^LAGRANGE tr COLLEGE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/studenthandbook22012lagr Student Handbook 2012-2013 This book belongs to: Varae Address City, State Zip LaGrange College challenges the minds and inspires the souls of its students. Founded in 1831 and committed to its relationship with the United Methodist Church and its Wesleyan and liberal arts traditions, the college supports students in their search for truth. An ethical and caring community that values civility, diversity, service, and excellence, LaGrange College prepares its students to become successful, responsible citizens who aspire to lives of integrity and moral courage. 2012-2013 Student Handbook LaGrange College Editor: Dr. Marc Shook, Dean of Student Engagement Publisher: Panther Prints, LaGrange College 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, Georgia 30240 706-880-8268 www.lagrange.edu NOTE: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication; however, neither LaGrange College or any of its representatives can be held liable for any inaccuracies or omissions. Printed in the U.S.A. 3 , ... - STUDENT Table of Contents Welcome 6 A Note About this Publication 7 Campus Contact Information 8 Campus Hours 10 Part I: General Campus Policies , 1 1 Honor Code 11 Social Code 18 Administrative Withdrawal Policy 26 Sexual Harassment / Sexual Violence Policy 28 General Policies Pertaining to Students & Student Organizations 31 Campus Resources 39 Student Engagement 39 General Campus Resources 44 Part II: Residential Education & Housing Regulations 59 Part HI: The Constitution of the Student Government Association 67 of LaGrange College 5 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Welcome As the president of the Student Government Association, I would like to wel- come all new and returning students, the LaGrange College faculty, and the College staff to the 2012-2013 school year. The beginning of each school year brings the chance to try new things. In the three years I have been at this Col- lege, I have made new friends, tried new things, and learned from new teachers. I encourage each student to explore the opportunities that await you at the Col- lege. Why not try a new sport, audition for a play, join Greek life, or become a member of the SGA? There are so many ways to get involved, it is up to you to open yourself up to new opportunities. I sincerely hope that the next four years of your college career will be as enjoy- able as mine have been, and that this College continues to inspire the students that follow your class. This College is special and, trust me, when the next nine short months pass and you are back home, the next semester will not come soon enough. Once again, I would like to welcome everyone to the 2012-2013 school year and hope that everyone can help me make this year something to remember. Hill Daniel 2012-2013 SGA President 6 4 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 A Note About This Publication The LaGrange College Student Handbook is intended to be a quick reference guide for students seeking more information about College policies and proce- dures pertaining to out-of-class activities. Please note that the policies contained in this Handbook are subject to change at the College's discretion without direct notice. Additionally, although the on-line version of this Handbook may be updated throughout the academic year, no warranty is made that it contains the most updated policies at any given time. Students are encouraged to seek clarifi- cation from the appropriate administrator for guidance on questions pertaining to College policies. 7 STUDENT ,A Campus Contact Information LaGrange College Switchboard (706) 880-8000 Administration President Dr. Dan McAlexander 880-8240 Provost Dr. David Garrison 880-8236 Vice President for Advancement William Jones 880-8223 Vice President for Finance and Operations Marty Pirrman 880-8223 Dean of Enrollment Management Joseph Miller 880-8253 Vice President for Spiritual Life & Church Relations Rev. Dr. Quincy Brown 880-8340 Registrar Jimmy Herring 880-8997 Business Office (student accounts) Becky Carter 880-8278 Financial Aid (work study, student loans) Sylvia Smith 880-8241 Information Technology (computer issues) 880-8053 www.lagrange.edu - click on PantherNet to access the IT HelpDesk Security Securitas 880-891 1 Student Engagement Associate Provost & Dean of Student Engagement Dr. Marc Shook 880-8269 Director of Career Development Center Diana Goldwire 880-8185 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Director of the Counseling Center Pamela Tremblay 880-8313 Director of Residential Education & Housing Vernon James 880-8979 North Quad Area Manager (Housing); Coordinator of Greek Life & Student Organizations Marshonntri Reid 880-8978 South Quad Area Manager (Housing); Coordinator of Multicultural Programming & Service Initiatives Dynasty Battest 880-8977 Campus Resources for Students Director of the SOURCE Center Provost's Office & Student Engagement Todd Prater 880-8925 Director of Student Ministries Office of Spiritual Life & Church Relations Rev. Blair Tolbert 880-8004 Athletics Athletic Director -Jennifer Clay brook 880-8262 Football - Todd Mooney 880-8106 Baseball - Kevin Howard 880-8295 Men's Basketball - Kendal Wallace 880-8328 Women's Basketball - Mark Isenhour 880-8342 Cheerleading - Ryan Alford 880-8330 Cross Country - Matt Donnett 880-8336 Golf - Lee Richer 880-8343 Lacrosse - Adrienne Berkland 880-8469 Men's Soccer Jeff Geeter 880-8283 Women's Soccer J/m Robbins 880-8334 Softball - Jennifer Claybrook 880-8262 Sports Information - John Hughes 880-8318 Swimming - Susie Brown 880-8322 Tennis - Matt Donnett 880-8336 Volleyball -Julie Moses 880-8225 STUDENT ,a . HANDBOOK S LAGRANGE 2012-2013 COLLEGE Campus Hours nday Friday Friday 9:00 am. - 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.- Thursday 5:00 p.m.- Administration Offices Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Campus Exclusives Bookstore Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Cafeteria Breakfast Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 am. Lunch Monday Dinner Monday - Thursday 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Friday 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Panther Prints Copy Center Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CEB Fitness Center Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday closed Lewis Library Jan Term Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 11:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tutoring Center Monday - Thursday 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. See the Tutoring Center Website at: http://home.lagrange.edu/tutoring/index.html Writing Lab Sunday - Thursday 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and by appointment: email writing@lagrange.edu Natatorium Lap swimming Fall 2012 Monday - Friday 12:00 p.m. - 1 :30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 am. - 11:00 am. Recreational Swimming - Indoor Pool Monday - Thursday 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 1 :00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Recreational swimming - Outdoor Pool Monday - Thursday 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (weather permitting) Please be prepared to show your college ID. Call 706-880-8010 for more information. (Closed September 1-3: Labor Day, October 13-16: Fall Break, November 21-25: Thanksgiving) Post Office Mail Box Area Open 24 hours Office 880-8287 M-F, 8:00 am. - 5:00 p.m. STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Welcome to The LaGrange College Student Handbook Introduction This book has been divided into three parts. The first section includes general campus policies and resources. The second section lists residential education and housing regulations. The third part of the book is the Student Government Association's Constitution and By-laws. As a member of the student body of LaGrange College, I confirm my commitment to the ideals of civility, diversity, service, and excellence. Recognizing the significance of personal integrity in establishing these ideals within our community, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate these unethical behaviors in others. The Honor Code is the responsibility of every student, faculty member, and staff member at LaGrange College. The cooperation of all members of the College community is needed to promote an environment of academic integrity, scholarship, and discipline. The Honor Code may be augmented for individual course needs, provided that any additions are listed in the course syllabus and do not detract from the letter or spirit of the Honor Code or jurisdiction of the Honor Council. To be honest and truthful in all academic matters, abiding by the letter and spirit of the Honor Code To consult with the appropriate persons to clarify issues regarding plagiarism, the correct attribution of sources, the acceptable limits of proofreading, editing, or input of others, and the allowable materials for examinations, reports, or any academic work To sign a pledge that no unauthorized aid has been given or received on any academic work To report any incident which is believed to be a violation of the Honor Code to the president of the Honor Council To cooperate when called upon by the Council to testify in a hearing PARTI Student Responsibilities STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Student Rights To be presumed innocent To be granted a fair, impartial, and timely hearing To face and question any witnesses at a hearing To testify and present material on one's own behalf To be granted a separate hearing upon request, when the incident involves more than one person To be granted the right to subsequent appeal To be accompanied by a silent observer in a hearing. The Council president must be made aware of this person's name and relationship to the student no less than twenty-four hours before the hearing. The observer's role is one of support, and this person will not be allowed to speak. Academic cheating, including but not limited to the unauthorized use of books or notes, copying, or collaboration on examinations or any graded coursework Unauthorized use of electronic devices and/or programs for or during examinations or any graded coursework Plagiarism the misuse of another person's words or ideas, presenting them as one's own, regardless of intent Lying or presenting false information related to any academic matter Forgery or misuse of official college documents Theft of college property related to academic work Aiding another in any of the above Failure to report a violation of the Honor Code Failure to appear before the Honor Council as requested Failure to maintain confidentiality regarding a case Any dishonest conduct related to Cultural Enrichment requirements, including but not limited to, taking credit for attendance when one has not attended an event, either in whole or in part; or aiding another in attempting to take credit for attending an event one has not attended Examples of Offenses 12 A STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Procedure Regarding a Suspected Violation of the Honor Code Report the alleged violation to the president of the Honor Council. In consultation with one of the advisors to the Honor Council, the president of the Council will determine if sufficient evidence exists for a hearing. If the evidence is insufficient, the president so notifies the party reporting the alleged violation. If there is sufficient evidence for a hearing, the president sets a date for the hearing. The president will inform the person or persons accused of the violation that a hearing will take place, stating the specific accusation, the place, date, and time of the hearing, and requesting the names of any persons who should be called as witnesses. The president will interview these persons to determine whether they have knowledge relevant to the suspected violation. Campus email and communication through the campus post office will be considered means of official correspondence to students from the Honor Council. Students are responsible for responding to these official means of communication. If any communication attempts are not responded to within one week of initial contact from the Honor Council, the Council has the right to proceed with the case. When a student accused of a violation does not appear for a preliminary interview when notified to do so, a hold will be placed on the student's transcript. A hold will also be placed on the transcript when it has been determined that the case will proceed to a hearing. This hold will be removed when the case has been resolved. The student may choose to self-report the violation in a letter to the Honor Council president. As a result no hearing will be called, but the Honor Council will meet to determine the sanction. The student will be invited to meet with the Council and encouraged to address the Council before its deliberation to determine the sanction. The president presides at the hearing, after which the Honor Council votes to determine whether or not a violation has occurred. In the event of a tie, the president will cast the deciding vote. If the student is found not to have violated the Honor Code, the president and recorder destroy the recording of the proceedings and so inform the Provost and the student in writing. If the student is found to have violated the Code, further deliberation by the Council determines the sanction to be imposed, and the student is notified in writing. The sanction is carried out by the Provost. If a case cannot be heard before the end of the grading period, the instructor will submit the grade of NR until the Honor Council acts on the case. The Honor Council reserves the right to conduct a hearing in absentia when the accused student fails to appear as notified and directed. Every person found to have violated the Honor Code has the right of subsequent appeal. Such appeal must be filed in writing within seven (7) days of notification of the sanction and is made to the Provost. If the sanction determined by the Honor Council is an F in the course, the student will be dropped from the course seven (7) days after the student has been notified of the sanction unless an appeal is filed. The Appeals Board shall be the President of the SGA, the President of the Faculty Assembly, the Provost, the Honor Council appeals representative, and a student-at-large selected by the Honor Council President and the Provost Such appeals are heard from the written hearing summary, the audio recording of the hearing, and the written statement of the student requesting the appeal. Materials submitted as part of Appellate Procedure 13 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 the case and the recording of the hearing will not be made available to the accused student. The Appeals Board has the authority to change the sanction in a case but is limited to the sanctions provided for in the policies of the Honor Code. One of the following sanctions is imposed when it is determined that there has been a violation of the Honor Code. All students will also complete a program of remediation outlined below. The final grade in the course lowered one letter grade A zero on the related assignment An F in the course Suspension from the College for one term, excluding summer, and an F in the course in a grade-related offense Dismissal from the College, and an F in the course in a grade related offense In a case related to Cultural Enrichment credit, the addition of five credits required for graduation. This does not disqualify the possible sanction of suspension or expulsion. All students found to have violated the Honor Code must complete a Remediation Program before being allowed to enroll in classes for the following semester. In course-related violations, they would also receive a sanction from the Honor Council. In certain non-course-related cases, the remediation program itself may be the sanction set by the Honor Council. 1. A contract will be signed by the student which requires a Remediation Program to be completed within a month of the date of the initiation of the contract If the sanction is imposed late in a semester, the president of the Honor Council will determine a reasonable time for its completion at the beginning of the next semester. If the student does not complete the program as agreed, he or she will not be able to register for the following semester, not including summer, effectively accepting a suspension for a semester. It will be the student's responsibility to make and keep all appointments named in the contract and to complete the program within the specified period. 2. The student must make and keep appointments to meet with the following groups or members of the college community in person: the Provost, the Provost's Council or a member of the Provost's Council designated by the Provost; a member of the Honor Council designated by the president of the Honor Council; in a grade-related offense, the member or members of the faculty involved; and the President of the College. In each of these discussions the student should be prepared to explain his or her violation, discuss its impact both personally and on the college community, and hear what others' thoughts and concerns may be about the violation. A minimum of thirty minutes is suggested for each meeting. The paper referred to below (item 3.) must be presented to the President of the College prior to his or her meeting with the student. Sanctions Remediation 14 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 3. The student must write a five- to ten-page typed paper reflecting on the experience of the violation and what he or she may have learned in the process of the meetings. These papers, rendered anonymous, will be made available for the Honor Council to use at its discretion in its efforts to educate the student body regarding academic integrity. When the paper has been submitted and read by the Honor Council, the final step in satisfying the Remediation Program will be a meeting with the Honor Council. This is an opportunity for members of the Council to ask questions of the student about the process and outcome. The Honor Council seeks to educate the College community on the principles of academic integrity and to enforce the Honor Code when violations occur. Any student who has been trained in prior years as a member of the Honor Council may be empanelled for hearings or sanction meetings when necessary. It may also be necessary for new members to be selected and trained during an academic year using standard, established procedure. President: Emily Claire Worthey Courtney Beshel, Madison Brasselle, Joshua Bricker, Nicole Cato, Nate Crawford, Leah Foster, Loishirl Hall, Meldra Hall, Robert Harste, Devin James, Tyler Johnson, Leslie Rhoades, and Stephanie Rojas Contact: ecworthey@lagrange.edu Honor Council office: 706 880-8191 Advisors: William Paschal and John A. Tures 1 . To treat every member of the College community with impartiality and respect 2. To consider all facts and testimony before discussing or resolving any case 3. To preserve absolute confidentiality 4. To hold the College community to the highest standard of conduct, both to protect the community and to promote moral development 5. To support the mission of the College by conducting programs and enacting policies regarding the Honor Code that contribute to the ethical development of the College community 6. To understand the fundamental differences between the nature of student discipline regarding academic integrity and the nature of criminal law. The Honor Code, its policies, procedures, and sanctions are meant to be in accordance with the mission of the College. They are not intended to resemble any activities within the criminal judicial process. HONOR COUNCIL 2012- 2013 Honor Council Principles 15 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 LAGRANGE COLLEGE Selection Conducted each spring by the Selection Committee: Outgoing SGA President Outgoing Honor Council President President of the Faculty Assembly Provost Advisor to the Honor Council Will I violate the Code if I don't turn in students I know are cheating or have otherwise violated the Code? Yes. The purpose of the Honor Code is to create a community of integrity. Lying, cheating, and stealing related to academic matters are violations of the Code, and students at LaGrange College should refuse to tolerate violations of the trust among students and between students and faculty established by the code. What if I don't agree to sign the Code? The Honor Code is a policy of the College, and refusal to sign it will not alter a student's requirement to abide by it. In classes where tests are unproctored, isn't there just a higher incidence of cheating? The process of educating the student body in the discipline of academic integrity is ongoing. Individual faculty members make the decision about when and how to offer students unproctored exams, and this is being done more frequently than before the Honor Code was implemented. Trust between faculty and students is one of the goals of any honor system, and as faculty trust in students increases, as the faculty becomes more confident that there are many students who will not tolerate dishonesty, unproctored exams will be administered more often. Why do we need an Honor Code? Studies related to ethics and moral development in American colleges and universities consistently show students' failure to understand the value of intellectual property, and professional organizations also report concerns about the ethics of graduates entering fields such as engineering, business, and medicine. In a study completed at LaGrange College in January 1999, of 154 student respondents, only 48. 