Student Insurance Claims            back to top
Students who require medical treatment for accidents/injuries that occur during their scheduled college hours must complete an Accident Report Form and return it to the Office of Student Affairs to file a claim with their student insurance. The forms may be obtained from their instructor or from the Office of Student Affairs. If possible, an Insurance Information for Accidental Injury Service Provider Form should be taken to the medical facility at the time of treatment. This form notifies the provider that an itemized statement is to be sent to the Office of Student Affairs. The Service Provider form may also be obtained from their instructor or the Office of Student Affairs. When an itemized statement from the medical facility is received by the Office of Student Affairs, a claim form is completed and mailed to the insurance company. It is the responsibility of the company to determine benefits to be paid.

Change of Name or Address            back to top
Students should inform the Office of Student Affairs of any change in name, address, phone number, or status. Change Forms are available in the Office of Student Affairs. If such changes are not reported, students may not receive grade transcripts, various announcements, etc.

General Catalog & Student Handbook           back to top
The General Catalog & Student Handbook contains detailed information on the college's services, policies, and regulations. It gives detailed information on programs and courses offered at Lanier Technical College. This information is available at new student orientation and is easily accessible on the college web site.

Photo ID            back to top
Photo ID cards are issued to students their first quarter at Lanier Tech each academic year. IDs are valid for one academic year. Retakes are done at announced times during the quarter. Student ID cards may be used to participate in student activities, to check out books at the library or media center, and to obtain discounts in some local businesses. Contact the Office of Student Affairs to obtain additional information on Photo IDs.

Visitors            back to top
Visitors are welcome at Lanier Technical College. On the Oakwood Campus, visitors should register in the main office in Building 100. On the Forsyth Campus, visitors should register in the Office of Student Affairs/Admissions Office in Building A. On the other campuses, visitors should register with the receptionist at the main entrance. Students are not to take friends or relatives to the classroom without approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Student Affairs. One day's notice is considered appropriate. Children are not to be brought to class. Groups (high school classes, clubs, etc.) wishing to visit the campus may contact the Office of Admissions to make an appointment.

Vehicles on Campus            back to top
Driving and parking a vehicle on campus is a privilege and not a right. The cooperation of everyone operating vehicles on campus is essential to traffic control and safety. Vehicles may be left on campus overnight or over a weekend only with the permission of the Vice President of Administrative Services. Parking for Lanier Technical College students is permitted in any space excluding designated spaces listed below. Student vehicles parked in any of the areas listed below are considered in violation of parking policy and will be ticketed:

Vehicular Accidents on Campus            back to top
Vehicular accidents on campus should be reported to the appropriate county Sheriff's Office or Police Department who will complete and file the necessary report. This report will be available to individuals involved in the accident. Anyone desiring a report must contact the appropriate county Sheriff's Office or Police Department.

Severe Weather            back to top
A Tornado Watch means that weather conditions are such that a tornado may develop. When a tornado watch is in effect for a Lanier Technical College location, appropriate contacts will be made to the affected locations providing updates regarding the weather to the appropriate staff at these facilities.

Emergency Procedures           back to top

The Safety and Emergency/Disaster plan is available to students by calling the Office of the Vice President of Administrative Services.

Emergency Evacuation: During emergencies, all individuals should proceed to their designated assembly areas and remain there until the all-clear signal is given. Under no circumstances are students to go to their automobiles or attempt to remove them from the parking lot. All traffic lanes must be clear for emergency vehicles and traffic. The primary and secondary routes for emergency evacuation in case of fire or bomb threat are posted in each department. Students should become familiar with exit routes during student orientation.

Fire drills will be held periodically to familiarize students with the fire alarm system and evacuation routes. Fire drills will be indicated by a non-interrupted blast of the fire alarm. When the fire alarm is sounded, all students, faculty, and staff must exit the building immediately by their primary means of egress. If the primary route is blocked by fire or explosion, the secondary egress route should be used. Students will be signaled to return to class by reactivating the fire alarm.

Business Hours            back to top
Normal business hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The Office of Student Affairs remains open until 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday when classes are in session. Hours are extended for the first week of class each quarter.

Student Responsibilities & Rights            back to top
The following responsibilities and rights are listed to support the concept that students should be responsible citizens and, as such, they are guaranteed certain rights. Students have a responsibility to attend college regularly, and a right to learn and develop those skills and knowledge needed to function in society. Students have a responsibility to use counseling services that are provided for them for their own educational and personal development, and a right to be accurately informed as to the nature of guidance services available to them.

