suspension is issued, the College must make all reasonable efforts to give the respondent the opportunity to be heard, consistent with the provisions in policy 4.6.5.

Jurisdiction

Georgia Gwinnett College takes necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of its community. Sexual misconduct allegedly committed by a student are addressed by this policy when the misconduct occurs on institution property, or at institution-sponsored or affiliated events, or off-campus, as defined by the College’s student conduct policies in APM 4.6.5.

Advisors

Both the alleged victim and respondent, as parties to the matter, shall have the opportunity to use an advisor (who may or may not be an attorney) of the party’s choosing at the party’s own expense for the express purpose of providing advice and counsel, pursuant to the provisions of APM 4.6.5.

Informal Resolutions

Allegations of sexual misconduct may be resolved informally, without a determination of misconduct, if all of the following are met:

1) When complainant(s) and respondent agree to an informal resolution;
2) When the initial allegation could not result in expulsion;
3) When the complainant(s) and respondent(s) agree to the terms of the informal resolution; and
4) When the investigator concludes that informal resolution is in the best interest of the parties and the College’s community.

The alleged victim(s) and respondent(s) have the option to end informal resolution discussions and request a formal process at any time before the terms of an informal resolution are reached. However, matters resolved informally shall not be appealable.

Timeframe

Efforts will be made to complete the investigation within a reasonable timeframe, which will be determined based upon the allegations, availability of witnesses and/or evidence, etc. in a particular case. When the timeframe will extend past the reasonable timeframe, the parties will be informed of the delay and the reason for the delay. The investigator shall keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation.

Investigations

All sexual misconduct investigations involving a student respondent, whether overseen by the College’s Title IX Coordinator or the System Director, shall follow the investigation process set forth in Section 4.6.5, Standards for Institutional Student Conduct Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings.

Hearings, Possible Sanctions, and Appeals

All sexual misconduct hearings, sanctions, and appeals involving a student respondent, whether overseen by the College’s Title IX Coordinator or the System Director, shall follow the investigation process set forth in Section 4.6.5, Standards for Institutional Student Conduct Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings. All sexual misconduct adjudication involving an employee respondent shall be addressed utilizing the College’s employment policies and procedures.

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

Federal Laws
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)  
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (Title IX)

State Law
Georgia Mandatory Reporting Law O.C.G.A. §19-7-5

University System of Georgia Policies
Board of Regents Nondiscrimination Policy
Board of Regents Sexual Harassment Policy
Board of Regents Sexual Misconduct Policy

Notetaking

Policy Number: 4.1.8
Effective Date: February 8, 2018
Revision History: None
Policy Contact: Director of Disability Services

Purpose and Policy Statement

Georgia Gwinnett College complies with federal mandates to ensure non-discrimination based on disability as required in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.

The notetaking policy outlines one of many accommodations that ensures compliance with the BOR 4.1.5 Students with Disabilities.

If GGC staff determine that a student qualifies for notetaker services under the interactive process of the ADA, GGC staff shall determine the appropriate accommodation which can include, but is not limited to, volunteer notetakers, compensated notetakers, electronic transcription, requesting the faculty member to provide his/her class lecture notes or other means as may be developed.

The process for providing the appropriate accommodation for a student with a demonstrated disability is a collaborative effort between the Office of Disability Services, the course instructor and the student needing an accommodation.  

Scope

All students receiving accommodations under this policy, instructors and notetakers are responsible for understanding and complying with this policy.

Compliance

An employee or course instructor’s failure to comply with the Notetaking policy may result in a violation of the state or federal laws as well as GGC policies.

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

BOR Academic and Student Affairs Handbook Appendix D: Disability Documentation

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Freedom of Expression

Policy Number:  4.1.9
Effective Date: May 1, 2017
Revision History:  February 28, 2017; May 26, 2016; June 4, 2015; May 28, 2013; May 12, 2012
Policy Contact:  Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Purpose and Policy Statement

Georgia Gwinnett College (“GGC”) is committed to respecting the First Amendment rights of all individuals, including freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceably assemble. GGC also recognizes its responsibility to provide a secure learning environment that allows individuals enrolled at or employed by GGC (“members of the GGC community”) to express their views in ways that do not disrupt the operation of the College. 

Scope

This policy in no way prohibits members of the GGC community from engaging in conversations on campus and does not apply to College-sponsored activities or classroom instruction or participation, but rather only establishes as designated public forums certain outdoor areas of GGC’s campus and sets forth requirements for forum reservations in the following limited circumstances: (1) members of the GGC community who plan an event with 30 or more persons; and, (2) individuals or groups who are not members of the GGC community who wish to speak on GGC’s campus.By placing reasonable limitations on time, place, and manner of speech, GGC does not take a position on the content or viewpoint of the expression, but allows for a diversity of viewpoints to be expressed in an academic setting.

Definitions

GGC community:  GGC employees and enrolled students

Designation of Public Forums on GGC’s Campus

To accommodate the need for immediate and spontaneous demonstration and to better facilitate the free exchange of ideas, GGC has designated ZONE A and ZONE B as public forums on GGC’s campus (“Public Forum Areas”), which are depicted on the enclosed map . These Public Forum Areas are generally available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, provided that the Public Forum Areas have not previously been reserved. Reservations will only be processed on days that GGC’s Administrative Offices are open for business (“college business days”).  Though reservations to use the Public Forum Areas are only required as set forth in Section C and Section D below, GGC recommends that all parties interested in utilizing the Public Forum Areas submit a completed Forum Reservation Request Form   to GGC’s Office of Student Integrity in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs prior to use so that GGC may minimize scheduling conflicts, accommodate all interested users, and provide adequate security for the speaker and the audience.

Provisions for Members of the GGC Community

A. Planned Large Group Expression

Members of the GGC community who plan to engage in expressive activity on campus in a group that is expected to consist of 30 or more persons must submit a completed Forum Reservation Request Form to GGC’s Office of Student Integrity in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs two college business days prior to the scheduled activity and must receive approval in writing from a Student Affairs official prior to engaging in such activity.  Prior notice is required to ensure that there is sufficient space for the large group event, that necessary College resources are available for crowd control and security, and that the academic and other operations of the College are not disrupted.  The Student Affairs official may grant a reservation for one of the Public Forum Areas or another available area of campus, as requested by the applicant, and may only deny a reservation for the limited reasons set forth in Section E below.  The reservation request must be processed and the requesting party must be notified within one college business day after its submission.  Any denial may be appealed to GGC’s Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost in writing setting forth the reasons why the appeal should be granted.  GGC’s Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost or his or her designee must respond to the appeal in writing within one college business day. 

B. Spontaneous Large Group Expression

If an individual or small group of individuals within the GGC community, while engaging in spontaneous expression, attracts a group of 30 or more persons, then a representative from the group should provide the College with as much notice as circumstances reasonably permit.  GGC reserves the right to direct a group of 30 or more persons to one of the Public Forum Areas or another available area of campus in order to ensure the safety of campus members, to provide for proper crowd control, and to limit disruption of the academic and other operations of the College.  The GGC official must not consider or impose restrictions based on the content or viewpoint of the expression when relocating any expression.

Provisions for Non-Campus Members

Individuals or groups of people who are not enrolled at or employed by GGC may only engage in expressive activity on GGC’s campus in the Public Forum Areas and only after submitting a completed Forum Reservation Request Form to GGC’s Office of Student Integrity in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs at least two college business days prior to the scheduled speech and obtaining approval for such use in writing from a Student Affairs official pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section E below.   Organizers are encouraged to submit their requests as early in the planning stages of the event as possible.  The reservation request must be processed and the requesting party must be notified within one college business day after its submission.  Any denial may be appealed to GGC’s Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost in writing setting forth the reasons why the appeal should be granted.  GGC’s Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost or his or her designee must respond to the appeal in writing within one college business day.  This provision does not apply to GGC Classroom Visitors, who are covered by APM 3.15, or to any College-sponsored events.

Procedures for Forum Reservation Requests

Completed Forum Reservation Request Forms should be submitted to GGC’s Office of Student Integrity in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs in person or by email to studentintegrity@ggc.edu.  Any written materials that will be distributed in connection with the expression must be attached to the Forum Reservation Request Form and submitted to GGC’s Office of Student Integrity in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs at least two college business days prior to the distribution of the written materials.  College officials may not deny any request to distribute written materials based on the content or viewpoint of the expression.  However, no publicity for a speaker or program may be released prior to authorization of the Reservation Request Form.

Reservation scheduling will be coordinated by a Student Affairs official, who will schedule forums for expression on a first-come, first-served basis.  The Student Affairs official must respond to all requests in writing as soon as practicable, but in no event more than one college business day following receipt of the request, either authorizing the reservation and noting any special instructions, if applicable, or setting forth the reason for denial of the reservation. 

The Student Affairs official may only deny a reservation request for one of the following reasons:

• The Forum Reservation Request Form is not fully completed;
• The Forum Reservation Request Form contains a material falsehood or misrepresentation;
• The Public Forum Areas have been reserved by persons who previously submitted a completed Forum Reservation Request Form(s), in which case the College must provide a reservation for the applicant at an alternate location, alternate date, or alternate time;
• The use or activity intended by the applicant would conflict with or disturb previously planned programs organized and conducted by the College;
• The Public Forum Areas are not large enough to accommodate the expected or actual number of persons engaging in large group expression, in which case the College must provide a reservation for the applicant at an alternate location that can safely accommodate the applicant provided that the applicant is a member of the GGC community and that such a location exists on GGC’s campus;
• The use or activity intended by the applicant would present a danger to the health or safety of the applicant, other members of the GGC community, or the public; or
• The use or activity intended by the applicant is prohibited by law or GGC policy.

When assessing a reservation request, the Student Affairs official must not consider or impose restrictions based on the content or viewpoint of the expression.

Appeals related to the decision of the Student Affairs official should be made in writing to GGC’s Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost.  GGC’s Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost or his or her designee must decide all appeals within one college business day. The decision of GGC’s Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost or his or her designee is final.  All campus reservations are subject to the general provisions below.

Distribution of Written Material

Members of the GGC community may distribute non-commercial pamphlets, handbills, circulars, newspapers, magazines, and other written materials on a person-to-person basis in open outdoor areas of the campus.  An individual who is not a member of the GGC community may only distribute written materials within the Public Forum Areas and only during the time in which the individual has reserved Public Forum Area.  Unauthorized use of the College’s trademark on any written material is strictly prohibited. The Georgia Gwinnett College Fundraising Policy, which may be found at APM 7.61, covers the distribution of commercial materials and publications.

General Provisions

In addition to the requirements set forth above, all individuals expressing themselves on GGC’s campus must comply with the following provisions:

• No interference with the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic within and/or under the control of the GGC campus or the ingress and egress to buildings on campus is permitted.
• Any use of amplified sound, other than amplified sound used in connection with College-sponsored events, must only be intended to be heard in the immediate area of the expression in order to minimize any disruption of the central academic mission of the College.  Use of amplified sound by student organizations is covered by the Outside Amplified Sound Provision of the Registered Student Organization Policy and Procedures Manual. 
• No interruption of the orderly conduct of college classes or other college activities, including college ceremonies and events, is permitted.
• No commercial solicitations, campus sales, or fundraising activities shall be undertaken which are not authorized by GGC.  For GGC’s policies on solicitation and fundraising, refer to APM 7.61 and APM 8.2.54.
• The individual who makes the reservation shall be responsible for seeing that the area is left clean and in good repair. If not accomplished, persons, or organizations responsible for the event may be held financially responsible for cleanup costs.
• The individual/organization using the area must supply their own tables, chairs, etc., if needed (unless already part of the location).
• Individuals who are not members of the GGC campus community may not camp or erect temporary structures (e.g. tents) on GGC’s campus.
• Damage or destruction of property owned or operated by the College, or property belonging to students, faculty, staff, or guests of the College is prohibited. Persons or organizations causing such damage may be held financially and/or criminally responsible.
• Individuals and groups of individuals expressing themselves on GGC’s campus must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and GGC policies, rules, and regulations

Compliance

Authorization of a speech, event, or demonstration is contingent upon compliance with the criteria listed above. Speakers and/or organizations failing to comply with the above policy may be asked to leave, a trespass warning may be issued, and/or College disciplinary action or judicial action may be pursued.

Freedom of Expression Policy Questions

Questions about this policy may be addressed to the Office of Student Integrity in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs at 678.407.5882 or studentintegrity@ggc.edu.

Undergraduate Admissions

Policy Number: 4.2
Effective Date: August 2, 2019
Revision History: May 26, 2016
Policy Contact: Director of Admissions

Purpose and Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to create admissions requirements that fulfill the stated mission of the College, by encouraging students of diverse levels of preparation, ethnicity, and age to enroll and develop their full potential. These requirements are in keeping with Georgia Gwinnett College’s strong commitment to student success. Georgia Gwinnett College complies with the access mission institution admission standards established under University System of Georgia Board of Regents policies and is committed to ensuring that the admissions procedures support these standards.

Scope

This policy applies to all applicants to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) and to all GGC faculty, staff, and administrators with the authority to make or influence admission decisions.

Definitions

Applicant: A person who applies for admission to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC).

Application: The process by which individuals apply to gain admission to GGC.

Freshman: Applicants who have never attended other colleges or who have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester hours from previous colleges.

Transfer: Applicants with 30 or more transfer hours of college credit

English Language Proficiency Requirement

All non-native speakers of English must demonstrate satisfactory English language proficiency.  The Accuplacer placement tests may exempt the applicant from the English proficiency requirement if the WritePlacer and the Reading Comprehension exams place them directly into college-level English with no required co-requisite.

Freshman Requirements: High School Diploma and Required High School Curriculum

Freshmen must have a diploma from a high school accredited by a regional accrediting association (such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), or the Georgia Accrediting Commission or from a public school regulated by a school system and state department of education. Certificates of attendance or special education diplomas are not acceptable. High school students with a general diploma must have a minimum 2.00 grade point average based on the grades in the 17 units of Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) as defined by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

As part of the admission process, each student will be evaluated to determine satisfactory completion of the following 17 units of the University System of Georgia RHSC. Following is information on courses that satisfy these requirements.  More specific information on this requirement and courses that satisfy these requirements is referenced under Related Regulations, Statutes, and Policies.

1. MATHEMATICS:  Four (4) units of Mathematics, including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.  For students who graduate from a Georgia public school in 2012 or later, the 4 units of Mathematics must include a course at the level of Math 3 or higher.
2. ENGLISH:  Four (4) units of English which have as their emphasis grammar and usage, literature (American, English, World), and advanced composition skills.
3. SCIENCE:  Four (4) units of science, which include at least one (1) unit of biology, one (1) unit of physical science or physics, and one (1) unit of chemistry, earth systems, environmental science, or an advanced placement course. 
4. SOCIAL SCIENCE:  Three (3) units of social science, with at least one (1) course focusing on United States studies and one (1) course focusing on world studies.
5. FOREIGN LANGUAGE/ AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE/ COMPUTER SCIENCE:  Two (2) units in the same foreign language emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing or two (2) units of American Sign Language or two (2) units of Computer Science.

Admissions requirements are determined annually in conjunction with USG policy, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, and the President.  The current admissions requirements can be found on the GGC website at https://www.ggc.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/

Applicants with Fewer than 30 Transfer Hours of College Credit

The college transcripts of students who have attended other colleges (but earned fewer than 30 semester hours of eligible transfer credit) will be considered as part of the admissions process. If a student meets the freshman requirements listed above and their cumulative combined GPA from previous college work is at or above a 2.00, the candidate will be admitted without condition; those who fail to meet both these requirements will be denied admission.

An applicant who has fewer than 30 semester hours of college credit will be admitted on Academic Probation, if one of the following two conditions occur: a) the student meets the freshman admission requirements listed above but has a combined GPA from previous college work below a 2.00 or b) the student does not meet the freshman admission requirements listed above but has a combined GPA from previous college work above a 2.00. Furthermore, students will be required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by their academic classification in order to be placed in good academic standing at Georgia Gwinnett College.

Home School Applicants

Applicants graduating from non-accredited home schools or high schools must meet the admission criteria required of other applicants and criteria set forth in the Home School Portfolio Review. Students must have completed each of the 17-unit RHSC areas as documented in the portfolio (or as documented by the SAT II Subject Tests) and have achieved the minimum SAT/ACT scores.

Required High School Curriculum Requirements (RHSC) - Home School and Non-Accredited High School Applicants

All home school and non-accredited high school applicants must demonstrate equivalent RHSC competence as required by Board of Regents policy.  Home school applicants who receive credit from accredited institutions and curriculum providers can demonstrate compliance by submitting official transcripts from these providers.  These transcripts will be evaluated for RHSC completion based on the general RHSC requirements detailed in Freshman Requirements. 

