The primary concern of the Wiregrass Campus Police is the safety and security of all members of the campus community. 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), Wiregrass Georgia 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.

In compliance with federal law, the Campus Police makes available safety and crime statistics, a daily crime log and fire log. These logs are available for view at https://www.wiregrass.edu/about/campus-police or by contacting the Campus Police by phone at (229) 468-2241 or by email at campuspolice@wiregrass.edu

It is the policy of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to provide technical and adult education programs for the people of Georgia. WGTC must provide opportunities for intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. WGTC students assume an obligation to act in a manner compatible with the fulfillment of the mission. The WGTC community recognizes its responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to growth. With these principles in mind, the Technical College System of Georgia establishes the Student Code of Conduct found on the Wiregrass GA Tech website.

For the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Policy on Student Conduct see the WGTC Student Handbook and Catalog or the Policy Manual.

Any person may file a complaint with the Vice President for Enrollment Management or his/her designee against any student for an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct. To file a complaint, fill out this form. Persons can remain confidential if they choose. All complaints will be fully investigated and actions taken based on the policies and procedures referenced above in the Student Handbook and Policy Manual.

It is the policy of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to provide technical and adult education programs for the people of Georgia. WGTC must provide opportunities for intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. WGTC students assume an obligation to act in a manner compatible with the fulfillment of the mission. The WGTC community recognizes its responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to growth. With these principles in mind, the Technical College System of Georgia establishes the Student Code of Conduct found on the Wiregrass GA Tech website.

For the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Policy on Student Conduct see the WGTC Student Handbook and Catalog or the Policy Manual.

Any person may file a complaint with the Vice President for Enrollment Management or his/her designee against any student for an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct. To file a complaint, fill out this form. Persons can remain confidential if they choose. All complaints will be fully investigated and actions taken based on the policies and procedures referenced above in the Student Handbook and Policy Manual.

The policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement and liabilities students may face for unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials is addressed in several locations. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) addresses copyright in the TCSG State Board Policy Manual, Intellectual Property Policy (3.2.1.). This policy states that intellectual property produced on behalf of the College, or using its resources, should not “violate any law,” “violate or infringe any intellectual property right,” nor “libel, defame, or invade the privacy of any person or firm.” TCSG Procedure 3.2.3p. specifically defines a baseline for actions to combat unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials that is consistent with Federal requirements. In addition to the copyright guidelines offered in the WGTC Library Policies + Procedures Manual, copyright is addressed through the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Computer Use Policy, as well is in the WGTC Student Handbook and Catalog. Information regarding copyright infringement is available through the Wiregrass Georgia Tech Library at (229) 259-5177 or by email at library@wiregrass.edu

Effective communication is one of the major challenges in emergency management. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has a comprehensive emergency notification system, myConnect, https://wiregrassconnect.portal.finalsiteconnect.com/Entry, which includes email, text, and phone messages. Details about these methods of communication are available through the Public Relations and Marketing Office, https://www.wiregrass.edu/pr-marketing or by phone at (229) 245-2460.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students (18 years or older) certain rights with respect to their educational records maintained by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) or the technical college. They include the right to: 1) inspect and review these records; 2) request an amendment to the records; 3) consent to or restrict disclosures of personally identifiable information in the records; and 4) file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning the College’s alleged failure to comply with FERPA. Copies of the complete policies and procedures for reviewing educational records and requesting an amendment of the records may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar by email at registrar@wiregrass.edu or (229) 259-5536. The Wiregrass GA Tech FERPA Annual Notification and policy information can be found at https://www.wiregrass.edu/registrar/ferpa U.S. Department of Education FERPA Guidelines on FERPA can be found here: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/g-en/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

For more information on FERPA, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@wiregrass.edu or by phone at (229) 259-5536

If there are funds remaining on a students account after tuition and fees are deducted from earned Title IV financial aid, the Business Office will issue payment to the student prior to the end of the term. Student refund dates are posted in the student BanWeb account. Any student who is issued a Title IV refund and then found to have withdrawn from classes prior to completion of the 60 percent attendance point in the semester must return the unearned funds back to the College. Students who have amounts due will not be allowed to receive grades or register for classes until the amount owed is paid in full. Specific information about financial aid disbursements to student accounts can be located in the WGTC Student Handbook and Catalog or by contacting the Business Office atstudentbalace@wiregrass.edu

Descriptions of available federal, state, and institutional sources of student assistance, application procedures, eligibility requirements, recipient selection criteria and criteria to determine award amounts, methods of disbursement and requirements for the Return of Title IV grant for students who withdraw from the college, terms and conditions of Federal Work-Study and employment opportunities, student rights and responsibilities, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards are available from the Office of Financial Aid by email at financialaid@wiregrass.edu or on the Wiregrass GA Tech website at https://www.wiregrass.edu/financial-aid Specific information about financial aid disbursements to student accounts and refunds can be located in the WGTC Student Handbook and Catalog or by contacting the Business Office at studentbalance@wiregrass.edu A breakdown of the estimated cost of attendance used to determine student eligibility for federal student assistance is available at the Financial Aid website listed above. The Business Office provides program-specific costs of tuition and fees located at https://www.wiregrass.edu/tuition-fees-schedule Specific information about financial aid disbursements to student accounts and refunds are available here, payment deadlines for each semester on posted on the WGTC Website and in the Student Portal in TargetX. Information on student body diversity in the categories of gender and ethnicity of enrolled full-time Federal Pell Grant recipients can be found below under the Student Information section of this webpage.