Acceptable Computer Use Policy            back to top
Administrative, Library, and Computer Laboratory Workstations

Scope            back to top
The College may take disciplinary action for a violation of the Code of Conduct when the offense occurs on College premises or at College-sponsored events, or when an offense which occurs off campus is such that in the judgment of the Vice President for Student Affairs, failure to take disciplinary action is likely to interfere with the educational process or the orderly operation of the College, or endanger the health, safety or welfare of the College community.

Matters Subject to Disciplinary Actions            back to top
Appropriate disciplinary procedures and sanctions shall be applied to any student, acting individually or in concert with others, who commits, or attempts to commit, any of the following acts of misconduct:

Rights of Students in Disciplinary Matters            back to top
Students' rights under the state and federal constitutions are specifically acknowledged and affirmed, including the rights of freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion, and due process. The provisions of this Code of Conduct shall be construed so as not to infringe upon these rights, as those rights are defined by law.


Disciplinary Policy and Procedure

I. POLICY:
The administration reserves the right to maintain a safe and orderly educational environment for students and staff. Therefore, when, in the judgment of college officials, a student's conduct disrupts or threatens to disrupt the college community, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to restore and protect the atmosphere of collegiality and mutual respect on campus. This procedure is intended to provide an orderly protocol for handling student disciplinary cases in accordance with the principles of due process and justice.

Procedure: Summary of Student Notification Requirements           back to top

Student Notification Requirements            back to top

I. VOTER REGISTRATION, 20 U.S.C. §1094(a)(23)(A).
The 1998 Higher Education Act requires all post-secondary institutions to make a good-faith effort to distribute voter registration forms to each degree or certificate-seeking student that attends classes on campus, and to make such forms widely available to students. (The law does not apply in states with no voter registration requirement or where voters can register at the time of voting). The institution must request forms from the state 120 days prior to the deadline for registering to vote in the state. In Georgia, the deadline for registering is usually the fifth prior to the date of the primary or election. The law applies to all general and special elections for federal office (i.e. President, Vice President, Senator, and Representative to the U.S. Congress, see 2 U.S.C §431(3)) and includes elections for Governor and other state chief executive.

II. DRUG FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT, ("DFSCA"), 20
U.S.C. §1145(g), 34 C.F.R. §86.1 et seq.
The DFSCA requires institutions receiving federal financial assistance to establish drug and alcohol prevention programs for students and employees. At a minimum, each institution must distribute to all students and employees annually:

• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school property or as part of any school activities;
• A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State, or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
• A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
• A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees and students; and clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, State, and Federal law), and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct.
• The law further requires an institution of higher education to conduct a biennial review of its program to:
  • Determine the program‘s effectiveness and implement changes if they are needed; and
  • Ensure that the sanctions developed are consistently enforced.

See 34 C.F.R. §86.100. Institutions were required to make a one-time certification to the Secretary of Education that the school has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. See 34 C.F.R. §86.4-86.6.The biennial review of the program and any other records relating to the drug prevention program certification must be retained for three (3) years. Records relating to any litigation, claim, audit or other action involving the records must be retained for three (3) year or until completion of the action and resolution of all issues that arise form such litigation, claim, audit, etc. See 34 C.F.R. §86.103

III. FINANCIAL AID, PROGRAMS AND ATHLETICS INFORMATION, 20 U.S.C. §1092; 34 C.F.R .§668.
Detailed information is required under the Higher Education Amendments regarding financial aid, tuition, fees and other costs of attendance, academic programs, accreditation, handicapped services/facilities, study abroad and completion/graduation, transfer-out rates, as applicable, and athletic program information.

A. Financial Assistance Information, 34 C.F.R. §668.42.
Institutions must publish and make readily available to all current students and all prospective students upon request a description of all federal, state, local, private and institutional student financial assistance programs available to students, including both need-based and non-need-based programs. For each financial aid program described, the information must include:

1. procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance;
2. student eligibility requirements;
3. the criteria for selecting recipients; and
4. the criteria for determining the amount of a student‘s award.