Home school applicants who have credits from non-accredited institutions and curriculum providers, as well as applicants from non-accredited high schools, will submit a Home School/Non-Accredited High School College Preparatory Credit Evaluation Form (or a transcript in similar form) and one of the following:

• SAT II or CLEP scores in Biology, Chemistry or Physics, American History and World History, and a foreign language. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office for the minimum score criteria
• A detailed description of course work completed in each subject area that includes the subject title, course description, texts or program used, and primary teacher as well as writing samples, reading lists, major projects and assignments, exceptional learning experiences, and additional standardized test scores such as the Iowa Assessments that can be used to evaluate RHSC compliance.  Each subject should be representative of one Carnegie Unit (or academic year) of study. 

The Admissions Committee will review the portfolio for RHSC compliance, and at its sole discretion can recommend that an applicant has met some, all or none of the RHSC requirements.

Applicants who do not satisfy these requirements may still be admitted, but will be required to enroll in the appropriate courses outlined in the Freshman Requirements.

Home School Portfolio Review

The committee will review the student portfolio with the primary goal of determining the applicant’s potential for success at the college level.  If the committee is not satisfied with the material submitted in the portfolio, it will seek additional information from the applicant as a condition for admission.  If the committee’s request is not satisfied, the applicant will be denied admission.  Information regarding how applicants can satisfy the portfolio requirement and guidance in preparing their portfolio is contained on the Home School/Non-Accredited High School College Preparatory Credit Evaluation Form on the GGC website.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

Students admitted from other colleges are required to meet all general requirements regarding examinations and application deadlines. Students planning to transfer from other colleges must request that the Registrar’s Office at each college previously attended forward an official transcript to the Admissions Office at Georgia Gwinnett College. Official transcripts are required whether or not the applicant receives transfer credit. Documents must be mailed directly or electronically through one of the approved electronic services.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Transfer applicants must present a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or above (based on a 4.00 scale) on all work attempted and must be in good academic standing at the last institution attended in order to be admitted to Georgia Gwinnett College in good academic standing. Transfer students with a GPA of 1.99 or below will be denied with the option to appeal their decision.

Dismissals from Other Institutions

If a student has been permanently suspended from another institution, the Admissions Committee will process the student like any other transfer student who appeals the denial of admission to Georgia Gwinnett College. Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.

Transfer of Credit

Evaluations of transfer credit are available for student viewing on their account on Banner Web upon completion of the admissions process and attendance at an orientation session.

Credit earned in regionally accredited colleges may be transferred at full value to Georgia Gwinnett College provided the course content is comparable to that of a course offered by Georgia Gwinnett College or, for non-comparable courses, those that satisfy the guidelines of the University System of Georgia.

Transfer students are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in all Area A requirements (ENGL 1101 and 1102, Math 1001, MATH 1111, or equivalents) in order for those courses to transfer to Georgia Gwinnett College. In addition, a grade of “C” or better is required in all courses used in Area F and in the major.

Other courses earned at regionally accredited institutions may be permitted to transfer with grades of “D,” to the extent that the grades on all credits accepted for transfer average to at least 2.00.

The transfer grade-point-average (GPA) will not be included in the student’s institutional GPA at Georgia Gwinnett College but will be included in the total GPA used to determine academic honors and used by certain financial aid sources (i.e., HOPE scholarship).

The total number of combined hours through military experiences shall not exceed 15 semester hours. In order to determine military credit, the student must submit discharge paperwork (DD-214) or a military course transcript (AARTS, SMART, CCAF, etc.).

Transfer credit from colleges and universities outside the United States must be evaluated by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) evaluation service.  The student must submit transcripts to an evaluation service and request that an appropriate course by course evaluation be submitted to the Georgia Gwinnett College Admissions Office.

Transfer students must complete requirements in United States History and Constitution as well as Georgia History and Constitution prior to graduation. Completion of American History and American Government at a previous University System of Georgia institution will transfer to Georgia Gwinnett College. Completion of American History and American Government at a non-University System of Georgia institution (including out-of-state institutions) will satisfy the U.S. History and Constitution requirement upon transfer, but not the Georgia History and Constitution requirement. A proficiency examination in these legislative requirements is available for the student to complete prior to graduation. See the Testing Center for additional information.

Transfer Admission Guarantee with Georgia State University

Georgia Gwinnett College has entered into an agreement with Perimeter College (PC) of Georgia State University to admit students who have completed an Associate’s degree from Perimeter College of Georgia State University.

The agreement will guarantee general admission to Georgia Gwinnett College to Perimeter College of Georgia State University students who fulfill the criteria listed below; it does not necessarily assure admission to a specific major. Georgia Gwinnett College and Perimeter College of Georgia State University will form an oversight committee charged with evaluation and review of this agreement.

This committee will meet on a biannual basis during March to review the agreement and reconfirm it for the next academic period. Either institution may terminate this agreement for any reason by providing written notice before August 1st of the academic year in which the transfer agreement shall terminate.

To qualify for the Transfer Admission Guarantee, a student must:

• Complete the Intent to Transfer Form signed by both the student and a Perimeter College of Georgia State University Transfer Admission Guarantee counselor.
• Submit a Georgia Gwinnett College Undergraduate Application for Admission during the application filing period for the semester for which the student wishes to transfer.
• Complete, with a grade of C or better, the English composition and mathematics courses required for admission at least two semesters preceding the term the student plans to transfer to Georgia Gwinnett College.
• Earn an Associate’s degree at Perimeter College of Georgia State University by the end of the semester preceding transfer.
• Complete the last 30 of their 60 or more Georgia Gwinnett College transferable units at Perimeter College of Georgia State University.
• Earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 in all Georgia Gwinnett College transferable course work by the end of the current semester and maintain a 2.3 GPA or higher in all courses taken prior to transfer.
• Meet conditions of Georgia Gwinnett College Code of Student Conduct.

Terms of the Agreement

• Apply for admission to GGC during the application filing period for the semester for which the student wishes to transfer.
• Complete the required courses in English composition (English 1101 and English 1102) and one mathematics course (Math 1001 or Math 1111 or Math 1113 (Precalculus) or Math 2431 (Calculus I)) NB: Math-based majors and future Science and Technology majors are required to take Math 2431.
• Earn an Associate’s degree by the end of the semester preceding transfer.
• Complete the last 30 of r 60 or more GGC transferable units at PC of Georgia State University; and
• Earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 in all GGC transferable course work by the end of the current semester and maintain a 2.3 GPA or higher in all courses taken prior to transfer.
• Meet conditions of Georgia Gwinnett College Code of Student Conduct.
• You must earn a grade of C or better in each course of the core at PC of Georgia State University.

Required Course Pattern

Completion of the core curriculum at Perimeter College of Georgia State University is required. Once the student has successfully completed the core curriculum at PC of Georgia State University and has met all of the terms of the agreement outlined above, the credits earned successfully at PC of Georgia State University will be accepted as credits in the core at GGC.

Attendance at an orientation session the semester this Intent to Transfer form is signed is required.

Non-Traditional Students

In order to make the University System of Georgia more accessible to citizens who are not of traditional college-going age and to encourage a higher proportion of Georgians to benefit from life-long learning, Georgia Gwinnett College is authorized by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to admit non-traditional students. The number of non-traditional students GGC enrolls is not counted against the percent of limited admissions allowed by the Board of Regents at GGC.

The Office of Admissions will make the decision on non-traditional applications without going to the Admissions Committee based on the following criteria:

• H.S. GPA of 2.0 or greater - regular admissions
• H.S. GPA between 2.0 and 1.50 - conditional admission up to 14 hours
• H.S. GPA less than 1.50 - applications still reviewed by the committee.

Non-Traditional Freshmen

Non-traditional freshmen are defined as individuals who meet all of the following criteria:

1. Have been out of high school at least five (5) years and whose high school class graduated at least five (5) years ago;
2. Hold a high school diploma from an accredited or approved high school as specified in the High School Diploma/Required High School Curriculum Section  of this Policy Manual or have satisfactorily completed the GED; and,
3. Have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours.

All non-traditional freshmen must be evaluated for learning support status in English (reading/writing) and mathematics using GGC placement criteria.

For students transferring from a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)-accredited Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) college, placement test scores using Accuplacer from the TCSG college may be used if test scores are not more than one (1) year old at the time they are submitted to GGC.

As an alternative, GGC will allow non-traditional freshmen who have within the past seven (7) years posted SAT scores of at least 500 on the Critical Reading test (27 on the Reading Test if taken March 2016 or after) and 500 on the Mathematics test (530 on the Math Section/26 on the Math Test if taken March 2016 or after); or ACT scores of at least 21 on both English and Mathematics to exempt the placement test.

Non-Traditional Transfers

Non-traditional transfer students are defined as individuals who meet all of the following criteria:

1. Have been out of high school at least five years or whose high school class graduated at least five (5) years ago; and,
2. Have earned thirty (30) or more transferable hours of college credit.

Placement evaluation for English and Mathematics will be required if students have not yet completed these requirements.

Academic Credit for Prior Learning

Georgia Gwinnett College accepts college credit by examination through the United States military, the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). For information regarding testing, please refer to Testing Service’s website. For additional information regarding experiential learning credit, please refer to the AP-CLEP link on the Registrar’s website. The following rules govern the awarding of credit by examination:

1. The maximum credit that can be earned by any alternative credit is limited to 30 semester hours (15 military, 24 IB).
2. A student who is currently enrolled in the course or has earned a grade other than a W in the course may not earn CLEP credit for the course.
3. CLEP, AP, IB, and military credits carry no academic grade and are not computed into the grade point average (GPA).
4. Credits earned through CLEP may be transferred from other institutions in the University System of Georgia upon verification that CLEP scores are equal to or higher than those required by Georgia Gwinnett College. Students are responsible for verifying the score by having the College Board send an official score to Georgia Gwinnett College.
5. Students who failed to achieve the CLEP score necessary to receive credit must wait six months before being allowed to re-test.

Information about specific test scores may be found on the Testing Services Website, at GGC Testing Services, or in the Registrar’s Office.

The process for determining if credit should be awarded is:

1. Faculty members in the academic discipline will review the topic areas covered in the test and compare those with corresponding GGC courses. Based on this comparison, they will identify an appropriate test score for which credit will be awarded and then recommend those test scores to the dean of the school.
2. The dean will review the faculty recommendations and approve or disapprove the recommendation.
3. If the courses impacted are general education courses, the General Education Committee will also review the recommendation.
4. If approved by the dean and the General Education Committee (if necessary), the recommended test scores will be forwarded to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost for review and final decision.
5. If approved by the Provost, the test scores will be forwarded to the Executive Director of Enrollment Management for inclusion in the policy for Alternative Credit Options and credit will be given.

The process of approving credit for military experience will include a review of the student’s SMART, AARTS or CCAF transcript or the DD 214.

All students applying for admission to Georgia Gwinnett College must complete the following procedures:

1. Complete an electronic Application for Admission, available online. Students who are unable to complete the electronic application should contact the Georgia Gwinnett College Admissions Office at ggcadmissions@ggc.edu for assistance.
2. Submit the required $20 application fee electronically with the application. Effective spring 2020, submit the required $30 application fee electronically with the application.
3. Freshmen and applicants with fewer than 30 transfer hours must submit an official high school transcript from their most recently-attended high school.
4. Applicants who have attended any college (as a transfer student or as a HOPE-ACCEL student) must request official college transcripts from all colleges previously attended. These official transcripts must be sent directly to Georgia Gwinnett College.
5. Students must submit an immunization record signed by a physician. For more details on the specific immunizations required for enrollment to Georgia Gwinnett College, consult the MedProctor Immunization Requirement available on the Georgia Gwinnett College website.
6. Applicants who indicate that they have a criminal conviction or criminal charges pending will be asked to provide supplemental information in consideration of the applicant’s eligibility for admission to Georgia Gwinnett College. Failure to provide this information may impact the applicant’s eligibility for admission.
7. Applicants must submit official proof of lawful presence.
8. Documents are to be sent to the office of Admissions.

Application Deadlines

Application and document deadline dates may be moved to later dates in the year by the Vice President of Enrollment Management Services in consultation with others if conditions warrant. Any change in dates will be communicated to prospective students on the GGC website and in other communications through the admissions office. The deadline is the next business day if the deadline falls on the weekend.

Admission Appeals

Any applicant denied admission to Georgia Gwinnett College may appeal the decision by submitting a written Request for Admissions Appeal to the Admissions Committee. The Committee will review an appeal to determine the student’s potential for college-level academic work; an interview with the student may also be required. If an appeal is approved the student will be admitted conditionally with a probationary status and must complete any prescribed conditions as specified by the Committee. Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Vice President for Enrollment Management Services.

The letter must be typed and include the student’s electronic or handwritten signature, and it should be delivered to the Office of Admissions.

The letter should provide details that will help the Committee make an informed decision to help the student achieve success at the College.  Such information may include:

• Reasons why the student’s previous academic work may have suffered
• How the student intends to perform better academically
• The student’s weekly work and/or family commitments
• Any other information the student would like the committee to consider

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

BOR 4.2 Undergraduate Admissions
BOR 4.2.1.6 International Transfer Requirements
BOR 4.2.1.2 International Freshman Requirements  
BOR Academic and Student Affairs Handbook 3.1.1.2 International Freshman Requirements
University System of Georgia RHSC Freshman Admission Requirements Document  
GGC Home School/Non-Accredited High School College Preparatory Credit Evaluation Form
BOR 4.2.1.5 Transfer Requirements
BOR 4.2.1.8 Non-Traditional Students
GGC Academics Course Catalog Course Credits for International Baccalaureate Diploma Completion
Application Procedures Application and Document Deadlines

Dual Enrollment

Policy Number: 4.2.1
Effective Date: August 2, 2019
Revision History: February 10, 2017
Policy Contact: Director of Admissions

Purpose and Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to create admissions requirements for eligible high school students that fulfill the stated mission of the College, by encouraging students of diverse levels of preparation, ethnicity, and age to enroll and develop their full potential. These requirements are in keeping with Georgia Gwinnett College’s strong commitment to student success. Georgia Gwinnett College complies with the access mission institution admission standards established under University System of Georgia Board of Regents policies and is committed to ensuring that the admissions procedures support these standards.

Scope

This policy applies to all high school student applicants to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) and to all faculty, staff, and administrators with the authority to make or influence admission decisions.

Dual Enrollment

The Dual Enrollment program provides eligible high school students with the opportunity to take college courses to satisfy high school graduation or home study completion requirements while earning college credit.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants in the dual enrollment program must:

• Be a high school student entering the junior or senior year and be age 15 or older by the first day of the semester of enrollment. Effective fall 2020, applicants must be a high school students entering the junior or senior year and be age 16 or older by the first day of the semester of enrollment.

Meet minimum SAT or ACT test requirements.  The Next Generation Accuplacer test scores cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. Required SAT scores prior to March 2016 are 480 Critical Reading and 460 Math and a combined SAT of 970; and on or after March 2016, a minimum 26 Reading test and 500 Math Section are required.  The Reading test score will be converted to the comparable 480 Critical Reading listed above and the Math Section will be converted to the comparable 460 Math score listed above. The sum of these converted scores must meet or exceed a combined score of 970.

• For applicants applying fall 2020 and forward, the required SAT score Redesigned SAT (RSAT) Math Section with minimum score of 510 and a minimum Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) score of 500 and a minimum SAT total (ERW + MATH) score of 1050 or required ACT scores - minimum of 21 English or 21 Reading and 20 Mathematics and a minimum composite score of 20.

• Have a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher in 17-unit Required High School Curriculum.  Effective fall 2020, have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher in the 17 unit Required High School Curriculum. 
• Homeschooled students may be considered if they are enrolled in Non-traditional Educational Centers that are recognized by GAPSAC or by state departments of education. Students attending non-accredited home school programs or non-accredited high schools may also be eligible to participate if they meet all general admission requirements for dual enrollment and have validated they are on-track for completing the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) unites according to the policy of the institution to which they are applying.

• Submit a Dual Enrollment Student Participation Agreement  

• Follow a plan to complete the University System of Georgia College Preparatory Curriculum requirement on schedule.
• Take courses from the approved courses directory.

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

Georgia Gwinnett College Dual Enrollment Admission
Georgia Finance Commissions (GSFC) Approved Courses Directory

International Students

Policy Number: 4.2.1.7
Effective Date:  August 1, 2018
Revision History: May 26, 2016
Policy Contact: Director of Internationalization

Purpose and Policy Statement

The policy sets admission, financial, and health insurance requirements for international students.

Scope

The policy applies to international students and is implemented primarily by the staff of the Office of Internationalization. Staffs of Admission, Enrollment Management, and the English Language Institute should also be familiar with it.

Definitions

International student: At GGC, an international student is an individual who meets one of the following criteria:

• Currently living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 or a J-1 visa to study in the U.S.
• Not a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident and is currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa
• Currently in the U.S. on another non-immigrant visa classification which permits part-time or full-time study

Admission of Degree-Seeking International Students

All international students must meet GGC admission requirements, which can be found in APM 4.2.

