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Student Code of Conduct

 XVIII. Academic Honor Code

Article I: Honor Agreement

Having read the Georgia Institute of Technology Academic Honor code, I understand and accept my responsibility as a member of the Georgia Tech Community to uphold the Honor Code at all times. In addition, I understand my options for reporting honor violations as detailed in the code. 

Article II: Honor Code

Section 1. Statement of Purpose 

The members of the Georgia Tech Community believe the fundamental objective of the Institute is to provide the students with a high quality education while developing in them a sense of ethics and social responsibility. We believe that trust is an integral part of the learning process and that self-discipline is necessary in this pursuit. We also believe that any instance of dishonesty hurts the entire community. It is with this in mind that we have set forth a Student Honor Code at Georgia Tech. 

Section 2. Objectives 

An Honor Code at Georgia Tech aims to cultivate a community based on trust, academic integrity and honor. It specifically aims to accomplish the following: 

-Ensure that students, faculty and administrators understand that the responsibility for upholding academic honesty at Georgia Tech lies with them; 

-Prevent any students from gaining an unfair advantage over other students through academic misconduct; 

-Ensure that students understand that academic dishonesty is a violation of the profound trust of the entire academic community; 

-Clarify what constitutes academic misconduct among students at Georgia Tech and what is expected of them by the Institute, the faculty, and their peers; 

-Cultivate an environment at Georgia Tech where academic dishonesty is not tolerated among the students; 

-Secure a centralized, system of education and awareness of the Honor Code. 

Section 3. Student Responsibilities 

Students are expected to act according to the highest ethical standards. 

The immediate objective of an Honor Code is to prevent any students from gaining an unfair advantage over other students through academic misconduct. The following clarification of academic misconduct is taken from Section XIX Student Conduct Code, of the Rules and Regulations section of the Georgia Institute of Technology General Catalog: 

Academic misconduct is any act that does or could improperly distort student grades or other student academic records. Such acts include but need not be limited to the following: 

-Possessing, using or exchanging improperly acquired written or verbal information in the preparation of any essay, laboratory report, examination, or other assignment included in an academic course; 

-Substitution for, or unauthorized collaboration with, a student in the commission of academic requirements; 

-Submission of material that is wholly or substantially identical to that created or published by another person or person, without adequate credit notations indicating authorship (plagiarism); 

-False claims of performance or work that has been submitted by the claimant; 

-Alteration or insertion of any academic grade or rating so as to obtain unearned academic credit; 

-Deliberate falsification of a written or verbal statement of fact to a member of the faculty so as to obtain unearned academic credit; 

-Forgery, alteration or misuse of any institute document relating to the academic status of the student. 

While these acts constitute assured instances of academic misconduct, other acts of academic misconduct may be defined by the professor. 

Students must sign the Honor Agreement affirming their commitment to uphold the Honor Code before becoming a part of the Georgia Tech community. The Honor Agreement may reappear on exams and other assignments to remind students of their responsibilities under the Georgia Institute of Technology Academic Honor Code. 

Section 4. Faculty Responsibilities 

Faculty members are expected to create an environment where honesty flourishes. In creating this environment, faculty members are expected to do the following; 

-Make known to their class as specifically as possible what constitutes appropriate academic conduct as well as what comprises academic misconduct. This includes but is not limited to the use of previously submitted work, collaborative work on homework, etc. 

-Provide copies of old exams or lists of sample questions to the Georgia Tech library for students to review; 

-Avoid the re-use of exams; 

-Include a paragraph containing information about the Georgia Tech Academic Honor Code on the syllabus for each class they teach; 

Report instances of academic dishonesty to the Office of the Dean of Students 

In addition to the expectation listed above, faculty have the authority to superimpose their own interpretations on some aspects of academic conduct including, but not limited to, the following: 

-Old exams for use during open-book exams; 

-Contents of formula sheets allowed on exams; 

-Use of calculators on exams; 

-Collaboration on out of class assignments; 

-Use of previously submitted out of class assignments. 

Article III: Honor System

Section 1. Governing Bodies 

The Georgia Institute of Technology Academic Honor Code recognizes the present bodies given the power to enforce the academic regulations of the Institute. The Honor Code recognizes the Office of the Dean of Students to be the principle administrator to enforce Institute disciplinary measures as presently specified in Article XIX Section B, of the Rules and Regulations section of the current Georgia Institute of Technology General Catalog. 