These materials must be made available to students via appropriate publications and mailings before they enter into a financial obligation with the institution. 34 C.F.R. §668.42(b). The institution must describe the rights and responsibilities of students that receive financial assistance under the Title IV, HEA Programs, including specific information regarding:

1. the criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;
2. standards which the student must maintain in order to be considered to be making satisfactory progress for purpose of receiving financial assistance and the criteria by which the student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may re-establish their eligibility for financial assistance;
3. the method by which financial assistance disbursements are made to students and the frequency thereof;
4. the terms of any loan received by a student, a sample loan repayment schedule and the necessity for repaying loans;
5. the general conditions and terms that apply to any employment which is part of a students‘ financial assistance package;
6. the institution must provide and collect exit counseling information as required by 34 C.F.R. 674.42 for Perkins Loan Program borrowers by 34 C.F.R. 685.304 for William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program borrowers and by 34 C.F.R. 682.604 for Federal Stafford Loan Program borrowers; and
7. the conditions under which students receiving Federal Family Education Loan or Ford Direct Loan assistance may obtain repayment deferrals for service under the Peace Corps Act, the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 or comparable volunteer community service. See 34 C.F.R. 668.42.

B. Institutional Information, 34 C.F.R. §668.43.
Institutions must publish and make readily available to all current and prospective students certain required institutional information. This information must be made available to enrolled or prospective students, on request, via appropriate publications, mailings or electronic media before the student enters into a financial obligation with the institution. 34 C.F.R. §668.41(d). The required institutional information must include:

1. costs of attendance, including tuition and fees, estimates of necessary books and supplies, estimates of typical charges for room and board, transportation costs for students, and any additional costs of a program in which a student is enrolled or has expressed an interest;
2. a statement of the refund policy for return of unearned tuition and fees or other costs paid to the institution;
3. the procedures for officially withdrawing from the college;
4. a summary of the requirements (under 34 C.F.R. §668.22) for the return of Title IV grant or loan assistance;
5. the academic programs of the institution, including current degree programs and other educational and training programs, the instructional laboratory and other physical facilities that relate to the academic program, and the institution‘s faculty and instructional personnel;
6. the names of any entities which accredit, approve or license the institution in its programs, and the procedures by which documents describing that activity can be reviewed pursuant to 34 C.F.R. §668.43(b);
7. a description of any special facilities and services for handicapped students;
8. the title of persons designated under 34 C.F.R. §668.44 as those who are available on a full-time basis to assist enrolled or prospective students in obtaining financial aid and institutional information; and
9. a statement that enrollment in a study-abroad program approved for credit by the home institution may be considered enrollment at the home institution for purposes of applying for assistance under Title IV, HEA Programs. The institution must also make available to any enrolled or prospective student, upon request, a copy of the documents that describe the institution‘s accreditation, approval or licensing. In addition, unless a waiver has been granted (pursuant to 34 C.F.R. §668.45(b)), the institution must designate an employee or group of employees that must be available on a full-time basis to assist enrolled or prospective students in obtaining the financial aid or institutional information specified in 34 C.F.R. §668.43 and §668.44.

C. Completion or Graduation Rate Information, 34 C.F.R. §668.45.
An institution is required to prepare annually information regarding completion or graduation rates of certificate or degree-seeking full-time undergraduate students. Institutions whose mission is to prepare students to enroll in another institution must compile information on its transfer-out rate. Guidance on the methods for determining the completion/graduation rate and transfer-out rate is provided in 34 C.F.R. §668.45. An institution must disclose its completion or graduation rate and, as applicable, transfer-out rate information no later than the July 1 immediately following the 12-month period ending August 31 during which 150% of the normal time for completion or graduation has elapsed for all of the students in the group on which the institution bases it completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, the transfer-out rate calculations.

In addition, institutions may, but are not required to calculate a completion or graduation rate for students who transfer in and/or completion or graduation and transfer-out rates for students who leave to serve in the Armed Forces, on official church missions, with foreign aid service of the U.S. or who become totally disabled. Institutions whose mission does not involve preparing students to enroll in anther institution may, if they wish, calculate a trans-fer-out rate.

The Secretary of Education may grant a waiver of the requirements in this Section to any institution that is a member of an athletic association or conference that has voluntarily published the completion or graduation rate data which the Secretary determines substantially comparable to the data required by this Section. 34 C.F.R. §668.45(e).