Freshman Students

International applicants who have never attended other colleges or who have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester hours from a regionally accredited college or university are classified as freshman students. The following requirements are in effect for international freshman applicants.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants may submit one of the following minimum required English proficiency scores: TOEFL IBT 74, IELTS 6, SAT Critical Reading 430/Reading Test 24, and ACT English 17. Additional University System of Georgia-approved methods for English proficiency may be submitted instead of the above. For a full list of acceptable evidence of English proficiency, see BOR Academic and Student Affairs Handbook section 3.2.6 Admission of Students with Non-U.S. Academic Credentials/ Admission of Students Whose First Language Is Not English.

Students who are required to take Compass or Accuplacer placement tests may be exempt from the English proficiency requirement if the calculated EPI places them directly into college-level English with no required co-requisite.

Test Scores 

Test scores will be required for all freshman applicants. Students must meet testing requirements before an admission decision can be made. See APM 4.2.1.1 Freshman Requirements for a list of acceptable tests and required minimum scores.

Students whose native language is not English and whose scores qualify them for admission but do not place them into college level English are required to satisfactorily complete coursework through English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Foreign Credentials

Students must submit official records from secondary school and all college(s) attended. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be evaluated by a NACES-approved evaluation service such as Josef Silny and Associates; World Education Services; or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or other BOR-approved services.  Students must submit transcripts to an evaluation service and request that an appropriate evaluation be submitted directly to the Georgia Gwinnett College Office of Internationalization.

Students who have college-level coursework are required to submit course-by-course evaluations. Some non-postsecondary credit and/or examinations may be considered for college credit and may require a course-by-course evaluation.

Presidential Exceptions

International students may also be admitted as Presidential Exceptions. See APM 4.2.1.2 Exceptions to Freshman Admissions Requirements for Special Groups of Students for more information.

Transfer Students

Applicants who have earned 30 or more transferable semester hours from a regionally accredited college or university are classified as transfer students. Students admitted from other colleges are required to meet all general requirements regarding examinations and application deadlines. See APM 4.2.1.3 Undergraduate Admission Requirements for Transfer Students.

Transfer students who are non-native speakers of English and who transfer from an institution of higher education outside the U.S. where English was not the language of instruction must submit proof of English proficiency as listed in the BOR Academic and Student Affairs Handbook section 3.3.2 English Proficiency and Transfer Students. Foreign credentials must be evaluated through an approved evaluation service.

English and Math admissions criteria, including the SAT or ACT, and placement criteria are required for international students.

Admission of International Students for Undergraduate Programs Not Leading to the Baccalaureate Degree

International students who want to be admitted but are not seeking a degree must comply with the criteria found in APM 4.2.2.

Financial Requirements

International students requesting the Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Georgia Gwinnett College must provide documentation showing sufficient resources to cover tuition, room and board, health insurance and other living expenses. In accordance with the payment policy of the College, students agree to pay all tuition and fees when due to Georgia Gwinnett College (including, but not limited to, tuition, mandatory student fees, and College Housing fees). Failure to pay a student account in full by the published deadline may result in a student being dropped from classes, which could jeopardize the student’s ability to maintain valid immigration status.

Health Insurance

International students holding F or J visas are required to have student health insurance that meets the minimum standards set by the University System of Georgia. Students in these categories who are not covered by a policy held by a parent, spouse, employer or if the policy does not meet the minimum standards will be charged for a USG Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) policy. Students who are already covered by an insurance policy (i.e., through parent plans, family plans or employer-sponsored plans) can opt out of the plan. Once the information has been verified, the requirement for SHIP health insurance will be waived and the moneys paid to Georgia Gwinnett College for insurance will be refunded. Students must apply for the waiver each semester for which they are enrolled in classes, and this must be done during the waiver period. Students who do not apply for and receive the waivers during the enrollment period will be responsible for the insurance fees. Students who fail to submit comparable health insurance information by the end of the waiver period will automatically be enrolled in the SHIP insurance plan. Students should not purchase insurance from their home country until they have reviewed information on the insurance waiver policy and are sure they will qualify for a waiver. Students should verify that the insurance policy they are considering meets the waiver minimums before they purchase it. Additional information is available through this website.

Housing for International Students

On-campus housing is not available year round. If students choose not to return home during semester breaks, they must make alternative off-campus living arrangements.

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

University System of Georgia International Student Resources, Handbooks, and Forms

4.2.1.7.3.1 J-Visa Students

[NOTE: The letter “J” has always been used with the term “J-Visa.”]

Reviewed May 26, 2016

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents is a designated J-1 visa sponsor. As such, GGC may host J-1 visa students. In addition, students who have J-1 sponsorship through an outside agency such as the Institute of International Education (IIE) or International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) may enroll as non-degree-seeking students at GGC for the length of the program. Admission criteria and program length for these types of special programs will be established between the Office of Internationalization and the sponsoring agency.

4.2.1.7.3.2 Visa Classifications Other Than F-1 Or J-1

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Individuals with certain visa classifications may enroll as full-time or part-time students. Individuals should contact the Office of Internationalization for verification of their eligibility to study in the United States.

Admission Requirements Exceptions

Policy Number: 4.2.2
Effective Date: August 2, 2019
Revision History: February 10, 2017
Policy Contact: Director of Admissions

Purpose and Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to provide an alternate evaluation process for admissions requirements that fulfill the stated mission of the college, by encouraging students of diverse levels of preparation, ethnicity, and age to enroll and develop their full potential. These requirements are in keeping with Georgia Gwinnett College’s strong commitment to student success. Georgia Gwinnett College complies with the access mission institution admission standards established under University System of Georgia Board of Regents policies and is committed to ensuring that the admissions procedures support these standards.

Scope

This policy applies to all applicants to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) and to all GGC faculty, staff, and administrators with the authority to make or influence admissions decisions.

Limited Admissions Category

In recognition of the fact that a limited number of students do not meet established standards but do demonstrate special potential for success, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) grants admission to a limited number of such students. Multiple measures are used whenever possible, such as interviews, portfolios, and records of experiential achievements, for students being considered for Limited Admission. The number of students who may be granted Limited Admissions is restricted and cannot exceed 33%.

Students who enter under the Limited Admissions category (including Presidential Exceptions as described below) must make up any Required High School Curriculum units deficiencies in accordance with University System of Georgia procedures. They must also be screened, as applicable, for placement in Learning Support courses based on their standardized test scores and must meet University System of Georgia criteria for exemption or exit of Learning Support in reading, English, and mathematics.

Presidential Exceptions

The President of GGC is authorized by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents to grant Presidential Exceptions to the Required High School Curriculum units and requirements for Limited Admissions if the student shows promise for academic success in college and has at least a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) approved by the Board of Regents. College officials are required to report to the University System of Georgia chief academic officer on those students granted Presidential Exceptions. Presidential Exceptions must be included as part of GGC’s maximum percentage for Limited Admissions.

General Educational Development (GED)

Persons over 18 years of age (or whose class has already graduated from high school) whose secondary schooling was interrupted may be admitted by presenting General Educational Development (GED) equivalency.  Official GED test score reports must be mailed directly from the Technical College System of Georgia Office of Adult Literacy/GED Testing Service to the Georgia Gwinnett College Admissions Office. GED applicants are required to take either the College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT),  the American College Test (ACT) or Accuplacer, the results of which will be made part of the applicant’s portfolio.  GED applications may be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, and an interview with the candidate may be required. In addition, all GED applicants must meet the regular freshman admissions test scores. 

Addressing Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) Deficiencies

Students with Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) deficiencies are required to satisfy those deficiencies using one of the following methods:

Address Deficiency Prior to Enrollment

Applicants, including those coming from other states, who have Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) deficiencies but can demonstrate competency in the deficient area(s) will be deemed as meeting the RHSC requirements. Provided these students meet all other requirements for regular admission, GGC is not required to admit them under the Limited Admissions category.

A student can satisfy any RHSC deficiency by demonstrating competency in the subject matter area(s) considered deficient or by addressing the deficiency through an appropriate course successfully completed prior to enrollment at another institution.

Option 1: Demonstrate Subject Matter Proficiency through Approved Standardized Tests

A student may demonstrate competency through standardized examinations such as the SAT, ACT, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), Accuplacer, or other comparable examinations approved by the BOR.

Students must complete four Board of Regents-approved science units, including two units with a laboratory component, as outlined in the Staying on Course document. Additionally, Georgia public high school students are required to complete coursework in four areas of science (see “Required High School Curriculum” for science in the previous section).  Students with a science deficiency may address the deficiency prior to enrollment through a standardized examination provided the examination demonstrates competency in an area not already reflected in their high school coursework.

1. A student whose SAT or ACT score in the deficient area is at or above the average SAT or ACT score of the previous year’s fall semester first-time freshmen admitted to GGC indicates competency in the area.
2. A student may use the following SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate competency in a deficient area: English, Writing, Literature, Foreign Languages, Math Level 1 or Math Level 2, American History and Social Studies, World History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students may use SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate exposure and competencies for areas not reflected in their course work.
3. A student may use the CLEP and DSST subject examination to demonstrate competency in a deficient area.
4. Students with an English deficiency who are placed into co-requisite English will satisfy the deficiency upon successfully exiting Learning Support English. Students with a mathematics deficiency who are placed into co-requisite mathematics will satisfy the deficiency upon successfully exiting co-requisite mathematics.

Option 2: Demonstrate Subject Matter Proficiency Through Approved Coursework.

A student may address the deficiency prior to enrollment by taking a USG-approved high school course in the deficiency area(s) or a three credit collegiate course (with a course grade of “C” or better) in the appropriate subject area(s). A student who has taken a terminal course in a subject area (for example, a student who has completed calculus in the eleventh grade) will be deemed as meeting the RHSC requirement in that subject area.

Address Deficiency After Enrollment

Students who have RHSC deficiencies that are addressed after enrollment can be admitted under the Limited Admissions category.

Students who have RHSC deficiencies and who successfully complete collegiate courses addressing all of their deficiencies within their first 30 credit hours will be considered as having satisfied the deficiency or deficiencies. These students will receive collegiate credit that can count towards the student’s degree program. If a student does not address the deficiencies within the first 30 credit hours, then the student may not register for other courses, unless they also register for the appropriate deficiency course or courses. Successful completion (“C” or better) of a three credit collegiate course in the appropriate subject area demonstrates collegiate-level preparedness and is sufficient for satisfying an RHSC deficiency in that subject area.

Persons 62 and Over

Persons 62 years of age or older may be admitted to GGC. . To be eligible for enrollment, applicants:

1. Must be residents of Georgia, 62 years of age or older at the time of registration, and shall present a birth certificate or other comparable written documentation of age to enable the institution to determine eligibility.
2. May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses offered for resident credit on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory, or shop fees.
3. Will meet all University System of Georgia and institution undergraduate or graduate admission requirements; however, GGC officials may exercise discretion in exceptional cases where circumstances indicate that certain requirements such as high school graduation and minimum test scores are inappropriate. In those instances involving discretionary admission, GGC staff will provide diagnostic methods to determine whether or not participation in Learning Support will be required prior to enrollment in regular credit courses. Reasonable prerequisites may be required in certain courses.
4. Must meet all GGC and legislated degree requirements if they are degree-seeking students

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs Not Leading to the Baccalaureate Degree

Admission of Non-Degree Students

Georgia Gwinnett College will not allow students to apply under this status, but will permit the Director of Admissions to allow students to be admitted under this category on an as needed basis.

Admission of Postbaccalaureate Students

Students who have earned the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution may enroll as non-degree students in courses with no limitation on the number of hours of undergraduate credit these students can earn. Postbaccalaureate applicants must provide an official transcript reflecting the appropriate baccalaureate degree.

Admission of Auditors

Students who submit evidence of graduation from a high school, as specified in the undergraduate admissions policy, or a GED certificate approved by the Board of Regents may register to audit a course as space in the course permits. Under extraordinary circumstances, the president may waive the requirement of high school diploma or equivalent. Students registered as auditors shall be required to pay the regular tuition and fees for enrollment.

Admission of Transient Students

Transient Students from Other Institutions

A student enrolled in a degree program at another accredited college or university may apply to Georgia Gwinnett College for transient status. Such a student is one who expects to return to the college or university where currently or previously enrolled and must have the permission of the home institution to attend Georgia Gwinnett College. The applicant who desires transient status must submit an application and transient permission form from the home institution and must be in good academic standing at their home institution. Transient students are admitted on a semester basis only. Georgia Gwinnett College does not guarantee that a transient student will be able to secure the courses desired, nor is Georgia Gwinnett College responsible for advising a transient student of courses that are applicable to their program of study at the home institution. Transcripts are not automatically forwarded to the home institution. Transient students must submit a written request to have a transcript sent back to the home institution.

Georgia Gwinnett College Students Enrolling at Other Institutions as Transient Students

A Georgia Gwinnett College student who wishes to take a course at another institution must complete an application for admission to the transient institution. Transient enrollment requires approval by both institutions, and it is the student’s responsibility to comply with that college’s standards and application deadlines. Georgia Gwinnett College students seeking transient approval should coordinate the process with his/her academic advisor and the Office of the Registrar.

Students who seek transient status must obtain approval from the appropriate dean.

Georgia Gwinnett College students may request to be a transient student at other institutions provided that the courses they seek to take at another institution fall into one of the following categories:

1. The course(s) which the student is requesting to take is/are not offered at Georgia Gwinnett College during the semester in which the student desires to take the course(s).
2. The course(s) which the student is requesting to take is/are closed due to full enrollment during the semester in which the student desires to take the course(s).

Students also must complete the Request for Transient Permission. This form is valid for one term of enrollment only. In order to receive transient permission, it is the student’s responsibility to:

1. Be currently enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College as a degree-seeking student.
2. Be in good academic standing.
3. Have completed all Learning Support and/or English for Academic Purposes requirements.
4. Have completed all Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) requirements.

In order to receive transfer credit at Georgia Gwinnett College for the specified courses, it is the responsibility of the student to:

1. Enroll in courses appropriate to his/her major at the proper level and in the proper sequence.
2. Complete the courses with a grade of “C” or better. Grades obtained in courses taken as a transient student will be calculated in the student’s cumulative GPA at Georgia Gwinnett College.
3. Have an official transcript of transient courses sent to the following address at the end of the transient term:

Georgia Gwinnett College
Enrollment Management Office

Students receiving HOPE scholarship or Veteran’s Affairs Benefits must coordinate payment details with the financial aid offices at both Georgia Gwinnett College and the transient institution.

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

BOR 4.2.1.3 Exceptions to Freshman Requirements
BOR Academic and Student Affairs Handbook 3.1.1.3 Exceptions to Freshman Requirements
BOR 4.2.1.9 Persons Aged 62 and Over
BOR 4.2.2.2 Admission of Non-Degree Students
BOR 4.2.2.3 Admission of Postbaccalaureate Students
BOR 4.2.2.5 Admission of Auditors
BOR 4.2.2.4 Admission of Transient Students

4.2.2.3 Admission of Non-Degree Students

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.2.2.3.

Institutions may permit students to enroll as non-degree students for a maximum of 12 semester credit hours, including institutional credit. Students may not enroll in any course for which there is a learning support prerequisite unless they have been screened for and have exempted the relevant learning support course.

Institutions may permit students who have earned the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution to enroll as non-degree students in courses with no limitation on the number of hours of undergraduate credit these students can earn.

Georgia Gwinnett College will not allow students to apply under this status, but will permit the Director of Admissions to allow students to be admitted under this category on an as needed basis.

4.2.3 Additional Admissions Policies

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.2.3.

4.2.3.1 General

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.2.3.1.

4.2.3.3 Right to Refuse Admission

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.2.3.3.

4.2.3.4 Right to Limit Admission

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.2.3.4.

4.2.3.5 Social Security Numbers

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.2.3.5.

4.2.4 Good Standing

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Students are considered to be in Good Standing with the College if they are eligible to enroll in classes and are not on Academic or Conduct Probation. Students in Good Standing with the College may hold office in any college club or organization, and participate in athletics. Students not in Good Standing with the College, who wish to appeal holding office in any college club, organization, or participation in athletics, must submit their appeal through the Student Complaint Process.

4.2.5 Academic Standing

Reviewed May 26, 2016

4.2.5.1 Classification of Students

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Class designation is generally based on the number of hours the student has earned in courses offered at Georgia Gwinnett College or transferred from other educational institutions. Following is a general explanation of class designation.

Freshman: A student who has earned fewer than 30 hours of credit.
Sophomore: A student who has earned 30 to 59 hours of credit.
Junior: A student who has earned 60 to 89 hours of credit.
Senior: A student who has earned 90 or more hours of credit.

Class designation does not necessarily reflect the students’ readiness to graduate or progress in their chosen program of study.

4.2.5.2 Good Academic Standing

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Georgia Gwinnett College seeks to provide ample opportunities for all students to fully realize their academic potential and goals. In turn, all students attending Georgia Gwinnett College are expected to maintain certain academic standards that are outlined in the table below. A student is in good academic standing if their cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College grade point average is at or above the Minimum Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College Grade Point Average for the number of semester hours attempted plus transfer hours. These standards stress the importance of successful performance by students to maintain an academic status of good academic standing.

