Section 1 ‐ Student Code of Conduct
1.1: Introduction and General Information The mission of Georgia Regents University (GRU) is to provide leadership and excellence in teaching, discovery, clinical care and service as a student‐centered comprehensive research university. The core values of the University are collegiality, compassion, excellence, inclusivity, integrity and leadership. In order to facilitate the desired campus environment and educational goals of GRU and to protect the rights and privileges of its students, the University has adopted conduct regulations for individuals and organizations and has established a conduct administration process. The Student Code of Conduct (Code) informs all members of the University community about students’ rights, and creates a standard by which students are expected to conduct themselves for the purpose of establishing an environment conducive to academic excellence. Ignorance of, or Unfamiliarity with the Code of Conduct is not an excuse for infractions of its standards. As a condition of acceptance, every student who is accepted and registers as a member of this institution agrees to abide by the Student Code of Conduct and to act honestly and with integrity in all matters associated with the University. 1.2: University Authority University Conduct regulations shall apply to conduct which occurs on University premises and to conduct which occurs while a student is attending or participating in any University‐related activity wherever that activity may take place, or any behavior, on or off University premises, which adversely affects the University community or the pursuit of its objectives. As a student at Georgia Regents University you are citizen of Augusta‐Richmond County. Obeying local ordinances and being a good neighbor is your responsibility so as to maintain a healthy and supportive relationship between you and your neighbors and between the University and its host community. Prosecution for criminal acts on or off campus will not preclude action by the University where such acts also violate the Student Conduct Code. This scenario is not recognized legally as "double jeopardy." Georgia Regents University has an obligation to uphold the laws of the larger community of which it is a part. While the activities covered by the laws of the larger community and those covered by Georgia Regents University’s rules may overlap, the community's laws and GRU’s rules operate independently and do not substitute for each other. Georgia Regents University may enforce its own rules whether or not legal proceedings are planned or are under way, and may use information from third‐party sources, such as law enforcement agencies and the courts, to determine whether University rules have been broken. Conversely, the University makes no attempt to shield members of the Georgia Regents University community from the law, nor does it intervene in legal proceedings against a member of the community. Membership in the Georgia Regents University community does not exempt anyone from local, state or federal laws, but rather imposes the additional obligation to abide by all GRU regulations. (See 1.5.14 Noncompliance with General Laws and Ordinances)
1.3: Office of Conduct Authority The Office of the Dean of Students shall develop policies for the administration of the conduct program and procedural rules for conducting hearings that are consistent with provisions of the Code of Conduct. As an alternative to this policy, as addressed, Section 2.5 herein, GRU Colleges may handle specified disciplinary actions according to their individual honor codes and/or student codes of conduct. College‐based codes are supplemental to the GRU Student Code of Conduct so there is no double‐jeopardy exemption from sanctions when students are found to be in violation of codes at the University and the college level. 1.4: Definitions All accepted students are members of the University community. The University reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and wellbeing of the campus community and will address all violations of the Student Code of Conduct that occur on University premises and/or University‐sponsored activities. Advisor refers to the individual who assists a student or student organization with conduct hearing preparation. The advisor must be a student, faculty or staff member selected from the University community (members of university legal counsel may not serve as advisors). Business Day refers to any day on which the offices of Georgia Regents University (excluding University police, libraries and housing) are open to the general public. Preponderance of the evidence means evidence that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct violation did occur. Student includes all persons taking courses at the University, either full‐time or part‐time. Persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the Student Code of Conduct, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the University or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered students. Student Rights refers to being afforded due process in disciplinary matters including a right to receive the charges against them in writing, the right to a hearing before a tribunal and the right to appeal to the GRU President. University refers to Georgia Regents University and any or all extended campuses. University Premises includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by Georgia Regents University (including all adjacent streets and sidewalks). 1.5: Conduct Regulations
