Code of Conduct Policy
Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of this academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for knowledge.
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic conditions in the classroom, campus, other college sites, and community. Students are expected to exercise their freedom with responsibility. As members of the academic community, students are subject to the obligations which accrue to them under this membership. As members of the larger community of which the college is a part, students are entitled to all rights and protection accorded by the community's laws. Nothing in this Code of Conduct 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.
Students are also subject to all laws, the enforcement of which is the responsibility of duly constituted authorities. When students violate laws, they may incur penalties prescribed by legal authorities. In such instances, college discipline will be initiated if the student's presence on campus is considered a threat to persons or property or if that person's presence may disrupt the educational process of the college. However, when a student's violation of the law also adversely affects the college's recognized educational objectives or violates its Student Code of Conduct, the college will enforce its regulations. When students violate college regulations, they are subject to disciplinary action by the college whether their conduct violates the law.
It is the policy of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to provide technical and adult education programs for the people of Georgia. TCSG's Technical Colleges must provide intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth opportunities. Technical College students assume an obligation to act in a manner compatible with fulfilling the mission. The Technical College community recognizes its responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to growth. The TCSG establishes this Student Code of Conduct with these principles in mind.
Generally, Technical College jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct which occurs on Technical College Premises, off-campus classes, activities or functions sponsored by the Technical College, an examination or any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade, or which otherwise adversely affects members of the Technical College community and/or the pursuit of the Technical College's objectives.