4.2.5.3 Academic Warning

Reviewed May 26, 2016

If a student in Good Academic Standing fails to maintain the appropriate Minimum Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA, they will be placed on Academic Warning. The student will receive a written notice alerting them that a continued deterioration in academic performance will result in Academic Probation. The student will also be required to meet with their advisor to implement a plan for improvement before registering for the subsequent semester as a way to promote academic progress and student success. Students will have one semester to raise their GPA to the appropriate Minimum Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA and return to Good Academic Standing.

4.2.5.4 Academic Probation

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Students will be placed on Academic Probation if they fail to achieve the appropriate Minimum Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA for two consecutive semesters. A student on Academic Probation will be restricted to a maximum of 14 semester hours of coursework in the subsequent semester of enrollment and may not represent the college in any official capacity (student organizations, athletics, etc.). Students on Academic Probation may also be subject to a loss of certain financial aid funds and should check with the Financial Aid Office regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress regulations for Financial Aid. Students will remove themselves from probation by raising their GPA to the appropriate Minimum Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA.

Continued Probation

Students who earn at least a 2.0 GPA during any semester in which they are on Academic Probation, but do not raise their Georgia Gwinnett College-cumulative GPA sufficiently to be removed from probation, will continue on Academic Probation and thereby avoid Academic Suspension.

4.2.5.5 Academic Suspension

Reviewed May 26, 2016

A student who fails to a) remove themselves from Academic Probation or b) meet the requirements of Continued Probation will be placed on Academic Suspension. A student on Academic Suspension will be prohibited from taking courses or participating in college-related activities for the subsequent semester (excluding the entire summer term). After this absence, the student may apply for re-admission to the college through the Admissions Committee. Students readmitted following an Academic Suspension are placed on Academic Probation and are subject to the cumulative GPA requirement listed above. Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.

4.2.5.6 Academic Dismissal

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Students who are placed on Academic Probation returning to the college after Academic Suspension during their tenure at the college, and fail either to remove themselves from this status or to meet the requirements of Continued Probation will face Academic Dismissal. A student on Academic Dismissal will be prohibited from taking courses or participating in college-related activities for one calendar year from the end of the semester in which the dismissal occurred, after which the student may apply for re-admission to the college using the procedures followed by any new student. Students readmitted following an Academic Dismissal are placed on Academic Probation and are subject to the cumulative grade point average requirement listed above. Students who receive a second Academic Dismissal will not be eligible for readmission to Georgia Gwinnett College. Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.

Dismissals from Other Institutions

If a student has been permanently suspended from another institution, the Admissions Committee will process the student like any other transfer student who appeals the denial of admission to Georgia Gwinnett College. Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.

4.2.5.7 Readmission

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Students who must apply for readmission include transients and students who have not been enrolled for 12 consecutive months (3 terms) as well as students changing classification. If the student does not enroll, the process must be repeated. The application for readmission is online. The readmission application must be submitted along with the non-refundable processing fee and any required supporting credentials fee by the deadline for the term of the desired re-enrollment.

4.2.6 Georgia Gwinnett College’s Residence Requirement

Reviewed May 26, 2016

The following residence policy applies to those that apply to GGC after September 1, 2013. Those that apply to GGC prior to September 1, 2013 are exempt from this policy.

Georgia Gwinnett College has established a residence policy for freshmen and transfer students who transfer in less than 30 semester hours. This policy requires such students to live in campus housing. In addition, this policy is designed to enrich your education, assist in fostering relationships on campus with other students, faculty and staff, and enhance your academic success.

The campus residence requirement does not apply to you if you:

• Live with and commute daily from the legal residence of your parent(s), grandparent(s), or legal guardian, within Gwinnett County or one of the neighboring counties: DeKalb, Walton, Hall, Fulton, Forsyth, Barrow, Rockdale, Newton, Cobb, Henry, Clayton, and Jackson; or
• Have active military status.

You may be exempt from the campus residence requirement if:

• You reach the age of 21 prior to the first day of classes of your first term of enrollment,
• You are married, divorced, have legal dependents or are the sole caregiver,
• You can show independent financial status, or
• You have demonstrated unique hardship.

Any request for an exemption must be made to the Student Appeals Committee via the online appeals form. at least one month prior to the start of the semester in which you intend to enroll. Each request must be fully documented, reviewed and is subject to approval at the sole discretion of the College.

Rescission of Admission

Policy Number: 4.2.7
Effective Date: December 17, 2018
Revision History: None
Policy Contact: VP, Enrollment Management Services

Purpose and Policy Statement

The purpose of the policy to describe the authorities under which the Vice President for Enrollment Management Services may rescind the admission or enrollment of any student or potential student.

Scope

This policy applies to faculty, staff, administrators, students and potential students of Georgia Gwinnett College.

Definitions

Enrollment: For the sole purpose of APM 4.2.7, “enrollment” shall be considered as occurring at the time of the first day of class for which the student is enrolled.

Student: A person who has applied, been admitted, and enrolled at GGC.

Rescission of Admission

GGC reserves the right in its sole discretion to rescind any notice of acceptance or admission and/or any enrollment of any student at any time for submission of false information and/or failure of the individual to disclose information requested on an application for admission. The student/applicant shall be afforded that due process to which they may be entitled to under the law.

At the sole discretion of GGC, the applicant may be given the opportunity to withdraw any application for admissions and/or withdraw as a student from GGC.

Background Review for Admissions and Housing Applications

Policy Number: 4.2.8
Effective Date: August 2, 2019
Revision History: May 26, 2016
Policy Contact: Director of Admissions

Purpose and Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to establish and communicate the requirements and potential outcomes with applying for admission and/or housing as a result of an applicant background review.

Scope

This policy applies to all applicants to Georgia Gwinnett College and faculty, staff, and administrators are expected to adhere to this policy.

Definitions

Business days: Defined as the days GGC is open for business 

Right to Deny or Conditionally Admit

Georgia Gwinnett College specifically reserves the right to deny or conditionally admit any applicant for admission or housing as a result of an applicant background review. Denial of admission to the College shall also result in denial of GGC housing. Denial of housing shall not necessarily result in denial of admission to the College. Other criteria may be used by the College to deny or conditionally admit any applicant or provide housing to any applicant as set forth in BOR 4.2 Undergraduate Admissions and/or APM 4.2 Undergraduate Admissions.

Applications for admissions and applications for housing may be considered separately or together. Any criteria and/or conditions for admissions and/or housing may be identical for both admissions and housing or may be different for admissions than those established for housing.

An applicant to the College or to housing is required to disclose the following:

• Criminal convictions
• Pending criminal charges
• Disciplinary actions
• Suspension or expulsion from any high school or college.

Failure to disclose these circumstances by an applicant may result in denial of admission. Failure to disclose these circumstances by a currently enrolled GGC student may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the College or College housing.

If a student or housing applicant is subject to a GGC student integrity matter, the student/applicant will be on probation as to admissions and/or housing until all student integrity conditions are satisfied. The student or applicant may still be placed on probation for matters unrelated to GGC integrity matter(s).

Admissions Applications

When an applicant discloses any criminal conviction, pending criminal charge, disciplinary action, or suspension or expulsion, the Office of Enrollment Management Services will send a letter to the applicant requesting supplemental information and/or documentation to explain the nature of the matter(s) involved.

The letter to the applicant will indicate that the supplemental information is needed before the application can move forward through the admissions process and must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the letter.

The information to be submitted should include, but is not limited to, any of the following documents: disciplinary reports from any other college attended, court orders, probation requirements, vacated sentences, satisfaction of judgments, initial charges, dropped charges, pending charges, and any other related documentation. All documents submitted must indicate the date and nature of the charges, plea, conviction, court of origin, and any resulting government actions related to the matter. The documentation should be accompanied by a letter of explanation which is written and signed by the applicant.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to obtain the needed documentation.

If the applicant needs more than 30 calendar days to assemble the supplemental information, then the applicant must submit a request in writing for an extension of time.

If the requested documents are not received by the date established for each semester and an extension has not been requested, the admissions application may either be considered incomplete or an admissions decision will be rendered on the information currently on file.

Once the Office of Enrollment Management has received the supplemental information from the applicant, the Executive Director of Registration Services will distribute the material to the Student/Applicant Background Check Committee. The Student/Applicant Background Check Committee will be composed of two members appointed by the Vice President of Enrollment Management Services, one member appointed by the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost, the Associate Vice President of Operations/Chief of Police, and the General Counsel for the College or their designated representative(s). The Associate Vice President of Operations/Chief of Police’s (or designee’s) sole responsibility will be to provide updated criminal background information on any applicant being considered under the policy.  If for any reason a member of the committee is unable to attend a meeting, the member will notify their Vice President and the VP will appoint someone, in writing, to fill in temporarily.

This committee will examine the documentation submitted by the applicant in terms of the nature of the matter(s) under consideration, how recent is the activity and/or conviction, and dispensation of the matter(s) under consideration.

The Student/Applicant Background Check Committee shall meet at least every two (2) weeks to review the submitted material.  In special circumstances, committee members may vote via electronic communications.

Three possible categories of decisions for first-time or returning admissions applicants that may be rendered by the Committee:

1. Admissions will move the applicant forward through the application process with no applicant background admission conditions.

2. Admissions will move the applicant forward through the application process with applicant background admission conditions, pending eligibility for admission based on the College admissions criteria. Conditions for admissions may be different than conditions for admission to housing if the applicant is also applying to Housing.

Conditions for admission can include, but are not limited to:

• Probation for a set amount of time;
• Probation for the duration of the applicant’s enrollment;
• Activity and/or association restrictions;
• Providing updated criminal probation reports;
• Providing outcome of pending charges by a set date;
• Requesting additional information and/or explanation from the student/applicant;
• Reserving the right of the College to reconsider any admissions decision, including, but not limited to, denying the applicant continued enrollment at the College;
• Delaying admission for a set period of time.

3. Admissions will deny the applicant based on the documentation presented relative to the applicant background. If an applicant is denied admission to the College, the applicant shall also be denied as to any housing application.

The applicant will receive a customized acceptance letter if admitted with applicant background conditions. The applicant will be notified in writing if his/her application is being denied. All materials related to the applicant background review process will be maintained in the Office of Enrollment Management and will not be part of the official student record.

Appeals

Any applicant denied admission or admitted with conditions to the College based upon a background check decision may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the Vice President for Enrollment Management Services within 10 (ten) business days of the decision. The Vice President for Enrollment Management Services shall provide a written decision on the appeal within a reasonable time. The Vice President for Enrollment Management Services may deny the appeal, modify the appeal (including lessening or increasing any conditions of admissions), return the appeal to the Committee for further consideration, or grant the appeal without conditions. The decision of the Vice President for Enrollment Management Services shall be the final decision of the College.

Housing Applications

When the background check for a housing applicant indicates that the student/applicant has any criminal conviction, pending criminal charge, disciplinary action, or suspension or expulsion from any high school or college, Student Housing and Residential Education (SHARE) will send a letter to the applicant requesting supplemental information and/or documentation to explain the nature of the matter(s) involved.

The letter to the applicant will indicate that the supplemental information is needed before the application can move forward through the housing process and must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the letter. The applicant will be informed that a decision regarding the background investigation will be made within a reasonable time of submission of the requested material.

The information to be submitted should include, but is not limited to, any of the following documents: disciplinary reports from any other college attended, court orders, probation requirements, vacated sentences, satisfaction of judgments, initial charges, dropped charges, pending charges and any other related documentation. All documents submitted must indicate the date and nature of the charges, plea, conviction, court of origin, and any resulting government actions related to the matter. The documentation must be accompanied by a letter of explanation which is written and signed by the applicant.

It is the sole responsibility of the student or applicant to obtain the needed documentation.

If the applicant needs more time to assemble the supplemental information, then the applicant must submit a request in writing for an extension of time.

If the requested documents are not received by the deadline given and an extension has not been requested, the student housing application will either be considered incomplete or a decision can be rendered solely on the information currently on file.

The Office of Enrollment Management Services will distribute the material regarding the housing application, background check, and material supplied by the applicant to the Student/Applicant Background Check Committee. The Committee will be composed of the Director of Admissions Services, the Senior Associate Provost for Student Affairs, the Associate Vice President of Public Safety/Chief of Police, and the General Counsel for the college or their designated representative(s).   The committee may request input from the Director of Residence life or other campus parties, if deemed necessary. The Associate Vice President of Public Safety’s (or designee’s) sole responsibility shall be to provide updated criminal background information on any applicant being considered under the policy

This committee will examine the documentation submitted by the applicant in terms of the nature of the matter(s) under consideration, how recent is the activity and/or conviction, and dispensation of the matter(s) under consideration.

Three possible categories of decisions for housing applicants that may be rendered by the Committee:

1. The student/applicant may move forward through the housing application process with no student/applicant background housing conditions.
2. The student/applicant may move forward through the housing application process with housing conditions, pending eligibility for admission based on the College admissions criteria. Conditions can include, but are not limited to:

• Probation for a set amount of time;
• Probation for the duration of the student/applicant’s stay in housing;
• Activity and/or roommate and/or room location restrictions;
• Providing updated criminal probation reports;
• Providing outcome of pending charges by a set date;
• Requesting additional information and/or explanation from the student/applicant;
• Reserving the right of the College to reconsider any housing decision, including, but not limited to, denying the student/applicant continued housing at the College;
• Delaying use of housing for a set period of time.

3. The applicant for housing may be denied housing based on the documentation presented relative to the student/applicant background.

The student/applicant will receive a customized acceptance letter if the applicant is admitted to housing with student/applicant background conditions. The student/applicant will be notified in writing if his/her application for housing is being denied. All materials related to the student/applicant background review process will be maintained in the in a confidential shared drive within the office of Enrollment Management Services and will not be part of the official student record.

Any applicant denied housing or admitted with conditions to Georgia Gwinnett College based upon a student/applicant background check decision may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost within 10 (ten) working days of receipt of the decision. The Provost shall provide a written decision on the appeal within a reasonable time. The Provost may deny the appeal, modify the appeal (including lessening or increasing any conditions of housing), return the appeal to the Committee for further consideration or grant the appeal without conditions. The decision of Provost shall be the final decision of the College.

4.3 Student Residency

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.

4.3.1 Out-Of-State Enrollment

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.1.

4.3.2 Classification of Students For Tuition Purposes

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.2.

4.3.2.1 Description of Terms Used In The Policy

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.2.1.

4.3.2.2 United States Citizens

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.2.2.

4.3.2.3 Non-Citizens

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.2.3

4.3.3 Tuition Differential Waivers

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.3.

4.3.4 Verification of Lawful Presence

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Each University System institution shall verify the lawful presence in the United States of every successfully admitted person applying for resident tuition status, as defined in Section 7.3 of this Policy Manual, and of every person admitted to an institution referenced in Section 4.1.6 of this Policy Manual.

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.4.

4.4 Regents’ Financial Assistance

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.4.

4.4.1 Regents’ Opportunity Grants Program

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.4.1.

4.4.2 Financial Needs Analysis

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.4.2.

Also refer to APM SECTION 21.0 Financial Aid Office Policy and Procedures Manual.

4.5 Athletics

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.5.

Recreation and intramural sports are designed to support the mission of GGC by promoting the holistic development of the student through physical activity programming. Student Affairs offers self-directed activities, instructional, and team sport physical activity whose goals are to provide health, fitness, competition, leadership, and teamwork opportunities compatible with one’s intellectual goals. Recreation and Intramural Sports offers a variety of team and individual activities on and off campus. GGC’s Recreation and Intramural Sports area is recognized with institutional membership in the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association and the National Wellness Institute. As student enrollment grows, opportunities for expanding the recreation and intramural sports program as well as additional opportunities for student competition will be explored.

4.5.1 Management of Athletics Affairs

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.5.1.

4.5.1.1 Intercollegiate Athletics

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Intercollegiate athletics supports the mission of GGC as an integral part of the Integrated Educational Experience where learning takes place continuously in and beyond the traditional classroom. Intercollegiate athletics is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to academic and athletic success at GGC. The Office of Athletics engages with student-athletes who strive to reach their career goals through personal development, pursuit of an academic degree, and athletic achievement. Georgia Gwinnett College is committed to the goals of the NAIA and its Champions of Character program by demonstrating sportsmanship, integrity, a competitive spirit, and placing high value on the importance of academics. GGC student-athletes are expected to represent the college as ambassadors and leaders, both on-campus and within the community.

4.5.1.2 Recreation, Intramural Sports and Club Sports

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Recreation, Intramural Sports, and Club Sports are designed to support the mission of GGC by promoting the holistic development of the student through physical activity programming. Student Affairs offers self-directed activities, instructional, and team sport physical activity whose goals are to provide health, fitness, competition, leadership, social, and teamwork opportunities compatible with one’s intellectual goals. Recreation, Intramural Sports, and Club Sports offers a variety of team and individual activities on and off campus. GGC’s Recreation, Intramural Sports, and Club Sports area is recognized with institutional membership in the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association and the National Wellness Institute. As student enrollment grows, opportunities for expanding the recreation and intramural sports program as well as additional opportunities for student competition will be explored.

4.6 Discipline of Students

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.6.

4.6.1 Withdrawal of Recognition Of Student Organizations

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.6.1.

