Student Complaint Policy and Process for Resolution
Georgia Piedmont Tech will work hard to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in a quick, fair and cooperative manner.
Students with a concern or complaint should begin the process at the institution (college) level.
How to Submit Your Complaint
To submit a student concern or complaint at the local college level, please follow Georgia Piedmont Tech’s Student Complaint Procedure and use the Student Grievance Form. You can submit this form in person or online.
If a resolution is not reached at the institution level, or if you believe that the nature of the complaint or its impact on the system as a whole warrants an immediate review by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) administration, please contact TCSG Student Affairs or complete the following complaint form. Students residing outside of the State of Georgia who are taking an online course may also file a complaint with an agency located in their State.
If the issue is not resolved at the institution or state level, students may take their concern or complaint to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Contact SACSCOC at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia Piedmont Tech. The Commission should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support Georgia Piedmont Tech’s significant non-compliance with Commission requirements or standards.
Complaint Forms
| Title | Audience | Topic | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title IX Reporting Form | Current Students | Grievance Forms | This form should be used to report Title IX issues. Please use the form below to report incidents you have experienced, witnessed, or have had reported to you. Completion of this form does not constitute an open investigation. Once this form is completed and has been received, an initial assessment will be conducted to determine if the report rises to a level that warrants further investigation.
|
| Disciplinary Sanction Appeal Form | Current Students | Grievance Forms | Students who wishes to appeal a disciplinary decision must fill out and submit this form. |
| Student Equity Grievance Form | Current Students | Grievance Forms | Use this form to file a Student Equity Grievance. |
| Student Discrimination Grievance Form | Current Students | Grievance Forms | Complete this form to file a Student Discrimination Grievance. |
| Grade Appeal Form | Current Students | Grievance Forms | Students who wish to appeal their final course grade must fill out and submit this form to begin the review process. |
| Student Code of Conduct Complaint Form | Current Students | Grievance Forms | This form is for students who wish to file a complaint against any student they believe to be in violation of the code of conduct. |
| ADA Section 504 Online Grievance Form | Current Students | Grievance Forms | Complete this form to submit an ADA Section 504 Grievance |
Sexual Misconduct & Assault Policy
Sexual misconduct is any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without consent or by force, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. Sexual misconduct can be committed by a person of any gender, and it can occur between people of the same or different gender. Offenses include but are not limited to the commission of or attempt to commit: rape, sexual battery, aggravated sodomy, or child molestation. In addition, offenses such as public indecency, peeping Tom, and solicitation for sodomy may be prosecuted under this policy. Offenders may be prosecuted in State Court, by the College, or both. The finding of guilt or innocence by the College does not prevent prosecution in a criminal court. Should an offense be reported, the Police Department will assist in prosecuting the offender in accordance with the victim’s wishes.
Anti-Hazing
Policies and Law
Hazing is a serious public health problem that causes physical and mental harm to students. Hazing in any form is prohibited at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. GPTC is committed to providing a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all college community members. Hazing is a violation of state law and is strictly prohibited by Georgia Piedmont Technical College both on and off campus. Violation of this policy may result in both disciplinary action and criminal charges. The following information is provided in compliance with the “Max Gruver Act:”
State Law
O.C.G.A. 16-5-61 (2021) The “Max Gruver Act”
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Haze” or “hazing” means to subject a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student, or coerces the student through the use of social or physical pressure to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to a likely risk of vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in such activity.
(2) “School” means any unit of the University System of Georgia, any unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, or any private postsecondary school, college, or university in this state.
(3) “School organization” means any association, corporation, order, club, society, fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or a group living together which has students or alumni as its principal members, including local affiliate organizations.
(4) “Student” means any person enrolled or prospectively enrolled in a school in this state. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization.
(c) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
Reporting
To report incidents or suspected incidents of hazing, please contact:
Candice Buckley, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at (404) 297-9522 ext. 1111 or via email at buckleyc@gptc.edu.
Incidents
GPTC hazing incidents are noted below.