The Honor Code also recognizes the Student Honor Committee as that body given jurisdiction to hear all cases of alleged academic misconduct as currently specified in Article XXI Section B, of the Rules and Regulations section of the current Georgia Institute of Technology General Catalog. 

Section 2. Reporting Honor Code Violations 

In order for an Honor Code to function, members of the Georgia Tech Community must not tolerate violations of it by anyone. Community members are at their discretion to use any of three options to report suspected Honor Code violations: 

1. A student may simply desire to confront the fellow student with the perceived infraction. While this option is most likely to enact widespread change in attitude and behavior among students (because violators would understand that they are violating the trust of their peers and not some abstract body of people), it is still expected that an alleged violator be taken before the Student Honor Committee if he or she persists in academic misconduct. 

2. A student may choose to approach the professor of the class in which the alleged infraction occurred and seek his or her input on how to proceed. A result of a conference of this type would be the professor’s awareness that the alleged violator needs closer monitoring to ascertain reasonable certainty of guilt before being brought before the Student Honor Committee. 

3. A student may choose to seek the advice of an Honor Advisor (see Article III., Section 3). Meetings with Honor Advisors shall address issues of policy and procedure only. Specifics of an individual case are not to be discussed. After a consultation with an Honor Advisor, a student may choose to submit a formal accusation of academic misconduct to the Office of the Dean of Students. 

 Section 3. Student Honor Advisory Council 

Students composing the Student Honor Advisory Council are to become well in all aspects of the Georgia Institute of Technology Academic Honor Code and the procedures for reporting an honor violation as well as those procedures for the trying of cases of suspected academic misconduct before the Student Honor Committee. The Council is to act as an information resource to all members of the Georgia Tech Community on issues related to the Honor Code. 

A. Membership 

  1. Members are to be selected by the Vice-President of Student Affairs or a designated person to carry out these duties.
  2. Members must be full-time students at Georgia Tech and must be in good academic standing.
  3. Once a member of the council, the student shall serve until he or she graduates, unless he or she resigns or is impeached.
  4. Impeachment procedures are to be specified in the rules and/or bylaws of the Honor Advisory Council.
  5. Membership shall be composed of no less than fifteen (15) students at any given time.
B. Duties and Responsibilities  1. To serve in an advisory capacity to any student(s) wishing to report an honor violation or any student(s) being accused of committing an honor violation. 

2. To continually educate and maintain awareness among the Georgia Tech Community regarding the Honor Code. 

3. To limit discussion with students to issues of policy and procedure. 

 Article IV. Amending the Honor Code

Amendments to the Georgia Tech Academic Honor Code may be proposed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of both the Undergraduate Student Council and the Graduate Student Senate, or by a petition of ten percent (10%) of the total population (undergraduate and graduate) directed to both the undergraduate student body President and the graduate body President. 

Amendments become part of this Honor Code upon ratification by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast in a special election open to the undergraduate and graduate students, provided that the proposed amendments have been published in the Technique at least one week prior to the vote by the Student Body and further provided that the amendments are approved by the Academic Senate. 

Appendices or amendments of appendices which pertain to either the undergraduate student body or to the graduate student body may be proposed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the respective legislative body or a petition of at least ten percent of the respective student body directed to the respective student body president. These shall become part of this Honor Code upon ratification by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes in a special election of the respective student body, provided that the proposed appendices or amendments of appendices have been published in The Technique at least one week prior to the election, and further provided that the appendices or amendments of appendices are approved by the Academic Senate.

Appendix A: 

Graduate Addendum to the Academic Honor Code

I Preamble

The Honor Code recognizes that graduate students are involved in research and scholarly activities which occur outside the classroom. Integrity and academic honesty are as fundamental to research and scholarly activity as they are to classroom activity. Therefore, this Appendix to the Honor Code is adopted to pertain to the academic activities of graduate students which occur outside of the classroom. 

II. Scholarly Misconduct

Scholarly misconduct refers to misconduct which occurs in research and scholarly activities outside of the classroom. It can include plagiarism, among other things. The consequences of scholarly misconduct are governed by Institute Policy. The following definitions are taken from the Institute Policy on Scholarly Misconduct; 

"Misconduct" or "scholarly misconduct" is the fabrication of data, plagiarism, or other practice that seriously deviates form those that are commonly accepted within the academic or research community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research or scholarly activity. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretation or judgments of data. 