4.6.2 Violations of State Or Federal Law

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.6.2.

4.6.3 Disruptive Behavior

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.6.3.

4.6.4 Alcohol and Drugs on Campus

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.6.4.

It is the policy of Georgia Gwinnett College to provide students and employees with the following information in compliance with the US Department of Education requirement under Part 86, the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Regulations (Education Department General Administrative Regulations [EDGAR 86]).

Georgia Gwinnett College has adopted and implemented a drug prevention program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees both on school premises and as part of any of its activities.

GGC will annually notify employees and students by issuance of the policy for drugs and alcohol via publication in the APM. Additionally, GGC will conduct a biennial review on the effectiveness of its AOD programs and the consistency of sanction enforcement and will maintain its biennial review material on file.

Standards of Conduct for Students

All students are prohibited from the following:

1. Possession and/or consumption of alcohol on campus. Exceptions must be approved by the President of the College.
2. Use and/or possession of marijuana and/or other illegal drugs.
3. Possession of alcohol beverage containers (including decorative collections).
4. Use, possession, and/or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as permitted by law.
5. Possession of drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to bongs, glass pipes, or hookahs.
6. Providing or facilitating the use, possession and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages.
7. Providing or facilitating the use, possession, and/or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as permitted by law.
8. Appearing at a college activity or on College property in a state of intoxication and/or under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.
9. Disruptive or disorderly conduct caused by the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.
10. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance.
11. Use and/or possession of a prescription drug if the prescription was not issued to the student or the distribution or sale of a prescription drug to a person to whom the prescription was not originally issued.

Standards of Conduct for Employees

The use, consumption, or possession of any narcotic, dangerous drug, or controlled substance by any student or employee of the college for which said student or employee does not have legal license or valid prescription is strictly prohibited. The unlicensed distribution, manufacture or sale of any narcotic, dangerous drug or controlled substance by any student or employee of the college is strictly prohibited.

The college supports all federal, state and local laws relating to the use of alcoholic beverages. The college also endorses the continual development of educational materials which emphasize the problems related to alcohol abuse.

The legal age for possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Georgia is 21. The college expects this law to be strictly followed.

The use, consumption, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages on any property owned or leased by the college is strictly prohibited. Exceptions may be made only by the president or a designee. No college funds or student activity fees may be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

Applicable Sanctions

Georgia Gwinnett College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with federal, state, or local law) up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct. Where applicable, a referral for prosecution may be warranted under the law.

GGC Sanctions for Students

Students found in violation, through the College’s Student Integrity Process, of the Alcohol, Marijuana, and Other Drug Related Misconduct (see Conduct Regulation 5) are subject to the following possible sanctions:

1st offense - Alcohol, marijuana, and/or drug awareness activity and probation for the remainder of current semester and for the next 2 semesters (Fall and Spring semesters only) enrolled at the College. Probation extends through summer terms and/or any institutional breaks.

2nd offense while on probation - suspension from institution for current semester and 1 subsequent semester (Fall or Spring semesters only). Summer suspension may not be substituted for a Fall or Spring semester and will be included if suspension is initiated during Spring semester.

Any cost associated with drug and alcohol sanctioning will be the responsibility of the student violator. These are sanctioning guidelines. The findings of fact, any particular circumstances, and prior record of the student will be factors considered when determining any appropriate sanctions.

Students who are dismissed, suspended, expelled, withdrawn, or otherwise removed from the College for any length of time should be aware that this action may adversely impact the following:

• Privilege of living in campus Housing
• Housing costs and fees (suspension/expulsion does not forgive financial obligations)
• Tuition costs and fees (suspension/expulsion does not forgive financial obligations)
• Student Financial Aid including HOPE Scholarship
• Health insurance (contact your personal health care provider)
• Meal Plan
• Use of College resources and access to College facilities
• Immigration status for international students
• Veterans and dependents of veterans
• Student employment on campus
• Internships, assistantships, and study abroad

This is not an exhaustive list.

GGC Sanctions for Employees

Georgia Gwinnett College is committed to establishing and maintaining a drug-free workplace, in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Under this policy, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of any illegal drug is prohibited in all work areas of Georgia Gwinnett College, including buildings, vehicles, and grounds. Violations of this policy shall be considered sufficient grounds for dismissal or lesser disciplinary action, regardless of whether such violation leads to criminal proceedings.

An employee who is convicted of or pleas nolo-contendere to any drug violation which occurs in the workplace must inform his/her immediate supervisor of such conviction or pleas as soon as possible, which must be within five (5) calendar days of the conviction or plea. Failure to comply with any part of this policy will result in disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from employment. For further details on the Drug-Free Workplace Policy, consult the Board of Regents Policy Manual 4.6.4.

Legal Sanctions and Penalties

Please see information about US Drug Enforcement Administration’s drug trafficking penalties.

Potential Health Risks

While the following list is not exhaustive, it serves to demonstrate the range of potential hazards associated with illicit drug and alcohol use.

Alcohol

Loss of concentration and judgment, slowed reflexes, disorientation leading to higher risk of accidents and problem behavior; risk of liver and heart damage, malnutrition, cancer and other illnesses; can be highly addictive to some persons.

Nicotine

Nicotine causes tobacco addiction. Addiction changes the wiring in the brain, making tobacco users crave nicotine. Without nicotine, they will experience symptoms of withdrawal. Nicotine increases blood pressure, blood flow and heart rate. It narrows and hardens the arteries, increasing your risk of blood clots and stroke. Nicotine increases your risk of heart attack and can cause lung disease as well as cancer of the oral cavity and respiratory tract.

Amphetamines

Can cause rushed, careless behavior - pushing beyond your physical capacity, leading to exhaustion; tolerance increases rapidly, causes physical and psychological dependence; withdrawal can result in depression and suicide; continued high doses can cause heart problems, infections, malnutrition, and death.

Cannabis

Causes permanent damage to lungs, reproductive organs and brain function; slows reflexes; increases forgetfulness; alters judgment of space and distance.

Cocaine

Causes damage to respiratory and immune systems; induces malnutrition, seizures and loss of brain function. Some forms are highly addictive.

Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, Ecstasy)

Causes extreme distortions of what’s seen and heard; induces sudden changes in behavior, loss of concentration and memory; increases risk of birth defects in user’s children; overdose can cause psychosis, convulsions, coma, and death. Frequent use can cause permanent loss of mental function.

Narcotics (Heroin, morphine, opium, codeine)

Tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; overdoes can cause coma, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death; leads to malnutrition, infection and hepatitis; sharing needles is a leading cause of the spread of HIV and Hepatitis; highly addictive.

Sedatives

Tolerance increases rapidly; produces physical and psychological dependence; causes reduced reaction time, and confusion; overdoses can cause coma, respiratory arrest, convulsions, and death; withdrawal can be dangerous; in combination with other controlled substances can quickly cause coma and death.

Available Programs and Services for Students

Counseling and Support Groups

On Campus: Counseling Center - (678) 407-5592

Local Support Groups:

1. Alcoholics Anonymous - (404) 525-3178
2. Narcotics Anonymous - (678) 405-0840

Drug and Alcohol Related Courses:

1. Choices for Life (PHED 1101)
2. Student Health 101 (Online Magazine)
3. Wellness and Recreation Center Programs

Available Programs and Services for Employees

Local Support Groups:

Georgia Crisis and Access line - 1-800-715-4225
Alcoholics Anonymous - (404) 525-3178
Narcotics Anonymous - (678) 405-0840

Student Code of Conduct

Policy Number:  4.6.5
Effective Date:  September 17, 2018
Revision History:  June 30, 2017
Policy Contact:  Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Purpose and Policy Statement

This policy establishes procedural standards for resolutions of alleged student conduct violations. The purpose of this policy is to ensure due process that affords fairness and equity in all student conduct cases.

Georgia Gwinnett College (hereafter referred to as the College) shall take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and wellbeing of its community. Accordingly, student conduct should be addressed when such acts occur on College property or at College-sponsored or affiliated events, or otherwise violate the College’s student conduct policies at non-College sponsored events.

Proceedings under this code 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 or simultaneously with civil or criminal proceedings.

In the event of a discrepancy between these policies and the policies of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the latter shall govern.

Scope

All students must be aware of and comply with this policy. All employees must be aware of this policy in order to report alleged violations.

Definitions

Business day:  Any day on which the offices of Georgia Gwinnett College (excluding but not limited to College police, housing, and library) are open to the general public.

Club/organization:  Any number of students who have complied with the formal requirements for College registration. A student club or organizations that is referred to the student integrity process will be represented by the president of that club or organization. The club president may designate another active member to be the representative in his/her place.

College:  Georgia Gwinnett College

College official:  Any person employed to perform assigned administrative, professional, or staff responsibilities for the College.

Complainant: An individual or student organization lodging a complaint. The complainant may not always be the alleged victim.

Faculty member:  Any person hired by the College to conduct classroom activities.

Family member:  Any family relationship including legal guardians.

Hearing officer:  Any person or persons authorized by the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or Dean of Students or a designee to determine whether a student has violated College conduct regulations and to impose sanctions.

Hearing panel:  A hearing panel composed of Student Integrity Board members convened and authorized by the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or Dean of Students or designee to determine whether a student has violated College conduct regulations and to impose sanctions.

Joint hearing:  A hearing in which two or more students, clubs, or organizations are charged with violating one or more conduct regulations pertaining to the same incident.

May:  Is used in the permissive sense.

Member of the College community:  Any person who is a student, faculty, staff, College official, or any other person employed by the College.

Preponderance of the evidence:  Evidence that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that it is more likely than not that the alleged violation(s)  did occur.

Prior record:  All information related to any conduct regulation violation(s) that occurred and were resolved prior to the incident in question.

Respondent: Individual or student organization who is alleged to have engaged in conduct that violates this Policy.

Shall/will:  Are used in the imperative sense.

Student:   All persons enrolled at the College. It further includes persons who are eligible to receive any of the rights and privileges afforded a person who is enrolled at the College including, but not limited to, those individuals admitted to the College and attending orientation programs. An individual who is not registered for the summer, but was registered for the previous spring and is, or plans to be, registered for the fall is considered a student during that summer and through the last day of registration. An individual who registers for a semester and then withdraws, or is withdrawn, is considered enrolled for that semester. Furthermore, the term “student” includes any individual who was enrolled in a previous semester and eligible to return without re-applying for admission.

Student Integrity Board:  Refers to a College committee whose members have received training regarding the procedures for College hearings and the College conduct regulations. The Student Integrity Board members serve on hearing panels.

Roles and Responsibilities

Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee:  Designated by the College to be responsible for administration of the College’s student integrity process.

Office of Student Integrity: Handles all cases involving alleged academic violations and non-academic conduct violations except for matters involving discrimination or discriminatory harassment.

Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment Officer, Title VI Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator: The Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance (“DEC Executive Director”) serves as the Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment Officer, the College’s Title VI Coordinator, and the College’s Title IX Coordinator. The  Executive Director of Diversity and Equity Compliance is the individual designated by the President with responsibility for providing education and training about prohibited discrimination and harassment to the College community and for receiving and overseeing the investigation of reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment in accordance with this policy. The Executive Director of Diversity and Equity Compliance can be reached at the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Title IX Program Administration, located in Building B, by phone at (678) 407-5010, or via email at titleIX@ggc.edu

Special Assistant Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance/Deputy Title IX Coordinator: The Special Assistant shall serve as, and assume the responsibilities of, the Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Officer, Title VI Coordinator, and the Title IX Coordinator, upon task delegation or case-specific designation by the Executive Director of Diversity and Equity Compliance.

Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment Investigator: The Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment Investigator shall be appointed to investigate individual complaints by the Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment Officer or his/her designee to conduct investigations pursuant to alleged violations of the Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment Policy.

Title IX Investigator:  The Title IX Investigator shall be appointed to individual complaints by the Title IX Coordinator or his/her designee to conduct investigations pursuant to alleged violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

The Honor Statement

“We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor abide the actions of those who do.”

As an additional guide, students should consider the three values adopted in the Seal of the State of Georgia: wisdom, justice, and moderation.

Student Integrity Authority

The Office of Student Integrity handles all cases involving alleged academic violations and nonacademic conduct violations except for matters involving discrimination or discriminatory harassment. All matters related to discrimination or discriminatory harassment are handled by the Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance under the Student Code of Conduct processes. Student Integrity may handle other nondiscrimination Code violations which may be arise out of, or be related to, discrimination/harassment claims.

The Office of Student Affairs shall develop policies for the administration of the student integrity program and procedural rules for the conduct of hearings that are consistent with provisions of the Code of Conduct.

College Conduct Regulations

The following actions are prohibited and constitute a violation of the Georgia Gwinnett College Student Code of Conduct.

Any student, club, or organization found to have committed a violation of these conduct regulations is subject to the sanctions outlined in this Code. A claim of lack of awareness of policies and procedures does not excuse any violations of such.

The following are conduct regulations:

1.   Academic dishonesty shall be handled under APM 4.1.1.1.2 Academic Integrity Policy for Academic Dishonesty Matters.

2.   Other Acts of Dishonesty. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

A.Furnishing false information to any College official or office.

B.Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record, or instrument of identification.

C.Causing, condoning, or encouraging the dishonest completion of any College record, document, or form.

D.Offering or causing to be offered any bribe or favor to a College official in order to influence a decision.

E.Tampering with the election of any College-recognized student club or organization.

F.Casting or attempting to cast more than one ballot in any election or referendum on campus.

3.   Disorderly Conduct. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

A.Behavior that disrupts or obstructs the orderly functioning of the College, including but not limited to, teaching, research, administration, and/or service or other College activities on- or off-campus including but not limited to study abroad experiences or other authorized non-College activities taking place on College property.

B.Engaging in conduct that disrupts the academic pursuits or infringes upon the rights or privacy of another person.

C.Physical abuse, battery, fighting, and/or other physical contact that threatens or endangers the health or safety of another person or puts another in reasonable apprehension or fear for his or her safety or other conduct used to coerce club/organization membership.

D.Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, bullying/cyber bullying, and/or other conduct that (i) threatens or endangers the health or safety of another person; (ii) puts another in reasonable apprehension or fear for his or her safety; (iii) is so severe or pervasive that it deprives an individual the benefits of any College education program or activity; or (iv) that is used to coerce club/organization membership.

E.Violation of Board of Regents Policy or College policy, rules, and regulations.

F.Conduct or behavior that is obscene, including but not limited to public exposure of one’s own sexual organs and voyeurism, including, but not limited to, video voyeurism.

G.Failure to comply with directions of College 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.

H.Intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement (pedestrian or vehicular) on campus.

I.Entering an athletic contest, dance, social, or other College event without the proper credentials for admission (e.g., ticket, identification, invitation).

J.Circulating any advertising media without approval from proper College officials or in a manner that violates or is contrary to policies of Georgia Gwinnett College and state or local law.

K.Unauthorized recordings (audio/visual/other related devices) without permission of the applicable College official.

In recognition and support of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, freedom of expression and academic freedom shall be considered in investigating and reviewing these types of alleged conduct violations.

4. Sexual Misconduct. All alleged sexual misconduct shall be referred to the Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance under the APM 4.1.7 Sexual Misconduct (which also can be found in the Student Handbook: Rights, Responsibilities and General Information).

5. Alcohol and Other Drug Related Misconduct. Georgia law prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by those under the legal drinking age and prohibits making alcoholic beverages available to persons under the legal drinking age. Georgia Gwinnett College expects those of lawful age who choose to use alcohol off campus to do so responsibly.

Students should be encouraged to come forward and report violations of the law and/or student code of conduct notwithstanding their own improper use  of alcohol or drugs. Any student(s) who voluntarily and in good faith reports information to college or university faculty or staff prior to any investigation concerning use of drugs or alcohol will not be voluntarily reported to law enforcement; nor will information that the individual provides be used against the individual for purposes of conduct violations. Nevertheless, these students may be required to meet with staff members in regard to the incident and may be required to participate in appropriate educational program(s). The required participation in an education program under this amnesty procedure will not be considered a sanction.

Nothing in this amnesty procedure shall prevent a university staff member who is otherwise obligated by law (the Clery Act) to report information or statistical data as required

All students are prohibited from the following:

A.Possession and/or consumption of alcohol on campus. Exceptions must be approved by the President of the College.

B.Use and/or possession of illegal drugs.

C.Possession of alcohol beverage containers (including decorative collections).

D.Use and possession of controlled substances except as permitted by law.

E.Distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as permitted by law.

F.Possession of drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to bongs, glass pipes, or hookahs.

G.Providing or facilitating the use, possession, and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages.

H.Providing or facilitating the use, possession, and/or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as permitted by law.

I.Appearing at a college activity or on College property in a state of intoxication and/or under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.

J.Disruptive or disorderly conduct caused by the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.

K.Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

L.Use and/or possession of a prescription drug if the prescription was not issued to the student or the distribution or sale of a prescription drug to a person to whom the prescription was not originally issued.

