Health and Safety

As a non-residential institution, Southern Crescent Technical College expects that the student will normally secure medical services through a private physician. In case of a serious accident or illness, Southern Crescent Technical College will refer a student to the nearest hospital for emergency care. It is understood that the student or parent will assume full responsibility for the cost of such emergency care at the hospital, including ambulance charges, if in the opinion of the school authorities such service is necessary.

Statistical Reporting

  1. The Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Safety & Security will collect and provide statistics on reported sexual assaults as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. All personally identifying information will be removed from statistical reports.
  2. Professional counselors associated with Southern Crescent Technical College by Southern Crescent Technical College with whom conversations are privileged will inform survivors of the ability to report crimes on a confidential basis for statistical purposes. Any such reporting is voluntary. All other college personnel are required to notify the Campus Safety & Security upon receipt of a report of sexual assault for Clery Act reporting purposes.

Survivor Confidentiality

Southern Crescent Technical College officials will make every effort to ensure the confidentiality of survivors, and all members of the college community are urged to treat knowledge of an individual’s status as a survivor of sexual assault/abuse in a confidential manner. Personal identification information is not published to the public.

Annual Security Report

On or before October 1 of each year, Southern Crescent Technical College publishes and distributes its Annual Campus Security Report to current and prospective students and employees through e-mail, campus web page and a paper copy can be requested through Campus Safety & Security. This report provides crime statistics for the prior three years, policy statements regarding safety and security measures, campus crime prevention programs, along with policy and procedures to be followed in the investigation and prosecution of alleged sex offenses.

Campus Security

Southern Crescent Technical College will provide a reasonable environment of safety for achieving educational goals. In compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 and Student Right-To-Know (Public Law 101-542), Southern Crescent Technical College has established the following policy and procedures for governing the implementation of this act.

Crime Statistics

Southern Crescent Technical College is committed to providing students with a safe and secure environment in which to learn. The College reports statistics on the following crimes and offenses annually.

Federal Definitions of Reportable Crimes

  • Murder/Manslaughter: the willful killing of one human being by another.
  • Negligent Manslaughter: manslaughter by negligence-the killing of another person through gross negligence.
  • Sex Offenses: any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
  • Rape: the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. This offense includes the rape of both males and females.
  • Fondling: the touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
  • Incest: non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
  • Statutory Rape: non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
  • Robbery: taking or attempting to take anything of value from the car, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
  • Aggravated Assault: an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
  • Burglary: the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft.
  • Motor Vehicle Theft: the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
  • Arson: any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
  • Larceny/Theft: includes pocket picking, purse snatching, shoplifting, theft from building, theft from motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories, and all other larceny.
  • Simple Assault: an unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where neither the offender displays a weapon, nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration or loss of consciousness.
  • Intimidation: to unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.
  • Destruction/Damage/Vandalism or Property (except Arson): to willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.
  • Hate Crimes: includes all of the crimes listed as reportable Clery crimes that manifest evidence that the victim was chosen based on one of the categories of prejudice listed below.

Categories of Prejudice

  • Race: a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons who possess common physical characteristics genetically transmitted by descent and heredity, which distinguish them as a distinct division of humankind.
  • Gender: a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons because those persons are male or female.
  • Religion: a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons who share the same religious beliefs regarding the origin and purpose of the universe and the existence or nonexistence of a supreme being.
  • Sexual Orientation: a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons based on their actual or perceived sexual attraction toward, and responsiveness to, members of their own sex or members of the opposite sex.
  • Ethnicity: a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons of the same race who share common or similar traits, heritage, languages, customs or traditions often including a shared religion and/or ideology that stresses common ancestry.
  • National Origin: a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons based on their, or their ancestors’, actual or perceived country of birth and who share common or similar traits, languages, customs, and traditions.
  • Disability: a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons based on their physical or mental impairments/challenges, whether such disability is temporary or permanent, congenital or acquired by heredity, accident, injury, advanced age, or illness.
  • Gender Identity: a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons based on their actual or perceived gender identity (e.g., bias against transgender or gender nonconforming individuals).

Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking/Violence Against Women Act

  • Dating Violence: violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. It is not limited to sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.
  • Domestic Violence: a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed
    • by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;
    • by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
    • by a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
    • by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred;
    • by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's act under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.
  • Stalking: engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Southern Crescent Technical College’s Campus Safety & Security maintains records of all incidents that occur on campus including those which are not required to be reported under the Campus Security Act.

Furthermore, Southern Crescent Technical College must provide the following geographic breakdown of the crime statistics in the annual report:

  • On-campus;
  • In a non-campus building or on non-campus property;
  • On non-campus public property including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, or parking facilities that are within the campus or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Students may contact Campus Safety & Security or Student Affairs to view the updated log of Campus Crime Incidences. The College must provide this information within two (2) working days of the request.

The data collected for the previous calendar year can be located on the Internet by the following steps:

  1. Website: http://ope.ed.gov/security
  2. Click on Get data for one institution/campus
  3. When the Step 1 - Institution/Campus Search criteria form appears, scroll down to: Name of Institution; type in Southern Crescent Technical College, then click Search.
  4. At Step 2 - Select Campus, choose Main Campus.
  5. After clicking on Main Campus, a cover sheet about the institution will display. If you scroll down the page you can click on any of the following located on the gray bar:
    1. Criminal offenses
    2. Hate offenses
    3. Arrest and disciplinary actions

Crime Prevention Tips

  • Immediately report any crime, suspected crime, or suspicious circumstances/persons to campus security, either day or night.
  • Never leave personal property in your classroom unattended. If in a classroom, office, or the library take your possessions with you.
  • When walking on or off campus at night, employ the buddy system and walk with a friend. Also, let friends know when and where you are going, how you are going and what time you expect to arrive. This alerts them if you are overdue.
  • Park your car in a lighted area. Always lock your car. Do not leave CDs, tapes, or other valuables in plain sight. Lock them in the trunk or keep them out of view.
  • If you observe criminal activity or suspicious circumstances/persons, call 911 and attempt to provide identifying information such as:

    Person – Name (if known), sex, age, height, weight, clothing, apparent condition, and any other identifying information.

    Auto – License number, make, model, color, outstanding characteristics (rust, dents, etc.), or special features.

    Property – Complete description, serial number, operation I.D.

    Identify your belongings! Put your name and address on textbooks, inside the cover and on an inside page or two.

