II. Student Conduct Authority & Applicability 
Section 4.1.1 of the BOR policies authorize Valdosta State University to develop appropriate policies and procedures to address the conduct of students and organizations/groups who violate university policies or the student code of conduct. In accordance with this responsibility, sanctions shall be applied only after due process, fairness, and reasonableness have been met. The aim of any conduct response is to redirect student behavior toward the achievement of academic goals.
The President has delegated the function of addressing student conduct to the Dean of Students, and the Director of the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX is the designee overseeing the day-to-day processes; various conduct committees also assist, when needed. The use of the "peer-review" process in conduct matters is consistent with Valdosta State University's educational goals, as well as its practice of student participation in institutional governance.

A. Jurisdiction 
The University will take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of its community. Accordingly, student misconduct will be addressed when such acts occur on university property or at University - sponsored or affiliated events or otherwise violate the VSU student code of conduct at non-University sponsored events. Students accused of violations of local, state, or federal laws may also be subject to the appropriate Valdosta State University disciplinary process for these violations. Pending civil or criminal matters shall not prevent Valdosta State University at its discretion from initiating appropriate disciplinary action.

Each student shall be responsible for their conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though misconduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment. Should a student withdraw from the University with disciplinary charges pending, the student’s academic record and/or the ability to register for classes may be encumbered by the appropriate university office.
Graduate or professional programs within the University may initiate charges against students for alleged violations of professional standards or ethics as a separate issue or as an extension of alleged acts of academic dishonesty or other violations of this code of conduct.

  1. Title IX – Title IX limits jurisdiction to university property, programs, and activities within the United States. However, many students participate in study abroad programs. As such, any sexual misconduct reported to have taken place outside of the United States while an individual is participating in VSU programs and activities will be addressed under non-Title IX sexual misconduct guidelines.
  2. Classrooms and Academic Areas – Faculty are responsible for managing the classroom environment. At their discretion, they can direct a student to leave their classroom. If the student’s behavior is severe or appears to escalate, faculty may contact UPD. If faculty feel there is reason to immediately remove the student for an extended period, they will contact the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX as soon as the disruption has ceased. Written articulation of their reasoning will be provided to the USG, and if directed, the student will be removed from the class while SCOTIX completes the conduct process. Faculty in programs that have their own policies on ethics, etc. (such as nursing and AFROTC) will first follow the guidelines of those policies before the case is sent to SCOTIX. The faculty will work with SCOTIX on sanctioning, when necessary. Otherwise, the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX has no authority over decisions made by faculty or staff in academic programs, unless those decisions are in violation of Title IX.

B. Standard of Proof
The standard of proof used to determine responsibility under this student code of conduct is a preponderance of the evidence. This means the university must determine whether it is more likely than not that a student violated the code. Suspension or expulsion must be supported by substantial evidence and approved by the USG.

C. Official Communication Standards
The Office of Student Conduct & Title IX uses the student’s official VSU email address as the primary and mandatory medium for all communications regarding conduct matters. Letters and notices are sent via Maxient to the email address. Students are required to check their VSU email regularly. Once notices or letters are sent, they are deemed received. Failing to read communication sent may be to the detriment of the student. In the rare cases where students cannot access their VSU email address, communication may be sent to a different email address provided by the student.
 

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