6. Theft, Damage, and Disregard for Property. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

A.Taking, attempting to take, or keeping in his/her possession items of College property; items or services rented, leased, or placed on the campus at the request of College; or items belonging to students, faculty, staff, guests of the College, student groups, or others without proper authorization.

B.Malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction of items of College property; items rented, leased, or placed on the campus at the request of College; or items belonging to students, faculty, staff, guests of the College, student groups, or others.

C.Selling or attempting to sell a textbook unless the seller is the owner of the textbook or has the permission of the owner to do so.

D.Unauthorized taking, attempting to take, or keeping items belonging to the GGC library or items placed in the library for display.

E.Misuse of an identification card or number issued to a student through alteration, forgery, duplication, or other means, or through use of an identification card that has not been issued to the user.

7. Fire Safety and Sanitation. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

A.Misusing, damaging, or tampering with fire safety equipment.

B.Setting or causing to be set any unauthorized fire on or in College property.

C.Possessing or using fireworks, explosives, or other incendiary devices on College property without authorization.

D.Making or causing to be made a false fire alarm.

E.Intentionally or recklessly obstructing a fire exit in any College building.

F.Failure to exit a College building when the fire alarm sounds.

G.Failure to maintain an organization’s facilities and/or surrounding property creating a potential danger to the health or safety of the occupants or other individuals.

H.Failure to comply with GGC’s APM 8.2.89 Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus “Breathe Easy” Policy. 

8. Weapons. Except as permitted by law, possessing firearms, ammunition, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on College property is prohibited. Prohibited devices include but are not limited to air guns, sling shots, zip guns, knives with a blade of two inches or more from hilt to blade tip, knives having a switchblade or automatic blade opener, blackjacks, bolo knives, machetes, swords, spears, any club-type hand weapons, pyrotechnics, throwing stars, nunchucks, throwing knives, toy weapons, or any objects or materials capable of causing and/or used by the offending person to cause or threaten physical harm. This provision is subject to modification based on current Georgia Law. 

9. Unauthorized Entry or Use of College Property, Facilities, or Keys. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

A.Unauthorized entry, attempted entry, or remaining after closing in any building, office restricted areas, or other College facility.

B.Making or attempting to make unauthorized use of College facilities.

C.Unauthorized possession, use, or duplication of College keys or other methods of controlled access (i.e. cards, codes).

10. College Housing Policies and Procedures. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

A.Unauthorized entry, attempted entry, or remaining in restricted areas of any College-owned student residence building.

B.Presence of nonresidents in the residence halls unless required to attend a class, program, event, or fulfill another campus obligation and/or escorted by a current resident. Nonresidents must follow all sign-in procedures.

C.Failure to comply with policies established in various residence halls for the protection of the privacy, rights, privileges, health or safety of the community (refer to  Community Guide: Housing Policies & Procedures).

11. Misuse, Abuse, or Theft of Computer Resources. Failure to comply with acceptable use of IT resources policies, which can be found at APM 11.50.1.1 Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources and APM 11.50.1.2 Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

12. Gambling. Conducting, organizing, promoting, or participating in any activity involving games of chance or gambling.

13. Hazing. Georgia law prohibits hazing and Georgia Gwinnett College does not condone hazing in any form. Hazing is defined as any intentional, negligent, or reckless action, activity or situation that causes or has the potential to cause another pain, embarrassment, ridicule, or harassment, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate. Such actions and situations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Forcing or requiring the drinking of alcohol or use of other substance;
• Forcing or requiring the consumption of food or any other substance;
• Calisthenics (push-ups, sit-ups, jogging, runs, etc.);
• “Treeing’s”;
• Paddle swats;
• Line-ups;
• Theft of any property;
• Road trips;
• Scavenger hunts;
• Causing fewer than six (6) continuous hours of sleep per night;
• Conducting activities that do not allow adequate time for study;
• Forcing or requiring nudity at any time;
• Performing acts of personal servitude for members (e.g., driving them to class, cleaning their individual rooms, serving meals, washing cars, shopping, laundry, etc.);
• Forcing or requiring the violation of College policies, federal, state or local law;
• Other conduct used to coerce club or organization membership.

14. Interference with the Orderly Operation of the Student Integrity or any investigative process. This includes investigations handled by any College office, including but not limited to, Office of Student Integrity, Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance and Human Resources. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

A.Unreasonably delaying the student integrity process by failing to schedule or appear for a meeting as requested by a College official.

B.Intentionally providing false, distorted, or misrepresented information to a College official or body or knowingly initiating a false complaint.

C.Disrupting the orderly operation of a student integrity proceeding.

D.Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the student integrity process.

E.Harassing, retaliating against, and/or intimidating the hearing officer, a member of a hearing panel or any participant in a student integrity process prior to, during, or after that process.

F.Failure to comply with the sanctions imposed under the Student Code of Conduct.

15. Shared Responsibility for Student Code of Conduct Violations. Examples of specific prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

A.Acting in concert to violate College conduct regulations.

B.Condoning, encouraging, or requiring behavior that violates College conduct regulations.

C.Allowing, condoning, permitting or providing opportunity for others to violate College conduct regulations.

16. Violation of Law. Violation of any municipal or county ordinance, any law, regulation, or requirement of the State of Georgia, the United States, or, when in another state or country, that state or country.

Student Integrity Process

The following sections govern the Student Integrity process. The process may occasionally be modified on a case-by-case basis to protect the safety, well-being, and integrity of the college community; in these instances, the student will be provided due process, which includes notice and an opportunity to be heard. No further requirements are necessary under this policy for a case-by-case process change or for standard integrity processing under this policy.

Filing a Report

Incidents (except for incidents involving claims of discrimination or discriminatory harassment) of alleged violations of conduct regulations are reported to the Director of Student Integrity or his/her designee. Incidents involving claims of discrimination or discriminatory harassment are reported to the Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance. Individuals or groups filing a report should do so in writing and the report should be submitted as soon as possible after the alleged violation. For individuals or groups filing a report, a meeting can be arranged with a staff member in the Office of Student Integrity or Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance as applicable to discuss the student integrity process.

Complaints to the appropriate department and/or person(s) should include as much information as possible - such as: (1) the type of misconduct alleged; (2) the name and contact information of the respondent; (3) the date(s), time(s), and place(s) of the misconduct; (4) the name(s) and contact information of any individual(s) with knowledge of the incident; (5) whether any tangible evidence has been preserved; and (6) whether a criminal complaint has been made.

Information from complaints may be shared as necessary to investigate and to resolve the alleged misconduct. The need to issue a broader warning to the community in compliance with the Clery Act shall be assessed in compliance with federal law. Incident reports will be forwarded to the Office of Public Safety for Clery Act assessment.

Some reports involve possible violations of regulations, but clearly are the result of an unresolved, on-going dispute between students. Other reports do not involve violations of regulations and/or fall outside College jurisdiction, but they too reflect student disputes. In either of these situations, the students will be informed of the option to resolve the matter through mediation. Mediation is a voluntary process that utilizes an impartial, neutral third party who acts as a facilitator to help the parties reach a mutually acceptable outcome. In any event, the College reserves the right, where necessary, to adjudicate these matters under the student integrity process.

Confidentiality

To the best of the College’s ability, the College will take every effort to protect the confidentiality of the parties.

Where applicable, complaints may be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the facts of the case to the extent allowed by applicable law, including the Georgia Open Records Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). A record of each complaint and subsequent related actions will be maintained by the College.

Complainants who wish to maintain confidentiality must understand that the College cannot guarantee complete confidentiality will be maintained. For example, the College may not always honor requests for confidentiality as the College must consider its obligation to provide a safe, nondiscriminatory environment. If the College does honor a request for confidentiality, the complainant must understand that the College’s ability to investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the accused may be greatly limited. Complainants who wish to maintain confidentiality at first but later decide to file a complaint with the College and/or local law enforcement may do so but must understand that the College’s ability to investigate complaints is adversely impacted as time passes between the incident and the filing of a complaint thereof.

Retaliation

Anyone who, in good faith, reports what she or he believes to be student misconduct, participates or cooperates in, or is otherwise associated with any investigation, shall not be subjected to retaliation. Anyone who believes he or she has been the target of retaliation for reporting, participating, or cooperating in, or otherwise being associated with an investigation should immediately contact the Office of Student Integrity or Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance. Any person found to have engaged in retaliation in violation of the student conduct policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, pursuant to the code of conduct.

False Complaints

Students who intentionally give false statements to a College official, or who submit false complaints or accusations, including during a hearing, in violation of policy shall be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the code of conduct.

Amnesty

Students should be encouraged to come forward and report violations of the law and/or student code of conduct notwithstanding their own improper use of alcohol or drugs. Any student(s) who voluntarily and in good faith reports information to College faculty or staff prior to any investigation concerning use of drugs or alcohol will not be voluntarily reported to law enforcement; nor will information that the individual provides be used against the individual for purposes of conduct violations. Nevertheless, these students may be required to meet with staff members in regard to the incident and may be required to participate in appropriate educational program(s). The required participation in an education program under this amnesty procedure will not be considered a sanction.

Nothing in this amnesty procedure shall prevent a College staff member who is otherwise obligated by law (the Clery Act) to report information or statistical data as required.

Access to Advisors

The respondent and alleged victim (where applicable), as parties to these proceedings, shall have the right to use an advisor (including an attorney) of his or her choosing, and at his or her own expense, for the express purpose of providing advice and counsel. The advisor may be present during meetings and proceedings during the investigatory and/or resolution process at which his or her advisee is present. The advisor may advise his or her advisee in any manner, including providing questions, suggestions, and guidance on responses to any questions of the advisee, but shall not participate directly. The College shall not prohibit family members of a party from attending if the party requests such attendance, but may limit each participant to two family members. The College may limit the participation of any family to the same as that of an advisor.

Initial Evaluation of Student Conduct Reports

Regardless of how the College becomes aware of misconduct, it shall ensure a prompt, fair, and impartial review and resolution of complaints alleging student misconduct. Where a report of student misconduct has been made to the appropriate department and/or person,  the College shall review the complaint to determine whether the allegation(s) describes conduct in violation of the  Student Code of Conduct. If the reported conduct would not be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct then the report may be dismissed. Otherwise, a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation and review shall be conducted into each complaint received to determine whether charges against the respondent should be brought.

Where a report alleges sexual misconduct or other forms of harassment and/or discrimination, the report will be referred to, and the investigation will be conducted through or as directed by, the appropriate office trained and equipped to investigate such matters.

Any report that involves allegation(s) of conduct that could lead to the suspension or expulsion of the respondent(s) in an initial review must be promptly reported to the University System of Georgia Director by the College. The System Director will work with the College to determine whether any interim measure(s) are necessary, to assign an investigator and will collaboratively supervise the investigation with the appropriate College professional. If an allegation is not initially identified as one that could lead to suspension or expulsion of the respondent(s), but facts arise during the course of the investigation that would require oversight from the System Director, the College shall report that case to the System Director or her designee prior to proceeding.

Once it is determined that the student integrity process will be initiated, the respondent will be provided with written notification of the allegations. Email and electronic notifications satisfy the written requirement. Notification will specify the alleged violation(s). Notification will also request that the student, club, or organization arrange a meeting with a staff member.

The student, club, or organization is responsible for arranging this requested meeting within the parameters stated in the notification. The purpose of the meeting is to ensure that the student, club, or organization is sufficiently familiar with the Student Code of Conduct (including the conduct regulations and student integrity process) in order to accurately prepare and present a response to the charges. At this meeting the student, club, or organization:

1. Will be advised of the right to decline to make any statements or answer questions and that, in doing so, no inference about responsibility will be drawn.
2. Will be advised of the alleged violations.
3. Will be advised of the report submitted.
4. Will be advised of how to access the Student Code of Conduct and any other appropriate written material(s).
5. Will be advised of the procedures through which student integrity violations are resolved including the options for handling the matter either through informal or formal resolution.
6. Will be advised that an advisor may be present at the student integrity hearing. The advisor may not address the hearing officer, hearing panel or other persons at the hearing. The role of the advisor will be to consult with the student, club, or organization at reasonable intervals during the hearing. It is the student, club, or organization’s responsibility to find an advisor should they choose to have one present. Having an advisor is not required; it is optional.
7. Will be advised to consult further with the Director of Student Integrity or Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance or their designees concerning any question or interpretation of procedure.
8. Will be advised that formal hearings are scheduled to provide the student, club, or organization a minimum of five (5) business days from the date of hearing notification during which to prepare a response.
9. Will be advised that any request for a delay of the hearing must be in writing and submitted to the Director of Student Integrity or the Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance or their designees, who will determine whether a delay will be granted.
10. Will be advised that, in the event that the College needs to delay the date of a hearing, the student, club, or organization will be notified no less than one (1) business day prior to the originally scheduled hearing when practical. The student, club, or organization will receive a notification of the new hearing at least five (5) business days prior to the new hearing date. Exceptions can be made when deemed appropriate.
11. Will be advised that all official correspondence from the Office of Student Integrity or Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance will be sent to the student via their College email account. The student is responsible for accessing the College email account. The date notice is sent represents the notice/delivery date.
12. The information provided in the list above shall also be provided in writing to the student, club, or organization by the appropriate office.

If a student, club, or organization fails to schedule or attend the meeting, the Office of Student Integrity or Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance reserves the right to proceed with the meeting and hold or arrange for a formal resolution in the student, club, or organization’s absence.

To determine whether a club or organization is responsible for a violation of the Code of Conduct, all circumstances will be considered, including, but not limited to: (a) whether the misconduct was committed by one or more members of the club or organization; (b) whether officers of the club or organization had prior knowledge of the misconduct; (c) whether the club or organization funds were used; (d) whether the misconduct occurred as a result of a club or organization-sponsored function; and (e) whether members of the club or organization lied about the incident.

Investigation

Investigation of the matter shall be conducted by an impartial investigator. The investigator shall not be any person directly responsible for adjudicating the case or be involved in the case’s appeal process. The assigned investigator will be determined on a case by case basis.

Throughout any investigation and resolution proceedings, a party shall receive notice of the alleged misconduct, shall be provided an opportunity to respond, and shall be allowed to remain silent during the investigation and resolution process, without an adverse inference resulting. If a party chooses to remain silent, the investigation may still proceed and policy violation charges may still result, and may be resolved against the party. Further, unrelated charges and cases shall be investigated separately, unless the party consents to having them aggregated. Additionally, in any investigation involving allegations of sexual misconduct, timely notice of meetings shall be provided to each party of any meeting at which the complainant, respondent or alleged victim may be present. Timely and equal access to information that will be used during the investigation will be provided to the complainant, respondent and alleged victim (where applicable).

 Where the potential sanctions for the alleged misconduct may involve a suspension or expulsion (even if such sanctions were to be held “in abeyance,” such as probationary suspension or expulsion) the College’s investigation and resolution procedures must provide these additional, minimum safeguards:

1. The alleged victim and respondent shall be provided with written notice of the complaint/allegations, pending investigation, possible charges, possible sanctions, and available support services. The notice should also include the identity of any investigator(s) involved. Notice should be provided via College email to the address on file.
2. Upon receipt of the written notice, the respondent shall be given at least five (5) business days to respond in writing. In that response, the respondent shall have the right to admit or to deny the allegations, and to set forth a defense with facts, witnesses, and documents - whether written or electronic - in support. A nonresponse will be considered a general denial of the alleged misconduct. Any alleged victim shall also be provided five (5) business days to respond to or to supplement the notice.
3. If the respondent admits responsibility, the process may proceed to the sanctioning phase or may be informally resolved, if appropriate.
4. If at any point the investigator determines there is insufficient evidence to support a charge or to warrant further consideration of discipline, then the complaint should be dismissed.
5. The investigation shall consist of interviews of the respondent, the alleged victim (where applicable) and witnesses, and the collection and review of documents or other physical or electronic information, as well as other steps as appropriate. The investigator should retain written notes and/or obtain written or recorded statements from each interview. The investigator shall also keep a record of any proffered witnesses not interviewed, along with a brief, written explanation.
6. The investigation shall be summarized in writing in an initial investigation report and provided to the respondent and the alleged victim (where applicable) in person or via email. This summary should clearly indicate any resulting charges (or alternatively, a determination of no charges), as well as the facts and evidence in support thereof, witness statements, and possible sanctions. For purposes of this policy, a charge is not a finding of responsibility, but indicated that there is sufficient evidence to warrant further consideration and adjudication.
7. The final investigative report should be provided to the student misconduct panel or hearing officer for consideration in adjudicating the charges brought against the respondent. A copy shall also be provided to the respondent and alleged victim (where applicable) before any hearing. The investigator may testify as a witness regarding the investigation and findings, but shall otherwise have no part in the hearing process and shall not attempt to otherwise influence the proceedings outside of providing testimony during the hearing.

Interim Measures

Interim measures may be provided by the College at any point and should be designed to protect the alleged victim and the community.  To the extent interim measures are imposed, they should minimize the burden on both the alleged victim and the respondent, where feasible.  Interim measures may include, but are not limited to:

1. Change of housing assignment;
2. Issuance of a “no contact” directive; 
3. Restrictions or bars to entering certain College property;
4. Changes to academic or employment arrangements, schedules, or supervision;
5. Interim suspension; and
6. Other measures designed to promote the safety and well-being of the parties and the College community.
7. The appropriate office(s) shall be consulted prior to the imposition of interim measures.

