Expected Classroom Behavior
Whether you are in a physical or virtual classroom, your instructor and your fellow classmates deserve to be treated with respect and professionalism. Please:
- Arrive on time
- Turn off cell phones/devices (use your mute button if online via a teleconference)
- Be prepared
- Be considerate
- Be attentive
- Maintain respect
If a problem arises, please make an appointment with your instructor after class.
Classroom Etiquette
- Students should always address faculty by courtesy title (Dr., Mr., Ms.) and last name (not first name).
- Profanity by faculty or by students is not allowed.
OFTC Dress Code
OFTC strives to ensure that every student has the ability to learn and be free from distractions in the classroom. Certain clothes are prohibited for this purpose.
Tips to remember:
- Be sure you are comfortable yet presentable before leaving home.
- Be sure your clothes are free from offensive signs, pictures, or statements.
- Dress according to your program of study.
The Student Code of Conduct includes details about the dress code policy, under “Non-Academic Misconduct”.
Student Code of Conduct
Oconee Fall Line Technical College students assume an obligation to act in a manner compatible with the fulfillment of the mission of the College.
The Technical College community recognizes its responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to growth. With these principles in mind, the Oconee Fall Line Technical College Student Government Association in conjunction with the Student Affairs Office established a Student Code of Conduct.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Oconee Fall Line Technical College promotes a climate of academic honesty, critical investigation, strong work ethic, intellectual freedom and freedom on individual thought and expression consistent with the rights of others. OFTC is a student-centered organization which provides students with a full range of educational opportunities while maximizing their chances of success. Specifically, OFTC strives to provide students with opportunities to pursue educational programs and services that assist them in clarifying and attaining their career goals.
Student Rights
OFTC students have the right to:
- be free of discrimination based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, spouse of military member, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law), or any other applicable legislated category.
- be safe on OFTC’s property.
- have the occupational skills, technology, equipment, and resources available to ensure success upon graduation.
- have access to program advisors.
- receive due process when accused of any violations of college regulations or conduct code.
- have adequate access to properly equipped labs.
- have privacy regarding personal information in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
- evaluate college facilities and services provided by faculty and staff.
Student Responsibilities
OFTC students are responsible to:
- respect fellow students, faculty, and staff regarding their opinions.
- respect OFTC’s equipment, facilities, and persons, as well as the property of others.
- take responsibility for learning and communicate specific learning needs.
- adhere to program requirements and to follow the prescribed curriculum as outlined in the OFTC catalog.
- actively seek out advisors and other support services that are available.
- always work to the best of one’s abilities and communicate the need for adequate access to properly equipped labs.
- accept responsibility for one’s actions.
- seek evaluation/feedback from instructors and peers.
- adhere to OFTC’s policies and procedures.
- participate freely and willingly in learning activities using diverse instructional strategies.
- adhere to standards and policies as set by the OFTC Board, TCSG, OFTC administration, faculty and staff including general classroom guidelines and protocol.
- take responsibility for attending classes, being prepared for class, and for following other guidelines as prescribed by instructors.
Copyright
OFTC is in compliance with the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) and encourages faculty, staff and administrators to make lawful use of copyrighted works. OFTC recognizes the exclusive rights of the copyright holders, as well as the exceptions to those rights as provided for in:
- The doctrine of Fair Use which is found in in Section 107 of the US Copyright Act
- The T.E.A.C.H Act which is found in Section 110 (2) of the US Copyright Act
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act DMCA.
The Director of Library Services serves as the college coordinator for copyright compliance and will investigate or answer questions and/or concerns of the faculty, staff, students and administrators as they arise. Academic Handbook and the OFTC Student Consumer Information Guide available on the website.
Information about copyright infringement is in the Academic Catalog & Handbook and the OFTC Student Consumer Information Guide available on the website.
Intellectual Property
Oconee Fall Line Technical College encourages the development, writing, invention, or production of intellectual property designed to improve the productivity of the college or to enhance teaching and learning. An employee or student creating work for OFTC or its use represents and warrants that such work:
- does not violate any law;
- does not violate or infringe any intellectual property right of any person or organization; and
- does not libel, defame, or invade the privacy of any person or organization.