Graduation rates for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College first-time full-time undergraduate cohorts are published below and are also available from the Institutional Effectiveness Office here, payment deadlines for each semester on posted on the https://www.wiregrass.edu/institutional-effectiveness or by calling (229) 333-2100.

Descriptions of academic programs, degree offerings, instructional facilities and labs, and instructional personnel are available online from www.wiregrass.edu Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500. More information regarding accreditation can be found on the College website at https://www.wiregrass.edu/institutional-effectiveness/accreditation Information regarding requirements for admission to an academic program, the transfer student application process, and the criteria the College uses regarding transfer credits earned at another institution is in the WGTC Student Handbook and Catalog.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is in compliance with Title 34 CFR 86, which requires notice to all students, faculty and employees concerning its drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require that institutions of higher education certify that they have adopted and implemented a drug and alcohol prevention program as a condition of receiving funding under any federal program. The Secretary of Education has, as required by the Amendments, issued regulations to enforce the law. These regulations, known as the “Drug Free Schools and Campuses”, may be found in 34 CFR 86 at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2018-title34-vol1/xml/CFR-2018-title34-vol1-part86.xml.
The Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs is published annually in the WGTC Student Handbook and Catalog Wiregrass Georgia Tech has partnered with Get Inclusive whose mission is to help students address critical life skills such as alcohol abuse prevention and sexual assault prevention in high schools and higher education institutions across the country. Each year over ½ million students complete these courses.
As part of our comprehensive prevention efforts for new students, Wiregrass Georgia Tech expects students enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes, College Success, and Commercial Truck Driving to complete the Get Inclusive Voices for Change - Alcohol and Consent Modules during their first semester of enrollment. These online courses are thoughtful and educational programs for adults committed to thinking about their life choices. In addition, Human Resources provides all employees with information about substance abuse in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. The College’s student conduct regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students and student organizations. Other alcohol‐related misconduct is also prohibited. The College also does not tolerate employee misconduct related to alcohol or other drug abuse. Sanctions are detailed for students and staff who violate this policy. For additional information, contact Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Chief of Police by phone at by phone at (229) 468-2241 or by email at campuspolice@wiregrass.edu Resources: • Student Conduct Policies Related to Alcohol and Drugs • Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Biennial Review (PDF) can be obtained by emailing shannon.mcconico@wiregrass.edu • Employee Policy on a Drug Free Workplace
Drug Violations and Consequences 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 www.dea.gov website 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 1 year and/or a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first conviction; imprisonment for 15 days to 2 years and a minimum fine of $2,500 for a second drug conviction; and imprisonment for 90 days to 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 include 5 to 20 years in prison and a minimum fine of $1000 for a first conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 5 grams, for a second conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 3 grams, and for a third or subsequent conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 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 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 1 year for the first and up to 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. 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 year for first offense, up to five 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 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 Wiregrass Georgia 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 year {921 U.S.C. sec. 845(a)]. • Wiregrass Policy on Drug Free Campus
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, 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.
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.
The following agencies can be contacted for assistance with drug/alcohol abuse related issues:
National and State-wide Organizations 24 Hour Addiction Helpline (866) 569-7077
Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.aa.org Alcohol Treatment Referral Hotline (800) 662-4357
Addiction Center (877) 643-4503 https://www.addictioncenter.com/college/
Al-Anon for Families of Alcoholics (888) 425-2666 http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (800) 662-4357
Cocaine Anonymous (800) 662-4357
Georgia Crisis and Access Line http://drugabuse.com/usa/drug-abuse/georgia/
Georgia Drug Abuse Treatment Programs http://drugabuse.com/usa/drug-abuse/georgia/
Helpline (800) 338-6745
Narcotics Anonymous (800) 342-3487 http://www.na.org NAR ANON of Georgia http://www.naranonga.org
Rehab.com (702) 930-3952 https://www.rehab.com/georgia
Wiregrass Personal Counseling and Social Support Resources: https://www.wiregrass.edu/special-populations/personal-counseling
Wiregrass WeCARE: https://www.wiregrass.edu/about/campus-police/wiregrass-cares

The Net Price Calculator, located on the Financial Aid website at https://www.wiregrass.edu/financial-aid/net-price-calculator, contains a College Cost Estimator. This feature will provide an estimate of typical expenses and financial aid to attend Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The estimates may be used to help students determine “net cost”—likely out-of-pocket expenses to attend the College. For more details contact the Financial Aid Office by phone at (229) 333-2105 or email at financialaid@wiregrass.edu

Information on placement of and types of employment obtained by graduates of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is located online at https://www.wiregrass.edu/academic-support-services/student-and-graduate-resources or by calling Career Services at (229) 333-5356.

