Code of Conduct

University Judicial System

Responsible behavior is expected of all Piedmont students at all times. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct 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 life professional staff member, 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 office of Student Life and Leadership. The Vice President of Student Life and Leadership, the Dean of Students/Director of Residential Living, and the Associate and Assistant Directors of Residential Living are the primary campus officials who address policy violations along with the support of campus police. It is the goal of the university 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.  

Student Conduct Conferences shall be conducted by the guidelines listed below. Accused students subject to less severe sanctions may, at the discretion of the Dean of Students, be afforded but are not guaranteed the guidelines outlined below. These guidelines are as follows:

1. Student Conduct Conferences will typically be conducted in private and may involve joint conferences where two or more students are charged in the same fact pattern.
2. The accused student is expected to attend the entire portion of the student conduct conference at which information is received (excluding deliberations) provided the accused student and the accused student’s advisor appear at the designated time and do not inhibit the proceeding. Admission of any other person to the student conduct conference shall be at the discretion of the Dean of Students or their designee.
3. In student conduct conferences involving more than one accused students may be permitted in the student conduct conferences concerning each student to be conducted either separately or jointly.
4. There will be no finding of responsibility solely because a student remains silent during a student conduct conference. Accused students are responsible for presenting their own information.
5. The accused student and the Dean of Students may arrange for witnesses to present pertinent information.
6. An accused student, witness, or other participating party who is verbally abusive, disruptive to the process, or persists in trying to inappropriately and substantively participate in the process after being warned to cease and desist may be asked to leave and may be precluded from attendance at future meetings.  The University has the right at all times to determine what constitutes appropriate behavior.
7. Pertinent records, exhibits, student impact statements and other written statements may be accepted as information for consideration. Student impact statements and other documents determined at the discretion of the chairperson shall be reviewed during the sanction phase only.
8. The focus of inquiry in student conduct proceedings shall be the determination of whether a violation of University rules occurred and, if relevant, collect information to inform factors that are considered for issuing sanctions. In all initial student conduct proceedings, the burden of proof shall rest with the University, and said burden of proof shall be by a preponderance of the information. Preponderance of the information is defined as the greater weight and degree of credible information admitted in the conference. A determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the accused student violated the Student Conduct Code.
9. The accused student shall be informed of the outcome of the Student Conduct Conference in writing.
10. If an accused student with notice, does not appear at a student conduct conference, the information in support of charges shall be presented, considered, and a decision may be made. Reasonable accommodations can be requested in order to provide access for students with disabilities.
11. The appeal must be submitted in writing within three calendar days of the date on the sanction letter to the Dean of Students or Vice President of Student Life and Leadership.  

 

Student conduct standards as outlined in the Student Handbook shall be administered by the Vice President for Student Affairs and/or designee. Violations of Residence Life or campus rules that are specified in the Residence Hall or University Housing Contracts will be within the jurisdiction of Residence Life and/or Campus Police.

1. The focus of student conduct proceedings is to determine whether the University’s standards of conduct have been violated. To this end, student conduct proceedings attempt to balance an understanding and knowledge of the students’ needs with the needs of the University community.
2. Individuals may bring a complaint against a student for alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code.  Any complaint should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place.  Such complaints may be submitted to the Student Life Office.
3. An investigation may be initiated to determine if the complaint has merit.  Complaints may result in charges, a form of alternative dispute resolution, or dismissal of complaint. These decisions are made at the sole discretion of the University.
4. All charges shall be presented to the accused student in written form. The accused student will be given at least one (1) University business days to prepare for a conference. In all student conduct proceedings, the accused student shall be presumed not responsible until it is proven that a violation of the University rules occurred by a preponderance of the information standard.

 

Conduct Hearings/Student Conduct Conference

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.

The Hearing is not a Court of Law where allegations must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt”. During the hearing, the allegations must be proven based upon “a preponderance of evidence.”  While all referred students are encouraged to participate in the hearing process, PU will adjudicate all cases and render a decision regardless of referred student participation. A notice of allegations will be sent to each student upon completion of the hearing process.

Hearings can be completed by Associate Director of Residence Life, Assistant Director of Residence Life, Dean of Students, Vice President of Student Life and Campus Police or their designee. If it is academic in nature, the Academic Dean of that college or their designee could also be included. Typically, Associate and Assistant Directors of Residence Life will hold hearing conferences for first offenses and the Dean of students, et. All, will determine the best route for 2^nd offenses or more serious acts of violence or federal and state law violations.

Students have the right to appeal the outcome of the decision to the Vice President for Student Life and Leadership. This appeal must be requested and submitted in writing within three calendar days of the date on the sanction adjudication letter.