"Plagiarism" is the act of appropriating the literary composition of another, or parts of passages of his or her writings, or language or ideas of the same, and passing them off as the product of ones own mind. It involves the deliberate use of any outside source without proper acknowledgment. Plagiarism is scholarly misconduct whether it occurs in any work, published or unpublished, or in any application for funding. 

Allegations involving scholarly misconduct fall under the Institutes Policy on Scholarly Misconduct. This document details the procedures involved with reporting allegations and with the handling of cases. All graduate students are encouraged to become familiar with this policy, which is available from the Office of the Provost. 
 
 

XIX. Student Code of Conduct 

This reflects the Student Code of Conduct at the time of the printing of this catalogue. The official Code of Conduct reflecting all changes can be found on the Dean of Students web site at www.deanofstudents.gatech.edu/integrity/page.php?condcode.htm In the event of any conflict, the Code found on the web site will govern.

  1. General
  2. Administration of the Judicial Process
  3. Prohibited Academic Conduct
  4. Prohibited NonAcademic Conduct 
  5. Procedural Rights, Adjudication, and Sanctions
  6. Appeals Procedures
  7. Appendices 
Academic Honor Code

Conduct Code and Disciplinary Procedures for Student Organizations

Georgia Institute of Technology Student Policy on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

Georgia Tech Student Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct 

Regents Statement on Disruptive Behavior

Computer Use and Network Policy

Board of Regents Policy 406.01 Withdrawal of Recognition of Student Organizations
 
 

 A. GENERAL 

Purpose of the Disciplinary System

A Student enrolling in the Georgia Institute of Technology assumes an obligation to conduct himself or herself in a manner compatible with the Institute’s function as an educational Institution. Actions considered inimical to the Institute and subject to discipline fall into the categories of academic and nonacademic misconduct. The Student Code of Conduct clearly defines these expectations and outlines the adjudication process. The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to educate all members of the Georgia Tech community and to maintain an environment conducive to academic excellence. Authority for Student Discipline  The Board of Regents’ policies and bylaws "give institutions responsibility for discipline of students, formulation of rules and determination of punishment for violations to the Institution". In addition, the Board of Regents’ and the Georgia Tech Statutes and ByLaws empower the faculty to make rules and regulations for Students and their activities per BOR 401.1, 401.4, 406, 302.06 and Georgia Tech Statutes and Bylaws 2.4, 2.4.3.3(F), 2.5.4. Student Participation  Students as members of the Institute’s community are asked to assume positions of significant responsibility in the Institute’s judicial system in order that they might contribute their skills and insights to the resolution of disciplinary cases. Final authority in disciplinary matters, however, is vested in the BOR in the Institute’s administration. Definitions 

When used in this Code: 

"Complainant" is defined as the accuser or the victim of an alleged violation. 

"Dean of Students" means the Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee. 

"Group" means a number of persons who are associated with each other, but who have not complied with Institute requirements for registration as an Organization. 

"Group or Organization Activity" means any activity on or off Institute Premises that is directly initiated for or supervised by a Group or Organization including any individual activity occurring in buildings, facilities, grounds, utilities, or resources (including computer resources) owned, leased, operated, controlled or supervised by an Institute Organization. 

"Institution" and "Institute" and any other permutations of Georgia Institute of Technology means the Institute and all of its undergraduate, graduate and professional schools, divisions, and programs.

"Institute Official" is defined as faculty, administration, or staff personnel including Students serving as Institute employees.

"Institute Premises" means buildings, facilities, grounds, utilities, or resources (including computer resources) owned, leased, operated, controlled or supervised by the Institute.

"Organization" means a number of persons who have complied with or are in process of complying with the requirements for chartering.

"Student" means any person, who is taking or auditing classes of the Institute, is participating in academic programs, is matriculated in any Institute program, has been accepted for enrollment or is eligible to reenroll without applying for readmission.

"Weapon" is defined in accordance with state law, and also includes any object used to attempt bodily injury or substance designed to inflict a wound or cause injury.

"Will or "shall" are used in the imperative sense.

"Witness" is defined as a person present before the hearing panel providing evidence.

"Working Day" is defined as any days when class is in session per the Institute calendar. Final exam periods are not considered Working Days.

