Student Code of Conduct

University Judicial System

Responsible behavior is expected of all Piedmont students at all times. Violations of the Student Behavior Code may result in varying degrees of consequences. The University is not designed nor equipped to rehabilitate persons who pose a threat to the campus community or disrupt the learning environment. It may be necessary, therefore, to separate those individuals from the campus and end their relationship with the University.

When a student is observed violating a campus policy, a campus official (e.g., residence hall director, resident assistant, faculty/staff member, Campus Police officer) will complete an incident report, available from the Office of Student Life. Students who witness a violation of campus policy should contact a campus official for assistance. 

 

 

Judicial Process

Student disciplinary matters are to be reported to the Dean of Student Life and Leadership. The Dean of Student Life and Leadership, the Director of Residential Living, the Assistant Directors of Residential Living and the Resident Coordinators are the primary campus officials who address policy violations. It is the goal of the college to deal with all disciplinary matters in a timely manner and include a meeting with the student to discuss what occurred, if any violations occurred, and discuss possible sanctions.  Students found responsible for Student Code of Conduct violations will be adjudicated and assigned sanctions.  

A student may appeal an assigned sanction when:

• The student was not accorded their procedural rights as outlined in this Handbook;
• New evidence that was unknown or unavailable at the time of the initial hearing has become available which would have significantly altered its results; or,
• The sanction imposed is substantially disproportionate to the offense (including any consideration of the student’s prior offense(s)).

 

 

The appeal must be submitted in writing within three calendar days of the date on the sanction letter to the Dean of Student Life and Leadership.  

 

 

 

 

Judicial Council

Disciplinary matters that could result in the revocation of housing privileges or separation from the institution may be referred to the Piedmont University Judicial Council.  The Piedmont University Judicial Council is comprised of 3-5 members of faculty, staff and students (where appropriate). The members of the council shall be appointed each year by the Dean of Student Life and Leadership to serve for one year and will be led by a Judicial Council Chairperson.

The council will evaluate the facts in each hearing and will act on a preponderance of evidence. The hearing will not be conducted as a court proceeding. It will be an opportunity for the council to question everyone involved, determine what happened, decide if a policy was violated, and impose the appropriate sanction(s).

 

Judicial Council Hearings

The hearing is an official proceeding of the Piedmont University Student Discipline system. It is an informal hearing with the mission to determine:

1. what occurred
2. if what occurred is a violation of University regulations, and
3. to impose an appropriate sanction if a violation has occurred.

This is the order of the process:

1. presentation of University case
2. response by the referred student
3. questions from the Judicial Council
4. witnesses of behalf of the University
5. witnesses on behalf of the student
6. deliberation by the Council

The Hearing is not a Court of Law where allegations must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt”. In Judicial Council proceedings, the allegations must be proven based upon “a preponderance of evidence.”  While all referred students are encouraged to participate in the hearing process, the Judicial Council members will adjudicate all cases and render a decision regardless of referred student participation.

Students have the right to appeal the outcome of the Judicial Council decision to the Vice President for Enrollment Management. This appeal must be requested in writing within three calendar days of the date on the sanction letter.

 

Disciplinary Action

The following are possible disciplinary actions which may be assigned for an infraction of the Code of Conduct. This list is not exhaustive and may modified to meet the particular circumstances of any given case.

1. Expulsion- Permanent severance of the student's relationship with the University. This severance includes being barred from campus.
2. Disciplinary Suspension- Temporary severance of the student's relationship with the University for a specified period of time.
3. Limited Suspension- A student may be denied certain privileges for a specified period of time. These privileges may include, but are not limited to, class attendance, housing, parking on campus, participation in extracurricular activities, ID card privileges, access to institutional facilities, and access to the campus.
4. Immediate Suspension- The student may be required to leave the campus immediately if, in the opinion of the Dean of Student Life and Leadership, the student's presence on campus would be detrimental to the institution. Suspension without a hearing shall continue until the disciplinary process is completed. Best efforts will be made to schedule and complete the disciplinary process as promptly as possible.
5. Disciplinary Probation- Notice to the student that any further, major disciplinary violation may result in suspension. Disciplinary probation might also include one or more of the following: the setting of restrictions, the issuing of a reprimand, or restitution.
6. Reprimand (either oral or written.)
7. Counseling- The committee may request that a student meet a specified number of counseling sessions with the campus counselor for issues including, but not limited to, anger management, substance abuse, and extenuating personal circumstances.
8. Restitution- Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of appropriate service or other compensation.
9. Community Service- A specified number of hours of work to be performed by the student. The work will be determined and supervised by the Dean of Student Life and Leadership or a designee.
10. Assignments of Community Service hours will be emailed following sanctioning. They may include:
    1. Student Life and Leadership/Housing/Student Success Center
    2. Maintenance/Daniel Hall
    3. Off Campus entities pre-approved by the Dean of Student Life and Leadership.
11. Fines- A specific financial penalty charged to the student found to be responsible.

