Handling Student Code of Conduct Violations at KSU
Policies and Position Statements
Student
Administrative Withdrawals
&
Academic Grievance Procedures
I.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students of Kennesaw State University
are guaranteed all of the rights, privileges and freedoms granted
to a citizen of the United States and the State of Georgia, including
freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, nondiscrimination,
privacy and fairness. In addition, they are entitled to an environment
that is conducive to learning and individual growth. To this end,
students enrolling at Kennesaw State University assume a responsibility
for the University's Student Code of Conduct, just as they assume
a citizen's responsibility to abide by federal, state and local
laws.
Violation of statutory laws, or of the University Student Code of Conduct, may lead to disciplinary actions by Kennesaw State University. These regulations were adopted not to deny any rights or privileges previously guaranteed, but to ensure a pleasant educational environment for all Kennesaw State University students.
Alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct or other policies will be handled as informally as appropriate to resolve the issue. However, any student who is accused of a violation is entitled to basic due process rights, which include:
Disciplinary measures which may be assigned to individual students for violations of the Student Code of Conduct include expulsion, probated expulsion, suspension, probated suspension, probation, restrictions, reprimand (oral or written) restitution, and community service.
II.
Academic Honesty
The high quality of education at
Kennesaw State University is reflected in the credits and degrees
its students earn. The protection of these high standards is crucial
since the validity and equity of the University's grades and degrees
depend upon it. Any student found guilty of an infraction of a
regulation for academic honesty shall be suspended for at least
one quarter unless evidence is provided to convince the court
that substantial mitigating circumstances existed in that student's
offense.
The following regulations are designed to assist students in developing appropriate standards and attitudes with respect to academic honesty. To this end, the regulations protect students against infractions that may compromise the validity of their degree or place them at an undue disadvantage with respect to the equity of their grades.
A. Plagiarism and Cheating
No student shall receive, attempt to receive, knowingly give or
attempt to give unauthorized assistance in the preparation of
any work required to be submitted for credit as part of a course
(including examinations, laboratory reports, essays, themes, term
papers, etc.) When direct quotations are used, they should be
indicated; when the language, ideas, theories, data, figures,
graphs, programs, electronic based information or illustrations
of someone other than the student are incorporated into a paper
or used in a project, they should be duly acknowledged.
B. Unauthorized Access to Official
University Materials
No student shall take or attempt to take, steal, or in an unauthorized
manner otherwise procure, gain access to, alter or destroy any
material pertaining to the conduct of a class (including tests,
examinations, grade change forms, grade rolls, roll books, laboratory
equipment, university grade records in written or computerized
form, etc.).
C. Misrepresentation, Falsification
of University Records or Academic Work
No student shall knowingly provide false information in completing
university forms or applications (including admissions forms,
scholarship applications, time sheets, use of false or counterfeit
transcripts, etc.) or in any work submitted for credit as part
of a course.
D. Malicious Removal, Retention,
or Destruction of Library Materials
No student shall misplace, take, or destroy or attempt to misplace,
take or destroy any item or part of an item belonging to or in
the protection of the university library with the intention of
bringing about an undue disadvantage in the classroom work of
other Kennesaw State University students.
E. Malicious/Intentional Misuse
of Computer Facilities and/or Services
The malicious or intentional misuse of computer facilities and
services is prohibited. Violation of state and federal laws (including
copyright violations, unauthorized access of systems, alteration/damage/
destruction, or attempted alteration/damage/destruction, use for
profit, etc.) or a department's rules for computer usage (including
account violations, damage or destruction of the system and/or
its performance, unauthorized copying of electronic information,
use of threatening or obscene language, etc.) is prohibited.
F. Student Identification Cards
III.
Disruption of Campus Life
It is the purpose of the institution
to provide a campus environment which encourages academic accomplishment,
personal growth, and a spirit of understanding and cooperation.
An important part of maintaining such an environment is the commitment
to protect the health and safety of every member of the campus
community. Belligerent, abusive, profane, threatening and/or inappropriate
behavior on the part of students is a violation of the Kennesaw
State University Student Conduct Regulations. Students who are
found guilty of such misconduct may be subject to immediate dismissal
from the institution. In addition, those violations which may
constitute misdemeanor or felony violations of state law may also
be subject to criminal action beyond the university disciplinary
process. (See the Kennesaw State University Student Handbook for
detailed specifics of student misconduct).