 Interpretation of Regulations  The purpose of publishing disciplinary regulations is to give Students general notice of prohibited behavior and the judicial process. This Code is not written with the specificity of a criminal statute and should not be confused with criminal proceedings. Judicial proceedings are not restricted by the rules of evidence governing criminal and civil proceedings. Questions of interpretation regarding The Code of Conduct shall be referred to the Dean of Students for resolution. InherentAuthority The Institute reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well being of the campus community.  Addressing Inappropriate Classroom Behavior  The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the instructor. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the instructor to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. Longer suspensions from a class, or dismissal from the Institute on disciplinary grounds, must be administered by the Dean of Students in accordance with this Code. Jurisdiction  Academic misconduct relevant to any Institute activity will be addressed wherever it may occur. Nonacademic misconduct includes the acts identified in section D. of this Code whenever such acts: -occur on Institute Premises; or 

-occur at Institute sponsored activities; or

-occur at Group or Organization Activities; or

 -create a clear and present danger of material interference with the normal or orderly processes of the Institute or its requirements of appropriate discipline. Disciplinary Action While Criminal Charges Are Pending  Students may be accountable both to civil authorities and the Institute for acts that  constitute violations of law and of this Code. Disciplinary action at the Institute will normally proceed during pendingcriminal proceedings, and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced. Students charged with felonies may be Interim Suspended and given the opportunity to request a review of the decision as provided in Section B.2 of the Code. Agreements With Other Schools  Where there is conflict between provisions of this Code and tenets of an agreement with other schools, the agreement takes precedence. Student Organizational Discipline  Student Groups and Organizations are accountable to this Code. A Student Group or Organization and its officers may be held collectively and individually responsible when violations of this Code by those associated with the Group or Organization have received the consent or encouragement of the Group or Organization, or of the Group’s or Organization’s leaders or officers. For more information, please see the Conduct Code and Disciplinary Procedures for Student Organizations.   B. ADMINISTRATION OF THE JUDICIAL PROCESSCase Referrals  All acts of misconduct (except as specified by the Dean of Students in writing) on the part of Students shall be reported to the Dean of Students, who is designated the principal administrator to formulate and enforce Institute disciplinary measures as they pertain to Student academic or nonacademic misconduct. Any person may refer a Student or a Student Group or Organization suspected of violating this Code to the Dean of Students. Those individuals referring cases are normally expected to provide testimony and to present relevant evidence in hearings and conferences. Communication  All judicial communication (requests for meetings, notifications, notice of judicial actions, etc.) will be provided via the official Institute e-mail (gt number) address. Revocation of Degrees  The Institute reserves the right to revoke an awarded degree for fraud related to the receipt of the degree, or for serious disciplinary violations committed by a Student prior to the Student’s graduation. Interim Suspension for Individuals and Student Groups/Organizations  Interim Suspension is for an interim period pending disciplinary or criminal proceedings or physical or mental evaluation. In certain circumstances the Dean of Students may impose an interim suspension which shall become immediately effective without advance notice and prior to the actual hearing of the allegations.  a. Interim suspension may be imposed:
      1. to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the Institute community or to preserve Institute property; or
      2. to ensure the Student’s physical or emotional safety and well-being or
      3. if the Student or Student Group/Organization poses a definite threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the Institute; or
      4. if the Student is charged with a felony.
b. During the interim suspension individuals may be denied access to classes, campus facilities and all other Institute activities or privileges.

c. The Dean of Students’ Critical Response Evaluation Team, with appropriate  members of the Management Team, will determine if interim suspension is warranted. Any one member of this team may make the decision with review and ratification if appropriate, by the remainder of the team within 72 hours of this decision. 

d. A Student or Organization that has been suspended on an interim basis may submit a request to the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice President’s designee for a review of the decision within five (5) Working Days of the implementation of the suspension. A request for review of an Interim Suspension decision shall be made in writing and shall list all reasons that the Student or Organization contends that the Interim Suspension is unwarranted. The reasons for the request for review are limited to:
      1. the reliability of the information concerning the Student’s or Organization’s conduct, including the matter of identity;
      2. whether the conduct and surrounding circumstances reasonably 
      3. indicate that the continued presence of the Student or Organization on Institute Premises poses a substantial and immediate threat to himself, herself or to others or the stability and continuance of normal Institute functions.
e. The Vice President or designee will respond to the Student or Organization in writing within two (2) Working Days of the receipt of the request. C. PROHIBITED ACADEMIC CONDUCT 

Academic misconduct (see XVIII. Academic Honor Code) is any act that does or could improperly distort grades or other Student academic records. Such acts include butneed not be limited to the following: 

