Student Code of Conduct

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Introduction

The Student Code of Conduct establishes the rules and regulations for all students of Georgetown College. Students at Georgetown College are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting a civilized society on College-owned or controlled property, at College-sponsored or supervised functions, and elsewhere. Students enrolling at Georgetown College assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the College’s function as an educational institution.

Since Georgetown College cannot foresee every circumstance that may arise, all may not be included in the Student Code of Conduct. Therefore, a student may be subjected to disciplinary action when such behavior is deemed disruptive to the mission and/or goals of the College and may not be contained herein.

Georgetown College may address violations that occur off-campus or through electronic medium, including but not limited to Canvas, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Yik Yak.

For the purposes of this policy, a “student” is defined as any person who is admitted, enrolled, or registered for study at Georgetown College. Also, a person shall be considered a student when attending or participating in any activity preceding the beginning of school, including but not limited to, athletic practices or events, new student orientation, and residence hall check‐in.

Charges

Alcohol
a. Alcohol Consumption: No student shall consume alcohol at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property.
b. Alcohol Possession: No student shall possess or be discovered in the possession of alcohol or any commercial alcohol container at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residential spaces, administrative buildings, campus grounds, and any College-owned, leased, and controlled property.
c. Alcohol Container Possession: No student shall store alcohol or any commercial alcohol container, including boxes and bottles, at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property.
d. Presence of Alcohol: No student shall be in the presence of or be discovered to be in the presence of alcohol or any commercial alcohol container at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property.
e. Alcohol Distribution: No student shall distribute alcohol at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property.
f. Alcohol Intoxication: No student under the legal drinking age shall be intoxicated at any time while at any College-sanctioned event or on College property.
g. Alcohol Intoxication Concurrent Charge: No student shall be discovered in a state of intoxication while in the violation of any other institutional policy at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property. This section will only apply to those students who are of legal drinking age (21 years or older).
Animals
a. Non-compliant Animal Possession: No student shall host or house any animal, nor act as an accomplice to the housing or hosting of any animal on Georgetown College's campus. Exceptions to this policy will only be made for students who are granted the accommodation of an assistance animal for a qualifying disability by the Office of Disability Services in accordance with the Georgetown College Assistance Animal Policy.
b. Continued Non-compliance with Animal Policy: No student shall continue to violate the animal policy (II.a) or continue to be an accomplice to a violation of said policy.
c. Non-compliance with Approved Animal Process: No student shall violate the Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal policy as outlined in the Student Handbook and in the signed agreement with the Office of Disability Services.
Computer Misuse
a. Computer Misuse: No student shall fail to use the College’s computing resources, IT infrastructure, or College-provided Internet services in an ethical, professional, and legal manner in accordance with all local, state, and Federal laws.
Conduct Unbecoming
a. Conduct Unbecoming: No student shall engage in any behavior, or act in any manner, either on College property or otherwise, that does not align with the mission, goals, or vision of Georgetown College, or would be expected of a reasonable, rational adult.
Damage of Property
a. Damage of College Property: No student shall purposely, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently harm, vandalize, damage, destroy, or negatively impact the operation or condition of any College property.
b. Damage of Other Property: No student shall purposely, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently harm, vandalize, damage, destroy, or negatively impact the operation or condition of the property of other students, faculty, employees, or visitors to the College campus or College grounds.
Disorderly Conduct
a. Disorderly Conduct: No student shall engage in any unreasonable conduct, act in an unreasonable manner, or create unreasonable disturbance, with the intent to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or otherwise, that wantonly creates or has the potential to create a disruptive, hazardous, or threatening environment.
b. Campus Event Misconduct: No student shall engage in any conduct or act in such a manner that serves no legitimate purpose beyond the creation of an unreasonable situation that causes inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or otherwise, such that it causes disruption or obstruction of normal College events. These normal College events can include but are not limited to teaching, research, administration, or other activities of the College, such as residence hall operations, athletics events, student group activities, or other authorized activities of the College.
Drugs
a. Drug Possession: No student shall be in the possession of any illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property.
b. Drug Distribution: No student shall distribute any illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property.
c. Drug Intoxication: No student shall be discovered under the influence of illegal drugs at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property.
d. Presence of Drugs or Drug-Related Items: No student shall use, be in the presence of, or be discovered to be in the presence of any illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia at any College-sanctioned event or on College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College owned, leased, or controlled property.
e. Misuse of Prescription Drugs: No student shall possess, use, or distribute prescription drugs beyond the scope of the prescription at any College-sanctioned event or on college property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, campus grounds, or any College-owned, leased, or controlled property.
Failure to Comply
a. Failure to Comply with University Officials: No student shall fail to comply with any reasonable and/or lawful request of any College official, including but not limited to, Campus Safety Officers, Residence Life staff, Residence Hall Coordinators, Resident Assistants, maintenance personnel, or any other administrator, staff, or faculty acting in performance of their official duties.
b. Failure to Comply with Conduct Process: No student shall fail to appear before a Student Conduct official or Student Conduct hearing board as requested without proper communication, excuse, or justification as deemed appropriate by the College’s Student Conduct officials. No student shall purposely, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently violate the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with this code.
Fire and Safety
