Student Conduct
The Middle Georgia State University Student Code of Conduct requires that each student approach all academic endeavors, relationships, and personal responsibilities with a strong commitment to personal integrity and interpersonal civility. All students are expected to read, understand, and abide by the Code of Conduct.
Questions about the policies and procedures related to the student conduct process can be addressed to .
The Office of Student Affairs has responsibility for administering the student conduct as set forth in the Code. This site has been developed to provide information about the Code, as well as the student conduct procedures and student rights. The Student Code of Conduct is subject to change without notice. Any changes will be announced to the campus community via institutional email.
We acknowledge the use of the following in the development and revision of the Code of Conduct:
- Lancaster, James M. and Waryold, Diane M. (2008). Student conduct practice: The complete guide for student affairs professionals. Sterling, VA: Stylus.
- Schrage, J.M. and Giacomini, N.G. (2009). Reframing campus conflict: Student conduct practice through a social justice lens. Sterling, VA: Stylus.
- Stoner II, Edward N. and Lowery, John Wesley (2004). Navigating past the "Spirit of insubordination": A twenty first century model student conduct code with a model hearing script. Journal of College and University Law, 31(5), 1-78.
INTRODUCTION
Board of Regents Policy 4.6.5 (Standards for Institutional Student Conduct Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings) establishes minimum procedural standards for investigations and resolutions of alleged student conduct violations, which each institution must incorporate into its respective student conduct policies. The purpose of this Policy is to ensure uniformity in the quality of investigations while providing for due process that affords fairness and equity in all student conduct investigations. This Policy is not intended to infringe or restrict rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution including free speech under the First Amendment, or the due process clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
These procedures apply to matters relating to student misconduct, except matters related to academic dishonesty, which may be covered under separate institutional policies. Institutions shall inform students of their procedures governing student misconduct complaints and investigations.
For the purposes of this policy, the term Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be a victim of conduct that would violate any Board or other applicable institution policy. The term Respondent means an individual who is alleged to have engaged in behavior that would violate any Board or other applicable institution policy.
Other individuals who report information to an institution regarding alleged policy violations are deemed Reporters. Institutions may establish to what extent the procedures outlined in this policy may apply to Reporters.
Middle Georgia State University has established standards of conduct that are compatible with the academic mission of the institution. An educational approach to infractions of the student code of conduct is employed whenever possible.
Laws, statutes, and regulations at the national, state, and local levels grant public institutions the authority to establish standards reasonably relevant to the lawful missions, processes, and functions of the institution. Such standards are not intended to prohibit the exercise of a right guaranteed by the Constitution or a law of the United States to a member of the academic community.
Standards may apply to student behavior on and off the campus when relevant to any lawful mission, process, or function of the institution. The institution may prohibit any action or omission which impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the missions, processes, and functions of the institution.
Institutional standards may require scholastic attainments higher than the average of the population and may require superior ethical and moral behavior. In establishing standards of behavior, institutions are not limited to the standards or the forms of criminal laws. [“General Order on Judicial Standards of Procedure and Substance in Review of Student Discipline in Tax-Supported Institutions of Higher Education,” 45 F.R.D. 133/145 (W.D. Mo.1968)].
The acceptance of these responsibilities is a prerequisite for enrollment at Middle Georgia State University. It is the responsibility of each student to know and understand the expectations and the established rules of conduct. Lack of awareness is not recognized as a legitimate reason for failure to comply.
Violators may be accountable to both civil and criminal authorities and to the University for acts of misconduct, which constitute violations of this Code. The Code is not intended to replace federal, state, or local legal activities. The University will decide whether to proceed with action before, during, after, or simultaneously with any legal proceedings. Determinations made or sanctions imposed under this Code shall not be subject to change because criminal charges arising out of the same facts giving rise to violation of University rules were dismissed, reduced, or resolved in favor of or against the criminal law defendant. An action involving the student in a legal proceeding does not free the student of responsibility from participation in a University proceeding.
Sanctions may be imposed for acts of misconduct that occur on University property or at any University-sponsored activity. As further prescribed in these rules, off-campus conduct may be subject to student conduct adjudication.
Student conduct policies and procedures at the University are set forth in writing in order to give students general notice of prohibited conduct. The policies and procedures should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms.
Middle Georgia State University, an institution of the University System of Georgia (USG), expects students to adhere to USG policies and other Middle Georgia State policies as outlined in the Student Handbook. All Middle Georgia State University regulations must be compliant with the policies of the Board of Regents.