 

 

Appeal Process

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 Students or Vice President of Student Life and Leadership.  

 

Sanctions and Penalties

University Sanctions: Any member of the Piedmont University faculty, staff, or student body who violates the Code of Conduct shall be subject to corrective disciplinary actions and penalties up to and including expulsion from university academic programs, termination of employment, and referral to the appropriate state, federal, or local authorities for prosecution in the courts.

State, Federal, and Local Sanctions: In addition, depending on the nature of the crime, persons convicted of violating federal and state laws prohibiting the unlawful use, possession and distribution of illegal alcohol or drugs may face sanctions such as heavy fines; incarceration for various periods of time, including life; forfeiture of assets; and suspension or loss of drivers, business, or professional licenses.

 

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.

Community Service- A specified number of hours of work to be performed by the student to give back time taken away by the action of the party involved in the violation. Assignments of Community Service hours will be emailed following sanctioning. They may include: student Life and Leadership/Housing/Student Success Center, Maintenance/Daniel Hall or off campus entities pre-approved by the Dean of Students or VPSL.

 

Counseling-Students may be required to receive counseling by a Piedmont University counselor, local provider, or community support group depending on the circumstances of the violation. They may request that the student meet a specified number of sessions for issues including, but not limited to, anger management, substance abuse, and personal circumstances.

Citation-Written documentation for violation of a state or federal law

Disciplinary Suspension- Temporary severance of the student's relationship with the University for a specified period of time.

Drug Testing-Random summons to look for the presence of one or more illegal or prescription drugs

Drug Testing Consequences-The threshold for THC/Cannabinoids (regardless of source marijuana or CBD supplements) as 150 ng/ml.  Therefore, Piedmont University has established the following departmental guidelines for those who are tested. Any traceable amount of THC in their system under 150 ng/ml will be treated as a first offense sanction. For those that have 150 ng/ml will be treated as a second offense level or above sanction. Failure to submit a drug test will be considered a positive test and may also be subject to additional athletic sanctions. 

 

Disciplinary Probation-A student might be given a period of time where if further violations occur there could be additional and more serious sanctions. Violations pertaining to conduct regulations while on probation may result in severe disciplinary sanctions, to include suspension or expulsion from the institution. 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.

Education Assignment-Assignment given to help educate and prevent continued behavior. These can be in the form of written, practical, workshop, training, or online.

 

Expulsion- Permanent severance of the student's relationship with the University. This severance includes being barred from campus.

 

Fines- A specific financial penalty charged to the student responsible. Students may be fined for damages or tampering with university property depending on the severity of the violation.

Health and Safety Check-Randomized entry into a space to identify any potential hazards or safety violations in the campus owned space.

Immediate Suspension- The student may be required to leave the campus immediately if, in the opinion of the Vice President 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.

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.

Pets-Piedmont University is responsible  for assuring the health and safety of all employees. In keeping with this objective, Piedmont University does not permit students to bring their household pets to campus. To request accommodations regarding the help of a service animal, please visit the office of Accommodations to complete the necessary steps.

Reprimand-(either written or verbal)An official written or verbal notification that a student’s behavior is in violation of university regulations or standards and clarifies expected behavior in the future.

 

Restitution- Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of appropriate service, apology, or other compensation.

Room Entry and Searches-The university reserves the right and the students as part of their housing agreement, agree to allow the University to enter student rooms for the purpose of:

• Health and safety inspections
• Enforcing University policies as outlined in the student handbook, code of conduct and residence life housing contract
• Facility improvements and routine maintenance.
• Managing rooms in the event of an epidemic or emergency that jeopardizes the well-being of the occupant or other students.
• Maintaining a quiet environment where residents may sleep and study
• Unscheduled/reasonable suspicion room inspections to ensure policies in the student handbook and housing contract are being followed

 

 

Sanctions Chart

The following are the recommended sanctions for each conduct violation within the Student Code of Conduct. Note that depending on the situation additional sanctions can be implemented in addition to those listed below and is to only be used as a guide of possible sanctions.

