Transcription
Student HandbookStudent Handbook rev. 12/15/20211
Welcome to Atlanta Technical College! The faculty, staff, and administration are here to supportyou in your academic journey. The Atlanta Tech Student Handbook provides you with valuableinformation and policies. You have rights and responsibilities as an Atlanta Tech student.In order to take full advantage of all of the benefits that the college may offer to your academicand personal success, we encourage you to assert personal responsibility. To that end, pleasetake the time to read carefully this handbook, as well as the catalog and other informationregarding your matriculation here at the college. It is critical that you are aware of and adhere toguidelines and deadlines.We wish you well in your academic endeavors!Atlanta Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and SchoolsCommission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033, 404-679-4500, to awardassociate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit.As set forth in its student catalog, Atlanta Technical College does not discriminate on the basisof race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation orbelief, genetic information, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, spouse of militarymember, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated bylaw). This nondiscrimination policy encompasses the operation of all technical collegeadministered programs, programs financed by the federal government including any WorkforceInnovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I financed programs, educational programs andactivities, including admissions, scholarships and loans, student life, and athletics. It alsoencompasses the recruitment and employment of personnel and contracting for goods andservices.Atlanta Technical College shall promote the realization of equal opportunity through a positivecontinuing program of specific practices designed to ensure the full realization of equalopportunity. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding thenondiscrimination policies: Director of Student Services, Atlanta Technical College, AcademicBuilding, Suite C1109A (Student Success Center), 404.225.4446. Email: @atlantatech.edu.To request reasonable accommodations upon enrollment (Section 504/ADA), contact Director ofStudent Services, Atlanta Technical College, Academic Building, Suite C1109A,404.225.4446. Email: @atlantatech.edu. Atlanta Technical College, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway,SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.Student Handbook rev. 12/15/20212
Faculty and staff with questions about equity or reasonable accommodations should contactGeorgina Dumay, Director, Human Resources, Cleveland Dennard Building, Atlanta TechnicalCollege, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. 404.225.4612. Email:gdumay@atlantatech.edu.MISSION STATEMENTAtlanta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, located in thecity of Atlanta, is an accredited institution of higher education that recognizes theimportance of global education. The college provides affordable lifelong learningopportunities, associate degrees, diplomas, technical certificates of credit, customizedbusiness and industry training, continuing education, and other learning services usingstate-of-the-art technology. The integration of academics and applied career preparationto enhance student learning is essential in meeting the workforce demands and economicdevelopment needs of people, businesses, and the communities we serve.NOTE: All students should be familiar with the contents of Atlanta Technical College’sStudent Handbook, as they are responsible for compliance with all policies. The collegereserves the right to change any policy at any time.DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES POLICYNo student may engage in the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illicitdrugs or alcohol on the property of Atlanta Technical College or as part of any of its sponsoredactivities. This policy has been developed in concert with the federal Drug-Free Schools andCommunities Act and incorporates the statutory mandates required under the state Drug-FreePostsecondary Education Act of 1990.Such unlawful activity may be considered sufficient grounds for serious punitive action,including expulsion. Disciplinary sanctions for students convicted of a felony offense involvingalcohol or the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of marijuana, controlledsubstances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs shall be immediate suspension and denial offurther state and/or federal funds from the date of conviction. Specifically, in the case of a drugrelated offense, the student shall minimally be suspended for the remainder of the quarter andforfeit all academic credits for that period.Atlanta Technical College shall notify the appropriate state/federal funding agency within tendays after receiving notice of the conviction. Within thirty days of notification of conviction,Atlanta 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,rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available for such purposes by a federal,state, or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency. A list of drug andalcohol treatment facilities in the area is included in Appendix.Student Handbook rev. 12/15/20213
