Campus Security

Student Right-To-Know Campus Security Act of 1990

Statement of Compliance

In compliance with the Student-Right-to-Know (SRTK) and Campus Security Act of 1990, and as a service to its community, Southeastern Technical College makes available its completion and transfer rates to all current and prospective students as well as an annual campus crime report.

Student-Right-to-Know

Beginning in Fall 2000, all colleges receiving Title IV funds were required to track and publish, on an annual basis, the completion rate of degree, diploma, and certificate students from a "cohort" of students who were first-time, full-time award seeking students. These students are tracked over a three (3) year period of time to determine their completion rate. The rates do not represent the success rates of the entire student population at Southeastern Technical College (STC), nor do they account for student outcomes occurring after this three (3) year tracking period. The rates exclude students who are continuing their education, as well as students who attend STC to upgrade job skills, gain new job skills, improve basic skills, maintain licenses, complete credits for high school, and/or to formulate career interests. Also excluded are those who attended for intellectual or cultural desires. This rate only reflects the graduation and completion of the, first-time, full-time students who enrolled a specific Fall term, and for whom 150% of the normal time-to-completion has elapsed.

A similar group of cohort students have been studied at every Georgia technical college. While this information is calculated the same for all colleges, and is accurate, it can be misleading for a variety of reasons.

• The SRTK cohort is based only on a small percentage of the total STC student population of that time period (typically less than 15%).
• It consists only of students who entered STC:
  • First-time;
  • Full-time;
  • For that specific Fall term; and
  • Sought a degree, diploma, or certificate opportunity.
• The SRTK figures do not include those who transferred to another institution.

Finally, the rates do not describe other important features about the college and its students. For example, the job placement rates during the past five (5) years have been 98.2% or more placed in field of study or related field of study.

Information

Where it can be found

• Tuition and Fees Charged to Full-time and Part-Time Students: Catalog
• Estimates of Costs Necessary for Books and Supplies: Catalog
• Additional Program Costs for Enrolled and Prospective Students: Catalog
• Refund Policy for the Return of Unearned Tuition and Fees and Other Refundable Costs: Catalog
• Requirements and Procedures for Officially Withdrawing from Southeastern Tech: Catalog
• Financial Aid Refund Policy: Catalog
• Current Degree Programs and other Educational and Training Programs:
  Catalog
• Instructional, Laboratory and other Physical Facilities related to our Academic Progress: Catalog
• Southeastern Tech Faculty and other Instructional Personnel: Catalog
• Names of Associations, Agencies, or Governmental Bodies that provide Accreditation, Approval, and Licensing:Catalog
• Procedures for Reviewing Documents which Describe Accreditation, Approval, and Licensing: Office of Institutional Effectiveness
• Special Facilities and Services Available to Disabled Students: Catalog

Individual designated and available to provide Student-Right-to-Know information:

Barry Dotson - Office 158A
Vice President for Student Affairs
3001 E. First Street. Vidalia, GA 30474
(912) 538-3141

Campus Security

In compliance with Section 485 (a) and (f) of the Higher Education Act, also known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092 (a) and (f), Southeastern Technical College is required to disclose, on an annual basis, data on crimes committed on campus and campus safety policies and procedures.

Among its provisions, this consumer protection law requires the school to collect, prepare, publish and distribute an annual statement of all campus security policies to all current and prospective students and employees. Included in this report are statistics concerning the occurrence of campus crime.

The safety of students, visitors, faculty and staff is a top priority of Southeastern Technical College and is the goal of a combined effort of the school administration and local law enforcement officials.

Southeastern Technical College is committed to providing a safe environment for organized learning in all technical programs and activities.

It is the obligation of the school to ensure orderly operation; to protect the rights of all members of the service delivery area; to prohibit acts which materially and substantially interfere with legitimate educational objectives or interfere with the rights of others; and to institute disciplinary action where conduct adversely affects the school’s pursuit of its educational objectives.

Campus security officers will provide assistance in both external and internal disruptions. In such incidents, the security officer’s directions are to be followed explicitly by students and staff. Any disruption or criminal act observed by the security officer on duty will be reported to the Director of Safety and Security in order for law enforcement to be notified in necessary.

