Student Services

 

Disability Services

 

The college complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing reasonable accommodations for those who are qualified. Students with physical, mental, emotional, or hearing impairment should contact the college at least two weeks prior to the first day of class with appropriate documentation of the disability. Students with physical disabilities who plan to live on campus must give the college three months advance notice so that living accommodations can be arranged.

 

Anyone with a impairment should contact the director of Student Development located on the second floor of the J. Lamar Branch Student Center at (229) 391-5135.

 

For reasonable accommodations to be made the student must present acceptable documentation prior to the start of school.

 

POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

 

Federal law1 provides that it shall be unlawful, discriminatory practice for any employer, because of the sex of any person, to discharge without just cause, to refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate against any person with respect to any matter directly or indirectly related to employment or academic standing. Harassment of an employee on the basis of sex violates this federal law.

 

Sexual harassment of employees or students in the University System is prohibited and shall subject the offender to dismissal or other sanctions after compliance with procedural due process requirements. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:

 

1.         Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic standing; or

 

2.         Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting an individual; or

 

3.         Such conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment.

 

A student who feels subjected to any type of sexual harassment should consult with the Director of Health Services or the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services.

 

POLICY ON RACIAL HARASSMENT

 

It is the policy of Abraham Baldwin College to conduct and provide programs, activities and services to students, faculty, and staff in an atmosphere free from racial harassment. Racial harassment is any behavior that would verbally or physically threaten, torment, badger, heckle, or persecute an individual because of his/her race. Racial harassment of college faculty, staff, students, or visitors is prohibited and shall subject the offender to appropriate disciplinary action including dismissal.

 

Students, faculty and staff who feel they have been subjected to racial harassment can seek advice from:

 

1 Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

 

Civil Rights Issues (Students)—Mr. Thomas B. Call, Interim Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services, Branch Student Center (second floor), 229-391-5050 and Ms. Tammy Groover, Director of Health Services, Evans Health Center, 229-386-3224.

 

Civil Rights Issues (Faculty)—Dr. Caroline Helms, Interim Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, Tift Hall, room 27, 229- 391-4780 and Mr. James Weeks, Division of Science & Mathematics, Gray Hall, Room 214, 391-5100.

 

Civil Rights Issues (Staff)—Ms. Bertha Daniel, Director of College Services, Tift Hall, Room 30, 391-4890.

 

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CENTER

 

 The Student Development Center (formerly the Counseling, Testing, Career Development & Job Placement Center) services are available without charge to any student to facilitate achieving maximum educational development. In addition, services are available to the College’s faculty, staff, employers, alumni, prospective students, and community members. Priority is given to currently enrolled students.

 

The Student Development Office is located on the second floor of Branch Student Center. Direct correspondence to Director of Student Development, ABAC 48, 2802 Moore Highway, Abraham Baldwin College, Tifton, GA 31793. The telephone number is (229) 391-5135. The FAX number is (229) 391-5136. The e-mail address is mmartin@abac.edu.

 

Counseling and Testing

 

The Counseling and Testing component provides a wide variety of services to promote personal growth and development and to help students address problems of daily living. These services include personal, individual or group counseling, career exploration, study skills assessment programs, crisis intervention, and interpersonal skills training. Other educational opportunities such as leadership training, human relations skill building, assertiveness training, decision making, and stress management are provided. In addition, proactive and preventative group workshops, programs and outreach services are available. Consultation and referral services are also provided. National and college-wide test administrations are offered such as the NSAT, ISAT, ACT, CLEP, DANTES and the Regents’ Test. Individual testing services are utilized by the counselors when appropriate.

 

Career Development

 

The Career Development component of the Student Development Center assists students in assessing choices of academic majors and career alternatives. These choices are guided through individual career counseling utilizing interest, skills, values and abilities inventories, and other testing. The Career Center also offers the use of the computerized career planning program, DISCOVER. Information about other colleges and universities is available for students desiring to transfer to a four-year institution.

 

Job Placement

 

The Job Placement Office component of the Student Development Center is staffed by a Coordinator of Job Placement. The Job Placement Office helps a career program student maximize the benefits of education by providing assistance with all aspects of the job search process. A career oriented student may take advantage of one-on-one assistance and workshops on topics such as networking procedures, resume writing, completing applications, honing interview skills, follow-up procedures after interviews, and more. A student should register three semesters prior to graduation to establish a placement file and become eligible for career placement services. All students are encouraged to meet with the Coordinator in their first semester on campus to initiate plans for gaining experiences that will help build their resumes.

 

The Job Placement Office also has an Employment Interviewer from the Georgia Department of Labor. The Interviewer provides a wide range of services, including employment referral opportunities for all college work study students and for all other enrolled students seeking part-time and full-time, on-campus or off-campus employment.

