University of West Georgia

HONOR CODE

Introduction

An honor code is essential to the University of West Georgia as an agreement between students and the University to promote commitment to academic integrity. Academic and personal integrity is based upon values such as honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. In an environment that recognizes and honors these values, standards of academic excellence must be maintained. An atmosphere of academic integrity enhances ethical and moral development among college students. It is the responsibility of the community of West Georgia, including all students, faculty and staff, to uphold the inherent values of the Honor Code.

Each student is given a copy of the Honor Code upon enrollment in the University. By signing the pledge, a student is making a commitment to honor the principles of academic and personal integrity, refuse to condone violation of the honor code by other students, and support imposition of penalties against those who commit violations.

The Honor Code

At the University of West Georgia we believe that academic and personal integrity are based upon honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility.

Students at West Georgia assume responsibility for upholding the honor code. West Georgia students pledge to refrain from engaging in acts that do not maintain academic and personal integrity. These include, but are not limited to, plagiarism*, cheating*, fabrication*, aid of academic dishonesty, lying, bribery or threats, and stealing.

Definitions:

Cheating: “using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids”

Fabrication: “falsification or unauthorized invention of any information or citation”

Plagiarism: “representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own. Direct quotations must be indicated and ideas of another must be appropriately acknowledged”

Further details regarding Student Conduct can be found in Appendix A of the UWG Connection and Student Handbook.

Penalties for Breach of Academic Integrity

Each incidence of academic dishonesty is subject to review and consideration by the instructor, and is subject to a range of penalties including but not limited to failing the assignment, failing the course, and referral to Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Responsibility for Reporting Violations of Academic Integrity

Students

Students who are concerned that they may have violated the honor code are expected to report their behavior to the instructor or academic advisor. Self-reporting does not signify admission of guilt, but does provide the opportunity for dialogue to clear up misunderstandings and miscommunication. A student who observes potential violation of the honor code by another student is expected to confront that student with their behavior and engage in discussion to determine if an actual violation has occurred. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, the student observed is expected to self-report the incident to the instructor or academic adviser. The instructor or academic adviser will review the situation. If it is then determined by the instructor or adviser that a violation has taken place, appropriate referral will be made.

Faculty or Advisor

The instructor or advisor should meet with the student who has self-reported potential violation of academic integrity. During this meeting, the instructor/advisor should inform the student of the penalty s/he intends to institute (failing the individual assignment, failing the class, sending the case forward for further sanctions from the University).

After meeting with the student, the instructor should send a brief report of the case, including the breach of academic integrity and supporting documentation to the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) requesting that this case become a permanent part of the student’s record at West Georgia. THIS REPORT SHOULD BE FORWARDED EVEN IF THE INSTRUCTOR DOES NOT WANT THE UNIVERSITY TO SANCTION THE STUDENT. It is important to create a record of students’ infringement of academic integrity to create a mechanism for identifying patterns of dishonesty. This will enable the University to take appropriate actions to suspend or expel the students with repeated incidents.

 

University of West Georgia Academic Integrity and Honor Code Pledge

Pledge

Having read the Honor Code for UWG, I understand and accept my responsibility to uphold the values and beliefs described and to conduct myself in a manner that will reflect the values of the institution in such a way as to respect the rights of all UWG community members. As a West Georgia student, I will represent myself truthfully and complete all academic assignments honestly. I understand that if I violate this code, I will accept the penalties imposed, should I be found guilty of violations through processes due me as a university community member. These penalties may include expulsion from the University. I also recognize that my responsibility includes willingness to confront members of the University community if I feel there has been a violation of the Honor Code.

Rules and Regulations

The university has formulated a number of policies and standards of which you will need to become aware. Many of these are included in this section of the handbook and in the Appendices. Read these at least once so that you’ll know where to look in the future.

If you’re unsure about any policies mentioned here, these are some places to go for information. For example if you’re planning an event and need assistance, stop by the Student Activities Office in the Campus Center or telephone 678-839-6526, campus ext. 96526. Problems with academic standards should be taken to your department chair’s office or to the appropriate college dean.