Campus security officers will maintain a presence on campus during all STC campus operation hours. If there are questions, problems, or special needs, faculty and staff are encouraged to call the administrator on duty or Director of Safety and Security. Our purpose is to serve our students and provide a safe and pleasant atmosphere on campus. All personnel should provide assistance and cooperation to security officers.

Students and Faculty/Staff shall not interfere with the campus security officer in the performance of duty.

If there is a concern regarding enforcement of the Code of Conduct, Traffic and Parking Regulations, and/or security procedures, the administrator on duty should be contacted. Officers are not to be interfered with in the performance of their duties nor are their actions to be questioned.

All emergencies, thefts, vehicle accidents, injuries, suspicious persons, suspicious activities, weapons, drugs, or solicitors are to be reported to security personnel or administrators.

Statistics concerning the occurrence of on-campus criminal offenses are available in the Student Affairs area and will be published annually in September. This information is also available in the library.

In the event of an accident, a Campus Crime/Accident/Incident Report Form must be completed immediately following the accident and turned in to the Director of Safety and Security. The form is reviewed by the Director of Safety and Security and forwarded to the Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness to determine if corrective action is needed.

In the event that a security alarm is activated after normal hours of operation, the security monitoring company will call the STC employees on the call list that has been provided to the security monitoring company until an employee is reached. The security monitoring company will also call 911 in order for local law enforcement to respond to the campus where the alarm has been activated.

The responding STC employee will make contact with local law enforcement, either in-person or by telephone, in order to determine whether or not the campus has been damaged in any manner. Local law enforcement will conduct a walk-through of the campus and if necessary a walk-through of the interior of the building(s). If necessary, the STC employee should respond to the campus in order to allow law enforcement entry into the building(s).

The Director of Safety and Security will be notified the next business day of any alarm calls received from the security monitoring company.

Safety Measures

The Maintenance Department of Southeastern Technical College maintains the buildings and grounds with a concern for safety and security. It inspects campus facilities regularly and promptly makes repairs. The department also responds to reports of potential safety and security hazards such as broken windows and locks. Students, as well as faculty and staff, may also call the Maintenance Department at (912) 538-3128 Vidalia or (478) 289-2200 Swainsboro to report safety and security hazards. The lighting of access areas and landscaped grounds is essential for safety. Southeastern Technical College maintenance/security personnel are responsible for closing and opening of the facilities on campus. The monitoring of the lighting system is conducted weekly.

Information on safety and security is provided to students, prospective students, and faculty and staff members through staff meetings, student orientation programs, and published materials.

Maintenance Requests

Given the size and scope of facilities operated by Southeastern Technical College, an orderly process is required to ensure that maintenance and repair tasks are performed effectively and expeditiously.

Faculty, staff, and administration that identify the need for maintenance and repair tasks must submit their needs to the Director of Facilities via the Maintenance Help Desk via an online Maintenance Request Form which notifies the Director of Facilities and the Maintenance department. Students who identify a maintenance or repair task should contact a staff member so that an online Maintenance Request can be completed.

The Maintenance Request Form should be completed to provide the name of the person making the request, the date of the request, the physical location of the problem, and a brief description of the problem. The Maintenance Help Desk system will help the department prioritize maintenance and repair tasks, better utilize time, and track problem areas to implement corrective action.

Procedures for Reporting Incidents

In the event of an accident/injury, other medical emergency, or crime-related incident, the nearest instructor or staff member and an administrator and Security should be notified. It should be noted that this procedure is in no way meant to prohibit or impede the reporting of an emergency directly to the appropriate party (i.e., police department, fire department, ambulance, hospital, etc.).

Professional emergency care, if needed, will be secured by an administrator. As a non-residential institution, Southeastern Technical College expects that the student will normally secure medical services through a family physician.

In the case of a serious accident or illness, the College will refer the student to the nearest hospital for emergency care and will notify the student's next of kin. It is to be understood that the student or the student's family will be responsible for the cost of such emergency care.

If a crime has been committed, the Director of Safety and Security will call the local police department.

Incident Report

In the event of an accident/injury, other medical emergency or crime-related incident involving a student, visitor, or employee at Southeastern Technical College, an Incident Report Form must be completed for any and all accidents or crimes occurring on campus. The report should be returned to the Director of Safety and Security.

Sexual Offender Information

Federal law requires educational institutions to provide students with information concerning registered sex offenders in our service area. This information is available at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website at the following address: www.ganet.org.