The following actions are prohibited and constitute a violation of the Georgia Regents University Student Code of Conduct. The Office of the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs handles all cases involving alleged violations of Academic Conduct The Office of Vice President for Student Affairs handles all other allegations of conduct violations and any student or organization found to have committed a violation of these conduct regulations is subject to the sanctions outlines in this Code. 1.5.1: Academic Honesty The University recognizes that honesty and integrity are necessary to its academic function. Violations of academic honesty include cheating of all kinds, plagiarism, fraudulent research activity and/or scholarship, collusion, false statements made to avoid negative academic consequences, and alteration or use of institutional documents or instruments of identification with intent to defraud. This category of misconduct includes electronic transmissions as well. The Academic Conduct Policy and procedures can be found in the Georgia Regents University Catalog. It is the duty of the student to practice and preserve academic honesty. Whenever a student is uncertain as to whether conduct would violate academic honesty, it is the responsibility of the student to seek clarification from the appropriate faculty member prior to engaging in such conduct. Please refer to the University’s Academic Conduct Policy for more information. 1.5.2: Other Acts of Dishonesty a. Furnishing false information to any University official, office, or law enforcement officer. No person will give false information or fail to disclose information to University representatives. b. Forgery, altercation, or misuse of any document, record, or instrument of identification, or possession of any false identification or identification belonging to another person. c. Causing, condoning, or encouraging the completion of any University record, document, or form dishonestly. d. Offering or causing to be offered any bribe or favor to a University official in order to influence a decision. e. Tampering with the election of any University recognized organization. f. Casting or attempting to cast more than one ballot in any election or referendum on campus. 1.5.3: Disorderly Conduct a. Behavior which disturbs the academic pursuits, or infringes upon the privacy, rights, or privileges of other persons is prohibited. b. No person will push, strike, physically assault (including acquaintance rape), harass (verbally, physically, or sexually), haze, or threaten any member of the faculty, staff, student body, or any visitor to the University community.
c. Physical abuse, or threatened abuse, either verbally, written or transmitted electronically, of any person on institutional property or at institutional sponsored or supervised functions is prohibited. d. Disorderly conduct on or in University property or functions sponsored by the University or any recognized University organization is prohibited. e. No student will enter or attempt to enter any University or registered student organization sponsored event without required credentials for admission, (i.e., ticket, identification card, invitation, etc.), or any other reasonable qualifications for attendance established by the sponsors. f. Conduct which is lewd, indecent, obscene, or patently offensive to the prevailing standards of an academic community is prohibited. g. No person will interfere with, or fail to cooperate with, any properly identified University faculty or staff personnel while these persons are performing their duties. 1.5.4: Disruptive Activity a. Internal disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other institutional activities is prohibited. This includes threats, both verbal and written or transmitted electronically, and menacing gestures. Other forms of disruptive behavior includes unauthorized entry, misuse of University documents, fraud or lying, misuse of the JagCard (GRU identification card) failure to respond to official requests, and misuse of University‐issued keys. b. No person may interfere with or disrupt the normal activity and operations of students, faculty, administration, or staff of this institution or its buildings or facilities. Any form of expression that materially interferes with such activities and operations or invades the rights of persons is prohibited. c. To maintain classroom order, faculty members have the right and responsibility to take the steps they deem necessary and reasonable, including private or public requests that the student(s) refrain from disruptive behavior and/or expulsion from the class. i. In all cases where the students are withdrawn by the faculty member from a specific course because of disruptive behavior, the student does not have the right to attend the class without written consent from the faculty member involved. The student may seek other interim remedies for missed class time from the appropriate department chair. d. To remain in the vicinity of any activity which threatens to disrupt or is disrupting normal University functions may have serious legal and disciplinary implications. Bystanders as well as more active participants in the disruptive activity may be charged with jointly engaging in an action which is prohibited by law or this code. Accordingly, students should avoid the scene of any disruptive or potentially disruptive action. In any case,
