II. Prescribed Conduct
Any student found to have committed any of the following types of misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedure section.
A. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Academic Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Aiding and Abetting Academic Misconduct: Knowingly helping, procuring, encouraging or otherwise assisting another person to engage in academic misconduct.
2. Cheating:
a. Use and/or possession of unauthorized material or technology during an examination, or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade, such as tape cassettes, notes, tests, calculators, computer programs, cell phones and/or smart phones, or other electronic devices.
b. Obtaining assistance with or answers to an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade from another person with or without that person's knowledge.
c. Furnishing assistance with or answers to an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade to another person.
d. Possessing, using, distributing or selling unauthorized copies of an examination, computer program, or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade.
e. Representing as one's own an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade created by another person.
f. Taking an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade in place of another person.
g. Obtaining unauthorized access to the computer files of another person or agency and/or altering or destroying those files.
h. Obtaining teacher edition text books, test banks, or other instructional materials that are only intended to be accessed by technical college officials, college administrator or faculty member.
3. Fabrication: The falsification of any information or citation in an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade.
4. Plagiarism
a. Submitting another's published or unpublished work in whole, in part or in paraphrase, as one's own without fully and properly crediting the author with footnotes, quotation marks, citations, or bibliographical reference.
b. Submitting as one's own original work, material obtained from an individual or agency without reference to the person or agency as the source of the material.
c. Submitting as one's own original work material that has been produced through unacknowledged collaboration with others without release in writing from collaborators.
B. NON-ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Non-Academic Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Indecent Conduct: lewd or indecent conduct ; or distribution of obscene or libelous written or electronic material.
2. Violence: physical abuse of any person (including dating violence, domestic violence or sexual violence) on Augusta Technical College Premises or Augusta Technical College-sponsored or supervised functions, including physical actions which threaten or endanger the health or safety of any such persons. This includes fighting and/or other disruptive behavior, which includes any action or threat of violence which endangers the peace, safety, or orderly function of Augusta Technical College, its facilities, or persons engaged in the business of the technical college. Note: certain physical abuse may also be considered unlawful harassment.
3. Harassment: Augusta Technical College prohibits unlawful conduct based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, genetic information, political affirmation or belief, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era or citizenship status addressed directly to any individual or group that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably and objectively interfering with that individual or group’s: (1) performance, (2) work or educational environment or (3) ability to participate in an educational program or activity. Augusta Technical College also prohibits stalking, or other behavior which objectively and unreasonably interferes with another's legal rights or creates an objectively intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. (This also includes the display of or navigation to pornography and other inappropriate websites and materials and inappropriate behavior on social media and/or networking applications.) Impermissible harassment may include verbal, non-verbal and/or physical conduct.
4. Disruption: prohibits activities not otherwise protected by law including the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, which intentionally obstructs or interrupts teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings or other Augusta Technical College activities, including public service functions and other duly authorized activities on Augusta Technical College Premises or at Augusta Technical College-sponsored activity sites.
5. Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with lawful directions of Augusta Technical College officials and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
6. Professionalism: Students are expected to dress appropriately at all times. Dress requirements will vary in the classroom, laboratory, and shop areas. Students enrolled in internships and clinical courses are required to dress appropriately according to the requirements of the work for which they are being trained. Students shall not dress, groom, wear or use emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols where the effect thereof is to detract unreasonably the attention of the other students or otherwise to cause disruption or interfere with the operation of the College. The instructor, supervising dean, director, campus liaison, or duly authorized College official shall determine whether any particular mode of dress, apparel, grooming, or use of emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols result in such interference or disruption, as to violate this rule and shall give notice of such interference or disruption, and its cause, to all students by announcements or posting at the College.
The following shall be used as a guide by College officials in enforcing the dress policy:
a. The student will at all times observe rules governing body cleanliness, neatness of appearance, good grooming, and safety.
b. The student will at time wear clothing that reflects good taste and is to avoid extreme designs, styles, and colors. Where appropriate, students are allowed to wear "walking" or "Bermuda" shorts when not prohibited by safety factors. Some examples of inappropriate clothing include, but are not limited to, short or tight shorts and/or skirts, tight fitting pants and/or tops, low-‐cut tops and/or blouses, swimsuits, tank tops, bare midriffs, bare feet, and baggy pants. These examples of clothing are not considered appropriate and could be a safety problem or cause disruption of classes.