IV.
Financial Responsibility
A. Financial Responsibility
Students are required to meet all
financial obligations to the university promptly.
B. Use of Student Activities Funds
Use of Student Activities funds must
follow guidelines set by the Institution.
V. Use and Possession of Drugs, Including
Alcohol
Use and/or possession of drugs (controlled substances) is prohibited.
The Kennesaw State University Alcohol Policy can be found in the
Kennesaw State University Student Handbook.
VI.
Parking and Traffic Regulations
A. Authority
Kennesaw State University adopts
these regulations pursuant to the authority conferred upon the
Board of Regents to regulate the University System of Georgia
Campus Traffic, Official Code of Georgia Annotated, (OCGA), Title
20. These regulations supersede all previous KSU Parking and Traffic
Regulations pertaining to motor vehicle operation and parking
on campus.
B. Application
These regulations apply to all persons
operating motor vehicles at Kennesaw State University. Students,
faculty, and staff shall not operate or park any motor vehicles
on campus unless qualified to do so under applicable State law
and KSU regulations. The campus includes that property owned or
leased by the Board of Regents and designated as Kennesaw State
University. For the purpose of these regulations, a motor vehicle
is a conveyance with two or more wheels propelled by an electric
or fuel-burning motor.
For details on registration, operation and parking, see the Kennesaw State University Student Handbook.
VII. Off-Campus Activities
The following regulations apply to off-campus activities including outings or field trips for classes of Kennesaw State University, off-campus university athletic events, any officially sanctioned off-campus events such as those under the auspices of a Kennesaw State University class, or an officially recognized university organization, or a Kennesaw State University group or organization that is seeking official university recognition.
a. Students involved in off-campus activities shall not act in a disorderly or
disruptive fashion, nor shall they conduct any dangerous activity.
b. Students involved in off-campus activities shall not take, damage or
destroy or attempt to take, damage or destroy property of another.
c. Use and Possession of Drugs, including Alcohol.
Use and/or possession of drugs (controlled substances) is prohibited.
Alcohol regulations appear in Section V of this code.
VIII.
Organizations
A student organization is subject
to the authority of the court in the following situations:
For specific regulations and policy for organizations, refer to the Kennesaw State University Student Handbook.
IX. Contempt and False Statements Under Oath
A. All students shall fully comply with the instructions of the Kennesaw
State University Judiciary.
B. No student shall make a false statement while under oath in a university
disciplinary hearing.
C. No student shall disrupt the proceedings of the Kennesaw State University
Judiciary, behave in a manner which is intended to lessen the authority or
dignity of the Kennesaw State University Judiciary, or otherwise obstruct
justice on the campus.
D. All students are expected to serve as a witness when so requested by the
Kennesaw State University Judiciary unless excused by the vice president
for student success and enrollment services.
X.
Revisions of the Regulations
Any student, faculty member, or administrator
can initiate any revision of, additions to, and deletions from
these Student Conduct Regulations. Recommendations shall be submitted
to the vice president for student success and enrollment services.
The vice president, in consultation with appropriate parties,
shall ensure discussion of the proposed change(s). When all parties
have had an opportunity to comment on the proposal, the vice president
shall forward all recommendations to the University Senate. The
Senate, in turn, shall send its recommendation, with comments,
to the Kennesaw State University president and staff.
Refer to the Kennesaw State University Handbook for section on Disciplinary Measures.
Kennesaw State University's Student Code of Conduct, Judiciary Policies and Procedures, suspension policies, and campus police are organized in ways to preserve and protect the health, safety and academic integrity of the campus community, as noted in the following policies and procedures.
In General
The University Judiciary Program handles all charges against students
which involve alleged violations of the Kennesaw State University
Student Code of Conduct, including allegations of academic misconduct
and disruptive behavior. In addition, the KSU Police may become
involved with incidents of disruptive behavior.
Faculty, staff and/or students who are witnesses to or victims of incidents of alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct should immediately contact the University Judiciary Office and submit the proper documentation. The university judicial officer will conduct a preliminary investigation and advise as to the appropriate course of action in each situation. Incidents of misconduct may be subjected to mediation, or negotiation, if appropriate, prior to the formal hearing process.
A person bringing charges against a student for alleged violations of the Code of Conduct is expected to fully cooperate with the judiciary policies and procedures, which includes participation in investigations related to the charges and in the hearing process. Once a hearing date is set, both the accuser and the accused student will have the option of obtaining an advisor from the judiciary panel to assist in the preparation and presentation of their case. A detailed description of the hearing process is found in the Official KSU Judiciary Handbook.
I. Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is defined in
Section II of the Kennesaw State University Student Code of Conduct.
Procedures for addressing and reporting incidents of academic
misconduct can be found in the Judiciary Policies and Procedures,
as well as the Faculty/Staff Guide to Addressing Student Conduct
Issues. The University's policies include procedures for both
handling informal resolutions of academic misconduct, and filing
formal charges with the Office of Judiciary Programs, which will
result in a hearing.
In either situation, whether the matter is handled informally or forwarded to the judiciary for handling, the faculty member should document the incident on an Academic Misconduct Incident Report form, and forward this information to the university judiciary officer. Incident reports which are submitted to the Office of Judiciary Programs will not be released without the written consent of the student, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Under the informal procedure, a faculty member who has evidence that a student has committed academic misconduct may elect to resolve the issue within the confines of the class, if the student readily admits to the misconduct, without coercion or intimidation. The faculty member must first meet with the student to explain and discuss the allegations of misconduct. If the student admits the misconduct, and declines a judiciary hearing, the faculty member may assign an appropriate sanction. Informal sanctions may include additional academic work for the class, grade reduction, a grade of "F" on the assignment or in the course, etc.
However, if the student denies the misconduct, or the student and faculty member cannot reach an informal agreement regarding an appropriate penalty, the misconduct should be reported to the judiciary program for a hearing. Academic misconduct, as determined by a judiciary hearing, carries a mandatory minimum suspension of one semester, unless substantial mitigating circumstances are proven.
II. Disruptive Behavior
It is the purpose of the University
to provide a campus environment which encourages academic accomplishment,
personal growth, and a spirit of understanding and cooperation.
An important part of maintaining such an environment is the commitment
to protect the health and safety of every member of the campus
community. Belligerent, abusive, profane, threatening and/or inappropriate
behavior on the part of students is a violation of the Kennesaw
State University Student Code of Conduct. Students who are found
in violation of the Code of Conduct may be subject to immediate
dismissal from the University. In addition, those violations,
which may constitute misdemeanor or felony violations of state
or federal law, may also be subject to criminal action beyond
the University disciplinary process.
Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to the following conduct (See the KSU Student Code of Conduct for additional categories of unacceptable student conduct.):
A faculty member is responsible for maintaining discipline in the classroom setting, to the extent that all students in that class have an opportunity to participate in the learning process. Free exchange of ideas through appropriate dialogue is a necessary and important part of the learning process. Outside the classroom, other areas of the campus provide support services which are also important to the total learning process. Sometimes a faculty or staff member may be confronted with a situation where the conduct of a particular student or students is inappropriate in that it impedes the natural and necessary learning process. The faculty or staff member must then determine whether the situation is disruptive but not imminently dangerous, or both disruptive and imminently dangerous to the health and safety of others.
If the situation is not imminently dangerous,
the faculty or staff member may control the immediate situation
by requiring the student(s) to meet specific criteria (not speaking
during the remainder of the class period, leaving the classroom
or office area immediately, etc.), or the faculty member may choose
to dismiss the class for the remainder of the period to avoid
a confrontation. Such action should be immediately reported to
the department chair and to the Office of Judiciary Programs,
using the Student Misconduct Incident Report Form.
If the faculty or staff member feels that there is a significant
imminent danger to the health and safety of the student(s), others,
or him/herself, the faculty or staff member should immediately
contact the University's Public Safety office for assistance.
The responding officer at the time of notification shall remove
the student from the area immediately and refer the incident to
the Vice President for Student Success & Enrollment Services,
or his/her designated representative, for possible handling under
the "interim suspension" policy.
Interim suspension measures may be taken against a student when the Vice President for Student Success & Enrollment Services or his/her designated representative shall determine, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the student has engaged, or threatens to engage, in behavior which (1) is seriously disruptive or significantly impedes the normal activities or academic endeavors of others, (2) poses an immediate, significant threat of physical danger to others, (3) poses an immediate, significant threat of danger to him/herself, and is of such a serious nature that it must be handled more expeditiously than the university judiciary procedures allow. Interim suspension may include any or all of the following: (1) restriction from participation in any academic course, program, or activity; (2) restriction from participation in any student activity on or off campus; (3) restriction from use of any or all university facilities, including the library, labs, or offices; (4) restriction from entering the campus.