    1. Possessing, using, or exchanging improperly acquired written or verbal information in the preparation of any essay, laboratory report, examination, or other assignment included in any academic course;
    2. Substitution for, or unauthorized collaboration with, a Student in the commission of academic requirements;
    3. Submission of material that is wholly or substantially identical to that created or published by another person or persons, without adequate credit notations indicating the authorship (plagiarism);
    4. False claims of performance for work that has been submitted by the claimant;
    5. Alteration or insertion of any academic grade or rating so as to obtain unearned academic credit;
    6. Deliberate falsification of a written or verbal statement of fact to a member of the faculty so as to obtain unearned academic credit;
    7. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any Institute document relating to the academic status of the Student.
D. PROHIBITED NONACADEMIC CONDUCT 

Nonacademic misconduct by Students, Organizations or Groups includes but is not limited to the following: 

1. Violations of the Georgia Institute of Technology Student Policy on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs and other substance violations including, but not limited to:

    1. underage use or possession of alcohol;
    2. possession or consumption of alcohol in unauthorized areas;
    3. use or possession of fake identification;
    4. distribution of alcohol to minors;
    5. behavior, while under the influence of alcohol which endangers any  person;
    6. drug abuse, including the use or possession (without valid medical or dental prescription) manufacture, furnishing, sale, or any distribution of any narcotic or dangerous drug controlled by law; this provision is not intended to regulate alcoholic beverages; or
    7. disorderly conduct associated with the use of alcoholic beverages including, but not limited to, boisterousness, rowdiness, obscene or indecent conduct or appearance, or vulgar, profane, lewd, or unbecoming language;
2. Intentionally pushing, unjustifiably striking or physically assaulting, or otherwise intentionally causing reasonable apprehension of such harm to any person; 

3. Disorderly conduct, including but not limited to: 

    1. obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedure or process or other Institute activities, including its public service functions or other authorized activities or
    2. breach of the peace;
4. Behavior, which endangers any person;

5. Unauthorized use of college facilities or premises including: 

    1. unauthorized entry into any Institute Premises or remaining in any building after normal closing hours or 
    2. b. possessing, using, making, or causing to be made any key or any other means of access to any Institute Premises without proper authorization; 
6. Furnishing false information to any Institute Official or offering false statement in any Institute disciplinary hearing;

7. Forgery, alteration, replication, or misuse of any document, record, or identification upon which the Institute relies, regardless of the medium;

8. Any physical or mental hazing action related to membership or connected with rites or ceremonies of induction, initiation, or orientation into Institute life or into the life of any Group or Organization; 

9. Safety violations, including, but not limited to: 

    1. intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false reporting, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency;
    2. tampering with safety devices, or other emergency, safety, or fire fighting equipment;
    3. setting or attempting to set an unauthorized fire;
    4. possession of unauthorized fireworks, firearms, ammunition, or possession of dangerous Weapons, materials, or chemicals; or 
    5. unauthorized sale, possession, furnishing, or use of any bomb or explosive or incendiary device; 
10. Theft and/or unauthorized possession or use of property orservicesbelonging to the Institute, another person, or any other entity;

11. Malicious or unauthorized damage to or destruction of Institute property or property belonging to another; 

12. Violation of rules governing residence in Institute-owned or controlled Property, such as residence halls; 

13. Illegal gambling, including online; 

14. Failure to return or submit property or records of the Institute within the time prescribed by the Institute; 

15. Acting with any other person to perform an unlawful act or to violate an Institute regulation or policy; 

16. Failure to comply with: 

    1. instructions or a direction of any properly identified Institute Official while that person is acting in the performance of their duties;
    2. the terms of a disciplinary sanction 
17. Failure to cooperate with investigative, judicial, or disciplinary proceedings;

18. Intentional violations of Georgia Institute of Technology regulations or policies, which are found on the Dean of Students’, web page at http:www.deanofstudents.gatech.edu/policies. Such regulations or policies include the Institute Computer Network Usage Policy, as well as those regulations relating to entry and use of Institute facilities, use of amplifying equipment, campus demonstrations, parking, and Student Organizations;

19. Violation of the Georgia Tech Student Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct or

20. Violation of any Board of Regents policies or the laws of any city, county, state, or the United States. 
 
 