Procedures for Reporting All Crimes and Emergencies

For all crimes-in-progress or emergencies, E-911 should be called first, followed by dialing SCTC Campus Safety & Security at 770-467-4491. Campus Safety & Security will generate all criminal and emergency response reports as needed, and be the repository for such documents in these incidents.

Daily Crime Log

A daily log of all criminal offenses reported on the campus is maintained by Campus Safety & Security and is available for public inspection between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at 501 Varsity Road, Griffin, Georgia 30223, excluding holidays when the College is closed and online at https://www.sctech.edu/police/daily-crime-log/.

Campus Safety & Security may withhold information from the daily crime log if the release of such information would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or the safety of an individual, cause a suspect to evade detection or flee, and/or result in the destruction of evidence.

Campus Safety & Security’s crime log covers the most recent 60-day period and is open for public inspection during normal business hours. Crime log information dating back more than 60 days will be made available for inspection within two business days of a written request.

Campus Safety & Security maintains fire drill logs for each campus and center. Information requests should be directed to the Campus Safety & Security’s office during normal business hours.

Counseling Resources

Tiger Assistance Program (TAP)

Espyr provides counseling to Full-Time students and their families in the areas of: Marital, Adolescence, Family, Grief, Stress, Alcohol and Drugs, Emotional, Financial, Legal or any personal trouble. (1-866-734-3890) http://www.espyr.com

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Espyr provides counseling to employees and their families in the areas of: Marital, Adolescence, Family, Grief, Stress, Alcohol and Drugs, Emotional, Financial, Legal or any personal trouble. (1-800-334-6014) http://www.espyr.com

To find a rape crisis center near you please call 1-800-656-HOPE to locate the closest center.

Drug Abuse Prevention

The Higher Education Amendments of 1986 require that all post-secondary institutions make provisions for drug abuse prevention programs in order to remain eligible for financial aid.

The Student Affairs Office schedules alcohol and substance abuse seminars throughout the academic year. Notices of seminars are posted throughout the campus and on the plasma screens.

For further information, see https://www.sctech.edu/personal-counseling/ or contact the Student Affairs Office for available programs and services.

Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP)

SCTC Drug and Alcohol Policy

Southern Crescent Technical College prohibits the possession or use of illegal drugs and alcohol on or around its property at any time, except for those areas licensed under the laws of the state of Georgia. Areas where the use is prohibited include student campus activities, classrooms, school parking lots, roadways, leisure activity areas, and all offices or work areas considered SCTC property.

https://www.sctech.edu/campus-police-public-safety/annual-security-report/

The possession or the attempted or actual sale, furnishing or use of alcohol, or any illegal, dangerous, or controlled drugs on campus premises or at any College sponsored event is prohibited. This does not include use or possession of drugs prescribed by a person legally authorized to do so. Specific penalties for the possession, use or sale of illegal drugs or alcohol are contained in detail under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act section. All of the following information can be accessed through the Campus Security page of the SCTC Website.

Drugs, Alcohol and Other Substances

Substances referred to under this policy include all illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, and misused legal drugs (both prescription and over the counter). Although alcohol is legal, it is a potentially lethal drug and can be addictive.

  • Marijuana: Marijuana is a dangerous and illegal drug. It damages the lungs in the same way as cigarette smoke, causes chest pain because of increased heart rate, reduces short-­­term memory, and affects the reproductive system of males and females. Its chronic use is associated with "a motivational syndrome,"-­­loss of motivation and
    interest in school, work, and friends. Marijuana also interferes with coordination,
    reactions, and judgment. Marijuana is psychologically addictive.
  • Stimulants: The amphetamines (bennies, dexies, speed), methamphetamines (ice, crystal), and cocaine (coke, blow, flake, snow, crack, rock) fall into this class of drug. These drugs are not harmless. They raise blood pressure and respirations. Sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmias or stroke can occur at any time, even with the first use. Users of stimulants build up tolerance so that more and more of the drug is needed to get the same effect. These drugs can by psychologically and physically addictive.
  • Narcotics: This class of drugs includes opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin. These drugs are addictive. They are used medically to alleviate pain; but even in this case, must be used cautiously because of the tendency to produce addiction. Sedatives: Barbiturates like Phenobarbital are the main drugs in the sedative class. As with virtually all classes of drugs, these have definite medical value. They are, however, physically addictive. Sudden withdrawal from Phenobarbital can cause severe problems including convulsions, just as sudden withdrawal from alcohol can produce delirium tremens (DT's) and convulsions in an alcoholic.
  • Psychedelic Drugs: The major psychedelics are Mescaline, Psilocybin, and LSD. These drugs increase pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. They also cause chills, nausea, irregular breathing, confusion, and hallucinations. Frequent users can have flashbacks without taking additional drugs. There is also evidence that LSD can cause permanent genetic damage. Psychedelic drugs are very unpredictable. One "trip" may be good and another may be disastrous. There is a great danger of bodily injury to self and others.

Students must comply with all state and federal laws regulating alcohol as well as TCSG Policy II.C.6, Alcohol on Campus. Alcoholic beverages may not be served or sold at any student-sponsored function. Students being in a state of intoxication on technical college premises or at technical college sponsored or supervised functions (including off-campus functions), internships, externships, practicum, clinical sites, co-operative or academic sponsored programs or activities or in a technical college owned vehicle is prohibited. The technical college prohibits possession, use, sale, or distribution of any controlled substance, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law. Any influence which may be attributed to the use of drugs shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the individual for the conduct or consequences of his/her actions.

Alcohol, Drugs and Narcotics

The use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, narcotics, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, hallucinogens, and any other dangerous or controlled drugs, not prescribed by a physician, is prohibited on College property or at College sponsored events. Title 20-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated states that any student of a public educational institution who is convicted, under the laws of the state, the United States, or any other state, of any felony offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug shall, as of the date of conviction, be suspended from the public educational institution in which such person is enrolled.

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol

The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol can, and in many instances can lead to serious health problems, chemical dependency, deterioration of the quality of life, and, if untreated, early death.

• Cocaine provides a short-lived "high" followed by depression, paranoia, anxiety, guilt, anger and fear. It can cause rapid physical and psychological addiction. In some instances, cocaine may cause a heart attack or sudden death, even on the first use. The dangers of this highly addictive drug and its close derivative, "crack", are evidenced daily through the news media. Overdose of cocaine (or other stimulants) can cause agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions and possible death.

