Home Future Students Current Students Former Students Parents and Family Employers Faculty and Staff
For more information concerning any of these policies, consult a current copy of the Student Handbook & Catalog (pdf).

Policies

The statements set forth in this website are for information purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and Columbus Technical College. Columbus Technical College reserves the right to change any statements made on its web pages, including but not limited to academic requirements for graduation, without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes. Information on changes will be available in the offices of the Registrar, the Director of Admissions, and the Vice President of Student Affairs. It is especially important that students note that it is their responsibility to keep apprised of current graduation requirements for their program.

Inclement Weather - College Closing

For all situations involving inclement weather, Columbus Technical College administrators and campus security staff will make a determination regarding the closing of the college. If the college closes due to inclement weather, efforts will be made to notify students and staff by email, the college website, and other channels. The President's office will notify the Technical College System of Georgia as appropriate.

Complaints / Grievances

Columbus Technical College Counseling and Assessment Services will receive and respond to complaints categorized as Student Affairs’ complaints. Student Affairs’ complaints pertain to admissions, counseling and assessment, financial aid, disability services, and registration. Students having complaints in those areas should follow these procedures:

  1. Secure a grievance form from either a counselor or instructor.
  2. Complete a grievance statement.
  3. Submit the grievance form to the Counseling and Assessment Administrative Assistant.
  4. In response to the complaint, a counselor will
    1. schedule an informal conference with the student filing the complaint;
    2. investigate the area of grievance;
    3. provide the student with an opportunity to acknowledge the results of the inquiry/investigation.

In instances where the results of the inquiry/investigation are not acceptable, students may make an appeal as referenced in the “Students’ Rights and Responsibilities” section of this catalog and student handbook.

Students having complaints in areas other than those listed above (i.e., academic affairs, etc.) should follow these procedures:

  1. Secure a grievance form from an instructor or appropriate Academic Dean.
  2. Complete a grievance statement.
  3. Submit the grievance form to the instructor or appropriate Academic Dean.
  4. In response to the complaint, the instructor/Academic Dean will
    1. schedule an informal conference with the student filing the complaint;
    2. investigate the area of grievance;
    3. provide the student with an opportunity to acknowledge the results of the inquiry/investigation.

In instances where the results of the inquiry/investigation are not acceptable, students may make an appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs as referenced in the “Students’ Rights and Responsibilities” section of the catalog and student handbook.

Harassment

Columbus Technical College does not tolerate harassment of any type. Harassment is a form of discrimination and is a violation of state and federal law. The College intends to provide an academic and work environment free of any type of harassment, including sexual harassment, for all students and employees.

Weapon-Free Zone

It is unlawful for an individual to bring to, possess, or have under such person’s control any explosive compound, firearm, or knife designed for the purpose of offense or defense while at a public gathering (O.C.G.A. 16-11-127). Having a license to carry a pistol is not justification under this policy. It is unlawful for any person to carry to or to possess, or have under such person’s control while within a school safety zone or a College building, function, or property, or on a bus or any other transportation provided by the College any weapon or explosive compound (O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1). The provisions of this prohibition shall not apply to those individuals who are specifically exempted by law. (O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1(c) and (d).

"School safety zone” means in, on, or within 1,000 feet of the campus of the College.

"Weapon” means and includes any pistol, revolver, or weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind, or any dirk, Bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches, straight-edge razor, spring stick, metal knucks, blackjack, any bat, club or other bludgeon-type weapon, or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nunchahka, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain, or any disc of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades that is designed to be thrown or propelled and that may be known as a throwing star, oriental dart, or any other weapon of like kind, any stun gun or laser. This definition shall exclude any of these instruments used for classroom work authorized by an instructor. “Weapon” also means and includes any instrument as defined by law as a weapon (O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1(a) (2). “Weapon” does not include any fireworks, the possession of which is regulated by Chapter 10, Title 25 of Georgia Law.

"Public gathering” means and includes, but is not limited to, any function or event of or at the College, its campuses, satellites, buildings, or vehicles involving its employees or students. Such buildings include any public-owned, -leased or -operated building that houses any governmental or educational function on or off campus. This policy exempts law enforcement officers, judges, magistrates, solicitors, district attorneys, and employees of the department of corrections or employees of local or federal correctional facilities who are authorized to carry a firearm. Also exempt are persons employed as campus police or security officers who are authorized to carry a weapon in accordance with Chapter 8, Title 20, and private detectives or security agents who hold firearm permits issued by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. Also exempt is any legal weapon carried in a locked container, locked compartment, or locked gun rack in a privately owned vehicle; however, this exemption shall not apply to a student attending Columbus Technical College. Any employees or students found in violation of this policy shall, in addition to any criminal action taken, be subject to dismissal from the College or termination of employment as determined by the President.

Drug-Free School

Columbus Technical College prohibits the unlawful possession, manufacturing, distribution, dispensation, and use of illicit drugs and alcohol on the College’s premises or at College-sponsored events in accordance with the Alcohol and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226).

In compliance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Section 22, the College implements and maintains a drug-free program. This Act ensures the prevention of the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students. Students indicted for possession or sale of illegal drugs, alcohol, and/or other altering substances will be separated from school and forfeit all claim to financial aid.

Smoking/Tobacco Use

Columbus Technical College is a “Smoke/Tobacco-Free college. “Smoke/Tobacco-Free” means that tobacco use in any form is not allowed on campus. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Columbus Technical College has developed and published a comprehensive policy and procedure that outlines student rights and responsibilities. Its purpose is to ensure an orderly climate of academic integrity, rational and critical inquiry, intellectual freedom, and freedom of individual thought and expression consistent with the rights of others. It is expected that students will exercise their rights, fulfill their responsibilities, and respect the rights of others.

This policy is available in the Admissions Office. This institution is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

For more information concerning any of these policies, consult a current copy of the Student Handbook & Catalog, pdf Get Acrobat Reader.

Last updated: September 16, 2008.