7. Use of Technical College Property
a. Theft and Damage: prohibits theft of, misuse of, or harm to Augusta Technical College property, or theft of or damage to property of a member of the technical college community or a campus visitor on technical college Premises or at an Augusta Technical College function.
b. Occupation or Seizure: illegal occupation or seizure in any manner of Augusta Technical College property, Premises, or any portion thereof for a use inconsistent with prescribed, customary, or authorized use.
c. Presence on Augusta Technical College Premises: prohibits unauthorized entry upon Augusta Technical College Premises; unauthorized entry into Augusta Technical College Premises or a portion thereof which has been restricted in use; unauthorized presence in Augusta Technical College Premises after closing hours; or furnishing false information to gain entry upon Augusta Technical College Premises.
d. Assembly: prohibits participation in or conducting an unauthorized gathering that objectively threatens or causes injury to person or property or that interferes with free access to technical college facilities or that is unprotected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America and objectively harmful, obstructive, or disruptive to the educational process or functions of the technical college.
e. Fire Alarms: prohibits setting off a fire alarm or using or tampering with any fire safety equipment on Augusta Technical College Premises or at Augusta Technical College-sponsored activity sites, except with reasonable belief in the need for such alarm or equipment. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, students must evacuate the building unless otherwise directed by an Augusta Technical College official.
f. Obstruction: prohibits obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on Augusta Technical College Premises or at Augusta Technical College sponsored or supervised functions. Refer to Augusta Technical College Parking Policy and Regulations.
8. Drugs, Alcohol and Other Substances: Substances referred to under this policy include all illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, and misused legal drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter).
a. Alcohol: Students must comply with all state and federal laws regulating alcohol as well as TCSG Policy3.3.6. (II. C. 6.), Alcohol on Campus. Alcoholic beverages may not be served or sold at any student sponsored function. Students being in a state of intoxication on Augusta Technical College Premises or at Augusta Technical College-sponsored or supervised functions (including off-campus functions), internships, externships, practicum, clinical sites, co-operative or academic sponsored programs or activities or in a Augusta Technical College-owned vehicle is prohibited.
b. Controlled substances, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia: Augusta Technical College prohibits possession, use, sale, or distribution of any controlled substance, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law. Any influence which may be attributed to the use of drugs or of alcoholic beverages shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the individual for the conduct or consequences of his/her actions.
c. Food: Augusta Technical College prohibits eating and/or drinking in classrooms, shops, and labs or other unauthorized areas on Augusta Technical College Premises, unless otherwise permitted by Augusta Technical College officials.
d. Smoking/Tobacco: Augusta Technical College is a tobacco free campus. Smoking and use of tobacco products is not permitted anywhere on the campus including all campus buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances and common areas, and in college-owned vehicles. The Administration fully implements this policy and all applicable laws, regulations, and local and college ordinances related to tobacco use. Refer to the Augusta Technical College Tobacco Policy 3.3.7.L.
9. Use of Technology
a. Damage and Destruction: Destruction of or harm to equipment, software, or data belonging to Augusta Technical College or to others is considered unacceptable usage. This may include altering, downloading, or installing software on Augusta Technical College computers, tampering with computer hardware or software configuration, improper access to Augusta Technical College’s network, and disconnection of Augusta Technical College computers or devices.
b. Electronic Devices: Unless otherwise permitted by Augusta Technical College officials, Augusta Technical College prohibits use of electronic devices in classrooms, labs, and other instructional, event, or affiliated facilities on Augusta Technical College Premises. Such devices include, but are not limited to cell phones, beepers, walkie talkies, cameras, gaming devices, and other electronic devices, which may cause unnecessary disruption to the teaching/learning process on campus. Augusta Technical College also prohibits attaching personal electronic devices to college computers under any circumstances.
c. Harassment: Augusta Technical College prohibits the use of computer technology to objectively interfere with another’s legal right to be free from harassment based on that individual’s race, color, creed, genetic information, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affirmation or belief, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era or citizenship status.
d. Unacceptable Use: Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or Augusta Technical College official. This includes the unauthorized use of another individual's identification and password. Augusta Technical College prohibits any additional violation to the Department's Acceptable Computer and Internet Use Policy.
10. Weapons: The Technical College System of Georgia is committed to providing all employees, students, volunteers, visitors, vendors and contractors a safe and secure workplace and/or academic setting. The possession, carrying, or transportation of a firearm, weapon, or explosive compound/material in or on college building or property shall be governed by Georgia state law. All individuals are expected to comply with the related laws. Failure to follow laws pertaining to weapons is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Augusta Technical College is designated as a school safety zone. This means that weapon possession is restricted by GA law (O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1). Georgia laws to be aware of and compliant with include but may not be limited to:
O.C.G.A.§ 16-8-12(a)(6)(A)(iii)
O.C.G.A.§ 16-7-80
O.C.G.A.§ 16-7-81
O.C.G.A.§ 16-7-85
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-121
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-125.1
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-126
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-127
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-127.1
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-129
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-130
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-133
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-135
O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-137
O.C.G.A.§ 43-38-10
11. Gambling: Augusta Technical College prohibits the violation of federal, state or local gambling laws on Augusta Technical College premises or at Augusta Technical College sponsored or supervised activities.