 

The Georgia Hire program is a job listing database and resume referral system to assist in employment searches. Via the Internet, Georgia’s college students and alumni can search job openings and enter their resume into the system at no charge. Employers may access the resumes free of charge and/or choose to post their job openings for a small fee.

 

The Job Placement Office is located on the third floor of the Student Center. Direct correspondence to Coordinator of Job Placement, ABAC 48, 2802 Moore Highway, Abraham Baldwin College, Tifton, GA 31793. The telephone number is (229) 391-5135. The FAX number is (229) 391-5135.

 

Student Administrative Withdrawals

 

A student may be administratively withdrawn from the college when in the judgement of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services in consultation with the Director of Student Development and/or the College Physician, if it is determined that the student suffers from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition which (a) poses significant danger or threat of physical harm to the student or to the person or property of others or (b) causes the student to interfere with the rights of other members of the college community or with the exercise of any proper activities or functions of the college or its personnel, or causes the student to be unable to meet institutional requirements for admission and continued enrollment, as defined in the Student Conduct Code and other publications of the college.

 

Except in emergency situations, a student shall, upon request, be accorded an appropriate hearing prior to final decision concerning his/her continued enrollment at the College. (Complete medical withdrawal policies and procedures and appeal procedures may be obtained from the Student Development Center or the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services.)

 

HEALTH SERVICES

 

The institution provides a student with health services and educational programs consistent with its purpose and reflecting the needs of its patients. Health Services is located in the E.L. Evans Health Center and can be reached by telephone number at 912-386-3224. The Health Center provides a student with nursing care and physician care to handle minor illnesses and injuries. First Aid and limited emergency care are also available.

 

Clinical hours:

 

Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

Appointments are requested for all health care services.

 

A Clinical Doctor and Pharmaceutical Services are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments must be scheduled before 11:30 AM.

 

Some over-the-counter medication and prescriptions are available during pharmacy hours. Students registered for 6 or more hours pay a health fee to obtain services and co-payments are made to cover available medical supplies and medicine.

 

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS: Each student must submit a medical history form and certificate of immunization to the Admissions Office prior to admission to the college. This information is held in strict confidence by the Health Center staff. Every precaution is taken to ensure a healthy student population.

 

MMR:  If born before 1957, Rubella immunity certificate only. Any other student must have two required MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).

 

TB:       Tuberculin skin test, required prior to admission.

 

Tetanus:            Recommended within the last ten years.

 

FOOD SERVICE

 

The college dining hall furnishes well-balanced meals three times a day to all boarding students; meals are also provided as an option to those students living off-campus. A snack bar and a vending area are located on the second floor of the J. Lamar Branch Student Center. The snack bar and vending area are available to anyone on campus on a cash only basis.

 

STUDENT HOUSING

 

The Office of Student Life is located on the second floor of the J. Lamar Branch Student Center. The mailing address is ABAC 24, 2802 Moore Highway, Tifton, Georgia 31793-2601 and the telephone number is (229) 391-5140.

 

Approximately one-third of the student population resides on campus. A professional hall director holding a masters degree lives in each residence hall. Male students are housed in Branch Hall, Fulwood Hall, and Mitchell Hall. Female students are housed in Fulwood Hall and Chandler Hall. Because of the implementation of Title IX by the Department of Education, it is illegal for any college or university receiving federal funds to impose curfew on any student on the basis of sex. Residence halls do not have enforced curfew regulations. Outside doors are locked 24 hours per day. Residents are issued keys and come and go at their own discretion.

 

Normally, two students share a room. Under special circumstances, however, private room accommodations may be available in designated residence halls. All private room requests will be handled by the Housing Coordinator based on the availability of space and the student’s individual circumstances. An additional charge will be made for private rooms.

 

A student residing in college residence halls should furnish a study lamp, iron, bed linens, towels, mattress cover, waste basket, and other personal items. A student with less than 30 semester hours of college credit is required to live in a residence hall, except those who are (1) married; (2) can show proof of financial independence; (3) living at home with parents or guardians. Other exceptions are made only if room is not available in a residence hall, and each exception must be approved by the Director of Student Life.

 

The college’s residence halls close during the Spring breaks and between semesters. A student who wants to stay on campus during those times may make special arrangements with the Housing Coordinator for available space at a modest fee.

 

CONDUCT INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS

 

An Abraham Baldwin College student is expected to show proper respect for order, morality, and the rights of others. Conduct which is normally reprehensible or which is of a disorderly nature and in violation of written policy shall subject the student to disciplinary action.

 

Anyone registered as a student at the College is subject to the regulations outlined in the Student Handbook. He/she is also subject to city, state, and federal law. The College will not intervene nor will it ask special treatment for a student who has violated any law.

 

College regulations apply to both on- and off-campus students.

