Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities

As members of the Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) community, students are entrusted with both rights and responsibilities. These responsibilities help preserve the integrity and effectiveness of the college environment, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Expectations

All students are expected to:

• Understand and exercise their rights,
• Fulfill their responsibilities, and
• Respect the rights of others in the GPTC community.

Lack of familiarity with these rights and responsibilities does not exempt students from adhering to them.

Importance of Awareness

Being informed about student rights and responsibilities:

• Helps students avoid disciplinary actions,
• Promotes a respectful, inclusive, and productive learning environment,
• Ensures that everyone has equal opportunity to grow and succeed.

Confidentiality of Records

Students have the right to confidentiality of their academic and disciplinary records, in accordance with applicable laws. Specifically:

• No records are maintained that reflect students' political beliefs or activities.
• No student records are accessible to unauthorized individuals without the student's written consent, unless required by law.

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic honesty is vital to the personal and intellectual growth of students at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC). Upon admission, each student accepts the obligation to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all academic work. GPTC, in turn, is responsible for ensuring that the grades assigned reflect each student's true level of knowledge and skill.

Acts of academic dishonesty compromise this responsibility and undermine the credibility of the institution. Faculty members are primarily responsible for maintaining academic integrity in their courses. However, students also share this responsibility by:

• Refraining from dishonest academic behavior, and
• Reporting any observed or known incidents of academic dishonesty committed by others.

Students who knowingly fail to report academic dishonesty may also be subject to disciplinary action under this policy.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

• Cheating, lying, tampering, falsifying, or stealing in the context of academic work;
• Receiving or giving unauthorized assistance, including the use of notes, books, electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, calculators), or other communication tools during graded evaluations, unless approved by the instructor;
• Copying from another student's work or using non-approved collaboration or partnerships;
• Accessing or distributing a test or answer key in an illegal or unethical manner;
• Using any source of information that is not common knowledge without properly citing or acknowledging the source.

Academic dishonesty is defined as performing, attempting to perform, or assisting another person in performing academic work that violates these standards.

Note:

• In the event of multiple parties'/students' involvement in an academic dishonesty incident, all students will receive the same penalty.
• In the event of the incident occurring during a final exam, in the interest of time, the faculty will report the incident directly to the Dean of Student Affairs.

Procedures for Addressing Violations
of Academic Dishonesty

1. Faculty Meeting with the Student

• Present the evidence of the violation and inform the student they will receive zero points for all or part of the assignment.
• Have the student sign the completed Violation of Academic Honesty Policy Notification Form.
• Provide a copy of the signed form to the student.
• Inform the student of their right to rescind the signed form by submitting a written statement to the Academic Dean within five business days of the meeting.
• Send a copy of the signed form to the School Dean.
• The School Dean forwards a copy to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

If the matter is not resolved through this process, the Academic Dean will notify the student, and an Academic Dishonesty Appeals Committee will be appointed.

2. Academic Dishonesty Appeals Committee Hearing

• The Academic Dean will schedule a hearing no less than five and no more than fifteen days after the student is reasonably expected to have received notification by certified mail.
• The hearing is an internal college procedure-not a legal proceeding. No legal counsel or outside parties may attend, except:
  • A student with a documented disability requiring highly specialized assistance not typically provided by the Division Chair or committee members.
  • An international student lacking sufficient English fluency to represent themselves effectively.
    
    Note: Exceptions must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
• The Committee will:
  • Review all evidence.
  • Discuss the case with both the faculty member and the student.
  • Call additional witnesses as needed.
  • Maintain informal minutes of all proceedings, accessible to the Academic Dean and the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.
• The Committee's findings and recommendations are submitted to the Academic Dean, who will notify both the student and the faculty member.

3. Appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs

• If the student disagrees with the Committee's decision, they may appeal in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within five business days of receiving the decision.
• The Vice President will:
  • Review all submitted materials.
  • Render a final decision.
  • Notify the student of the outcome within five business days of receiving the appeal.

Note: The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs is final.

