General Rules & Regulations

Student Conduct
South Georgia Tech expects its students who are preparing to enter the world of work to assume professional attitudes in their conduct, appearance, and academic performance. Students enrolling at South Georgia Tech are considered to be mature individuals. It is assumed all students enrolled come for a serious purpose and will conform to all regulations deemed necessary by the school administration.

The college reserves the right to decline admission to, to suspend, or to require withdrawal of any student for any reason deemed to be in the best interest of all the students and of the College. Should a student fail to show that he or she is able to adjust to campus life and to the discipline of group living, he or she will be asked to withdraw from college. If college officials believe a student’s conduct on or off campus is detrimental to the college, the student will be excluded from further attendance.

The following behavior is prohibited on campus or at college-sponsored events:

Possession, consumption or furnishing of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
Providing distributing, selling, or facilitating the use or possession of alcoholic beverages except as permitted by law and College policy.
Disruptive or disorderly conduct caused by the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.
Use of possession of narcotic or other controlled substances except as permitted by law and College policy.
Providing, distributing, selling, or facilitating the use or possession of narcotic or other controlled substances except as permitted by law and policy.
Possession of fireworks or any type of explosives.
Possession of firearms or any other devices considered weapons by school officials as set forth in Georgia law.
Malicious damage or destruction of property belonging to the College or to a member of, or visitor to, the College.
Possession, use, or charging of hoverboards, Swagways, or similar devices.

Due to State Fire Marshall procedures for state buildings, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia and SGTC have developed a NO SMOKING/VAPING policy for all school classrooms, buildings, state vehicles, and student dormitories.

The following actions are prohibited on campus:

Car stereos should not be heard 50 feet from vehicles on campus.
Sounding a vehicle horn for an unreasonable time, except as a warning.
Operating a radio, stereo or similar device in a vehicle to create excessive noise that disturbs others.
Operating a radio, musical instrument or other device louder than necessary for convenient hearing.
Operating any vehicle to produce unreasonably loud noise.
Making any unreasonably loud noise in connection with loading or unloading a vehicle.
Using any loud speaker or sound system on a vehicle for advertising or other purpose so as to make unreasonably loud noises.

Disorderly Assembly
No person shall assemble on campus for the purpose of creating a riot or destructive or disorderly diversion which interferes with the normal educational process of the College. This section shall not be construed so as to deny any students the right of peaceful assembly.

No person or group of persons shall obstruct the free movement of other persons about the campus, interfere with the use of the College’s facilities, or prevent the normal operation of the College. The abuse or unauthorized use of sound amplification equipment indoors or outdoors during classroom hours is prohibited.

Computer Use
No person may use the College’s computer terminal equipment unless authorized to do so. Students enrolled in courses that require assignments to be completed on computer equipment have such authorization according to the specific instructions and direction of the instructor making the assignment. All users must abide by the regulations regarding authorization and the basic rules of courtesy. The privilege to use computer equipment, software, and services may be revoked at any time by the person responsible for that equipment.

No person may in any way abuse or misuse computer files or gain access to unauthorized computer files. Georgia Code 89-9903 on “stealing, altering, etc. of public documents,” states that “No person shall steal . . . alter . . . or void any record.” The code defining “record” includes “audio-visual material in any format, magnetic or other tapes, and electronic data processing records.” Violation of this law is considered a felony and punishable by incarceration of from two to ten years.

This college shall not be held liable for any damage to or loss of data as a result of computer usage and/or online service access.

No person may access computers/equipment belonging to the college by remote means, (i.e. modem), without written approval from the office of the Director of Information Technology.

Solicitation
South Georgia Technical College has a no solicitation policy on its campus.

Field Trips
Field trips can be an important component of a student’s educational experience and the use of such out-of-classroom experiences by the Technical College is encouraged when appropriate.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, no personal vehicles shall be used by the College for the transporting of students on field trips. Students shall be discouraged from transporting other students on field trips and shall be prohibited from doing so if travel is a component of the field trip.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, field trip transportation will be offered by SGTC using either licensed delivery vehicles or State of Georgia vehicles that meet all appropriate safety standards. Students and participating faculty and staff must review and sign an appropriate assumption of risk, release of liability, and limited medical authorization form prior to participating in technical college-sponsored field trips.

