4.1.1 Institutional Responsibility

Admission, discipline, promotion, graduation, and formulation of all rules and regulations pertaining to students of University System of Georgia institutions are matters to be handled by the institutions within the framework of policies and regulations issued by the Board of Regents. Students failing to comply with Board of Regents’ or institution rules, regulations, or directives may face disciplinary actions.

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4.1.2 Financial Needs Analysis

Applicants for student financial aid programs that are based on need must file an acceptable needs analysis which has been approved by the United States Department of Education.

University System of Georgia (USG) institutions shall accept and process the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal and state student aid programs. USG institutions may elect to accept and process other needs analysis systems approved by the United States Department of Education.

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4.1.3 Student Voting Privileges

Students are encouraged to vote in all federal, state, and local elections. A student whose class schedule would otherwise prevent him or her from voting will be permitted an excused absence for the interval reasonably required for voting.

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4.1.4 Fraternities and Sororities

Each University System of Georgia institution may decide whether social fraternities and sororities shall be established at the institution and whether each social fraternity or sorority shall be local only or affiliated with national groups. Each institution may promulgate rules and regulations concerning the establishment, organization, governance, and discipline of social fraternities and sororities.

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4.1.5 Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires colleges or universities to make necessary modifications to ensure that the institution does not discriminate or have the effect of discrimination against a qualified student with a disability. The USG is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to all students, and offers students with disabilities a variety of services and accommodations to ensure that both facilities and programs are accessible.

The USG has established sets of common standards and procedures for evaluating and administering accommodations for students with disabilities, which can be found in the Academic Affairs Handbook.

The policy is pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The USG is a “public entity” within the meaning of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12131, and 28 C.F.R. § 35.104, and, therefore, subject to Title II of the ADA, and its implementing regulations, 28 C.F.R. Part 35. It is also a “recipient” of “federal financial assistance” within the meaning of Section 504, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and 34 C.F.R. § 104 and is therefore subject to Section 504 and the relevant implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 104 (BoR Minutes, November 2008).

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Individuals seeking undergraduate admission to any University System of Georgia (USG) institution shall meet the requirements for one of the categories listed below and any additional requirements that may be prescribed by the institution. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to any USG institution.

These policies must be applied in accordance with the standards, procedures, and guidelines provided in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook. Any exceptions to these admission policies may be made only with written approval of the USG Chief Academic Officer.

4.2.1 Admission Requirements for Programs Leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate Degree

These policies must be applied in accordance with the standards, procedures, and guidelines provided in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook.

4.2.1.1 Freshman Requirements

4.2.1.2 International Freshman Requirements

Freshman applicants educated outside of the United States shall demonstrate academic preparation comparable to that required of applicants completing high school within the United States. Freshman applicants whose native language is not English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

4.2.1.3 Exceptions to Freshman Requirements

USG institutions may admit freshman applicants not meeting freshman requirements but showing evidence of college readiness using the following alternative categories.

Limited Admissions Category
In recognition of the fact that a limited number of applicants do not meet established standards but do demonstrate special potential for success, institutions are authorized to grant admission to a limited number of such applicants. Institutions shall establish minimum criteria for Limited Admission, which shall include the use of multiple measures whenever possible, such as interviews, portfolios, and records of experiential achievements. In addition, institutions shall require a high school diploma or state-issued high school equivalency diploma or certificate. Research, comprehensive, and state universities shall also require that applicants complete the RHSC and have at least the minimum SAT or ACT scores provided in the Freshman Requirements policy, as well as the minimum FI as specified in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook.

Presidential Exceptions
Each institution Presidents or his or her designee may grant exceptions to the Limited Admission requirements if the applicant shows promise for academic success and has at least a high school diploma or a state-issued high school equivalency diploma or certificate.

Presidential Exceptions are included as part of the institution’s maximum percentage for Limited Admission.

Applicants with Outstanding Scores
Institutions may grant admission to applicants who demonstrate very high academic ability by achieving a Total SAT or Composite ACT score in the upper five percent of national college-bound seniors for the most recent test year and who show other evidence of college readiness.

Admission of Students with Disabilities
Because the core curriculum of each institution requires students to complete college-level courses in English, mathematics, social science, and science, all students must complete the RHSC in these areas. Applicants with disabilities that preclude the acquisition of a foreign language may petition for admission without this requirement according to procedures established by the USG.

Students with disabilities are expected to meet the sector’s minimum SAT or ACT score requirements, but should request the appropriate testing accommodations from the agencies administering the SAT or ACT.

4.2.1.4 Dual Enrollment Requirements

Dual Enrollment provides academically talented high school students with the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses. Institutions shall establish criteria for the admission of high school students to participate in Dual Enrollment in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook.

Each Early College represents an approved partnership between a Georgia public school system and a USG institution. Early College participants are eligible for enrollment in college courses while they are enrolled in an Early College.

4.2.1.5 Transfer Requirements

Institutions shall establish minimum transfer admission criteria of at least the following:

Institution Sector	Minimum Transfer GPA
Research Universities	2.30
Comprehensive and State Universities	2.00
State Colleges	Eligible to continue or return to sending institution

The transfer GPA is based on transferable credit hours from postsecondary institutions previously attended. It is obtained by dividing the total number of transferable credit hours attempted at all postsecondary institutions previously attended into the total number of quality points for those courses. It excludes institutional credit hours (such as Learning Support courses) and vocational course hours.

Students with fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours must meet the freshman admission requirements at the institution to which they are applying.

4.2.1.6 International Transfer Requirements

Transfer applicants educated outside of the United States shall demonstrate academic preparation comparable to that required of applicants completing their coursework within the United States. Transfer applicants whose native language is not English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

4.2.1.7 Exceptions to Transfer Requirements

In recognition of the fact that a limited number of transfer applicants do not meet established standards but do demonstrate special potential for success, institutions are authorized to grant admission to a limited number of such applicants. Institutions shall use multiple measures whenever possible to assess potential for success. The number of applicants who may be granted admission is restricted by institutional sector as set forth in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook.

4.2.1.8 Non-Traditional Requirements

Institutions may admit as many non-traditional students as is appropriate based on institutional mission, academic programs, and success in retaining and graduating non-traditional students in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook.

Non-Traditional Freshmen
An applicant who has been out of high school at least five years, whose high school class graduated at least five years ago, and who has earned fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours may be evaluated as a non-traditional freshman.

Non-Traditional Transfers
An applicant who has been out of high school at least five years or whose high school class graduated at least five years ago, and who has earned 30 or more transferable semester credit hours may be evaluated as a non-traditional transfer.

4.2.1.9 Persons Aged 62 or Over

Pursuant to the provisions of the Georgia Constitution, the USG establishes the following rules with respect to enrollment of persons 62 years of age or older in USG programs. To be eligible for enrollment under this provision such persons:

1. Must be residents of Georgia, 62 years of age or older at the time of registration, and shall present a birth certificate or other comparable written documentation of age to enable the institution to determine eligibility.
2. May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses offered for resident credit on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.
3. Shall meet all USG and institution undergraduate or graduate admission requirements. However, institutions may exercise discretion in exceptional cases where circumstances indicate that certain requirements such as high school graduation and minimum test scores are inappropriate. In those instances involving discretionary admission institutions will provide diagnostic methods to determine whether or not participation in Learning Support will be required prior to enrollment in regular credit courses. Reasonable prerequisites may be required in certain courses.
4. Shall have all usual student and institutional records maintained. However, institutions will not report such students for budgetary purposes.
5. Must meet all USG, institution, and legislated degree requirements if they are degree-seeking students.
6. May not enroll in dental, medical, veterinary, or law schools under the provisions of this policy.