Violation	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense
Alcohol Possession/ Use	Community service (min.5 hrs.), Alcohol education course	Disciplinary Probation, Counseling, community service, BASICS Course ($150)	Loss of housing privileges, Police Citation
Underage Alcohol Possession/Use	Police Citation, Alcohol education course, community service hours	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), Counseling, community service hours, BASICS Course ($150), Police Citation	Suspension from housing one or more semesters, Possible Expulsion, Police citation
Drug Possession less than 1 ounce:	Written Reprimand, educational sanction; community service hours (min.5hrs.), Athletics notified if applicable	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), Random drug testing, Random Health and Safety checks; Athletics notified if applicable	Suspension from Housing one ore more semesters, Possible expulsion, Citation, Athletics notified if applicable
Drug Possession/ Use: Marijuana	Written Reprimand, educational sanction; community service hours (min. 5hrs.), Athletics Notified if applicable	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), Random drug testing, Random Health and Safety checks; $250 fine Athletics Notified if applicable	Suspension from housing one or more semesters, Possible Expulsion, citation; Athletics Notified if applicable
Drug Possession/ Use: Other drugs	Written Reprimand, educational sanction, community services hours (min.5 hrs.); Athletics Notified if applicable	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), drug testing, Random Health and Safety checks; $250 fine: Athletics notified if applicable	Suspension from Housing one ore more semesters, Possible expulsion, Citation, Athletics notified if applicable
Drug Paraphernalia Possession/ Use	Educational Sanction, counseling, Athletics Notified if applicable	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), Random drug testing, Random Health and Safety Checks	Suspension from Housing one or more semesters, Possible expulsion, Criminal Trespass Citation
Intent to distribute: Marijuana	Expulsion
Intent to distribute: Other drugs	Expulsion
Tampering with Fire Safety Equipment	$500 fine and fire safety course	Disciplinary Probation, Community Service, $1,000 fine	Suspension from Housing one or more semesters, Possible expulsion, Citation, fine
Fire Safety (not exiting a building, ?)	$100 fine	$150 fine, Community Service, First safety Training	Suspension from Housing one or more semesters
Solicitation	$150 fine	Community Service, Disciplinary Probation	Suspension, Possible Expulsion
Damage to Property	Fines vary
Disorderly Conduct	Written Reprimand, Educational Sanction	$250 Fine, Disciplinary Probation	Suspension, Possible expulsion
Harassment	Suspension, Possible Expulsion	Indefinitely excluded from campus
Hate Crime	Expulsion
Hazing	Expulsion
Theft	Expulsion
Weapons	Expulsion
Explosives	Expulsion
Violating Campus Motor Vehicles	Fines vary	Fines vary	Parking privileges redacted
Gambling	Written Reprimand, Educational Sanction	Fine, Counseling Intake	Disciplinary Probation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alcohol and Drugs

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. 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.

 

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, letter to athletic coach. or educational sanctions etc. Piedmont University is committed to the health and well-being of the members of its staff, faculty, and student body. As part of this commitment, the college complies with all federal, state, and local laws that regulate or prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs. Violations of such laws that come to the attention of college officials will be addressed within the college and/or through prosecution in the courts.

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

Accordingly, all Piedmont University full-time, part-time, and temporary faculty, staff, and students (hereinafter collectively referred to as "faculty/staff/students") are notified of the Standards of Conduct that Piedmont University will apply to all activities conducted on college-owned property and to all other college-sponsored activities. This policy and any revisions thereto, shall be made available in the Policies and Procedures Manual and the Student Handbook to all faculty/staff/students (including student employees).  A review of this policy shall be conducted once every two years.

All Piedmont University faculty/staff/students are prohibited by the university from unlawful possession, use, manufacture, dispensing, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs on college-owned property or at university-sponsored activities. Further, no alcoholic beverages shall be served or consumed on university property, with the exception of college-owned homes occupied by faculty or staff, in which locations the consumption and service of alcohol must comply with all federal, state and local laws and the Piedmont Village Residence Hall. At university-sponsored functions attended only by students, faculty and staff, alcoholic beverage service and consumption shall comply with requirements of all federal, state and local laws.

Piedmont University expects all of its faculty/staff/students and all college-sponsored organizations to comply with applicable state, federal, or local laws pertaining to the use, possession, manufacture, dispensation, or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Abandoned Property

Chalking Policy

Chalking is only permitted by sanctioned clubs/organizations and approval must be obtained by the Director of Student Life and Leadership or the Director of Residential Living.

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.

Commercial Enterprises

Use of University property and any University resource for the conduct of commercial enterprises and/or business is prohibited.

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.

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 or allegations 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 student conduct conference meeting, 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 Dean of Students or the Vice President of Student Life and Leadership. 

Discrimination

Piedmont University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity within its faculty, staff, and students.