IV. ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT, 20 U.S.C. §1092; 34 C.F.R. §668.47.
The Campus Security Act requires colleges to report crime statistics and other public safety measures, procedures and policies by October 1 of each year. A description of enforcement procedures, as well as crime prevention and education programs, including a campus sexual assault prevention program, must be contained in the Annual Security Report. This report must be distributed to all students and employees and must be made available to all prospective students and employees. Crime statistics must also be reported to the U.S. Secretary of Education per the electronic reporting procedure established by the Secretary. The Annual Campus Security Report must include:

1. Statistics on the occurrence on campus of the specified criminal offenses and disciplinary referrals set forth in the regulations (34 C.F.R. §668.47(c));
2. A statement of current campus policies regarding procedures for reporting criminal actions or other emergencies on campus and policies concerning the institution‘s response, including policies for timely reporting to members of the campus community the occurrence of crimes which must be reported under Section 668.47(c) and policies for preparing the annual crime statistics;
3. A statement of current policies concerning of use and access to campus facilities, including residences, and security considerations in the maintenance of campus facilities;
4. A statement of current policies concerning campus law enforcement, including the enforcement authority and working relationship with state and local police agencies and whether security personnel have arrest powers; policies that encourage accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to campus police and appropriate police agencies; and any procedures that allow pastoral and professional counselors to inform people they are counseling of any procedures for reporting crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis; and
5. A description of the type and frequency of programs designed to inform students and employees about campus security procedures and practices and to encourage them to be responsible for their own security and the security of others;
6. A description of programs designed to inform students and employees about the prevention of crime;
7. A statement of policy about the monitoring and recording of criminal activity at off-campus locations of student organizations recognized by the institution;
8. A statement of policy on the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages and enforcement of underage drinking laws;
9. A statement of policy on the possession, use and sale of illegal drugs and enforcement of federal and state drug laws;
10. A description of any drug or alcohol-abuse education programs (the institution may cross-reference the materials the institution uses to comply with Section 120 of the HEA, codified at 20 U.S.C. §1011(i)).
11. A statement of policy regarding the institution‘s campus sexual assault programs to prevent sex offenses, and procedures to follow when a sex offense occurs. This statement must include a description of educational programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, procedures students should follow if a sex offense occurs, information on a student‘s option to notify proper law enforcement authorities and a statement that institutional personnel will assist the student in notifying these authorities if so requested, notification to students of existing on and off campus counseling, mental health or other student affairs for victims of sex offenses, notification to students that the institution will change a victim‘s academic and living situations after an alleged sex offense, and procedures for campus disciplinary action in the case of alleged sex offenses. These procedures for campus disciplinary actions for alleged sex offenses must include a clear statement that:
    
    1. the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding;
    2. both the accuser and the accused must be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding alleging a sex offense; and
    3. sanctions that the institution may impose following a final determination of an institutional disciplinary proceeding regarding rape, acquaintance rape, or other forcible or nonforcible sex offense.
       
12. A statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. This will usually be the local Sheriff‘s Office having primary jurisdiction for the campus. See 42 U.S.C. §14071(j). Also, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains a searchable web site of registered sex offenders at www.ganet.org/gbi/sorsch.cgi.

Requirements for the distribution of the annual security report are set forth in 34 C.F.R. §668.47(b). Each campus of an institution must comply separately with these requirements. The annual security report must contain the required statistics (34 C.F.R. §668.47(a)(6)) for the three (3) calendar years preceding the year the report is issued. Current statistics must be compiled with the definitions used in the FBI‘s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. 34 C.F.R. §668.47(b)(3). Under Section 668.47(e), an institution must issue timely warnings of reportable crimes where those warnings may aid in the prevention of similar crimes, or where the crimes are considered by the institution to represent a threat to students and employees.

V. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 ("FERPA" or "BUCKLEY AMENDMENT"), 20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 C.F.R. §99.1 et. seq.

FERPA regulates the disclosure and maintenance of student records at all institutions that receive federal funds. Since the focus of this summary is notification requirements, the various requirements and prohibitions of FERPA are not discussed. For detailed information and discussion of the requirements imposed by FERPA see:

• Department of Education Family Compliance Office website at:
  www.ed.gov/offices/om/fpco.html
• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, A Legal Compendium
  Steven J. McDonald, Editor, published by NACUA
• American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers: http://aacrao.com
• Association for Student Judicial Affairs: http://asja.tamu.edu FERPA‘s notification provision (34 C.F.R. §99.7) requires post-secondary institutions to give students an annual notice describing their rights under FERPA. This annual notice must inform students that they have right to:
  1. Inspect and review their education records;
  2. Request changes to their education records that they believe are inaccurate,
     misleading or in violation of the student‘s privacy rights; and
  3. Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information from their education records, except to the extent FERPA allows disclosure without consent (see 34 C.F.R. §99.63 and 99.64); and
  4. file a complaint with the Department of Education about the institution‘s alleged failure(s) to comply with FERPA. The annual FERPA notice to students must also include:
     1. the procedure for exercising the right to inspect and review their education records;
     2. the procedure for requesting amendment of their education records; and
     3. the institution‘s policy on disclosing education records to school officials (under 34 C.F.R. §99.31(a)(1)) whom the institution has determined have a legitimate educational interest in such records. The required annual notice may be made "by any means that are reasonably likely to inform the …students of their rights." 34 C.F.R. §99.7(b). Institutions must use effective means to notify disabled students. 34 C.F.R. §99.7(b).

Drug Free Campus Act           back to top
In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Lanier Tech has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.

Lanier Tech expects faculty, staff, and students to meet appropriate standards of performance, to observe basic rules for good conduct, and to comply with school Student and Personnel Policies and Procedures. In the discharge of its responsibilities as an employer, Lanier Tech aggressively promotes and requires a drug-free campus among its students, faculty, and staff.

Institutional standards of conduct clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on campus or as part of any institutional-sponsored activities. Sanctions up to and including dismissal and referral for prosecution will be imposed for the violation of these standards. The Office of Student Affairs provides assistance to students with drug or alcohol-related problems. Criminal Sanctions: Federal law prohibits the possession, manufacture, or distribution of various controlled substances. Penalties for these offenses vary depending upon the severity of the convictions but may include imprisonment of up to 40 years with large fines. Penalties double when the offenses occur within 1,000 feet of a postsecondary educational institution.

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. Except for cases in which the school has previously taken disciplinary action against a student for the same offense, such suspension shall be effective as of the date of conviction even though the educational institution may not complete all administrative actions necessary to implement such suspension until a later date. Except for cases in which the institution has already imposed the term, quarter, semester, or other similar period for which the student was enrolled as of the date of conviction, the student shall forfeit any right to any academic credit otherwise earned or earnable for such term, quarter, semester, or other similar period; and the educational institution shall subsequently revoke any such academic credit which is granted prior to the completion of administrative actions necessary to implement such suspension.

Title 20-3-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated specifies that any student organization functioning in conjunction with, incidental to the school which through its officers, agents or responsible members knowingly permits or authorizes the sale, distribution, serving, possession, consumption or use of marijuana, a controlled substance or dangerous drug at any affair, function or activity of that student organization, social or otherwise, which such sales, distribution, serving, possession, consumption or use is not in compliance with the laws of this state, shall be expelled from campus for a minimum of one calendar year from the year of determination of guilt, which it is affiliated or at which it operates, with any and all leasing, possession or use agreements respecting the student organization's use of institutional property to be terminated by operation of law for any such knowing, permission or authorization of the unlawful actions defined in the Code section, subject to the administrative review and hearing procedures set for in this Code section.

Failure to comply with any part of this program will result in serious adverse personnel action, including dismissal or the requirement that the offender satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance program which has been approved for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

Sources of Help for Drug Dependency           back to top

Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Personnel Office.

Student Right To Know            back to top
The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 requires that all postsecondary institutions publish the persistence and/or graduation rates for their institution. The information shown below is based on first-time postsecondary students who enrolled at Lanier Tech for Fall Quarter 2000 (the Cohort) and have continued in or graduated from their program of study during the designated tracking period for their particular Cohort. The ending date for the tracking period for the Fall 2000 Cohort is Spring Quarter 2003. The information given below is a persistence rate or the percentage of the Fall 2000 Cohort who remained enrolled as of Spring Quarter 2003 Of the Fall 2000 Cohort, 43% have persisted in enrollment at Lanier Tech. Questions regarding this information should be addressed to the Registrar.