failure to leave when asked to disperse by University or law enforcement officials may result in disciplinary and/or legal action. e. In all cases where a faculty member or staff becomes aware of a threat, or if student misconduct is repetitive or of an abusive nature, the faculty member or staff should refer the case to the Dean of Students for disciplinary review. 1.5.5: Alcohol and Other Drug Related Misconduct It is unlawful, and therefore a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, for a student to violate any provision of the Alcohol and Drug Policy on the use of alcohol and drugs by students, which is stipulated in the Student Manual. NOTE to University Village residents: University Village has developed and published specific regulations in the Resident’s Handbook concerning alcohol use, including where it may be consumed, who may consume it, and who may be present when alcohol is being served or consumed. Violations of any federal, state or local laws on or off campus governing the use, manufacture, distribution, sale and transportation of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on campus except at approved events and within individual residence hall living units (rooms/apartments) as described in residence hall policies. The use, attempt to obtain, possession or distribution of narcotics, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, hallucinogens, and any other dangerous or controlled drugs not prescribed by a properly licensed physician is prohibited on or off campus. The possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of any counterfeit, illegal, dangerous, or controlled drugs without a prescription, or the possession of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, bongs, or any other items modified or adapted so that they can be used to consume drugs are not permitted on University premises or at any University‐sponsored activity. Conduct Irregularity While Under the Influence Any student guilty of a conduct irregularity while under the influence of any unauthorized mind‐altering or functional impairment‐inducing substance may be subject to more severe disciplinary action than might otherwise be given (for example: when performing direct patient care or while student teaching). 1.5.6: Sexual Misconduct Sexual harassment, which includes sexual misconduct, is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Georgia Regents University prohibits sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, stalking, intimate partner violence and other forms of sexually‐related violence or assault and retaliation against those who report such incidents. Charges of sexual misconduct or sexual
harassment under this policy do not preclude civil and/or criminal liability under Georgia or other law. Disciplinary proceedings by the Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with or following civil or criminal proceedings. Violation for any provision of the Sexual Misconduct Policy, which is stipulated in the Student Manual, is prohibited by students including but not limited to: a. Non‐consensual sexual contact including, but not limited to, intentional and/or forcible touching. b. Non‐consensual sexual intercourse including, but not limited to, anal, oral or vaginal penetration, however slight. c. Sexually related misconduct including, but not limited to a. Indecent Exposure b. Sexual exhibitionism c. Sex‐based cyber‐harassment d. Prostitution or solicitation of a prostitute e. Peeping or other voyeurism f. Going beyond the boundaries of consent, e.g. by allowing viewing of consensual sex or nonconsensual video or audiotaping of sexual activity. 1.5.7: Theft, Damage and Disregard for Property a. No student shall take, attempt to take, or keep in his/her possession, items of university property or items belonging to students, faculty, staff, patients, or student groups without proper authorization. This includes theft by fraud and/or deception and encompasses, among other things, illegalities involving financial matters. b. Theft of any kind, including seizing, receiving, or concealing property with knowledge that it has been lost or stolen, is forbidden. Sale, possession, or misappropriation of any property, including Georgia Regents University property, without the owner’s permission is also prohibited. Property that is found shall be turned in to the Public Safety Office. c. Damage to or destruction of property owned or operated by the university, its students, faculty, administration and staff, or of another institution is prohibited. Conduct which threatens to damage, or creates hazardous conditions such as dropping, throwing, or causing objects or substances to fall from windows, doors, balconies, or roofs is also prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized application of graffiti, painting, etc. d. The sale of a textbook by any student who does not own the book is prohibited without prior written authorization from the owner of the book. Unclaimed or unattended books and personal items that are found shall be turned in to the Public Safety Office. 1.5.8: Fire and Explosion Safety a. The ignition or detonation of anything that could cause damage by fire, explosion, or similar means to persons or property, or possession of anything in the nature of fireworks or explosives, is prohibited on any property owned or operated by the University without prior University authorization. Fireworks and explosives are
