Sexual Offenses

Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, and other unwelcome, verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

  1. Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s education;
  2. Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for education decisions affecting such individual; or,
  3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Examples of Sexually Harassing Conduct or Behavior: Sexually harassing conduct or behavior (regardless of the gender of the persons involved) includes:

  1. Physical touching;
  2. Sexual comments of a provocative or suggestive nature;
  3. Suggestive looks or gestures;
  4. Jokes, printed material or innuendoes intended for and directed to another person;
  5. Making acceptance of unwelcome sexual conduct, advances, or requests for sexual favors of any nature a condition for education, education decisions, or continued enrollment (pressure for sexual favors).

This is a representative list of harassing conduct of behavior and is not intended to be exhaustive.

In the instructor-student context, the fundamental element of sexual harassment is the inappropriate personal attention, including romantic and sexual relationships with a student by an instructor or staff member who is in a position to determine a student’s grade or otherwise affect the student’s academic advancement. Since the instructor-student relationship is one of professional and client, the above inappropriate behavior is unacceptable in a college because it is in a form of unprofessional behavior which seriously undermines the atmosphere of trust essential to the academic setting.

The instructor-student relationship should at all times be professional and any conduct by an instructor or staff member which creates a sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is inappropriate and unacceptable.

The staff-student relationship should at all times be respectful of the right of the other, and any conduct by staff which creates a sexually intimidating, hostile or offensive environment violates the College’s sexual harassment rule.

The student-student relationship, the student-instructor relationship, and the student-staff relationship should at all times be respectful of the rights of the other, and any conduct by a student which creates a sexually intimidating, hostile or offensive environment violates the College’s sexual harassment rule. For this purpose, staff not only includes college staff, but also all employees of clinics and agencies affiliated with a college clinical program or course.

Should you be confronted with sexual harassment, promptly notify Shannon Patterson at (706) 771-4013.

SEXUAL OFFENSES

Augusta Technical College places a high priority on the safety of all students, employees and visitors. Any type of sexual misconduct is strictly forbidden. Criminal charges may be applied to sexual offenses.

  1. Educational Programs

Presentations by Campus Safety and Security personnel, as requested.

  1. Sanctions

Upon determination that a student or employee has committed rape, acquaintance rape, or another sexual offense, the following sanctions are available:

  • Criminal Charges
  • Probation
  • Suspension from college and/or employment
  • Expulsion from college
  • Termination of employment
  • Ban from college property
  1. Procedures for Victims

In the event you are the victim of sexual assault, it is important to remember details, follow procedures and notify the proper college officials. The single most important thing a victim of rape or sexual assault can do is to tell someone-the police, a friend, a medical professional, etc. Rape or sexual assault, whether by a stranger or someone you know, is a violation of your body, your trust and your right to choose. The following are recommended procedures to follow:

  • Do not shower, wash, or change your clothes
  • Preserve any evidence such as clothing, used condoms, towels, tissue or other items which may be useful for investigation purposes.
  • If the incident occurs on campus, contact the Vice President of Administrative Services. If the incident occurs off campus, contact 911.
  • Victims may also contact other college officials such as the Vice President of Administrative Services to get assistance in notifying appropriate law enforcement and medical personnel.
  • Seek medical attention immediately. Campus Safety and Security can assist in seeking medical attention. Also, local emergency medical services can be contacted by dialing 911.
  • Seek counseling to assist with mental and emotional trauma. Information concerning counseling services available through various agencies can be obtained by calling Karissa Davis Wright at (706) 771-4067.
  1. Campus Disciplinary Procedures

Disciplinary procedures for students in the event of any criminal incident including sexual offenses are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct section of the College Handbook. In cases involving sex offenses, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought alleging sexual assault.

Information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained by contacting the Criminal Investigation Division of the Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff Department at 401 Walton Way, Augusta, Georgia 30901, or by telephone at (706) 821-1000. Also, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains a searchable web site of registered sex offenders at www.ganet.org/gbi/sorsch.cgi.

UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION OF STUDENTS

Augusta Technical College affirms to all students their right to student and learn in an educational environment free of discrimination or harassment based on their race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or required by law) (see Statement of Non-Discrimination).

Harassment is sometimes difficult to talk about to other people. It is uncomfortable and seems ambiguous; it is also something that the college is committed to preventing and resolving if it does occur. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Men and women, who believe they are victims of harassment, as well as those who observe harassment, should report such incidents at the earliest possible time.

College officials will not condone any form of harassment either by its employees or by another student. Any student acting alone or in concert with others who harasses other members of the college community is subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including dismissal/expulsion. A student aggrieved by an employee of the college or by another student may contact the vice president for student affairs or the individuals identified in the statement of non-discrimination.

Harassment includes:

  • Any slurs, innuendos, or other verbal or physical conduct reflecting an individual's race, color, national origin, gender/sex, religion, age, genetic information, or disability which has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile, intimidating, or offensive educational environment; has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual's school performance or participation; or otherwise adversely affects an individual's educational opportunities.
  • The denial of or the provision of aid, benefits, grades, rewards, employment, faculty assistance, services, or treatment on the basis of sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
  • Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the perpetrator explicitly or implicitly makes the submission to such conduct a term or condition of an individual's educational career; when the perpetrator uses submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for educational decisions affecting the individual; or when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.