Introduction

Macon State College has established standards of conduct that are compatible with the academic mission of the institution. An educational approach to discipline 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 Macon State College. It is the responsibility of each student to know and understand 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 College for acts of misconduct, which constitute violations of this Code. The Code is not intended to replace federal, state, or local legal activities. The College will decide whether to proceed with action before, during, after, or simultaneously with a legal proceeding. 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 College 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 College proceeding. Sanctions may be imposed for acts of misconduct that occur on College property or at any College-sponsored activity. As further prescribed in these rules, off-campus conduct may be subject to discipline.

Disciplinary regulations at the College are set forth in writing in order to give students general notice of prohibited conduct. The regulations should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms.

Macon State College, an institution of the University System of Georgia (USG), expects students to adhere to USG policies and other Macon State policies as outlined in Section IV of this Student Handbook. All Macon State College regulations must be compliant with the policies of the Board of Regents.

The Student Code of Conduct consists of Part I: Responsibilities and Part II: Disciplinary Procedures and Student Rights.

• Student Code of Conduct 2011-2012 (PDF)