defined as any substance prepared to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, or detonation. b. Misusing, damaging or tampering with fire safety equipment. c. Setting, or causing to be set, any unauthorized fire in or on university property. d. Making or causing to be made a false fire alarm. e. Failure to exit a University building when the fire alarm sounds. f. Intentionally or recklessly obstructing a fire exit in any University building. 1.5.9: Disorderly Assembly No person will assemble on campus to create a riot or destructive or disorderly diversion that interferes with the normal educational process and operation of the University. This section does not deny any students the right of peaceful assembly in accordance with the University’s Assembly and Speech Guidelines. No person or group of persons will obstruct the free movement of other persons about the campus, interfere with the use of University facilities, or prevent the normal operation of the University. The abuse or unauthorized use of sound amplification equipment indoors or outdoors during classroom hours is prohibited. 1.5.10: Dress and appearance Style of dress is primarily a matter of individual judgment and taste. However, students are expected to be neat and clean and to exercise good judgment in their appearance pursuant to (or consistent with) our professional setting. Colleges and programs may have a more discipline‐specific dress code for students enrolled in that college. 1.5.11: Firearms and Weapons Firearms and other lethal weapons are prohibited on campus. Consistent with Georgia law, it is against University policy for any person to carry or possess any firearm, handgun, or long gun at any school function on or off campus, on University property, or any property leased or operated by Georgia Regents University. This includes persons who are licensed weapon holders, whether concealed or in open view. Certified law enforcement officials acting under published police agency policies are the only exceptions. 1.5.12: Gambling Conducting, organizing, or participating in any activity involving games of chance or gambling except as permitted by University policy is not permitted. 1.5.13: Misuse of Communication Equipment No student shall misuse or abuse or assist in the misuse or abuse of communication equipment at the University. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, using any form of communication equipment to harass or threaten any person or persons, making
unauthorized calls on University telephones, or using any form of communication equipment to disrupt the normal operations or activities of any person, organization, or the University. Using any device unless required for the course without prior consent of the instructor is prohibited. Communication equipment includes, but is not limited to, telephones, electronic mail, internet, video, computers, printers, etc. The viewing of pornography on University property or equipment is forbidden. The viewing of child pornography is illegal and is subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. 1.5.14: Noncompliance with General Laws and Ordinances Violation of local, state, or federal law, on or off the campus, which constitutes (or creates a substantial likelihood of) material interference with the normal, orderly operation and processes of the University, is prohibited. Students involved in violations of any federal, state, or local laws may be subject to disciplinary action. Any disciplinary action imposed by the University may precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by an off‐campus authority. Students who are apprehended and charged by law enforcement agencies with felony criminal conduct on or off campus are required to inform the Dean of Students Office. NOTE for International Students: It is possible that students who have been found guilty of violating federal, state, or local laws may be deported and may lose their right to return to the United States. 1.5.15: Hazing Georgia Regents University does not condone hazing in any form and considers hazing a violation of the Code of Conduct. Hazing, is any conduct, whether on or off University property, which exceeds the normal expectations of the organization purpose or missions and which a. endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student as a condition of affiliation with a group or organization and/or, b. which is sufficiently severe or pervasive enough to interfere with academic responsibilities. 1.5.16: Unauthorized Entry/Use of Property/Facilities/Keys a. Unauthorized entry, or attempted entry, into any property, including but not limited to any building, office, or other facility, automobile, or backpacks on or off campus. b. Making or attempting to make unauthorized use of facilities, on or off campus. c. Unauthorized possession, use, or duplication of keys or other methods of controlled access (i.e. cards, codes, etc.). 1.5.17: Computer Use
Failure to comply with University Information Systems Security and Computer Usage Policy. 1.5.18: Identification Card Lending, selling, or otherwise transferring a student identification card of any type is prohibited, as is the use of an identification card by anyone other than its original owner. No student shall obtain under false pretenses any additional student identification cards. A student must present proper credentials to properly identified University faculty and staff upon their request while these persons are in the performance of their duties. Students on the Health Sciences campus are required to wear the Georgia Regents University (JagCard) photograph identification badge while on that campus or other health sciences or clinical facility operated by the University. The badge must be visible at all times and presented upon the request of a University official. Students on the Summerville Campus are required to have his/her JagCard with them at all times while on campus and must present it upon request of a University official. 