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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 the Campus Safety & Security Dispatch at 770-467-4491. An officer will then be dispatched to the location, along with any other required emergency personnel. 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.

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 biennial review.

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

Campus Dispatch – (770) 467-4491

Griffin on Duty Officer – (770) 883-6032

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

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

Fayette COI – (678) 603-9942

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

Jasper Center on Duty Officer – (678) 603-5948

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: www.gnesa.org/content/southern-crescent-sexual-assault-center 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.