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND SAFETYThe college administration is committed to implementing policies and procedures designed toprotect lives and to secure property. To this end, the college has adopted an EmergencyResponse Plan. The plan details the precautionary measures the school will follow in anemergency, including inclement weather. This plan is available from the division directors andthe Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.DISABILITY-RELATED COMPLAINTSDisability-related complaints should be addressed to the Director of Student Services, MattieGoss, Atlanta Technical College, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia, 30310,404.225.4446. The procedures for filing a grievance are outlined in this handbook. A list offacilities and services available to handicapped and disabled students is provided in Appendix.SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTSSexual harassment complaints, which involve another student or a staff member, should beaddressed to the Director of Student Services, Mattie Goss, Atlanta Technical College, 1560Metropolitan Parkway, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia, 30310, 404.225.4446. Procedures for filing agrievance are outlined in this handbook.SEXUAL ASSAULTSex offenses on the campus will be handled according to the guidelines of the SexualHarassment and Misconduct Policy and Procedure outlined int his Handbook. As required by theCampus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, students are provided the following website which lists sexoffenders: trySTUDENT REFUND POLICYStudent refunds are calculated and dispensed according to the state refund policy.CANCELLED CLASSESIf tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a class and the institution cancelsthe class, 100 percent of all fees paid will be refunded.CAMPUS SECURITYAtlanta Technical College works to help you maintain your personal safety and to protect yourproperty by providing security and safety services. Each year, Atlanta Technical Collegepublishes its crime statistics according to the guidelines of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure ofCampus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Campus Crime Report isavailable online at http://www.atlantatech.edu.HEALTH SERVICESIn the event of a medical emergency, Atlanta Technical College will refer a student to the nearestmedical facility. As a non-residential institution, students are expected to secure medical servicesStudent Handbook rev. 12/15/20214
through a private physician. In the event of a medical emergency, it is understood that thestudent or parent will assume full responsibility for the cost of emergency care at the hospitalincluding ambulance charges if such service is necessary.First aid kits are available in the security office, in the office of the Dean of InstitutionalEffectiveness and Learning, and in many laboratories throughout the building. Staff is instructedto call 911 for a potentially life-threatening emergency and then to report the incident to theDean of Students, Mattie Goss at 404-225-4005 or mgoss@atlantatech.edu.STUDENT REPRESENTATION IN GOVERNANCEAtlanta Technical College acknowledges that the input of its students is a valuable resource. Therole of the student in governance is advisory and is formally accomplished through the StudentGovernment Association.STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe framework of a democratic society is based on the concept of individual freedom and certaininalienable rights guaranteed by the constitution. Inherent in the concept of rights is theobligation for each individual to assume responsibility in the expression of those rights. To thisend, Atlanta Technical College has adopted written codes of conduct and laws of governancewhich serve to protect the majority rights of both the student body and the college. Within theseboundaries, Atlanta Technical College guarantees the rights of students as stated below.Graduates of certificate, diploma and degree programs shall have the right to a qualityeducational program consistent with the course and program descriptions made available to themduring the admission process. This includes content, number of contact hours, credit hours andcredentials to be earned.Students who graduate shall have the right to retraining without cost if an employer finds themlacking in competency in the occupational field for which they were trained. Students shall havethe right to academic advisement including advisement from the faculty as to standards ofacademic performance, criteria for grades, and other expectations related to the course. Anystudent who believes that the student’s academic rights have been violated may seek re-dressaccording to the procedures outlined on in the catalog.Students shall have the right to due process when accused of a violation of any campusregulation or code of conduct. The disciplinary responsibilities of institutional officials and thedisciplinary procedures shall be clearly formulated and published. In all cases students shall beinformed of the nature of the charges against them, given a fair opportunity to refute them, andguaranteed the right of appeal.Students shall have the right of protection against prejudiced academic evaluation andassessment. At the same time, however, students are responsible for maintaining the standards ofacademic performance established by the college and by the faculty for each course in whichthey are enrolled.Student Handbook rev. 12/15/20215
Students shall have the right to take stands on issues through the Student GovernmentAssociation (SGA), the right to examine and discuss questions of interest to them, and the rightto support causes, by orderly means, which do not disrupt the regular and essential campusoperation.Students shall have the right to have their academic, disciplinary, and counseling records keptconfidential, and have the right of access to those records, as subject to existing institutionalpolicy and state and federal law. All practices and policies dealing with the acquisition andretention of information for records shall be formulated with due regard for the student’s right toprivacy. No permanent records shall be available to unauthorized persons within or to any personoutside the institution without the express consent of the student involved except under legalcompulsion. No permanent records shall be kept which reflect any alleged political activities orbeliefs of students.Disabled students shall have the right to and accessibility to all college programs