Disruptive Behavior
Behavior which disturbs the academic pursuits or infringes upon the privacy, rights, or privileges of other persons is prohibited.

No person shall interfere with, or fail to cooperate with, any properly identified College faculty or staff personnel while these persons are in the performance of their duties.

Hazing
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, negligent, or reckless action, activity or situation committed by a person against a student (regardless of that student’s willingness to participate), that (1) is connected with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in an official or unofficial college organization or group (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity or sorority); and (2) causes or is likely to contribute to a substantial risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the IHE or the organization, of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation. Such actions and situations include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Forcing or requiring the drinking of alcohol or any other substance.
B. Forcing or requiring the consumption of food or any other substance.
C. Calisthenics (push-ups, sit-ups, jogging, runs, etc.)
D. Treeing
E. Paddle swats
F. Line-ups
G. Theft of any property
H. Road trips
I. Scavenger hunts
J. Causing fewer than six (6) continuous hours of sleep per night
K. Conducting activities which do not allow adequate time for study
L. Nudity at any time
M. Running personal errands for the members (driving them to class, cleaning their individual rooms, serving meals, etc.)
N. Forcing or requiring the violation of College, Federal, State, or local law.
O. Any Physical Contact

Participating in, condoning, encouraging, requiring, or allowing any opportunity for hazing is prohibited and constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Hazing Public Disclosures:
Policies and Law
Hazing is a serious public health problem that causes physical and mental harm to students. Hazing in any form is prohibited at South Georgia Technical College. SGTC is committed to providing a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all college community members. Hazing is a violation of state law and is strictly prohibited by SGTC both on and off campus. Violation of this policy may result in both disciplinary action and criminal charges. The following information is provided in compliance with the
“Max Gruver Act:”
State Law
O.C.G.A. 16-5-61 (2021) The “Max Gruver Act”
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Haze” or “hazing” means to subject a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student, or coerces the student through the use of social or physical pressure to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to a likely risk of vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in such activity.
(2) “School” means any unit of the University System of Georgia, any unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, or any private postsecondary school, college, or university in this state.
(3) “School organization” means any association, corporation, order, club, society, fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or a group living together which has students or alumni as its principal members, including local affiliate organizations.
(4) “Student” means any person enrolled or prospectively enrolled in a school in this state. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization.
(c) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

Disorderly Conduct
South Georgia Technical College students are expected to show respect and civility for each other and to adhere to community standards.
The following actions are prohibited and constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct:
1. Intentional or reckless disruption or obstruction of teaching; research; administration; or other College activities, including its public service functions on or off campus or other authorized non-College activities taking place on College property with the exception of constitutionally protected freedom of speech and expression.
2. Conduct that intentionally or recklessly causes or provokes a disturbance that disrupts the academic pursuits, or infringes upon the rights, privacy, or privileges of another person.
3. Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of another person, including but not limited to physical violence, abuse, intimidation, and/or coercion; or violation of a legal protective order.
4. Failure to comply with directions of any College official, including student staff members, acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
5. Participation in a campus demonstration that violates the College’s Policy on Freedom of Expression, intentionally or recklessly disrupts the normal operations of the College or infringes on the rights of other members of the College community.
6. Intentional or reckless obstruction, which unreasonably interferes with the freedom of movement of an individual or group.
7. Entering an athletic contest, dance, social or other event without the proper credentials for admission (ticket, identification, or invitation).
8. Circulation of any advertising media that violates the College’s Policy on Freedom of Expression, intentionally or recklessly disrupts the normal operations of the College or infringes on the rights of other members of the College community.
9. Any unauthorized use of electronic devices to make an audio or video recording of any person while on College premises without their prior knowledge or without his/her effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, restroom, residence hall room, or other locations.
10. The use, possession, or storage of the following or similar devices is prohibited on ALL SGTC property and in ALL SGTC facilities: Hover boards, Segways, Swagways, IO Hawks, Skywalkers, and other similar personal mobility devices (PMD’s).
11. Conducting, organizing, or participating in any activity involving games of chance or gambling except as permitted by law.
12. Violation of local, state and federal law, on or off campus, is prohibited. Violations will be adjudicated through the College student conduct system at the discretion of the Vice President of Student Affairs or their designee.