1.6: Student Organization Rights and Responsibilities Students and organizations are not only members of the GRU academic community, but are also members of the larger society. As members of the University community, students and organizations have a responsibility to know and follow the University conduct regulations. Student Organizations are accountable to this code. A student organization and its officers may be held collectively and individually responsible when violations of this Code by those associated with the Organization have received the consent or encouragement of the Organization, or of the Organization’s leaders or officers. To determine whether a student 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 organization; b) whether officers of the organization had prior knowledge of the misconduct; c) whether organization funds were used; d) whether the misconduct occurred as a result of an organization‐sponsored function; and e) whether members of the organization lied about the incident. Section 2 ‐ Student Conduct Procedures 2.1: Filing a report Any member of the faculty, administrative staff or student body may bring conduct violation charges against a student(s) by identifying them in writing (along with any available evidence). Incidents of alleged violations of conduct regulations are reported to the Dean or Assistant Dean of Students in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. 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 has occurred. When a report has been filed, and an investigation begins, the student or organization will receive written notification (includes notification sent via email to JagMail, the official form of email communication for GRU). The notification will include the date of the report, the alleged conduct code violation and a request to make an appointment with the Dean or Assistant Dean of Students. 2.2: Student Conduct Process Upon receiving an official complaint, the Assistant Dean of Students will serve as a Conduct Administrator and conduct a preliminary investigation into the incident. During the preliminary investigation the following procedures will occur: 1. Informing all participants of their rights and responsibilities in the process, 2. Determining whether the complaint supports the allegation of misconduct. 3. Determining if the student admits the conduct and will agree to the terms of an administrative hearing, OR 4. Determining if a hearing by the Student Conduct Board will be necessary. The Conduct Administrator will notify the accused student in writing of the charges. At this time, the Administrator will inform the student of their right to remain silent and to select a person, not an attorney, from the university as an advisor to assist in their defense. A written statement of the specific charges will contain: a. names of the witnesses against the accused student, b. a report on the facts to which each witness will testify c. the date, time and place of the hearing, given to the student at least five days prior to the hearing to allow the student time to prepare a defense d. possible punishment or sanctions if the student is found guilty e. the grounds which, if proven, would justify the expulsion or suspension under the rules, regulations or standards of the Code of Conduct Hearings will be held within one academic semester following the filing of the charges. If a student does not enroll in a semester during which a hearing is scheduled, he must return for the hearing as would any regularly enrolled student. Temporary Suspension When, in the judgment of the President, Provost or their designated representatives; teaching or research activities, administrative functions, extracurricular programs or other authorized activities on institutional premises are obstructed or disturbed by a student's behavior and when such behavior is continued beyond a request that it be terminated, the disruptive student may be suspended for a maximum of 10 calendar days. Effective immediately, the student's activities are subject to the restrictions set forth under regular suspension. A report on the student's behavior and of the suspension action will be forwarded to the Dean or Assistant Dean of Students Office. Referral will subsequently be made to the Student Conduct Board (2.2.2.1), which must provide a hearing for the student involved
not later than 3 business days after the effective date of the temporary suspension. Referral and hearing procedures will be the same prescribed for any other disciplinary situation. If the student is found not guilty, he will be permitted to make up all academic work. 2.2.1: Administrative Hearing After the preliminary investigation the accused student may wish to resolve the matter informally through an administrative hearing with the Dean or Assistant Dean of Students. At the discretion of the Conduct Administrator, the student may be offered the opportunity to waive a formal hearing and accept the decision of the conduct administrator regarding punishment without contesting the charges according to the following protocol: a. The student will be informed of the charge against him/ her prior to the meeting with his/her hearing officer. b. Dean or Assistant Dean of Students will inform the student orally of his/her decision with regards to responsibility and of the sanction that will be assigned, if found responsible. c. The student must accept responsibility for the violation(s) of the specified conduct regulation. d. The student will sign a written waiver which states that he/she is fully aware of the rights to which a student is entitled and that the student also agrees to accept the penalty decision of the conduct administrator. e. The decision of the Dean or Assistant Dean of Students, once agreed to, may not be appealed. A hearing may occur without the student being present, if the accused student has been notified and chooses not to appear and does not sign the appropriate waiver. 