1 percent agreed with the statement "There is peer support for academic honesty (for not cheating and not helping others cheat). When the survey was administered again in 2004, four years after the implementation of the Code, that percentage had risen to 60.7 percent, a 12.6 percent increase. Who decides cases of alleged violations of the Code? The Honor Council is selected in the spring of each year for the following academic year. Students may self-nominate, and the faculty also nominates students who then apply to be considered in the selection process. The Honor Council elects its own president who becomes the non-voting member to whom all cases are reported. The members will be from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes and will have a minimum GPA of 2.85. Is it a violation of the Code to have someone else proofread my assignments and papers? Always ask your professor for clarification of what is acceptable for every assignment. In general, someone else's proofreading of your work would not be tolerated under the Code because it isn't your own work GPA requirement: 2.85 or higher Applicants must attend a mandatory workshop Common Questions 16 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 and may put you at an unfair advantage over other students. This is the professor's prerogative for each assignment, however, and is it your responsibility to ask about the limits of each assignment. What about help from the Writing Center? Should I be worried about that? No. Writing Center tutors understand the Code and the limitations it places on the type and scope of help they offer. They will not proofread, edit, or revise your papers. Their job is to provide peer tutoring and guide you in doing your own best work. What is the process of an Honor Council Hearing? All hearings are closed, and all matters before the Honor Council are confidential. The president prepares all parties for the hearing, presides, and assures fairness. The person accused of a violation is present throughout the hearing and may ask questions just as members do of all witnesses who come before the Honor Council. The person accused of the violation will have the opportunity to be the last to speak, after all other parties have been dismissed from the hearing room. The Council will excuse everyone except its members and advisor in order to deliberate, and the decision will be delivered in writing to the accused and the Provost of the College. If the person is found not to have committed a violation, the record of the hearing is destroyed. What happens if a student is found in a hearing to have violated the Honor Code? One of the sanctions will be immediately imposed. A sanction cannot be deferred. Summer term does not qualify for a suspension period. What happens if a student who is confronted about a violation chooses to admit his or her violation of the Honor Code? By self-reporting to the Honor Council, a student will not be required to attend a hearing, but the Council will convene to impose a sanction. Even when the student chooses to admit the violation in a letter to the Honor Council, the student is encouraged to meet with the Council to fully explain the incident before the Council votes to impose a sanction. What does the faculty or administration of the College have to do with the Honor Council? The Honor Council is composed entirely of students and acts autonomously. An advisor from the faculty attends hearings to ensure due process and fairness for all parties, to plan training for the Council, and to act as liaison to the faculty, but he or she has no vote in Council proceedings. Each year, in keeping with the trust that the faculty has placed in the Council, the Council will present a report to the faculty and the President of the College. ACADEMIC HONOR PLEDGE I pledge that I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this assignment (or examination), nor have I witnessed any violation of the Honor Code. 17 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 LAGRANGE COLLEGE The LaGrange College Social Code As a member of the student body at LaGrange College, I confirm my commitment to the ideals of civility, diversity, service, and excellence, and will adhere to an honorable standard of conduct. As an educational institution, the College is concerned not only with the formal in-class educa- tion of its students, but also with each student's welfare and growth into mature men and women who conduct themselves responsibly as citizens. Like the Honor Code, the Social Code is the responsibility of every student, faculty member, and staff member at LaGrange College. The Social Code attempts to instill in every member of the student body a sense of moral and community responsibility. As such, LaGrange College expects its students to adhere to community standards. Likewise, if some fail to live up to these codes of conduct, the College expects students to report violations of the Social Code to the Social Council. In this way, students assume the obligation of upholding the integrity of their commu- nity and of ethically preparing themselves for the world beyond college. Section I: Overview As an institution whose mission is to challenge the mind and inspire the souls of its students, LaGrange College is committed to both the intellectual and ethical development of students. To promote moral development and insure a safe environment conducive to learning, the College has established formal expectations for conduct as well as processes for resolving allegations of student misconduct. Like the Honor Code, promotion and enforcement of the Social Code is a community responsibility shared by students, faculty, and staff. Not only are community members expected to hold one another ac- countable for their behavior, but known violations of the Social Code should be reported to the Dean of Student Engagement or the Social Council. Section II: Jurisdiction The College's disciplinary procedures pertain to acts of misconduct allegedly committed by a student. For the purposes of this policy, a "student" is defined as one who is currently enrolled at the College, or who is accepted for admission or readmission to the College, or who has been enrolled at the Col- lege in a prior semester/summer session and is eligible to continue enrollment in the semester/summer session that immediately follows. For the purposes of this policy, individuals who are not currently enrolled at the College remain subject to the disciplinary process for conduct that occurred while they were enrolled as a student. In general, the College's jurisdiction for formally adjudicating allegations of misconduct is limited to instances that occur on College property. The College and/or Social Council may, however, initiate the disciplinary process against a student for prohibited conduct that occurs while the student is partici- pating in off-campus activities sponsored by or affiliated with the College (e.g., field trips, Jan Term, internships, clinical assignments, a campus organization social) or for any conduct that is deemed to potentially threaten the health/safety of the campus or disrupt the learning environment of the Col- lege no matter where such behavior may occur. College disciplinary action may be instituted against a student charged with conduct that potentially violates both criminal/civil law and College policy without regard to the pendency of civil or criminal litigation in court or arrest. The College's disci- 18 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 plinary process may be initiated prior to, simultaneously with, or following criminal/civil proceedings off campus and any disciplinary sanctions reached under the College's process will not be reevaluated based on the results of a criminal/civil legal proceeding. Section III: Standards of Student Behavior Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct is subject to disciplinary action under the Social Code (this list is offered to give students examples of misconduct covered by the Social Code, but it should not be considered all-inclusive): A. Engages in conduct that violates any provision of federal, state, or local laws. B. Use, possession, or distribution of an illegal drug or narcotic, or possession of drug para- phernalia. C. Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages. LaGrange College is a dry campus and, as such, possession of alcohol, even by students of legal drinking age, is prohibited. In addition, violations of state alcohol law (such as driving under the influence or public intoxication), whether on or off campus may be subject to College disciplinary action. Likewise, the display of alcohol bottles and/or paraphernalia (empty bottles, cans, funnels, kegs, etc.) is not allowed in residence halls rooms, even for display purposes. D. Use, possession, or display of firearms, facsimile firearms, ammunition, explosives, weap- ons, or any other incendiary, explosive, or potentially destructive device, including fire- works. E. Engages in inappropriate conduct, including, but not limited to, pranks, repeated contact of a harassing nature through a personal or electronic medium, and violent, berating or otherwise abusive behavior. F. Behaves in a manner that impedes, interferes with, or disrupts any College teaching, re- search, administrative, disciplinary, public service, learning, or otherwise authorized activ- ity. G. Behaves in a manner that threatens or endangers the health or safely of any student or employee of the College, or of visitors on campus. H. Damages, defaces, destroys, tampers with, or takes without authorization property of the College, property belonging to any student or employee of the College, or property of a visitor on campus. I. Is in possession of or makes use of College keys for unauthorized possession. J . Engages in activities that subject a probationary member of a group to dangerous, harmful, or degrading acts. K. Engages in unauthorized use of property, equipment, resources, supplies, buildings, or fa- cilities owned or controlled by the College, including unauthorized entry into property, 19 STUDENT * ^ LAGRANGE buildings, or facilities owned or controlled by the College. L. Engages in surveillance or recording of any type without the subject's knowledge or con- sent in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy and/or the broadcasting or distribution of such material. M. Gambling, including in the residence halls. N. Misuse or abuse of fire safety equipment. 0. Arson. P. Disruption of the student conduct process, including, but not limited to, failing to appear for a meeting when summoned, failing to appear at or testify at a hearing, attempting to harass, or unduly influence a potential witness or complainant, or failing to complete an assigned sanction. Q. Violates any rule or regulation or administrative procedure of the College, including, but not limited to, the College's housing regulations, parking regulations, Discrimination, or Harassment. R. Any violation of the above procedures that is deemed to be motivated by a real or perceived prejudice against an individual's status may be deemed a "hate crime" and, as such, carry with it a more severe sanction. Section IV: Interim Disciplinary Action Pending an administrative resolution or Social Council hearing, if the continuing presence of the student poses a potential danger to persons or property or a potential threat of disrupting the academic process or any activity authorized by the College, the Dean of Student Engagement may take such immediate interim disciplinary action as is appropriate to the circumstances. Appropriate actions include, but are not limited to, suspending the right of the person to live in campus residence halls, sus- pending the right to attend one or more academic classes, barring contact without another individual, removal from a campus group or organization, cancellation of trips associated with the College, or otherwise altering the status of the student. In situations where it is deemed that the student should be removed from campus completely, the Dean of Student Engagement will proceed under the College's Administrative Withdrawal Policy. In situations where a student is subject to Interim Disciplinary Action, the student shall have the ability to meet with the Dean of Student Engagement to discuss the allegation within three business days of receiving notification of the Interim Disciplinary Action. Following this meeting, the Dean of Student Engagement may remove the Interim Disciplinary Action and/or schedule a formal administrative resolution conference or Social Council Hearing within 14 days of this meeting. The Dean of Student Engagement may also request any psychological testing or other documentation as a requirement of attending the administrative resolution conference or Social Council Hearing; the College will not pay for any psychological testing required or other charges incurred during the period of Interim Disciplin- ary Action. Should the student fail to attend the called meeting with the Dean of Student Engagement, the Interim Disciplinary Action will remain in effect until the incident is closed through the College's 20 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 disciplinary procedures or the Dean of Student Engagement may seek removal from campus under the College's Administrative Withdrawal Policy. Section V: Adjudication Procedures Allegations that a student has potentially violated the Social Code may come from other students, College faculty/staff, city officials, community members, or other individuals associated with the in- stitution. Upon receipt of an allegation, the Dean of Student Engagement will review the allegation to determine if the preponderance of evidence supports opening a disciplinary case. Either prior to or after opening a disciplinary case, the Dean of Student Engagement or Dean's Delegate may conduct an investigation into the matter that may involve requests for documentation or personal interviews with individuals involved. If a disciplinary case is opened, the Dean of Student Engagement will determine to either make a direct referral to the Social Council or call an administrative conference with the student. A. Administrative Conference / Administrative Resolution 1. If an administrative conference is called, the Dean of Student Engagement will determine if the case is to be heard by the Dean or a Dean's Delegate (for example, housing violations may be resolved by designated staff in the Office of Residential Education and Hous- ing). The Dean or Dean's Delegate will contact the student by phone or via an e-mail sent to the student's College account informing them to appear a certain date and time (the preliminary communication will not include the nature of the disciplinary allegation against them). Although no time period is mandatory, the initial disciplinary conference will likely occur within two weeks of the alleged incident. A student who misses one or more scheduled meetings with the Dean or Dean's Delegate may have the incident referred to the Social Council. 2. In an administrative conference, the Dean or Dean's Delegate will inform the student(s) of the allegation against them and offer the student(s) a chance to present evidence on their behalf. The Dean or Dean's Delegate may then elect to call another meeting to allow time for further investigation or make a determination on responsibility. If the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of responsibility, the matter will be dismissed without disciplinary action. If the preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the student is responsible for the alleged act of misconduct, the Dean or Dean's Delegate will offer the student an administrative resolution that outlines the determination and the sanction deemed appropriate. The student may then choose to sign the administrative resolution or elect to have the incident sent to the Social Council for resolution. If a student signs the administrative resolution, the matter is closed and no appeal rights are available (again, the student has the right to take the incident to the Social Council should they disagree with the determination of the Dean or Dean's Delegate). B. Social Council Hearing 1. Self Reports: In the case that student elects to self-report an infraction to the Social Council President, this honorable act will result in a meeting of the Social Council to determine appropriate sanction only - no formal hearing will be held. 21 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 3. 4. 5. When a Social Council hearing is to be held, the Social Council President will contact the accused student by phone or via an e-mail to the student's College account informing the student of: (a) the allegation against the student, including the date of the alleged incident, if known, and the specific violations under consideration during the hearing, and (b) the date, time, and place of the hearing. During the hearing, the President of the Social Council presides over the hearing, ascertain- ing that all evidence and witnesses are produced. During the hearing, the Social Council presents the evidence supporting the allegation and provides the accused student an oppor- tunity to present evidence in her/his own behalf. Following the introduction of evidence, the Social Council will determine if they have sufficient evidence to render a decision. If insufficient evidence exists, the Social Council may request a continuation of the hearing and dictate what evidence they require the accused student to present at a hearing to be called on a later date. If sufficient evidence exists, the Social Council will take a vote to determine whether the preponderance of evidence supports a finding of responsibility. A simple majority vote of the Social Council members present during the hearing (the Presi- dent only votes when there is a tie) will determine the responsibility of the accused student. If the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of responsibility, the matter is dismissed without disciplinary action. If the preponderance of evidence supports a finding of responsibility, the Social Council will take another majority vote (with the President only voting when there is a tie) to assign an appropriate sanction or sanctions. Although the accused student may learn the Social Council's decision immediately follow- ing the hearing, a letter outlining the decision (and any sanctions if issued) will be supplied to the student following the hearing. The Dean of Student Engagement will be responsible for insuring that all sanctioas are completed as dictated. The accused student has the right to be accompanied by a silent advisor during the hearing. This advisor will be excused from the hearing if this person attempts to speak or advocate on behalf of the student in any way. If an accused student fails to appear for a hearing after proper notice, the Social Council may either elect to reschedule the hearing or conduct the hearing in absentia without the student's presence. A student found responsible by the Social Council may appeal the finding, the sanction, or both to the College Provost. This appeal must be made in writing and submitted to the College Provost within seven days of receiving notification of the finding. The appeal must specify the exact grounds for the appeal and include all supporting evidence. A determination on the appeal will be made by the Social Council Appeals Board, consist- ing of the Provost, the President of the Faculty Assembly, the SGA Parliamentarian, the Social Council appeals representative, and student at-large selected by the Social Council President and the Provost. The Appeals Board may uphold the decision in full, dismiss all findings, amend the decision with amended sanctions as listed in Section VI, or remand the decision for another hearing before the Social Council with the addition of new evidence not heard in the original hearing. 22 TM STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 2. After the appellate procedure timeline has passed, students who desire an extension or fur- ther extensions are required to contact the Social Council President and request a meeting with the Social Council to discuss why an extension or further extension is needed. The student must request this meeting no later than two weeks before the deadline of their sanc- tions. After this meeting, the Social Council will decide whether an extension is granted and the timeframe for the new extension (if granted). The student will then be informed by letter sent via e-mail to the student's College account of the Social Council's decision in the matter. An extension decision is not allowed to be appealed to the Provost nor the Dean of Student Engagement. Section VI: Sanctions The Social Council, the Dean of Student Engagement, or Dean's Delegate may assign sanctions to stu- dents found responsible for violations of the Social Code. Sanctions are intended to be educational in nature. Although not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of sanctions that may be applied: A. Status Sanctions - these are often base sanctions determined by the severity of the misconduct or the repeated nature of such actions and they are typically accompanied by one or more of the active sanctions listed below. 1. Reprimand - Often used for first offenses or less severe behavior, a reprimand reflects that the conduct is not supported by the College's mission and indicates that more severe sanctions may follow if the conduct is repeated. 2. Disciplinary Probation - A DP status sanction is issued for a specific period of time (typically a semester or year) and indicates that, should similar or other misconduct occur within this time- frame, more severe sanctions, including suspension or expulsion, will likely follow. 3. Deferred Suspension - Deferred Suspension is used in situations where the conduct is severe enough to justify suspension from the institution but mitigating circumstances exist to permit the student an opportunity to correct behavior; a student who has any further disciplinary issues while on deferred suspension will almost always be immediately suspended from the institution or expelled. 4. Suspension/Revocation of Privileges - Either the temporary or permanent removal of privileges entitled to LaGrange College students; these include, but are not limited to, ability to hold office or membership in a club or organization, representing the College during events, operating a ve- hicle on College property, entering campus buildings, living in campus residence halls, attending a particular class, or participating in a varsity sport. 5. Suspension from the Institution - A student suspended from the Institution is barred for a desig- nated period of time from entering College property without written permission from the Dean of Student Engagement. Students suspended from the Institution will likely have to reapply to gain readmission to the College. 6. Expulsion - A student expelled from the Institution is permanently barred from entering College property without written permission from the Dean of Student Engagement. 23 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 B. Active Sanctions 1. Educationally based assignments (such as, but not limited to, on-line alcohol or drug modules, reflection papers, or research assignments). 2. Community/College service. 3. Fines. 4. Withholding of grades, official transcript, and/or degree. 5. Bar against readmission, bar against enrollment, withdrawal from the College or a period of enrollment, and/or drop from one or more classes. 6. Restitution to the College for damage to College property (the College will not mandate restitu- tion between students). 7. Referrals to other College units or outside agencies. 8. Denial of degree. 9. Other sanctions deemed appropriate. Section VII: Selection of the Social Council The Social Council is responsible for interpreting the Standards of Student Behavior and other policies found in the Student Handbook; likewise, the Social Council is responsible for taking actions when these standards and policies have been violated. The Social Council shall consist of six voting members and up to three alternates. Students interested in serving as a Social Council representative will submit an application to the Student Engagement office. A Selection Committee composed of the Provost, Dean of Student Engagement, the outgoing SGA Parliamentarian, the outgoing Social Council President, and the Faculty Advisor to the Social Council will select a roster of worthy representatives from among the applicants. This roster will be presented to the Student Body, who will elect eight representatives to serve as the Social Council (the eight students with the most votes will serve as Social Council representatives). A minimum cumulative and last semester GPA of 2.85 will be required of all applicants. The President of the Social Council will be elected by the representatives of the Social Council. An- other member of the Social Council will be elected by the Social Council representatives to serve as the Recording Secretary and Appeal Board representative; that representative will not vote at Social Council hearings. The Social Council will be served by two Faculty Advisors. The Student Engagement Committee will nominate a roster of potential Faculty. The Social Council shall approval of the roster. From that ap- proved roster, the Provost and Dean of Student Engagement will select the Faculty Advisors. 24 , .., , STUDENT wfflm. seeks Faculty advisors will serve a minimum of two years with the Social Council, alternating their resigna- tion years so that the Social Council always has the presence of an experienced advisor. Faculty Advisors have the right to resign at any time. The Social Council may request a new advisor by unanimous vote. Section VIII: Maintenance of Records Records of hearings of the Social Council will be kept in a locked cabinet in a secure location. A representative of the Social Council will deliver a summary report of hearing and sanctions at the last Spring meeting of both the Faculty and Student Government Association. 2012-2013 Social Council Paige Castle Daniel Garrett Kelsey Harris Morgan Habbison Ben MacMinn Mar an da Mitchem Amy Peek Sarah Joy Richards Joe Strickland Advisors: Dr. Lisa Crutchfield and Dr. Anthony Wilson STUDENT ,A , LaGrange College Administrative Withdrawal Policy As an academic institution committed to challenging the minds and inspiring the souls of its students, LaGrange College treats with great seriousness any situation where a student exhibits behaviors indi- cating that the student may be a potential threat to self, others, or property, and/or engages in conduct that threatens to interfere with the academic processes of the institution. Threats to oneself exist along a continuum, ranging from suicidal behavior with lethal intent or self-injurious behavior without le- thal intent. No matter the type of potentially threatening behavior, even statements made in jest, are considered serious matters and will receive appropriate clinical attention from authorized personnel as they pose a threat to the academic processes of the College. LaGrange College's Administrative Withdrawal Policy may be utilized in the following situations: (a) when the student engages in behavior or threatens to engage in behavior that poses a potential threat to self, others, or property; (b) when the impaired functioning of a student is sufficiently disturbing so as to interfere with the educational process of other constituents and/or the orderly operation of the College; and (c) when a student has failed to satisfy requirements of a prior Interim Disciplinary Action issued by the College. Determinations as to when the circumstances meet the conditions of this policy shall be made by the Dean of Student Engagement in consultation with the Director of the Counseling Center, the Provost, or any other appropriate College personnel. In the situation that the Dean of Student Engagement seeks to implement the Administrative Withdrawal Policy, one of the following actions may occur: 1. Voluntary or Involuntary Referral for Evaluation - The student may be referred for clini- cal services by a licensed physician and/or mental health provider in the community. Any costs associate with the evaluation will not be covered by the College. If such occurs, the student must submit the identity and credentials of the professional to the Dean of Student Engagement for approval. The student must also authorize the College to have permission to speak with the professional prior to and following the evaluation and/or treatment. In the case of an evaluation, the student must permit the professional to provide the College with a copy of the evaluation results as well as any treatment plan recommended. The College may mandate that the student follow any treatment plan recommended as a condi- tion of continued enrollment. Any student who fails to complete the evaluation process as required is subject to withdrawal as noted below. After receiving the evaluation, the Dean of Student Engagement may at his discretion: a. Allow the student to continue with no mandated treatment. Allow the student to continue pending on-going treatment (failure to comply with required treatment may result in withdrawal). Allow the student to take a medical withdrawal from the College. d. Implement an interim administrative withdrawal. 