Complicity
South Georgia Technical College student organizations are expected to behave collectively and individually in ways that uphold the mission of the College.
A. Acting in concert to violate College conduct regulations.
B. Knowingly condoning, encouraging, or requiring behavior that violates College conduct regulations.
C. Allowing, condoning, permitting or providing opportunity for a guest to violate College conduct regulations.

Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
PURPOSE:
A. It is the purpose of this procedure to ensure that all students within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and its colleges are provided access to a safe educational environment free from any discrimination on the basis of sex. To that end, this procedure prohibits sex discrimination of any kind, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct (“prohibited conduct”). Sexual misconduct includes but is not limited to, domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and stalking.
B. All students and employees are expressly prohibited from engaging in any form of prohibited conduct in all interactions with each other, whether or not the interaction occurs during class or on or off campus. Visitors to campus also shall not engage in prohibited conduct, and may be barred from campus.
C. Any student or employee who has engaged in prohibited conduct will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Nothing in this procedure shall be interpreted to interfere with any person’s right to free speech as provided by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
D. All students are encouraged to report any act of unlawful harassment, discrimination, retaliation and/or intimidation. Reports will be treated in an expeditious and confidential manner.
E. SGTC strongly encourages all students and requires employees to report any instances of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct promptly and accurately. SGTC will not tolerate retaliation for having filed a good faith complaint or for having provided any information in an investigation. Any individual who retaliates against a complainant or witness in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion.
F. Employee complaints of unlawful harassment or discrimination shall be conducted pursuant to the process outlined in the procedure governing Unlawful Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation in Employment.

RELATED AUTHORITY:
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013
Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus SaVE)
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972
Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

DEFINITIONS:
For purposes of this procedure, the words listed below are defined as follows:
A. Unlawful Harassment (Other Than Sexual Harassment): Verbal or physical conduct that disparages or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of that person’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. Harassment does one or more of the following: has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic or work environment, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance.
B. Examples of Unlawfully Harassing Conduct or Behavior (Other Than Sexual Harassment):
Harassing conduct or behavior includes, but is not limited to, epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts that relate to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability. This includes jokes or pranks that are hostile or demeaning with regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability. Harassing conduct may also include written or graphic material that disparages or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability, and that is displayed on walls, bulletin boards, computers, or other locations, or circulated in the work place. This is a representative list of harassing conduct or behavior and is not intended to be exhaustive.
C. Sexual Harassment (a form of unlawful harassment): Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, and other unwelcome verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s education; Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for education decisions affecting such individual; or, Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
D. Examples of Sexually Harassing Conduct or Behavior: Sexually harassing conduct or behavior (regardless of the gender of the persons involved) includes:

Physical touching;
Sexual comments of a provocative or suggestive nature;
Suggestive looks or gestures;
Jokes, printed material or innuendoes intended for and directed to another employee;
Making acceptance of unwelcome sexual conduct, advances, or requests for sexual favors of any nature a condition for education, education decisions, or continued enrollment (pressure for sexual favors).

This is a representative list of harassing conduct or behavior and is not intended to be exhaustive.

E. Discrimination: The denial of benefits or admission to the college or to any of its programs or activities, either academic or nonacademic, curricular or extracurricular, because of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or handicap and disability.
F. Retaliation: Unfavorable action taken, unfavorable condition created, or other action taken by a student or employee for the purpose of intimidation that is directed toward a student because the student initiated an allegation of unlawful harassment/retaliation or who participates in an investigation.
G. Local Investigator: The Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) of SGTC, or designee, who is responsible for the investigation of unlawful harassment/retaliation complaints. That office is located in Odom Center, room 120, Americus campus.
H. Compliance Officer: The Technical College System of Georgia’s Executive Director, Legal Services.
I. Intimate parts of the Body: Intimate parts of the body mean the primary genital area, anus, groin, inner thighs, or buttocks of a male or female and the breasts of a female.

PROCEDURE:
A. Reporting and Management Action

B. Investigations

C. Hearings

Permit Cross-examination
At the Hearing, the Decision-Maker will permit each Party’s Advisor to ask the other Party and any Witnesses all relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those challenging credibility. Such cross-examination at the Hearing must be conducted directly, orally, and in real time by the Party’s Advisor of choice and never by a Party personally. The Parties may, however, jointly agree in advance to waive oral cross-examination and instead submit written cross-examination to the Decision-Maker to conduct the examination. Even if the Parties so agree, the Parties are still required to have an Advisor present at the Hearing. The Decision-Maker has discretion to otherwise restrict the extent to which Advisor may participate in the proceedings.