 

The College reserves the right to apply the code of conduct to a student’s actions which occur off-campus when the student’s behavior and conduct pose a risk or threat to the ABAC community and/or the normal operation of the College.

 

VIOLATIONS

 

A student who violates college regulations regarding conduct may be sanctioned by warning, social probation, probated suspension, restitution, curfew, special sanction, community service, suspension, or expulsion. The nature of the offense will determine the severity of the punishment.

 

The procedure for suspending or expelling a student is the same. A student who has broken a regulation may be referred to the Student Life Hearing Panel. The student will be given written notification of a hearing at least three days before the hearing is scheduled. He/she will also be informed of the charges against him/her and of his/her right to legal counsel. The Panel will hold a hearing and make its recommendations regarding disciplinary action. Appeals may be made in accordance with the Student Handbook and the published policy of the Board of Regents.

 

Any student who is charged with or indicted for a violation of state or federal law is subject to disciplinary action by the College while the case is pending. When very severe violations of state or federal law occur, a student may be administratively suspended until the hearing is concluded.

 

Any student who is guilty of violating college regulations or who is financially indebted to the college will not be eligible for readmission until he/she receives the appropriate clearance. Under these circumstances, a student’s ineligibility for readmission will become a part of his/her record.

 

In addition to the Student Code of Conduct, which may be found in the Student Handbook, the following stipulation exists:

 

Notwithstanding any provision of this Code, the President is authorized to review any student discipline case and take such action as he deems appropriate with respect thereto. His review may be based upon (1) the record made before the Student Judiciary; (2) oral or written arguments made to him by the parties or their representatives; (3) a denovo evidentiary hearing before him substantively following the procedures set out herein for hearings before the Student Judiciary; or (4) any combination of the foregoing methods. A student defendant may appeal the decision of the President in writing to the Executive Secretary of the Board of Regents within a period of twenty days after the President’s decision and shall cite all reasons for dissatisfaction with the previous decision.

 

BOARD OF REGENTS’ STATEMENT ON DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

 

The following is the policy of the Board of Regents regarding disruptive behavior in any institution of the University System:

 

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia reaffirms its policies to support fully freedom of expression by each member of the academic community and to preserve and protect the rights and freedom of its faculty members and students to engage in debate, discussions, peaceful and non-disruptive protest and dissent. The following statement relates specifically to the problem described below. It does not change or in any way infringe upon the Board’s existing policies and practices in support of freedom of expression and action. Rather, it is considered necessary to combat the ultimate effect of irresponsible disruptive and obstructive actions by students and faculty which tend to destroy academic freedom and the institutional structures through which it operates.

 

In recent years, a serious problem has appeared on many college and university campuses in the nation. Some students, faculty members, and others have on occasion engaged in demonstrations, sit- ins, and other activities that have clearly and deliberately interfered with the regular and orderly operation of the institution concerned. Typically, these actions have been the physical occupation of a building or campus area for a protracted period of time or the use of display of verbal or written obscenities involving indecent or disorderly conduct.

 

These actions have gone beyond all heretofore recognized bounds of meetings for discussion, persuasion, or even protest, in that: (1) acquiescence to demands of the demonstrators is the conditioning for dispersal, and (2) the reasonable and written directions of institutional officials to disperse have been ignored. Such activities thus have become clearly recognizable as an action of force, operating outside all established channels on the campus, including that in intellectual debate and persuasion which are at the very heart of education.

 

The Board of Regents is deeply concerned by this problem. Under the Constitution of the State of Georgia, under all applicable court rulings, and in keeping with the tradition of higher education in the United States, the Board is ultimately responsible for the orderly operation of the several institutions of the University System and the preservation of academic freedom in these institutions. The Board cannot and will not divest itself of this responsibility.

 

Of equal or even greater importance, such action of force as has been described above destroys the very essence of higher education. The essence is found in the unhampered freedom to study, investigate, write, speak, and debate on any aspect or issue of life. This freedom, which reaches its full flowering on college and university campuses, is an essential part of American democracy, comparable to the jury system or the electoral process.

 

For these reasons and in order to respond directly and specifically to this problem, the Board of Regents stipulates that any student, faculty member, administrator, or employee, acting individually or in concert with others, who clearly obstructs or disrupts, or attempts to obstruct or disrupt any teaching, research, administrative, disciplinary or public service activity, or any other activity authorized to be discharged or held on any campus of the University System of Georgia is considered by the Board to have committed an act of gross irresponsibility and shall be subject to disciplinary procedures, possibly resulting in dismissal or termination of employment.

 

The Board reaffirms its belief that all segments of the academic community are under a strong obligation and have a mutual responsibility to protect the campus community from disorderly, disruptive, or obstructive actions which interfere with academic pursuits of teaching, learning, and other campus activities.