a. Tampering with Fire Safety: No student shall knowingly, purposefully, or recklessly engage in falsely pulling any fire alarm pull station, or tamper with any fire alarm or fire safety equipment, including but not limited to smoke detection sensors. Tampering with any smoke-detection sensors can include, but is not limited to, the covering, placing items or material inside that affect the ability to detect smoke, pulling from its proper mount, or removing the device or its batteries/power supply from the unit.
b. Failure to Vacate: No student shall fail to exit any building during a fire alarm or return to any building before being told to do so by a College official during any fire alarm.
c. Non-compliant use of smoke, vape, or related device: No student shall smoke, vape, and/or use any type of e-cigarette or liquid/vapor/solid substance-based device that simulates smoking or creates smoke/vapor at any College-sanctioned event or inside any College property, including but not limited to residence halls, administrative buildings, or any College owned, leased, or controlled property or within 30 feet of any building entrance, window, or ventilation system.
Firearms, Weapons, and/or Explosive Materials: Such items may include but are not limited to: any kind of firearm, ammunition, air rifles or air pistols, BB guns, firecrackers or fireworks, gasoline, explosives or other combustible materials, brass knuckles, and/or knives with a blade longer than six (6) inches.
a. Possession of a Firearm, Weapon, or Explosive Material: No student shall possess any firearms, weapons, or explosive materials of any kind in any building on campus grounds, or on college property.
b. Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, or Explosive Material: No student shall store any firearms, weapons, or explosive materials of any kind in any building on campus grounds, or on college property.
c. Use of a Firearm, Weapon, or Explosive Material: No student shall use any firearms, weapons, or explosive materials of any kind in any building on campus grounds, or on college property.
Fraud
a. Identity Fraud: No student shall intentionally provide false identification or information to any College official when requested to provide their identification or information.
b. Fraudulent Behavior: No student shall purposely or knowingly engage in a behavior or act in a manner with the intent to defraud, deceive, or be untruthful to any College official or representative of the College acting in the performance of their official duties.
c. False Information During Conduct Process: No student shall intentionally provide false information or be dishonest during any official College process or investigation.
Gender Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct
a. Title IX violation: No student shall violate Title IX as stated in the College’s Gender Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy as outlined in the Title IX: Gender-Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy Section I. A copy of this policy can be provided by the Title IX coordinator and found at https://www.georgetowncollege.edu/title-ix.
b. Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct: No student shall engage in sexual misconduct that falls outside the scope of Title IX as stated in the College’s Gender Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy as outlined in the Title IX: Gender-Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy Section II. A copy of this policy can be provided by the Title IX coordinator and found at https://www.georgetowncollege.edu/title-ix.
Harassment
a. Harassment: No student shall engage in any behavior or act in a manner towards another with the intention to harass, threaten, alarm, disturb, pester, annoy, trouble, or imply any threat or innuendo of harm repeatedly towards any individual.
b. Persistent Harassment: No student shall continue to take any of the above actions or behaviors, nor imply that they intend to do so, towards another person after being asked to do so no longer, with the intent to threaten or endanger, or imply a threat to the health, safety, or well-being of any individual.
Harm to Person
a. Harm to Person: No student shall engage in any behavior or act in a manner towards another with the intention to, purposely or negligently, cause harm to, intimidate, bully, emotionally or physically abuse, injure, or imply any threat or innuendo of harm to any individual.
b. Implication of Harm to Person: No student shall imply that they intend to engage in any behavior or act in a manner towards another with the intention to, purposely or negligently, cause harm to, intimidate, bully, emotionally or physically abuse, injure, or imply any threat or innuendo of harm, or endanger the health, safety, or well-being of any individual
c. Persistent Harm to Person: No student shall continue to take any of the above actions or behaviors, nor imply that they intend to do so, towards another person after being asked to do so no longer, with the intent to threaten or endanger, or imply a threat to the health, safety, or well-being of any individual.
Hazing
a. Hazing: No student shall engage in, or be found to have engaged in, any hazing behavior. Hazing for this policy is defined as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against a student, regardless of that student’s willingness to participate that was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an organization and causes or is likely to contribute to a substantial risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation” in the College or essential functions of the organization, of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation, as noted in the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
Institutional Policy
a. Violation of Policy: No student shall violate any published College policies or College regulations.
Non-discrimination
a. Discriminatory Action or Behavior: No student shall purposely, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently engage in any action or behavior that discriminates against another student, guest, or College official under any protected classes as defined in the Georgetown College institutional Non-Discrimination Statement. These protected classes include race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability, and veteran status. This policy complies with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI , and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Theft
a. Community Theft: No student shall purposely, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently take, steal, possess, or move, without authorization to do so, or any personal property of other students, faculty, employees, or visitors to the College campus or College grounds.
b. Theft of College Property: No student shall purposely, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently take, steal, possess, or move, without authorization to do so, any College property.
Unauthorized Entry/Trespassing
a. Residential Trespassing: No student shall make entry, attempt to make entry, occupy, or be found to have entered residential rooms or spaces that they have not explicitly been given permission to occupy or enter by the individual(s) responsible for that space.
b. Unauthorized Entry: No student shall, through any means, gain, attempt to gain, or make unauthorized entry to any space in College buildings or on College grounds.
c. Trespassing: No student shall occupy any College facilities which are locked, closed to student activities, otherwise restricted or should reasonably be believed to be restricted in their use for any reason.
Violation of any Local, State. Or Federal Law
a. Law Violation: No student shall violate any Local, State, or Federal law on College property or in College buildings.