Determine Relevance of Questions
Only relevant cross-examination and other questions may be asked of a Party or Witness. Before a Complainant, Respondent, or Witness answers a cross-examination or other question, the Decision-Maker must first determine whether the question is relevant and explain any decision to exclude a question as not relevant.

Provide Rape Shield Protections for Complainants
The Decision-Maker will prohibit any questions and evidence about the Complaint’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior as not relevant, unless such questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Complainant, or if the questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove consent.

Exclude Statements, as Relevant, in Reaching a Determination Regarding Responsibility
If a Party or Witness does not submit to cross-examination at the live Hearing, the Decision-Maker must not rely on any statement of that Party or Witness in reaching a determination regarding responsibility. The Decision-Maker cannot draw an inference about the determination regarding responsibility based solely on a Party’s or Witness’s absence from the Live Hearing or refusal to answer cross-examination or other questions.

Hearing Process: a.) The investigator will be available to answer any questions from the Decision-Maker about the investigation. b.) The Decision-Maker may meet with the Parties and Witnesses for the purpose of making findings of fact. c.) The Parties and Witnesses may not speak to matters beyond the scope of the Hearing File (for example, by raising potential misconduct allegations that go beyond the score of the charged conduct.) d.)Parties and Witnesses must not disclose or reference information to the Decision-Maker that was excluded from the Hearing File. e.) The Decision-Maker may ask questions of the Parties and/or Witnesses. f.) Parties are permitted to listen to Witnesses as they are speaking to the Decision-Maker. The Decision-Maker is not obligated to speak to all Witnesses. g.) Written Determination Regarding Responsibility: The Decision-Maker shall issue a Written Determination Regarding Responsibility within 10 business days of the hearing, applying the Preponderance of the Evidence standard (as required by Georgia law), which shall include: identification of the allegations potentially constituting Title IX Prohibited Conduct; a description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the Formal interviews with Parties and Witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and Hearings held; findings of fact; conclusions about whether the alleged Title IX Prohibited Conduct occurred, applying the definitions set forth in this Title IX Procedure to the facts; the rational for the results as to each allegation; any disciplinary Sanctions imposed on the Respondent; whether remedies or supportive measures will be provided to the Complainant; and information on how to appeal. Sanctions: The Decision-Maker may ask the Parties to submit Sanctions statements at the conclusion of the Hearing. The Decision-Maker may also consult with TCSG and/or college personnel including the Human Resources Director or Vice President of Student Affairs, regarding any Sanctions and Remedies appropriate to the specific Respondent and Complainant under the circumstances of the case. The Sanction determination will be provided to the Title IX Coordinator who will be responsible for implementing the Supportive Measures and/or Remedies, including the continuation of any Supportive Measurers and/or any additional or on-going accommodations for both Parties. The Title IX Coordinator will cause the Written Determination Regarding Responsibility to be sent to the Parties. The Title IX Coordinator will provide copies of the Written Determination Regarding Responsibility and Sanctions and/or Remedies (if any) for the purpose of maintaining records as follows: for students, to the Office of Student Affairs; for staff, to Human Resources; for Faculty, to the Office of Academic Affairs. The Decision-Maker must explain decisions on responsibility and Sanctions (if applicable) and Remedies with enough specificity for the Parties to be able to file meaningful appeals. The consideration of whether Remedies and Sanctions go into immediate effect or are temporarily delayed pending appeal or some combination thereof, will be determined on a case-by-case basic by the Title IX Coordinator. The Written Determination Regarding Responsibility becomes final: if an appeal is not filed, the date that TCSG and/or the College provides the Parties with the written determination of the result of the appeal.