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4.2.2 Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs Not Leading to the Baccalaureate Degree

These policies must be applied in accordance with the standards, procedures, and guidelines provided in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook.

4.2.2.1 Admission to Career Programs

Admissions requirements for career certificates and career degrees (Associate of Applied Science degrees and Associate of Science degrees in allied health areas) depend upon the extent to which the general education component is based on Core Curriculum courses. There are two sets of admissions requirements, as specified in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook:

1. Programs with a Core-based general education component allowing more than 12 semester hours of Core curriculum course work; and,
2. Programs with non-Core general education components allowing 12 or fewer semester hours of Core Curriculum coursework.

Students admitted in the career degree or certificate category who have not completed a career degree may apply for admission to programs that lead to a baccalaureate degree if they meet regular or Limited Admission requirements. Students admitted in this category can only be admitted into a program leading to a baccalaureate if:

1. On admission to the institution they would have met the requirements for regular or Limited Admission; or,
2. They show exceptional promise and are admitted as a Presidential Exception. Students admitted in this category must fulfill all learning support and RHSC requirements

4.2.2.2 Admission of Non-Degree Students

Institutions may admit applicants to enroll as non-degree students for a maximum total of 18 semester credit hours, including institutional credit. ESL coursework does not count towards the 18 semester hour limit.

4.2.2.3 Admission of Postbaccalaureate Students

Institutions may admit applicants who have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution to enroll as non-degree postbaccalaureate students in courses with no limitation on the number of hours of undergraduate credit these students can earn.

4.2.2.4 Admission of Transient Students

Institutions may admit applicants who are enrolled in another institution to temporarily enroll as transient students, as outlined in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook.

4.2.2.5 Admission of Auditors

Institutions shall establish criteria for the admission of applicants to register as auditors in accordance with the guidelines provided in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook.

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4.2.3 Additional Admission Policies

4.2.3.1 Institution Admission Requirements

In addition to the Board of Regents’ and USG admission requirements, each USG institution may establish additional requirements for admission to the institution or to special programs at the institution provided that the requirements are not less stringent than any Board of Regents’ policy or guideline.

4.2.3.2 Referral of Students to Other Institutions

Institutions should assist Georgia applicants who have been denied admission in identifying another USG institution that more appropriately matches their academic credentials.

4.2.3.3 Right to Refuse Admission

An applicant may be declared eligible for admission, registration, enrollment, or re-enrollment at a USG institution only after satisfying all requirements established by the Board of Regents and the institution. The institution may consider the character and qualifications of the applicant in making admission decisions. In order that this examination and appraisal may be made, the applicant shall furnish to the institution such biographical and other information, including references, as may be required by the institution.

Each USG institution reserves the right to refuse admission to:

1. A non-resident of Georgia;
2. An applicant whose admission would cause the institution to exceed its maximum capacity;
3. An applicant whose request for admission is only to a program that is already filled;
4. An applicant whose transcript is from an unaccredited institution; or
5. An applicant who is otherwise ineligible for admission.

4.2.3.4 Right to Limit Admissions

The Chancellor may limit the number of students admitted to an institution.

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4.3.1 Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Enrollment

Each USG institution is required to file an annual report detailing the number of out-of-state and out-of-country students enrolled during the previous academic year.

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4.3.2 Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes

4.3.2.1 Description of Terms Used in the Policy

Terms used in the Tuition Classification Policy not found below can be found in the Tuition Classification Glossary of Terms.

4.3.2.2 United States Citizens

4.3.2.3 Non-Citizens

A non-citizen student shall not be classified as in-state for tuition purposes unless the student is legally in this state and there is evidence to warrant consideration of in-state classification as determined by the Board of Regents. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or other eligible noncitizens as defined by federal Title IV regulations may be extended the same consideration as citizens of the United States in determining whether they qualify for in-state classification.

International students who reside in the United States under non-immigrant status conditioned at least in part upon intent not to abandon a foreign domicile shall not be eligible for in-state classification.

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4.3.3 Tuition Differential Waivers

See Section 7.3.4 of this Policy Manual for instances in which an institution may waive the differential between in-state and either out-of-state tuition or out-of-country tuition.

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4.4.1 Regents’ Opportunity Grants Program

The 1978 General Assembly (H.B. 1463) amended the law creating the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Authority so as to authorize the Board of Regents to award grants, scholarships, or cancelable loans to economically disadvantaged students who are residents of Georgia enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program in a USG institution.

In compliance with provisions of this Act, the Board adopted the following criteria for the award of such scholarships:

1. Each institution shall submit an annual request to the Chancellor for a specific number of scholarships and grants based upon estimated numbers of eligible candidates in the following year. The Board of Regents shall annually allocate the available positions to the institutions based on the objectives and needs of the USG institutions. The Board of Regents will notify the Higher Education Assistance Authority of the total amount of funds they are to disburse to each institution.
2. To attract the most talented students from the target groups to USG programs, 100 scholarships and grants in the amount of $5,000 each per academic year shall be offered. These scholarships and grants may be utilized as part of a total student financial aid package.
3. Each institution awarding the scholarships and grants shall be responsible for determining compliance with the intent and the terms of the law establishing the scholarships and shall maintain adequate records of students receiving scholarships and grants. A recipient does not have the right to transfer this scholarship to another USG institution. Each institution will make an annual report to the Chancellor on the utilization of these funds.
4. To remain eligible to receive funds under this program, the recipient must maintain good standing and minimum status of effective full-time graduate study, as defined by the institution in which enrolled.
5. The scholarships are renewable, and priority will be given to prior recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria as defined by the awarding institution.
6. Each institution will determine the timing and amount of payments on the scholarship and grant award.

(BoR Minutes, April 12, 1978, p. 210-211)

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4.6.1 [Reserved]

[Reserved]

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4.6.2 Violations of State or Federal Law

A student in any University System of Georgia (USG) institution who is charged with, or indicted for, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude may be suspended pending the disposition of the criminal charges against him or her. Upon request, the student shall be accorded a hearing, as provided in this Policy Manual and any related institution policy, where he or she shall have the burden of establishing that his or her continued presence as a member of the student body will not be detrimental to the health, safety, welfare, or property of other students or members of the campus community or to the orderly operation of the institution. Upon final conviction, the student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

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4.6.3 Student Organization Responsibility for Drug Abuse

The use of marijuana, controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs constitutes a serious threat to the public health, welfare, and academic achievement of students enrolled in the University System of Georgia (USG). Therefore, all student organizations, including but not limited to societies, fraternities, sororities, clubs, and similar groups of students which are affiliated with, recognized by, or which use the facilities under the jurisdiction of USG institutions, are responsible for enforcing compliance with local, state, and federal laws by all persons attending or participating in their respective functions and affairs, social or otherwise.

