The following apply to reports relating to student misconduct, except those relating to academic integrity, which are covered under separate sections of this Code.

Complaints or reports of student misconduct should be reported to the Student Conduct Office by way of the online student conduct incident report form (https://publicdocs.maxient.com/incidentreport.php?ValdostaStateUniv), by phone or in person to University Police (229-333-7816), or in person to any housing and residence life staff person. Where appropriate, complainants may file a law enforcement report along with an institutional report, but are not required to file both.

Complaints or reports should include as much information as possible – such as: (1) the type of misconduct alleged; (2) the name and contact information of the persons involved; (3) the date(s), time(s), and place(s) of the misconduct; (4) the name(s) and contact information of any individual(s) with knowledge of the incident; (5) whether any tangible evidence has been preserved; and (6) whether a criminal complaint has been made.

Information from complaints may be shared as necessary to investigate and to resolve the alleged misconduct. Complaints will be investigated and resolved as outlined below. The need to issue a broader warning to the community in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”) shall be assessed in compliance with federal law. 

  1. Confidentiality: Where a complainant or alleged victim requests that his or her identity be withheld or the allegation(s) not be investigated, the University will consider whether or not such request(s) can be honored while still providing a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for the University community. The University will inform the requesting party that generally confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Further, honoring the request may limit the University’s ability to respond fully to the incident and may limit the ability to discipline the student.
  2. Retaliation: Anyone who, in good faith, reports what she or he believes to be student misconduct, participates or cooperates in, or is otherwise associated with any investigation, shall not be subjected to retaliation. Anyone who believes he or she has been the target of retaliation for reporting, participating or cooperating in, or otherwise being associated with an investigation should immediately contact the Student Conduct Office or University Police. Any person found to have engaged in retaliation in violation of the student code of conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action.
  3. False Complaints/Statements: Individuals are prohibited from intentionally giving false statements to an institution official. Any person found to have intentionally submitted false complaints, accusations, or statements, including during a hearing, in violation of this Policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (up to and including suspension or expulsion) and adjudicated under the student conduct policy.
  4. Amnesty: Students are encouraged to come forward and report violations of the law and/or student code of conduct notwithstanding their own improper use of alcohol or drugs. Any student(s) who voluntarily and in good faith reports information to college or university faculty or staff prior to any investigation concerning use of drugs or alcohol will not be voluntarily reported to law enforcement; nor will information that the individual provides be used against the individual for purposes of conduct violations. Nevertheless, these students may be required to meet with staff members in regard to the incident and may be required to participate in appropriate educational program(s). The required participation in an educational program under this amnesty procedure will not be considered a sanction. Nothing in this amnesty procedure shall prevent a university staff member who is otherwise obligated by law (the Clery Act) to report information or statistical data as required.

Not all matters covered under this policy will necessarily involve alleged victims; however, where they are involved, it should be noted that a complainant will not always be the alleged victim but instead may be a third-party witness. The University may also respond to issues raised by third-party complaints (such as referrals by police) or discovered by staff or through its own investigations.

Back to Home