Southeastern Technical College CRIME STATISTICS

Our reports will be filed separately, but will be combined to put into this catalog each year.

Southeastern Technical College is committed to providing students with a safe and secure environment in which to learn and to keep parents and students well informed about campus security. Southeastern Technical College is committed to the enforcement of the Campus Security Act of 1990, which requires a school to compile an annual campus security report. By October 1 of each year, a school must publish and distribute an annual campus security report to all current students and employees.

Current students, faculty and staff, as well as prospective students and employees, may contact the following individual for clarification or additional information:

Travis Akridge
Director of Safety and Security
(478) 299-3530 or (912) 538-3125
takridge@southeasterntech.edu

For Southeastern Technical College’s campus crime statistics, please refer to the Annual Security Report.

Weapons Policy:

Southeastern Technical College complies with HB280/O.C.G.A. 16-11.127.1 pertaining to campus carry legislation. According to Georgia Law, any weapons carry license holder when he or she is in any building or on real property owned by or leased to any public technical school, vocational school, college, or university, or other public institution of postsecondary education; provided, however, that such exception shall

Not apply to buildings or property used for athletic sporting events or student housing, including, but limited to, fraternity and sorority houses;

Not apply to any preschool or childcare center space located within such buildings or real property;

Not apply to any room or space being used for classes related to a college and career academy or specialized school as provided under Code Section 20-4-37;

Not apply to any room or space being used for classes in which high school students are enrolled through a dual enrollment program, including but not limited to, classes related to the ‘Move on When Ready Act’ as provided for under Code Section 20-2-161.3;

Not apply to faculty, staff, or administrative offices or rooms where disciplinary proceedings are conducted;

Only apply to the carrying of handguns which a licensee is licensed to carry pursuant to subsection (e) of Code Section 16-11-126 and pursuant to Code Section 16.11.129; and

Only apply to the carrying of handguns which are concealed. Concealed means carried in such a fashion that does not actively solicit the attention of others and in not prominently, openly, and intentionally displayed except for purposes of defense of self or others. Such term shall include, but not be limited to, carrying on one’s person while such handgun is substantially, but not necessarily completely, covered by an article of clothing which is worn by such person, carrying within a bag of a nondescript nature which is being carried about by such person, or carrying in any other fashion as to not be clearly discernable by the passive observation of others.

Any weapons carry license holder who carries a handgun in an manner or in a building, property, room, or space in violation of this law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; provided, however, that for a conviction of a first offense, such weapons carry license holder shall be punished by a fine of $25 and not be sentenced to serve any term or confinement. Any person who is not a license holder who violates this law shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, by imprisonment for not less than two (2) nor more than 10 years, or both.

Also prohibited are other dangerous weapons: straight razors, spring sticks, fighting chains, blackjacks, switchblade knife, metal knuckles, Bowie knife, throwing knife, numchucks, any knife having a blade of three (3) inches or more, any flailing instrument with two (2) or more rigid parts hinged such that one (1) or more parts can swing freely, any disk having two (2) or more points or blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled other objects that may reasonably pose a danger to the health and safety of students, instructors, or any individuals.

A certified deputy/police officer has the right to wear a visible or concealed weapon anywhere he/she goes in the state of Georgia. He/She is considered on duty 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

STC Weapons Policy is stated within the school catalog. Any infraction should be immediately reported to the administrator on duty. Punitive actions will be administered as specified in the school catalog and Georgia Law.

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

The abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs by members of the Southeastern Technical College community are incompatible with the goals of the College. In order to further the College's commitment to provide a healthy and productive educational environment, and in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the College has established the following policy on alcohol and other drugs.

Drug-Free Campus Program

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Southeastern Technical College provides the following information to provide a campus environment free of illicit drug use and alcohol abuse and to prevent the abuse of alcohol and drugs by students and employees.

Illegal Drugs

The use, possession, or distribution of narcotics, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, hallucinogens, and any other dangerous or controlled drugs, not prescribed by a physician, is prohibited on Southeastern Technical College property or at College sponsored events including student organization functions. Any individual, known to be possessing, using, or distributing such drug is subject to disciplinary action and possible arrest, imprisonment, or fine according to state law.