The Hearing Process

The Process

Written Notification of Allegations: Any student referred for an alleged code of conduct violation will be contacted about the report and related charges. This notification will include the date, time, and location for the Preliminary Meeting, and any other relevant information. This notification will be sent to the student’s Georgetown College email address.
Preliminary Meeting: The accused student will have a meeting with the Conduct Officer to discuss the charges, related sanctions, and next steps. During this meeting, the student can review the report but may not take copies or photographs of the report. After reviewing the allegations, the student will have the opportunity to explain their involvement or circumstance related to the alleged incident. During this meeting, the Conduct Officer may ask questions of the student regarding their involvement, additional information, or other questions about the incident in question.
Informal resolution: This will only be considered an option for first or second offenses. If the allegations are egregious or complex in nature, the case will automatically be referred for a formal hearing. An eligible student can choose to accept responsibility for the violation and assigned sanctions at the end of the preliminary meeting. In this instance, the case would not be referred for a formal hearing with a hearing board.
Formal Hearing: Students facing a third charge, cases that are egregious or complex, or upon request will be referred for a Formal Hearing. A Formal Hearing consists of a meeting with the Hearing Board. During a Formal Hearing, the Hearing Board will hear the report, review any evidence, and hear from any parties involved in the incident. The Hearing Board will then make a determination regarding responsibility and will provide a referral for sanctions. The Conduct Officer assigned to the case will be present during the Formal Hearing to provide information and guide the process.
Formal Resolution: Following a Formal Hearing with a Hearing Board, the accused student will receive notification if they were found in violation or not. If the student is found in violation of the Code of Conduct, they will also receive their sanctions during the Formal Resolution.

Student Rights and Restrictions

Students have the right to one support individual at any meeting/hearing related to the conduct process. While they may be present, the support individual may not speak on behalf of the student or otherwise participate in the meeting. Support individuals who attempt to participate, speak, or are deemed disruptive to the meeting will be dismissed from the meeting.
Students who are combative, disruptive, or otherwise deemed to be unproductively engaged in their hearing may be dismissed, and the reported case adjudicated in their absence.
Students who miss their preliminary meeting without notice will automatically be moved to a formal hearing. If the student does not attend the formal hearing, the case will be adjudicated in their absence.

The Hearing Board

A Hearing Board will be used in the instance of a Formal Hearing. The Hearing Board will consist of trained individuals who volunteer their time to serve. The Hearing Board for a Formal Hearing will consist of one faculty member, one staff member, and one student. The Conduct Officer cannot serve on the Hearing Board but will serve as a reference for procedural questions from the Hearing Board.