• Marijuana, like cocaine, provides a short-term high, and like cocaine, is addictive. While the "high" may last only a short time, traces remain in the body for a month or more, inhibiting short-term memory, reducing reaction time and impairing visual tracking. It may also cause an inability to abstract and understand concepts. In some instances, it can depress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack, contribute to lung diseases, and infertility. Marijuana and other cannabis can cause euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite and disoriented behavior. Overdose can cause fatigue, paranoia and possible death.

• Depressants such as barbiturates, chloral hydrate, benzodiazepines, etc., can cause slurred speech, disorientation and drunken behavior without the odor of alcohol. Overdose can cause shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death.

• Hallucinogens such as LSD, Mescaline and Peyote, amphetamine variants, etc., can cause illusions and hallucinations, and poor perception of time and distance. Overdose can cause longer, more intense illusionary hallucinatory episodes, psychosis and possible death.

• Narcotics such as opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine can cause euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils and nausea. Overdose of narcotics can cause slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possible death. Prescription drugs, used improperly, can cause tiredness, or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, brain damage, and, in some instances, addiction or death.

• Alcohol, used abusively, will impair judgment, result in anxiety, feelings of guilt, depression. Prolonged use may cause liver and heart disease, cancer, and psychological problems and dependency in the form of alcoholism. Alcohol used by pregnant women is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in children.

• Alcohol consumption, particularly heavier drinking, is an important risk factor for many health problems and, thus, is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. In fact, alcohol is a necessary underlying cause for more than 30 conditions and a contributing factor to many more.

The most common disease categories are entirely or partly caused by alcohol consumption include infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, neuropsychiatric diseases (including alcohol use disorders), cardiovascular disease, liver and pancreas disease, and unintentional and intentional injury. Knowledge of these disease risks has helped in the development of low-risk drinking guidelines. In addition to the risk of these diseases, alcohol consumption can affect the health of others and cause social harm to the drinker and others, adding to the overall cost associated with alcohol consumption. These findings underscore the need to develop effective prevention efforts to reduce the pain and suffering, and the associated costs, resulting from excessive alcohol use. (www.niaaa.nih.gov)

NOTE: Drinking alcohol is so much a part of American culture that we take it for granted. We drink at home, at parties, in bars, in restaurants, and at football games. We drink to relax, to break the ice, to celebrate, to show off, and to forget. We often forget that we have a choice - to drink or not to drink. The choice is ours alone, and we alone are responsible for the decision. There are 50 million adults who have chosen not to drink. Alcohol is potent--it affects the brain powerfully and quickly. Alcohol can kill. It is a major factor in motor vehicle accidents, drownings and violent crimes. Alcohol consumption can destroy, ruins careers, breaks up families, and can lead to personal tragedy. Long-term excessive abuse of alcohol increases the risks of heart disease, liver disease, cancer, brain damage, mental disorders, loss of sexual functions and blood disorders. Alcohol abuse during pregnancy can cause birth defects and other fetal abnormalities. A small minority of us are problem drinkers. Check the list below to see if you fall into this category.

Family, social, job or financial difficulties due to drinking.

  • Loss of ability to control drinking.
  • "Blackouts” or forgetting what happened while drinking.
  • Distressing reactions if drinking is stopped.
  • A need to drink increasingly more to get the desired effect.
  • Changes in behavior or personality when drinking.
  • Getting drunk frequently--more than four times a year.
  • Injuring oneself or someone else while intoxicated.
  • Breaking the law while intoxicated.
  • Starting the day with a drink.

If you know anyone who is not a responsible drinker, or who seems to have a drinking problem, do not be afraid to talk to him/her about it. Show some concern and offer some support while avoiding preaching or criticizing. Discuss the issue when neither of you is drinking. Be prepared If you know anyone who is not a responsible drinker, or who seems to have a drinking problem, do not be afraid to talk to him/her about it. Show some concern and offer some support while avoiding preaching or criticizing. Discuss the issue when neither of you is drinking. Be prepared to offer alternatives as to what kinds of professional help are available. Wellness Counselors can help by referring individuals with drinking problems to the appropriate agency or support
group.

Please read the vital information below from SCTC Financial Aid Office for information about the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program at https://www.sctech.edu/consumer-information-disclosures/

FINANCIAL AID PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF  DRUG LAW

The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) (P.L. 89–329) [as amended through Public Law 113–67, enacted December26, 2013] state’s the school must provide to each student upon enrollment, a separate, clear, and conspicuous written notice with information on the penalties associated with drug-related offenses under existing section 484(r)of the HEA. The school must also provide a timely notice to each student who has lost eligibility for any grant, loan, or work-study assistance as a result of the penalties under484(r)(1) of the HEA. It must be a separate, clear, and conspicuous written notice that notifies the student of the loss of eligibility and advises the student of the ways in which to regain eligibility under section 484(r)(2)of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1091(r)(2)) Students who are currently enrolled and re completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be asked: “Have you been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid? Students who answer “Yes” will be asked an additional series of questions, to determine if the conviction affects their eligibility for federal student aid. Students convicted of a federal or state offense of selling or possessing illegal drugs that occurred while they were receiving federal student aid, should still complete and submit the FAFSA to determine if there is aid for which they are still eligible. Students who leave the question blank cannot receive federal aid until they respond by making a correction to their FAFSA.

SUSPENSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR DRUG RELATED OFFENSES

A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for federal student aid. A student who has been convicted of possession or sale of illegal drugs loses eligibility to receive federal student aid or a period specified by law. The period of ineligibility depends on whether the conviction was for possession or sale of (including conspiring to sell) illegal drugs:

If convicted of an offense involving:

The possession of a controlled substance: Ineligibility period is:

First offense                                                            1 year

Second offense                                               2 years

Third offense                                                  Indefinite

The sale of a controlled substance:

Ineligibility period is:

First offense                                                    2 years

Second offense                                               Indefinite

Convictions only count if they were for an offense that occurred during the period of
enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid (federal aid), they do not count if the offense was not during such a period. In addition, a conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record does not count, nor does one receive when the student was a juvenile, unless the student was tried as an adult.

Convictions only count if they were for an offense that occurred during the period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid (federal aid), they do not count if the offense was not during such a period. In addition, a conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record does not count, nor does one received when the student was a juvenile, unless the student was tried as an adult.

