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Frequently Asked questions
1. How does your office know when and who violates the Student Code of Conduct?
The Student Conduct Office (SCO) receives various reports of alleged student misconduct from a variety of sources, e.g., the University Police, the Valdosta and /or Remerton Police as well as the Lowndes County Sheriff.
2. How is it determined IF a violation occurred?
The “alleged” violator is summons to the (SCO) to first discuss the report. The (SCO) officer refers to the Student Handbook’s Student Code of Conduct to determine the appropriate violation(s) applicable to the incident. The student then either does or does not accept responsibility for the allegations. Depending on their response, disciplinary action may or may not result.
3. What are the student’s rights in this process?
Please go back to the "Rights of the Student" link on this homepage, read Appendix B, Section I of your Student Handbook's Code of Conduct, or visit Student Handbook for details.
4. Will parents or guardian be notified?
As a rule, NO. The incident is between the student and the University. If a parent calls about a disciplinary matter, normally the (SCO) refers them back to the student for clarification unless the student and parents meet to discuss the matter or the student has given prior written permission to the (SCO) to discuss the matter with the parents or other designees. The Higher Education Amendment Act of 1998 Public Law 105-244 authorizes and gives institutions the option to inform parents or guardians of conduct code violations relating to alcohol and illegal drug usage.
5. Can a student be disciplined for an incident occurring off-campus, e.g., drug-busts, DUIs, fights, theft, assault, etc.?
As a citizen of the VSU Community, you are expected to represent yourself and the institution in the best possible light. VSU reserves the right to deal with alleged violators on or off campus for alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
6. Will a disciplinary action be noted on one's transcript?
No. Disciplinary records are kept in the (SCO) in compliance with the Board of Regents and VSU’s internal record retention policy. Occasionally, disciplinary “holds” may be placed on one’s record as a result of the disciplinary action, but nothing is noted on one’s actual transcript.
7. How is an allegation made?
Anyone wishing to report an incident that might be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct may contact the (SCO) at (229) 333-5941 or email at richlee@valdosta.edu, or one may report the incident to the VSU University Police or any other relevant department or office on campus. These reports are generally passed on to the (SCO) for further investigation. One must realize that the accused will have a right to call into question the report. You must also be prepared to give an account of your allegation if required usually in writing as well as in person IF a hearing occurs.
8. Suppose I have a “problem” with a faculty, staff, or administrative person at VSU. Do I file a complaint with this office?
NO. The (SCO) principle responsibility is for issues regarding the Student Code of Conduct and its relationship to a student or organization’s behavior. If a student has a problem with a faculty member, the grievance / reporting process is the departmental chain of command, e. g., speak to the instructor first, then the department chair, then the dean of the appropriate college, then the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and finally the President for resolution. For an issue regarding Staff or Administrators, one should follow a similar process, i.e., talk with his/her immediate supervisor, next the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice President for Finance and Administration depending on the department or you may wish to report to the VSU Human Resource Office.
9. If I am charged with a crime and arrested by the campus police or local law enforcement will VSU assist in “bailing me out” and are there any legal defense services available on campus to a student?
No to both. It is the policy of this institution not to intervene in a criminal or civil matter between law enforcement and a student. No such services exist.
10. If I am arrested and face criminal charges, why do I also face possible disciplinary action with VSU too? Isn’t that “double-jeopardy”?
The VSU student disciplinary process is just that, a student-focused educational process that does NOT “mirror” the legal system. Its methodology and consequences are of an educational nature. Double Jeopardy is when one is actually tried twice for the same “crime”. The (SCO) does not conduct trials. Hearings are used to attempt to redirect the student's behavior toward the goals of the institution, i.e., successful completion of one's degree program. The (SCO) does NOT incarcerate or deprive a student of his property and personal freedom.
Last revision Fall 2008