As provided by the Student Organization Responsibility for Drug Abuse Act, any such student organization which, through its officers, agents, or responsible members, knowingly permits, authorizes, or condones the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, serving, consumption or use of marijuana, controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs at any affair, function, or activity of such student organization, social or otherwise, violates the laws of this State and, after being afforded the constitutional requirements of due process, shall have its recognition as a student organization withdrawn and shall be expelled from the campus for a minimum of one calendar year from the date of determination of guilt.

Such organization shall also be prohibited from using any property or facilities of the institution for a period of at least one year. Any lease, rental agreement, or other document between the Board of Regents or the institution and the student organization that relates to the use of the property leased, rented, or occupied shall be terminated for the student organization knowingly having permitted or authorized the unlawful actions described above.

All sanctions imposed by this policy shall be subject to review procedures authorized by the Board of Regents’ Policy on Application for Discretionary Review.

An appeal to the Board of Regents shall not defer the effective date of the adverse action against the student organization pending the Board’s review unless the Board so directs. Any such stay or suspension by the Board shall expire as of the date of the Board’s final decision on the matter.

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4.6.4 Alcohol and Drugs on Campus

In accordance with Georgia laws governing the manufacture, sale, use, distribution, and possession of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs on college campuses and elsewhere, including the Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990, the Board of Regents encourages its institutions to adopt programs designed to increase awareness of the dangers involved in the use of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, or other illegal or dangerous drugs by University System of Georgia (USG) students and employees. Such programs shall stress individual responsibility related to the use of alcohol and drugs on and off the campus.

To assist in the implementation of such awareness programs and to enhance the enforcement of state laws at USG institutions, each institution shall adopt and disseminate comprehensive rules and regulations consistent with local, state, and federal laws concerning the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs on campus and at institutionally-approved events off campus.

Disciplinary sanctions for the violation of such rules and regulations shall be included as a part of each institution’s disciplinary code of student conduct. Disciplinary sanctions for students convicted of a felony offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of marijuana, controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs shall include the forfeiture of academic credit and the temporary or permanent suspension or expulsion from the institution. All sanctions imposed by the institution shall be subject to review procedures authorized by Board of Regents’ Policy on Application for Discretionary Review.

The rules and regulations adopted by each institution shall also provide for relief from disciplinary sanctions previously imposed against one whose convictions are subsequently overturned on appeal or otherwise.

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Student appeals of final decisions of University System of Georgia institutions are governed by the Board of Regents’ Policy on Application for Discretionary Review.

4.8.1 Immunizations Against Disease During an Outbreak or Epidemic

During an epidemic or a threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by immunization at a University System of Georgia (USG) institution, and when an emergency has been declared by appropriate health authorities of this State, the President of the institution, in conjunction with the Chancellor and appropriate health authorities, may promulgate rules and regulations specifying diseases against which immunizations may be required.

Any individual who cannot show proof of immunity or adequate immunization and refuses to be immunized shall be excluded from any USG institution or facility until valid evidence of immunization against the disease is presented or the epidemic or threat no longer constitutes a significant public health danger.

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4.8.2 Immunization Requirements for Students

Each USG institution shall implement immunization requirements for all new students (first-year, transfers, and others) as directed by policy consistent with recommendations provided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, developed collaboratively by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the Division of Public Health of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. Such policies shall be on file in each institution’s office of student affairs.

Each institution shall make information regarding required and recommended immunizations available to every new student, using information developed by the Division of Public Health in concert with the Office of Student Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

Specific institutions or departments, with concurrence of the president and the Chancellor, may require some immunizations not required for all new students by this policy. Institutions are also authorized to impose additional immunization requirements for students when, in the opinion of the president of the institution and with concurrence of the Chancellor and appropriate public health authorities, there is a substantial risk of exposure to other communicable diseases preventable by vaccination (BoR Minutes, 1990-91, p.114).

Pursuant to legislation enacted in 2003, all students residing in campus housing are required to sign a document stating that they have received a vaccination against meningococcal disease or reviewed the information provided by the institution (BoR Minutes, October 2003).

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The University System Student Advisory Council shall provide a forum for communication and recommendation between University System of Georgia (USG) students, the Chancellor, and, as appropriate, the Board of Regents, concerning matters that are important in providing information and assistance in programs and activities of USG institutions.

The Council shall meet at least once annually with the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee and the Chancellor’s staff for the purpose of discussing plans and growth of the USG and various matters connected therewith. The Council should prepare an annual report to be presented to the Board of Regents at a spring meeting.

Membership of the Council shall be composed of duly elected student body presidents, or equivalent elected officers, of USG institutions. The organization and governance of the Council shall be according to policies and procedures established by the members of the Council in consultation with the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee and approved by the Board of Regents.

4.3.4 Verification of Lawful Presence

Each University System institution shall verify the lawful presence in the United States of every successfully admitted person applying for resident tuition status, as defined in Section 7.3 of this Policy Manual, and of every person admitted to an institution referenced in Section 4.1.6 of this Policy Manual.

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4.1.6 Admission of Persons Not Lawfully Present in the United States

A person who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible for admission to any University System institution which, for the two most recent academic years, did not admit all academically qualified applicants (except for cases in which applicants were rejected for non-academic reasons).

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This policy governs University System of Georgia (USG) institution establishment of intercollegiate athletics, expansion of sports, changes in intercollegiate athletic competition levels, and funding of intercollegiate athletics programs.

4.5.1 Purpose

Participation in and enjoyment of intercollegiate athletics are important components of the overall collegiate experience and also provide valuable benefits to the communities in which universities and colleges are located. The Board of Regents is committed to promoting such participation and opportunities within the mission, values, and goals of each USG institution. However, decisions made with respect to athletic programs may have significant financial implications for the institutions, and, subsequently, affordability for USG students. These programs must be operated in an ethically and fiscally responsible manner consistent with the rules, regulations, and principles of the national intercollegiate athletic associations and the conferences with which the institutions are affiliated.

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4.5.2 Board Oversight

The Board of Regents provides oversight and broad policy guidelines for the operation and budget activities of intercollegiate athletics programs in a manner consistent with the operation of other USG units.

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4.5.3 Delegation of Authority

The President of each USG institution is assigned ultimate responsibility and authority for the operation, fiscal integrity, and personnel of the institution’s athletics program, including appointment and supervision of the athletics director or directors. Each President is also responsible for ensuring that the institution’s athletics program is in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, in compliance with the regulations of any athletic conference affiliation, and that the mission, values, and goals of the athletics program are compatible with those of the institution.

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4.5.4 Authorization and Approvals

Any USG institution that wants to establish an intercollegiate athletics program, expand its current intercollegiate athletics program, make a change in conference that requires significant program or resource expansion, or change competition levels, shall first obtain approval from the Board of Regents. Prior to any action on behalf of the institution, the President of the institution shall first notify the Chancellor of the scope of the intended change and the Chancellor shall determine if written notice to the Board is required. If it is determined that a formal review and approval by the Board is required, the institution shall submit for that approval a full proposal to the Board of Regents for integrated review as outlined in Section 4.5.5.