Other university publications containing rules and regulations with which students should become familiar are the Residence Hall Handbook (available from the Office of Residence Life), the Parking Code (a pamphlet distributed by the Parking and Transportation Services), the university catalog (free from Admissions), and The Scoop (free from the Registrar).

Personal Conduct

The following passage comes from the introduction to the Student Conduct Code of the university and should be taken to heart:

“Students are admitted to the University of West Georgia with the expectation that they will have developed acceptable personal standards of conduct and ethics. Students are expected to have a responsible attitude toward regulations and standards of the university, and the laws of the community, state and nation, and to respect the standards of their fellow students."

"University regulations go into effect at the time a student matriculates and continue until the time of graduation or withdrawal. In completing the application for admission to the University of West Georgia, the student agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the university. Students should realize that they may be held accountable through the university discipline system for their behavior, whether on or off campus, when an offense is directed at the university or a member of the university community and is a violation of the Student Conduct Code."

A complete statement of the Student Conduct Code, its rules, procedures, guarantees of students' rights, disciplinary measures, and appeal procedure is given in Appendix A of this handbook.

Freedom of Expression

Recognizing the rights of free speech and peaceful assembly as fundamental to the democratic process, the university supports the right of students to express their views or to peacefully protest and peacefully dissent against actions and opinions with which they disagree.

In order to assure equal opportunity for all, preserve order on campus, and provide a secure, safe environment, the university has established a set of regulations governing the time, place and manner of expression. See Appendix L for the full text of this policy and be sure to check with the appropriate office if you have questions about approved procedures or what is acceptable behavior.

Electronic Communication Policy

Students should be aware that information and communications they post on the Internet, including but not limited to social networks such as Facebook.com, MySpace.com, and Yahoo360, and Internet message boards, forums, web pages and blogs are public in nature. When such information and communications posted in these manners violate the UWG Student Conduct Code, or if such information indicates a violation of the Student Conduct Code, this information or communications may be used in judiciary proceedings. In particular, communications that violate the Student Conduct Code, such as threats and harassment, are violations whether they are transmitted in person, by phone, over the Internet or by any other means.

Drug Free Campus

State and federal legislation place specific responsibilities on the university to promote a drug-free campus. Alcohol and drug information programs which address the risks of drug and alcohol abuse are publicized and available. Faculty, staff and students with problems can be referred for appropriate assistance.

Standards of conduct at the University of West Georgia prohibit the illicit possession, use or distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus or at university functions. Penalties for violations of these standards range from warnings and probation to expulsion, referral to the legal system for prosecution, and loss of employment.

A complete statement of the university’s policy regarding the Drug-Free Communities and Schools Act Amendments of 1989 and the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 is published annually in the fall semester Schedule of Classes and is distributed to all new students during orientation. Copies of the policy may be obtained in the Human Resources Office, Aycock Hall and the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Bonner House.

Alcoholic Beverage Policy

Georgia law requires that individuals be 21 years of age or older in order to possess or consume alcoholic beverages. The University of West Georgia enforces this law. For additional information on a student’s personal responsibility regarding alcoholic beverages, see the Student Conduct Code, Appendix A. The university’s complete alcoholic beverage policy is available at www.westga.edu/health/index_4659.php

Alcoholic Beverage Guidelines For Student Organizations

A sponsoring organization and its officers may be held legally accountable for incidents arising from the misuse of alcoholic beverages, including consumption by persons not twenty-one years of age or older. The following suggested guidelines should be followed when an organization permits alcoholic beverages to be brought to a function away from the campus. Student organizations planning to sponsor events off campus at which alcoholic beverages will be consumed are asked annually to meet with a member of the Student Activities staff to discuss legal problems and other concerns related to such events

1. Events utilizing alcoholic beverages should be in accordance with all laws. The officers of the organization sponsoring the event are responsible for seeing that all members and guests comply with applicable laws and university policies.