 

The Board of Regents understands that this policy is consistent with resolutions adopted by the American Association of University Professors in April, 1968, and by the Executive Committee of the Association for Higher Education in March, 1968, condemning actions taken to disrupt the operations of institutions of higher education.

 

DRUG FREE SCHOOLS POLICY STATEMENT

 

In order to comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, (Public Law 101-226) signed by President George Bush on December 12, 1989, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College hereby prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the properties of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and will impose sanctions on students and employees which are consistent with local, state, and federal law. (See Student Handbook, and the Policy Manual.)

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

 

Abraham Baldwin is committed to the philosophy that in a total educational process the student activity program should supplement the academic program and that such a program should be student oriented. Faculty and staff members act as advisors but students plan and implement the programs. The College provides a variety of extra-curricular activities that not only supplement the academic program but also provide training and leadership opportunities as well as entertainment. In order to keep the student activity program one of the best in the state, each student is personally encouraged to take part in one or more of the programs offered. The Student Handbook contains more detailed information about the student activity program.

 

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

 

SENATE—The Senate is made up of student-elected representatives from on and off-campus, two representatives from the Inter-Activity Council, residence hall presidents, freshman and sophomore class officers, and officers of the Student Government Association. The body meets one night each week to plan and discuss activities and other matters which concern the student body. This group tries to maintain and strengthen the bonds among students, faculty, and administration, recognizing that a characteristic of an educated person is the ability to cooperate with colleagues. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services is the administrative advisor for the Senate and faculty advisors are selected by the Senate.

 

INTER-ACTIVITY COUNCIL—The Inter-Activity Council is made up of one representative from each of the chartered clubs. The purpose of this council is to coordinate activities among the clubs and to bring about quicker, more effective action concerning these organizations. The Director of Student Life shall serve as the administrative advisor for the Inter-Activity Council and a faculty advisor may be selected by the council.

 

Listed below are the clubs and activities on campus that are dependent upon student participation for their existence: ABAC Cattlemen’s Association; AET Club (Agricultural Equipment Technology); Alpha Beta Gamma; Baptist Student Union; Campus-Wide Bible Study; Criminal Justice Majors; Family and Consumer Sciences; Forestry Wildlife Club; Future Farmers of America; Georgia Association of Nursing Students; Horticulture Club; International Club; MASDA (Minority Academic Social Development Association); Mu Alpha Theta; Music Educators National Conference (MENC); Pre-Vet Club; Phi Theta Kappa; Radio Club; Rodeo Club; Science Club; Student Georgia Association of Educators (SGAE). A more complete description of each club can be found in the Student Handbook.

 

STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA

 

Student communications media on the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College campus include the following:

 

STALLIONThe campus newspaper is published biweekly to provide news and features focused on campus events as well as present opinion and comment. For several years, the newspaper has earned national recognition and has been named Georgia’s top two- year college paper.

 

PEGASUSThis annual literary magazine provides a means for creative expression among students, faculty, and alumni. The magazine features poetry, essays, fiction, articles, art, and photography.

 

WPLH-FMThe College radio station, located at 103.1 on the FM dial, has studios located in the J. Lamar Branch Student Center.

 

INTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES

 

Through a program of intramural sports including basketball, softball, touch football, and volleyball, the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and the Student Activity Program offer to every student the opportunity to engage in sports and recreational activities. Participation is entirely voluntary; however, varsity athletes are not allowed to play intramural in the sport in which they participate. The desire for fun, exercise, social contact, and friendly competition in a wholesome, satisfying atmosphere furnishes the stimulation for the activities and tournaments offered.

 

ATHLETICS PROGRAMS

 

Intercollegiate athletics, both male and female, are an integral part of both the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and the student activities program. The College participates in seven intercollegiate sports - men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s softball. Each full-time student is invited and strongly encouraged to try out for collegiate athletic teams.

 

The College is a member in good standing of Region 17 of the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association. The “Golden Stallions” and “Fillies” are always strong competitors against the best two-year college competition available, and successful academic endeavors are stressed to athletes. All home athletic contests are free to full-time students.

 

Supporting the athletics program and college recruitment through the Student Activities Program is the Spirit Team. A full-time student is eligible to try out for these groups.

 

FINE ARTS GROUPS

 

Musical groups on the Abraham Baldwin College campus are open to all students and include the following groups: Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Concert Choir and Jazz Choir. These groups perform at various high schools, civic group events and community festivals.

 

The Art Students League sponsors student art exhibits, craft shows, demonstrations, field trips to art museums, and lectures. As part of their learning experience, league students provide drawings and graphics for campus and community publications.

 

The Baldwin Players, consisting of students from throughout the college who are interested in theater, stage two major productions each year, present one-act plays and other small-scale productions, and encourage attendance at other theatre performances.