Campus Security Act            back to top
The Student Right To Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 requires that schools who participate in federal financial aid programs maintain and report annually certain campus security policies and crime information. Lanier Tech strives to provide a safe environment in which to learn and work. It is also our desire to promote the concept that obeying laws and regulations is an important part of being an educated member of our community. Campus safety and security and crime prevention are a part of the quarterly student orientation and staff development programs at Lanier Tech. There is an ongoing educational program to make students and staff aware of types or trends of crime in our area, changes of behavioral patterns that may serve to protect the student, and crime prevention information provided by local law enforcement authorities. Lanier Tech sponsors a Wellness Fair each year for faculty, staff, and students. The Fair covers a wide range of topics such as drug and alcohol information, health information, and crime awareness and prevention. Representatives from the local hospital wellness programs, the Red Cross, and area Sheriff's Departments are among the presenters invited to attend.

Campus Law Enforcement            back to top
Lanier Tech employs off-duty sheriff's deputies to patrol the campuses, issue citations, assist with incident reports, and provide security during business hours. During school hours, criminal actions should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies such as the local Sheriff's Department. The school facilities are open from 7:30 a.m. through 10:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 7:30 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. on Friday. During the evening hours, only the main entrances into buildings are unlocked to provide additional security for the students attending during these hours. Consideration is given to optimum security in the maintenance of campus facilities. The physical facilities are regularly inspected and maintained to provide a safe campus. Areas are well lighted and routinely checked and maintained.

Alcohol & Illegal Drugs            back to top
A complete statement of the school's policy regarding alcohol and drugs is contained in the information provided in the Code of Conduct Policy statement.

Student Responsibility            back to top
Students are encouraged to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. The cooperation, involvement, and personal support of students in a campus safety program are crucial to the success of the program. Students must assume responsibility for their own personal belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions. Keys should be carried at all times and never lent to others. Cars should be parked in lighted areas and kept locked at all times. Valuables should be concealed.

Statistics of Reported Crimes            back to top
Lanier Tech is required to collect, publish, and distribute statistics concerning the incidence of crime on our campus. The data collected includes occurrences of the following criminal offenses: Murder, Sex Offenses - Forcible or Non-forcible, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Liquor Law Violations, Drug Abuse Violations, and Weapons Possessions. In compliance with the Campus Security Act, Lanier Tech provides the following information to all students and employees on an annual basis. In addition, any applicant for admission or employment will be provided the information upon request.

Notification of Sex Offenders            back to top
Information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained at your local sherrif's department or at the following GBI web site: www.ganet.org/gbi/sorsch.cgi

Reporting of Criminal Actions & Emergencies            back to top
All campus crimes and emergencies should be reported directly to the appropriate party (sheriff's department, fire department, hospital, ambulance, etc.) and then reported to the Student Affairs Office in a timely manner.

Americans With Disabilities Act            back to top
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and its implementing regulations provide that no qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of the disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any public entity. It is the policy of Lanier Tech to make reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation of people with disabilities in all programs, activities, and procedures. Reasonable accommodations will be made to the extent that these accommodations do not produce undue financial and/or administrative burdens. All requests for modification of or additions to facilities, programs, services, activities, or publications shall be enumerated on the Student Justification for Reasonable Accommodation Form. The person requiring accommodation will receive notification of the President's decision relative to undue financial and administrative burden within fifteen days of filing his/her request. An individual with a disability who may require assistance or accommodation in order to participate in or receive the benefit of a service, program or activity, or who desires more information, may contact Todd Powell, Coordinator of Special Services (ADA) at 770.531.6330 (Hearing and TDD).

ADA Grievance Procedure            back to top
Lanier Tech has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the U. S. Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Title II states, in part, "No qualified individual with a disability shall on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any public entity."

Procedures for Program/Service Complaints            back to top

1. A complaint should be filed, in writing, with the ADA Coordinator or a designee. A complaint must contain the name and address of the person filing it and a brief description of the alleged violation of the ADA. If the complainant needs an accommodation in order to file the complaint, he/she should inform the person taking the complaint.
2. A complaint should be filed within 30 calendar days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. (Processing of allegations of discrimination which occurred before this grievance procedure was in place will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
3. An investigation, as may be appropriate, will follow the filing of a complaint. The ADA Coordinator or a designee will conduct the investigation. These rules contemplate informal, but thorough, investigations, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.
4. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, will be issued by the ADA Coordinator and a copy will be forwarded to the complainant no later than 45 calendar days after filing.
5. The ADA Coordinator will maintain the files and records of Lanier Tech relating to the complaints filed.
6. The complainant may request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he/she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration should be made to the ADA Coordinator within 15 calendar days.