If a determination is made to suspend a student under the interim suspension policy, the person rendering the decision shall notify the student, the public safety department, the registrar, and the student's teachers that the student has been temporarily suspended from the institution pending the outcome of a hearing. The case will then be forwarded to the University Judiciary for a hearing, to be held as soon as practical. In such situations, the student may waive the normal ten-day notification requirement in order to have a more speedy hearing and decision.
Supplemental Program Specific Recourse
Some degree programs, such as those in education or nursing, have
program-level admission and retention standards and review procedures
in place beyond the generally applicable institutional admission
and retention policies. If disruptive student behavior occurs
in the context of fulfilling program requirements in such areas,
the faculty or staff member may also have the recourse of filing
a complaint with the designated program-level official and proceeding
through the due process procedures established for handling such
complaints. Individuals should consult the dean of the college/school
and/or published standards as to the applicability of such program-specific
recourse to the incident or incidents in question.
Resources
IV. Sexual Assault
Victims should report instances of
alleged sexual assault to either the KSU Department of Public
Safety (770) 423-6666 or the Student Success and Enrollment Services
Office (770) 423-6310.
The victim of a sexual assault should take care to preserve any evidence that may be necessary to prove that the assault occurred. Victims are advised to consult law enforcement authorities before showering/bathing, or changing or laundering any clothing that was worn during the assault. However, the fact that the victim of a sexual assault has already bathed, showered, or otherwise compromised potential evidence should in no way dissuade the victim from reporting the assault, as such actions may not prevent prosecution or conduct proceedings from going forward.
Students who report sexual assaults to the KSU Department of Public Safety or the vice president for student success and enrollment services shall be afforded assistance in seeking counseling and follow-up medical care, making changes to their academic situations and reporting to the appropriate criminal authorities after an assault has occurred.
Kennesaw State University recognizes and upholds the rights of victims of sexual assault, including:
A. The right to have any and all sexual assaults against them treated with
seriousness; the right, as victims, to be treated with dignity; and the right for
campus organizations which assist victims to be accorded recognition.
B. The right to have sexual assaults investigated and adjudicated by the duly
constituted criminal and civil authorities of the governmental entity in
which the crimes occurred; and the right to the full and prompt cooperation
and assistance of campus personnel in notifying the proper authorities. The
foregoing shall be in addition to any campus disciplinary proceedings.
C. The right to be free from any kind of pressure from campus personnel that
victims (1) not report crimes committed against them to civil and criminal
authorities or to campus law enforcement and disciplinary officials; or (2)
report crimes as lesser offenses than the victims perceive them to be.
D. The right to be free from any kind of suggestion that campus sexual assault
victims not report, or under report, crimes because (1) the victims are
somehow responsible for the commission of crimes against them; (2)
victims were contributively negligent or assumed the risk of being assaulted;
or (3) by reporting crimes they would incur unwanted personal publicity.
E. The same right to advisement and assistance, or ability to have others
present, in any campus disciplinary proceeding that the institution permits
the accused; and the right to be notified of the outcome of such proceeding.
F. The right to full and prompt cooperation from campus personnel in
obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence (including a medical
examination) as may be necessary to the proof of criminal sexual assault in
subsequent legal proceedings.
G. The right to be made aware of, and assisted in exercising any options, as
provided by state and federal laws or regulations with regard to mandatory
testing of sexual assault suspects for communicable diseases and with regard
to notification to victims of the results of such testing.
H. The right to counseling from any mental health services previously
established by the institution, or by other victim-service entities, or by
victims themselves.
I. After campus sexual assaults have been reported, the victims of such crimes
shall have the right to require that campus personnel take the necessary
steps or actions reasonably feasible to prevent any unnecessary or unwanted
contact or proximity with alleged assailant(s), including transfer of classes if
requested by the victims.
Note: Kennesaw State University is concerned
with your safety. We publish two campus safety publications: Safe
and Sound and Sexual Assault: Myths and Reality. They
contain such information as campus crime statistics and campus
safety policies. These publications are available at the Department
of Public Safety, upon request.