26 TM STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 e. Dismiss the student from the College. f. Determine other actions deemed appropriate under the circumstances. 2. Medical Withdrawals - A student who elects to take a medical withdrawal after being con- tacted with conditions under this policy may be required by Admissions to submit docu- mentation from the Dean of Student Engagement or designee verifying that the student is eligible to reenroll. 3. Interim Administrative Withdrawal - The Dean of Student Engagement or designee may place a student on an interim administrative withdrawal at his/her discretion under this policy. The College may also place a student on an interim administrative withdrawal pending the completion of a referral for evaluation and corresponding decision by the institution and/or for failure to meet any conditions issued under a Disciplinary Interim Ac- tion. Notice of the withdrawal may be issued in person, over the phone, via certified mail, or an e-mail to the student's College e-mail account. The Dean of Student Engagement or designee has the discretion to issue the interim administrative withdrawal for a designated period of time, until the completion of conditions issued, or a combination of the two. Dur- ing the period of withdrawal, the student may be denied access to College property without written permission from the Dean of Student Engagement, access to the residence halls or academic classes, or privileges for which the student may be otherwise eligible. After an interim administrative withdrawal, re-enrollment may be requested after demon- strated evidence that the conditions stipulated have been met or after the expiration of any time limit imposed at the time of the withdrawal - whichever is longer. An on-campus in- terview with appropriate personnel may be required before authorization for re-admittance is issued to Admissions, if necessary. 4. Administrative Withdrawal - If, based on the evidence available and/or submitted for con- sideration by the student, it is the opinion of the Dean of Student Engagement, in consulta- tion with the Director of the Counseling Center, Provost, or other appropriate personnel, that the student constitutes a potential risk, the student may be placed on an administrative withdrawal for a designated period of time (typically a period of semesters or years). Fol- lowing an administrative withdrawal, authorization from the Dean of Student Engagement or designee must be issued before the student can be considered for readmission from the College's admission staff. 5. Dismissal of Student - If, based on the evidence vailable and/or submitted for consider- ation by the student, it is the opinion of the Dean of Student Engagement, in consultation with the Director of the Counseling Center, Provost, or other appropriate personnel, that the student constitutes a substantial risk, the student may be permanently dismissed from the institution without the potential to reenroll. 27 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 LaGrange College Sexual Harassment / Sexual Violence Policy All members of the College community have the right to be free from sex discrimination in the form of sexual harassment; as dictated by the Office for Civil Rights, acts of sexual violence are a form of sexual harassment. Sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, is prohibited by federal and state law as well as College policy Sexual harassment may take two forms: (1) creat- ing a hostile environment, and (2) quid pro quo. A hostile, demeaning or intimidating environment created by sexual harassment interferes with an individual's full and free participation in the life of the College. Sexual harassment quid pro quo occurs when a position of authority is used to threaten to impose a penalty or to withhold a benefit in return for sexual favors, whether or not the attempt is successful. Sexual harassment may involve behavior by a person of either gender against a person of the same or opposite gender. It should be noted that the potential of sexual harassment exists in any of the follow- ing relationships: student/student, faculty/student, student/faculty and faculty/faculty. Here and sub- sequently "faculty" refers to faculty, staff and administration. Because of the inherent differential in power between faculty and students, sexual relationships between faculty and students are prohibited. Sexual harassment may result from many kinds of behavior. These behaviors may range from the most egregious forms, such as sexual violence, to more subtle forms. The College defines acts of sexual violence as any sexual act that occurs without the consent of the other person or occurs when the other person is unable to give consent, either because the use of drugs or alcohol or intellectual or other disability; sexual violence includes rape, sexual assault, and sexual coercion. Explicit behav- iors constituting sexual harassment include but are not limited to requests for sexual favors, physical assaults of a sexual nature, sexually offensive remarks, and rubbing, touching or brushing against another's body. More subtle behaviors may be experienced as intimidating or offensive, particularly when they recur or one person has authority over another. Such behaviors may include but are not limited to unwelcome hugs or touching, inappropriate staring, veiled suggestions of sexual activity, requests for meetings in non-academic settings, and risque" jokes, stories or images. Accusations of sexual harassment that are made without good cause shall not be condoned. Such accusations are indeed considered grievous and can have damaging and far-reaching effects upon the careers and lives of individuals. The College has a duty to investigate complaints arising either on or off campus and shall proceed without respect to any pending legal or criminal matters arising from the incident. Any member of the College community having a complaint of sexual harassment may raise the mat- ter informally and/or file a formal complaint. The informal process is an attempt to mediate between the parties in order to reach a mutually agreeable solution without entering into the formal hearing process; the informal process will not be used in situations of sexual violence. 28 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 The following informal procedures may be followed : S Clearly say "no" to the person whose behavior is unwelcome. S Communicate either orally or in writing with the person whose behavior is unwelcome. The most effective communication will have three elements: S A factual description of the incident(s) including the time, place, date and specific behavior S A description of the complainant's feelings, including any consequences of the incident S A request that the conduct cease S Speak with a department chair, Provost, director, counselor or chaplain who may speak to the person whose behavior is unwelcome. The name of the complainant need not be disclosed. The purpose of such conversation is the cessation of the unwelcome behavior. S In the case of harassment of a student, it may be appropriate first to seek the advice of his or her advisor. Formal complaint process and procedure : Upon receipt of a formal written complaint that alleges a violation of the College's policy against sexual harassment, the sexual harassment mediator, college's Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or designee shall begin an investigation of the charge(s). In cases of sexual violence in- volving students, the College may begin an investigation without a written complaint from the student. Upon beginning an investigation, the College may take any immediate interim actions deemed appro- priate that may remain in effect until a decision is reached; these actions could involve the alteration of class schedules, removal from classes, or restrictions from communicating with involved parties. An investigation shall include an interview with the person filing the complaint, the person(s) accused of violating the anti-harassment policies and any person designated by either of the principle parties as witnesses to the incident in question. The investigation shall be completed within 30 days of the receipt of the complaint. The matter shall then be presented to the president in the form of written rec- ommendations. At the president's discretion, he may accept the recommendations, interview the per- sons involved, direct further investigation by the mediator and/or hold formal hearings on the matter. All evidentiary decisions made regarding the complaint will be based on a preponderance of evidence standard. If formal hearings are ordered, no party is allowed to be represented by legal counsel. If a hearing is held in a student sexual violence situation, both parties will have the same access to infor- mation to be presented in the hearing and the complainant in the case may elect to participate in the hearing by phone rather than in person. This process shall be completed and the president shall make a final decision on the merits of the complaint and communicate that decision to both parties within 60 days of receipt of the complaint by the College. In matters involving students, staff, or administration, the decision of the president shall be final; faculty may appeal a final decision regarding the complaint in writing within 10 days to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. Throughout this pro- cess, the college will keep the identities of the complaining party and accused confidential Possible outcomes of the investigation are (1) that the allegation is not warranted and cannot be substantiated, (2) a negotiated settlement of the complaint or (3) that the allegation is substantiated requiring a recommendation to the President that disciplinary action be taken. In the case of students, disciplinary sanctions including those listed in the college's social code policy. STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 If the President of the College is the accused, the case is referred to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. If the chairperson of the Review Committee is the accused, the complaint shall be submitted to the President of the College. If any member of the Review Committee is the accused or for reason of prejudice must be recused, the President of the College shall appoint another member. The right to confidentiality of all members of the College community will be respected in both formal and informal procedures insofar as possible. LaGrange College is committed to preventing sexual harassment. To that end, this policy and these procedures will be printed in appropriate College publications. In addition, educational programs will be conducted annually by the College to (1) inform students, faculty, staff and administration about identifying sexual harassment and the problems it causes; (2) advise members of the College community about their rights and responsibilities under this policy; (3) train personnel in the adminis- tration of this policy. The Sexual Harassment / Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures will be issued to all incoming students and personnel. The College's Title IX Coordinator is Dr. David Garrison, Provost (Banks Hall, Room 302; 706-880- 8235; dgarrison@lagrange.eduV The College encourages individuals to immediately consult with or report incidents of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence to Dr. Garrison, or to one of the institution's Deputy Title IX coordinators: Issues involving students: Dr. Marc H. Shook, Associate Provost & Dean of Student Engage- ment (Smith Hall, Room 125; 706-880-8269; mshookfgflagrange.edu ): Issues involving faculty or staff: Dawn Coker, Director of Human Resources (Banks Hall, Room 225; 706-880-8267; dcoker@lagrange.edu ) Issues involving athletics: Jennifer Claybrook, Athletic Director (Calloway Education Building, Athletics Office; 706-880-8262; jclaybrook@lagrangc.edu ) Students may also report incidents of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence to any College administrator, official or supervisor, who is then responsible to promptly notify any of the above Title IX coordinators of the reported incident. Complaints or allegations of student-to-student sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence will be handled by the Dean of Student Engagement. Students may also contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights to complain of sexual discrimination, sexual harass- ment, or sexual violence; see: http : //www2 . e d. go v/about/offi ce s/1 ist/ocr/compl aintintro , html . Cases of sexual violence may also be reported to the LaGrange Police Department; the College's Title IX coordinators can assist individuals with contacting the Police Department. Complaints of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence involving non-students will be handled by the Director of Human Resources. Reporting 30 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 General Policies Pertaining to Students & Student Organizations This section lists a number of general policies that apply to LaGrange College students and organiza- tions Alcohol and Other Drugs LaGrange College prohibits the possession, distribution and use of alcohol or illegal drugs. As members of the College community, we recognize that we have an obligation to examine criti- cally the issues surrounding drug and alcohol abuse on campuses, to provide appropriate institutional responses, and to promote responsible personal decisions. Community members have the right to live, work, learn and study in an environment free from the damaging effects of drug and alcohol abuse. To this end, LaGrange College sponsors a variety of programs and provides information and resources regarding drug and alcohol abuse. In addition, the College's policies for faculty, staff and students are consistent with federal and local law and reinforce the belief that people are accountable for their own actions. The College's procedure for alcohol and drug infractions is listed in the Social Code policy. This section is provided to give the student information to make an informed choice about alcohol and drug use. Health Risks Associated With Substance Abuse This section summarizes the health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse and resources for addressing drug and alcohol abuse. Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco are commonly used drugs. Although some are regulated, they are not per se illegal. It is important to realize that for some people, even these legal drugs taken in moderation can produce serious health risks, and under certain circumstances, these drugs can prove as insidious and damaging as some illegal substances. Some illicit drugs and controlled substances have valid pharmaceutical uses. When properly admin- istered by a physician their effect can be beneficial, yet, as with the licit drugs mentioned above, these same drugs can also prove damaging. Other substances, such as inhalants and analogs, have no legitimate claim to healing. Their use is by definition abuse, and the results are unpredictable and sometimes fatal. Regardless of the licit or illicit status of a substance, abusing drugs is never beneficial physically, socially, psychologically, or economically. The following discussion provides a listing of common drugs and substances along with the associated physical and psychological and effects and risks. Keep in mind that the effects and risks may vary depending upon dosage, frequency of use, duration of use combination with other substances, as well as the age, sex and health of the person. Physical Health Risks Depressants (Quaaludes, barbiturates, tranquillizers, and alcohol) 31 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Health Risks: General - depression of the central nervous system, slow response time, loss of rational judgment, decreased coordination and motor skills, death These drugs are particularly dangerous when combined. Health Risks: Alcohol - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, metabolic changes (e.g. hypoglycemia, el- evated triglycerides), cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and liver, heart desease, nervous system damage, gastrointestinal disorder (e.g. peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, gastritis), liver damage (e.g. alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fat accumulations), death from overdose (2,000 per year in U.S.), blackouts, accidentia! injuries, anemia Narcotics (heroin, methadone, codeine, morphine, meperidine, opium, and other) Health Risks: General - nausea, vomiting, convulsion, coma, possible death. The use of con- taminated syringes may result in disease such as AIDS, endocarditis and hepatitis. Addiction during pregnancy can lead to premature, stillborn or addicted infants. Stimulants (caffeine as found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, diet and caffeine pills;cocaine; crack; amphet- amines such as benzedrine, Dexedrine, methadrine - speed) Health Risks: Caffeine - increased motor activity, diminishes small muscle coordination and timing, insomnia or restlessness and disturbed sleep, in-creased basal metabolic rate, increased urination, premature systoles heat palpitation, tachycardia, gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, di- arrhea, constipation (from high tannin content of tea) mild delirium, auditory and visual distur- bances. Health Risks: Cocaine - (highly addictive) elevated blood pressure, increased temperature, nosebleeds, erosion of the nasal septum, paranoia, nervousness, insomnia, malnutrition, tactile hallucinations, seizures, convulsions, death from effect on cardiac function and respiration. Health Risks: Crack - (highly addictive) dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucination, paranoia, seizures, agitation, increased temperature, convulsions, possible death from cardiac arrest. Health Risks: Amphetamine - elevated blood pressure, nervousness, hyperactivity, insomnia, malnutrition, acute psychoses. Hallucinogens (phencyclidine - PCP, lysergic acid diethylamide -LSD, mescaline-peyote, psilocybin - mushrooms, marijuana). Health Risks: PCP - unexpected psychotic episodes, perceptual distortions, sense of estrange- ment, poor muscular coordination, impaired speech, long term persistent memory Health Risks: LSD - peyote mushrooms - illusions, hallucination, increased temperature and heart rate, elevated blood pressure, loss of appetite, insomnia, tremors, panic, confusion, and speech impairments, depression, anxiety, violent behavior, hallucination, coma, heart failure, lung problems, ruptured blood vessels in the brain, death, paranoia, loss of control, long term persistent flash backs, psychosis, dementia. Health Risks: Marijuana - perceptual distortion of time, increased heart rate, dilation of blood vessels, loss of short term memory, impaired comprehension, decreased visual perception and psychomotor skills, loss of motivation, fatigue, chronic bronchitis, decreased vital lung capacity, lung cancer, paranoia, psychosis. Inhalants (nitrous oxide, amyl nitrate, butyl nitrite, chlorohydro carbons, hydro-carbons-found in 32 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 aerosol sprays, solvents, chemicals and gasoline). Health Risks: General - Nausea, sneezing, coughing, nose bleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, decreased heart and respiratory rates, impaired judgment, violent behavior, dis- orientation, rapid pulse, headaches, incontinence, hepatitis, renal and hepatic damage, peripheral neuropathy, convulsions, encephalopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, chorea, tremors, organic lead encephalopathy, myopathy, brain hemorrhage, unconsciousness, and death from asphyxi- ation. Designer Drugs or Analogs (synthetic chemical modification of older drugs, sometimes several hun- dred to several thousand times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate.) Health Risks: General - depression, anxiety, paranoia, illusions. Hallucinations, impaired per- ception, tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, irreversible brain damage, and death. Smoking (cigarette smoking in particular, cigar and pipe smoking to a lesser extent.) Health Risks: General - Nausea, vomiting, peripheral vasoconstriction, tachycardia elevated blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease as well as chronic bronchitis and emphysema decreased life expectancy, increased potential for serious adverse effects in women taking oral contraceptives, lung cancer and other cancers (mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, kid- ney). When used during pregnancy: premature and low birth weight babies, increased risk of miscarriage and still birth, hyperirritability, and hyperkinesia in infants. Early recognition and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse are important for successful rehabilitation and reduced personal, family and social disruption. The College encourages and supports the earli- est possible diagnosis and treatment for substance abuse. Whenever feasible, the College will assist students in overcoming alcohol and drug abuse. However, the decision to seek diagnosis and accept treatment for any problem remains primarily the individual's responsibility. Counseling/Treatment Resources A number of counseling and treatment options are available to students at LaGrange College. All counseling is confidential (except as otherwise required by law in cases of child abuse or when the person presents a clear and present danger to him/herself or others). Students are encouraged to seek counseling and/or treatment in dealing with personal issues of substance abuse relating to themselves, their friends or their families. Specific counseling and/or treatment may be required of students as a result of conduct concerns or proceedings. The following is a list of available counseling treatment resources: Counseling Center: Individual and small group counseling sessions are available depending upon the specific needs of the students. Referrals are made to off-campus provider when the individual requires long-term or specialized assistance beyond the scope of the center staff. For more information or an appointment, call 880-8313 Spiritual Life: Clergy is available for personal counseling and may refer students to other re- sources as appropriate. For information or for an appointment call 880-8004. For additional resources on drug education contact: The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Information Line at 1-800-622-2255, The Cocaine Hotline at 1-800-262- 2463, or the National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP. 33 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Programs Programs offered through the Student Engagement and other units focus on education, wellness, pre- vention and personal choice. Workshops and seminars are provided within the residence halls, as a part of First Week, during National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, and Drug Awareness Week, through Greek organizations and throughout the year on an ad hoc basis. How The College Views Alcohol And Drug Abuse The use of alcohol and other drugs can have a negative impact on judgments and reactions, health and safety, but may lead to legal complications as well. Even more basic is the stance that drugs and alcohol have no place on this campus among our students. The College's Role The College's principle role is to engage in education, which leads to high standards and respectful conduct. When those are compromised, it will take action against individuals or