Please check the Academic Handbook and Catalog or the OFTC website for the OFTC Intellectual Property Procedure.
Grievances Procedure
If a student has a grievance or complaint against an OFTC instructor or staff member, the student should first discuss the issue with the instructor or employee involved.
If not satisfactorily resolved, then the student should follow the Student Grievances Procedure.
The procedure is posted in the Student Centers, on the OFTC Procedures webpage, and in the Academic Catalog & Handbook.
Non-Discrimination Statement
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, spouse of military member, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). This nondiscrimination policy encompasses the operation of all technical college-administered programs, programs financed by the federal government including any Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I financed programs, educational programs and activities, including admissions, scholarships and loans, student life, and athletics. It also encompasses the recruitment and employment of personnel and contracting for goods and services.
The Technical College System and Technical Colleges shall promote the realization of equal opportunity through a positive continuing program of specific practices designed to ensure the full realization of equal opportunity.
Equal Opportunity Contacts
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:
- Janet Smith, TITLE IX COORDINATOR -Ph: 478-274-7836 | jrsmith@oftc.edu | South Campus, WRS 112A
- Saketta Brown, ADA/504 COORDINATOR - Ph: 478-274-7643 | sdbrown@oftc.edu | South Campus, WRS 101E
- Rosemary Selby, EEOC OFFICER - Ph: 478-553-2055 | rselby@oftc.edu | North Campus, 205
Harassment and Discrimination
As outlined in OFTC’s Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students Procedure, and in OFTC’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Procedure, sexual harassment of students and employees at Oconee Fall Line Technical College is strictly prohibited.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is a violation of state and federal law as well as of the policy of the Technical College System of Georgia. Non-compliance with this procedure is grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal, as deemed necessary by the college’s president. It is the intent of Oconee Fall Line Technical College to provide an academic and work environment, which is free, of any type of discrimination, including sexual harassment. The procedures are in the Academic Catalog & Handbook and on the OFTC website.
Preventing Sexual Violence
As part of our efforts to maintain a safe campus community and promote a culture of respect and understanding, OFTC and TCSG have partnered with Get Inclusive to provide education for students on topics such as sexual assault prevention and alcohol abuse prevention, by encouraging healthy decision making and help-seeking behaviors. Get Inclusive’s “Voices for Change - Consent, Alcohol and Hazing” is an online course that addresses themes around sexual or relationship violence, including topics such as consent, sexual harassment, stalking and other problematic behaviors, An important component of Voices for Change is a list of resources and links for students which includes information on OFTC’s student code of conduct as well as a link to the state of Georgia statutes regarding relationship and sexual violence.
Voices for Change - Consent, Alcohol and Hazing is available to all students at OFTC, at no charge, and it is a mandatory component of the COLL1060 course. Students should contact the Office of Student Life at 478-240-5162 or studentlife@oftc.edu for more information or to request confidential access to the course.
Drug-Free Campus Program
In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Oconee Fall Line Technical College strives to provide a campus environment free of illicit drug use and alcohol abuse and to prevent the abuse of alcohol and drugs by students and employees. OFTC has a zero-tolerance policy towards the possession or use of illicit drugs or alcohol on campus or while participating in any college-sponsored activity. For more information, visit OFTC’s Drug-Free Campus web page.
Students should be aware that drug convictions may impact their eligibility for state of Georgia Financial Aid (including the HOPE Scholarship and Grant, and the Zell Miller Scholarship and Grant).
Preventing Alcohol and Drug Abuse
To inspire students to make healthier choices regarding alcohol or drug use, OFTC provides free access to online courses through Get Inclusive. “Voices for Change - Consent, Alcohol and Hazing,” which is a mandatory component of the COLL1060 course, addresses the issue of student alcohol use, while the “Alcohol & Other Drugs for Undergrads” course provides a more specific and in depth exploration of the topic, including steps to take towards making positive behavior changes.
Students should contact the Office of Student Life at 478-240-5162 or studentlife@oftc.edu to request confidential access to either of these courses.
For the location of a substance abuse treatment facility, SAMHSA has a useful online tool, or call 1-800-662-HELP. Additional resources for treatment and support, and information about other components of the college’s Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program, can be found on the OFTC website.