E. PROCEDURAL RIGHTS, ADJUDICATION, AND SANCTIONS Procedural Rights of the Accused 

Students accused of an act of misconduct and summoned to a hearing before the Honor Committee, Graduate Judiciary Cabinet, Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet, or Judicial Board have the right to: 
    1. be informed of the charge(s) and alleged misconduct upon which the charge is based; 
    2. be informed of the evidence upon which a charge is based and accorded an opportunity to offer a relevant response; 
    3. be accompanied by an advisor of their choice; 
    4. remain silent with no inference of guilt drawn therefrom; 
    5. call and question relevant Witnesses; 
    6. present evidence in their behalf; 
    7. be considered innocent of the charges until proven responsible by a preponderance of the evidence; 
    8. appeal; if requested;
    9. waive any of the above rights. 
Investigation  The Institute’s judicial process utilizes an investigatory model, not an adversarial model in resolving allegations of misconduct with the primary goal of uncovering the truth. The Dean of Students shall open an initial investigation. During the investigation, a Student should continue to attend class and required Institute functions unless otherwise instructed by the Dean of Students. The investigation is closed in one of four (4) ways – 1) the student is not charged, 2) the student agrees to an Alternative Dispute Resolution, 3) the student agrees to an administrative conference/resolution or 4) the Dean of Students issues a decision based on the hearing panel’s findings and recommendation.  Forums of Adjudication  1. Alternative Dispute Resolution
At the sole discretion of the Dean of Students, cases may be assigned for Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR"). If ADR is not agreed to by both parties the remaining forums will adjudicate the case. Results of the ADR proceedings do not require the accused Student to acquire a formal discipline record; however, ADR cases will be considered "prior violations" if future infractions occur. ADR is available only for an accused Student’s first violation in cases where if adjudicated, the resulting sanction would be less severe than probation. The ADR agreement outlines the exact nature of the appropriate sanction to be administered if the agreement is violated. This agreement will close the case, as a Student who chooses ADR is granted no right of appeal.

2. Administrative Conference/Resolution 
After the Dean of Students completes a sufficient investigation, charges the accused Student with a violation of the Student Conduct Code, and outlines appropriate sanctions for the incident, the accused Student may accept responsibility for the charges and agree to abide by the sanctions. This choice will close the case, as a Student that accepts the terms of an administrative conference/resolution is granted no right of appeal.

A Student may elect to accept an administrative conference/resolution, if offered, at any time before a Hearing Panel convenes. If the accused Student chooses an administrative conference/resolution, the Student will be provided notice of a final disciplinary action from the administrative hearing officer containing the official charges and terms of the sanctions. If the sanctions are not fulfilled according to the terms, additional charges or sanctions may result, and/or a hold may be placed on the accused Student’s record until terms are met.

3. Hearing Panel 
An accused Student may choose adjudication. The Dean of Students reserves sole discretion to forward cases to the appropriate panel including, but not limited to, the Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet, the Graduate Judiciary Cabinet, the Student Honor Committee, or the Judicial Board. The hearing panel composed of Students will make a recommendation to the Dean of Students as to the panel’s fact-finding and sanctions. A hearing panel composed of faculty members and Students will forward a decision to be implemented by the Dean of Students. Decisions of a hearing panel and a decision made after a recommendation from a hearing panel can be appealed by the accused Student. 

If a Student accused of non-academic misconduct chooses to have the case adjudicated by a hearing panel, the case will be forwarded to one of three boards: 1) the Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet, 2) the Judicial Board and 3) the Graduate Judiciary Cabinet. The Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet hears cases of undergraduate nonacademic misconduct and has jurisdiction over the case if the event occurred of Institute Housing controlled or supervised areas or if the likely resulting sanction, if found responsible, is probation or higher. The Judicial Board hears cases of undergraduate nonacademic misconduct and has jurisdiction over the case if the event occurred in or around Institute Housing and if the likely resulting sanction, if found responsible, is less severe than probation. The Graduate Judiciary Cabinet has jurisdiction over all allegations of graduate Student nonacademic misconduct. If a Student accused of academic misconduct chooses to have the case adjudicated by a hearing panel, the case will be forwarded to the Student Honor Committee.