organizations violat- ing rules regarding alcohol and against individuals violating either the law or College policy concern- ing alcohol. The College will deal severely with students convicted of the illegal possession, use, or sale of drugs. What the College Community can do to prevent alcohol and drug abuse Students can help control substance abuse by declining to use or condone the use of drugs and by insisting that organizations and individuals use alcohol within the law and adhere to College policy. Students should make an effort to prevent persons who have abused alcohol or used drugs from harm- ing themselves or others, especially when driving a motor vehicle, and should encourage those need- ing professional help to seek it. The same standards and regulations apply with equal force to members of the faculty, staff and ad- ministration. Alcohol Policy Any student on the campus who is in possession of or under the influence of alcohol will be charged with a violation of College policy. Persons under 21 years of age are also in violation of state laws. Additionally the possession and use of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all College functions and facilities, including those sponsored off campus. Students who violate this policy will be subject to College discipline up to and including separation from the College. Students are subject to Georgia state laws regarding alcoholic beverages. Note: Students who are in the presence of students clearly in violation of the Alcohol Policy are considered in violation themselves and will also be subjected to disciplinary action and possible fine. Likewise, students whose roommates store alcohol in a common refrigerator or room are also subject to disciplinary action and fine. Parental Notification The college reserves the right to notify parents of students under the age of 21 who violate rules gov- erning alcohol/drug use at LaGrange College. Drinking Age Laws Georgia State Statute 3-3-23 makes it unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to have in his 34 _ STUDENT or her possession alcoholic beverages; to sell, give, serve or permit to be served alcoholic beverages to a person under 2 1 years of age or to permit a person under 2 1 years of age to consume said bever- ages on the premises; to misrepresent or misstate his or her age or any other person for the purpose of inducing any licensee or his agents or employees to sell, give, serve or deliver any alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age. Drug Policy The College does not condone the possession, consumption, ingestion, injection, or inhalation (with- out prescription or medical authorization) of substances that have the capacity to change a person's mood, behavior, or mind, or modify and relieve pain, such as, but not limited to marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, barbiturates, hallucinogens, psychedelics, or solvents. Any student found to be in con- flict with the above or local, state, and federal narcotics laws, will be referred to the Dean of Student Engagement, who will initiate the college's disciplinary process. The sanction may result in separation from the College. Disciplinary action against a student under College rules does not preclude the pos- sibility of criminal charges against that individual. Similarly, the filing of criminal charges does not preclude action by the College. The use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and other drugs pose a serious threat to the physical and mental well being of students, faculty, staff, visitors and guests of the College. The Col- lege is committed to providing accurate information and educational programs to prevent such use of drugs. If further information is required about these programs, services, and the assistance available at the College. Please contact the Counseling Center, Spiritual Life or any Student Engagement Staff. Drug Testing Policy Given grounds for reasonable suspicion, the College reserves the right to require any student to un- dergo drug testing, the cost to be borne by the student. Institutional Assessment LaGrange College is committed to continuously monitoring and evaluating all of its multiple com- ponents that collectively strive to accomplish the mission of the College. This commitment to be the best requires that we frequently measure the institutional outcomes we have identified as important indicators of our College's quality. A critical source of information about institutional quality is you, the student. From time to time you will be asked to respond to surveys, fill out course evaluations, attend focus groups, sit for nationally normed profiles, etc. As a member of this community committed to con- tinuously improving its abilities to challenge the mind and inspire the soul, your sincere effort when engaged in any assessment activity is vitally important. Responsible Use of Technology LaGrange College's computing environment exists to support the academic, research, and service mis- sions of the College. Continued and efficient accessibility of campus computing and network facilities depends on the responsible behavior of the entire user community. The College seeks to provide stu- dents, faculty, and staff with the greatest possible access to campus information technology resources within the limits of institutional priorities and financial capabilities and consistent with generally ac- cepted principles of ethics that govern the College community. Each authorized user of information 35 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 technology assumes responsibility for her or his own behavior Notice Regarding Audio/Video Recording When you enter the LaGrange College campus or College-sponsored event premis- es, you will be entering an area where photography, video and audio recording may occur. By entering campus grounds or event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio re- cording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on web sites, or any other purpose by LaGrange College and its affiliates and representatives. You release LaGrange College, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/ or or sound recordings. By entering the premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these ma- terials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by LaGrange College or the person or entity designated to do so by the College. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release. The policy of the College is to treat cases of HIV infection on a case-by-case basis. When a case of HIV infection or full-blown AIDS comes to the attention of the College, the College counselor will refer an individual to an appropriate medical facility, with the permission of the affected individual, they will review the case, and the clinic will assist m the coordination of resources and services. Children of Students Policy LaGrange College is committed to providing an environment conducive to teaching and learning for all enrolled students. To maintain that atmosphere of learning, the following policy on students' chil- dren in the classroom is in effect. In general, children of students are not permitted in the classroom or on campus while the parent is attending class. The presence of children in a college classroom presents a distraction to engaged learners and may lead to the modification of content to exclude information inappropriate for children. Unsupervised children create a liability for both the parent and the college. Any temporary exception to this policy due to extraordinary circumstances is at the discretion of the instructor. Each student is granted a LaGrange College e-mail account. Campus addresses are usually first ini- tial, middle initial, entire last name @ lagrange.edu (such as dsbrooks@lagrange.edu or dsrobinson@ lagrange.edu). Students are expected to treat their campus accounts as a business account. Faculty and administrators rely on these accounts to disseminate important information regarding College protocol and events; therefore, students are responsible for any College information sent out over campus e-mail. Grade Collection/Waivers Students, especially those involved in sports and Greek organizations, may be asked to collect current AIDS E-mail 36 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 grades from their professors. FERPA requires that, except in certain special circumstances, providing a student's academic records to someone other than the student requires the student's written permis- sion. For LaGrange College to release a student's grades to a student organization there must be a written record that the student has requested this and the authorization to release this information must be signed by the student. The faculty has adopted the use of the Student Organization Grade Disclosure Agreement, which members of student organizations must sign giving permission for their organization to collect grade reports.. In addition, students must recognize that written/signed grade reports are provided as a courtesy by members of the LaGrange College faculty. Equality of Access LaGrange College does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its pro- grams and activities, so specified by federal laws and regulations. The coordinator for compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972 as amended, is Pamela Tremblay, Director of the Counseling Center. Greek Organizations Greek organizations at LaGrange College are a component of the institution's total educational pro- gram. As such, they are partners with the College in a mutually supportive endeavor. Therefore, Greek organizations share a responsibility for strengthening the total quality of student life. Because of their importance to their own members, Greek Chapters have certain rights and responsibilities within their community. Among their rights are 1) choosing their members; 2) participating as a unit in campus group activities; 3) participating in self-governing activities through the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council; 4) providing the opportunity for participation in educational experiences. Among their responsibilities are 1) conducting all activities in accordance with regulations and poli- cies of LaGrange College and their general fraternity, including policies on non-discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation or disability; 2) complying with their charter and by-laws developed in consultation with and approval of their general fraternity; 3) operating their chapter affairs in a business-like manner consistent with their constitution and Col- lege policies; 4) maintaining an atmosphere within their chapter and its activities supportive of high academic standards. All fraternities and sororities are required to have a faculty or community/alumni adviser. Fraternities and sororities exist at the College only at the invitation of the College. This invitation is formally ex- tended by the President of the College and can be withdrawn if a fraternity or sorority fails to comply with the College regulations and policies, including but not limited to the policies established by Student Engagement. It is a violation of Georgia State Law and LaGrange College policy for students to engage in any activity that may be described as hazing. Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; or which inflicts or intends to cause mental or physical harm or anxieties; or which may demean, degrade or disgrace any person regard- less of location, intent, or consent of participants. In addition hazing can be defined as any action or situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or full admission, or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of LaGrange College. Hazing 37 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Any student organization found to have violated this policy might face loss of recognition as a student organization. Further, any student found to be involved in any hazing activity will face disciplinary action, and is subject to a maximum sanction of suspension or expulsion from the College. Students, as well as their respective organizations, are also subject to civil and criminal action as it relates to the state law prohibiting hazing. Illness Policy Students who are absent from classes or examinations because of illness should contact their pro- fessors on a timely basis to discuss their individual situations. Students needing to withdraw from all courses for a given term for medical reasons should contact Student Engagement for procedural information. Non-Discrimination LaGrange College does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, race, national or ethnic origin, handicap, or sex in the administration of educational polices, admissions policies, financial aid, em- ployment or any other program or activity. Racial Harassment LaGrange College expects its students to treat other persons with respect and human dignity in all interpersonal relationships. Any behavior that results in the racial abuse, harassment, or intimidation of another person, or any unwanted objectionable racial attention towards another person, will not be tolerated and is a violation of the College's Social Code. Smoking LaGrange College is a smoke-free campus. Please do not smoke within 50 feet of the entrance of each building. Student found in violation of the College Smoking Policy may be subject to disciplinary action. Individuals or student organization may not engage in commercial sales and fund-raising projects unless the proceeds from such sales and projects are used for charitable or philanthropic purposes. Clearance for such activities must be obtained in advance from the Dean of Student Engagement. All fundraising projects must follow the LaGrange College Student-Based Fundraising Policy. Copies of the policy may be obtained from Student Engagement. Solicitation 38 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Campus Resources Student Engagement The mission of Student Engagement is directly tied to the College's mission; it reads, "The Division of Student Engagement supports the College's mission of challenging the minds and inspiring the souls of its students by providing opportunities for co-curricular learning that complement and enhance traditional classroom education. Student Engagement sponsors programming that is intentionally designed to support the College's four pillars of civility, diversity, service, and excellence." The cor- responding goals of Student Engagement are listed below: Civility Goals Students will be exposed to the College's mission and expectations for student conduct. Students whose behavior is not reflective of the College's expectations for appropriate conduct will receive individual mentoring designed to promote the personal and ethical development of the student. Targeted programming that offers opportunity for student interaction will be sponsored to stimu- late community building and the development of interpersonal relationships. Diversity Goals Targeted programming designed to promote multicultural appreciation and intercultural sensitiv- ity among students will be sponsored. Student Engagement will serve as a clearinghouse for the campus community on issues pertain- ing to diversity-based educational programming, student mentoring, and campus climate. Service Goals Direct opportunities for individual and group community service projects will be sponsored. Student Engagement will serve as a clearinghouse for the campus community on matters related to connecting students with opportunities to engage in service both on campus and in the sur- rounding community. Excellence 39 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 LAGRANGE COLLEGE Goals Based on the Greek concept of Arete, students will have opportunities to explore, discover, and reach their potential; these opportunities include programming and available individual mentor- ing targeting students' career aspirations, leadership, hobbies, identity, and personal choices. Student Engagement will serve as a clearinghouse for the campus community on co-curricular programming, student concerns, and personal development. Student Engagement and its many services are also essential to the Graduate, Evening, and Albany programs. The College recognizes that the needs of the students in these programs are different; however, all Student Engagement services are readily available to each program and all students are encourage to seek out and utilize every Student Engagement service. These students participation in and use of Student Engagement services are evident in a variety of ways; for example, students from the Graduate, Evening, and Albany programs frequently use Career Services for assistance with resumes and job searches; students from the Evening College have served on both the Honor Council and the Social Council; the Evening Student Advisory Board is a recognized student organization. Student Engagement works with other campus departments and organizations as well as the local community to provide a broad range of support programs, services, and activities to meet the great variety of needs and interests of a diverse student population. Below are a range of student services available to College students: Career Development Center (Student Engagement) Counseling Center (Student Engagement) Learning Disabilities Support (Student Engagement) Student Involvement and Service (Student Engagement) The Source Center (Dual report to the Provost and Student Engagement) Student Conduct (Student Engagement) Residential Education and Housing (Student Engagement) Greek Life (Student Engagement) Multicultural Programming (Student Engagement) Orientation and First Week (Student Engagement) Writing and Tutoring Center (Provost's Office) The above listed programs, services, and activities are provided by various offices on campus. Below is a listing of the offices or centers who provide such services along with a description of each. 40 - STUDENT 1. The Career Development Center endeavors to enhance student and alumni career suc- cess by providing comprehensive career development assistance, educational resources, programs, internships, and employment and graduate school opportunities. The Career Center supports students and alumni in the process of making career decisions, connect- ing with employers and graduate schools, and attaining career goals while encouraging students and alumni to take personal responsibility in these endeavors. 2. The Counseling Center provides academic and personal counseling, assisting students in making the most of themselves as developing individuals. The Center provides both per- sonal growth development and short-term counseling and academic coaching; the Center also assists in attaining accommodations for students with physical, mental, and learning disabilities, helping students successfully create both short-term and long-term goals to- ward their academic, personal, and career objectives. 3. Student Involvement and Servic. Student Involvement and Service provides students with opportunities outside the classroom - activities and services that often coincide and expand upon the academic experiences of the students. Such involvement opportunities include social, cultural, intellectual, spiritual, recreational, artistic, and political activities. In turn, through these activities the Student Engagement staff attempt to facilitate the de- velopment of the total person by assisting individual students in their personal growth. Under this unit, the coordinator of student organizations works with groups to formally register with the College and provides individual mentoring to organizational leadership. Likewise, the coordinator of service initiatives works with College and Community part- ners to connect students to opportunities for community service both on and off campus. 4. The SOURCE CENTER A new initiative at LaGrange College, the SOURCE Center serves as a student's connection to all aspects of college life as the student forms relation- ships with faculty, becomes involved with student life (such as with the Career Center, Counseling Center and Student Activities), and continues this connection after graduation as an involved alumnus or alumna (such as with Alumni Affairs and Community Rela- tions).The SOURCE Center promotes networking opportunities that challenge students to build transforming relationships with faculty, develop ties with the greater college com- munity, and form connections with Lagrange College alumni and friends of the college that will allow for successful transition from college to graduate school or career pursuits. The staff works with identified at-risk students to assist them in finding the appropriate faculty, staff, or administrators to resolve their issues. Students complete information needed to declare a major and minor, withdraw from a class and graduation petitions at the SOURCE Center. The staff works to design mentoring programs that give students the opportunity to interact with persons who are successful in their career endeavors and can provide guid- ance that enhances what the students have learned in their classes. An example of LaGrange College's SOURCE Center's mentoring efforts is a new mentor- ing program called Mentoring Mondays initiated Spring 2011. Mentoring Mondays is a chance for students to meet successful alumni and friends of the college in varied profes- sions to discuss the opportunities that await them after college and how to prepare for those challenges. The expectation is Mentoring Mondays will be the catalyst for more in-depth conversations with individual students throughout their academic careers and create rela- tionships that will help them succeed in their professional endeavors. While the program is open to all students, it is primarily focused on the undergraduate day program. A survey 41 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 was conducted of student participants and the program received positive feedback; how- ever, this assessment was very limited in scope. The SOURCE Center will continue to compile more data to review the program. 5. Student Conduct. Student conduct and discipline is an integral component of the col- lege's mission. As such, the Dean of Student Engagement works in conjunction with the Social Council to see that students of LaGrange College adhere to community standards, attempting to instill in every student a sense of moral and community responsibility. The Dean of Student Engagement and the Social Council oversee disciplinary procedures, hear- ings, and actions as well as maintain all appropriate records of student conduct and the resultant disciplinary actions. 6. Residential Education and Housing. TheCollege's housing staff strive to create a stim- ulating living environment for the campus residents. The staff works to instill in each student a greater sense of belonging, creating a safe and comfortable living environment conducive to learning. The staff is also responsible for the business aspects of on- campus housing, including housing and roommate assignments, oversight of the Residency Re- quirement, maintenance and order within the halls, as well as residential programming. 7. Greek Life. LaGrange College supports six active chapters of Greek affiliation: Alpha Delta Gamma, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, and Pi Kappa Phi. These chapters are a component of the college's overall educational mission and, therefore, share in the responsibility of strengthening the quality of student life. The coor- dinator of Greek life works with Greek Life to develop leadership, social skills, service, and academic excellence. 8. Multicultural Programming. The coordinator of multicultural programming serves as a clearinghouse for diversity -related programming and student support on campus. This individual can serve as a resource for students wishing to find connections on campus as well for campus entities wishing to engagement in diversity-related programming. 9. Orientation and First Week. Student Engagement oversees the planning, development, and running of four summer orientations and First Week. Summer orientation is a day and a half introduction and acculturation of incoming new students. Students register for fall classes but are also given a taste of LaGrange College life. First Week is designed to orient the students, to further the acculturation process, and to emphasize those aspects of the student experience that will foster their success in and out of the academic classroom. A required summer reading, introductions to the college's Honor and Social Codes, and in- teraction with the faculty and student community introduce new students to the LaGrange College experience. 