How to Regain Eligibility

A student regains eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends or when the student successfully completes a qualified drug rehabilitation program. Further drug convictions will make the student ineligible again. A student whose federal id eligibility has been suspended indefinitely may regain eligibility only by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program. A student who is under a one-or two- year penalty may regain eligibility before the expiration of the period of ineligibility by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program. If the student If the student 7 successfully completes an approved drug rehabilitation program, eligibility is regained on the date the student successfully completes the program. It is the student’s responsibility to certify to the school that he/she has successfully completed the rehabilitation program.

To qualify eligibility, the drug rehabilitation program must include at least two unannounced drug tests, and:

  • Have received or be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly under the Federal, State, or local government program; or
  • Be administered or recognized by Federal, State, r local government agency or court; or
  • Have received or be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a federally or state licenses insurance company; or
  • Be administered or recognized by Federally or state licensed hospital, health clinic or medical doctor.

For additional information concerning eligibility for federal student aid, contact the Financial Aid Office at 770-228-7368 or finaid@sctech.edu.

Southern Crescent Technical College Crime Statistics

Student Right to Know

Student Right to Know Southern Crescent Technical College is required to disclose, on an annual basis, data on crimes committed on campus and campus safety policies and procedures, and is committed to providing students with a safe and secure environment in which to learn. Southern Crescent Technical College will produce and make readily available to current and prospective students the graduation rates of full-time certificate, degree, or diploma students annually, as well as, the most recent crime report. Southern Crescent Technical College is required to report statistics on the following crimes and offenses annually in compliance with Section 485 (a) and (f) of the Higher Education Act, also known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092 (a) and (f). Southern Crescent Technical College’s Security Department maintains records of all incidents that occur on campus including those which are not required to be reported under the Campus Security Act. Furthermore, Southern Crescent Technical College must provide the following geographic breakdown of the crime statistics in the annual report:

· On-campus;

· In a non-campus building or on non-campus property;

· On non-campus public property including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, or parking facilities that are within the campus or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Students may contact campus police/security or Student Affairs to view the updated log of Campus Crime Incidences. The College must provide this information within two (2) working days of the request. The data collected for the previous calendar year can be located on the Campus Security page of the SCTC Website by the following steps:

1. Website: http://ope.ed.gov/security

2. Click on Get data for one institution/campus

3. When the Step 1 - Institution/Campus Search criteria form appears, scroll down to: Name of Institution; type in Southern Crescent Technical College, then click Search.

4. At Step 2 - Select Campus, choose Main Campus.

5. After clicking on Main Campus, a cover sheet about the institution will display. If you scroll down the page you can click on any of the following located on the gray bar: a. Criminal Offenses b. Hate Offenses c. Arrest and Disciplinary Actions

Students can also access Campus Crime Incidents by visiting the following link on the SCTC website to access the Annual Safety and Security Report

https://www.sctech.edu/campus-police-public-safety/annual-security-report/

Alcohol and Drugs Violations at SCTC Locations

FY2021

 

Griffin Campus

Flint River Campus

Henry County Center

Butts County Center

Fayette County

Jasper County

Drugs

0

0

0

0

0

0

Alcohol

0

0

0

0

0

0

FY2022

 

Griffin Campus

Flint River Campus

Henry County Center

Butts County Center

Fayette County

Jasper County

Drugs

0

0

0

0

0

0

Alcohol

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

Employee Alcohol and Drug Violations Incidents

Year

Incidents in Work Place

Outcomes

2021

0

 

2022

0

 

 

Campus/Center

Phone Number

Griffin Campus

770-883-6032

Flint River Campus

678-603-8070

Butts County Center

678-603-6918

Fayette County Center

678-603-9942

Henry County Center

678-603-5609

                                                                                                                                               

Intervention/Prevention

Information on preventing drug and alcohol abuse:

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the responsibility to patients and their families regarding the prevention of substance abuse and the diagnosis and management of problems related to substance abuse has increased. The use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs is one of the biggest problems facing people today. There are no guarantees that someone you love will not choose to use drugs, but you can influence that decision by:

  • Not using drugs yourself
  • Providing guidance and clear rules about not using drugs
  • Spending time with your loved one sharing the good and the bad times

Use the following tips to help guide thoughts and behaviors about drugs:

1. Talk honestly. Don't wait to have "the drug talk" with someone. Make discussions about tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs part of your daily conversation. Know the facts about how drugs can harm. Clear up any wrong information, such as "everybody drinks" or "marijuana won't hurt you." Be clear about personal rules for and legal implications of the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

2. Really listen. Encourage questions and concerns about tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Do not do all the talking or give long lectures.

3. Help develop self-confidence. Look for all the good things in yourself or someone you care about-- and then tell them (or yourself) how proud you are. If you need to correct, criticize the action, not the person. Praise efforts as well as successes.

4. Help develop strong values. Talk about your personal values.

5. Be a good example. Your own habits and thoughts about tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs make an impression. Your actions speak louder than words.

6. Help deal with peer pressure and acceptance. Discuss the importance of being an individual and the meaning of real friendships. You do not have to do something wrong just to feel accepted. Remind yourself that a real friend will not care if he does not use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

7. Encourage healthy, creative activities. Look for ways to get involved in athletics, hobbies, school clubs, and other activities that reduce boredom and excess free time.

8. Develop positive friendships and interests. Look for activities that you can do together.

9. Know what to do if someone you love has a drug problem. Realize that no one is immune to drugs. Learn the signs of drug use. Take seriously any concerns you hear from friends, family, or other students about possible drug use.

10. Trust your instincts. If you truly feel that something is wrong, it probably is. If there is a problem, seek professional help.

For additional information, please click on the following links:

https://www.sctech.edu/personal-counseling/

https://www.sctech.edu/tigercare/tigercare-faqs/

https://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/student-health-wellness-guide/

Please be on the lookout for more tips and notifications from the Student Affairs Office and do not hesitate to call Student Support Services if you need additional information. Southern Crescent Technical College has several options available for students and staff members who maybe in need of alcohol and other drug abuse services. Local community health organizations are available to provide counseling for students and staff members.

In addition, SCTC has an Employee Assistance Program for all employees and a Tiger Assistance Program for students, as well with a 24/7 helpline that can be utilized as employees and students desire.

ESPYR –Employee Assistance Program

To take advantage of the EAP, contact ESPR by calling 1-855-584-3588, or you may securely request services from the website; https://espyr.com/. The EAP program is free and confidential, with your right to privacy protected within the bounds of the law. The EAP will not disclose to us who uses the program, so we will not be aware you are using the services unless you choose to inform us.