Accuracy and Privacy of Records
for maintaining accurate student
information and academic records. Kennesaw State University students
have the assurance that their educational records, compiled and
maintained by university officials, are recorded and retained
in confidence in accordance with the regulations contained in
the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Briefly,
this act calls for:
The university will furnish annual notification to students of their right to inspect and review their educational records; the right to request amendment of educational records that are incorrect or misleading or that violate privacy or other rights; and of their right to a hearing to amend such records if necessary. This annual notice is published in the university catalog in greater detail listing the university official responsible for specific records as well as the hearing and appeal procedure.
Access
to Records
Students have the right to be provided
a list of the types of educational records maintained by the university
that are directly related to the student; the right to inspect
and review the contents of these records; the right to obtain
copies of these records; the right to a response from the university
to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of these
records; the right to an opportunity for a hearing to challenge
the content of these records; and if any material or document
in the educational record of a student includes information on
more than one student, the right to inspect and review only the
part of such material or document as relates to the student. Students
do not have access to financial records of their parents; confidential
letters and statements of recommendation that were placed in the
educational record prior to January 1, 1975, provided such letters
or statements were solicited or designated as confidential and
are not used for purposes other than those for which they were
specifically intended; confidential recommendations, if the student
signed a waiver of the right of access, respecting admission,
application for employment, and the receipt of an honor or honorary
recognition.
Students do not have access to instructional, supervisory and administrative personnel records that are not accessible or revealed to any other individual except a substitute; campus security records that are maintained apart from educational records, which are used solely for law enforcement purposes and which are not disclosed to individuals other than law enforcement officials of the same jurisdiction; employment records except when such employment requires that the person be a student; and the alumni records.
Students do not have access to physical or mental health records created by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other recognized professional acting in his/her capacity or to records created in connection with the treatment of the student under these conditions and that are not disclosed to anyone other than individuals providing treatment. These records, however, may be reviewed by a physician or appropriate professional of the student's choice.
Procedures for Access to Educational Records
Students should contact the appropriate
university official (see listing in catalog) to inspect and review
their records. The registrar may require that a university official
be present when a student inspects or reviews his/her educational
records.
The university will release a student's educational record(s)
upon the student's written request. In doing so, the student must:
The student may, upon request, receive without charge a copy of the record that is released. The university may release a student's educational records, without the student's prior written consent, to the following:
No personal information on a student will be released without a statement from the university to the party receiving the information that no third party is to have access to such information without the written consent of the student.
Each office with educational records
will maintain a record of each request and disclosure of personally
identifiable information of a student except for information requested
in writing by the student, information released to the student
or the student's parents, directory information, and information
released to university officials and instructors who have a legitimate
educational interest in the records.
Release
of Directory Information
Directory information may be released
by the university without the student's written consent. Directory
information consists of name, address, telephone number, major,
advisor, holds, participation in recognized activities and sports,
weight and height of athletic participants, dates of attendance
and degrees received.
Students may deny the release of directory information by requesting in writing to the registrar that such information not be released each semester they are enrolled. However, requests that directory information be withheld from a written publication must be received in sufficient time to prevent a delay in processing that publication.
Amending
Education Records
Students may request that any information
contained in their educational records that they consider to be
inaccurate, misleading or in violation of their privacy or other
rights be amended or deleted from the records (a grade or other
academic evaluations may not be amended, except that the accuracy
of recording may be challenged).
A student who requests that information in his/her records be amended should first contact the official with primary responsibility for the information. (See listing in catalog.) If the matter is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, the student should direct his/her request to the assistant vice president for academic affairs. If the matter is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, he/she may request a formal hearing. Should a student request a formal hearing to challenge the information contained in his/her educational records, the hearing will be held within a reasonable time (not to exceed 45 days) and in a reasonable place. The student may be assisted or represented by a person of his/her choice and shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issue(s). The student or his/her representative should request the hearing in writing and should specifically identify the information he/she seeks to have amended. The request should be directed to the assistant vice president for academic affairs.
The assistant vice president for academic affairs will convene a committee of the faculty. Under the direction of the assistant vice president, the committee will render a decision within a reasonable period of time after the conclusion of the hearing and the decision shall be based solely upon the evidence presented at the hearing. The student shall be notified in writing of the reason(s) for the decision and summary of the evidence. If the decision is that the information in the student's educational records is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of his/her rights and privacy, the statement(s) will be corrected or expunged from the student's records. If the decision is that the information is not inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student and that the information is to remain in the student's educational records, the student shall be notified and given the opportunity to enter a statement in his/her records setting forth his/her explanation of the contents thereof. Students wishing to appeal the decision of the Faculty Committee may do so in writing to the president of the university within five days after the action of the committee. Students wishing to file a complaint directly to the review board of H.E.W. should write to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Office, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201. This policy is adopted pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, and is not intended to impose any restrictions or grant any rights not specifically required by this act.