Exceptions

Georgetown College’s Executive Cabinet reserves the right to intervene and/or act as the deciding body in the Student Conduct process, as it deems necessary. This would typically only be done in extreme or extraordinary circumstances. The Executive Cabinet may impose sanctions, including an interim suspension, suspension, or expulsion of a student without a formal hearing process. Decisions made by the College’s Executive Cabinet are final and not subject to appeal. An interim suspension or expulsion may be imposed: a) to ensure the safety and well‐being of members of the College community or preservation of College property; b) to ensure the students’ own physical or emotional safety and well‐being; or c) if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the College. Decisions made by the College’s Executive Cabinet are final and not subject to appeal.
If a hearing cannot be held in a timely manner, such as at the end of a term, if the student withdraws, cannot be present on campus, etc., or when the situation is warranted, the alleged violation will be brought by the Student Conduct Administrator to the Dean of Students, who will review the case and make a determination of responsibility and assign sanctions in the instance of a finding of responsible. In these instances, the student may request a meeting with the Student Conduct Administrator to discuss the finding and sanctions, but the case is not eligible for an appeal.

Sanctions

As a part of the educational community, the sanctions given for violations of the Code of Conduct will be assigned to provide an opportunity for education and growth, as well as any necessary punitive actions that are warranted. In most cases, punitive and educational sanctions will be assigned concurrently. The examples of sanctions in this list are illustrative and should not be read as a comprehensive list; other sanctions may be issued to a student found responsible for a violation of policy as deemed appropriate. Students who will no longer be attending Georgetown (graduating seniors, transfers, etc.) are still held responsible for their sanctions and appropriate adjustments will be made to complete them.

Sanctions can include but are not limited to:

Campus Service: Volunteer service to a space on campus, as designated by the Student Conduct hearing officer or Student Conduct Hearing Board. If this sanction is issued, it will be the responsibility of the student to contact, make arrangements, and provide proof of completed service hours with the department assigned.
College/Community Referral: Student will be referred to a campus or community referral to review and utilize their services. If this sanction is issued, it will be the responsibility of the student to contact, make arrangements, and provide proof of completion of the assignment with the college/community referral.
Community Service: Volunteer service to a community organization, as designated by the Student Conduct hearing officer or Student Conduct hearing board. If this sanction is issued, it will be the responsibility of the student to contact, make arrangements, and provide proof of completed service hours with the community organization assigned. Distance from campus for students without motor transportation will be considered.
Deferred Suspension: During a designated period of time, the student is able to continue attending the College and is given the opportunity to demonstrate that they can abide by the Code of Conduct. If the student is found responsible for any additional violation(s) of the Code of Conduct during deferred suspension, they will immediately be placed on suspension or expulsion based on the nature of the violation.
Educational Course: Student will be assigned to complete educational materials related to the conduct violation. Course requirements will be assigned during sanctioning and may also include meetings with a trained professional.
Expulsion: Termination of student status for an indefinite period of time.
Fine: An appropriate fine may be charged to the student’s account for policy violations, damages incurred, or failure to complete a sanction, in an amount deemed appropriate by the Student Conduct hearing officer or Student Conduct hearing board.
Interim suspension: A timeframe where a student may be denied access to the residence halls and/or to the campus (including classes) and/or all other College activities and privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as may be determined to be appropriate.
Loss of On-campus Housing: A requirement of a student to vacate campus housing by a designated time as determined by the Student Conduct hearing officer or Student Conduct hearing board.
Mentor Meetings: A student is required to complete a predetermined number of meetings with a designated or requested staff, faculty, or community mentor.
No Contact Order: A no-contact order may be issued between two parties on campus when deemed necessary by a Student Life administrator, or by request from one involved party. A no-contact order, when issued, serves as an official directive that the named party may not have contact with or be in the same relative vicinity of another party. This includes no contact in person, by telephone, email, text message, or other electronic means of communication, including various social media platforms, or through a third party (other than an attorney) until further notice.
Probation: Official notice that should violations of the Student Code of Conduct or the probation terms occur during the probation period, then additional sanctioning may be implemented, including but not limited to deferred suspension, suspension, or expulsion. Probation may include exclusion from participation in college activities as set forth in the notice of probation.
Reflection Assignment: An assignment that encourages the student to reflect on the impact of their actions on the community and themselves in a method to promote growth and understanding. Specifics of this assignment will be created based on the nature of the violation and provided at the time of sanctioning with a set due date.
Reprimand: Students may be given a reprimand for concerning behaviors. Reprimands are given in conjunction with another office when there is concerning behavior that has already been addressed and altered. Reprimands will be logged as an FYI but not in an official record for conduct.
Required Change of Residency: The student will be required to move housing assignments from one residence hall area to another.
Research paper/project: Student will be assigned to complete a research paper in APA formatting with works cited or complete a project on a specific topic related to the code violation. Specific requirements will be disclosed upon sanctioning.
Restitution: Repayment for loss encumbered by an individual or the College as a result of the student’s Code of Conduct violation. The restitution amount will be charged to the student’s account.
Restriction of Access to Space, Resources, or Activities: When appropriate, restrictions may be placed on access to space, resources, and/or activities so as to limit opportunities for further concern of policy violation or harm to the community.
Suspension/Dismissal: Exclusion from classes, activities, the College, and/or other privileges as set forth in the notice of suspension for a defined period of time. In most cases, the student will be required to apply for readmission to the College to be able to return after the completion of the suspension.
Trespass Notice: The student is prohibited from visiting or returning to a part or all of any residence hall, administrative building, property, or designated area of campus. If the student returns, they may be subject to arrest for trespassing and/or additional disciplinary action through the College.
Warning: Students may be given a warning if a concern does not rise to the level of a conduct violation but is concerning in nature. A warning is documented as an FYI and not part of the official conduct record. This will be predominately administered when a report is received by Student Conduct but does not rise to the level of a sanction.