The EAP offers many services to employees including:

  • 24/7 access to services
  • A large variety of on-line resources and programs
  • No-cost counseling and referral services
  • Work/Life services including no-cost consultations with attorneys, financial professionals, child and eldercare services specialists and others

EAP staff and counselors include psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family counselors, alcohol and drug counselors, attorneys, financial advisors and other professionals. EAP counselors are licensed mental health professionals. All have a master's degree or doctorate in their field of expertise.

ESPYR – Tiger Assistance Program

The Tiger’s Assistance Program (TAP) offers extensive online resources to help students with the most common issues and concerns. A student can easily get expert advice on a wide range of topics, gather information and resources, take self-screenings or just learn more about the TAP’s offerings. Contact information for TAP is 1-866-734-5890 or https://espyr.com/

There is no charge for students to use the services offered by the TAP. If you are referred to additional services or providers, however, you will be responsible for those costs. In those cases, we will help you find resources that meet your financial capabilities or are covered by your insurance.

To access, go to https://espyr.com/ and sign in. To request your password, send an email to password@espyr.com

Get Inclusive: https://app.getinclusive.com

Harassment and discrimination continue to impact our workplaces and our unique experiences as employees. Inasmuch as we need to know what constitutes illegal and inappropriate behaviors, we also need to focus on how our individual and collective efforts can improve workplace culture.

Other Resources

The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information is a website provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There are links for different age groups, publications, news, and other resources. Look here for information on issues ranging from date rape drugs to binge drinking to HIV/AIDS prevention.

Crime Prevention - Information on a variety of campus crime prevention topics.

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute, Univ. of Washington, Seattle - Get the science behind alcohol and drug abuse.  Get the facts not the rumors.

American College Health Association - An organization of college and university health professionals.  This is a site that has training and program information that everyone can use.

FACE Truth and Clarity on Alcohol - A nationally recognized Alcohol Advocacy, Media Advocacy, and Training Group. FACE works in the Alcohol Education arena promoting Alcohol Awareness and Responsible Alcohol Practices.

Facts on Tap Alcohol and Your College Experience - Tips for avoiding abuse of alcohol while at college

ForReal.org Marijuana Education for Teens - Straight forward advice on drug use for teens and young adults.

Go Ask Alice! Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Drugs - Information site from Columbia University on the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug addictions.

HadEnough.org - Site that gives information on the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol abuse among college students.

Local Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous 478-745-2588

Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center of First Step Recovery 800-510-8401

A New Tomorrow (Recovery Home for Men, Griffin only) 404-663-0601

Drugs Don’t Work Program 770-228-8200

McIntosh Trail Behavioral Health Center 770-358-5252

National Substance Abuse Line 800-662-4357

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

POLICY: 6.7.1. (V.E.)

This policy has been developed in concert with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, which was enacted to ensure that any institution of higher education that receives funds under any federal program has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students. It also incorporates the statutory mandates required under the state Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 (O.C.G.A. § 20-1-20 et seq.)

No student may engage in the unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the technical college's property or as part of any of its sponsored activities.

Such unlawful activity may be considered sufficient grounds for serious punitive action, including expulsion. Disciplinary sanctions for students convicted of a felony offense involving alcohol or the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of marijuana, controlled substances or other illegal or dangerous drugs shall be immediate suspension and denial of further state and/or federal funds from the date of conviction. Specifically, in the case of a drug related offense, the student shall minimally be suspended for the remainder of the quarter and forfeit all academic credit for that period.

The technical college shall notify the appropriate state/federal funding agency within 10 days after receiving notice of the conviction from the student or otherwise after receiving the actual notice of conviction.

Within 30 days of notification of conviction, the Technical College shall with respect to any student so convicted:

  1. Take additional appropriate action against such student up to and including expulsion as it deems necessary.
  2. Provide such student with a description of any drug or alcohol counseling treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.

The technical college is responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of a drug free awareness program to inform students of the following:

  1. The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse on the campus and elsewhere.
  2. Any available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation and assistance programs.
  3. Any penalties to be imposed upon students for drug and alcohol abuse violations occurring on the campus.

Each technical college shall conduct a biennial review of its program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes to the program if they are needed and to ensure that the sanctions required by the program are consistently enforced.

Each technical college shall maintain and make available to the U. S. Secretary of Education and to the public a copy of each item in the program as required by this policy and applicable law as well as results of the https://www.sctech.edu/wp-content/uploads/Biennial-Plan-2020-2021-1.pdf.

RELATED AUTHORITY:

O.C.G.A. § 20-4-11 – Powers of the Board

O.C.G.A. § 20-4-14 – TCSG Powers and Duties

34 C.F.R. § 86

20 U.S.C. § 1101i

20 U.S.C. § 1091(r)

U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and other Drug Prevention: Attachment: 6.7.1a1. Compliance Checklist

Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 (O.C.G.A. § 20-1-20 et seq.)

For further information, see https://www.sctech.edu/personal-counseling/ or contact the Student Affairs Office for available programs and services.

Emergency and Weather Alerts

Confirming the Existence of a Significant Emergency or Dangerous Situation and Initiating the Emergency Notification System:

  • Reports of emergency or dangerous situations can originate from various sources including:
    • Reports from first responders
    • Reports from established warning points
    • Reports from other campus departments
    • Reports from citizens through 911
  • Determining the Appropriate Segment or Segments of the Campus Community to Receive an Emergency Notification:

    With the exception of emergencies that are contained to one campus facility/area, the College has decided not to provide segmented emergency notifications. This decision was made based on the analysis of identified risks to the campus and to prevent accidental exclusion of a segment of campus population for which the emergency notification was intended.

    In a situation when a single facility/area is involved, facility alarms, public address systems, phone-trees, and other technologies of the facility may be utilized to provide warning. Campus personnel may also provide warning if needed and feasible. Should a segmented emergency notification be issued, on-going assessments of the situation will occur and a campus-wide notification will be sent as necessary.

  • Determining the Contents of the Emergency Notification

    The content of an emergency notification will depend on the situation and the notification method. However, the following information will be included in all initial emergency notifications regardless of the situation or method:

    • A description of the situation (flash flood warning, dangerous situation, etc.)
    • Relevant safety instructions (move to higher ground, shelter in place, etc.)
    • A third method of information distribution (i.e., College website) will be included in the initial notification, if feasible. Because of text character limits, or the immediate availability of information, the third method of information distribution may not always be included in the initial emergency notification.
  • Procedures for Disseminating Emergency Information to the Greater Community

    Southern Crescent Technical College Chief of Safety and Security, in conjunction with the Office of the President, is responsible for initiating emergency notifications of criminal or emergency occurrences to the greater community.