2. The organization should emphasize that participants should not drink and drive.

3. Non-alcoholic beverages should be made available. Food should always be served when alcohol is present. These should be high protein items (cheese & crackers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.). If popcorn and peanuts are served they should be unsalted.

4. Intoxicated individuals should not be served. Non-drinking individuals should be in attendance to monitor the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

5. Alternatives to drinking should be offered. Diversions should be available (dancing, television, etc.)

6. The organization should stop guests from consuming alcoholic beverages at least one hour before the function ends.

7. No contest involving alcohol should be encouraged.

8. Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access, which are structured around the consumption of alcoholic beverages, are prohibited.

9. The organization and its members should not force drinks on their guests.

10. Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations should develop and support programs that seek to educate members on alcohol awareness.

Hazing

All hazing is forbidden at West Georgia by the state of Georgia. Both the Student Conduct Code, which defines acceptable limits on personal conduct, and policies approved for the operation of student organizations strictly prohibit hazing of any kind. The Student Conduct Code prohibits “All rites and ceremonies of induction, initiation or orientation into university life or into the life of any university group which tend to occasion or allow physical or emotional suffering.” All students should also read the much more complete definition of hazing as it relates to the conduct of student organizations. It is quoted in Appendix B.

Sexual Misconduct

Coverage

As a matter of policy, the faculty, staff and students of the university community will not tolerate sexual misconduct.

Definition

Sexual misconduct is defined as sexual contact without consent by an acquaintance or a stranger and includes but is not limited to: intentional touching without consent, either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch, directly or through clothing, another person’s genitals, breasts, groin, thighs, buttocks; rape (sexual intercourse without consent whether by an acquaintance or a stranger); aggravated assault; aggravated sodomy (sexual penetration with an object without consent); sodomy (anal or oral intercourse without consent); non-consensual kissing; statutory rape; child molestation; aggravated child molestation; voyeurism; and public indecency. It is a violation of this policy to engage in any form of sexual activity or conduct without the consent of the other person. Such consent may be withdrawn at any time, without regard to activity preceding the withdrawal of consent.

Consent may be found in two forms: actual consent (words, acts, or silence) or apparent consent. Apparent consent must be informed and freely given. Consent induced by fraud, a substantial mistake, or duress is not freely given. The person must act voluntarily and with knowledge of what is occurring. Intoxication, drug use or other reasons for incapacity are obstacles to consent. A person cannot freely, voluntarily, and with knowledge of the act, be deemed to have consent if she or he is intoxicated, in a drug-induced state, or otherwise incapacitated. The perpetrator’s honest but unreasonable belief that the victim has consented does not constitute apparent consent.

Enforcement Procedures

Any violation of this policy needs to be reported to:

1. University Police at 678-839-6000

2. Student Health Services 678-839-6452

3. Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management 678-839-6423

4. Carroll Rape Crisis 770-834-7273

Victims of sexual assault are afforded rights that are recognized by the University of West Georgia. These rights include assistance to the victim by university personnel. See Appendix C for a full statement of the rights of victims of sexual assault.

Sexual Harassment

Policy Statement

The University of West Georgia (“the University”) is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, working, and studying. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law and Board of Regents' policy, the University prohibits any member of the faculty, staff, administration, student body, or visitors to campus, whether they be guests, patrons, independent contractors or clients, regardless of the sex of the other party, from sexually harassing any other member of the University community. Reports of sexual harassment will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, “sexual harassment” is defined as

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:

1. submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or status in a course, program or activity;

2. submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individual; or

3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual’s work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

1. Threats to make an adverse employment or academic decision if another person refuses to engage in sexual activities.

2. Demands that another person engage in sexual activities in order to obtain or retain employment or academic benefits.

3. Promises, implied or direct, to give employment or academic benefits if another person engages in sexual activities.

4. Unwelcome and unnecessary touching or other sexually suggestive physical contact, or threats to engage in such conduct.

5. Indecent exposure.

6. Invasion of sexual privacy.

7. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual comments and questions, and other sexually oriented conduct that is directed against a specific individual and persists despite its rejection.

