Frequently Asked Questions

The Office of Student Conduct & Title IX (SCOTIX) receives various incident reports of alleged student misconduct from a variety of sources, e.g., the University Police primarily, but also the 皇家华人 or Remerton Police or the Lowndes County Sheriff. VSU's Housing and Residence Life Office also reports incidents as well as faculty, administrative staff, and students.

The alleged violator is notified by the (SCOTIX) by their local address listed in the VSU Banner system as well as their official VSU email account to call and schedule an appointment to discuss the report. The Conduct Officer then explains why the student has been contacted and refers to the Student Handbook’s Student Code of Conduct to discuss the violation(s) believed applicable. The Conduct Officer typically describes the disciplinary procedures and options too. The student then either does or does not accept responsibility for the alleged violations. Depending on their response the next course of disciplinary action results.

 

Please click on the "Rights of the Student" link on the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX homepage or read Appendix B, Section I, of the Student Handbook's Code of Conduct.

As a rule, NO. The incident is between the student and the University. If a parent calls about a disciplinary matter, normally the (SCOTIX) refers them back to the student for clarification or permission unless the student and parent(s) meet to discuss the matter or the student has given prior written permission to the (SCOTIX) to discuss the matter with the parent(s) or other designees via the proper Release of Student Information Form from the VSU Registrar. The Higher Education Amendment Act of 1998 Public Law 105-244 (FERPA) does authorize and give institutions the option to inform parents or guardians of conduct code violations relating to alcohol and illegal drug usage.

As a citizen of the VSU Community, you are expected to represent yourself and the institution in the best possible manner. VSU reserves the right to deal with alleged violators on or off campus for alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

No, disciplinary records are NOT noted on a student's transcript at VSU, but periodically other need-to-know institutions or agencies make inquiries into a student's past disciplinary record at VSU as a part of their admissions or pre-employment process. If a record exists regarding a past disciplinary case or action it will be reported per the guidelines given under FERPA.

Anyone wishing to report an incident that might be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct you are encouraged to use the online reporting process or you may call SCOTIX at (229) 333-5409 or email studentconduct@valdosta.edu. If it is a crime on campus, it is best to report the incident directly to the VSU University Police at (229) 333-7816 first. These reports are generally passed on to the (SCO) for further investigation. One must realize that the accused will have a right to call into question the report and know who has made an allegation against them. You must also be prepared to give an account of your allegation if required usually in writing as well as in person IF a disciplinary hearing occurs.

NO. The Office of Student Conduct's principle responsibility is for issues regarding the Student Code of Conduct and its relationship to a student or organization’s behavior. If a student has a problem with a faculty member, the grievance/reporting process is the departmental chain of command, e.g., speak to the instructor first if possible, then the department chair, then the dean of the appropriate college, then the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and finally the President for resolution. For an issue regarding Staff or Administrators, one should follow a similar process, i.e., talk with his/her immediate supervisor, next the Vice President for Enrollment and student Affairs, or the Vice President for Finance and Administration depending on the department or you may wish to report to the VSU Human Resource Office.

No to both. It is the policy of this institution not to intervene in a criminal or civil matter between law enforcement and a student. No such legal services exist at VSU. The local Public Defenders Office may be able to assist only those charged with felonies and determined to be indigent.

The VSU student disciplinary process is just that, a student-focused educational process that does not seek to “mirror” the legal system. Its methodology and consequences are of an educational nature. Double Jeopardy is when one is actually tried twice for the same “crime”. The (SCOTIX) does not conduct trials. Hearings are used to hopefully redirect the student's focus and behavior toward the goals of the institution, i.e., successful completion of one's degree program. The (SCOTIX) does NOT incarcerate or deprive a student of his property and personal freedom.