  • Enrolling in the Southern Crescent Technical College's Emergency Notification System

    When students are registered, their accounts are created for them. Within the first week of the semester, they should receive an email in their student email accounts with their Emergency Notification System login information. Once they receive that information, they need to login to the Emergency Notification System and review/update their contact information. Once they graduate or leave the College, their account will be disabled.

Fire Alarm

Continuous ringing of the fire alarm indicates immediate evacuation of the building to a point at least 1,000 feet away from the building. Use designated emergency exit routes as posted in each area. Emergency evacuation drills will be held throughout the year to ensure that all persons understand and obey emergency procedures. During these drills students are to act as though the emergency were real and to behave in an orderly fashion.

Emergency Evacuation Signal

Continuous ringing of the fire alarm and announcement from Administration will direct immediate evacuation of the building to a designated weather safe area.

Note: An Emergency Evacuation Plan is posted at exit doors marking locations of safe areas during severe weather emergencies.

Tornado Alert

  • Griffin: A designated authority will notify the faculty and staff via e-mail, the VOIP phone alert system, and the SchoolCast alert system.
  • Flint River: A designated authority will notify the faculty and staff via e-mail, VOIP phone alert system, and SchoolCast alert system.
  • Centers: Alerts will be issued via e-mail, SchoolCast alert and voice amplified bullhorn system.
  • Note: A tornado plan is published and posted marking locations of safe areas during severe weather emergencies.

All Clear Signal

  • A senior staff member on the scene will announce “ALL CLEAR.”
  • Centers: An “ALL CLEAR” message will be issued using a voice-amplified bullhorn.
  • These will be followed up by a SchoolCast message of “ALL CLEAR.”

Emergency Alert (Tornado Drill )

Faculty, staff, and students are to follow the procedures outlined below:

  • Close windows in the exterior walls as practical and lower blinds and/or drapes.
  • Close classroom or lab doors leading into halls/corridors.
  • Coats and jackets should be used to cover heads, arms, and legs. Go immediately to a designated area away from exterior windows and walls.
  • Students in mobile unit classrooms must be evacuated to a permanent structure immediately.
  • All persons should remain in their designated areas until notified that it is safe to resume operations by the “ALL CLEAR” signal.
  • Faculty should verify that all students are accounted for during and after the event and report this information to the security chief or designee.

Inclement Weather

Inclement weather advisory reports will be monitored on several local and metro Atlanta television and radio stations.

College Closing

In the event that the college may be closed during a period that it is scheduled to be open, students can receive information on the website, calling post, by SchoolCast, or by listening to one of the following radio and television stations:

Atlanta

WSB - TV - Channel 2

TV – Channel 5

TV - Channel 46

WXIA - TV - Channel 11

Macon

WIBB Radio - 97.9 FM

Thomaston

WTGA Radio - FM 101.1

Griffin

WKEU Radio - 88.9 FM

WEKS Radio - 92.5 FM

Manchester - Warm Springs

WFDR-Radio - AM 1370

Mountain Country - 94.3 FM

Emergency Numbers

Fire Department – 911

Police Department – 911

Ambulance (Emergency) – 911

Griffin on Duty Officer – (770) 883-6032

Flint River on Duty Officer – (678) 603-8070

Butts Center on Duty Officer – (678) 603-6918

Fayette County Center – (678) 603-9942

Henry Center on Duty Officer – (770) -603-5609

 

Emergency Procedures

When reporting all medical emergencies, E-911 shall be notified first, in order to have EMS / Rescue personnel dispatched to the incident. The Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Safety and Security Department shall also be notified at 770-467-4491, in order to respond and assist as well. (The Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Safety and Security shall also be notified in all non-emergency type medical incidents and accidents. The Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Safety and Security is the official repository for all incident reports generated on campus).

  • Any injured person will be examined by EMS to determine if advance medical treatment is required.
  • In emergency medical incidents, any subject refusing medical treatment must still be examined by EMS and sign a refusal of treatment with EMS.
  • If the subject is conscious, alert, and able to make clear, critical decisions, they still maintain their right to refuse medical treatment and/or transport to a medical facility.
  • If the subject is unconscious, unresponsive, etc., then First Responders on the scene will ensure that the subject receives the necessary medical treatment and transport to a medical facility.
  • First aid kits are located throughout the buildings and are carried in all Campus Safety and Security cars.

Southern Crescent Technical College supports the concept of health and wellness. The technical college prohibits smoking, or using other forms of electronic, alternative smoking devices or other forms of tobacco products in classrooms, shops, and labs or other unauthorized areas on technical college premises. Procedures addressing health services, first aid, and safety are addressed in both the student and employee handbooks.

Since all students at Southern Crescent Technical College commute, only health services such as basic first aid for minor injuries and referral services are available. Students who become ill at the College may be taken home, to a doctor, or to a hospital depending on the nature of the illness.

Students with existing illnesses or conditions that may warrant emergency intervention are encouraged to provide instructors with information regarding their illness, measures to be taken in an emergency, and the emergency phone numbers of physician and family.

Southern Crescent Technical College is committed to providing a clean and safe environment. It is the responsibility of every student and staff member to report possible hazards or unsafe conditions to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Designee, who will forward the information to the appropriate department.

First aid courses are arranged as part of staff development for faculty and staff. Students enrolled in certain labs are provided with first aid and safety classes.

Evacuation maps are located in each classroom.

Any injury or illness reported to faculty or staff will be documented on an accident report and submitted to the division vice president or designee.

All faculty and staff have been provided with procedures for responding immediately to an accident, either by summoning appropriate aid or by referring students for aid. The buildings on campus are adequately equipped with telephones, which provide quick access to on-campus as well as off-campus medical assistance.

For follow up, all accidents are reported to the business manager on the Incident Report Form. The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Designee investigates the cause of the accident and initiates any needed action.

An Emergency Preparedness Plan describes the proper action to be taken in the event of danger, including natural disasters, fires, and bomb threats. This plan is provided to all faculty and staff and appropriate portions are posted around campus to indicate, for example, the proper emergency evacuation routes.

Sexual Assault Procedures

Procedures on Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Procedure

Any individual who is the victim of one of these offenses is appropriately referred to as a “survivor” and is so identified throughout this Policy.