Academic Misconduct

I. Policy

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) exists to promote the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the well-being of society. Free inquiry and expression are fundamental to achieving these goals. As members of this academic community, students are expected to:

• Develop critical judgment
• Pursue knowledge independently
• Exercise freedom responsibly

Students are entitled to the rights and protections granted by law and the U.S. Constitution, including freedom of speech. However, they are also subject to all applicable laws and institutional regulations. College disciplinary actions may occur in addition to legal penalties when a student's behavior:

• Threatens people or property
• Disrupts the educational process
• Violates the Student Code of Conduct
• Undermines GPTC's educational mission

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) requires all member colleges to provide opportunities for students' intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. This Student Code of Conduct establishes expectations for behavior that supports those goals.

Generally, the college's disciplinary jurisdiction applies to:

• On-campus conduct
• Off-campus classes, events, or functions sponsored by GPTC
• Exams and assignments
• Any behavior that adversely affects members of the GPTC community or its educational objectives

II. Definitions

• Faculty Member: Anyone hired to teach, provide service, or conduct research.
• Hearing Body: As defined in the Student Disciplinary Procedure.
• Member of the GPTC Community: Includes students, faculty, staff, contractors, and affiliates.
• Policy: All written regulations, including this Code of Conduct, handbooks, catalogs, and policy manuals.
• Student: Anyone enrolled in GPTC courses, whether full-time, part-time, credit, non-credit, or dual/joint enrollment. Includes those with an ongoing relationship with the college even if not enrolled in a specific term.
• System: The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).
• Technical College Official: Any GPTC employee, whether full-time, part-time, or adjunct.
• Premises: All property owned, used, or controlled by GPTC, including adjacent areas like sidewalks and streets.

III. Proscribed Conduct

Students who engage in the following types of academic misconduct are subject to disciplinary sanctions, as outlined in the Student Disciplinary Procedure.

IV. Academic Misconduct Definitions

1. Aiding and Abetting Academic Misconduct

Knowingly helping, encouraging, or facilitating another person's academic misconduct.

2. Cheating

Includes but is not limited to:

• Using or possessing unauthorized materials or devices during evaluations (e.g., notes, cell phones, calculators).
• Receiving or providing unauthorized assistance on exams or graded assignments.
• Distributing or using unauthorized copies of exams or assignments.
• Submitting work created by another person as one's own.
• Taking or allowing another person to take a test on one's behalf.
• Gaining unauthorized access to files or data.
• Possessing teacher-only materials such as test banks or instructor editions.

3. Fabrication

Using invented or falsified information. Examples include:

• Citing incorrect or non-existent sources.
• Listing sources not used in a project.
• Submitting false data or information in any academic exercise.
• Concealing the true origin or nature of data.
• Submitting someone else's work (e.g., writing, artwork) as your own.

4. Plagiarism

Using another's work without proper credit. Examples include:

• Submitting a published or unpublished work (in whole or part) without citation.
• Using material from a person or agency without proper acknowledgment.
• Submitting work created through unacknowledged collaboration without written consent from collaborators.

Non-Academic Misconduct

Non-academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following types of behavior:

1. Behavior Violations

a. Indecent Conduct: Engaging in lewd or indecent behavior, including the distribution of obscene or libelous written or electronic material.

b. Violence: Any physical abuse of a person-including dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual violence-occurring on technical college premises or at any technical college-sponsored or supervised event. This includes:

• Physical actions that threaten or endanger another's health or safety
• Fighting or other disruptive behavior
• Any violence or threats that disturb the peace, safety, or orderly function of the college, its facilities, or individuals conducting college business Note: Certain acts of physical abuse may also constitute unlawful harassment.

c. Harassment: Unlawful conduct directed at any individual or group based on characteristics such as:

• Race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin
• Gender, religion, disability, age, genetic information
• Political belief or affiliation
• Veteran status (including Vietnam Era veterans)
• Citizenship status

Such conduct is prohibited when it:

• Unreasonably and objectively interferes with an individual's or group's performance,
• Disrupts the work or educational environment, or
• Affects the ability to participate in educational programs or activities.