12. Parking: Augusta Technical College prohibits violation of Augusta Technical College regulations regarding the operation and parking of motor vehicles on or around Augusta Technical College Premises.
13. Financial Irresponsibility: Augusta Technical College prohibits the theft or misappropriation of any Augusta Technical College, student organization or other assets.
14. Violation of Technical College Policy: Violation of Augusta Technical College, rules or regulations including, but not limited to, rules imposed upon students who enroll in a particular class or program, internships, externships, practicum, clinical sites, co-operative, or any academic sponsored programs or activities, student organizations or students who reside in on-campus housing.
15. Aiding and Abetting: Aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to do an activity which otherwise violates this Code of Conduct is prohibited.
16. Falsification of Documentation: Disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student who falsifies any documentation related to Augusta Technical College either to the Augusta Technical College or to others in the community, including, but not limited to falsification of: Augusta Technical College transcripts; transcripts or other documentation from other institutions to obtain credit from or admission Augusta Technical College; Augusta Technical College report cards or other grade reports; documentation related to a student’s citizenship status; tests, homework, attendance records; signature of any technical college employee in his or her official capacity; signatures of any employee of a clinical or internship site where the student is participating in an educational program associated with Augusta Technical College or records related to any clinical, internship or other academic activity associated with Augusta Technical College.
17. Violation of Law
a. If a Student is convicted or pleads Nolo Contendere to an on-campus or off-campus violation of federal, state, or local law, but not has not been charged with any other violation of the Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary action may nevertheless be taken and sanctions imposed if the violation of federal, state or local law is detrimental to Augusta Technical College’s vital interests and stated mission and purpose.
b. Disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law that is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct if both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to criminal arrest and/or prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following criminal proceedings.
c. When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, Augusta Technical College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his/her status as a student. Augusta Technical College will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators. Individual students, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental representatives as they deem appropriate.
18. Abuse of the Student Judicial Process, including but not limited to:
a. Failure to obey the notification of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Hearing Body, Appellate Board or Technical College Official.
b. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information in a judicial proceeding.
c. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a disciplinary proceeding.
d. Initiating a disciplinary proceeding knowingly without cause.
e. Attempting to discourage an individual's proper participation in, or use of, the disciplinary process.
f. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Hearing Body, or Appellate Board prior to, and/or during the course of, the disciplinary proceeding.
g. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a Hearing Body, or Appellate Board prior to, during, and/or after a disciplinary proceeding.
h. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.
19. Noise on Campus: Augusta Technical College is an educational institution and loud noises disturb classes and study activities. In order to ensure a quiet educational atmosphere, the playing of radios or CD/tape players in the classrooms, lab areas, library, or study areas is not permitted. Radios and CD/tape players in automobiles, open areas or in the student center must be kept at a low volume so as not to disturb classes or studies. Playing radios or CD/tape players at a high volume or the creation of a continuous loud noise shall be considered disruptive behavior. Beepers and cellular phones should be kept on silent alarm while in classrooms, lab areas, library, or study areas. A student may be asked to remove a beeper or cellular phone from the educational setting if an instructor or administrator deems the beeper or cellular phone to be disruptive to the educational atmosphere.
20. Traffic and Parking Regulations: Regulations are designed to make traffic and parking on campus as safe and convenient as possible. Parking on the campus of Augusta Technical College is a privilege afforded to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This privilege can be revoked at any time by the college President, or designee, at their discretion. Revocation of parking privileges can result from any violation of the policies set forth in this regulation. In lieu of revocation of parking privileges, the college President, or designee, may, at their sole discretion, assign violators an area where they may park. The regulations apply to students, college employees, and visitors. All student motor vehicles and motorcycles must be registered. Each person operating a vehicle on campus will be issued a campus parking permit, which must be visibly displayed on the vehicles rear view mirror. Motorcycles may visibly display the permit inside the windshield or from the handlebars. Pedestrians will have the right-‐of-‐way at all times.
The following are violations of college policy as well as county and state laws:
a. exceeding speed limit as posted;
b. parking in illegal, restricted, or reserved zones;
c. parking on lawns or walks;
d. no campus parking permit;
e. driving on sidewalks, walkways, shrubs, or lawn;
f. parking adjacent to all curbs, including yellow curbs, or areas posted “No Parking;”
g. running a stop sign; and
h. any other violation of county and state laws.
These regulations are in effect 24 hours a day. Violations will be enforced and are subject to penalties and fines. Repeated violations of any kind will result in fines. Students who are delinquent in the payment of fines will not be allowed to register for subsequent terms, or receive grade reports, transcripts, diplomas, or other student records until all fines are paid. Hazardous and improperly parked vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Information on how to obtain a permit for student and faculty or staff vehicles can be found online.