Alcoholic Beverages

Southeastern Technical College seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes health, safety, and welfare of all members of its community. In keeping with these objectives, Southeastern Technical College adopts and enforces all of the Technical College System of Georgia policies and guidelines governing the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Selling or furnishing alcoholic beverages to anyone is not permitted on any Southeastern Technical College campus.

Student Misconduct

The Southeastern Technical College student conduct regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students and student organizations. The regulations also prohibit alcohol-related misconduct. In addition, student organizations are not permitted to sponsor events where alcohol is present. Sanctions for violation of these student conduct regulations may include alcohol and/or other drug education, mandated evaluation and treatment, community service, suspension, and/or expulsion. Student organizations which knowingly permit illegal drug activity will be excluded from campus for a minimum of one (1) year, and criminal charges will be filed with local law enforcement.

A federal drug conviction may result in the denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to one (1) year for first offense, up to five (5) years for second and subsequent offenses [21 U.S.C. sec. 853]. Moreover, any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one (1) year in prison will forfeit personal and real property related to the violation, including homes, vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other personal belongings [21 U.S.C. sec. 853 (a) (2), 881 (a) (7) and 881 (a) (4)]. Further, persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of Southeastern Technical College may face penalties of prison terms and fines that are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one (1) year [921 U.S.C. sec. 845 (a)].

Student Sanctions

1. Students indicted for possession or sale of illegal drugs, alcohol, and/or other mind-altering substances will be suspended from school, forfeit all claim to financial aid, and may be requested to repay all previously received financial aid;
2. If a student is convicted (including a plea of nolo contendere) of committing certain felony offenses involving any criminal drug and/or alcohol statute of any jurisdiction, regardless of whether the alleged violations occurred at the College or elsewhere, the student will be suspended immediately and denied state and/or federal funds from the date of conviction;
3. The College shall notify the appropriate state/federal funding agency within 10 days after receiving notice of the conviction from the student or otherwise after receiving the actual notice of conviction;
4. Within 30 days of notification of conviction, the College shall, with respect to any student so convicted, take additional appropriate action against such student, up to and including expulsion, as it deems necessary.

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 substance, shall, as of the date of conviction, be suspended from the public educational institution in which said person is enrolled. Except for cases in which the College 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 a suspension until a later date. Except for cases in which the College has already imposed disciplinary sanctions for the same offense, such suspension shall continue through the end of the term, 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, 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.

Southeastern Technical College Responsibility

The College is responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of a drug-free awareness program to inform students of the following:

• The dangers of the drug and alcohol abuse on the campus and elsewhere;
• Any available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation and assistance programs;
• Any penalties to be imposed upon students for drug and alcohol abuse violations occurring on the campus.

Employee Misconduct

Employee misconduct related to alcohol or other drug abuse will not be tolerated. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, use, or possession of illegal drugs by employees of Southeastern Technical College is prohibited by the Technical College System of Georgia policy. Violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary sanctions, including referral for legal prosecution.

As a condition of employment, Southeastern Technical College faculty and staff agree to abide by the terms of this policy and to notify the Personnel Department of any criminal drug arrest or conviction (including a plea of nolo contendere) no later than five (5) working days after the arrest or conviction. This policy applies to all employees regardless of the jurisdiction of arrest or whether the alleged violations occurred at the workplace or elsewhere.

As a condition of employment, all current and new employees must certify they have read and will abide by the terms of the Drug Free Policy. Certification is placed in the employee's personnel file.

Within 30 days of notification of conviction, Southeastern Technical College shall, with respect to any employee so convicted:

1. Take appropriate personnel action against such employee, up to, and including, termination;
2. Require such employee to participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

Southeastern Technical College is responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of a drug-free awareness program to inform employees of the following:

1. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace and elsewhere;
2. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs;
3. Any penalties to be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol

The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol can, and in many instances, very probably will, lead to serious health problems, chemical dependency, deterioration of the quality of life, and, if untreated, early death.

Cocaine provides a short-lived "high" followed by depression, paranoia, anxiety, guilt, anger and fear. It can cause rapid physical and psychological addiction. In some instances, cocaine may cause a heart attack or sudden death, even on the first use. The dangers of this highly addictive drug and its close derivative, "crack", are evidenced daily through the news media. Overdose of cocaine (or other stimulants) can cause agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions and possible death.