Appeals

All appeal requests must be initiated in writing within 48 hours of the rendered decision and must state the reason for the appeal in the request. The appeal request will only be considered for one or more of the following reasons:

Procedural error
New evidence has come forward that was not available during the hearing.
The sanction(s) imposed is unduly severe compared to the nature of the violation.

All appeal requests must be submitted to the Dean of Students, who may assign the appeal process accordingly. The Director of Student Outreach and Support and any members of the hearing board for the case in question will not be assigned or hear appeals. The student may or may not be granted an in-person meeting during the appeal process.

Upon review of the appeal and review of facts, the assigned administrator will make a formal determination of:

The finding of the hearing upheld, and the sanction(s) assigned upheld.
The finding of the hearing upheld, but the sanction(s) adjusted as determined by the assigned administrator.
The finding of the hearing overturned.

The appeals finding by the Dean of Students or the assigned administrator will stand as final in the matter.

Inspect and Review Policy

Privacy for Student Code of Conduct will follow the rules and regulations of the Federal Education and Right to Privacy Act (FERPA). Every student has the right to view their academic and conduct record. All reviews will take place in a designated room on campus and no records may be removed from said room. To request additional information or access to your conduct record, please contact the Director for Student Outreach and Support.

Records and Retention Policy

The College shall maintain records of each conduct investigation, including outcome, for seven years. All records will be stored electronically and will be purged after the seventh year in a confidential manner. Georgetown College is currently reviewing a policy and procedure for expungement for non-egregious violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Expungement Policy

Purpose

Georgetown College values personal growth and second chances as part of the college experience. To support student development and success, we offer an expungement process for certain Code of Conduct violations. This process allows eligible students to request the removal of a disciplinary record, reflecting their self-reflection, maturity, and commitment to positive behavioral change.

Eligibility Criteria

A student found responsible for a Student Conduct violation may apply for expungement if they meet the following criteria:

Time Requirement – At least two full semesters (fall/spring) must have passed since the completion of all assigned sanctions.
Single Violation – The student must have only one disciplinary sanction on their record.
Nature of the Violation – Cases involving violence, threats of violence, sexual misconduct, hazing, or harassment are not eligible for expungement.
Academic Honor System Cases – Violations related to the academic Honor System are not eligible under this policy. For details on Honor System policies and procedures, refer to the Student Handbook.

Application Process

To request expungement, students must complete the following steps:

1. Submit an Expungement Request Application Form

Students must complete an online application which consists of

A personal reflection on the violation and their growth since the incident.
Documentation (if applicable) demonstrating responsible behavior and contributions to the campus community.
Any supporting materials that strengthen the request.

2. Review Process

Applications will be evaluated based on:

The student’s conduct record since the violation, including any warnings.
Demonstrated personal growth, responsibility, and learning.
Positive contributions to the campus community.
The nature and severity of the original violation as well as the time elapsed.
Completion and fulfillment of all sanctions.

3. Decision & Notification

The application will be reviewed by the Conduct Officer and the Dean of Students.
If denied, the request will be automatically reviewed by the Conduct Hearing Board for a final decision.
All expungement decisions made by the Conduct Hearing Board are final.

4. Outcome Communication

The student will receive an official decision via email.
If approved, the terms of expungement will be outlined.
In some instances, the student may receive guidance on whether they may reapply in the future.

For questions or to begin the application process, students are encouraged to contact the Student Conduct Office.

Updates to the Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct will be maintained in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Any updates regarding the Code of Conduct will be proposed, reviewed, and published upon approval. Any updates will be announced to the College via email when approved and published.