Interim Suspension

An interim suspension should only occur where necessary to maintain safety and should be limited to those situations where the respondent poses a serious and immediate danger or threat to persons or property. In making such an assessment, the College should consider the existence of a significant risk to the health or safety of the alleged victim or the campus community; the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the probability of potential injury; and whether less restrictive means can be used to significantly mitigate the risk.

Before an interim suspension is issued, the College must make all reasonable efforts to give the respondent the opportunity to be heard on whether his or her presence on campus poses a danger. If an interim suspension is issued, the terms of the suspension take effect immediately. Upon request, the respondent will have an opportunity to be heard by the respective conduct officer, Title IX Coordinator, or System Director, as appropriate, within three business days in order to determine whether the interim suspension should continue.

Any report that involves allegation(s) of conduct that could lead to the interim suspension of the respondent(s) must be promptly reported to the System Director by the College. The System Director will work with the College to determine whether any interim measure(s) are necessary. If an allegation is not initially identified as one that could lead to the interim suspension of the respondent(s), but facts arise during the course of the investigation that would require oversight from the System Director, then the College shall report that case to the System Director or his/her designee prior to proceeding.

The respondent(s) shall be notified via his/her College email address or other written notice of the opportunity to be heard and to schedule a Pre-Interim Suspension hearing with the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or designee.

The respondent shall schedule the Pre-Interim Suspension Hearing within 48 hours of the delivery of the Pre-Interim Suspension hearing notice. Failure to respond within 48 hours may result in the Interim Suspension being issued.

Following the Pre-Interim Suspension hearing, the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or designee shall issue written notice to the respondent.

If the respondent wishes to appeal the decision of the Pre-Interim Suspension hearing, he/she shall submit a written appeal to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or designee.

If the respondent wishes to appeal the decision of the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or designee, he/she shall submit a written appeal to the President of the College or designee. The decision of the President of the College or designee represents the final decision of the College. Should the respondent or alleged victim (where applicable) wish to appeal the President’s decision, he or she may request review by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents in accordance with the Board of Regents 6.26 Application for Discretionary Review policy.

The respondent shall have the right to appeal the outcome on any of the following grounds: (1) to consider new information, sufficient to alter the decision, or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such information was not known or knowable to the person appealing during the time of the hearing; (2) to allege a procedural error within the hearing process that may have substantially impacted the fairness of the hearing, including but not limited to whether any hearing questions were improperly excluded or whether the decision was tainted by bias; or (3) to allege that the finding was inconsistent with the weight of the information. The appeal shall be a review of the record only, and no new meeting with the respondent or any alleged victim is required.

If an interim suspension is issued, the terms of the suspension shall take effect immediately. If such a Pre-Interim Suspension hearing is not possible under the circumstances, an interim suspension may still be issued. In the circumstances where a hearing prior to issuing an interim suspension is not possible, the respondent may make a written request for a hearing to determine whether the interim suspension should continue. Such a hearing must be held within three (3) business days of the request. Any such hearing may be done solely through review of written documentation submitted by the respondent to the person issuing the interim suspension or his/her designee.

Resolution of the Student Integrity Process

During the meeting the staff member will advise the student, club, or organization about the options for resolving student integrity violations. There are three available options from which the student, club, or organization can choose: (1) informal resolution, (2) formal resolution (administrative hearing), or (3) formal resolution (Student Integrity Board hearing).  During the formal resolution, a joint hearing may be requested if two or more students, clubs, or organizations are charged with violating one or more conduct regulations pertaining to the same incident.

Informal Resolution

If the student, club, or organization agrees that the violation(s) of the conduct regulations occurred, he/she/it may decide to have the case resolved through the informal process. Final resolution of the informal process must meet the following criteria: (1) the staff member handling the case and the student, club, or organization agree that informal resolution is a reasonable option given the circumstances; (2) the student, club, or organization must accept responsibility for the violation(s) of the specified conduct regulation(s); (3) the resolution will not result in a suspension, expulsion, or loss of privilege to live in College housing for the charged student, club, or organization; (4) if applicable, the victim should accept the sanctions issued for the violation(s) and may propose sanctions that are reasonable and in accordance with the Code of Conduct. Cases that do not meet all four criteria for the informal resolution will be referred to formal resolution (hearing).

The student, club, or organization is responsible for presenting his/her/its own case. The student, club, or organization may have an advisor (who can be an attorney) and family members present if he/she/it chooses at his/her own expense. If the student, club, or organization plans to have an advisor and/or family members present, he/she/it must notify the Office of Student Integrity or Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance within two (2) business days prior to any meeting identifying the advisor and/or family members. Each student participant is limited to two family members.

Some reports involve possible violations of regulations, but clearly are the result of an unresolved, on-going dispute between students. Other reports do not involve violations of regulations and/or fall outside College jurisdiction, but they too reflect student disputes. In either of these situations, the students will be informed of the option to resolve the matter through informal resolution.

Decisions for Informal Resolution

If the student, club, or organization decides to resolve the student integrity charges informally, and all conditions for such resolution are met, the student, club, or organization will receive a written copy of the decision. The decision will be completed by the staff member handling the case.

Formal Resolution

In no case shall a hearing to resolve the charge(s) of student misconduct take place before the investigative report has been finalized or before the respondent has had an opportunity to respond in writing, unless the respondent has provided a written waiver of rights to these procedures. Further, unrelated charges and/or cases shall be heard separately unless the respondent voluntarily consents to the charges/cases being heard jointly.

Where the respondent indicates that he or she contests the charges, the investigative report has been finalized, copies provided to the respondent and alleged victim (where applicable), the case shall be set for hearing.  However, the alleged victim (where applicable) and respondent may have the option of selecting informal resolution as a possible resolution in certain student misconduct cases where they mutually agree, except where deemed inappropriate by the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost (or his/her designee) or the System Director.

Where a case is not resolved through informal resolution or informal resolution is not available due to the nature of the charges, the respondent shall have the option of having the charges heard either by an administrator (hearing officer) or a hearing panel. However, all cases involving charges of sexual misconduct that go to a hearing shall be heard by a panel of staff and/or faculty.  Sexual misconduct panel members shall receive appropriate annual training as directed by the System Director or Coordinator and required by the Clery Act.  If an administrative hearing is requested, the respondent shall use his or her discretion to determine whether the case should be heard by a hearing panel. Notice of the date, time, and location of the hearing, shall be provided to the respondent, complainant, and alleged victim (where applicable) at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing. Notice shall be provided via College email, where applicable. Additionally, the following standards will apply to any such hearing:

1. The respondent shall have the right to present witnesses and evidence to the hearing officer or panel, as well as to ask questions to any witnesses. At the determination of the hearing officer or panel, this questioning may take place through the submission of written questions to the panel or hearing officer for consideration; however, the parties’ advisors may still actively advise and assist in drafting those questions. The hearing officer or panel shall ask the questions as written, and will limit questions only if they are unrelated to determining the veracity of the charge leveled against the respondent(s). In any event, the hearing officer or panel shall err on the side of asking all submitted questions, and must document the reason for not asking any particular questions.
2. Where the hearing officer or panel determines that a party or witness is unavailable and unable to be present due to extenuating circumstances, the hearing officer or panel may establish special procedures for providing testimony from a separate location. In doing so, the hearing officer or panel must determine there is a valid basis for the unavailability, ensure proper sequestration in a manner that ensures testimony has not been tainted, and make a determination that such an arrangement will not unfairly disadvantage any party. Should it be reasonably believed that a party or witness who is not physically present has presented tainted testimony, the hearing officer or panel will disregard or discount the testimony. In sexual misconduct cases, the hearing officer reserves the right to allow a party to testify in a separate room, so long as no party is unfairly disadvantaged by this procedure. A party must still give testimony in the presence of the panel, and the opposing party must have the opportunity to view the testimony remotely and to submit follow-up questions.
3. Formal civil rules of evidence do not apply to the investigatory or resolution process.
4. The standard of review shall be a preponderance of the evidence; however, any decision to suspend or to expel a student must also be supported by substantial evidence at the hearing.
5. The College should maintain documentation of the proceedings, which may include written findings of fact, transcripts, audio recordings, and/or video recordings.
6. Following a hearing, both the respondent and alleged victim (where applicable under Title IX) shall be provided a written decision via College email of the outcome, as determined by the hearing officer or hearing panel. The respondent shall be advised of any resulting sanctions. The decision should include details on how to appeal, as outlined below. Additionally, the written decision must summarize the evidence in support of the sanction. The same decision will be completed, regardless of whether the student opts for a hearing panel or an administrative hearing.

Sanctions

In determining the severity of sanctions or corrective actions the following should be considered: the frequency, severity, and/or nature of the charge; history of past conduct; an alleged student’s willingness to accept responsibility; previous institutional response to similar conduct; strength of the evidence; and the well-being of the College community. The hearing panel, hearing officer, or administrator that found that a policy violation occurred will determine sanctions and issue notice of the same, as outlined above. Sanctions involving suspension and/or expulsion from the College shall require written approval by the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.

Sanctions for Individuals

The following sanctions may be imposed against a student for the violation of a College conduct regulation. This list is neither exhaustive nor in order of severity and may be enlarged upon or modified to meet the particular circumstances of any given situation.  Sanctions may be increased because of prior disciplinary matters.

1. Expulsion*: Permanent severance of the student’s relationship with the College.
2. Suspension*: Temporary severance of the student’s relationship with the College for a specific period of time. The period of time and any requirements that must be satisfied prior to readmission are to be specified in the decision of the hearing panel or the hearing officer.
3. Conduct Probation: Student is not in good conduct standing with the College. Notice that further finding of responsibility for the violation of any College conduct regulation(s) as specified in the decision of the hearing panel or hearing officer will likely result in suspension or expulsion from the College. The period of probation shall be specified in the decision letter.
4. Reprimand: Stated disapproval or a warning issued to the student.
5. Restitution: Reimbursement for a loss caused by the student’s actions.
6. Community Service Hours: Assignment to community service/volunteer hours to be determined by the hearing panel and/or the hearing officer.
7. Restrictions: Terms of probation or reprimand restricting privileges. Such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, identification card privileges and/or parking privileges.
8. Other Educational Sanctions: Projects or assignments designed to educate a student in connection with the effect of his/her behavior. Educational assignments include, but are not limited to, papers, letters of apology, and/or alcohol education (DUI School, etc.).
9. Recommendation to suspend student employment within the College.
10. Housing Restrictions: Loss of privilege to live in College housing.
11. No Contact Order: Directed to refrain from any intentional contact, direct or indirect, with one or more designated persons through any means, including personal contact, email, telephone, or third parties.
12. Fines: Required to pay a specified fine/fee for violation.
13. And/Or Other Sanctions: Other sanctions as deemed appropriate based on the student’s actions.

*The standard of review shall be a preponderance of the evidence; however, any decision to suspend or to expel a student must also be supported by substantial evidence at the hearing.

Sanctions for Alcohol and Other Drug Violations

Students found in violation, through the College’s student integrity process, of the Alcohol, and Other Drug-Related Misconduct (see Conduct Regulation 5) are subject to the following possible sanctions:

• First violation - Alcohol, and/or drug awareness activity and probation for the remainder of current semester and for the next two semesters (Fall and Spring semesters only) enrolled at the College. Probation extends through summer terms and/or any institutional breaks.
• Any subsequent violation may result in suspension from the College for at least one semester (including current semester and one subsequent semester), Fall or Spring semesters only. Summer suspension may not be substituted for a Fall or Spring semester and will be included if suspension is initiated during Spring semester.

Any cost associated with drug and alcohol sanctioning will be the responsibility of the responsible student. These are sanctioning guidelines. The findings of fact, any particular circumstances, and prior record of the student will be factors considered when determining any appropriate sanctions.

Students who are dismissed, suspended*, expelled*, withdrawn, or otherwise removed from the College for any length of time should be aware that this action may adversely impact the following:

• Privilege of living in campus housing
• Housing costs and fees (suspension/expulsion does not forgive financial obligations)
• Tuition costs and fees (suspension/expulsion does not forgive financial obligations)
• Student financial aid including HOPE Scholarship
• Health insurance
• Meal plan
• Use of College resources and access to College facilities
• Status for international students
• Veterans and dependents of veterans
• Student employment on campus
• Internships, assistantships, and study abroad

This is not an exhaustive list.

Additional Sanctions for Student Clubs and Organizations

The following sanctions may be imposed against a student club or organization for the violation of a College conduct regulation. This list is neither exhaustive nor in order of severity and may be enlarged upon or modified to meet the particular circumstances of any given situation.

1. Recommendation for charter revocation: An official request to a national office that the local chapter’s charter be revoked.
2. Revocation of College registration: Permanent severance of the club’s/organization’s relationship with the College.
3. Suspension of College registration: Temporary severance of the club’s/organization’s relationship with the College for a specific period of time or indefinitely. The period of time and any requirements, which must be satisfied prior to re-registration, must be specified in the decision of the hearing panel or the hearing officer.
4. Probation: Notice that further finding of responsibility for the violation of any College conduct regulation(s) as specified in the decision of the hearing panel or hearing officer will likely result in suspension or revocation of College registration. The period of probation shall be specified in the decision letter.
5. Reprimand: Stated disapproval or warning issued to the student club or organization.
6. Restitution: Reimbursement for a loss caused by the club’s/organization’s actions.
7. Work Hours: Assignment to work a specific number of hours determined by the hearing panel and/or the hearing officer.
8. Restrictions: Restriction of some or all of the clubs or organization’s activities or privileges, including, but not limited to, social privileges and recruitment privileges.
9. Other Educational Sanctions: Projects or assignments designed to educate a club or organization in connection with the effect of its member’s actions. Educational assignments include, but are not limited to, alcohol awareness programs, and/or risk management programs.

Withdrawal of Recognition of Student Organizations

All student organizations, including but not limited to societies, clubs, and similar groups of students which are affiliated with, recognized by, or which use College facilities, must comply with local, state and federal laws by all persons attending or participating in their respective functions and affairs, social or otherwise. Violation of applicable laws, including but not limited to the Student Organization Responsibility for Drug Abuse Act, will result in revocation of student organization recognition, and, after complying with the constitutional requirements of due process, shall be suspended from the campus for a minimum of one calendar year from the date of determination of responsibility.

Student Code of Conduct Appeals

A. Suspension/Expulsion Appeals

Where the sanction imposed includes a suspension or expulsion (even for one held in abeyance), the following appellate procedures must be provided. The alleged respondent (and in cases involving sexual misconduct or other forms of discrimination and/or harassment, the alleged victim) shall have the right to appeal the outcome on any of the following grounds: (1) to consider new information, sufficient to alter the decision, or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such information was not known or knowable to the person appealing during the time of the hearing; (2) to allege a procedural error within the hearing process that may have substantially impacted the fairness of the hearing, including but not limited to whether any hearing questions were improperly excluded or whether the decision was tainted by bias; or (3) to allege that the finding was inconsistent with the weight of the information. Appeals may be made by the alleged offender for the above reasons in any case where sanctions are issued - even those in which such sanctions are held “in abeyance,” such as probationary suspension or expulsion.

The appeal must be made in writing and submitted  to the Office of Student Integrity or Office of Diversity, and Equity Compliance, must set forth one or more of the bases outlined above, and must be submitted within five (5) business days of the date of the final written decision.

The appeal should be addressed to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or his/her designee. The appeal will be forwarded to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or his/her designee for review of the record only, and no new meeting with the respondent or any alleged victim will be held. The Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost, or his/her designee, may affirm the original finding and sanction; affirm the original finding but issue a new sanction remand the case back to the decision-maker to correct a procedural or factual defect; or reverse or dismiss the case if there was a procedural or factual defect that cannot be remedied by remand.

The Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or his/her designee shall then issue a decision in writing to both the respondent within a reasonable time period.

The decision of the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or his/her designee may be appealed in writing within five (5) business days (as determined by the date of the decision letter) to the President of the College solely on the three grounds set forth above. The appeal to the President shall be a review of the record only and no new meeting with the respondent or any alleged victim will be held.

The President may affirm the original finding and sanction; affirm the original finding but issue a new sanction; remand the case back to the decision maker to correct a procedural or factual defect; or reverse or dismiss the case if there was a procedural or factual defect that cannot be remedied by remand. The President’s decision shall be issued in writing to both the respondent and the victim (if applicable) within a reasonable time period. The President’s decision shall be the final decision of the College.

Should the respondent wish to appeal the President’s decision, he or she may appeal to the Board of Regents in accordance with the Board of Regents Policy Manual 6.26 Application for Discretionary Review.

B. Sanctions Other than Suspension/Expulsion Appeals

Except as otherwise set out in Section A above, the student, club, or organization may appeal any decision from a formal student integrity hearing or any decision resulting in sanctions other than a reprimand from an informal resolution. Appeal information will be included with the decision issued to a student, club, or organization.