 

Disciplinary Records 

 

Piedmont’s policy regarding access to and privacy of records maintained by it concerning students is contained in the institution’s FERPA policy found at https://www.piedmont.edu/ferpa.  Disciplinary records are defined as those records (maintained in any format) which relate exclusively to violations of the Student Code of Conduct which have been adjudicated by a campus official(s).  Complaints which have been dismissed or withdrawn are not considered disciplinary records. A student disciplinary record includes and is limited to: 1. violation report, 2. sanction sheet, 3. documents presented as evidence during any hearing, 4. record of any Judicial Council hearing, 5. appeal letter with accompanying documents, 6. final disposition of appeal. Students may review their disciplinary records but will not be provided copies of them.  Students seeking to inspect their disciplinary record should make an appointment with the Student Lie and Leadership Dean's office. 

Repeated Violations

Repeated violations of published rules and regulations, which cumulatively indicate an unwillingness or inability to conform to the student life standards of the University, may result in dismissal.

Health Risks of Alcohol and Drugs

Piedmont University is committed to the health and well-being of the members of its student-body. The scope and impact of health risks from alcohol and drug abuse are well documented and alarming. These risks range from mood-altering to life-threatening, and the consequences affect not only individuals, but also their families, communities, and society at large. As part of this commitment, the University conducts educational programs about the dangers of abuse of alcohol and other drugs in an effort to encourage and promote responsible and healthy lifestyles. The University also works closely with local resources to provide access to programs for treatment for individuals who are experiencing difficulty in coping with issues related to alcohol and/or drug abuse. Students wishing to seek initial assistance through off-campus sources may contact Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services at 1-800-848-3649 in Gainesville.

The University complies with and upholds all federal, state, and local laws that regulate or prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. In addition to the illegal possession, use, or distribution of these substances, Piedmont University policy further prohibits all possession, use, sale, gift, or other transfer of intoxicants or illegal drugs or paraphernalia in any form or manner on the University campus. The exception to this policy applies to Piedmont Village residents. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs at off-campus college sponsored events is prohibited.

As administrator of certain federally funded financial aid programs for students, the University adheres to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. Also, as administrator of certain state-funded financial aid programs for students, Piedmont University adheres to Georgia's Drug-Free Postsecondary Educational Act of 1990.

Federal Student Aid- Drug Convictions

Drug Convictions:  Student Financial Aid Eligibility

 

FEDERAL AID

Beginning with the 2021-2022 year, the U.S. Department of Education is removing the suspension of eligibility for Title IV aid, (Pell, SEOG, Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Student Loans) due to a drug conviction that occurred while receiving Title IV aid. Since the 2021-2022 year FAFSA is already in the processing cycle, the drug conviction question will remain on the FAFSA until the Department phases it out in the next year cycle. Institutions will ignore any flags or comment codes related to the previous drug conviction requirement and will not request resolution actions from the student. Institutions will proceed to award and disburse Title IV aid to students if they are otherwise eligible.

 

STATE AID

The drug conviction requirement remains in effect for all State aid (all HOPE/Zell and GTEG funds). The requirement is included in State of Georgia regulations and can only be removed or changed by State legislative action.

 

If you have any questions about drug conviction and how it affects your financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 706-776-0114 or finaid@piedmont.edu

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy

1. Possession, use, sale, gift, or other transfer of intoxicants in any form or manner on the University campus is strictly prohibited (see Piedmont Village exception). Any student present during the violation of this policy may also be subject to judicial action.
2. Students under the age of 21 who have consumed alcohol or anyone who has used illegal drugs are in violation of state law and subject to arrest and/or sanctions.
3. Common minimum sanctions:

1st offense:

• 5-10 hours of community service completed on campus
• Alcohol Edu Sanction online course ($50)

2nd offense:

• 10-20 hours of community service completed on campus
• Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for University Students (BASICS) ($150)
• Disciplinary Probation

3rd offense:

• Suspension for one or more semesters
• Possible Expulsion

Additional sanctions can be assigned with any offense and can include but are not limited to: counseling services, parental notification, drug testing, restorative justice assignments, restitution for damaged property, party host fine, or educational sanctions etc.

Piedmont Village Alcohol Use Policy

Recognizing the capacity of students to make sound choices, alcoholic beverages for private consumption by those residents and their guests who are 21 and over is permitted in the Village. The vitality of the academic community relies on each individual taking personal responsibility for their actions regarding alcohol use and for safeguarding the well-being of others. The abuse and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs place the health and safety of individuals at risk and directly contradicts the mission of our University and the success of our community of learners. Students whose drinking creates a risk of danger to the health and safety of themselves or others are subject to suspension and/or loss of other University privileges, including residency in the Village.