Harassment also includes:

• Stalking
• Behavior that unreasonably interferes with legal rights
• Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment

This encompasses:

• Viewing or displaying pornography or inappropriate material
• Inappropriate behavior on social media or networking platforms

Harassment may be verbal, non-verbal, or physical.

d. Disruption: Engaging in activities not protected by law (including those not protected under the First Amendment) that intentionally obstruct or interrupt:

• Teaching or research
• Administration
• Disciplinary procedures
• Public service or other authorized college activities This applies to conduct occurring on college premises or at college-sponsored activity sites.

e. Failure to Comply: Failing to comply with lawful directions of college officials or refusing to identify oneself when requested by a college authority.

2. Professionalism/ Personal Appearance

Students at Georgia Piedmont Technical College are expected to maintain a neat, professional appearance at all times. Dress and grooming should reflect the standards of the occupational area in which the student is receiving training.

General Guidelines:

• Attire should be similar to what is typically worn in a professional setting related to the student's field of study.
• Clothing that is unsafe or disruptive to the learning environment is not permitted.
• Students who are inappropriately dressed or present a potential safety hazard will not be allowed to attend class.

Examples of Inappropriate Attire Include (but are not limited to):

• Sleepwear
• Tank tops, halter tops, bikini tops, or tube tops
• See-through clothing
• Shirts that expose the midriff or stomach area
• Clothing that leaves the upper body unclothed
• Mini-skirts, mini-dresses, or short-shorts
• Visible undergarments
• Pants worn below the waist (sagging)

Internship and Clinical Courses:

Students enrolled in internships or clinical experiences must follow the dress requirements of the training site. Attire must align with professional expectations for that work environment.

Symbols and Offensive Content:

Students may not wear, display, or use clothing or accessories that contain:

• Emblems, insignias, badges, or symbols
• Lewd, vulgar, or offensive language or images Such items are prohibited when they are likely to offend a reasonable person or disrupt the orderly operation of the College.

The supervising administrator has the authority to determine if a student's appearance or attire disrupts the learning environment or college operations.

Personal Hygiene:

All students are expected to practice good personal hygiene. Maintaining a clean and professional appearance reflects respect for oneself, fellow students, and faculty.

A primary mission of Georgia Piedmont Technical College is to prepare students for success in the workplace. Personal appearance is consistently identified by employers as an essential area for student development.

3. Use of Technical College Property

a. Theft and Damage: Theft, misuse, or damage to technical college property or to the property of a member of the technical college community or campus visitor, either on campus or at college-sponsored events.

b. Occupation or Seizure: Illegal occupation or seizure of technical college property or any portion thereof for unauthorized use.

c. Presence on Campus: Unauthorized entry into restricted areas, presence on premises after hours, or providing false information to gain access.

d. Assembly: Participation in or conducting unauthorized gatherings that threaten safety, interfere with college access, or disrupt the educational process.

e. Fire Alarms: Tampering with fire safety equipment or setting off false alarms is prohibited. Evacuation during an alarm is mandatory unless otherwise instructed.

f. Obstruction: Obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on campus or at college events is prohibited. Refer to GPTC Parking Policy at www.gptc.edu.

4. Drugs, Alcohol, and other Substances

• Alcohol: Consumption or intoxication on campus or at college-related functions is prohibited. TCSG Policy II.C.6 applies.
• Controlled Substances: Possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or paraphernalia is prohibited.
• Food: Eating or drinking is prohibited in classrooms, labs, shops, or unauthorized areas unless approved.
• Smoking/Tobacco: Use of tobacco or electronic smoking devices is prohibited in unauthorized areas. See GPTC regulations at www.gptc.edu.

5. Use of Technology

a. Damage and Destruction: Harm to technical equipment, software, or data, including unauthorized installations or network tampering, is prohibited.

b. Electronic Devices: Use of personal electronic devices is not allowed in instructional areas without permission. Personal devices must not be connected to college systems.

c. Harassment: Computer use must not harass individuals based on protected characteristics.

d. Unacceptable Use: Unauthorized use of another's ID/password or actions that disrupt others' work are prohibited. GPTC follows TCSG Acceptable Use Policy.

6. Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Materials

Unauthorized copying or sharing of copyrighted content using TCSG systems is illegal.

• Civil Penalties: Statutory damages range from $750-$30,000 per work. Willful infringement may incur up to $150,000 per work.
• Criminal Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
• Georgia Law: Violations may also lead to a $50,000 fine and 15 years imprisonment.