2.2.2: Student Conduct Board Hearing If the student is unwilling to accept the terms of the administrative hearing, or believes that a hearing would be preferable, the student may pursue a Conduct Board hearing as outlined below. The hearing shall be conducted in such a manner that is fundamentally fair and shall not be restricted unduly by rules of criminal procedures or evidence. Evidence not directly related to the matter at hand will not be considered for review. It is the responsibility of the Chair of Student Conduct Board to rule on the admissibility of evidence and on relevant and irrelevant matters. The focus of inquiry in hearings shall be whether or not the accused person was in violation of a community expectation and/or the Code of Conduct. Formal criminal rules of evidence are not applicable; nor shall deviations from prescribed institutional procedures necessarily invalidate a decision or proceeding, unless significant prejudice to a student respondent of the University results from those
deviations. The board will use the preponderance of evidence standard when determining the responsibility of the accused student. 2.2.2.1: Student Conduct Board The Student Conduct Board (SCB or Board) will consist of 20 members: ten students (one from each college and one at‐large position) appointed by the Student Government Association and ten faculty/administrators (one from each college including one from the library) appointed by the Dean of their college and Director of the Library. The SCB will elect a faculty member to serve as chair and another member to serve as secretary. The chair will be non‐voting except in case of a tie. The SCB’s term of office will be June 1‐May 31. At the beginning of the term, the Board shall elect a chairman and a secretary to serve for the term. The position of chair and secretary may be rotated during the year. When a student conduct hearing is required, a panel of at least seven or more will be selected (plus the chair) with at least three faculty and three student members on the panel. The Dean or Assistant Dean of Students or his/her designated representative will represent the institution's interests as the Conduct Administrator. If any member of the Student Conduct Board feels that he/she has personal knowledge or experience with the case or the students involved that a fair and impartial judgment cannot be rendered, the member must request that he/she not serve for that hearing. The accused student may request that any member of the Student Conduct Board be excused whenever the student can show cause for bias on the part of the SCB member. The chair of the committee will decide on such challenges and, if appropriate, ask the SCB member to excuse him or herself. If the chair is challenged, the committee will decide by a majority vote whether or not he/she should be required to excuse him or herself. 2.2.3: Accused Student’s Rights 1. The right to a fair and impartial hearing. 2. The right to a presumption of not being responsible for a violation until proven responsible as determined by a preponderance of the information presented. 3. The right to be notified in writing of the charges against him/her, the specific rule(s) or policy(ies) that were violated. 4. The right to an expeditious resolution of the case and to receive written notification of the time, date and place of the scheduled conduct hearing at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing (except when the accused student postpones the hearing) and provided the student has informed the university of his or her current contact information. If the student has not furnished the University with current contact information, Georgia Regents University has only to make a
reasonable attempt to notify the student using the most recent contact information provided. 5. The right to an advisor of his or her choice provided that person is willing to assist and advise the student during the investigation. The advisor must be a student, faculty or staff member selected from the University community (members of the University legal counsel may not serve as advisors). In order to have an attorney present, the student must notify the Dean of Students Office within two business days of the hearing. An attorney or advisor attending a hearing may not actively represent the accused student there, but may give advice to the student on how to present his or her case. The advisor shall not disrupt the hearing. 6. The right to question all witnesses who testify at the hearing and/or to challenge all materials presented at the hearing. 7. The right to present witnesses to testify or provide witness statements in his or her defense. The Student Conduct Board shall have the authority to limit the number of witnesses in order to avoid unreasonable delays where the testimony would be repetitious or unnecessary. 8. The right to be present during the entire hearing (except for closed deliberation) and to know all evidence used in the hearing. The student may, however, elect not to appear; failure to appear shall not be construed as an admission of responsibility. 9. The right to remain silent during the hearing; silence shall not be construed as an admission of responsibility. 10. The right to be notified in writing of the decision of the hearing board within 10 business days of the date of the hearing. 