Types of Educational Records and Officials
Responsible for Their Maintenance
The following are lists of student
records and the officials responsible for their maintenance. Copies
of these records will be made available to students upon individual
written requests. Such requests must be addressed to the official
responsible for the maintenance of the record.
Director of Admissions
Application for Admission
Application Processing Fee
High School, College, and University Transcripts
University Entrance Exam SAT or ACT Scores
General Equivalency Development (GED) Examination Scores
GRE and GMAT Examination Test Scores
Immunization Certificate
International Admission Documents
Director of Student Financial
Aid
Regents' Scholarship Application
Stafford Student Loan Application
Financial Aid Form
Pell Grant Student Aid Report
University Work/Study Job Assignment
Award Notification
Statement of Acceptance of Award
Academic Scholarship Application
Chair of Learning Support Programs
University Placement Examination Scores (Placement and Exit)
Registrar
University Level Examination Program Scores
Grades and Academic Standing Status
Petition for a Degree
Regents' Test Results
Georgia and U.S. History and Constitution Test Results
Registration Information-Enrollment Data
Veterans' Records
Rules and Regulations
Director of Counseling and Advising
Program Services (CAPS)
Individual Standardized Tests
Regents' Testing Program
Georgia and U.S. History & Constitution Test Results
CLEP Tests
Vice President for Student Success
and Enrollment Services
Discipline File
Health Insurance Brochures
Letters of Recommendation
Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA)
University System of Georgia, does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex,
national origin or disability in employment or provision of services.
Kennesaw State University does not discriminate on the basis of
disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment
in, its programs or activities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities. This statute guarantees equal opportunity for this protected group in the areas of public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications.
Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for employment opportunities with the University. Individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to participate in any portion of the application, interview and/or testing process must advise the University's Department of Personnel Services in advance. Upon request, applicants must provide documentation confirming a disability and the need for an accommodation. Advance requests for reasonable accommodation(s) should be directed to the Director of Personnel Services. The office telephone number is (770) 423-6030 V/TDD. The FAX number is (770) 423-6570. The Web Page address for employment opportunities is HYPERLINK http://www.kennesaw.edu/personnel
The following individuals have been designated by the President of the University to provide assistance and ensure compliance with the ADA. Should you require assistance or have further questions about the ADA, please contact either Ms. Carol Pope, ADA Compliance Officer for Students at (770) 423-6443; Mr. Lee Richey, ADA Compliance Officer for Facilities at (770) 423-6224; Dr. Herbert Davis, ADA Compliance Officer for Faculty at (770) 423-6670; and Ms. Dana Marko, ADA Compliance Officer for Nonacademic Personnel at (770) 423-6030.
Human
Relations Position Statement
Kennesaw State University is an educational
community comprised of individuals from different ethic, racial
and religious groups and of different genders, political beliefs,
ages, abilities and sexual orientations. In light of this diversity,
Kennesaw State University is resolved to contribute to the development
of an integrated, pluralistic society in which individuals model
and support humaneness and respect for the individual.
The University is committed to providing quality education, which is enhanced by the perspectives provided by individuals and groups with varying backgrounds and views. Racism, sexism and other discriminatory attitudes and behaviors impede learning and working. Conversely, respect for differences enhances educational and work experiences. Kennesaw State University is dedicated to creating an environment that cherishes and nourishes this diversity.
KSU Freedom of Assembly and Expression
Kennesaw State University recognizes
and upholds First Amendment Rights of Freedom of Speech and Assembly.
Demonstrations and assemblies can be valid expressions for dissenting
opinions provided they do not disrupt academic and administrative
functions of the institution. The opinions expressed by organizations,
groups or individuals using Kennesaw State University's facilities
do not necessarily reflect the position of Kennesaw State University.
Kennesaw State University affirms its commitment to the freedom
of speech, assembly and expression even though the language or
ideas of those seeking a venue for free expression may contradict
university ideals and policies or the personal views of university
employees and students. The institution expects members of the
faculty, staff, and student body to refrain from, and discourage,
behaviors which threaten the rights, freedoms and respect every
individual deserves.