Marijuana, like cocaine, provides a short-term high, and like cocaine, is addictive. While the "high" may last only a short time, traces remain in the body for a month or more, inhibiting short-term memory, reducing reaction time and impairing visual tracking. It may also cause an inability to abstract and understand concepts. In some instances, it can depress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack, contribute to lung diseases, and infertility. Marijuana and other cannabis can cause euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite and disoriented behavior. Overdose can cause fatigue, paranoia and possible death.

Depressants such as barbiturates, chloral hydrate, benzodiazepines, etc., can cause slurred speech, disorientation and drunken behavior without the odor of alcohol. Overdose can cause shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death.

Hallucinogens such as LSD, Mescaline and Peyote, amphetamine variants, etc., can cause illusions and hallucinations, and poor perception of time and distance. Overdose can cause longer, more intense illusionary hallucinatory episodes, psychosis and possible death.

Narcotics such as opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine can cause euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils and nausea. Overdose of narcotics can cause slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possible death.

Prescription drugs, used improperly, can cause tiredness, or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, brain damage, and, in some instances, addiction or death.

Alcohol, used abusively, will impair judgment, result in anxiety, feelings of guilt, depression and isolation. Prolonged use may cause liver and heart disease, cancer, and psychological problems and dependency in the form of alcoholism. Alcohol used by pregnant women is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in children.

NOTE: See chart on the following page for possible long-term effects of substance abuse.

Criminal Sanctions

Under Georgia and federal law, it is a crime to possess, manufacture, sell, or distribute illegal drugs. As required by federal regulations, charts at the current Safe and Secure Web site detail federal penalties for drug trafficking and state sanctions for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs.

Federal sanctions for the illegal possession of drugs include imprisonment up to one (1) year and/or a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first conviction; imprisonment for 15 days to two (2) years and a minimum fine of $2,500 for a second drug conviction; and imprisonment for 90 days to three (3) years and a minimum fine of $5000 for a third or subsequent drug conviction. For possession of a mixture or substance which contains a cocaine base, federal sanctions includes five (5) to 20 years in prison and a minimum fine of $1000 for a first conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds five (5) grams, for a second conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds three (3) grams, and for a third or subsequent conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds one (1) gram. Additional possible penalties for the illegal possession of drugs are forfeiture of real or personal property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if the offense is punishable by more than one (1) year imprisonment; forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used, or intended for use, to transport or conceal drugs; civil fine up to $10,000 per violation; denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses for up to one (1) year for the first and up to five (5) years for a second or subsequent offense; successful completion of a drug treatment program; community service; and ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm.

Georgia law prohibits the purchase or possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21, or the furnishing of alcohol to such a person. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs also is illegal. It is against Georgia law, under certain circumstances, to walk and be upon a roadway while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The punishment for these offenses may include imprisonment, payment of fine, mandatory treatment and education programs, community service, and mandatory loss of one's driver's license.

The use, possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, and trafficking of illegal drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of potential federal statutory maximum penalties.

However, precise federal sentencing is governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Please note that sentencing under these guidelines can result in penalties that are more severe than the federal statutory maximums and which are more severe than the penalties imposed under state law under certain circumstances.

NOTE: See chart below for possible penalties for substance possession.

A federal drug conviction may result in the denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to one (1) year for first offense, up to five (5) years for second and subsequent offenses [21 U.S.C. sec. 853]. Moreover, any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one (1) year in prison will forfeit personal and real property related to the violation, including homes, vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other personal belongings [21 U.S.C. sec. 853(a)(2), 881(a)(7) and 881(a)(4)]. Further, persons convicted on federal drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of Southeastern Technical College may face penalties of prison terms and fines that are twice as high as regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one (1) year {921 U.S.C. sec. 845(a)].

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Education Programs

A variety of counseling services and treatment centers are available throughout the state for anyone experiencing problems related to substance abuse. Although most counseling and treatment centers charge for their services, some programs are free of charge. Faculty, staff, and students should avail themselves of sources to identify the services or programs which most closely meet their specific needs.

Consistent with its educational mission, Southeastern Technical College provides useful and informative educational programs on drug/alcohol abuse. Programs of this type begin with orientation each semester. A variety of departments sponsor work-shops and lectures on alcohol and drug related issues to support and encourage healthy, productive lifestyles.

The following agencies can be contacted for assistance with drug/alcohol abuse related issues:

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Assistance