D. Corrective Actions

E. Appeals

Appeal of a Written Determination Regarding Responsibility. a.) Submission of Appeal. Both parties have the right to an appeal from a Written Determination Regarding Responsibility on the bases set forth below. Appeals may be submitted by a Complainant or Respondent in writing to the Hearing Coordinator, who will forward the appeal to a designated Appeal Officer to decide the appeal. The Appeal Office will be the Commissioner of TCSG or his designee. Each party must submit a written appeal of up to 6,000 words in length, which will be shared with the other Party. The Parties must submit the appeal to the Commissioner within 10 calendar days from the receipt of the Written Determination Regarding Responsibility (if any). b.) Grounds for appeal are limited to the following: Were there any procedural irregularities that substantially affected the outcome of the matter to the detriment of the appealing Party? Was there any substantive new evidence that was not available at the time of the decision or Hearing and that could not have been available based on reasonable and diligent inquiry that would substantially affect the outcome of the decision? Did the title IX Coordinator, Investigator(s), or Decision-Maker have a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants or Respondents that affected the outcome of the matter? For matters that proceeded to Sanctioning and imposition of Remedies, are the Sanction and/or Remedies ones that could have been issued by reasonable persons give the findings of the case? NOTE: In composing appeals, Parties should format their arguments following these four grounds as the organizational structure. c.) Receipt of Appeal. Upon receipt of a Party’s appeal, the Hearing Coordinator will share it with the other Party. Each Party must submit a response to the other Party’s appeal (no more than 3,000 words). Each Party must submit this response to the Commissioner within 10 calendar days after the other Party’s appeal has been shared. The appealing Party will have access to the other’s Party’s response to the appeal, but no further responses will be permitted. d.) Response to Appeal. The Title IX Coordinator is permitted, but not required, to file a response to a Party’s appeal to respond to concerns relating to procedural irregularities or bias in the investigation and Hearing Process. The Title IX Coordinator may submit one response for each Party that files an appeal (that raising a procedural irregularity). Each response by the Title IX Coordinator should be no more than 1,500 words. The Parties will have access to the Title IX Coordinator’s response(s) to the appeal, but no further responses will be permitted. e.) Appeal Decision. The Appeal Officer will provide the Notice of Outcome of Appeal no later than 10 business days after receipt of all appeal documents. As needed, the Appeal Officer will consult with the Title IX Coordinator regarding the management of ongoing Remedies. The Appeal Officer may reject the appeal in whole or in part, issue a new decision regarding responsibility, issue new or revised Sanctions and Remedies, or refer the matter to a new Decision-maker.

Personal Safety
South Georgia Technical College students are expected to respect each other and the personal safety of all members of their community. The following actions are prohibited and constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct:

A. Physical abuse - Any attempt to cause injury or inflict pain or causing injury or inflicting pain. Also causing physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. It is not a defense that the person, group, or organization against whom the physical abuse was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the physical abuse.

B. Harassment—Behavior that is severe, pervasive or persistent to a degree that a reasonable person similarly situated would be prevented from accessing an educational opportunity or benefit. This behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and coercion. In addition, harassment may be conducted by a variety of mediums, including but not limited to, physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic.
Discriminatory harassment against any person. Discriminatory harassment is defined as any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Harassment sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive to unreasonably interfere with the individual’s work or educational performance; create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment; or unreasonably interfere with or limits one’s ability to participate in or benefit from an institutional program or activity.

C. Stalking - Behavior in which an individual willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly engages in a knowing course of conduct directed at a specific person, reasonably and seriously alarms, torments, and/or terrorizes the person; or substantially interferes with the opportunity of other students to obtain an education.

D. Threatening Behavior - Threat - Extreme written or verbal conduct that causes a reasonable expectation of injury to the health or safety of any person or damage to any property.

Intimidation - Intimidation defined as implied threats or acts that cause a reasonable fear of harm in another.

E. Bullying - Defined as the use of repeated or severe verbal and/or non-verbal means in order to coerce or force a person to do something or to degrade a person, including, but not limited to, the use of taunting, teasing, or coercive language, pushing, punching, or creating threatening notes/letters/signs.

F. Cyberbullying - Defined as an act of bullying that takes place using different kinds of technology and social media. Using various types of electronic devices to inflict emotional and/or mental pain, and to degrade another person.

G. The physical abuse rule is not intended to prohibit the following conduct:
Customary public athletic events, contests, or competitions that are sponsored by the College or the organized and supervised practices associated with such events; or

Any activity or conduct that furthers the goals of a legitimate educational curriculum, a legitimate extracurricular program or a legitimate military training program as defined and approved by the College.

Theft, Damage & Disregard for Property
South Georgia Technical College students are expected to respect the property and belongings of the College and of all members of that community.