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4.5.5 Criteria for Proposal of Athletics Expansion

Consideration will be given to proposals that:

1. Are based on an institution submission of a five-year operational and capital plan for intercollegiate athletics that includes projected expenditures and revenues and sources of funding including institutional funds, athletic fees, ticket sales, unrestricted endowment income, and other sources such as sponsorships, community giving, and alumni donations;
2. Demonstrate support and approval for the plan based upon widespread consultation with the institution academic and student governing bodies and community constituents;
3. Stipulate that grants-in-aid will be administered in strict compliance with intercollegiate athletic rules and regulations and may be funded from athletic fee revenues, unrestricted endowment income, and other allowable funding sources;
4. Assure that equitable athletic opportunity will be provided for members of both sexes, so that no person, on the basis of sex, will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination in the overall intercollegiate athletics program of the institution;
5. Stipulate that the operation of intercollegiate athletics cannot come at the expense of academic programs and essential activities at an institution or by diverting funds from other major institution functions;
6. Discuss the facilities implications of any required changes in or additions to capital facilities in order to upgrade intercollegiate athletics; and,
7. Ensure that all funds utilized in support of the intercollegiate athletics program will be allocated, administered, and expended directly under the authority of the institution President in strict compliance with intercollegiate athletics regulations and institutional guidelines for the establishment and conduct of institution intercollegiate athletics boards.

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4.5.6 Monitoring

1. The USG shall annually review institutional intercollegiate athletics programs for financial and program soundness. To assist with this task, each President of an institution that participates in intercollegiate athletics shall furnish a report annually to the Chancellor that addresses academic, fiscal, and compliance issues associated with intercollegiate athletics. This annual report’s format will be prescribed in guidelines issued by the University System Office.
2. Institutions will provide to the Chancellor copies of the annual reports submitted to the appropriate national intercollegiate athletic association and conferences regarding academic progress and graduation success rates of student-athletes.
3. The Chancellor will submit a summary of the institution reports to the members of the Board and will advise the Board Chair of any Board actions needed.
4. Each institution is to immediately notify the Chancellor of all NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA major infractions or investigations, conference investigations, or any other events or situations which might spark unusual public interest in the athletic program. As a part of the notification the institution should provide sufficient detail concerning the situation to ensure the USG can respond appropriately to inquiries.
5. Each institution is required to report to the USG chief business officer regarding all projected or known fiscal shortfalls, where current fiscal year intercollegiate athletic expenses are expected to exceed current fiscal year intercollegiate athletic revenues, as soon as it is determined, along with the reason or reasons for the shortfall and the plan in both the short and long term for resolving the issue. Projected or actual use of institutional reserves in support of intercollegiate athletics must be highlighted in the required report.
6. There shall be an annual audit of any separately incorporated athletic association, with a copy of the audit to be filed with the USG chief audit officer.

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4.5.7 Management of Athletic Affairs

Management and control of intercollegiate and intramural athletic affairs shall be the responsibility of the respective institutional authorities. Each institution participating in a program of intercollegiate athletics is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure that its management of the program is in compliance with the provisions of applicable federal laws and the regulations of any governing body and athletic conference with which it is affiliated.

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4.6.5 Standards for Institutional Student Conduct Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings

(This policy will take effect Fall Semester, 2020)

This Policy establishes minimum procedural standards for investigations and resolutions of alleged student conduct violations, which each institution must incorporate into its respective student conduct policies. The purpose of this Policy is to ensure uniformity in the quality of investigations while providing for due process that affords fairness and equity in all student conduct investigations. This Policy is not intended to infringe or restrict rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution including free speech under the First Amendment, or the due process clauses of Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.

These procedures apply to matters relating to student misconduct, except matters relating to academic dishonesty, which may be covered under separate institutional policies. Institutions shall inform students of their procedures governing student misconduct complaints and investigations. For the purposes of this Policy the term Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be a victim of conduct that would violate any Board or other applicable institution policy. The term Respondent means an individual who is alleged to have engaged in behavior that would violate any Board or other applicable institution policy. Other individuals who report information to an institution regarding alleged policy violations are deemed Reporters.

Institutions may establish to what extent the procedures outlined in this Policy may apply to Reporters.

4.6.5.1 Reports of Student Misconduct

Institutions must provide clear notice to students and other campus community members as to how to file complaints of misconduct.

Complaints to the appropriate department and/or person(s) should include as much information as possible – such as: (1) the type of misconduct alleged; (2) the name and contact information of the individual(s) accused of misconduct; (3) the date(s), time(s), and place(s) of the misconduct; (4) the name(s) and contact information of any individual(s) with knowledge of the incident; (5) whether any tangible evidence has been preserved; and (6) whether a criminal complaint has been made.

Information from complaints may be shared as necessary to investigate and to resolve the alleged misconduct. Complaints shall be investigated and resolved as outlined below. The need to issue a broader warning to the community in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”) shall be assessed in compliance with federal law.

Where appropriate, Complainants may file a law enforcement report as well as an institutional report, but are not required to file both.

Confidentiality:

Where a Complainant (where applicable) requests that their identity be withheld or the allegation(s) not be investigated, the institution should consider whether or not such request(s) can be honored while still promoting a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for the institution and conducting an effective review of the allegations. The institution should inform the requesting party that the institution cannot guarantee confidentiality and that even granting requests for confidentiality shall not prevent the institution from reporting information or statistical data as required by law, including the Clery Act.

Retaliation:

Anyone who has made a report or complaint, provided information, assisted, participated or refused to participate in any investigation or resolution under applicable Board or institution policy shall not be subjected to retaliation. Anyone who believes they have been subjected to retaliation should immediately contact the appropriate department or individual(s) for that institution. Any person found to have engaged in retaliation shall be subject to disciplinary action, pursuant to the institution’s policy.

False Complaints/Statements:

Individuals are prohibited from knowingly giving false statements to an institution official. Any person found to have knowingly submitted false complaints, accusations, or statements, including during a hearing, in violation of applicable Board or institution policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (up to and including suspension or expulsion) and adjudicated pursuant to the institution’s policy.

Amnesty:

Students should be encouraged to come forward and report violations of the law and/or student code of conduct notwithstanding their choice to consume alcohol or drugs. Information reported by a student during the conduct process concerning their consumption of drugs or alcohol will not be voluntarily reported to law enforcement; nor will information that the individual provides be used against the individual for purposes of conduct violations. Nevertheless, these students may be required to meet with staff members regarding the incident and may be required to participate in appropriate educational program(s). The required participation in an educational program under this amnesty procedure will not be considered a sanction. Nothing in this amnesty procedure shall prevent a university staff member who is otherwise obligated by law (the Clery Act) to report information or statistical data as required.

4.6.5.2 Process for Investigating and Resolving Disputed Reports

Jurisdiction:

Each institution shall take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of its community. Accordingly, student conduct should be addressed when such acts occur on institution property, at institution-sponsored or affiliated events, or otherwise violate the institution’s student conduct policies, regardless as to where such conduct occurs. If the student has admitted responsibility and has voluntarily decided to participate in the informal process, the procedures outlined in this section will not apply.