1. If all residents of a Piedmont Village Suite are 21 years of age or older at the start of the semester, alcohol is permitted in the suite.
2. Alcohol is permitted only in the Village Suite where all residents are of legal drinking age.
3. No alcohol may be consumed in the presence of minors.
4. Serving or providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited.
5. Students who host an event in their Village Suite where alcoholic beverages are being consumed are responsible for ensuring that underage students and/or guests are not in attendance.
6. Any student, regardless of age, found to be intoxicated, will be evaluated by campus staff for medical treatment. Any student, regardless of age, requiring medical treatment, will be required to participate in alcohol evaluation and education.
7. Beer kegs in any condition, beer balls, any similar type of common source and their equivalents in volume of beer and/or alcohol content are prohibited.
8. Possession of alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: electronic alcohol signs, any empty alcohol containers, drinking game supplies, funnels, including bottle and can collections or other items deemed inappropriate by Residence Life staff.
9. Any alcohol being transported must be completely covered from open view and be taken directly to the resident’s Village Suite.
10. Open containers and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in hallways, stairwells, lounges, parking lots, common areas or on the grounds of the Village. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in any public area (outside the Village Suites) is strictly prohibited (common areas, parking lots, etc.).
11. The maximum occupancy of a Village Suite should not exceed 12 people at any given time.
12. Students who are 21 or over and choose to consume alcohol must not exhibit loud, disruptive or indecent behavior, vandalize property, or interfere with the cleanliness of the residence halls.
13. Students are responsible for the actions of their guests at all times.

All Piedmont Village residents will comply with the laws of Habersham County and the State of Georgia regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcohol. Violations of these guidelines may result in criminal charges, college sanctions and/or loss of campus housing privileges. This policy will be reviewed annually by the Piedmont University Administration.

Chalking Policy

Chalking is only permitted by sanctioned clubs/organizations and approval must be obtained by the Coordinator of Student Activities, Organizations, and Greek Life.

1. Chalking is only permitted on natural gray concrete sidewalks and streets that are subject to being washed by the rain.
2. Prohibited chalking areas include and are not limited to;
• Bricks around the campus
• Interiors and exteriors of buildings
• Underneath overhangs/covered areas
• The sidewalk between Congregational Circle and Daniel Hall to include the area in front of Stewart Hall and between Stewart and Daniel Halls.

Violations may be referred for Judicial action.

Damage to Property

Malicious or unauthorized, intentional damage or destruction of property belonging to the University, to a member of the University community, or to a visitor to the campus, is prohibited.

Discrimination

Piedmont University is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and students and will make every effort to comply with requirements of the law. The University has designated an individual to handle complaints of alleged discrimination. Anyone believing they have been the victim of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical handicap, or age should report it immediately to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Human Resources 706-776-0123. Any complaint of discrimination will be reviewed within the University's general grievance procedure.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

At Piedmont University, Diversity is recognizing and embracing that each individual is unique and recognizing their individual differences. These differences include, but are not limited to: ethnicity, race, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, military experience diversities, and national origin.

At Piedmont University, Equity is recognizing and embracing that we don’t all start from the same place and there are uneven starting places. We acknowledge these uneven places and seek to correct the imbalance.

At Piedmont University, Inclusion is recognizing and embracing we are “one” and every student, staff, and faculty member is valued, respected, and treated with dignity regardless of their differences.

At Piedmont University, we are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for all.

We encourage all students to commit to:

Supporting efforts to make Piedmont University an environment that is Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive for all.

 

Respecting all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of race, age, national origin, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual identity, or ability status.

 

Affirming the value of civility in my interactions with all members of the Piedmont University community.

 

Disorderly Assembly

1. No students shall assemble on campus for the purpose of creating a riot, destruction, or disorderly diversion which interferes with the normal operation of the University.
2. No student or group of students shall obstruct the free movement of other persons about the campus, interfere with the use of University facilities, or materially interfere with the normal operation of the University.
3. The abuse or unauthorized use of sound amplification equipment is prohibited.

Disorderly Conduct

1. Disorderly or obscene conduct or breach of the peace on University property or at any function sponsored or supervised by the University or any recognized University organization is prohibited.
2. No student shall push, strike, or physically assault any member of the faculty, administration, staff, student body, or any visitor to the campus.
3. No student shall sexually assault any member of the faculty, administration, staff, student body, or any visitor to the campus.
4. Conduct on University property or at functions sponsored or supervised by the University or any recognized University organizations, which materially interferes with the normal operation of the University is prohibited.
5. Verbal or sexual harassment is prohibited.
6. No student may misrepresent facts, falsify, or lie to University officials.
7. No student shall disobey a lawful order of a University official including, but not limited to failure to evacuate a building during a fire alarm or refusing to present an ID upon request. Failure to cooperate with and show respect for University faculty, staff (including Resident Assistants, Resident Coordinators, and Resident Directors), guests, or vendors is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to verbal offensiveness and obscene gestures.