Complaints should be addressed to:
Coordinator of Special Services/ADA Todd Powell 770.531.6330 (Hearing and TDD) Room 201L, Building 200 Lanier Technical College 2990 Landrum Education Dr. Oakwood, GA 30566

Procedure For Employment Complaint            back to top
Persons with complaints against Lanier Tech may use the agency's existing internal grievance procedure or consult the state's Commission on Equal Opportunity or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Other Remedies            back to top
The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies, such as the filing of an ADA complaint with the responsible federal department or agency. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

Rule Construction            back to top
These rules shall be constructed so as to protect the substantive rights of interested persons, to meet appropriate due process standards, and to assure that Lanier Tech complies with the ADA and the implementing regulations.

Other Procedures            back to top
The procedures provided herein are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other procedures or remedies available under the law or otherwise.

Complaint Contacts            back to top
Employment and Program/Service complaints should be addressed to Todd Powell at the address listed above.

Student Grievance Procedure Purpose: To hear the civil rights or other complaints of any student of Lanier Tech who has exhausted all other normal channels up to the President, but who has not received satisfaction. Limitation: The Grievance Committee will handle questions related to Lanier Tech campus facilities and all school-sponsored activities off or on the immediate campus.

Procedures for Requesting a Hearing           back to top
The complainant within ten (10) calendar days, while school is in session, after becoming aware of the alleged act shall file a written request for a hearing with the Vice President for Student Affairs including the following information:

• Date, time, and place
• Names of any witnesses
• The facts of the complaint

Procedural Rules Observed by the Committee in Hearing Complaints            back to top

The Committee should be composed of:

1. Vice President for Student Affairs
2. A faculty member named at the beginning of each academic year by the Vice President for Instruction,
3. A staff member named by the Vice President of Administrative Services at the beginning of each academic year, and three (3) students. The students will be chosen as follows:
   • The complainant may choose one student.
   • The complainer may choose one student.
   • The third student will be chosen by the Student Council at the beginning of each academic year.

The parties concerned shall be given written notice of the time and place of the hearing at least ten (10) calendar days, while school is in session, in advance thereof. Such notice may be delivered by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the complainant's last known address. The Committee hearing will be conducted in private and follow parliamentary procedure.

During the proceeding, the parties concerned will be permitted to have a non-participating advisor of his/her choice. A tape recording, transcript or written summary of the proceedings shall be kept and made available to the parties concerned in the event an appeal is filed. The parties concerned shall be afforded an opportunity to obtain and present witnesses and documentary or other evidence.

The Committee shall be chaired by the Grievance Officer or by Committee member designated by the Grievance Officer. The Grievance Committee shall have the right to investigate all facts of the student's grievance. The Committee will not be bound by strict rules of legal evidence. The Committee may receive any evidence of probative value in determining the issue involved. Every possible effort will be made to obtain the most reliable evidence available.

All questions relating to admissibility of evidence or other legal matters will be decided by the chairperson or presiding officer. An oath or affirmation shall be administered to all witnesses by a notary public. Where the witness cannot appear because of illness or other cause acceptable to the Committee, the sworn statement (Affidavit) of the witness may be introduced into the record.

In such event, the opposite party shall have the right to file counter-affidavits within three (3) days following the completion of the hearing. The recommendation of the Committee will be based on the evidence introduced at the hearing and should be made within ten (10) calendar days, while school is in session, after the date of the hearing or within ten (10) calendar days while school is in session, after receipt of the transcript of the hearing if one is deemed necessary before a decision is rendered.

The Committee will report its recommendations, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, to the President. If the President does not concur with the report, he/she should state his/her reasons in writing to the Committee for response before rendering his/her final decision. Public statements and publicity about the complaint should be avoided. In making a decision, the President will not be bound by recommendations of the Committee. The President shall, within ten (10) calendar days while school is in session, after receipt of the Committee's recommendation, advise the complainant and other parties concerned in writing of his/her decision. After complying with the foregoing procedures, the President shall send an official letter to the student notifying him/her of his/her decision. Such letter shall be delivered to the addressee only, with receipt to show to whom and when delivered and address where delivered. The complainant shall also be advised in writing of his/her right to apply to the local board for review of the President's final decision in accordance with the provision of State Board Policy. The complainant shall not be harassed or penalized for proper utilization of the complaint procedures. The mailing address and telephone number for the Council on Occupational Education is located in the front of this catalog for cases where the grievance is not settled at the institutional level.