The following actions are prohibited and constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct:

1. Taking, attempting to take, or keeping in one’s possession any property or item, including but not limited to any tangible possession, information, or account, without proper authorization.

2. Malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction, or attempted damage or destruction, of any property or item, including but not limited to any tangible possession, information, or account.

3. 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.

4. Taking, attempting to take, or keeping items belonging to the library or items placed in the library for display.

Record Retention
Documents relating to formal complaints including investigations, the investigatory report, witness statements, evidence, dispositions and the complaint itself shall be held for seven years after the graduation of the student or the date of the student’s last attendance. Any of the documents containing confidential information shall be held in secure location under the custody and control of the Investigator, Vice President of Student Affairs or the President’s Designee. Documents pertaining to employees that are maintained by the Office of Human Resources shall be maintained in a secure location and in accordance with the Georgia Archives records retention schedule, but in no case fewer than 7 years.

Dress Code
Dress shall be primarily a matter of individual judgment. Students are expected to be neat and clean and to exercise good judgment in their attire at all times while on campus and at events representing SGTC. Students should not wear pajamas to class. Regulations may be announced by instructors and/or administration and posted for reasons of instruction, health, and safety. These regulations must be observed.

Drugs and Narcotics
The use, possession, or distribution of narcotics, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, hallucinogens, and any other dangerous or controlled drugs, not prescribed by a physician, is prohibited on College property or at College-sponsored events.

Title 20-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated states that any student of a public educational college who is convicted, under the laws of the state, the United States, or any other state, of any felony offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug shall as of the date of conviction be suspended from the public educational college in which such person is enrolled.

Disciplinary action will be taken against a student for the same offense. Such suspension shall be effective as of the date of conviction, even though the educational college may not complete all administrative actions necessary to implement such suspension until a later date. Except for cases in which the college has already imposed disciplinary sanctions for the same offense, such suspension shall continue through the end of the term, quarter, semester, or other similar period for which the student was enrolled as of the date of conviction. The student shall forfeit any right to any academic credit otherwise earned or expected to be earned for such term, quarter, semester, or other similar period; and the educational college shall subsequently revoke any such academic credit which is granted prior to the completion of administrative actions necessary to implement such suspension.

Firearms, Weapons, and Explosives
SGTC is committed to providing all employees, students, volunteers, visitors, vendors and contractors a safe and secure workplace and/or academic setting by expressly prohibiting the possession of a firearm as set forth in Georgia law, weapon, or explosive compound/material on any technical college campus (including all satellite campuses/off-site work units), within the designated school safety zone, or at any technical college sanctioned function in a manner contrary to state or federal law.

Definitions:
Contractor: An independent contractor, business, or corporation which provides goods and/or services to SGTC under the terms specified in a contract. For the purposes of this policy, the term also includes all employees of a business or corporation working on technical college property or at a technical college workplace including any sanctioned event.

School Safety Zone: In, on, or within 1000 feet of any technical college campus, satellite campus, or other designated work site.

Explosive Compound: any bomb or explosive, chemical, or biological material referenced in O.C.G.A. 16-7-81.

Firearm: Includes, any operable or inoperable pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind as defined in O.C.G.A. 16-11-27-1, or a machine gun, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, dangerous weapon or silencer as defined in O.C.G.A. 16-11-121.

Knife: As defined in O.C.G.A. 16-11-27 regarding the prohibition of carrying a deadly weapon in an unauthorized location (e.g., a Government building) - a cutting instrument designed for the purpose of offense and defense consisting of a blade that is greater than five inches in length which is fastened to a handle.

Long Gun: A firearm with a barrel length of at least 18 inches and overall length of at least 1 east 26 inches designed or made and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or made to use the energy of the accompanying explosive round (i.e. shotgun shell or metallic cartridge) provided, however, that the term shall not include a gun which discharges a single shot of .46 centimeters or less in diameter.

Weapon: Within a school safety zone, any operable or inoperable object (or reasonable facsimile thereof) referenced in O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1, including but not limited to a pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind, any knife with a blade two or more inches in length (e.g., switchblade, ballistic knife, etc.), straight-edge razor or razor blade, any bludgeon-type instrument (e.g., blackjack, bat, or club), any flailing instrument (e.g., nunchuck or fighting chain), stun gun or taser, or weapon designed to be thrown (e.g., throwing star or oriental dart).