Explosives

No student shall possess, furnish, sell or use explosives, weapons, or ammunition of any kind on University property, or at functions sponsored or supervised by the University or any recognized University organization.

Falsification of Records

No student shall, or attempt to, alter, counterfeit, forge, or cause to be altered, counterfeited, or forged, any record, form, or document used by the University.

Fire Safety

1. No student shall tamper with fire safety equipment, which includes fire doors, alarms, signs, extinguishers, pull boxes, hoses or other firefighting equipment. A $500 fine will be charged to all violators.
2. The possession or use of fireworks on University property or events sponsored or supervised by the University or any recognized University organization is prohibited. Fireworks are defined as any substance prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, or detonation.
3. The unauthorized possession, sale, furnishing, or use of any incendiary device is prohibited.
4. No student shall set or cause to be set any unauthorized fire in or on University property.
5. Students must evacuate University facilities during fire drills or any University safety procedures.

Gambling

The playing of cards or any other game of skill or chance for money or other items of value is prohibited unless it is through an authorized college activity.

Hazing

The word "haze" is defined as "to initiate or discipline (fellow students) by means of horseplay, practical jokes, and tricks, often in the nature of humiliating and painful ordeals." This includes all rites and ceremonies of induction, initiation, or orientation into University life or into the life of any University group which tends to occasion or allow physical or mental suffering. Hazing, in any form, physical or mental, is strictly prohibited and is grounds for immediate dismissal.

Joint Responsibility for Infractions

1. Students who knowingly act in concert to violate University regulations have individual and joint responsibility for such violations and such concerted acts are prohibited. Students are responsible for the behavior of non-students accompanying them on campus.
2. Any student present during a violation of the Student Behavior Code may be subject to judicial action whether or not the student actively participated in the violation.

Misuse of University Name

The use of the University's name for soliciting funds or for some other activity without prior approval of proper University authorities, or any unauthorized use of the University's name, is prohibited.

Reckless Endangerment

No student shall engage in any act or conduct that could result in injury to the life or the property of that student or any other student, faculty or staff member of the general public. Such an act or such conduct, whether intentional or unintentional, shall include but not be limited to the following: violations of health and safety standards, operation of motor vehicles, etc.

Solicitation

The following types of solicitation, when approved by the appropriate administrative office, are permitted:

1. Approved fund-raising activities by organizations related to the University.
2. Distribution of information in public areas.
3. All other solicitation is prohibited.

Theft

1. No student shall sell a textbook that is not their own.
2. No student shall take, attempt to take, or keep in their possession, items of University property, or items belonging to students, faculty, staff, student groups, or visitors to the campus without proper authorization and/or payment.
3. No student may steal, or attempt to steal services. This means students may not eat in the cafeteria or use college equipment without proper authorization.

Tobacco-Free Campus

Piedmont University is a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus. All students, staff, faculty and visitors are prohibited from smoking and using, selling, free distributing, and advertising tobacco products and electronic smoking devices (ex. e-cigarettes) in all facilities and on all University property, including University-owned vehicles, and in any privately-owned vehicle parked or operated on University property.

Trash

No student shall improperly dispose of bottles, cans, cigarette butts, or any other form of litter on campus. Designated containers are provided for proper disposal of all litter or recyclables.

Unauthorized Entry or Use of University Facilities

1. No student shall make unauthorized entry into any building, office, or other facility, nor shall any person remain without authorization in any building after normal closing hours. Students may not allow others into unauthorized areas.
2. No student shall make unauthorized use of any University facility.
3. Duplication of Piedmont University keys is prohibited.

Violation of Outside Law

Violations of local, state, or federal law, on or off campus, are prohibited. The University may take action in conjunction with or independent of local, state, or federal authorities.

Violating Campus Motor Vehicle Regulations

A student whose car is not properly registered or who parks in a non-designated space is subject to ticketing, towing, and/or impounding at the student's expense. Students who accumulate three parking violations in one semester may lose their campus parking privileges. Parking tickets may be appealed by completing an appeal form https://piedmontcollegega.wufoo.com/forms/parking-citation-appeal/. If an appeal is granted, the account will be credited if already paid or the charge will be removed from the student account.

Weapons

Students are prohibited from possession of firearms, ammunition, or weapons of any kind on University property or at events sponsored or supervised by the University or any recognized University organization. The possession or use of any other offensive weapons or perceived weapons such as machetes, bows and arrows, knives, switchblades, swords, and air-soft guns are prohibited.