Southern Crescent Technical College does not tolerate sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking against anyone regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Southern Crescent Technical College attempts to protect all members of the campus community, including visitors, from sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking and offers anyone who is a survivor of any of these offenses the right to reach justice and recovery without encountering fear or prejudice. Southern Crescent Technical College is committed to providing a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all members of the college community. The college strongly encourages anyone who is a survivor of any of these offenses to file promptly a report with Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Safety & Security or any other law enforcement agency with co-jurisdiction. All reported instances of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking shall be investigated and responded to promptly, fairly and decisively.

Southern Crescent Technical College will not tolerate Sexual Assault/Sexual Misconduct.

Definition

Sexual assault/sexual misconduct is defined as contact without consent by an acquaintance or stranger whether made directly or indirectly through clothing and whether contact is made with the non-consenting person or the non-consenting person is forced to have such sexual contact with the perpetrator represent violations of criminal and civil law and constitute serious breaches of student or employee conduct as well. Verbal communication of non-consent, non-verbal acts of resistance or rejection, or mental impairment of the survivor due to any cause including the survivor’s use of alcohol or drugs may constitute lack of consent. The use of alcohol or drugs will not be accepted as an explanation for the actions of any individual charged with a violation of this Policy.

It includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Rape (sexual intercourse without consent).
  2. Sodomy (oral or anal intercourse without consent).
  3. Aggravated sodomy (sexual penetration with an object without consent).
  4. Assault (intentional touching without consent of genitals, breast, groin, thighs, or buttocks).
  5. Aggravated assault.
  6. Child molestation.
  7. Aggravated child molestation.
  8. Non-consensual kissing.
  9. Statutory rape.
  10. Voyeurism (observing the sexual organs or acts of another for sexual satisfaction, usually from a hidden vantage point).
  11. Public indecency (in a public place, performing an act of sexual intercourse, lewd exposure of sex organs, lewd appearance in a state of partial or complete nudity, or a lewd caress or indecent fondling of the body of another person).

Response to Reports of Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence or Stalking.

Southern Crescent Technical College is committed to creating a campus environment that both promotes and assists in prompt reporting of Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking. Southern Crescent Technical College is also committed to providing compassionate support services for survivors.

Rights of Survivors

Survivors of a campus-related sexual assault, sexual misconduct have certain rights that include the following:

  1. The survivor has the right to have their claims treated seriously and to be treated with dignity. The survivor has the right to be informed of their options with regard to notifying law enforcement authorities and to be assisted in notifying such authorities if they so choose. Because Southern Crescent Technical College recognizes that a sexual assault is more than an assault on an individual’s body, but is also an attack on the individual’s dignity and sense of self, the college is committed to insuring that the decision to take action against the accused rests solely with the survivor. There may be circumstances, however, when the college must take action to protect the survivor or the campus community. Federal law requires Southern Crescent Technical College to provide the campus community with timely notice of certain reported crimes and/or acts the institution believes represent a threat to members of the campus community.
  2. The survivor has, irrespective of the beliefs or desires of others, the right to report or not to report a sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking.
  3. Student survivors may choose to change academic arrangements, if such changes are reasonably available, without financial or academic penalty. For assistance in exploring options for a change in academic situations, contact should be made with the Vice President for Student Affairs.

What to do After an Assault

  1. Individuals who have been raped or sexually assaulted should try to preserve all physical evidence. They should not wash; use the toilet or change clothing if doing so can be avoided. If oral contact took place, one should not smoke, eat, drink or brush one’s teeth. If one changes clothes, all clothing worn at the time of the attack should be placed in a paper bag, not plastic. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible to assess any physical injuries, prevent sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy, and collect important evidence in the event legal action is taken.
  2. The nature of sexual assault, particularly when perpetrated by an acquaintance, makes it difficult for many survivors to report their experience. For this reason, the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center (770) 477-2177 website:https://gnesa.org/page/protocols-and-guidelines has been designed as the primary place where individuals may seek assistance.
  3. Students who believe that they are victims of a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking should contact at least one of the following campus offices:
    1. Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Safety & Security
    2. Vice President for Student Affairs
    3. Any Mandated Reporter
  4. College faculty, staff members or campus visitors who believe they are survivor of a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking should contact at least one of the following College offices or officials:
    1. Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Safety and Security
    2. Human Resources Department
    3. Supervisor or Department Head
  5. Survivors may receive confidential assistance from any professional counselor associated with the college with whom conversations are privileged.

Sources of Counseling, Advocacy and Support

The information below provides contact information for off-campus resources following incidents of sexual violence, dating/domestic violence or stalking:

  1. Tiger Assistance Program (TAP) ESPYR Counseling Services 1-866-734-5890 or visit www.espyr.com
  2. Promise Place 770-460-1604 or visit www.promiseplace.org
  3. Rape Crisis Center http://gnesa.org/page/rape-crisis-centers-georgia
  4. Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center 770-477-2177 or visit https://www.scsac.org
  5. National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE
  6. National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or https://humantraffickinghotline.org
  7. http://gcadv.org/general-resources/domestic-violence-centers/
  8. Protective Orders http://www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_state_type.php?type_id=1277&state_code=GA
  9. Legal Services http://www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_state_type.php?type_id=1273&state_code=GA
  10. National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
  11. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | 1-800-787-3224 [TTY]
  12. Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital 601 S. 8th Street, Griffin, GA 30224 (770) 228-2721

Southern Crescent Technical College Disciplinary Procedures

  • Southern Crescent Technical College is committed to providing disciplinary processes that are sensitive, supportive, expedient and respectful of the individual rights of all involved. Both the survivor and the accused are entitled to have others present during the campus disciplinary proceeding, and both will be informed of the outcome of the proceedings.
  • Southern Crescent Technical College will proceed with a disciplinary action when it appears that the college’s prohibition against any form of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking may have occurred. Individuals charged with these offenses may be disciplined by the college as well as prosecuted under Georgia’s criminal statutes. Whether or not a criminal prosecution occurs, Southern Crescent Technical College retains the right to proceed with a disciplinary action at any time a preponderance of the evidence is present, and the college need not await the disposition of any such criminal prosecution.