Tobacco-Free Campus
To promote the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff, OFTC is a tobacco-free campus. The use of cigarettes or other tobacco products on any OFTC campus is strictly prohibited. This includes the surrounding edges of all campuses, as well as parking lots and vehicles.
Prohibited tobacco products include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, dip, snuff, vaping and any other form of tobacco product.
The policy applies to anyone on campus, including students, staff, visitors, contractors, and any other individuals on OFTC property.
If you’d like to break the habit, the Breathe Free Education page on OFTC’s website includes more information about this policy as well as resources to help you quit your tobacco use.
Safety and Security Personnel
We have law enforcement officers from several different agencies on our primary campuses during the day and evening. These officers are here to enforce state laws as well as school rules to protect our campuses. In addition to uniformed law enforcement officers, certain directors and coordinators are Administrators in Charge (AICs) and serve as Campus Security Officers.
Security officers’ directions are to be followed explicitly by all visitors, students, and employees, who should not interfere with the officers in the performance of duty.
Please let officers know if you need their assistance or have any concerns while on campus.
In critical situations, dial 911 and speak to a public safety official.
Safety and Security Plans
We work to meet or exceed state and federal regulations and guidelines with regard to your safety and the safety of our staff, including areas like fire safety, electricity, spills, procedures, etc. Some of you will have to take safety training specific to your program of study.
We also maintain emergency plans for situations that are not under our control, such as severe weather, earthquakes, hazardous material incidents, and pandemics/illnesses, as well as for security situations that are not under our control, such as assaults and intruders on campus.
The Emergency Preparedness Guide is posted in all rooms at all campuses of OFTC, to serve as a quick reference for OFTC employees and students to prevent injury or damage to persons or property.
Detailed information about safety, security, and emergency procedures can be found online, as well as in the Academic Catalog & Handbook.
In critical situations, dial 911 and speak to a public safety official.
Weapons Policy
The Technical College System of Georgia is committed to providing all employees, students, volunteers, visitors, vendors and contractors a safe and secure workplace and/or academic setting. The possession, carrying, or transportation of a firearm, weapon, or explosive compound/material in or on college buildings or property shall be governed by Georgia state law. All individuals are expected to comply with the related laws. Failure to follow laws pertaining to weapons is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
For questions about Georgia’s “Campus Carry Law”, please contact the OFTC Chief of Facilities and Security, Marc Rogers, at 478-274-7871.
Mass Emergency Notification System
OFTC uses a mass emergency notification system to provide timely communication to students and staff on matters such as campus and local emergencies. These messages can be sent to your cell phone, home phone, or computer via calls, texts, and e-mails. Please check your OFTC e-mail after classes begin for more information from OFTC’s IT department on setting up your account.
Campus Security Act (Clery Act)
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990 requires that all colleges keep and disclose information, on an annual basis, about crime on and near their respective campuses, and campus safety policies and procedures.
In accordance with this requirement, the annual OFTC Campus Safety and Security Report is available on the OFTC website. The report also includes fire safety policies and statistics, as well as emergency response and evacuation procedures.
Behavioral Intervention Team
OFTC has established a Behavioral Intervention Team to assist in addressing situation where students, faculty, or staff are displaying behaviors that are disruptive, threatening, or concerning in nature that potentially affect their own or others’ ability to function successfully or safely.
It is the responsibility of faculty, staff, and students to immediately report any troubling person or situation that could possibly result in harm to anyone at the college.
In non-emergency situations, you may fill out an online concern report form, or contact a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team directly. The team will coordinate a response to the issue and keep you informed.
In crisis situations where a person may pose an active or immediate risk of violence to self or others, you should immediately contact one of the law enforcement officers providing security on campus, or contact 911 if you have an emergency.
Getting to Know You
We are SO glad you chose OFTC, and we would like to get to know you a little better!
Please complete the short New Student Orientation Survey! Easy, easy, easy!
Your responses will help us better market OFTC and our programs to future OFTC students and to the community.
AND YOU ARE DONE!
Great job and we're glad you are here!
You have successfully completed OFTC's New Student Orientation.