Access to Advisors:

The Respondent and Complainant (where applicable), as parties to these proceedings, shall have the right to have an advisor (who may or may not be an attorney) of the party’s choosing, and at their own expense, for the express purpose of providing advice and counsel. The advisor may be present during meetings and proceedings during the investigatory and/or resolution process at which his or her advisee is present. The advisor may advise their advisee in any manner, including providing questions, suggestions, and guidance on responses to any questions posed to the advisee, but shall not participate directly during the investigation or hearing process.

Initial Evaluation of Student Conduct Reports:

Regardless of how an institution becomes aware of alleged misconduct, the institution shall ensure a prompt, fair, and impartial review and resolution of complaints alleging student misconduct. Where a report of student misconduct has been made to the appropriate department and/or person, the institution shall review the complaint to determine whether the allegation(s) describes conduct in violation of the institution’s policies and/or code of conduct. If the reported conduct would not be a violation of the institution’s policies and/or code of conduct, even if true, then the report should be dismissed. Otherwise, a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation, and review shall be conducted into each complaint received to determine whether charges against the Respondent should be brought.

Any report that involves allegation(s) of conduct that could lead to the suspension or expulsion of the Respondent(s) in an initial violation must be promptly reported to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee by the institution. The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee will work with the institution to determine whether any interim measure(s) are necessary, to determine if an investigator needs to be assigned, and may collaboratively supervise the investigation with the appropriate institution professional (e.g., the Title IX Coordinator, Dean of Students). If an allegation is not initially identified as one that could lead to suspension or expulsion of the Respondent(s), but facts arise during the course of the investigation that would require notice to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee, then the institution shall report that case to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or their designee prior to proceeding.

Interim Measures

Interim measures may be implemented by the institution at any point after the institution becomes aware of the alleged student misconduct and should be designed to protect any student or other individual in the USG community. To the extent interim measures are imposed, they should minimize the burden on both the Complaint (where applicable) and the Respondent, where feasible. Interim measures may include, but are not limited to:

1. Change of housing assignment;
2. Issuance of a “no contact” directive;
3. Restrictions or bars to entering certain institution property;
4. Changes to academic or employment arrangements, schedules, or supervision;
5. Interim suspension; and
6. Other measures designed to promote the safety and well-being of the parties and the institution’s community.

An interim suspension should only occur where necessary to maintain safety and should be limited to those situations where the respondent poses a serious and immediate danger or threat to persons or property. In making such an assessment, the institution should consider the existence of a significant risk to the health or safety of the Complainant (where applicable) or the campus community; the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the probability of potential injury; and whether less restrictive means can be used to significantly mitigate the risk.

Before an interim suspension is issued, the institution must make all reasonable efforts to give the Respondent the opportunity to be heard on whether the Respondent’s presence on campus poses a danger. If an interim suspension is issued, the terms of the suspension take effect immediately. The Respondent shall receive notice of the interim suspension and the opportunity to respond to the interim suspension.

Within three business days of receiving a challenge the institution will determine whether the interim suspension should continue.

Investigation

Throughout any investigation and resolution proceedings, a party shall receive written notice of the alleged misconduct, shall be provided an opportunity to respond, and shall be allowed to remain silent or otherwise not participate in or during the investigation and resolution process without an adverse inference resulting. If a party chooses to remain silent or otherwise not participate in an investigation, the investigation may still proceed and policy charges may still result and be resolved. Timely and equal access to information that will be used during the investigation will be provided to the Complainant (where applicable) and Respondent.

Where the potential sanctions for the alleged misconduct may involve a suspension or expulsion (even if such sanctions were to be held “in abeyance,” such as probationary suspension or expulsion) the institution’s investigation and resolution procedures must provide the additional minimal safeguards outlined below.

1. The Complainant (where applicable) and Respondent shall be provided with written notice of the complaint/allegations, pending investigation, possible charges, possible sanctions, and available support services. The notice should also include the identity of any investigator(s) involved. Notice should be provided via institution email to the address on file.
2. Upon receipt of the written notice, the Respondent shall have at least three business days to respond in writing. In that response, the Respondent shall have the right to admit or to deny the allegations, and to set forth a defense with facts, witnesses, and supporting materials. A non-response will be considered a general denial of the alleged misconduct. Any Complainant (where applicable) shall also be provided three business days to respond to or to supplement the notice.
3. If the Respondent admits responsibility, the process may proceed to the sanctioning phase or may be informally resolved, if appropriate.
4. If at any point the investigator determines there is insufficient evidence to support a charge or to warrant further consideration of discipline, then the complaint should be dismissed.
5. An investigator shall conduct a thorough investigation and should retain written notes and/or obtain written or recorded statements from each interview. The investigator shall also keep a record of any party’s proffered witnesses not interviewed, along with a brief, written explanation of why the witnesses were not interviewed.
6. The initial investigation report shall be provided to the Respondent and the Complainant (where applicable). This report should clearly indicate any resulting charges (or alternatively, a determination of no charges), as well as the facts and evidence in support thereof, witness statements, and possible sanctions. For purposes of this Policy, a charge is not a finding of responsibility, but indicates that there is sufficient evidence to warrant further consideration and adjudication.
7. The final investigation report should be provided to the misconduct panel or hearing officer for consideration in adjudicating the charges brought against the Respondent. A copy shall also be provided to the respondent and Complainant (where applicable) before any hearing. The investigator may testify as a witness regarding the investigation and findings, but shall otherwise have no part in the hearing process and shall not attempt to otherwise influence the proceedings outside of providing testimony during the hearing.

Resolution/Hearing

In no case shall a hearing to resolve charge(s) of student misconduct take place before the investigative report has been finalized.

Where the Respondent indicates that they contest the charges, the matter shall be set for a hearing and once the investigative report has been finalized and copies provided to the Respondent and Complainant (where applicable); however, the Complainant (where applicable) and Respondent may have the option of selecting informal resolution as a possible resolution in certain student misconduct cases where they mutually agree, except where deemed inappropriate by the Vice President for Student Affairs (or their designee) or the System Director.

Where a case is not resolved through informal resolution or informal resolution is not available due to the nature of the charges, the Respondent shall have the option of having the charges heard either by an administrator (Hearing Officer) or a Hearing Panel. If an administrative hearing is requested, the Respondent shall use their discretion to determine whether the case should be heard by a Hearing Panel. Notice of the date, time, and location of the hearing shall be provided to the Respondent and Complainant (where applicable) at least five business days prior to the hearing. Notice shall be provided via institution email where applicable. Hearings shall be conducted in person or via conferencing technology as reasonably available. Additionally, the following standards will apply to any such hearing:

The Respondent and Complainant (where applicable) shall have the right to present witnesses and evidence to the hearing officer or panel. Witness testimony, if provided, shall pertain to knowledge and facts directly associated with the case being heard. The Respondent and Complainant (where applicable) shall have the right to confront any witnesses, including the other party, by submitting written questions to the Hearing Officer or Hearing Panel for consideration. Advisors may actively assist in drafting questions. The Hearing Officer or Hearing Panel shall ask the questions as written and will limit questions only if they are unrelated to determining the veracity of the charge leveled against the Respondent(s). In any event, the Hearing Officer or Hearing Panel shall err on the side of asking all submitted questions and must document the reason for not asking any particular questions.