10. The Writing & Tutoring Center (WTC). The Writing & Tutoring Center (WTC) is locat- ed in the Moshell Learning Center on the ground (2 nd ) floor of Lewis Library on the main campus. The WTC is available to all LaGrange College students in all degree programs. Tutors consist of undergraduates who have been nominated for this program by professors in their respective disciplines. These peer tutors are trained and supervised by the director of the WTC who is also an English professor. Tutors conduct one-on-one as well as group 42 STUDENT tutoring sessions. The services of tutors are free to students enrolled in LaGrange College's undergraduate, evening, or graduate programs, regardless of discipline or level of educa- tion. Tutees may consult tutors as often as they like, and no appointment is required-- typi- cally operate on a walk-in basis. Although the subjects tutored may vary from semester to semester, the WTC typically provides at least one (1) peer tutor in each of the following areas: chemistry French math & problem solving political science psychology religion Spanish statistics writing During the Fall and Spring semesters, tutors are available Sunday through Thursday evenings, usu- ally between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., but with some fluctuations, depending upon each tutor's avail- ability. In some cases, tutors work by appointment as well. Each semester, a schedule of the tutors' consultation hours is posted on PantherNet and on the library's electronic signage. The schedule is also emailed to all faculty and staff as well. 43 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 General Campus Resources Writing and l\itoring Center The Writing and Tutoring Centers located in the Lewis Library, are available to aid students. Peer tu- tors staff the Writing and Tutoring Centers. The hours are posted each semester. When a student enrolls at LaGrange College, a one-time testing fee is paid. During the first semester and again, prior to graduation, students take the College's assessment exam designed to determine the extent to which students have achieved the objectives of the curriculum of the Core Program. Mean- ingful participation in this testing program is a requirement for graduation with a baccalaureate degree. The fee also covers some personality and career testing as well as major exit tests. Additionally, the Career Center has information about the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) and Millers Analogies Test (MAT). Campus Computer Network By way of fiber optic cable the library, main academic buildings, administrative offices and all resi- dence halls are connected to the College's computer system. Students can access library catalog in- formation from their residence hall rooms and faculty can make assignments by electronic mail. The College is connected to the Internet allowing for worldwide communication. Intercollegiate Sports LaGrange College athletic teams participate in intercollegiate sports as an NCAA Division III institu- tion. Currently a member of the Great S outh Athletic Conference, Panther teams will begin their first year in the USA South Atlantic Conference during the 2012-2013 academic year. The College promotes a non-scholarship program and subscribes to a scholar-athlete philosophy in which academic pursuits are the primary purpose of higher education. Coaches recruit players for each team; however, every sport invites "walk-on" try-outs from the student body. Students may attend all on campus athletic contests at no charge. Philosophy Statement for Intercollegiate Athletics Intercollegiate athletics at LaGrange College provide students with an integral complement to their total educational experience. Recognizing the importance of athletics to the individual student while seeking to strike a balance between the life of the mind and participation in co-curricular offerings, the College is committed to providing a program of intercollegiate athletics that is student-centered for both participants and spectators. The College believes that the primary function of intercollegiate athletics at a small, church-related, liberal arts College is one of a high quality co-curricular comple- ment to its overall mission. As such, academics will have always had priority over athletic or other co-curricular pursuits. LaGrange College seeks to recruit and retain student athletes who understand the balance of priorities between academics and co-curricular programs, whether the latter are athletics, the performing arts, or other student activities. The College employs coaches who understand that balance of priorities, and its coaches seek to recruit students who will be successful student-athletes. Because the College awards no financial aid based upon athletic ability, the aim of student-athlete recruitment by coaches is not solely for athletic success but rather contributes to the College's enrollment goals, although by no means do those have to be mutually exclusive. Testing The College embraces a commitment to instill and develop the values of superlative ethical conduct STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 and fair play among its athletes, coaches and spectators, and other constituents. Further, LaGrange College recognizes that student-athletes are role models to their peers as well as representatives of the College, and the College actively encourages student-athletes to conduct themselves in a manner which befits those roles. LaGrange College is committed to gender equity and values cultural diversity. The College will invest sufficient resources to ensure that the medical and athletic training services are available to all athletes at appropriate times. It shall strive to ensure that all individuals and all teams are treated with the same level of fairness, resources, and respect so that all athletes are afforded an equal opportunity to develop their potential as student-athletes. Intramural Sports The intramural Sports program provides opportunities for wholesome recreation and competition among members of the campus community. Teams representing campus organizations and Indepen- dents compete in organized tournaments and events throughout the year. Competitive events include flag football, volleyball, basketball softball, ultimate Frisbee, and dodge ball. Special awards are pre- sented to the men and women's groups with the highest participation rates and best record for the entire year. David McGreal will searve as Director of Intramural Sports for 2012-2013. The facilities and equipment of the Physical Education Department are available for student recreational use when these are not scheduled for instructional, athletic, or intramural sports use. The use of outdoor equipment (backpacks and tents) requires the payment of a small deposit which is refunded upon the safe return of the equipment. The Weight Room and Gymnasium are available for student/faculty/staff use during posted hours. A valid LaGrange College ID is necessary for entry during these hours. Long Cane Access West Point Lake The College leases from the Corps of Engineers the Long Cane Access on Lake West Point. This area includes both a covered and many uncovered picnic facilities. The area is kept locked and a key may be checked out. Please contact Campus Services at 880-8296 Equipment Check-out Sports related equipment can be checked out through the intramural office at the Callaway Educational Building. Gyms and the Charles D.Hudson Natatorium These areas can be used and/or reserved by calling Campus Services at 880-8296. Chapel Policy Student groups may reserve the Chapel for special occasions only by contacting Campus Services at The Lewis Library, located at the Northeast center of the campus, is the information center of the campus. The holdings, built to support the academic programs of the College, include books, journals, maps, microforms, and audio video and electronic resources. Price Theater 880-8340. Library Price Theater, located on Forrest Avenue, serves as a classroom, home for LaGrange College Theater STUDENT . a . f$23S& Lagrange COLLEGE and box office. Current students are entitled to one free ticket to productions. The Theater Arts Depart- ment is always interested in prospective technicians and actors. If interested contact Professor Kim Barber Knoll at 880-8324. Lost and Found Lost and found services can be found in the Office of Residential Education and Housing, Smith Hall second floor. Items not claimed within 30 days are discarded. Student Organizations List This list includes the names and phone numbers of officers of student organizations and is available from the coordinator of Student Organizations, second floor of Smith Hall. Lamar Dodd Art Center The Lamar Dodd Art Center gallery provides a changing exhibition program of visual art to the cam- pus and local community. Campus Post Office All currently enrolled students should have an assigned campus box. The post office is located on the first floor of the Pitts Dining Hall. There is a lost key charge of $5.00 and a re-core fee of $30.00. I.D. Cards I.D.'s are necessary for entrance to College dining hall, checking out materials from library and for admission to most campus events. I.D.'s are made as a part of the registration process; at other times students should go to the Office of Residential Education and Housing. There is a $15 charge to re- place an ID Card. Bookstore The College Bookstore is located under the Pitts Dining Hall. Textbooks, instructional materials, and other persona] items are available there. Parking Permits All vehicles used on campus must have a College parking permit. Permits are available from the Busi- ness Office. If a student's car is being repaired, a temporary permit can be issued. A more detailed set of parking regulations is issued to every student and may be found on the College website. Students are expected to know the rules and park their cars inside the white lines and not on the curbs. Grades and Certification of Enrollment The Registrar's Office will provide a copy of student's grades and will certify the enrollment of stu- dents for insurance or scholarship purposes. International Student Services Internationa] students can find assistance in several offices. For help with documents, (1-20, etc.) living arrangements, driver's license's, and personal problems, contact Vernon James, Director of the Office of Residential Education and Housing. Finance Check Cashing Service The Bookstore will cash checks for currently enrolled students. Financial Aid 46 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 The Office of Financial Aid is located in the Banks Building. They administer and coordinate all major federal, state, institutional, and private agency assistance programs and provide financial assistance and counseling to students who need help paying College expenses. Sylvia Smith is the Director of Financial Aid. Local Banks There are several full-service banks in LaGrange and all will provide services to students. ARAMARK provides the food service program for students, faculty and staff at LaGrange College. Resident students must present their ID card for admission to dining hall; commuters and guests may use the dining hall on a cash basis. Student Publications Policy LaGrange College looks to its student publications to create an environment where discussion can take place freely and responsibly. Whether issues addressed are academic, political, or philosophical in nature, it is the responsibility of the student press to bring these issues to the LaGrange College Community. Because student publications are funded by the College, student editors must be aware that LaGrange College could bear legal responsibility for the material they publish. Therefore, the College grants freedom of expression to student publications with the understanding that journalistic integrity be upheld. Editors must avoid the use of attack on integrity, libel, inappropriate material, rumor and derogatory remarks. Once each year, The Scroll offers student-written features and departments focusing on the creative arts at LaGrange College. The Hilltop News Throughout each semester, The Hilltop News offers student- written features and departments focusing on the news and views of students at LaGrange College. CONTACT Programs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:15 a.m. are reserved for programs and presentations sponsored by various departments and units of the campus community. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their classroom experience. Please do not schedule organizational meet- ings during these hours. LaGrange College values individuals' privacy and actively seeks to preserve the privacy rights of those who share information with us. Your trust is important to us and we believe you have the right to know how information submitted to the College is handled. LaGrange College does not use Social Security Numbers as a primary way to identify constituents. Instead, a unique identifier called the L# will be assigned to all LaGrange College constituents. The L# will be used across all applications, and many business processes throughout the life-time of an individual's association with the College. This step is critical in the continuing efforts to reduce the risk of identity theft for the campus community. Food The Scroll STUDENT RECORDS The full policy concerning the use of Social Security Numbers at LaGrange College can be found in STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 the policies section of the Instructional and Information Technology (ITT) website linked from the PantherNet homepage (http://panther.lagrange.edu). LaGrange College is dedicated to preventing unauthorized data access, maintaining data accuracy, and ensuring the appropriate use of information. We strive to put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards to secure the information we collect. In general, all present and past students have the right to personally review their own educational re- cords for information and to determine the accuracy of these records. It is the policy of the College that information contained in official student records will not be released to the parent or guardian without the consent of the student unless the student is a dependent of the parent or guardian as defined under section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the student authorizes the release to the parent or guardian. A photo ID or other equivalent documentation, or personal recognition by the custodian of record will be required before access is gained. LaGrange College assures the confidentiality of student educational records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Exception to Access Rights Students do not have access to: 1. personal notes of administrative, faculty, or supervisory personnel which are not accessible to or revealed to other parties; 2. financial information of parents; 3. confidential letter of recommendation placed in files before January 1, 1975, or those where student has waived right to access, or 4. medical, psychiatric or psychological data recorded by professionals or paraprofessionals solely for their own use in treatment of the student: however, a physician or other appropriate professional of the student's choice can review such records. Student Consent Prior to Records Release Student educational record information will not be transmitted to third parties outside the College without the student's written consent, with the following exceptions: 1 . Public Information: Student's name, address, telephone listing, academic major, dates of attendance, awards received, participation in officially recognized activities, and sports, weight and heights of athletic team members. This information will be released to anyone requesting it. Information which can be released to the public on any student is name, class, major, date of attendance; degree earned; awards received; local and permanent address, and telephone number. The above-cited information will not be released if a student notifies the Registrar's Office not to release information. 2. To parents if the student is financially dependent upon the parent (IRS code definition). The burden of identifying such dependency rests with the student or parent. 3. Information concerning application for or receipt of financial aid, which may be released to official agencies involved in decisions on aid allocations. 4. Information released to College officials with a legitimate educational interest. 5. Information required by federal or state agencies as specifically provided by law. 6. Information needed in connection with an emergency to protect the health or safety of the student 48 _____ STUDENT or other persons, as authorized by Department of Education regulations. Types of Records Maintained Examples of "educational records" maintained on a student may include but are not necessarily lim- ited to, the following: Academic Admission data, courses attempted, grades, dates of enrollment, degrees awarded, academic hours and awards received - Registrar's Office. Alumni Personal, educational, and professional data, contributions and gifts - Alumni Office and Ad- vancement Office. Athletics Intercollegiate participation data - Athletic Department and Public Relations Office. Conduct Disciplinary records, law violation - Student Engagement Employment Student employment information and opportunity profiles W-2 cards - Student Financial Aid Office. Financial Student's (Parent's) confidential statements, Financial Aid data - Student Financial Aid Office. Charges, payments, delinquent accounts - Business Office. General Directory information, correspondence, biographical data - office of record to which information was provided or correspondence addressed. Health Medical - College Clinic Psychological - Counseling Center Recommendations Personal evaluation, academic evaluation, employment evaluations - office of record for type of evaluation made. Relationship of Disciplinary Records to Academic Records Conduct records, disciplinary records, and law violations are kept in the Student Life Office. These files are separate from academic transcripts and are confidential as noted above. In extreme cases where suspension or expulsion for non-academic reasons is involved, an over- lay will be placed on the academic transcripts for as long as the function is enforced. This overlay reads: This transcript reflects only the academic record of the student; this student currently is not in good standing and further information should be requested from Student Engagement. Records in the Student Life Office are maintained for a period of four years following the date of graduation. A student may request to have his/her disciplinary record destroyed. The record will be evaluated and the Dean of Student Affairs will make decision concerning the keeping or destruction of that record. Records of students who have serious offenses or two or more offenses will not be 49 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 destroyed until four years after the student's graduation date. Records of students who are expelled are permanent. LaGrange is committed to a policy of treating all members of the College Community fairly in regard to their personal and professional concerns. The primary objective of a student grievance procedure is to insure that concerns are promptly dealt with and resolution reached in a fair and just manner. It is essential that each student be given adequate opportunity to bring complaints and problems to the attention of College administration with the as- surance that each will be given fair treatment. A grievance is defined as dissatisfaction occurring when a student feels or thinks that any condition affecting him/her is unjust, inequitable, or creates unnecessary hardship. Such grievances include, but are not limited to, the following: Academic problems (excluding grades), mistreatment by any Col- lege employee, incorrect assessment of fees, records and registration errors, student employment and discrimination because of race, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, or handicap. Grievance Procedure The initial phase of the student grievance procedure normally requires an oral discussion between the student and the person(s) alleged to have caused the grievance in order to discuss and resolve the grievance. The meeting should be held as soon as the student first becomes aware of the act or condi- tions that is the basis for the grievance. If the student decides not to meet with the person(s) alleged to have caused the grievance, or consider the response to this discussion to be unsatisfactory and feels that the grievance still exists, the grievance should be put in writing and filed with the next level supervisor as outlined below: Nature of Grievance-Order of Contact Academic Problems (Excluding grades and academic progress) 1) Instructor 2) Department Chair 3) Provost Academic Records and Registration 1) College Registrar 2) Provost Athletics Program Student-athlete 1) The coach of the student's sport 2) Athletic Director 3) President Payment and assessment of registration fees, fines, and other indebtedness to the College. 1) Student Accounts/Business Office 2) VP of Management 3) President STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Purpose Definition 50 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Traffic and Parking 1) Business Office representative Housing 1) Resident Advisor 2) Area Manager 3) Director of Housing Racial Discrimination 1) Alleged aggrieving party 2) Dean of Student Engagement 3) Provost Discrimination Based on Disability 1) Alleged aggrieving party 2) Pamela Tremblay, Personal and Academic Counselor 3) Provost Sex Discrimination 1) Alleged aggrieving party 2) Deputy Title IX Coordinator 3) Title IX Coordinator Harassment 1) Alleged aggrieving party 2) Dean of Student Engagement 3) Provost Grievance Appeal Procedure Any student who is not satisfied with the response after utilizing the administrative channels outlined above should present the grievance in written form to the Provost or the President with a copy to the individual(s) complained about. At the time the student presents the Provost or President with the written grievance, he/she will be provided two options for achieving final resolution of the problem. 1 . The student may choose to have the Provost or President decide the disposition of the griev- 2. The student may choose to have one of the appeals/review committees to investigate the case. Spiritual Life at LaGrange College College is a point of transition. Regardless of the student's age or reason for being on campus, college is a turning point. It is a time of exciting intellectual and social growth. During their collegiate experi- ences, students will wrestle with new ideas, discover new interests, and explore issues of intimacy and identity. In contrast, the struggle to define identity and personal values is an opportunity for spiritual growth and faith development. Therefore, Spiritual Life programs at LaGrange College offer students a chance to examine their faith, to assess what is important, and to forge a system of values that will sustain them through their adult years. Growing out of its history of service and affiliation with The ance; or 51 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 United Methodist Church, LaGrange College is committed to transforming lives by challenging stu- dent's minds and inspiring their souls. Spiritual Life Opportunities to Participate Spiritual Life offers a number of opportunities for students, faculty, and staff members to celebrate life and explore God's intention for human living. These opportunities include times for worship, fel- lowship, and service. Worship services are scheduled through small groups and throughout the year in the chapel. Spiritual Life Groups There are several Spiritual Life opportunities, student groups, and Bible Studies that meet weekly to offer a place for students to explore, sharpen and grow in their faith. The groups include: Anti-Apathetics Baptist Collegiate Ministries Fellowship of Christian Athletes Girls Only Bible Study Short-term Bible Studies Wesley Fellowship Pray Until Something Happens House of Prayer Reformed Bible Fellowship Students are allowed to eat free at the Wednesday night supper at LaGrange First United Methodist Church. The Alternative Spring Break Trip A yearly program that focuses on missions, servant-leadership and poverty during the College's Spring Break, allows interested students, faculty, and staff members an opportunity to make a differ- ence by serving in another culture. If interested please see the Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations. Spiritual Life activities encourage you to The hard questions. About your life, relationships, career, faith, God. Together we can struggle with the difficult issues facing our personal lives, our community, and our world. There is no judgment on your beliefs or non-beliefs. Whatever your background or experience, you can feel free to discover explore, and share. So join us, and ask... Mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Learn new ideas. Talk about your faith. Study the Bible. Participate in chapel and service. Offer your opinions. Listen to others. Be challenged to think outside the box. Be a part of something larger than yourself. Follow Christ and be committed to the Gospel in today's world. At whatever stage of your faith journey, we seek to offer an atmosphere of supportive listening, challenging inquiry, and fun activities. So join us and grow... ASK... GROW... 52 - STUDENT BELONG... To a community built on genuine acceptance, mutual respect, and friendship. Know that your opinions count. And always come, as you are to all Religious Life activities including Chapel services. Spiritual Life activities are for every student regardless of faith tradition, race, gender, national origin, age or background. So join us and belong... Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations The Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations serves the spiritual needs of the College. The Vice President is available for counseling, spiritual guidance and mentoring, and informal conver- sation. The Vice President engages with many different people throughout the campus community. In all the Vice President does, the goal is to help people get a clearer understanding of what they believe and how they relate their faith to everyday life. As such, much of the work is done in conversation with individuals and small groups for questions on matters of faith on campus; offering liturgical/ sacramental services; assisting students with questions of calling and purpose, values, ethics, and questions about life. The Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations serves To contribute to the educational life of the College as it relates to personal, moral, emotional and spiritual issues. To offer pastoral care and support for faculty, staff and students within the College, especially anyone who seeks spiritual, emotional, and/or practical help. To work as bridge-builder for others in the College, the wider communities and the churches, to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Servant-Leadership LaGrange College is engaged in an intentional effort to instill the principles of Servant-Leadership into the fabric of the campus. Servant-Leadership focuses on finding our passions and using that pas- sion to serve the needs of the world. In addition, servant-leadership helps people to grow, helping them to become wiser, healthier, freer, and more autonomous. The College defines Servant-Leadership as a philosophy that is an inward journey with self, God, and others to equip an outward journey of committed service to the world. As such, the emphasis of the LaGrange College Servant-Leadership Initiative aims to help students, grow as individuals and moral leaders. There are two programs of the Servant-Leadership Initiative to assist the College in living out its call to create a caring and ethical community. The Servant-Leadership program is open to interested students. For more information contact the Office of Spiritual Life and Church Relations. Cultural Enrichment Because the intellectual and cultural opportunities during one's college years are exceptionally rich, and because exposure to a variety of cultural experiences, and participation in a lively collegial at- mosphere, during one's intellectually formative years, are vital to the concept of a liberal education, LaGrange College is dedicated to assisting in this enrichment by requiring all students to accumulate a prescribed number of Cultural Enrichment programs - lectures, presentations, events, performances, recitals, etc. - will be published in a brochure and on the college web page. As the academic year progresses, the CE calendar on the college web site provides the most up-to-date listing of CE events, showing new events added throughout the year. Many of these events will occur during the Contact Hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and some will double as required programs in the CORE classes. 53 STUDENT Students will meet their obligation according to the following schedule. CLASSIFICATION New/Transfer First Year Transfer First Year Transfer Sophomore Transfer Sophomore Transfer Junior Transfer Junior Transfer Senior EARNED HOURS UPON ENTRY LAGRANGE COLLEGE 0-14 Sem. Hours 15-29 Sem. Hours 30-45 Sem. Hours 46-59 Sem. Hours 60-75 Sem. Hours 76-89 Sem. Hours 90 and above CULTURAL EVENTS NEEDED TO GRADUATE 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 Students may check their CE credits on Banner Web. To view your CE graduation requirements, the events you've attended, and the total number of CE credits you've earned, go to PantherNet, then Banner Self Service; click on the Student Tab, and then select the Student Records link. Once on this page, click on the bottom link to View Cultural Enrichment Credits. Please keep in mind that there is typically a one week delay between the event and when the attendance list is posted on Banner. Con- tact Ms. Michele Raphoon (mraphoon@lagrange.edu) with any questions about Cultural Enrichment. For students who are coping with extreme medical conditions, the Academic Services Committee will consider petitions for a reduction in the number of CE credits required for graduation. The SOURCE office must first verify the condition. Student Government Association The Student Government Association at LaGrange College exists to provide the student body with a means to deal with the affairs of the students and a forum for the expression of student views and interests concerning student life within the College. Members of the Executive Council work to pre- side over 4 main bodies: Senate, Programming Board, Service Council, and Public Relations. A full publication of the Student Government Constitution and by-laws is provided in Part Three of this document. SGA can be reached at 880-8SGA or 880-8742. 2012-2013 SGA Executive Council Hill Daniel, President Adrien Vakerics, Vice President of Senate Trevor Lane, Public Relations Matt James, Treasurer Morgan Habbison, Secretary Alex Glass, Programming Kelsey Harris, Student Engagement Advisor: Dr. Marc H. Shook 54 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Greek Affairs The Dean of Student Engagement oversees the activities of the sororities and fraternities on campus as well as the Panhellenic Council (the governing body for sororities) and the Interfraternity Council (the governing body for fraternities). LaGrange College has an active and growing Greek community dedicated to the idea of developing leadership, social skills, community service, friendship and aca- demic excellence. Active organizations on the College campus are Alpha Delta Gamma, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, and Pi Kappa Phi. LaGrange College recognizes the importance for an institution of higher learning to develop and maintain a safe and secure environment in which the academic and social pursuits of its members can be fully realized. The parking and traffic plan and the comprehensive campus safety plan are both administered from the Business Office. Parking decals are purchased in this office. A set of parking regulations and a decal are issued to each student and to all new students in the interim, spring and summer terms. The permits are valid until the end of August 2012. LaGrange College uses zone parking. Every student, residents and commuters, will be required to park only in designated lots. Color-coded decals will indicate which lots students and faculty are permitted to park in. Individuals who park in undesignated lots will be subject to ticketing and fining, and will likely be towed. Registration of Vehicles All vehicles operated on the campus by administration, faculty, staff, and students (both resident and commuters) must be registered in the Business Office and must bear a permit as prescribed by the Col- lege. Motorcycles must also be registered. Boats, trailers, and campers are not allowed on the main campus longer than 24 hours during the regular school year. Parking decals must be affixed to the vehicle's lower left back window. It must be clearly visible. Persons authorized to have vehicles will be allowed one week from the first day of classes to register them without penalty provided they have been parking in the proper zone. A late registration fee of $25 per month will be imposed for failing to register a vehicle within the time allotted. Parking permits are valid for one year beginning in September. Normal registration for students is dur- ing enrollment and before classes begin. Cost of permits is prorated as follows: Fall Semester Permits, $30; Jan Term Permits, $20; Spring Permits, $15.00; and Summer Permits, $5. This fee is assessed during the registration process and is included in a student's tuition fees. A student will be allowed to register a second personal vehicle for an additional $30 fee. Parking Parking on the Hill, 2011-2012 55 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 LAGRANGE COLLEGE Parking Zones Vehicles are allowed only in the zone parking their permit indicates: FACULTY AND STAFF: Any legal parking space, including spaces on and off the Hill. [Red] COMMUTERS: Any legal space off the Hill. [Gold] EVENING COLLEGE STUDENTS: Any legal space on the Hill after 5:00 PM and any legal space off the Hill at any time. [Black] HAWKINS/CANDLER: Lots across the street from the apartment dorms. [Purple] HAWKES/PITTS: Any legal space off the Hill excluding the Candler/Hawkins lots as well as the lots behind Turner/Henry /Boatwright. [Green] HENRY/BOATWRIGHT/TURNER: Any legal space in the lots behind their buildings as well as any off-the-Hill lots on Vernon Avenue. They are not allowed in the off-the-Hill lots across the street from Banks Hall and the Chapel. [Blue] PRICE THEATER PARKING LOT is designated as the overflow lot for every zone. General Regulations and Restrictions All parking regulations and restrictions are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All city and state regulations and rules, and all directional signs governing the use of motor vehicles shall be observed at all times. Only so designated vehicles may park in the President's space, handicap, and visitors. All curbs are considered fire zones and, therefore, parking is prohibited. These areas will be additional ticketed by the City of LaGrange. The speed limit for motor vehicles is 15 mph except where slower speed is essential for safety. Velucles must be parked within the lines provided. Parking on or over the line or curb is a violation. The person in whose name a vehicle is registered with the Business Office will be responsible for any violations. Velucles may not be backed into parking spaces. In addition to the above violations, vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed for obstruction or double parking, speeding, parking on landscaped areas, parking in a loading zone, failure to properly display the LC parking permit. Penalties Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and may be towed from campus. College-issued tickets run a minimum of $25; fines will increase with improper parking frequency. Vehicles may be towed after the 5th violation. Tickets must be paid; unpaid parking fines may prevent a student from registering for classes or graduating. Tickets may be paid in the Security Office located in Turner Hall, Room 217. Tickets may be appealed in the Security Office within 24 hours of issuance. LaGrange College assumes no responsibility for the security of vehicles or their contents while on campus property. Campus Safety No community's security plan can be effective unless everyone in the community contributes to mak- ing it work. Safety and security are both personal and shared responsibilities. Only by accepting this responsibility can members of the community maintain a safe and secure environment. This security section of the Handbook is provided to you as a part of LaGrange College's commitment to safety and security on campus and satisfies all the requirements of the Federal Crime Awareness 56 STUDENT and Campus Security Act of 1990. It is filled with information about a variety of security services and programs, which are available to you as a member of the College community. We hope that you will become familiar with this information and find the programs useful. The College has an established campus-wide Safety Committee that is charged with the assessment and improvement of safe practices and safe environments across the College. Your participation on this Committee is welcomed if you have an interest in this area. If you should ever encounter an unsafe condition on campus, please alert your RA and/or Resident Director. Security Services The Vice President of Management has primary responsibility for the security of LaGrange College. The Office's mission is to create and maintain a safe and secure environment. This includes protecting lives and securing property, and preserving peace and order. There are two main branches of services: security operation and education. Security Operations Securities Security Services provide security at LaGrange College. They are on duty 24 hours a day. Security officers check in at the residence halls and routinely patrol the buildings and property of the entire campus. Security officers respond to all reports of crime, fire, medical and other emergencies and call in and coordinate with the City of LaGrange Fire and Police Departments. They complete incident reports, interview witnesses, gather facts, and conduct preliminary investigations. Officers lock and unlock buildings, admit authorized persons into locked areas, and monitor fire and burglary alarm systems. Security officers can be reached by calling 706-880-891 1 or 706-358-2918. They are located in Turner 217. Reporting Emergencies Or Crimes On Campus All emergency situations involving: 1) a crime in progress, 2) a medical emergency, 3) a fire, should be immediately reported to 9-1-1. All phones, on campus may be used to dial 9-1-1 at no charge. While on campus, persons should be aware dialing 9-1-1 or 9- 9-11 will work. When calling for either emergency or non-emergency service, be prepared to do the following: 1) Clearly identify yourself, 2) State your location, 3) State the nature of your call. All incidents should be reported to the Residence Staff and/or the Student Life Office. ON CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS The following statistics, provided in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, are for your information. If you have any questions, contact Student Engagement at 880-8269. Reported Crimes 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Homicide Rape Robbery Burglary 3 12 21 6 8 1 Assault 2 1 Vehicle Theft 1 3 3 57 STUDENT ,a HANDBOOK UjGRANGE 2012 - 2013 V ^ Allege In addition to the preceding statistics the number of crimes reported in each respective category, the following are arrest statistics associated with each respective offense: Violations 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Liquor Law 2 4 3 4 1 5 7 Drug Related 1 3 1 1 Weapons Note: These statistics are calculated on a calendar year basis and reflect only those crime/arrests that occurred on the LaGrange College Campus. FOOD SERVICE ARAMARK operates the service at LaGrange College; a full-time manager is in charge of preparing and serving 21 meals a week. Resident students are required to subscribe to the board plan. This is an excellent plan that provides well-balanced nutritious meals. In the case of special needs or medically prescribed diets, the food service manager will arrange for special menus. Information on various meal plans is available in the Business Office. LaGrange College endeavors to keep costs at a minimum while not compromising on quality; there- fore, there are some regulations that are required to maintain a high quality food service and keep cost low: 1 . Patrons may eat all they want while dining in the dining hall; however, no food should be taken out. (Exceptions: ice-cream, and other menu items specified as "take out" ). 2. If a meal is needed for a sick student, a request form for a take-out meal must be submitted with the signature of the Dean of Students or Residence Hall Director. 3. No College-owned utensils plates, glasses, or other such items may be taken from the din- ing hall. 4. Beverages may be taken out in paper or plastic containers (not to exceed 16 oz.). 5. No resident student is to allow a non-paying person to eat from his/her tray, nor should they provide these individuals with dishes to serve themselves. These rules are not meant to be limiting in any way to a student who has purchased the board plan, but to eliminate waste and unnecessary cost. The students of LaGrange College have always been considered friendly and warm, and this charac- teristic has been very evident in the dining hall. Mealtime should be a pleasant, relaxmg break in the daily routine of classes and study. Students are expected to use good manners and consideration in their behavior in the dining hall. Attire: proper attire is required. This always includes shoes and shirts. No bathing suits. No smoking area: The entire dining hall and serving area is considered a no smoking area. 58 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 PART II Residential Education and Housing The following section outlines policies and guidelines that apply to college residence halls and exist to promote a safe environment conducive to learning. Violations of any of the housing policies may result in disciplinary action under the provisions of the Social Code. LaGrange College Residency Requirement The LaGrange College Residency Requirement states that all traditional day students taking twelve hours or more must live in college housing. We believe that living on campus is a big part of a student's total educational experience. While living on campus, students are much more likely to have contact with fac- ulty outside their classes, much more likely to attend or participate in extracurricular activities, much more likely to interact with an older peer who has faced similar dilemmas concerning majors, courses, assign- ments, careers, grad schools, an intellectual idea, personal relationships, and other facets of college life. As students mature, they will, in turn, have opportunity to have a profound peer influence on younger students. In the end, we strongly believe that every student benefits from that experience. Students may be exempt from the Residency Requirement for one of the following reasons: The student is 23 years of age or older. The student is married and living with spouse. The student is responsible for a dependent child. The student is a veteran with at least two years of active military service. The student resides exclusively with parents or legal guardians in the parents' primary residence within a thirty-mile radius of the College. If a student loses a roommate during the fall semester or (regardless of reason, whether that roommate left the College or simply moved to another room), the remaining student must have a new roommate by the first of spring semester or be charged the private/single room fee for that spring semester. The student will be reminded of this policy via e-mail from the Housing Office. Letters explaining the situation will be sent to the student and his or her parents as well. It is the student's responsibility to find a new room- mate; however, the Housing Office is glad to assist in the search. To receive assistance in the search, the student should make an appointment with Ms. Kirby McCartney in the Office of Residential Education and Housisng. Room changes can be made with the approval of the Area Manager until the end of the "Drop/Add" period. After this period, there can be no room changes until after the 10th day of classes each academic term. All room changes made after the "Drop/Add" period incur a charge of $25.00. Room changes not approved through the Housing Office or the Area Manager are in direct violation of residence hall policy, and the person involved in such a room change may be referred to Dean of Student Engagement for disciplinary action, and/or be required to move to the former room assignment immediately. Room Deposit A $200.00 Room Deposit ($100.00 to be credited toward the student's tuition) is required of all new resi- dent students. The $100 deposit is not a prepayment to be applied to residence hall charges, but will remain on deposit with the College to be refunded, provided there is no damage and the student's account with the College is cleared upon one of the following conditions: (1) change of status from resident student to commuter student, (2) formal withdrawal, or (3) graduation. The $100.00 deposit is refundable, provided that no damage has occurred in the resident's room, and the resident can turn in a Deposit Return Request 59 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 LAGRANGE COLLEGE to their Area Manager or to the Housing Office to obtain it. The deposit serves as a room reservation while the student is not occupying College housing and is refund- able if a student cancels his/her reservation by the following dates: May 1st for fall semester, December 1st for mterim/spring semesters. The deposit serves as a damage deposit while a student is occupying College housing and is refundable when the student leaves College housing minus any unpaid debt owed to the College. Refunds of Room and Board No refund for room or board will be made to any student who withdraws from the residence halls after registration. For a student withdrawing from College, a charge of $15.00 per day from date of registration to date of official withdrawal will be made on board. Residence Halls Staff The Residence Hall Staff have been employed and trained by the College to assist you in making an effective adjustment to residential living and to contribute leadership and supervision to the residence halls. They are available to listen, advise and encourage residents and to facilitate and stimulate hall activities. RAs and Area Managers are also representatives of the College administration and have responsibilities for rule enforcement. It is an expectation that students will cooperate with the staff in supporting College standards and regulations. The Resident Advisors' numbers are posted in the lobby of each building. Resident Advisors are se- lected each spring semester for the upcoming academic year. For more information please contact the Area Manager of the building you want to work in or the Director of Housing. Throughout the semester, members of the Residence Hall Staff have responsibility for residence hall coverage every night on a rotating basis. Missing Student Notification Policy In accordance with the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Section 485 (j), LaGrange College follows these guidelines concerning missing students who reside in campus Residence students will be informed (at the beginning of fall and spring semesters) that they have the option to identify an individual that the College can contact within 24 hours after the time that a student has been determined to be missing by the designated officials authorized to make that deter- mination, specifically the Area Manager, Housing Director, or Dean of Student Engagement. The con- fidential contact may be the person designated by the student in addition to the designated emergency contact. In cases where a student has not designated a separate missing person contact, the emergency contact on record will be notified. For students under 1 8 years of age (and not emancipated), the College will notify a custodial parent or guardian no later than 24 hours after the time the student has been officially determined to be missing. A student is determined to be missing when the College's Residence Life staff (including Resident Advisors, Area Managers, Housing Director, and/or the Dean of Student Engagement) verify that the report information is credible and that the circumstances warrant declaring the student as missing. Once a student is determined to be missing, the Dean of Student Engagement or Housing will contact the student's designated contact. In addition, the LaGrange Police Department may also be contacted. At the beginning of each semester, the Residence Life staff will collect the following information from each residence student: housing. 