8. Conduct, even that not specifically directed at the complainant, which is sufficiently pervasive, severe or persistent to alter the conditions of the complainant’s employment or status as a student and create a hostile working or learning environment, when viewed from the perspective of a reasonable person of the complainant’s gender. To obtain a copy of the institution’s complete policy statement on sexual harassment or to ask questions concerning sexual harassment, students should contact one of these offices:

Affirmative Action Office

Aycock Hall

Telephone 678-839-6403

Campus Extension 6403

or

V.P. for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Bonner House

Telephone 678-839-6423

Campus Extension 6423

or

Health Services

Telephone 678-839-6452

Campus Extension 6452

Students must be aware that they too can be charged with sexual harassment if they make unwanted sexual advances.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. See Appendix H for the University's annual notice to students of these rights and for information about directory information that may be released unless the student files a timely notice with the Registrar's Office requesting that directory information be withheld.

Use of University Facilities by Non-University Personnel

As any West Georgia student who has attended summer school knows, facilities at the university are sometimes used by others than students and faculty. This is clearly demonstrated by the large number of drill teams, sports camps, band groups and others who visit the campus during the summer. The following guidelines have been adopted by the university to govern such use by non-university personnel.

1. Invited guests are allowed use of university facilities provided they are:

a. Invited by an individual student for a specific occasion.

b. Invited by an agency of the university for conferences, special functions, tours, or official visits.

c. Invited by a recognized student organization to attend specific programs.

2. Public Service programs or meetings are commonly scheduled:

a. Programs of a special nature which are principally designed to provide members of the university community with viable linkages with a larger city community on matters of social and cultural relationships and with public service projects or activities.

b. Activities sponsored by recognized non-profit service organizations for which no other suitable facilities are available within the local area and for which it can be clearly demonstrated that a major public or institutional benefit would be rendered.

c. Programs sponsored by outside organizations or groups, mainly in the summer months, in which pre-college students participate and when such programs are determined to be in the best interest of the university.

Student Voting Privileges

Students are encouraged to vote in all federal, state, and local elections. Board of Regents’ policy states: “A student whose class schedule would otherwise prevent him or her from voting will be permitted an excused absence for the interval reasonably required for voting.”

Students should plan to submit absentee ballots when they will be away from home on election days, and they should apply for the absentee ballot well in advance of the election date.

Students may register to vote and request forms for absentee ballots at www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/.

Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes

A student is responsible for registering under the proper classification as an in-state or out-of-state student. A student classified as out-of-state who believes that he or she is entitled to be reclassified as in-state may petition the Registrar for a change in status. The petition must be filed no later than midterm in order for the student to be considered for that semester. If the petition is granted, reclassification will not be retroactive to prior semesters. The necessary forms for this purpose are available in the Registrar’s Office.

A student whose reclassification petition is denied by the Registrar may, within five working days or one calendar week, appeal that decision. Complete appeal procedures are available from the Offices of Registrar in Parker Hall and Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management in the Bonner House.

Advertising, Solicitation, and Selling

These policies and procedures have been approved and are applicable to all members of the University Community:

Part I SALES AND SOLICITATION Policy

1. Advertising, solicitation and selling of a commercial nature, directly by a vendor or through a campus organization, are not permitted except in campus publications and through contractual arrangements with the University Business Office as stipulated in the policies of the Board of Regents.

2. Non-commercial selling by college related organizations and distribution of non-commercial information such as pamphlets, handbills and other materials protected by the first amendment, is allowed in public areas when approved by the Office of Student Activities in the Campus Center. The Office of Student Activities establishes specific procedures for such activities.