and activities.Please refer all questions concerning special services for the disabled to Director of StudentServices, Atlanta Technical College, Academic Building, Suite C1109A, 404.225.4446. Email:@atlantatech.edu.Any student who believes that his or her rights have been violated in any way shouldimmediately contact the Dean of Students. This includes those violations that are the result ofdiscrimination or harassment based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender,religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran,veteran of the Vietnam Era, spouse of military member or citizenship status (except in thosespecial circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The institution is committed tomaintaining an atmosphere on campus which allows each individual student the unhamperedfreedom to study, investigate, write, speak, and debate.STUDENT RIGHT-TO-KNOW AND CAMPUS SECURITY ACTThe Student-Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act is an amendment to the HigherEducation Act of 1992. The act requires colleges and universities to make graduation/completionrates, transfer-out rates, and campus crime statistics available to enrolled students andprospective students. This information is available in the office of the Executive Vice Presidentof Academic and Student Affairs and at www.atlantatech.edu.STUDENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONFor security purposes, students are required to carry their college identification card whenever oncampus, or when participating in college activities. Student photo identification cards are madethroughout registration and as scheduled by Student Services. Students will be required topresent the college identification card when using the library and other campus facilities andshould be able to present it upon the request of a college official.Student Handbook rev. 12/15/20216
STUDENT RECORDSStudent educational records shall be maintained and disclosed according to the guidelines of theFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. These guidelines protect the privacy ofeducational records; establish the right of students to inspect and review their non-privilegededucational records; and for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data. The policy appliesto students currently and formerly enrolled at Atlanta Technical College. Educational recordsinclude any records (in handwriting, print, tape, film, computer, or other medium) maintained byAtlanta Technical College that are directly related to a student, as specifically outlined in thepolicy. The college policy for the student records is outlined in the college catalog.COMPUTER USE POLICYThe Atlanta Technical College network system provides access to a variety of technicalresources within the campus to communicate with other users within the campus community andworldwide. Such open access is a privilege and requires that the individual user acts responsibly.Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and relatedphysical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations relatedto their use.Acts of illegal use or misuse of computer resources and services include, but are not limited tothe following:1. Using an invalid or unauthorized Atlanta Tech identification card or password.2. Engaging in, directing, or having knowledge of unauthorized access or disruption ofcomputer services.3. Reading, altering, or deleting electronic files or electronic mail without authorization.4. Copying or using software in violation of copyright laws or academic integrity.5. Transmitting electronic messages through college computers or operating systems thatcontain fraudulent, harassing, unprofessional, inappropriate, or obscene informationand/or material.6. Misrepresenting identity while using a college computer or college network.7. Using a college computer/network in an attempt to disrupt computer facilities elsewhereor normal operations of the college.8. Creating, installing, or distributing a virus of any kind - whether knowingly orunintentionally.9. Modifying or reconfiguring college software without expressed permission and under thedirect supervision of the college.10. Accessing any site deemed by the college to be disruptive or obscene.11. Using the college’s electronic resources to distribute any form of informationelectronically without the expressed permission and authorization of the college,including bulk spam.Illegal use or misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result indisciplinary action, up to, and including, loss of computing privileges and legal action.Additionally, some forms of illegal use or misuse can be prosecuted under applicable federal,state, and municipal statutes. Complaints alleging misuse of college computer resources shouldStudent Handbook rev. 12/15/20217
be directed to the Director of Information Technology, who will be responsible for coordinatingand recommending appropriate disciplinary action in conjunction with the Dean of Students.Knowingly reproducing or distributing copyrighted or patented works, including but not limitedto images, text, software, or hardware, without the expressed written permission of the owner isan infringement of federal copyright and patent law. Such action may be subject to both civildamages and criminal penalties, including possible fines and imprisonment.Computer hardware, software, and other equipment are the property of Atlanta TechnicalCollege and are intended exclusively for academic and career-related purposes. Collegecomputer resources shall not be used for personal gain or profit or for initiating or accessingoffensive or obscene material.Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in disciplinary action, upto and including legal action or the loss of computing privileges. Additionally, misuses can beprosecuted under applicable statutes. Complaints alleging misuse of college computer resourcesare directed to the Dean of Student Affairs who is responsible for recommending appropriatedisciplinary action.Knowing reproduction or distribution of copyrighted works, including, but not limited to images,text, or software, without permission of the owner is an infringement of federal copyright law.Such action is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.Computer hardware, software, and other equipment are the property of Atlanta TechnicalCollege and are intended for academic-related purposes only. College computer resources shallnot be used for personal gain or profit or to initiate or access offensive or obscene material.SOCIAL MEDIA POSTING AND CONTENT GUIDELINESAtlanta Technical College welcomes participation on our social media pages and encourages youto interact with us often. We hope to provide a forum for dialogue among the many diversevoices of our college and communities served, and we encourage comments about the contentyou find here.Posts containing personal attacks, profanity, nudity, hate speech, or illegal material areprohibited. In addition, we will remove any posts violating FERPA or students’ right toconfidentiality. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to remove any post or to revoke a user'sprivilege to post to our page. Please be aware that we cannot immediately review every commentposted on the page.Opinions expressed in posts not originated by Atlanta Technical College are not necessarilythose of the college and its employees, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of these posts.Representation of personal opinions as being endorsed by the college or any of its organizationsis strictly prohibited. No one is authorized to use the Atlanta Technical College name to promoteany opinion, product, cause, or political candidate.Student Handbook rev. 12/15/20218
Posts are to be used only for noncommercial purposes. You may not solicit funds or promotecommercial entities.All content posted by Atlanta Technical College is the property of the college and is subject tocopyright laws. For more information, please email atccommunications@atlantatech.edu.PERSONAL CHECKSAtlanta Technical College accepts personal checks with proper identification for fees, tuition,services, books, or class supplies. When a bank refuses to honor such a personal check, thecollege will charge a service fee equal to 30 plus the amount of any fee charged to the collegeby the bank.ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN CLASSROOMS AND LABSUnless otherwise permitted by technical college officials, the technical college prohibits use ofelectronic devices in classrooms, labs, and other instructional, event, or affiliated facilities ontechnical college Premises. Such devices include, but are not limited to cell phones, beepers,walkie talkies, cameras, gaming devices, and other electronic devices, which may causeunnecessary disruption to the teaching/learning process on campus. The technical college alsoprohibits attaching personal electronic devices to college computers under any circumstances.PARKING DECALSParking decals are required for all vehicles parked on campus. These decals may be obtainedfrom the Business Office, which is located on the first floor of the Dennard Center.PRINTED HANDOUTSDisplay and Posting of NoticesPosters, flyers, pictures, and lettering of any kind may be displayed only on designated bulletinboards. They may not be affixed to walls, windows, or doors. Posters and flyers must be neat,legible, and in good taste. The name of the sponsor(s) must appear on the poster. Posters orflyers that are considered inappropriate will not be approved for display on college property andwill be removed if they are posted. Posters and flyers promoting an event must be removedwithin twenty- four hours after the event.ApprovalAll postings regarding student functions or programs must be approved by the Office of StudentActivities and stamped. The Office of Communications and Marketing must approve otherpostings by external organizations. Student organizations wishing to display flyers and postersmust receive approval by the Office of Student Activities. Off-campus organizations and vendorsrequesting to display posters and flyers on college property must seek approval from the Officeof Communications & Marketing.Student Handbook rev. 12/15/20219
Job AnnouncementsAnnouncements regarding internal job postings will be posted by the Office of HumanResources on the Atlanta Technical College website at www.atlantatech.edu. Work- studypostings will be posted by the Office of Financial Aid. Announcements regarding external jobopportunities for students must be approved by the Office of Career Services.Handouts in Other BuildingsThe department responsible for the bulletin board(s) in a particular building is the approvingoffice for announcements relative to the programs housed in that building.COLLECTION OF MONEY BY STUDENTSThe only money solicitations allowed are for the drives approved by the President. The practiceof a group or class buying gifts for students or instructors is prohibited.STUDENT MEETINGSStudent meetings or assemblies on campus must be approved by the President of AtlantaTechnical College, the Office of Student Activities, or a designee.BOOKSTORETextbooks and general school supplies are available from the bookstore located on the secondfloor of the Academic Complex. Please check with the bookstore for hours of operation.CHILDREN ON CAMPUSBecause of safety and liability issues, Atlanta Technical College does not allow children inclassrooms or laboratory areas at any time. There are exceptions made for approved field tripsfor children in the Atlanta Technical College Childcare Center and for those students from areaschools.An adult must accompany children on the campus at all times. Atlanta Technical Collegereserves the right to have violators of this policy removed from the ATC campus.VENDING MACHINESVending machines are located throughout the college. Money changing machines have beenplaced in some vending locations on the first floor, and a representative of the vendingcompany is at the school daily to service the machines. Reimbursement for lost funds should beregistered at the business office cashier window.STUDENT LOUNGESStudent lounges are located on opposite ends of the building adjacent to the courtyards. Thelounges are only for the use of Atlanta Technical College students. Food and drinks are notpermitted in the library, classrooms, and laboratories.Student Handbook rev. 12/15/202110