See www.copyright.gov for more.

7. Weapons

Possession of weapons or explosives on campus is governed by Georgia law. Compliance is mandatory. Relevant laws include, but are not limited to: O.C.G.A. §§ 16-8-12, 16-7-80, 16-11-127, 43-38-10, etc.

8. Gambling

Gambling is prohibited on campus and at college-sponsored events.

9. Parking

Violating campus parking and motor vehicle regulations is prohibited.

10. Financial Irresponsibility

Theft or misappropriation of college or student organization funds or assets is prohibited.

11. Violation of College Policy

Violations of any system or college policies, including those specific to programs, classes, internships, or student housing, are prohibited.

12. Aiding and Abetting

Helping or encouraging others to violate the Code of Conduct is itself a violation.

13. Falsification of Documentation

Students may face discipline for falsifying any official documentation, including:

• College transcripts or grade reports
• Admission documents from other institutions
• Citizenship records
• Tests, homework, or attendance records
• Employee or site supervisor signatures
• Clinical/internship documentation

14. Violation of Law

a. If a student is convicted or pleads nolo contendere to a violation of federal, state, or local law-either on or off campus-but is not charged with a separate Student Code of Conduct violation, the college may still impose disciplinary action if the legal violation is deemed detrimental to the technical college's mission or interests.

b. Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against a student charged with violating a law that also constitutes a Student Code of Conduct violation, even if both violations stem from the same incident. These proceedings may occur before, during, or after criminal proceedings.

c. When a student is charged with a legal violation by federal, state, or local authorities, the technical college will not seek or provide special consideration based on the student's enrollment status. The college will cooperate fully with law enforcement in enforcing laws on campus and complying with court-imposed conditions. Students remain free to interact with government officials in their personal capacities.

15. Abuse of the Student Judicial Process

Includes, but is not limited to:

a. Failing to obey notifications from the Vice President for Student Affairs, designees, Hearing Body, Appellate Board, or college officials.

b. Falsifying, distorting, or misrepresenting information during a judicial proceeding.

c. Disrupting or interfering with the orderly conduct of a disciplinary proceeding.

d. Knowingly initiating a disciplinary proceeding without valid cause.

e. Attempting to discourage another individual's proper participation in the disciplinary process.

f. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a Hearing Body or Appellate Board member before or during proceedings.

g. Harassing or intimidating members of the Hearing Body or Appellate Board before, during, or after proceedings.

h. Failing to comply with imposed sanctions.

16. Interim Addendum to Student Code of Conduct

Effective August 17, 2020 until further notice

COVID-19 and Public Health-Informed Campus Policies

Georgia Piedmont Technical College is committed to fulfilling its educational mission while protecting the health and safety of its campus community and minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Risks COVID-19 is a highly contagious, potentially fatal virus declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. There is no guaranteed safe environment, and the college cannot eliminate the risk of exposure while on campus. Transmission can occur through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Asymptomatic individuals may unknowingly spread the virus.

Legal Notice Under Georgia law, individuals entering campus do so at their own risk:

"Under Georgia law, there is no liability for an injury or death of an individual entering these premises if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19."

Student Responsibilities

All students must follow these policies, which are incorporated into the Student Code of Conduct:

General Principles

• Comply with all CDC and State of Georgia COVID-19 guidelines.
• Stay informed about changes to guidelines and campus directives.
• Acknowledge that noncompliance may jeopardize personal and public health.

Required Conduct

• Maintain six feet of physical distance as required.
• Wear a CDC-compliant face covering in designated indoor areas where distancing is impractical (e.g., classrooms, dining areas when not eating), unless instructed otherwise.
• Practice proper hygiene, including frequent handwashing and following cough/sneeze etiquette.
• Submit to COVID-19 testing and contact tracing if required by the College, and consent to confidential reporting of results.
• If experiencing COVID-19 symptoms:
  • Immediately notify appropriate college personnel.
  • Remain in assigned dormitory room (if on-campus) until further instructions are given.
  • Stay off-campus (if not residing on campus).
  • Follow quarantine or relocation instructions as directed by the College in coordination with health authorities.

Violation of these guidelines may result in disciplinary sanctions, including suspension or dismissal from the College.