The following policy shall apply concerning the solicitation of businesses and individuals on or off the campus for contributions to projects or organizations of the University:

a. There shall be no soliciting of funds, prizes, or awards for scholarships, loans, grants, equipment, supplies, or other purposes unless it is approved by and in cooperation with the Office of the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Services and/or others expressly authorized by the President.

b. The privilege of selling advertising is restricted to The West Georgian unless a committee consisting of the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Services, Director of Auxiliary Services, and the Director of Student Activities grants specific authorization. The Office of Student Activities in the University Center (678-839-6526) may be contacted for more information.

c. There shall be no advertisement or other public statement in which the University of West Georgia's name and wordmark are used in connection with any non-university organization, business, or person in any manner or medium that implies that the University supports, approves, or endorses any product, service, interest, position, or ideology of that organization, business, or person. The Dean or Director of the scheduling office may require that approved non-university events or activities include in their advertisements the following disclaimer:

"This event/activity is not sponsored by the University of West Georgia."

Part II SALES AND SOLICITATION PROCEDURES

1. Soliciting on campus (door to door or office to office) is expressly prohibited.

2. The following procedures apply to on campus sales and solicitations.

Category I Specific Procedures for Student Organizations

1. Sales or solicitations by a Student Organization must be conducted totally by a recognized student group. Co-sponsoring with a non-university group is prohibited.

2. Student organizations must contact the Office of Student Activities to request authorization for a sales or solicitation event.

3. A completed Fund Raiser Approval Form is required prior to the initiation of the sales/solicitation event. Student organizations are required to adhere to all Student Activity policies regarding sales and fund raising. Funds raised must be deposited to and accounted for through the student organization's university revenue account.

4. There are no fees associated with approved Category I activities.

Category II Procedures for Commercially Sponsored Activities

1. Individuals or businesses wishing to do sales or solicitations should contact the Office of Auxiliary Enterprises in the University Community Center (678-839-6525).

2. Commercial activities will be limited to the designated area and are subject to space availability and must adhere to the institution's and the University System of Georgia's guidelines and policies.

3. Sales or solicitations require the following:

a. A valid commercial sales, business or other appropriate license.

b. If direct sales are involved, appropriate sales tax identification number.

4. The Director of Auxiliary Enterprises will grant or deny permission upon documentation of items in #3 and upon confirmation of the availability of appropriate sales space.

5. A fee of $50 per day or 10% of sales, whichever is greater, payable to the University of West Georgia is required. This fee should be paid in the Auxiliary Enterprises office.

6. Groups will be limited to a one day sale or solicitation per semester. The period will be between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. No sales or solicitations are allowed during the first two weeks of each semester.

Administrative Withdrawal

A student may be administratively withdrawn from the university when in the judgment of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, in consultation, when appropriate, with the student's parents, spouse or designee, the Director of the Student Development Center, and the university Physician, it is determined that the student suffers from a physical, mental, emotional or psychological health condition which: (a) poses a significant danger or threat of physical harm to the student or to the person or property of others or (b) causes the student to interfere with the rights of other members of the university community or with the exercise of any proper activities or functions of the university or its personnel or (c) causes the student to be unable to meet institutional requirements for admission and continued enrollment, as defined in the Student Conduct Code and other publications of the university.

Except in emergency situations, a student shall, upon request, be accorded an appropriate hearing prior to a final decision concerning continued enrollment at the university.

Civil Rights of Students Assured

It continues to be the policy of the University of West Georgia to provide equal opportunity to all students and applicants for admission without regard to race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, or handicap. The university does not discriminate against any student or applicant in regard to any position for which the student is qualified.

For those with physical or mental limitations, the university will provide reasonable accommodations. Handicapped students who have special needs should contact the Student Development Center, Parker Hall (telephone 678-839-6428, campus extension 96428), to discuss their concerns and needs. They coordinate services for disabled students, including pre-enrollment interviews, counseling, and readers.

Any student who believes that he or she has been discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, veteran or handicapped status is encouraged to let appropriate authorities at the university know of this treatment. If the student chooses, he or she may file a grievance through the channels outlined in “Civil Rights Grievance Procedures for Students,” Appendix D of this handbook.

A student who wishes to know more about these procedures or talk with someone for advice about how to proceed with a complaint may wish to contact the Director of Human Resources (678-839-6403, campus extension 96403); one of the counselors in the Student Development Center (678-839-6428, campus extension 6428); or any member of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.