LOCKERSLocker fees are included in registration fees for all students enrolled in credit courses. Studentsshould determine the area of the building where they would like to obtain a locker and then makea selection from those available. Lockers are obtained through the Student Life Office. Studentsare urged to obtain lockers at the beginning of classes each term. Students may have only onelocker. Students must supply their own lock.Students withdrawing or graduating from the college should clean out their lockers and notifysecurity that they are available. Lockers will be checked once a year by security between thespring and summer quarters for serviceability and to update locker assignmentsLOST AND FOUND ITEMSCampus Police handles all lost and found items. This office is located on the second floor of theAcademic Complex.VOTER REGISTRATIONAtlanta Technical College makes a good-faith effort to distribute voter registration forms to eachstudent. Voter registration tables are set up during registration, and forms are made available.Students are encouraged to complete the forms and to exercise their right to vote in local, state,and federal elections.Atlanta Technical College Student Code of ConductAcademic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, thedevelopment of students, and the well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression areindispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of this academic community,students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in asustained and independent search for knowledge.Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic conditions in theclassroom, on the campus, other college sites, and in the community. Students are expected toexercise their freedom with responsibility. As members of the academic community, students aresubject to the obligations which accrue to them by virtue of this membership. As members of thelarger community of which the college is a part, students are entitled to all rights and protectionaccorded them by the laws of the community. Nothing in this Code of Conduct shall beinterpreted to interfere with any person’s right to free speech as provided by the FirstAmendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.By the same token, students are also subject to all laws, the enforcement of which is theresponsibility of duly constituted authorities. When students violate laws, they may incurpenalties prescribed by legal authorities. In such instances, college discipline will be initiated ifStudent Handbook rev. 12/15/202111
the presence of the student on campus is considered a possible threat to persons or property, or ifthat person's presence may disrupt the educational process of the college. However, when astudent's violation of the law also adversely affects the college's recognized educationalobjectives, or violates the college's Student Code of Conduct, the college will enforce its ownregulations. When students violate college regulations, they are subject to disciplinary action bythe college whether or not their conduct violates the law.It is the policy of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to provide technical andadult education programs for the people of Georgia. Atlanta Technical College must provideopportunities for intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. Atlanta Technical Collegestudents assume an obligation to act in a manner compatible with the fulfillment of the mission.The college community recognizes its responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive togrowth. With these principles in mind, Atlanta Technical College establishes this Student Codeof Conduct.Generally, college jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct which occurs on collegePremises, off-campus classes, activities, or functions sponsored by the college, an examinationor any other written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or a grade, or which otherwiseadversely affects members of the college community and/or the pursuit of the college'sobjectives.DEFINITIONS:1. Faculty Member: any person hired by a TCSG technical college to conduct teaching,service, or research activities.2. Hearing Body: as defined in the Student Disciplinary Procedure.3. Member of the technical college community: any person who is a student, facultymember, contractor, technical college official or any other person/s involved with thecollege, involved in the community, or employed by the college.4. Policy: the written regulations of the college as found in, but not limited to, the StudentCode of Conduct, Student Handbook(s), Residence Hall Handbook(s), technical collegeCatalog(s), the Atlanta Technical College Policy Manual, and the Policy Manualapproved by the State Board for the Technical College System of Georgia.5. Student: all persons taking courses at the college, including full-time, part-time, dualenrollment, joint enrollment, non-credit, and credit. Persons who are not officiallyenrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the technicalcollege are also considered "students".6. System: The Technical College System of Georgia or TCSG.7. Technical college official: any person em
Welcome to Atlanta Technical College! The faculty, staff, and administration are here to support you in your academic journey. The Atlanta Tech Student Handbook provides you with valuable . Atlanta, GA 30310. 404.225.4612. Email: gdumay@atlantatech.edu. MISSION STATEMENT . Atlanta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of .