1. Where the Hearing Officer or Hearing Panel determines that a party or witness is unavailable and unable to be present due to extenuating circumstances, the Hearing Officer or Hearing Panel may establish special procedures for providing testimony from a separate location. In doing so, the Hearing Officer or Hearing Panel must determine whether there is a valid basis for the unavailability, ensure proper sequestration in a manner that ensures testimony has not been tainted, and make a determination that such an arrangement will not unfairly disadvantage any party. Should it be reasonably believed that a party or witness who is not physically present has presented tainted testimony, the Hearing Officer or Hearing Panel will disregard or discount the testimony.
2. Formal judicial rules of evidence do not apply to the investigatory or resolution process.
3. The standard of review shall be a preponderance of the evidence.
4. Institutions should maintain documentation of the proceedings, which may include written findings of fact, transcripts, audio recordings, and/or video recordings.
5. Following a hearing, both the Respondent and Complainant (where applicable) shall be simultaneously provided a written decision via institution email (where applicable) of the outcome and any resulting sanctions. The decision should include details on how to appeal, as outlined below. Additionally, the written decision must summarize the evidence relied on in support of the outcome and the rationale for the resulting sanction. The same form will be completed, regardless of whether the student opts for a hearing panel or an administrative proceeding.

4.6.5.3 Reports of Sexual Misconduct

Initial Evaluation of Sexual Misconduct Reports:

Upon notice of the alleged Sexual Misconduct the institution’s Title IX Coordinator (“Coordinator”) will assess whether a formal investigation, informal resolution, or dismissal would be appropriate. In making this determination, the Coordinator will assess whether the allegation(s), if true, would rise to the level of prohibited conduct, whether a Formal Complaint must be filed, whether an investigation is appropriate in light of the circumstances, whether the parties prefer an informal resolution, and whether any safety concerns exist for the campus community. The need to issue a broader warning to the community in compliance with the Clery Act shall be assessed in compliance with federal law.

Confidentiality:

Where a Complainant requests that their identity be withheld or the allegation(s) not be investigated, the Coordinator should consider whether or not such request(s) can be honored in a manner consistent with the institution’s obligations to promote a safe and nondiscriminatory environment. The institution should inform the Complainant that the institution cannot guarantee confidentiality. Honoring a Complainant’s request for confidentiality shall not prevent the institution from reporting information or statistical data as required by law, including the Clery Act.

Retaliation:

Anyone who has made a report or complaint, provided information, assisted, participated, or refused to participate in any manner in the Sexual Misconduct process, shall not be subjected to retaliation. Anyone who believes that they have been subjected to retaliation should immediately contact the Coordinator or their designee. Any person found to have engaged in retaliation shall be subject to disciplinary action.

False Complaints/Statements:

Individuals are prohibited from knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information to a system or institution official. Any person found to have knowingly submitted false complaints, accusations, or statements, including during a hearing, shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (up to and including suspension or expulsion) under the appropriate institutional process.

Amnesty:

Students should be encouraged to come forward and to report Sexual Misconduct notwithstanding their choice to consume alcohol or to use drugs. Information reported by a student during the Sexual Misconduct process concerning the consumption of drugs or alcohol will not be used against the particular student in a disciplinary proceeding or voluntarily reported to law enforcement; however, students may be provided with resources on drug and alcohol counseling and/or education, as appropriate. Nevertheless, these students may be required to meet with staff members regarding the incident and may be required to participate in appropriate educational program(s). The required participation in an educational program under this amnesty procedure will not be considered a sanction. Nothing in this amnesty provision shall prevent an institution staff member who is otherwise obligated by law (the Clery Act) to report information or statistical data as required.

Jurisdiction:

Each institution shall take necessary and appropriate action to promote the safety and well-being of its community. Accordingly, Sexual Misconduct should be addressed when such acts occur on institution property, at institution-sponsored or affiliated events, or otherwise violates the institution’s student conduct policies, regardless as to where such conduct occurs.

Access to Advisors:

1. For Formal Title IX Complaints: Both the Complainant and the Respondent, as parties to the matter, shall have the opportunity to use an advisor (who may or may not be an attorney) of the party’s choosing. The advisor may accompany the party to all meetings and may provide advice and counsel to their respective party throughout the Sexual Misconduct process, including providing questions, suggestions and guidance to the party, but may not actively participate in the process except to conduct cross-examination at the hearing as outlined in the Resolution/Hearing section below. If a party chooses not to use an advisor during the investigation, the institution will provide an advisor for the purpose of conducting cross-examination on behalf of the relevant party. All communication during the Sexual Misconduct process will be between the institution and the party and not the advisor. The institution will copy the party’s advisor prior to the finalization of the investigation report when the institution provides the parties the right to inspect and review directly related information gathered during the investigation. With the party’s permission, the advisor may be copied on all communications.

2. For Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct Complaints: Both the Complainant and the Respondent, as parties to the matter, shall have the opportunity to use an advisor (who may or may not be an attorney) of the party’s choosing at the party’s own expense. The advisor may accompany the party to all meetings and may provide advice and counsel to their respective party throughout the Sexual Misconduct process but may not actively participate in the process. All communication during the Sexual Misconduct process will be between the institution and the party and not the advisor. With the party’s permission, the advisor may be copied on all communications.

Interim Measures:

Interim measures may be implemented at any point after the institution becomes aware of an allegation of Sexual Misconduct and should be designed to protect any student or other individual in the USG community. Such measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the education program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the recipient’s educational environment, or deter Sexual Misconduct and retaliation. Interim measures must be implemented consistent with the provisions in applicable Board and institutional policies and procedures.

An interim suspension should only occur where necessary to promote safety and should be limited to those situations where the Respondent poses a serious and immediate danger or threat to persons or property. In making such an assessment, the institution should consider the existence of a significant risk to the health or safety of the Complainant or the campus community; the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the probability of potential injury; and whether less restrictive means can be used to significantly mitigate the risk.

Before an interim suspension is issued, the institution must make reasonable efforts to give the Respondent the opportunity to be heard on whether the Respondent’s presence on campus poses a danger. If an interim suspension is issued, the terms of the interim suspension take effect immediately. The Respondent shall receive notice of the interim suspension and the opportunity to respond to the interim suspension.

Within three business days of receiving a challenge the institution will determine whether the interim suspension should continue.

4.6.5.4 Process for Investigating and Resolving Sexual Misconduct Reports

Investigation

Throughout any investigation and resolution proceeding, a party shall receive written notice of the alleged Sexual Misconduct, shall be provided an opportunity to respond, and shall be allowed the right to remain silent or otherwise not participate in or during the investigation and resolution process without an adverse inference resulting. If a party chooses to remain silent or otherwise not participate in the investigation or resolution process, the investigation and resolution process may still proceed, and policy violations may result.

Until a final determination of responsibility, the Respondent is presumed to have not violated the Sexual Misconduct Policy. Prior to the finalization of the investigation report, timely and equal access to information directly related to the allegations that has been gathered during the investigation and may be used at the hearing will be provided to the Complaint, the Respondent, and a party’s advisor (where applicable).

Formal judicial rules of evidence do not apply to the investigation process, additionally the standard of review throughout the Sexual Misconduct process is a preponderance of the evidence.