 Notice of Hearing Cases will be forwarded from the Dean of Students by letter to chairperson of the appropriate hearing panel. The chairperson, upon receipt of this letter, will issue official notice to the accused Student containing the time, date, and location of the hearing, as well as possible sanctions that may result if the Student is found responsible. In addition, the notification should specify the nature of the allegation or suspected misconduct with which the Student is accused and the names of all possible Witnesses. This notification will be provided at least three (3) calendar days prior to a scheduled hearing. Upon request, the accused Student may meet with the Dean of Student’s prior to the hearing to review evidence and procedure.  General Hearing Procedures 
  1. Decisions for the hearing body shall be by majority vote. 
  2. Members of the hearing body shall disqualify themselves if their personal involvement in the hearing is of such a nature as to prejudice the case. 
  3. The hearings of the Student Honor Committee, Graduate Judiciary Cabinet, and Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet shall ordinarily be closed except for the accused, the accused’s advisor, and those directly involved; exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chairperson. The hearing body may exclude any person who may be reasonably expected to interfere materially with the hearing or who does interfere materially with the hearing body members.
  4. The hearing body shall make a tape recording and/or summary transcription of the proceedings.
  5. The hearing body shall provide a brief written summary of each case with recommendations for appropriate disciplinary action to the dean of students and to the student involved.
  6. The dean of students will review the case and recommendations and implement disciplinary action.
Student Honor Committee Procedures  The Student Honor Committee ("SHC") shall hear all cases referred to it involving alleged dishonesty in academic matters on the part of Students. The SHC is made up of four (4) members of the corps of instruction elected from the Academic Faculty and two (2) undergraduate Students with at least a junior standing elected by the Undergraduate Student Council and one (1) graduate Student elected by the Graduate Student Senate. Students must have good academic standing and not be on disciplinary probation. The chairperson of the Student Honor Committee is a faculty member elected annually by the Committee and votes only in the case of a tie. The chairperson shall appoint the secretary. Decisions of the Student Honor Committee shall be by majority vote. Quorum shall consist of five (5) members with a requirement of three (3) faculty members and two (2) Students. The Student Honor Committee makes final decisions to be implemented by the Dean of Students. The SHC will provide written notification of disciplinary action and the Committee’s finding of fact. The SHC shall preserve the anonymity of individuals by generalizing the issues involved and the actions taken in all of its distributed minutes and the annual reports of activities and findings.  Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet  The Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet ("UJC") primarily shall hear allegations of undergraduate Student nonacademic misconduct likely to result in a sanction of disciplinary probation and above. The UJC shall consist of an undergraduate chairperson (Chief Justice) and ten (10) undergraduate Student justices. The justices and chairperson shall be currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate Students in good academic standing and not on disciplinary probation. The chairperson of the UJC is elected annually by the Council and votes only in the case of a tie. The UJC is appointed by the undergraduate Student body president and approved by the Undergraduate Student Council. Quorum for the UJC shall consist of the Chief Justice and six (6) justices. The accused Student may challenge and remove up to four (4) justices. The Chief Justice shall not be removed. The UJC shall provide to the Dean of Students a brief written summary of each case with recommendations for appropriate disciplinary action and the Cabinet’s finding of fact. The dean of Students’ designee will make a disciplinary decision based on a review of the case and recommendations Judicial Board Procedures The Judicial Board (JB) shall hear allegations of undergraduate student nonacademic misconduct most likely to result in a sanction of less than disciplinary probation which has occurred in and around Institute Housing. The Residence Hall Judicial Board ("RHJB") serves as the Institute Judicial Board (JB) in all cases involving Code of Conduct violations originating both in and in the immediate vicinity of Housing. The RHJB is not serving as the Institute JB when adjudicating violations of the Housing Contract, as well as the Housing Community and Services Guide. The chief justice of the JB and the advisor selects the members of the JB. The Residence Hall Association legislative council appoints the JB chief justice. Decisions for the UJC and JB shall be by majority vote. Quorum for the JB shall consist of the chief justice, five (5) justices and the advisor. The accused student may challenge and remove one (1) judicial board member. The chief justice shall not be removed. The JB shall provide a brief written summary of each case with a finding of fact and recommendations for appropriate disciplinary action to the Office of the Dean of Students. The dean of students’ designee will make a disciplinary decision based on a review of the case and recommendations. Graduate Judiciary Cabinet Procedures  The Graduate Judiciary Cabinet ("GJC") shall hear allegations of graduate Student nonacademic misconduct. The GJC shall consist of a graduate chairperson (Chief Justice) and four (4) graduate Student justices. The justices and chairperson shall be currently enrolled, full-time graduate Students in good academic standing and not on disciplinary probation. The chairperson of the GJC is chosen by the graduate president and approved by the Graduate Senate. The chairperson votes only in the case of a tie. The GJC is appointed by the graduate Student body president and approved by the Graduate Student Senate. Decisions of the GJC shall be by majority vote. Quorum for the GJC shall consist of the Chief Justice and four (4) justices. The GJC shall provide a brief written summary of each case with recommendations for appropriate disciplinary action and the Cabinet’s finding of fact to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will make a disciplinary decision based on a review of the case and recommendations. Potential Sanctions 