60 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Student's full legal name LC ID # Residence Hall and Room Number Student's cell phone number The name and relationship of the person(s) the student wants to be contacted A home and/or cell phone number for that contact person(s) An email address for that contact person(s) A home address for that person(s) The student is responsible for keeping this contact information updated and accurate. This information will be kept confidential and on file in the Housing Office. Visitation Policy LaGrange College has adopted a policy allowing students/persons of the opposite sex to visit to- gether in the living area of any residence hall on a limited basis. Sunday-Thursday 12:00 p.m. -12:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday 12:00 p.m. -2:00 a.m. Rest rooms are off-limits to visiting members of the opposite sex at all times. Quiet time is from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. At all times the rights of a student's roommate must be respected. All suspected violations will be reported to the Dean of Student Engagement for disciplinary action. Residence Hall Closings Billing for a residence hall room covers the period from the beginning of a semester to the end of the semester (both fall and spring) and the period from beginning of a summer term to the end of that sum- mer term (both sessions). When students find that they need to stay in their residence hall room during a period when the hall is officially closed (usually Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Breaks), the student must get permission from the Director of Housing. The College will bill the student $90 per week. During the week between Graduation and the beginning of summer school, all residence halls will be closed and every student is expected to be out of his or her room. NO EXCEPTIONS. This is the one week of the year that National has unhampered access to all rooms in order to clean thoroughly and make needed repairs. Students are expected to make alternate arrangements for both themselves and their belongings for that one week. Students who choose to move into their residence hall rooms before their official move-in dates may be charged $30 per night. Dorm Damages Policy Property damage and mistreatment of the residence halls are a real concern to the college. Costs of damages can compromise the safety, security, and comfort of students in the building. In addition, they can also affect the cost of students' housing bills. Therefore, students will be charged for any damage to fixtures or furnishings within their room. Damage that cannot be attributed to a single student will be divided among roommates. Likewise, damages that occur in the common rooms of an apartment will be charged to all roommates. In addition, rooms that require more than the usual cleaning by the housekeeping staff will be fined accordingly. Resident Advisors and Area Managers will attempt to record such damages and fines during Health 61 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 and Safety Inspections and the year-end check-out process. However, some damages and fines may not be recorded until students have moved our and National Maintenance conducts a more through check of rooms and apartments. Students are responsible for the condition of their room and apartment at all times! The College will not be liable when a student causes damage to his or other students' property. Stu- dents are encouraged to ascertain that their possessions are covered by their parents' or guardians' homeowner's insurance or to purchase renter's insurance. Fines Policy Students may be fined by the Dean of Student Engagement or the Social Council as a result of vio- lations of the College social policies and the consequent disciplinary action. Fines are not initially attached to the students' College account; instead, the fines must be paid separately by the student in the Business Office. Once paid, the Business Office will inform the Dean of Student Engagement. Students have until the last day of the semester to pay fines. All fines unpaid by this date will double and be added to the student's College account. Students will not receive diplomas or transcripts with unpaid fines on their accounts. Trespass Policy The College enforces the Georgia Trespass Law, which makes it unlawful to interfere with students and teachers, to loiter about College premises, or to act in an obnoxious manner on these premises. Please be advised that any visitor on the campus comes within the jurisdiction of this policy and is subject to arrest. Guest Policy In an effort to clarify the regulations concerning guests, the following guidelines have been estab- lished: 1. A guest is a non-resident who is in a hall and has a resident host or hostess. 2. Guests will be expected to follow all policies of LaGrange College. Hosts or hostesses are re- sponsible and held accountable for their guests. 3. Keys will not be issued to guests. 4. Violators of this policy are subject to disciplinary action. Inspection / Search of Rooms Policy The college may enter, inspect, or search a student's room under the following conditions: (a) when there is a reasonable suspicion that an occupant may be physically harmed or endangered, (b) when there is a reasonable suspicion that college regulations or state / federal laws are being violated, or (c) periodic health and safety inspections of the residence hall rooms. Determinations of what constitutes "reasonable suspicion" may be made by the College President, Provost, Dean of Student Engagement, Director of Housing, or Area Manager. Residential Community Safety Policies Unwanted Individuals on Campus: If a person who is not a student or employee of the College and who is not required by his or her employment to be on the campus is deemed as committing any act that interferes with the peaceful conduct or activities of the College, or if it is determined that this person has come onto College property to commit such acts, the administrators of the College - or any employee or student designated to maintain order - may direct the person to leave College property immediately. If the person refuses or in any way fails to vacate campus property, he or she will be 62 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 guilty of criminal trespass and the LaGrange Police Department will be contacted. Doors: Security of the residence halls is the responsibility of all residents. Students must refrain from propping open outside doors or loaning keys to others in order to maximize building security and residents' safety. Also, propping open of the fire doors inside the hallways is prohibited. It is recom- mended that students lock the doors to their rooms when leaving the room. Stolen property is not the responsibility of the College. Fire Safety: Open flames including burning charcoal, burning candles, and oil lamps, etc., are not per- mitted in College housing. Incense sticks or similar devices are also prohibited. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings on campus. Roofs and ledges are off limits. Windows: Objects are not to be propelled out of any window and articles are not to be placed on exte- rior window ledges. Students who sit in window ledges or commit acts of horseplay around windows may be referred for disciplinary action. The display of rugs, banners, signs, and other objects from outside college residence hall windows are prohibited. Elevators and other electrical equipment are not to be tampered with. Animals: Animals may not be kept on College property. Any violation of this policy will result in removal of the animal and a $50 fine. Subsequent violations will be turned over to the Social Council. The only exception to this policy is non-dangerous aquarium fish. The aquariums are limited to a maximum of 20 gallons and must be cleaned regularly. Therapy animals will be allowed only with the permission of the Dean of Student Engagement and with a written verification from a licensed therapist. Students with approved therapy animals will e required to pay a $500 damage deposit in advance; they will be required to live on the first floor of Henry Hall. If rooms are not available, the student may be placed on a waiting list. Bicycles and Motorcycles: Bicycles and motorcycles are not to be left in hallways, stair-wells, or exit areas; this is a violation of the fire code and they will be removed. It is recommended that you lock your bike to a bicycle rack, or keep it in your room when not in use. Motorcycles must be parked in a designated parking place. Cooking: The cooking and preparation of food is not permitted in the residence halls, except in the apartment-style dorms. Electric Appliances: Residence halls have definite limits on the capacities of their electrical systems. Overloading the systems can present fire and safety hazards. No appliance may be possessed or used in the residence halls that uses over 500 watts. Examples of approved appliances are electric fans, radios, computers, stereos, study lamps, shavers, curling irons, blankets, typewriters, clocks, sewing machines, and TVs. Students may have one small refrigerator per room no bigger than 5 cubic feet inside capacity. Unapproved appliances include sunlamps, coffee makers, space heaters, hot plates, grills, electric fry pans, woks, crock pots, musical instrument amplifying equipment, toasters, ovens, microwaves, and air conditioners. Hair dryers can be used; however, no other appliance should be using the same outlet during usage. All appliances with an exposed heating element, regardless of wattage, are prohibited. Microwaves: Microwaves are permitted only in the lounge area of the residence halls. A microwave is provided in a designated place in each dormitory. Students found having a microwave will be asked to remove them from their rooms. Firearms/Fireworks: Students are not permitted to possess or use firearms or fireworks on College 63 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 property. The possession of ammunition is also prohibited. This policy includes air-soft and pellet guns. Maintenance: Please report any maintenance or safety problems that develop to the Resident Advisor on your floor as soon as it occurs. The RA will email the information to the Maintenance Department and will follow up to assure that the problem is corrected. Fire/Tornado Drills To promote safety of residents, there are periodic drills in all residence halls, and all students are required to participate. Instructions are posted throughout the buildings. Please read carefully the fol- lowing instructions: Fire alarm: When the alarm sounds - 1 . Dress appropriately for outside weather conditions, wear hard-soled shoes, and take a towel to prevent smoke inhalation. 2. Close all windows. Leave door unlocked so it can be checked. 3. Leave the building by the closest exit. Do not use the elevator. 4. Students will not be allowed to re-enter building until the drill ceases. 5. Remain calm and orderly. Tornado Drill Alert: When you are notified of warning 1 . Move quickly to the interior hallway of the lowest floor of your building (unless notified of other designated locations). 2. Do not use elevator, but descend by the stairway 3. Stay away from windows. 4. Remain calm and orderly until notification to return to your room. Please refer to the Health and Safety web site at www.lagrange.edu/healthandsafety/ TELEPHONES All student rooms have phone jacks. Hawkes Hall, Henry Hall and Pitts Hall have one jack per room. Boatwright Hall, Candler Hall, Turner Hall and Hawkins Hall have two jacks per room. There is no charge for local service; students will need to supply the phone set and caller identification box, if preferred. Students can call other LaGrange College residents' rooms by dialing the last four digits of the room number. Local off campus calls require a prefix number of 9. Emergency Services can be reached by dialing 9-911 or 911. The carrying and use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices are allowed on the LaGrange College campus. Users of these devices, however, must be attentive to needs and sensibili- ties of the members of the College community. Furthermore, the use of theses devices must not disrupt the functions of the College. Devices must be off or ringers silenced in classes, laboratories, the library, study spaces and other academic settings and during events such as plays, concerts, speakers and College ceremonies. The term "laboratories" explicitly includes computer laboratory spaces. Answering or operating the device during classes, laboratories, meetings or events is only appropriate in case of emergency. If the device must be answered, the user must move to a location where the class, laboratory, library patrons, etc., will not be disrupted before making use of the device. 64 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Nuisance/Obscene Phone Calls: It is against the law in the State of Georgia for a person to use abusive, vulgar, or profane language on the telephone or to cause a breech of the peace by use of the telephone. If you receive an obscene phone call do not engage the caller in conversation; look at your caller I.D. box and write down the information then simply hang up. Record the time you received the call and any background noise you hear and/or any identifying voice characteristics (accent, phrasing, etc.). Report the call to your Resident Director. If calls persist, unplug the phone line for a limited time to prevent it from ringing. All obscene calls should be reported so that if a pattern develops or chain calling occurs, the police can be notified. Your cooperation with the Residence Staff will assist in providing you the best possible living environment. REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES (1) Opening of Halls - Residence Halls open the day before registration. The first meal served is the evening meal prior to Registration Day. (2) Furniture - Rooms are furnished with beds, desks, chairs, closets, and blinds. Furniture must remain in the room where the College has placed it. Lobby furniture is not for use in individual rooms and should not be removed. Moving furniture carries a potential fine of $25.00. (3) Electrical - Electric outlets should be maintained at a one to one ratio in relation to the number of electric units plugged into the outlet at anytime. Students are required to use heavy-duty extension cords, or adapters approved by Underwriters Laboratories. Extension cords can be used for just one appliance at a time. Students must maintain a one plug per one receptacle ratio at all times. Please consult your Area Manager if you have questions about the use of any other appliance or equipment. (4) Waterbeds and Lofts - Waterbeds and Lofts are not permitted in any residence hall. (5) Closing of Halls - Residence Halls are closed during Christmas Break and the week be- tween spring semester and summer term. NOTE: Graduating Seniors may stay in their rooms until 5:00 pm the day after Gradua- tion. Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors may stay in their rooms until graduation only with permission from the Dean of Students; they must be moved out of the room by 5:00 pm the day of Graduation. Students staying beyond the deadline or without expressed permission may be fined a minimum of $30 per day. (6) Residence Hall Keys - The key deposit is covered in the damage deposit. Should a key be lost or stolen through the personal negligence of the student, the compromised lock must be changed at a cost of $25.00 to the student. Should the key be lost or stolen, or broken through circumstances beyond the control of the student, a replacement key will be pro- vided for $1 .00. Keys must be returned to the Resident Advisor when the student checks out of his/her room. Duplication or possession of unauthorized keys by a student is a violation. (7) Breakage and unreasonable wear and tear - You and your roommate will be held respon- sible for any breakage or unreasonable wear in your room. If responsibility can be fixed upon a certain person, he/she will be expected to pay for the damage. If such responsibility cannot be determined, both people will equally share the cost of the repair or replacement. (8) Clear Hallways - Safety requires that hallways be clear at all times. Therefore, we cannot permit you to store luggage, ironing boards, bicycles, or other personal belongings there. (9) Wall Hangings - Check with Resident Advisor before hanging anything on walls of your room. Use only approved hangers. Any item placed on walls, doors, furniture, etc. that causes damage will subject you to a charge for the damage. (10) Parental Visits - Parents may visit their sons or daughters at any time. Guests of students must check in with the Resident Advisor. Maximum visit is limited to three days. No guests 65 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 under 12 years of age are allowed. (11) Laundry Facilities - Laundry facilities are available in every residence hall. Ifyou use these facilities, please show every consideration for others by removing laundry as soon as the cycle is completed. (12) Food - If you have food in your room, be certain that you store it in airtight containers or in refrigerators. (13) Withdrawal - If you withdraw from the College, you must vacate your room within 24 hours and have your room inspected by the Area Manager or RA. (14) Alcohol/Drugs - The possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage is not allowed on campus. We abide by the liquor laws of the State of Georgia. Alcohol bottles, containers, or packaging of any kind cannot be present or displayed in residence hall rooms; this includes funnels, kegs, and/or empty bottles. The same applies to the illegal possession, use or sale of drugs. (15) Room Transfer Fee - Moving with failure to check out results in a $75.00 charge. (16) Noise Problems can be solved through consideration and cooperation. Amplified sounds of any kind (radios, stereos, television) should not be played when someone else is trying to sleep in the room. Also, these sounds should not be heard outside of the room. Do not bounce balls inside the residence hall. Avoid yelling from the windows or balconies, and remember your next door neighbor may not want to join your party when you are having friends over, so keep the volume reasonable. (17) Smoking Policy - Smoking is prohibited in the spaces of all of the Residence Halls. Spaces are defined as student rooms, elevators, hallways, bathrooms, parlors, lobbies, the Henry Computer Lab, the laundries and the staircases. LaGrange College is a smoke free campus. (18) Cleaning Charges - Housekeeping reserves the privilege of fining students an additional cleaning charge if students leave their room or apartments in a state that requires extra time and effort to clean. The fine will be added to the student's College account. (19) Meetings convened by housing staff - Meetings scheduled for a floor, wing, or hall by hous- ing staff are mandatory at the discretion of the staff member calling the meeting; fines may be imposed for unexcused absences if notice of a mandatory meeting is given beforehand. STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 PART III The Constitution of the Student Government Association of LaGrange College PREAMBLE Realizing the importance of the students' role in governing a share of campus affairs, we, the students of LaGrange College in order to assume responsibility individually as well as within our community, to enhance affairs, to facilitate communication, and to protect individual rights while maintaining a standard of honor that is consistent with the ideals of this institution, do hereby establish this Constitu- tion of the Student Government Association of LaGrange College. In its pursuit of educating the whole person by challenging minds, inspiring souls and transforming lives, LaGrange College encourages student participation within all realms of the campus community; the College strives to include the student body in the development and advancement of the Institu- tion. Elected and appointed Student Government Association officers provide resources for students' expression of views and opinions on issues of institutional policy. Article I. Name The name of the association shall be the Student Government Association (SGA). Article II. Purpose The purpose of the Student Government Association is to serve as a voice for the student body while promoting diversity and involvement through activities, entertainment, service, informa- tion technology, and sustainability at LaGrange College and in the surrounding community. Article III. Membership Section 1 . Membership in SGA shall be limited to persons officially connected with LaGrange College as students. Section 2. SGA does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental handicap, age, status as a Vietnam Era veteran, or sexuality in the selection of members. Section 3. The SGA is comprised of the Executive Council, the Senate, the Programming Board (Panther Productions), the Service Council, the Sustainability Committee, and the Information Technology Board. Section 4. All students of LaGrange College are considered members of SGA. 67 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 ^LAGRANGE Ipr COLLEGE Article IV. Officers Section 1 . The officers of SGA shall be elected from the student body of LaGrange College. Section 2. The elected officers of SGA shall consist of President, Vice President of Senate/ Parliamentarian, Vice President of Entertainment, Vice President of Service, Vice President of Information Technology, Vice President of Sustainability, Secretary/ Public Relations and Treasurer, which shall serve as the Executive Council. Section 3. The purpose of the Executive Council is to represent the student body by being a re- source through which students can express their opinions, facilitate change, organize events on campus, and connect with the LaGrange community. A. The cumulative GPA requirement for a person seeking and holding an Execu- tive Council position will be a 2.6; failure to maintain the qualifying GPA will result in removal of office. B. Executive council candidates must have been enrolled at LaGrange College at least one semester prior to the elections for Executive Council. a. Students seeking offices of any Vice President position must be either a junior or senior in the year they serve or have served on SGA for one year. b. Students seeking the office of President must have served as an Executive Council member for at least one year and be a junior or senior in the year they serve, unless special permission is granted by the current Executive Council and Director of Student Activities & Service. C. All members of the Executive Council must be active participants of the La- Grange College Leadership Certificate Program. a. Students seeking the office of President must be currently enrolled in the Bronze Level of the Leadership Certificate Program. b. Students seeking the office of any Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer must either be currently enrolled in the Bronze Level of the Leadership Certificate Program or enroll in the Bronze Level of the Leadership Certifi- cate Program during the year they serve. c. The SGA President and Director of Student Activities and Service reserve the right to remove these stipulations if it is determined that there are not enough qualified candidates for the election of the Executive Council. D. The Executive Council meets weekly to handle the business of SGA. A quorum of at least 5 Executive Council members must be present to conduct official business. E. All members must sign a confidentiality agreement at the first Executive Coun- cil meeting of each academic year. F. Executive Council members are expected to attend all Executive Council and SGA meetings. The attendance at the SGA functions is determined by the Ex- ecutive Council at the first Executive Council meeting of the academic year. G. Absence excuses must be submitted to the SGA President. 68 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Section 4. Officer Duties A. President 1. The President will preside over all meetings of the SGA and Executive Council. He/she votes only in the case of a tie. 2. If the President wishes to side with an issue and vote for it, he/she may yield the chair to a Vice President. 3. He/she schedules all meetings of the SGA and may call special meetings to accomplish specific goals. He/she may call meetings of the entire student body or any part of it. 4. He/she may create ad hoc committees and standing committees. 5. He/she serves as an ex-officio member of all committees within the SGA. 6. He/she serves as an ex-officio member to the College's Board of Trustees, Institutional Planning Council, Leadership Council, Alumni Council, the Student Affairs Committee of the Faculty, Honor Council Appeals Board, and any other committee deemed applicable by the Cabinet of LaGrange College. 7. The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the SGA and ensures that all duties of the SGA members are carried out in accordance to the SGA Constitution. 8. The President communicates frequently with administrative officials in- forming them of the concerns of the SGA and student opinion. The Presi- dent may appoint another member of the SGA to fulfill his communication if deemed necessary and appropriate. 9. The President shall serve as the chair of the Presidents' Council of Student Organizations of LaGrange College. 