1. The parties shall be provided with written notice of the: report/allegations with sufficient details, pending investigation, possible charges, possible sanctions, available support services and interim measures, and other rights under applicable institutional policies. For the purposes of this provision sufficient details include the identities of the parties involved, if known, the conduct allegedly constituting Sexual Misconduct, and the date and location of the alleged incident, if known. This information will be supplemented as necessary with relevant evidence collected during the investigation. The notice should also include the identity of any investigator(s) involved. Notice should be provided via institution email to the party’s institution email.
2. Upon receipt of the written notice, the parties shall have at least three business days to respond in writing. In that response, the Respondent shall have the right to admit or deny the allegations, and to set forth a defense with facts, witnesses, and supporting materials. A Complainant shall have the right to respond to and supplement the notice. Throughout the Sexual Misconduct process the Complainant and the Respondent shall have the right to present witnesses and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence.
3. If the Respondent admits responsibility, the process may proceed to the sanctioning phase or may be informally resolved, if appropriate.
4. An investigator shall conduct a thorough investigation and should retain written notes and/or obtain written or recorded statements from each interview. The investigator shall also keep a record of any party’s proffered witnesses not interviewed, along with a brief, written explanation of why the witnesses were not interviewed.
5. An investigator shall not access, consider, disclose, or otherwise use a party’s records made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional made in connection with the party’s treatment unless the party has provided voluntary written consent. This also applies to information protected by recognized legal privilege.
6. The initial investigation report shall be provided to the Complainant, the Respondent, and a party’s advisor (if applicable). This report should fairly summarize the relevant evidence gathered during the investigation and clearly indicate any resulting charges or alternatively, a determination of no charges. For purposes of this Policy, a charge is not a finding of responsibility.
7. The Complainant and the Respondent shall have at least 10 calendar days to review and respond in writing to the initial investigation report and directly related information gathered during the investigation. The investigator will review the Complainant’s and the Respondent’s written responses, if any, to determine whether further investigation or changes to the investigation report are necessary.
8. The final investigation report should be provided to the Complainant, the Respondent, and a party’s advisor, if applicable, at least 10 calendar days prior to the Hearing. The final investigation report should also be provided to all Hearing Panel members for consideration during the adjudication process.

Resolution/Hearing

The Respondent and the Complainant, as parties to the matter, may have the option of selecting informal resolution as a possible resolution in certain cases where the parties agree, and it is deemed appropriate by the institution. Where a matter is not resolved through informal resolution a hearing shall be set. All Sexual Misconduct cases shall be heard by a panel of faculty and/or staff. All institutional participants in the Sexual Misconduct resolution process shall receive appropriate annual training as directed by the System Director or Coordinator and required by the Clery Act and Title IX.

In no case shall a hearing to resolve a Sexual Misconduct allegation take place before the investigation report has been finalized. The investigator may testify as a witness regarding the investigation and findings but shall otherwise have no part in the hearing process and shall not attempt to otherwise influence the proceedings outside of providing testimony during the hearing. All directly related evidence shall be available at the hearing for the parties and their advisors to reference during the hearing.

Relevant facts or evidence that were not known or knowable to the parties prior to the issuance of the final investigative report shall be admissible during the hearing. The institution will determine how the facts or evidence will be introduced. The admissibility of any facts or evidence known or knowable by the parties prior to the issuance of the final investigative report, and which were not submitted during the investigation, shall be determined by the institution in compliance with the obligation to provide both parties an equal opportunity to present and respond to witnesses and other evidence. Notice of the date, time, and location of the hearing as well as the selected hearing panel members shall be provided to the Complainant and the Respondent at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing. Notice shall be provided via institution email to the parties’ institution email. Parties may attend the hearing with their advisor.

Hearings shall be conducted in-person or via video conferencing technology. Where the institution determines that a party or witness is unable to be present in person due to extenuating circumstances, the institution may establish special procedures to permit that individual to provide testimony from a separate location. In doing so, the institution must determine whether there is a valid basis for the individual’s unavailability, require that the individual properly sequester in a manner that ensures testimony has not been tainted, and make a determination that such arrangement will not unfairly disadvantage any party. Should it be reasonably believed that the individual presented tainted testimony, the hearing panel will disregard or discount the testimony. Parties may also request to provide testimony in a separate room from the opposing party, so long as no party is unfairly disadvantaged, and they have the opportunity to view the testimony remotely and submit follow-up questions.

At all times participants in the hearing process, including parties, a party’s advisor, and institution officials, are expected to act in a manner that promotes dignity and decorum throughout the hearing. Participants are expected to be respectful to others and follow procedural formalities outlined by this Policy and the institution. The institution reserves the right to remove any participant from the hearing environment if the participant refuses to adhere to the institution’s established rules of decorum.

Each institution shall maintain documentation of the investigation and resolution process, which may include written findings of fact, transcripts, audio recordings, and/or video recordings. Any documentation shall be maintained for seven years.

Additionally, the following standards will apply to Title IX and Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct hearings respectively:

A. Title IX Hearings

1. Where a party or a witness is unavailable, unable, or otherwise unwilling to participate in the hearing, including being subject to cross-examination, the hearing panel shall not draw an adverse inference against the party or witness based solely on their absence from the hearing or refusal to subject to cross-examination.
2. The parties shall have the right to present witnesses and evidence at the hearing.
3. The parties shall have the right to confront any witness, including the other party, by having their advisor ask relevant questions directly to the witness. The Hearing Officer shall limit questions raised by the advisor when they are irrelevant to determining the veracity of the allegations against the Respondent(s). In any such event, the Hearing Officer shall err on the side of permitting all the raised questions and must document the reason for not permitting any particular questions to be raised.
4. Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior, shall be deemed irrelevant, unless such questions and evidence are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the alleged conduct or consent between the parties during the alleged incident.
5. The hearing panel shall not access, consider, disclose, or otherwise use a party’s records made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional made in connection with the party’s treatment unless the party has provided voluntary written consent. This also applies to information protected by recognized legal privilege.
6. Formal judicial rules of evidence do not apply to the resolution process and the standard of evidence shall be a preponderance of the evidence.
7. Following a hearing, the parties shall be simultaneously provided a written decision via institution email of the hearing outcome and any resulting sanctions or administrative actions. The decision must include the allegations, procedural steps taken through the investigation and resolution process, findings of facts supporting the determination(s), determination(s) regarding responsibility, and the evidence relied upon and rationale for any sanction or other administrative action. The institution shall also notify the parties of their right to appeal as outlined below.

B. Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct Hearings

1. The parties shall have the right to present witnesses and evidence at the hearing. Witness testimony, if provided, shall pertain to knowledge and facts directly associated with the case being heard.
2. The parties shall have the right to confront any witnesses, including the other party, by submitting written questions to the Hearing Officer for consideration. Advisors may actively assist in drafting questions. The Hearing Officer shall ask the questions as written and will limit questions only if they are irrelevant to determining the veracity of the allegations against the Respondent(s). In any such event, the Hearing Officer shall err on the side of asking all submitted questions and must document the reason for not asking any particular questions.
3. Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior, shall be deemed irrelevant, unless such questions and evidence are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the alleged conduct or consent between the parties during the alleged incident.
4. The hearing panel shall not access, consider, disclose, or otherwise use a party’s records made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional made in connection with the party’s treatment unless the party has provided voluntary written consent. This also applies to information protected by recognized legal privilege.
5. Formal judicial rules of evidence do not apply to the resolution process and the standard of evidence shall be a preponderance of the evidence.
6. Following a hearing, the parties shall be simultaneously provided a written decision via institution email of the hearing outcome and any resulting sanctions or administrative actions. The decision must include the allegations, procedural steps taken through the investigation and resolution process, findings of facts supporting the determination(s), determination(s) regarding responsibility, and the evidence relied upon and rationale for any sanction or other administrative action. The institution shall also notify the parties of their right to appeal, as outlined below.