Students withdrawing from a course by the end of the third instructional day of the semester and no shows shall receive a 100% refund of applicable tuition (hours below the 15-hour tuition cap) and applicable refundable fees, excluding the application fee. Exceptions may be allowed for customized courses that do not follow the College’s standard academic calendar. Students who withdraw from a course after the third instructional day of the semester shall receive no refund. For those students receiving federal financial aid, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College shall make available consumer information that may be found at ifap.ed.gov under the appropriate aid year’s Handbook. Although there will be no refund of tuition and fees after the third instructional day, withdrawing students receiving the Federal Pell Grant will have awards adjusted in compliance with the Return of Title IV process (R2T4) outlined in the Federal Student Aid Handbook. Refunds are made without the student’s request and within forty-five (45) days of the last day of attendance if written notification has been received from the student or from the date Wiregrass Georgia Technical College terminates the student or determines withdrawal by the student. When Wiregrass GA Tech cancels a class or program, all of the tuition and fees collected in advance are refunded within forty-five (45) days of the planned start date of the class or program. For additional information contact the Business Office at studentbalace@wiregrass.edu. Find complete information regarding Wiregrass Refunds and Disbursements at https://www.wiregrass.edu/financial-aid/refunds-disbursements.

Students MUST have a receipt to receive an exchange or refund. Textbooks can be returned or exchanged within ten (10) days of purchase. Returns in excess of 10 days may be allowed with a valid drop form or if the class is cancelled due to low enrollment. Refunds will be by original method of payment. New textbooks must be in original condition, free of bends, smudges, markings, indentions, or free of any kind of wear to be returned as a new book. These return policies also apply to online purchases. https://www.wiregrass.edu/current-students/bookstore.

Retention rates for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College first-time full-time undergraduate cohorts are published below and are also available from the Institutional Effectiveness Office https://www.wiregrass.edu/institutional-effectiveness or by calling (229) 333-2100.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website contains important information for students and parents about scholarship scams. The FTC cautions the use of scholarship service agencies that say: “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.” “You can’t get this information anywhere else.” “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.” “We’ll do all the work.” “The scholarship will cost some money.” “You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship” or “You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered. If you believe you have been the victim of scholarship fraud, wish to file a complaint, or want more information, call 1 (877) 382-4357 or visit www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/scholarship/index.shtml

Special Populations coordinates and provides various academic and support services to students with disabilities as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Information is available through the Special Populations Office (229) 333-2100 ext. 1236 or by email at specialpops@wiregrass.edu Complete information on services and accommodations can be found at https://www.wiregrass.edu/special-populations/services-to-students-with-disabilities Accessibility requests can be made here: https://www.wiregrass.edu/accessibility.

Federal regulations require colleges to disclose information regarding their occupational programs that require a state licensure to be employed, and the status of the program for meeting an individual state’s licensure requirements. To determine if a program meets state licensure requirements, locate the program of choice, and view the status that program has for the state you are located. If the state you are located in does not appear in the meets program licensure requirements field, then we cannot guarantee the program of study will be able to lead you to a state occupational licensure in your state. View Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s State Licensure Information here

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC) abides by the Technical College System of Georgia’s Policy 2.1.1. Statement of Equal Opportunity. The Technical College System of Georgia and its constituent technical colleges do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). This nondiscrimination policy encompasses the operation of all TCSG and technical college-administered programs, federally financed programs, educational programs and activities involving admissions, scholarships and loans, student life and athletics. It also applies to the recruitment and employment of personnel and the contracting for goods and services. To review in its entirety, please access the TCSG Policy Manual and reference the corresponding policy and subsequent procedures. The full Statement of Equal Opportunity and printable version can be found here: https://www.wiregrass.edu/equal-opp

The Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Bookstore provides information about costs for required books each term. A student may utilize his/her course schedule information to search for the required texts for each course online at https://www.wiregrass.edu/current-students/bookstore. The booklist can be used to purchase new and used textbooks for classes. For additional information or for a printed version of the booklist, contact the College’s Bookstore by email at bookstore@wiregrass.edu or at (229) 333-5392. Wiregrass GA Tech is pleased to offer students, who are eligible for financial aid, the opportunity to go directly to the bookstore to purchase their books using their financial aid award. These purchases can be made during the first seven (7) days of each semester..

Applications for voter registration for Georgia residents are available at the One-Stop Centers on each campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, or mailed by request by calling (229) 333-2105. Email notifications are sent annually to enrolled students. Detailed voter information is located at the Secretary of State website at www.sos.georgia.gov/Elections. Students can register to vote here. Nonresident students may find voter information about their specific states through the U.S. Election Assistance Commission at www.eac.gov