10. The President shall participate in the Silver Certificate Level of the Leader- ship Certificate Program of LaGrange College during his/her term as Presi- B. Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian 1 . The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian is the presiding Officer of the Senate. 2. The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian holds bi-monthly Senate meetings. 3. He/she reports Senate meeting minutes and decisions to the Executive Council and SGA. 4. The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian coordinates, under the super- vision of the Director of Student Activities & Service, the Austin P. Cook Student Organization of the Year Award. 5. The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian oversees all activities carried out by the Senate of the SGA. 6. The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian must be knowledgeable of dent. 69 STUDENT ,A HANDBOOK Pg LAGRANGE 2012 -2013 Robert's Rules of Order and parliamentary procedure; he/she makes sure these procedures are carried out properly at the SGA meetings. At the be- ginning of each year, he/she presents these procedures to the SGA so they can understand the rules and act accordingly. 7. He/she maintains order at all SGA and Executive Council meetings. 8. He/she administers all student polls and SGA elections. 9. He/she will be responsible for annual events open to the student body, alum- ni, or community. These events may include, but are not limited to, summer orientations, activities fair, Homecoming, and May Day. 10. The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian shall investigate the qualifi- cations of candidates seeking Executive Council offices. 11. He/she investigates the qualifications of all SGA members at the beginning of each semester. 12. In the absence of the Secretary, the Vice President of Senate/Parliamentar- ian conducts all secretarial duties. 13. The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian shall participate in the Lead- ership Certificate Program of LaGrange College during his/her term. C. Vice President of Entertainment 1 . The Vice President of Entertainment is the presiding Officer of the Pro- gramming Board (Panther Productions). 2. The Vice President of Entertainment holds bi-monthly Programming Board meetings. 3. He/she reports Programming Board meeting minutes and decisions to the Executive Council and the SGA. 4. He/she oversees all activities carried out by the Programming Board of the SGA. 5. The Vice President of Entertainment shall participate in the Leadership Certificate Program of LaGrange College during his/her term. D. Vice President of Service 1 . The Vice President of Service is the presiding Officer of the Service Coun- cil. 2. The Vice President of Service holds bi-monthly Service Council meetings. 3. He/she reports Service Council meeting minutes and decisions to the Ex- ecutive Council and the SGA. 4. The Vice President of Service maintains a relationship and communications with the Graduate Assistant for Service. 5. He/she will maintain an annual calendar of service events that are being held at LaGrange College and work as a coordinator of the SGA's campus- wide effort to serve the community. 70 A f STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 6. He/she will compile a semesterly service record of all student organiza- tions. 7. He/she oversees all activities carried out by the Service Council of the SGA. 8. The Vice President of Service shall participate in the Leadership Certificate Program of LaGrange College during his/her term. E. Vice President of Information Technology 1. The Vice President of Information Technology is the presiding Officer of the Information Technology Board. 2. The Vice President of Information Technology holds bi-monthly Informa- tion Technology Board meetings. 3. He/she is responsible for reporting Information Technology Board meeting minutes and decisions to the Executive Council and the SGA. 4. He/she serves as the liaison to the Department of Information Technology. 5. He/she oversees all activities carried out by the Information Technology Board. 6. The Vice President of Information Technology shall participate in the Lead- ership Certificate Program of LaGrange College during his/her term. F. Vice President of Sustainability 1 . The Vice President of Sustainability is the presiding Officer of the Sustain- ability Committee. 2. The Vice President of Sustainability holds bi-monthly Sustainability Com- mittee meetings. 3. He/she is responsible for reporting Sustainability Committee meeting min- utes to the Executive Council and the SGA. 4. The Vice President of Sustainability will work to improve the overall effort to be a more sustainable campus through awareness, events, and other op- portunities. 5. He/she serves as the liaison to the administrative Sustainability Council. 6. He/she oversees all activities carried out by the Sustainability Committee. 7. The Vice President of Sustainability shall participate in the Leadership Cer- tificate Program of LaGrange College during his/her term. G. Secretary/Public Relations 1 . The Secretary/Public Relations records the minutes of all Executive Coun- cil and SGA meetings and submits these minutes by email to all members of the appropriate group for their review and approval at the following meet- ing. These minutes must be kept on file. 2. He/she maintains the roll of all current SGA members and records at- tendance of members at SGA meetings. He/she informs the SGA of at- STUDENT ,A * LAGRANGE tendance requirements. In the case of membership attendance violations, he/she informs the SGA member in violation, the President, and the Vice President of the committee, council, or board on which the member serves of the violation. 3. He/she informs and reminds members of meeting dates and locations. 4. He/she shall serve as the Secretary of the Presidents' Council of Student Organizations of LaGrange College. 5. The Secretary/Public Relations shall participate in the Leadership Certifi- cate Program of LaGrange College during his/her term. H. Treasurer 1. The Treasurer handles all money of the SGA. No money can be spent without the consent of the Treasurer and Director of Student Activities & Service. 2. The Treasurer tracks the balances, maintains all finances, and presents the balances at the Executive Council and SGA meetings. 3. He/she is the liaison to the Business Office. 4. He/she processes all checks for the SGA. 5. He/she serves on the Presidents' Council of Student Organizations of La- Grange College. 6. He/she serves as the Chair of the Student Organization Assistance Program Committee. 7. The Treasurer shall participate in the Leadership Certificate Program of LaGrange College during his/her term. I. All officers will work direction with the Director of Student Activities & Ser- vice. J. All officers shall attend all SGA sponsored events and activities. Article V. Committees, Councils, and Boards Section 1 . Committees, Councils, and Boards are established with the purpose of fulfilling the mission and vision of the SGA. The committees, councils, and/or boards consist of Senate, Programming, Service, Sustainability, and Information Technology. A. The cumulative GPA for a student seeking a committee, council, or board posi- tion is a 2.6; failure to maintain the qualifying GPA results in a probationary period of one semester. If a student fails to meet the qualifying GPA for a con- secutive semester, the student will be removed from the SGA roster. B. The maximum number of members for all committees, councils, and boards is 20. C. All committee, council, and board members are required to attend bi-monthly meetings. The Vice President of the respective committee, council, or board will schedule these meetings. STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 D. All committee, council, and board members are required to attend bi-monthly meetings of the SGA. A. Each class of students has 5 representatives elected as Senators. Within each class body there will be one President, one Vice President, and 3 Representa- tives. B. Senate positions that become vacant in the middle of the academic year will be filled by the following application process. Students interested in filling the vacancy must submit an application to the Vice President for Senate/Parliamen- tarian. The Vice President for Senate/Parliamentarian must present the applica- tion to the Executive Council for a vote. A 2/3 majority vote is required for the application to be passed on to the SGA, who must approve the application with a 2/3 vote for the student to be elected. C. The Senate makes recommendations concerning student opinions and sugges- tions regarding campus affairs and improvements to the SGA President, which are passed on to the College Administration and the Board of Trustees. D. The Senate plans and implements annual events including, but not limited to: activities fair, Homecoming, Quadrangle Formal, Halloween on the Hill, Christmas on the Hill, Vegas on the Hill, May Day, etc. A. The Programming Board plans and executes all programming to which the Pro- gramming Board is assigned. B. The Programming Board creates safe and diverse programmiiig for the La- Grange College community. C. The number of Programming Board functions per semester is determined by the Programming Board with the assistance of the Director of Student Activities and Service. D. The Programming Board collaborates with the Department of Student Life to provide programming during First Week. A. The Service Council is responsible for planning and coordinating the selection of Faculty Member of the Year Award and Staff Member of the Year Award. B. The Service Council coordinates at least one service and/or awareness-based event a month throughout the academic year. Section 5. The Information Technology Board facilitates all events and activities determined by the Vice President of Information Technology. Section 6. Sustainability Committee A. The Sustainability Committee facilitates all events and activities determined by the Vice President of Sustainability. B. The Sustainability Committee collaborates with the administrative Sustainabil- ity Council to further sustainable efforts on campus. Section 2. Senate Section 3. Programming Board (Panther Productions) Section 4. Service Council 73 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Section 7. Ad Hoc committees are formed for a specific purpose and may not last for longer than one academic year. Section 8. Standing Committees are created by the SGA or the President of the SGA which is deemed necessary for longer than one academic year. Article VI. Elections, Appointments, Impeachments, Resignations Section 1. Elections A. The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian will set all procedures regarding elections. The SGA President will oversee the implementation of these proce- dures. B. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. on the day set by the Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian. 1 . Executive Council Elections i. The date(s) of election for these Officers is determined by the Ex- ecutive Council. ii. The Oath of Office shall be administered to the new Executive Council Officers during May Day. The outgoing President will administer the Oath of Office to the incoming President, and the incoming President will then administer the Oath of Office to the rest of the incoming Executive Council. The Oath of Office is as follows: "I (full name), affirm that I will uphold the Constitution, as well as the mission and vision, of the LaGrange College Student Government Association and pledge myself to the faithful execution of my office." 2. Senate Elections i. Senate elections, with the exception of Freshmen Senate elections, occur during Executive Council elections. ii. Freshmen Senate elections, as well as those elections for positions not filled by the spring elections, occurs the third Thursday of the following September. iii. Separate ballots shall be prepared in Senator elections for each class. iv. For nomination and voting purposes, class standings are determined by the Office of the Registrar. v. Voters may only vote the appropriate ballot of their class. Voters mark their ballot for one President, one Vice President, and three Representatives. The five candidates with the most votes are the winners. 3. Every candidate, whether or not they are being opposed, must campaign for their position beginning no later than a week prior to the elections. 4. The Director of Student Activities and Service investigates candidates' GPAs to 74 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 verify his/her qualifications for office. By submitting an election application, a student consents to verification of his/her GPA. 5. If the voting procedure is carried out with paper ballots, there must be two SGA members present at the election site who are not current candidates. Candidates may not loiter anywhere near the election booth unless casting their ballot. 6. The Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian, President, and the SGA advisor, unless there is an obvious conflict of interest, are responsible for counting the paper ballot votes, and reporting the results to the SGA, as well as the entire student body of LaGrange College. 7. In the event of online voting, the Vice President of Senate/Parliamentarian, President, Vice President of Information Technology, and the SGA advisor will have access to the elections results. 8. In an election between two candidates, the one with the most votes will be de- clared the winner. In an election between three or more candidates, the winner must receive over 50% of the votes; if one candidate does not, there will be a run-off between the top two candidates. 9. Any member of the student body may file a complaint regarding election pro- cedures or results. To file a complaint a student must submit a written and signed statement to either the SGA President or the Vice President of Senate/ Parliamentarian. Upon receiving the statement, either Officer must notify the rest of the Executive Council. The student filing the complaint is required to testify before the Executive Council. The Executive Council will consider all evidence before them and make their decision regarding the complaint after the next regularly scheduled SGA meeting, where the SGA will be informed of the complaint and able to voice their feelings. Section 2. Appointments A. If no person submits an application to run for a given Executive Council or Senate position, it is filled by appointment when the new SGA is seated. B. If an Executive Council position becomes open in the middle of the academic year, the vacancy is filled by appointment by the Executive Council. C. Appointments contingent upon interviews will be determined at the discretion of the Executive Council and Committee Chairs. Section 3. Impeachments A. Any member of the SGA may be impeached for failure to uphold the SGA Constitution or to perform the duties and responsibilities of his/her position, as outlined in the SGA Constitution. B. The impeachment process is carried out as follows: A written charge must be filed with the Executive Council. A 2/3 vote of the Executive Council is required to continue the impeachment process. The decision of the Executive Council is taken to the SGA. Impeachment is only approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the SGA using secret ballot. The Vice President for Senate/Parliamen- tarian and the SGA advisor, unless there is a conflict of interest, will be respon- sible for counting the votes and reporting the results to the entire SGA. 75 STUDENT ,4 , LAGRANGE C. Items such as attendance policy and grades do not fall under the impeachment process. Violations of these SGA guidelines are automatic and result in imme- diate removal from the SGA. Section 4. Resignations A. Any member of the SGA has the right to resign from their position. A resigna- tion letter must be turned in to the SGA President. B. If the SGA President decides to resign, he/she must turn in a letter of resignation to the Executive Council. C. Letters of resignation are required to be read publicly to the entire SGA after formal resignation has occurred. Article VII. Meetings Section 1 . The SGA meetings will be held at least every other week during the academic year. The Executive Council sets all SGA meeting times and locations. The President or SGA advisor may call additional meetings for special purposes. Section 2. A quorum, which is five general SGA body members and five members of the Execu- tive Council, is required to conduct official business. Section 3. A simple majority of the SGA members present at each meeting make all decisions on matters that are not mandated by the Constitution for a Student Body vote. Section 4. All SGA meetings are conducted using Robert's Rules of Order. Section 5. All SGA meetings are open to the student body of LaGrange College. Visitors have the right to speak, may submit proposals by giving a written copy to the Secretary, and are subject to the same rules that govern the SGA. Article VIII. Finances Section 1 . Funds for SGA functions may only be requested by an Executive Council officer. Written documentation, electronic or paper, must accompany all money requests. The appropriate documentation, as issued by the Treasurer at the beginning of the academic year, must be used. Section 2. All receipts of purchase must be given to the Treasurer no later than a week follow- ing the SGA function for which the purchases were made. Section 3. In addition to the SGA budget kept by the Treasurer, each Executive Council officer must maintain his/her own balance of expenditures. Section 4. A portion of the SGA budget will be set aside at the beginning of each academic year for the Student Organization Assistance Program. Article IX. Supremacy This Constitution supersedes all other Student Government Constitutions that have come before it. Its bylaws are for enhancement and are subsidiary to the Constitution. 70 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 Article X. Bylaws Bylaws are for elaboration and enhancement of the Constitution. The Senate can pass bylaws with a 2/3 majority vote. Bylaws shall be introduced to the SGA in writing one meeting prior to the meeting which they are voted. Article XI. Amendments Any student can propose an amendment to the SGA Constitution. The proposed amendment will go to the Executive Council. The Executive Council will investigate the amendment and then pass it on, with any suggestions attached, to the Senate. In order for the amendment process to proceed, the Senate must approve the amendment by a 2/3 vote. The amendment is then sub- mitted to the entire SGA. For the amendment to be added to the SGA Constitution, it must be approved by a simple majority. If at any point the amendment is stopped, it is considered dead and given back to the student who proposed it for changes. If the student wishes to resubmit the proposed amendment, it will go back to the entire Student Government Association where a 2/3 vote is required. The Executive Council has the right to veto an amendment. A 2/3 vote of the entire SGA is required to override a veto decision. Article XII. Ratification Upon acceptance by a convention of students currently involved in the SGA, this Constitution will be submitted to a referendum of the student body. The Constitution becomes effective when Vi of those voting approve the Constitution. After ratification, this Constitution becomes a part of the Student Handbook of LaGrange College and will be published annually therein. 77 STUDENT ,A . HANDBOOK LAGRANGE 2012 - 2013 W COLLEGE Student Government Association Bylaws Article L Order of Business The order of business at regular meetings of the Student Government Association is as follows: A. Call to order B. Roll call C. Prayer D. Guest program (if any) E. Reading, correction, and approval of previous meeting's minutes F. Special reports of officers and advisors G. Committee reports H. Special elections (if any) I. Old or unfinished business J. New business K. Announcements L. Adjournment The SGA may override this agenda by a motion to suspend the rules, which requires a 2/3 vote. Article II. Attendance Policy A. All students of LaGrange College are invited to attend all SGA meetings. B. The Secretary maintains the record of attendance of SGA members at meetings and other required functions. C. A student must submit a written excuse to the Secretary at least 24 hours in advance to be excused from an event, unless otherwise stated by the Secretary. D. Membership shall be terminated for the accumulation of three or more unexcused ab- sences. 78 _ STUDENT Article III. Awards of the Student Government Association Section 1 . The Austin P. Cook Award is presented annually by the SGA to the organization that made the most positive impact on Campus Life during the given academic year. Section 2. The Administrator of the Year Award is given annually by the SGA to an outstanding member of the administration. The full body of SGA nominates up to five administra- tors for this award. These candidates are then voted on by the entire student body during the spring elections. The award is given out at the SGA banquet at the end of the spring semester. Section 3. The Faculty Member of the Year Award is given annually by the SGA to an outstanding Faculty member. The full body of SGA nominates up to five faculty members for this award. These candidates are then voted on by the entire student body during the spring elections. The award is given out at the SGA banquet at the end of the spring semester. Section 4. The Staff Member of the Year Award is given annually by the SGA to an outstanding Staff member. The full body of SGA nominates up to five staff members for this award. These candidates are then voted on by the entire student body during the spring elections. The award is given out at the SGA banquet at the end of the spring semester. Section 5. The Student Government Association Member of the Year Award is given annually by the Student Government Association to an outstanding SGA member. This award is voted on by the Executive Council and given out at the SGA banquet. 79 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 APPENDIX C Student Organization Assistance Program Name: Student Organization Assistance Fund Purpose: A. The Student Organization Assistance Fund shall exist through the Student Government Association (SGA) to aid campus organizations in the implementation of their events or programs. B. A portion of the budget that SGA receives each year will be set aside solely for the purpose of assisting campus organizations. The amount will be set by the SGA Executive Council and the Dean of Student Engagement. C. To be eligible, the group requesting funds must be an officially recognized organization on campus and have a representative, usually the President participate in the Council of Presidents. Offices: There shall be a Student Organization Assistance Fund Committee that shall consist of the following members: SGA Treasurer - Chair SGA President SGA Advisor A representative from each of the following types of campus organizations: Religious Life Greek Service Honor Organizations Athletics Other This committee shall be in charge of reviewing each application that is submitted and determining an appropriate outcome. By-Laws: Any organization that wishes to request funds must adhere to the following guidelines: 1 . The President of the organization (or member in charge, if there is no President) must request an application from the SGA Treasurer. 2. The application must be completed and turned in no later than one academic month before the funds are needed. The earlier that the funds are requested, the more likely SGA will have funds left to distribute. 3. The application will be reviewed by the Student Organization Assistance Fund Committee and the organization requesting funds will be notified of the committee's decision within two weeks of the submission. 80 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013 F. Any organization that receives funds must adhere to the following steps when using their allocated funds: a. All monies spent must be well-documented and turned in to the SGA Treasurer. This includes all receipts or invoices, as well as written documentation of why the money was spent. b. Failure to do this may result in, but is not limited to, being prohibited from being allowed to request funds in the future and being required to repay the funds granted. c. Misuse of funds will not be tolerated, and any evidence of such misuse will result in referral to the Director of Student Activities and the Dean of Students. G. The funds will be distributed in a continuing manner throughout each semester. Half of the total amount will be allocated to each semester. Organizations are encouraged to plan and apply early since once the money is gone, it's gone. 81 LAGRANGE