11. The right to one appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs within three business days of receiving the decision for any of the following causes: a. Violation of due process and student rights b. New evidence directly relevant to the case c. Harshness or excessive nature of imposed sanction(s) 12. The right to have access to a recording of his or her hearing for the purposes of preparing for an appeal. A student may not bring his/her own recording devices to council hearings. 2.2.5: Student Advisor The accused student has the right to be assisted by an Advisor of his/her choice, who must be an administrative official, regular faculty member, staff, or student of the University. The University does not have an obligation to provide an advisor to the accused student. Witnesses may not also serve as an advisor/support person. The advisor may, at the request of the student: a. Advise the student in the preparation and presentation of a defense b. Accompany the student to all discipline proceedings 2.2.6: Presence of Attorney
The Dean or Assistant Dean of Students must be notified whenever an attorney requests to be present at a hearing. The role of any attorney advisor is address in 2.2.3.5. 2.2.7: Hearing Proceedings The proceedings of the meetings will call for the conduct administrator to present the case of the institution along with the evidence and witnesses that he deems appropriate. The student will then have the opportunity to present his defense personally. After both cases have been presented, the committee will have an opportunity to question both the conduct administrator and the student. The student, his/her representative, and the conduct administrator may remain in the hearing for all presentations. An audio recording will be made of the procedures of the Student Conduct Board except for the deliberation. This audio recording will be made available to the accused student by the Vice President for Student Affairs Office if he/she wishes to appeal. The recording will be kept on file for three years and will be available to the student at his/her request. An accused student may request one postponement of a conduct hearing by contacting the Dean or Assistant Dean of Students at least 2 business days prior to the scheduled hearing. If an accused student fails to appear at a hearing after being properly notified, the Conduct Board shall hear the case on the basis of the evidence accumulated as a result of the testimony of witnesses and notify the accused student of the decision. A Conduct Board hearing will generally proceed in the following manner: 1. An introduction of the Conduct Board. 2. Participants state any questions they have concerning rights or procedures. 3. The statement of the charges is presented. 4. Evidence is presented against the accused student by the Conduct Administrator; each witness is called individually. Please note that in a student conduct hearing, the technical rules of evidence applicable in civil and criminal cases does not apply. 5. Evidence is presented by the accused student and his witnesses; each witness is called individually. Please note that in a disciplinary hearing, the technical rules of evidence applicable in civil and criminal cases does not apply. 6. The Conduct Board members may question the witnesses as they are called and may request witnesses to return for further clarification. 7. The Conduct Administrator may present concluding remarks. 8. The accused student may present concluding remarks. 9. All persons are excused from the hearing room except Student Conduct Board members and the Chairman of the Board. 10. The Student Conduct Board considers only information introduced in the hearing and deliberates in executive session until a decision is made as to responsibility. The decision is based on the preponderance of the evidence and is decided by a simple majority vote. Previous violations may be considered in the recommending of appropriate sanctions.
11. The Secretary will prepare a Final Report of the decision and submit it to the Chair. After the Chair reviews the report he will submit the report to Conduct Administrator.12. The Conduct Administrator may accept, reject or modify the committee's recommendation. The Conduct Administrator will inform the accused student, in writing, within two days of the hearing of the decision. The Chair of the Student Conduct Board shall have the right to limit the length of testimony of any witness or participant in the hearing if it appears to be repetitious or does not contribute positively to the fair and efficient adjudication of the case currently being considered. Any participant determined by the chair to be unruly or disruptive to the hearing process will be removed from the hearing. Providing false information and/or discussing the case before the Conduct Board hearing with any of the witnesses against the accused may lead to an additional charge of Interference with the conduct adjudication process. 2.3: Sanctions The following are possible penalties for an infraction of the GRU Student Conduct Code. This list is not complete and other penalties may be chosen to meet the particular circumstances in any given case. 1. Expulsion: The permanent denial of the individual's privileges to attend the University. 2. Dismissal: The involuntary, indefinite separation from the University. Re‐admission may be contingent upon satisfying specific conditions imposed as a part of the penalty. 3. Suspension: The termination of the student's privilege to attend the University for a specified period. The penalty imposes no bar to re‐admission upon expiration of the period. 