All levels of appeal described in these procedures involve written appeals only. Students, clubs, or organizations neither meet with nor make oral presentations to the appellant officer.

Recusal or Challenge for Bias

Any party may challenge the participation of any College official, employee, or student panel member in the process on the grounds of personal bias by submitting a written statement to the College’s designee setting forth the basis for the challenge. The designee shall not be the same individual responsible for investigating or adjudicating the conduct allegation. The written challenge should be submitted within a reasonable time after the individual knows or reasonably should have known of the existence of the bias. The College’s designee will determine whether to sustain or deny the challenge and, if sustained, the replacement to be appointed.

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

BOR 4.6.5 Standards for Institutional Student Conduct Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings
BOR 6.7 Sexual Misconduct Policy
BOR 6.26 Application for Discretionary Review

Student Behavioral Concerns Team

Policy Number: 4.6.8
Effective Date: February 5, 2019
Revision History: None
Policy Contact: Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Purpose and Policy Statement

Georgia Gwinnett College’s Student Behavioral Concerns Team (SBCT) promotes campus safety and the well-being of students through the identification, assessment, intervention, and management of student situations that may pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community and/or the individual student.

Scope

This Policy is applicable to faculty, staff, and students of Georgia Gwinnet College.

Roles and Responsibilities

Student Behavioral Concerns Team (SBCT):

• Promotes campus safety and the well-being of students through the identification, assessment, intervention, and management of student situations that may pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community and/or the individual student. 
• Develops intervention and support strategies and takes appropriate action to help connect the student to any necessary resources and/or further resolve the situation.
• Meets when necessary as determined by the chairperson to review reported student behavioral concerns.

Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students:

• Serves as the chairperson of the team and appoints other campus professionals to serve on the team.
• Shares the Student Behavioral Concerns Team recommendations with the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.

Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost: Reviews the recommendations of the Student Behavioral Concerns Team and notifies the student in writing of his/her decision when warranted.

President: Hears appeals and makes the final institutional decision regarding actions taken by the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost

Vice President of Enrollment Management: In cases of involuntary medical withdrawal, reviews the recommendations of the SBCT and will notify the student in writing of his/her decision when warranted.

Student Behavioral Concerns Team Review

The Student Behavioral Concerns Team develops intervention and support strategies and takes appropriate action to help connect the student to any necessary resources and/or further resolve the situation. Should further action be needed, the Student Behavioral Concerns Team shall make recommendations to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or his/her designee with regard to a student’s ability to continue at Georgia Gwinnett College.

These recommendations may include but are not limited to recommending voluntary, involuntary, or hardship withdrawal; mandating medical and/or psychological assessment; and/or other requirements. The Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students will then share the Student Behavioral Concerns Team recommendations with the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.

The Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or his/her designee shall review the recommendations of the Student Behavioral Concerns Team and will notify the student in writing of his/her decision when warranted.

The student may appeal the decision of the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost or his/her designee to the President of the College. All appeals must be in writing and submitted within five (5) College business days of receipt of the decision. Students neither meet with nor make oral presentations to the President. There may be times, however, when the President requests a meeting in order to gather further information relative to the matters associated with the appeal.

The President will notify the student in writing of the decision on the appeal. The case materials, including a copy of the decision, will be returned to the Student Behavioral Concerns Team. The decision of the President is considered the final institutional decision.

Student Behavioral Concerns Team records are protected by FERPA and will be maintained by team members.

Involuntary Medical Withdrawal

A student may be involuntarily withdrawn from the College and/or from College housing when, in the majority judgment of the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost and Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and a professional member of the College’s Health Services or Counseling Services staff, it is determined that the student’s physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health:

• Poses a significant danger or threat of physical harm to the student or to the person or property of others; or
• Causes the student to interfere with the rights of other members of the College community or with the exercise of any proper activities or functions of the College or its personnel.

Upon this determination, a recommendation for involuntary medical withdrawal will made to the Vice President of Enrollment Management or his/her designee.

Except in emergency situations, a student shall, upon request, be accorded a meeting with a College official or a hearing prior to a final decision concerning his or her continued enrollment at the College. If the student requests a hearing on such a matter, the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost and Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students shall appoint a hearing body, consisting of faculty and/or staff.

The student may appeal the decision of the Vice President of Enrollment Management or his or her designee to the President of the College. All appeals must be in writing and submitted within five (5) College business days of receipt of the decision. The President will notify the student in writing of the decision on the appeal. The decision of the President is considered the final institutional decision.

Mandated Mental Health Assessment

In circumstances where the SBCT determines a student exhibits or threatens behaviors that pose or suggest a significant and/or immediate threat of harm to themselves or others or which interfere in the orderly operation of the institution, the SBCT may require a student to participate in a mandated assessment. This should serve as an objective assessment of a student’s ability to participate in the social and/or academic life of the college and will be used by the appropriate GGC office in making a decision regarding the student’s on-going participation at GGC.

The student may appeal SBCT’s mandatory assessment requirement to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.  The appeal must be submitted in writing within three (3) business days after receipt of notice of the mandatory assessment.  The Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost will review all relevant evidence to determine whether to uphold the mandatory assessment directive.  The decision of the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost is final.

Mandated Mental Health Assessment Procedure

GGC’s Counseling Center will perform an initial review of the student’s exhibited behavior to determine if there is a basis for requiring an outside mental health assessment.  Such an initial review may be based on written/verbal reports concerning the student, speaking with the student directly and/or any other information deemed sufficient by the GGC Counseling Center to provide its determination of whether the student is required to seek an outside mental health assessment.  The initial review by the GGC Counseling Center shall be in writing. 

If the student is required to seek on outside mental health assessment, the GGC Counseling Center shall provide the student with a written individualized requirement(s) which must be addressed in the outside mental health evaluation.  In addition, the student will be provided a release which the student must sign and provide to both the GGC Counseling Center and the mental health provider which will permit/require the mental health provider to respond to queries from GGC as well as providing GGC with the written assessment by the mental health provider.

If GGC’s Counseling Center determines an outside assessment is warranted, GGC will require the student to see an outside mental health professional sufficiently capable to provide an assessment based on GGC’s Counseling Center’s individualized requirement for the particular student.  The student may select the mental health professional to provide the assessment.  If the student does not have a mental health provider, GGC may offer a list of such providers for the student to use.  The student shall provide the mental health provider with a signed release provided by GGC which permits the mental health provider to discuss the matter with GGC and provide GGC with a written report regarding the concerns set out by GGC.

The College will provide a release for the student to sign, allowing GGC to communicate its concerns and individualized assessment requirements directly to the mental health provider as needed or requested.

The SBCT will consider the individualized assessment as part of its evaluation in conjunction with the GGC Counseling Center staff’s professional opinion.  Participation in the evaluation and receipt of a positive assessment outcome does not in itself guarantee that a student will be able to retain student status or continue participation in all aspects of academic and student life at GGC.

A separate independent mental health assessment (2nd opinion) may also be required, at the expense of GGC, if deemed appropriate by the SBCT.

The SBCT will also consider any additional relevant information, including but not limited to, that which the student wishes to have considered in conjunction with the mandatory assessment.

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)

Appeals

Policy Number: 4.7
Effective Date: September 17, 2018
Revision History: May 26, 2016
Policy Contact: Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Purpose and Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to provide students with an opportunity to appeal decisions on issues related to Grades, Housing Contracts, Housing Fines, Disability Services and Accommodations, In-State Tuition Classification Status (In-State Residency), Student Accounts and Guaranteed Tuition Plans.

Scope

All students who would like to appeal any matter covered by this policy are responsible for understanding and complying with this policy. 

Grade Appeals

Students wishing to appeal a final grade in a course must first discuss the grade appeal with the course instructor within 30 calendar days of the assignment of the final grade. If the student still wishes to appeal beyond the discussion with the course instructor, the student may then file a grade appeal with the appropriate dean. The student must submit a written request along with all supporting documentation to the dean within 15 calendar days of the instructor’s decision. An interview with the student and/or the course instructor may be a part of the dean’s decision. If the student wishes to appeal the dean’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost submitting the same documentation as was submitted to the dean within 15 calendar days of the decision.

The decision of the SVPASA/Provost or his/her designee represents the final institutional decision for Grade Appeals.

Housing Contract Appeals

Students who wish to appeal their housing contract must submit their appeal to the Student Appeals Committee. Appeals must be filed online (Appeals). Students wishing to appeal the decision of the Student Appeals Committee may submit a written request for appeal to the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee stating the reasons and grounds for the appeal within 10 working days of receiving the decision of the Student Appeals Committee. The appeal shall be reviewed by an ad hoc panel comprised of at least three (3) persons. One (1) must be a student; the others may be a faculty member or administrator as deemed appropriate by the SAVPSA or his/her designee. The panel shall review the complaint and decide by a majority vote based upon the information presented. The panel shall make a decision within 10 working days from receipt of the appeal and shall inform the student in writing of their decision. The time may be extended for extenuating circumstances. If the person directly involved is not satisfied with the decision, he/she may file an appeal of the SAVPSA’s decision to the SVPASA/Provost or his/her designee so that he/she may render a decision. All appeals must be in writing.

The decision of the SVPASA/Provost or his/her designee represents the final institutional decision for housing contract appeals.

Housing Fines Appeals

Residents who are billed for damages and/or fined for housing-related violations may appeal the damage or fine assessment. All appeals must be filed online (www.ggc.edu/appeals).

Appeals must clearly demonstrate why the resident charged with the damage or fine believes he/she is not responsible AND must identify the responsible party, if known. Verifiable supporting documentation/materials must be submitted at the time an initial appeal is filed.

Residents will be notified of any decisions in writing via their GGC e-mail address.

If the resident’s appeal is denied, the resident may submit a second appeal to Director of Residence Life or his/her designee stating the reasons and grounds for the appeal within 10 working days of receiving the initial decision.  The decision of the Director of Residence Life or his/her designee represents the final institutional decision for Housing Fines Appeals. 

Disability Services and Accommodation, Parking, Appeals

Students wishing to appeal decisions regarding academic adjustments, auxiliary aids/services, equal access or other Office of Disability Services decisions should submit a written request for appeal to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator who will convene an ADA/Section 504 committee comprised of three members to review the appeal. The student will receive an initial written acknowledgement from the Section 504/ADA Coordinator within two (2) business days following receipt of the written complaint. Within five (5) business days thereafter, the student will receive a written response to his or her complaint from the Section 504/ADA Coordinator communicating the decision of the ADA/Section 504 committee.

If the complaint is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, he or she may appeal to the Provost or his/her designee as the final level of review. This final appeal must be made in writing to the provost or his/her designee; within five (5) days following receipt of the written response to the student’s complaint from the Section 504/ADA Coordinator and specify the reason(s) for the appeal. The Provost or his/her designee will communicate a final decision, in writing, within five (5) business days following receipt of the student’s appeal.  The decision of the Provost or his/her designee represents the final institutional decision for appeals.

As required by applicable laws and regulations, Georgia Gwinnett College does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, the programs, services, and activities which it operates. Accordingly, if a student believes that he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of his or her disability they should contact the Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance at 678-407-5085 or follow the procedures outlined in Administrative Policy Manual 12.1 Non Discrimination and Harassment to file a complaint.

Student Parking Appeals

Students wishing to appeal a traffic/parking fine may appeal to the Parking and Appeals Committee. Traffic/parking appeals must be filed in the Office of Parking Services within seven (7) business days of the issue date of the citation. Students wishing to appeal the decision of the Parking and Appeals Committee may submit a written request for appeal to the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee within 15 calendar days of the decision of the Parking and Appeals Committee.

The decision of the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee represents the final institutional decision for student parking appeals.

In-State Tuition Classification Status (In-State Residency)

Students may be classified as out-of-state for various reasons. Any student who wishes to apply for in-state tuition classification status should submit a Petition for Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes to the Registrar in the Office of Enrollment Management. Documentation of the request must include any form of proof of legal residency in Georgia (Georgia state income tax, Georgia-issued driver’s license, etc.) or justification for waivers as outlined in Board of Regents policy regarding In-State Tuition Classification Status.

If the student wishes to appeal the Office of Enrollment Management’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost by submitting the same documentation as was submitted earlier in the process within 15 calendar days of the Office of Enrollment Management’s decision. If the student wishes to appeal the SVPASA/Provost’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the President of the College within 15 calendar days of the Provost’s decision. The decision of the President or his designee represents the final institutional decision.

Student Account Appeals

Students wishing to appeal any decision impacting their student account, that is not covered in an appeals process under this policy, may appeal to the Bursar or his/her designee. Appeals must be filed online (www.ggc.edu/appeals). Students wishing to appeal the decision of the Bursar or his/her designee may submit a written request for appeal to the Assistant Controller or his/her designee stating the reasons and grounds for the appeal within 10 working days of receiving the decision of the Bursar or his/her designee.  The Assistant Controller or his/her designee shall make a decision within 10 working days from the appeal hearing and shall inform the student in writing of their decision. The time may be extended for extenuating circumstances.

The decision of the Assistant Controller or his/her designee represents the final institutional decision for Student Account Appeals.

Guaranteed Tuition Plan Appeals

(Please be advised that the Board of Regents has modified the “Guaranteed Tuition Plan”; students should contact the Office of Enrollment Management for questions and applicable rules.)

Students wishing to appeal their classification on the Board of Regents Guaranteed Tuition Plan system may submit a written request for appeal to the Executive Director of for Enrollment Management within 30 calendar days from the beginning of the academic semester. If the student wishes to appeal the Executive Director of Enrollment Management’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost, submitting the same documentation as was submitted earlier in the process within 15 calendar days of the Executive Director for Enrollment Management’s decision. If the student wishes to appeal the SVPASA/Provost’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the President or his designee submitting the same documentation as was submitted earlier in the process within 15 calendar days of the SVPASA/Provost’s decision. The decision of the President of the College represents the final institutional decision.

4.8 Immunizations

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.8.

4.8.1 Immunizations Against Disease During an Outbreak/Epidemic

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Section 4.8.1.

During an epidemic or a threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by immunization on the Georgia Gwinnett College campus, and when an emergency has been declared by appropriate health authorities of this state, the president of Georgia Gwinnett College is authorized, in conjunction with the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia and appropriate health authorities, to promulgate rules and regulations specifying those diseases against which immunizations may be required.

Any individual who cannot show proof of immunity or adequate immunization and refuses to be immunized shall be excluded from Georgia Gwinnett College and any institution or facility of the University System of Georgia until such time as he/she presents valid evidence that he/she is immunized against the disease or the epidemic/threat no longer constitutes a significant public health danger.

4.8.2 Immunization Requirements for Students

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.8.2.

In addition, GGC has developed the following immunizations policy:

Immunizations Policy

Georgia Gwinnett College requires proof of immunizations for all new students (first-year, transfers, and others) as directed by policy consistent with recommendations provided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, developed collaboratively by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the Division of Public Health of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. Such policies shall be on file in each institution’s office of student affairs.

Information is available to every new student regarding required and recommended immunizations using information developed by the Division of Public Health in concert with the Office of Student Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

Specific colleges or departments, with concurrence of the president and the Chancellor, may require some immunizations not required for all new students by this policy. Institutions are also authorized to impose additional immunization requirements for students when, in the opinion of the president of the institution and with concurrence of the Chancellor and appropriate public health authorities, there is a substantial risk of exposure to other communicable diseases preventable by vaccination.

Pursuant to legislation, all students residing in campus housing are required to sign a document stating that they have received a vaccination against meningococcal disease or reviewed the information provided by the institution.

4.9 University System Student Advisory Council

Reviewed May 26, 2016

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.9.

4.50 Student Field Trip and Off Campus Event Policy

Reviewed May 26, 2016

Participation in field trips/off campus events provides students the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning outside the classroom, and as such, these trips are a valuable part of the college experience. Such outings permit students to integrate theoretical aspects of learning with practical applications and observations in environments other than the classroom. These experiences thus afford students an alternative means of applying knowledge.

Certain guidelines need to be followed to ensure that students gain the most from participation in field trips.

1. Attendance on field trips/off campus events is optional, and students will not be penalized if they do not attend.
2. Alternate assignments may be given in lieu of a student’s participation in field trips/off campus events where said participation would have derived extra credit or other course points.
3. Students who choose to go on field trips must contact the professors of the other classes which will be affected by their participation on the field trip prior to going on the field trip. However, participation on field trips does not exempt students from completing the work which is assigned in the classes that will be missed, nor does it provide a reason for students to miss tests, exams, or other graded work which is performed in the classes that will be missed.
4. Students who are absent because of participation in college-approved activities (such as field trips and extracurricular events) will be permitted to make up the work missed during their college-approved absences, provided that the student discussed with and obtained approval from the instructor to make up the work missed prior to the student’s going on the field trip.
5. The field trip originator will ensure that the students who attend field trips complete the appropriate waivers and forms.
6. The faculty member/field trip originator should deliver copies of the waiver forms to the Dean’s/Director’s office for appropriate filing prior to or within five business days after returning from the field trip or off campus event/project.