Workplace: Any technical college campus, a satellite or off-site work location, or any college sponsored/sanctioned function.

Procedures:
General Provisions
1. Unless otherwise provided by law, it is unlawful for any person to carry, possess, or have under such person’s control any firearm, weapon, or unlawful explosive compound while on technical college property,to include all campus and off-site work locations; at a technical college sanctioned function; or, on a bus or other means of transportation furnished by the college.
2. Unless otherwise provided by law, it is unlawful for any person to carry a weapon (i.e., knife or handgun) or a long gun while in a government building or a building occupied, in part, by a government entity.
3. A technical college president (or his/her designee) may authorize a college employe (e.g., maintenance and/or custodial staff) to have in his/her possession for use in carrying out assigned duties and responsibilities an object which would be otherwise prohibited by the provisions of O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1. Such authorization must be in writing and shall specify the object(s) which have been authorized and the time period during which the authorization is valid.
4. As referenced in applicable provisions of O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1, an instructor/faculty member may possess, use, or permit the use of any object referenced in the definition of the term “Weapon” during classroom instruction.
5. Unless otherwise provided by law, it is an express violation of policy for any individual to use, possess, manufacture, distribute, maintain, transport, or receive any of the following on technical college property to include all campus and off-site work locations, or at any college sanctioned function:

any firearm or weapon whether operable or inoperable as defined in O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1 or any facsimile thereof, including, but not limited to paintball guns, BB guns, potato guns, air soft guns, or any device that propels a projectile of any kind;
any dangerous weapon, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun or rifle, shotgun or silencer as defined in O.C.G.A. 16-11-121;
any bacteriological weapon, biological weapon, destructive device, detonator, explosive, incendiary, or over-pressure device, or poison gas as defined in O.C.G.A. 16-7-80.
any explosive compound/material defined in O.C.G.A. 16-7-81; or,
any hoax device, replica of a destructive device or configuration of explosive materials with the appearance of a destructive device, including, but not limited to, fake bombs, packages containing substances with the appearance of chemical explosives or toxic materials.

6. Personal Possession (Carrying) of a Weapon - the possession of a valid firearms permit and/or a valid license to carry a concealed weapon does not permit any individual (e.g., staff, student, etc.) to carry a weapon on their person on any technical college campus, satellite campus, or other work site, or at any college sanctioned event. Note: this prohibition does not extend to any person employed as a campus police officer or security officer and who is otherwise authorized to carry a weapon pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 8 of Title 20, or those individuals currently employed in or, as applicable, who are retired from the occupations referenced in O.C.B.A. 16-11-130.

7. Vehicle in Transit - an individual over the age of 21 who holds a valid firearms permit or license to carry a concealed weapon may possess a weapon on their person in his/her vehicle or may keep a weapon in a locked compartment of, in a locked container in, or in a locked firearms rack in a motor vehicle when in transit on technical college property.

8. Parked Vehicle - the driver of a vehicle parked on the property of any technical college (including the personal vehicle of a student or technical college employee) may keep a firearm in his/her vehicle provided the weapon is locked out of sight within the vehicle’s trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or areas within the vehicle. Note; this provision applies to those drivers possessing a valid Georgia weapons carry license or who are otherwise authorized by law to carry or possess a firearm/weapon.

Corrective Action
1. Any employee who violates the provisions of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal as well as possible criminal prosecution.
2. Any technical college student who violates the provisions of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion consistent with guidelines of the affected technical college’s Student Code of Conduct as well as possible criminal prosecution.
3. Any volunteer or visitor who violates the provisions of this policy shall be subject to criminal prosecution.
4. Any vendor or contractor who violates the provisions of this policy shall be subject to the termination of his/her business relationship with the affected technical college, as well as possible criminal prosecution.

Fire Safety and Sanitation
South Georgia Technical College students are expected to behave as informed members of a community working together to provide a safe environment for everyone.
The following actions are prohibited and constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct:
A. Misusing, damaging or tampering with fire safety equipment.
B. Setting or causing to be set any unauthorized fire.
C. Possessing or using fireworks, explosives or other incendiary devices without authorization.
D. Making or causing to be made a false fire alarm.
E. Intentionally or recklessly obstructing a fire exit in any SGTC building.
F. Failure to exit a SGTC 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.