Any of the sanctions listed below may be applied by Southern Crescent Technical College against students found responsible for sexual assault, sexual misconduct domestic violence, and dating violence or stalking or complicity of these offenses. The type and number of sanctions applied will depend on the severity of the offense. After a determination that a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct, the Vice President for Student Affairs or the college President's designee may impose, without referral to the Hearing Body, one or more of the following sanctions:

  1. Restitution – A student who has committed an offense against property may be required to reimburse the technical college or other owner for damage to or misappropriation of such property. Any such payment in restitution shall be limited to the actual cost of repair or replacement.
  2. Reprimand – A written reprimand may be given to any student. Such a reprimand does not restrict the student in any way, but it signifies to the student that he/she is in effect being given another chance to conduct himself/herself as a proper member of the technical college community, and that any further violation may result in more serious sanctions.
  3. Restriction – A restriction upon a student's privileges for a period of time may be imposed. This restriction may include but is not limited to denial of the right to represent the technical college in any way, denial of use of facilities, alteration or revocation of parking privileges, or restrictions from participating in extracurricular activities.
  4. Disciplinary Probation – Continued enrollment of a student on probation may be conditioned upon adherence to specified terms. Any student placed on probation will be notified of the terms and length of probation in writing. Any conduct determined after due process to be in violation of these terms while on probation may result in the imposition of more serious disciplinary sanctions, as specified by the terms of probation.
  5. Failing or lowered grade – In cases of Academic Misconduct, the Vice President for Student Affairs or the technical college president's designee will make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee who may authorize the instructor to award a failing or lowered grade in the course, or a loss of credit on the assignment or examination.
  6. Disciplinary Suspension – If a student is suspended, he/she is separated from the technical college for a stated period of time. Conditions of reinstatement, if any, must be stated in the notice of suspension.

    After a determination that a student has violated the Student Code of conduct, the Vice President for Student Affairs or the technical college president's designee may recommend the imposition of one of the following sanctions if appropriate. The Vice President for Student Affairs' recommendation will be forwarded to the Hearing Body, which may impose one or more of the following sanctions:

  7. Disciplinary Expulsion – Removal and exclusion from the technical college, Technical College controlled facilities, programs, events, and activities. A record of the reason for the student's dismissal is maintained by Vice President for Student Affairs or the technical college president's designee. Students who have been dismissed from the technical college for any reason may apply in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs for reinstatement twelve (12) months following the expulsion. If approval for reinstatement is granted, the student will be placed on disciplinary probation for a specified term. The probationary status may be removed at the end of the specified term at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs or the technical college president's designee.
  8. System-Wide Expulsion – Where a student has been expelled or suspended three times from the same or different colleges in the Technical College System of Georgia in the past seven years, the student will not be permitted to register at any college in the Technical College System of Georgia for a period of ten years after the most recent expulsion/suspension.

Notification shall be sent to the student and the person(s) who initially filed the complaint.

Student Organizations

Student organizations found to condone, promote, or be involved in activities that lead to sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking may have their college recognition withdrawn. Other possible sanctions include but are not limited to:

  1. Informing the organization’s national or regional office about the activity.
  2. Disbanding of the local chapter by the national organization.
  3. Prohibiting participation in campus activities, events, and programs.
  4. Requiring some or all members to conduct relevant community service and/or participate in sexual assault awareness programs.
  5. Loss of all college privileges (use of equipment, meeting rooms, advertising space, on-campus fundraising).

The President will make a recommendation concerning sanctions to the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Vice President for Student Affairs will then inform the student organization, in writing, of the sanction(s) imposed. The Vice President for Student Affairs may suspend any student organization’s charter, pending a full review.

Sanctions up to and including dismissal from employment may be imposed on employees.

Legal Options

  1. Reporting a sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking to the Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Safety & Security does not mean that the survivor must press charges. However, it does begin the legal process should the decision to prosecute be made at a later date. The sooner an assault is reported; the more likely valuable evidence can be collected.
  2. Survivors can consult an attorney about initiating a suit in civil court for damages against the assailant. The purpose of a civil suit is to compensate the survivor for the wrong done to them. A civil action may be brought against the assailant regardless of whether criminal charges are pursued. Campus Safety & Security can assist with orders of protection.

Smoking

All SCTC locations are designated as no smoking areas. The technical college prohibits smoking, or using other forms of electronic, alternative smoking devices or other forms of tobacco products in classrooms, shops, and labs or other unauthorized areas on technical college premises. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Violators may be issued a citation.

Fee schedule for fines:

  • First offense – Warning
  • Second offense – Fine $20.00
  • Repeat offenders – Fine and/or disciplinary action

Weapons Policy

The Technical College System of Georgia is committed to providing all employees, students, volunteers, visitors, vendors and contractors a safe and secure workplace and/or academic setting. The possession, carrying, or transportation of a firearm, weapon, or explosive compound/material in or on college buildings or property shall be governed by Georgia state law. All individuals are expected to comply with the related laws. Failure to follow laws pertaining to weapons is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Relevant Georgia laws to be aware of and compliant with include but may not be limited to:

O.C.G.A.§ 16-8-12(a)(6)(A)(iii)

O.C.G.A.§ 16-7-80

O.C.G.A.§ 16-7-81

O.C.G.A.§ 16-7-85

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-121

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-125.1

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-126

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-127

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-127.1

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-129

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-130

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-133

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-135

O.C.G.A.§ 16-11-137

O.C.G.A.§ 43-38-10

Any Southern Crescent Technical College student who violates the provisions of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion consistent with guidelines of the affected technical college’s Student Code of Conduct as well as possible criminal prosecution.

Visitors on Campus

Visitors on campus are expected to comply with all campus regulations. Individuals who are not part of the campus community must report to the official visitor’s check-in upon arrival (receptionist, Campus Safety & Security, Admissions Office, Student Affairs, etc.) and receive a visitor’s badge. The visitor’s badge must be worn while on campus. Southern Crescent Technical College is an adult institution providing a safe and effective educational environment for students to learn and employees to work. Visitors must obtain a guest pass when visiting the campus. Children under the age of 16 who are visiting on campus must be escorted, at all times, by an adult with a proper ID badge. Under no circumstances are children allowed in classrooms or laboratories. Parents or guardians may be asked by administration to remove their child or children from the campus.

Visitors shall not be allowed inside labs or classrooms unless invited and approved by a faculty member or administrator.

Anyone without an authorized badge should follow signs to an appropriate entranceway and obtain a temporary ID badge. No one should enter any door not approved as a visitor entrance without proper badging. Visitor entrance locations are identified on campus locations as follows:

  • Griffin: main entrance at Building 100, 200, 800
  • Flint River: main entrance at Building A
  • Center locations: main entrance

Visitors’ badges allow access to campus common areas and department areas for official business. Visitors must state on the sign-in sheet at the reception desk/entrance the department and/or person they are on campus to visit.