4.6.5.5 Possible Sanctions

In determining the severity of sanctions or corrective actions the following should be considered: the frequency, severity, and/or nature of the offense; history of past conduct; an offender’s willingness to accept responsibility; previous institutional response to similar conduct; strength of the evidence; and the wellbeing of the university community. The institution will determine sanctions and issue notice of the same, as outlined above.

The broad range of sanctions includes: expulsion; suspension for an identified time frame or until satisfaction of certain conditions or both; temporary or permanent separation of the parties (e.g., change in classes, reassignment of residence, no contact orders, limiting geography of where parties can go on campus) with additional sanctions for violating no-contact orders; required participation in sensitivity training/awareness education programs; required participation in alcohol and other drug awareness and abuse prevention programs; counseling or mentoring; volunteering/community service; loss of institutional privileges; delays in obtaining administrative services and benefits from the institution (e.g., holding transcripts, delaying registration, graduation, diplomas); additional academic requirements relating to scholarly work or research; financial restitution; or any other discretionary sanctions directly related to the violation or conduct.

For suspension and expulsion, the institution must articulate, in its written decision, the substantial evidence relied upon in determining that suspension or expulsion were appropriate. For purposes of this Policy substantial evidence means evidence that a reasonable person might accept to support the conclusion.

4.6.5.6 Appeals

Appeals may be allowed in any case where sanctions are issued, even when such sanctions are held “in abeyance,” such as probationary or expulsion. Where the sanction imposed includes a suspension or expulsion (even for one held in abeyance), the following appellate procedures must be provided.

The Respondent (and in cases involving sexual misconduct or other forms of discrimination and/or harassment, the Complainant) shall have the right to appeal the outcome on any of the following grounds: (1) to consider new information, sufficient to alter the decision, or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing (or appeal), because such information was not known or knowable to the person appealing during the time of the hearing (or appeal); (2) to allege a procedural error within the hearing process that may have substantially impacted the fairness of the hearing (or appeal), including but not limited to whether any hearing questions were improperly excluded or whether the decision was tainted by a conflict of interest or bias by the Title IX Coordinator, Conduct Officer, investigator(s), decision makers(s); or (3) to allege that the finding was inconsistent with the weight of the information. The appeal must be made in writing, must set forth one or more of the bases outlined above, and must be submitted within five business days of the date of the final written decision. The appeal should be made to the institution’s President or their designee.

The appeal shall be a review of the record only, and no new meeting with the Respondent or any Complainant is required. The President or their designee may affirm the original finding and sanction, affirm the original finding but issue a new sanction of greater or lesser severity, remand the case back to any lower decision maker to correct a procedural or factual defect, or reverse or dismiss the case if there was a procedural or factual defect that cannot be remedied by remand. The President or their designee’s decision shall be simultaneously issued in writing to the parties within a reasonable time period. The President or their designee’s decision shall be the final decision of the institution.

Should the Respondent or Complainant (where applicable) wish to appeal the final institutional decision, they may request review by the Board of Regents in accordance with the Board of Regents’ Policy on Discretionary Review.

Appeals received after the designated deadlines above will not be considered unless the institution or Board of Regents has granted an extension prior to the deadline. If an appeal is not received by the deadline the last decision on the matter will become final.

4.6.5.7 Recusal/Challenge for Bias

Any party may challenge the participation of any institution official, employee or student panel member in the process on the grounds of personal bias by submitting a written statement to the institution’s designee setting forth the basis for the challenge. The designee shall not be the same individual responsible for investigating or adjudicating the conduct allegation. The written challenge should be submitted within a reasonable time after the individual knows or reasonably should have known of the existence of the bias. The institution’s designee will determine whether to sustain or deny the challenge and, if sustained, the replacement to be appointed.

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4.5.8 Funding of Intercollegiate Athletic Programs

For the purpose of this policy, the USG has adopted the definitions of revenues and expenses provided by the NCAA for the Financial Reporting System as outlined below and to be further defined in the USG Business Procedures Manual. The NCAA Financial Reporting System aims to capture all revenues and expenses on behalf of an institution’s intercollegiate athletics program, including those by outside entities (e.g. foundations, booster clubs) and institutions similarly shall include all intercollegiate athletics revenue and expense to include entities operating on behalf of the institution’s athletics program.

As used in this Policy, “Athletics Operating Revenue” is the total revenue generated by the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program. “Direct Institutional Support” is the direct financial support provided by the institution to the athletics programs (e.g., tuition funds) used to support intercollegiate athletic activities. “Subsidy” is the sum of direct institutional support and student fees and does not include the value of out-of-state tuition waivers. “Subsidy Percentage” is the subsidy divided by athletics operating revenue as defined in the USG Business Procedures Manual. “Athletics Operating Expense” is the total expense spent by the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program. Athletics Operating Revenue, Direct Institutional Support, Subsidy, Subsidy Percentage, and Athletic Operating Expense shall be further defined in the USG Business Procedures Manual.

Institutions may expend Education & General fund resources on behalf of the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program except as noted: Institutions must not expend Fund 10000 state appropriations on athletics, must not expend Education & General fund resources in support of athletic scholarships, and must not expend Education & General fund resources or student athletic fee revenue for the direct compensation of intercollegiate student-athletes for the use of such student athlete’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

A. A form will be provided to ensure a standardized reporting format for each institution to annually report its intercollegiate athletics revenues and expenses in accordance with Section 4.5.6.1.

B. The subsidy percentage shall not exceed:

• 10% for NCAA DI-A institutions affiliated with the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or SEC; often referred to as the Power 4 (effective July1, 2025, this percentage cap rises to 20%);
• 65%: NCAA DI-A institutions affiliated with other conferences;
• 75% for NCAA Division I-AA institutions;
• 80% for NCAA Division II institutions;
• 85% for NAIA and NJCAA institutions.

C. Except for the Power 4 institutions, total athletic operating expenses may not increase by more than 5% annually unless approved in advance by the Chancellor.

D. Effective July 1, 2016, each institution exceeding the allowable subsidy percentage in the prior fiscal year shall submit to the Chancellor a plan for approval that reduces the subsidy over a fiscal year period, not to exceed four years, until the subsidy percentage complies with the requirements of subsection B. Failure to be in compliance in four years shall, at the discretion of the Chancellor, result in athletics programming mandates from the Chancellor including but not limited to reduction or change in sport offerings, change in conference affiliation, and change in governing body or division membership. Any institutions below these caps will have one year to get back in compliance.

In limited circumstances, the president may seek approval from the Chancellor to exceed the allowable subsidy percentage not to exceed a period of three years. This request must be supported by a sound business case and demonstrate how the institution will return to compliance.

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