4. Administrative Probation with restrictions: An official warning that the student's conduct violates the Student Conduct Code but is not sufficiently serious to warrant expulsion, dismissal or suspension. This type of probation may be imposed for varying periods of time. The restrictions imposed may vary according to the gravity of the offense. More serious restrictions include: the inability to hold office in the university, the termination of access to specific university resources, to the inability to represent the university at any official function and the termination of financial aid administered by the university. Continued enrollment depends on maintaining satisfactory citizenship during probation. A favorable recommendation or personal reference normally will not be furnished by the university during probation. 5. Administrative probation: An official warning that the student's conduct violates the Student Conduct Code but is not sufficiently serious to warrant expulsion, dismissal or suspension. This type of probation does not carry concurrent restrictions. Continued enrollment depends on maintaining satisfactory citizenship
during probation. A favorable recommendation normally will not be furnished by the university during probation. 6. Restitution: Payment by the student found guilty of financial injury to an innocent party in cases involving theft, destruction of property or taking property by deception. 7. Academic Sanctions: In addition to other penalties, faculty may impose appropriate academic sanctions. 8. Community and/or Clinical Service Effort. 9. Such other sanctions as may be recommended by the Student Conduct Board. 10. Temporary Suspension: When criminal charges are pending against a student for violation of local, state or federal laws, action may be deferred on university disciplinary charges arising out of the same facts until the student's criminal trial has been completed, not including appeals, if such deferral is deemed in the best interest of the student and the university community. However, a deferral of disciplinary action may stipulate that the student not be allowed to graduate or enroll for subsequent semesters until the disciplinary charges have been settled. If such stipulations are imposed, the student may at any time request that the charges be heard immediately pursuant to student conduct code and procedures. 2.4: Appeals to Conduct Violation Hearing Decisions The purpose of appeal procedures is to provide an opportunity to express concerns regarding substantive or procedural errors that occurred during conduct administrative process, including the investigation and hearing. The appeal process is not intended to grant a new hearing at a higher level. All appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Vice President for Student Affairs within five (5) business days of the receipt of the decision. After receipt of the decision of an appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the student shall be notified of his right to appeal within five days to the GRU President. Students have the right to appeal final decisions of the president to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (BOR or Board) in accordance with Article IX of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents. Any person in the University System aggrieved by a final decision of the president of an institution may apply to the Board of Regents, without prejudice to his position, for a review of the decision. The application for review shall be submitted in writing to the Board's Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee within a period of twenty days following the decision of the president. It shall state the decision complained of and the redress desired. A hearing before the Board (or a Committee of or appointed by the Board) is not a matter of right but is within the sound discretion of the Board. The Board may, in its discretion, refer a matter for mediation, arbitration, or evaluation of settlement options. If an application for review is granted, the Board, a Committee of the Board, a Committee appointed by the Board, or a hearing officer appointed by the Board shall
investigate the matter thoroughly and report its findings and recommendations to the Board. The decision of the Board shall be final and binding for all purposes 2.5: Provisions for College Conduct Systems Colleges may handle disciplinary actions according to their individual honor codes and/or student code of conduct. Copies of the college conduct codes may be obtained from: 1. College of Allied Health Sciences – Any conduct actions taken follow the procedures listed in the Student Manual under Student Conduct Code. 2. College of Dental Medicine – Associate Dean for Student Admissions and Alumni. 3. College of Education ‐ Any conduct actions taken follow the procedures listed in the Student Manual under Student Conduct Code. 4. College of Graduate Studies – Any conduct actions taken follow the procedures listed in the Student Manual under Student Conduct Code. 5. College of Nursing – Any conduct actions taken follow the procedures listed in the Student Manual under Student Conduct Code. 6. College of Science and Mathematics ‐ Any conduct actions taken follow the procedures listed in the Student Manual under Student Conduct Code. 7. Hull College of Business ‐ Any conduct actions taken follow the procedures listed in the Student Manual under Student Conduct Code. 8. Medical College of Georgia – Associate Dean for Student Affairs. 9. Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences ‐ Any conduct actions taken follow the procedures listed in the Student Manual under Student Conduct Code.