Administration procedures and guidelines pertaining to Freedom of Assembly and Expression are detailed in the KSU Student Handbook.
KSU Position Statement on Environmental Awareness
Kennesaw State University endeavors to encourage in each student, faculty, staff member, and the community, a respect for the worth of the environment and a desire and capacity to recycle, to conserve energy and to take other measures to help conserve limited resources. This institution focuses on developing an environmental ethic that promotes excellence, responsibility and stewardship in environmental affairs and is committed to educating the community about environmental issues.
Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Kennesaw State University shall provide
academic programs, support services, and social and/or recreational
to all eligible individuals. In the event that an employee or
student is (or becomes) HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) positive,
that individual shall retain his/her right to these programs,
services and activities. All actions taken by Kennesaw State University
will comply with the laws pertaining to public health practices
and the rights of individuals to privacy and confidentiality.
Instances that arise will be handled individually to provide maximum
support to any member of the faculty, the administration, the
staff or the student body who is HIV positive.
KSU Mission
Statement on Occupational Health & Safety
It is the goal of Kennesaw State University to protect employees
and property of KSU and to provide safe work places. To this end,
the Department of Environmental, Health & Safety of Kennesaw
State University will ensure compliance with local, state, and
applicable federal codes, provide technical assistance, conduct
routine facility audits and empower the employees of KSU through
training in hazard recognition and accident prevention.
Student Administrative Withdrawals & Academic Grievance Procedures
Student
Administrative Withdrawals
A student may be administratively
withdrawn from the university when, in the judgment of the vice
president for student success and enrollment services, the director
of counseling services and the university physician, if any, and
after consultation with the student's parents and personal physician,
if any, 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 final decision concerning his or her continued enrollment at the university.
Grievance Procedures for Admissions, Privacy
Rights and Other Non-Academic Matters
Within the framework of students'
relationships to Kennesaw State University, several avenues exist
for the expression of grievance. Provision for hearing appeals
by applicants denied admission to the university is outlined in
Article VI, Section C, paragraph 2a, of the Bylaws of the Board
of Regents. Appeal procedures for grievances related to students'
privacy rights are contained in the university catalog (see section
on confidentiality of student records). Charges against students
and student organizations for violations of the KSU Student Code
of Conduct will be handled through the University Judiciary Program.
Grievances related to loss of athletic scholarship and other forms
of financial aid will be heard by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee.
Academic
Grievances (other than violation of stated grading policy)
Student complaints related to final
grades in any course of instruction where the student believes
that the instructor violated the stated grading policy will be
heard according to the grade appeal procedures as printed in the
university catalog and the student handbook. Every attempt will
be made to resolve other complaints/grievances at the lowest level
possible in the chain of command. However, in instances where
this is not possible, and the complaint cannot be satisfactorily
resolved through procedures described above, the grievant may
appeal in writing to the president of the university; the appeal
should be communicated within five days after the action of which
the student complains, or unsatisfactory resolution was reached
at lower level. The president's decision is final so far as institutional
grievance procedures are concerned.
Discrimination
All student grievances or complaints
alleging action of a discriminatory nature shall be addressed
in writing to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, vice president
for student success and enrollment services. Once the deputy coordinator
has received a written complaint containing specific allegations
of discriminatory practice(s) regardless of whether based on race,
religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, handicap or national
origin, and the complaint cannot be resolved at this level, the
complaint will be routed to the University Senate. The Senate
shall be responsible for establishing from among its membership
an ad hoc committee of three faculty members and two students
to hear the complaint(s). The chairperson will serve at the pleasure
of the president. The committee may develop its own rules of procedure,
but in the event of a tie vote, the tie shall be broken by the
chairperson. Also, a minimum due process protection shall include
that the institution be given 10 working days to respond to any
charges of discrimination. The committee's finding and recommendations
will be rendered according to the principle of the preponderance
of evidence. The committee, after reviewing all available evidence
and hearing all verbal statements, shall within five days make
its finding and report such to the president. It should be clearly
understood that the opinions and recommendations offered by the
committee to the president are advisory and in no way bind her
to the recommended course of action. After consideration of the
committee's report, the president shall within five days make
a decision which shall be final so far as the university is concerned.
Should the aggrieved person(s) remain dissatisfied with the president's
decision, further redress may be sought through internal channels
by applying to the Board of Regents for a review of the decision,
pursuant to the Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Article IX, p.
xxvii.