For violations of Institute rules and regulations or for acts of student misconduct, academic or nonacademic; the following disciplinary measures may be taken. This list is not exhaustive and may be modified to meet particular circumstances in any case. 

  1. Expulsion – permanent severance of the student’s relationship with the Institute.
  2. Disciplinary suspension – temporary severance of the student’s relationship with the Institute for a specific period of time, though not less than one term. A student expelled or suspended shall leave the campus and not visit the campus during the period of suspension or expulsion, except when on official school business. To violate this stipulation would adversely affect the student’s chance for readmission. 
  3. Reprimand – an oral and/or written statement of disapproval issued to the student.
  4. Restriction – exclusion from participation in social activities and loss of identification card privileges. 
  5. Disciplinary probation – notice to the student that any further major disciplinary violation may result in suspension or expulsion; may include setting of restrictions and/or issuing a reprimand.
  6. Fines.
  7. Restitution – reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property; this may take the form of appropriate service or other compensation.
  8. Forced withdrawal – withdrawal from the academic course within which the offense occurred without credit for the course.
  9. Change in grade – grade change for the course in which the offense occurred. 
F. APPEAL PROCEDURES 
  1. If accused students or accusers are dissatisfied with the action taken by the dean of students, they may appeal the case in writing to the vice president of student affairs of Georgia Tech within five days after the action about which there is a complaint. Such appeal shall recite all reasons for dissatisfaction with the previous decision.
  2. The vice president of student affairs, within five working days, shall refer the appeal to the Student Grievance and Appeal Committee. This committee shall review all facts and circumstances connected with the case and within five working days shall make its findings and report thereon to the vice president of student affairs. After consideration of the committee’s report, the vice president of student affairs within five workingdays shall make a decision that will be final so far as the Institute is concerned.
  3. The Student Grievance and Appeal Committee shall consist of three members of the corps of instruction elected from the Academic Senate and two students with at least junior standing elected jointly by the Student Council and the Graduate Senate. The chairperson shall be elected annually by the committee from among the elected Academic Senate members. The secretary shall be appointed by the chairperson.
  4. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia is the final appellate authority for all cases involving students who have been suspended or expelled. Should aggrieved persons be dissatisfied with the decision of the vice president of student affairs, they may apply to the Board of Regents, without prejudice to their position, for a review of the decision. The application for review shall be submitted in writing to the executive secretary of the Board within a period of 20 days following the decision of the vice president. This application for review shall state the decision complained of and the redress desired. A review of the Board is not a matter of right but is within the sound discretion of the Board. If the application for review is granted, the Board, or a committee of the Board, shall investigate the matter thoroughly and render its decision thereon within 60 days from the filing date of the application for review or from the date of any hearing that may be held thereon. The decision of the Board shall be final and binding for all purposes.
G. APPENDICES Policies found on www.deanofstudents.gatech.edu/policy

Conduct Code and Disciplinary Procedures for Student Organizations

Georgia Institute of Technology Student Policy on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs 

Georgia Tech Student Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct 

Regents Statement on Disruptive Behavior

Board of Regents Policy 406.01 Withdrawal of Recognition of Student Organizations

Other Relevant Policies

Computer Use and Network Policy -

www.oit.gatech.edu/security/policy/usage/contents.html

GT Parking and Transportation Services Motor Vehicle Registration - 

www.parking.gatech.edu/new_rules/index.html

 

Conduct Code and Disciplinary Procedures for Student Organizations

Georgia Institute of Technology Student Policy on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

Georgia Tech Policy on Sexual Harrassment and Sexual Misconduct

Regents Statement on Disruptive Behavior

Board of Regents Policy 406.01 Withdrawal of Recognition of Student Organizations

Computer Use and Network Policy

GT Parking and Transportation Services Motor Vehicle Registration 

GT Parking and Transportation Services Violations and Penalties

Department of Housing Policies and Procedures

Parental Notification Policy
 

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