 

It is the policy of Piedmont University not to discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, race, age, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

 

 

Inquiries or complaints from students or employees concerning the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex in this statement should be directed to:

 

Coordinator for Title IX, Courtney Snow

Daniel Hall, Room 303D
1021 Central Avenue
PO Box 10
Demorest, GA 30535

(706) 778-8500 ext.1504

titleix@piedmont.edu

 

 

Inquiries or complaints from students, other than on the basis of sex, concerning any of the prohibitions of discrimination in the statement should be directed to:

504 Coordinator, Courtney Snow
Director, Compliance, Equity, and ADA

Daniel Hall, – Room 303D
1021 Central Avenue
P.O. BOX 10
Demorest, GA 30535
(706) 778-8500

csnow@piedmont.edu

 

 

 

 

 

Inquiries or complaints from employees concerning any of the prohibitions of discrimination in this statement should be directed to:

Letitia Roller
Director of Human Resources

Daniel Hall – Room 209C
1021 Central Avenue
P.O. BOX 10
Demorest, GA 30535

(706) 778-8500

hr@piedmont.edu

 

 

 

 

Students and employees may also submit a charge of discrimination to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights:

U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights

400 Maryland Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-1328

 

1-800-421-3481

Email Address: ocr@ed.gov
Web: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

 

 

 

Employees may also submit a charge of discrimination to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Atlanta District Office

100 Alabama Street, SW, Suite 4R30

Atlanta, GA 30303

1-800-669-4000

Email Address: info@eeoc.gov

Web: https://www.eeoc.gov/

 

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.

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

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 university 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. Clubs and Organizations, Fraternities, Sororities, Athletic Teams: Hazing, in any form, physical or mental, is strictly prohibited and is grounds for immediate dismissal. All Piedmont fraternities and sororities must file a hazing policy compliance form with the Office of Student Life to certify compliance with this policy.

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 Code of Conduct may be subject to judicial action whether or not the student actively participated in the violation.

Mail

While registered as a student at Piedmont University any mail should be sent to the local post office which is located directly across the street from the main campus entrance. The local USPS location can be found at 550 Georgia Street, Demorest GA. 30535. For more specific information regarding the purchase of a P.O. Box, and services visit the website; https://www.usps.com/.

 

Meal Plans

All students who live in university owned housing are required to purchase a meal plan. 19 meals per week with $150 Declining Balance/semester* 250 Block meals with $100 Declining Balance/semester 170 Block meals with $235 Declining Balance/semester 7 meals per week with $300 Declining Balance/semester** *19 meals per week plan is required for all first-year students and students under 25 credit hours. **7 meals per week plan is only available to residents at the Student Village or residential students who are enrolled in clinicals or student teaching Declining Balance is available for use throughout the semester and can be spent at the Market, located in the Commons. A Declining Balance dollar is equivalent to one US dollar and can be reloaded.

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.

On-Campus Residency Requirements

All full-time students with a scholarship are required to live in University owned housing. Students must be 17 years of age by Welcome Week, Move-In day. Additionally, any student under the age of 18 require parental / legal guardian consent to reside on campus. These requests must be submitted to the Director of Residential Living for approval and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a Housing Committee. Students who are under the age of 17 or are over the age of 24 must request permission in writing to reside on campus. A formal request must be sent to the Director of Residential Living for review by committee. Exceptions: Exceptions to the residency requirement are: Married students, Students with dependents, Students declared financially independent by the Financial Aid Office, Part-Time students, or students who receive special permission from the Vice President of Student Life and Leadership. All students living at the primary residence of their parents or legal guardian in Habersham, Banks, Hall, Rabun, Stephens, Towns or White counties. (With the exception of student athletes.) Students who are 21 years of age or older on the first day of registration for the Fall term. (With the exception of athletes).

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.

Reasonable suspicion includes, but is not limited to, suspicious odors, paraphernalia, extreme and/or erratic behavior, verbal reports or anonymous tips which are credible in the opinion of an official, symptoms commonly associated with non-prescription or illegal drug or alcohol use, and traces of non-prescription or illegal drugs or alcohol

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.

Solicitation

The term “solicit” is defined as the taking of orders, sales, rentals or donations. Any solicitation on campus must have the approval of the Student Life, whether such solicitation is by an officially recognized student organization, university organization, a governmental agency or other. Door-to-door solicitation by outside entities is not permitted.

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.

Campus Motor Vehicle

All motor vehicles must display a valid university parking permit before they may be parked on university property, with the exception of those parked in visitor pay areas and 30-minute spaces, which do not require the display of any type of permit.

Under no circumstances may rollerblades, hoverboards, or skateboards be used in campus buildings or on benches, steps, or walls, except in designated recreation areas.

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.

Withdrawal

Students who have been required to withdraw from the university for medical or conduct reasons shall leave the premises within 24 hours after being notified or sooner if so directed by the Dean of Students.

Students who have been required to withdraw from the university for student conduct reasons and who desire to be reinstated shall present their requests in writing to the Vice President of Student Life

Students who have been required to withdraw from the university for medical reasons and who desire to be reinstated shall follow re-enrollment procedures obtained from the Vice President for Student Life.