CAMPUS POLICIES

Alcohol and Drug Policy

In accordance with Georgia laws governing the manufacture, sale, use, distribution, and possession of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs on college campuses and elsewhere, including the Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990, the Board of Regents encourages its institutions to adopt programs designed to increase awareness of the dangers involved in the use of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, or other illegal or dangerous drugs by University System of Georgia (USG) students and employees. Such programs shall stress individual responsibility related to the use of alcohol and drugs on and off campus. For the full BOR Policy, visit BOR Policy 4.6.4.

For Dalton State's Policy on alcohol and other drugs, see the Student Code of Conduct found on the Community Standards website (found on pages 24 and 25). 

Freedom of Expression Policy

In accordance with BOR Policy 6.5, Dalton State College (“DSC”) recognizes and upholds the rights protected by the First Amendment, including the rights of free speech and free expression, and the right to assemble peaceably.  Demonstrations, assemblies, and dissemination of information can be valid expressions of dissenting opinions provided they do not disrupt the academic and administrative functions of the institution.  This policy in no way prohibits individuals enrolled at or employed by DSC (“members of the College Community”) from engaging in conversations on campus and does not apply to College-sponsored activities, but rather only establishes a designated public forum on DSC’s campus and sets forth requirements for reservation and use of the forum.

The opinions expressed by organizations, groups, or individuals using DSC facilities do not necessarily reflect the position of DSC.  The College affirms its commitment to freedom of speech, assembly, and expression even though the language or ideas of those seeking a venue for free expression may contradict the College's ideals and policies or the personal views of DSC employees and students.  

The complete Policy can be found here.

To access the Forum Reservation Request Form, please look at the bottom of our Forms/Resources page.

The BOR Policy relating to Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom can be found HERE. 

Hardship Withdrawal Policy

Students who are unable to successfully complete the current semester enrolled due to a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological condition may request a hardship withdrawal through the Dean of Students' Office. Hardship withdrawals are only approved when the emergency or situation they are experiencing makes it impossible to continue in the course(s) for which s/he is registered. Original copies of support documentation must be uploaded with this form. Please provide ample information and documentation.

The Hardship Withdrawal Policy can be found HERE.

Questions should be directed to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and the Dean of Students.

Hazing Prevention and Max Gruver Act

Dalton State College is committed to maintaining a safe and transparent campus environment by complying with the requirements of the Max Gruver Act, which mandates the public disclosure of hazing incidents. The College provides multiple avenues for students, faculty, and staff to report concerns, including an ethics hotline, online reporting form, email, phone, and in-person reporting through the Dean of Students Office. All reported incidents are addressed through established investigation and due process procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. In addition to transparency in reporting, Dalton State emphasizes prevention through required educational programming, including a Hazing Awareness and Prevention course available to all students. The College publicly maintains records of hazing incidents and outcomes, reinforcing its commitment to accountability, student safety, and the development of a respectful campus community.

The complete policy at Dalton State can be found here. 

Immunization Policy

Minors on Campus Policy

Childcare facilities are not available on campus. The institution is not responsible for children. Children must not be left unsupervised on campus. Children are not permitted to accompany students to classes, laboratories, seminars, etc.

In patrols of the buildings, if unattended minor children are found in the hallways or campus grounds, a Public Safety Officer will complete the following:

1. Have the child assist them in locating the parent.
2. Officers will interrupt the class in a professional manner and request the parent to step out of the classroom. The parent will be instructed to take immediate care and control of their child. The officer will complete a Miscellaneous Incident Report titled Unattended Child.
3. In situations where the parent is not attending class and is not in the immediate area, Officers may be required to bring the child to the Public Safety Office until the parent can be located. Appropriate reports will be completed per the Officer’s determination
4. Children may be on campus accompanied by their parents for short, infrequent visits. However, children may not remain with their parents for extended periods of time as they may interfere with the performance of the employee/student and may compromise the safety of the children. Should this instance occur, the parent will be instructed to take the children home.

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

Dalton State College is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, learning, and working. In accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents Policy 6.06, Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment, provides as follows: “Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.”

The non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies of Dalton State College are aligned with and governed by Board of Regents policy. These policies provide students and employees with protection from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation to the full extent permitted by law.

Protected status categories reflect those identified in applicable federal laws, including the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, as well as other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Dalton State College complies with all such laws, regulations, and applicable legal standards.

Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination 

Dalton State College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities, in compliance with Title IX and Title VII. The College encourages all members of the community to promptly report any incidents of sexual misconduct, which includes dating violence, domestic violence, nonconsensual sexual contact, nonconsensual sexual penetration, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and stalking. Reports can be made to the Title IX Coordinator or other designated officials. The College provides support services and interim measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved. Retaliation against individuals who report or participate in the investigation of sexual misconduct is strictly prohibited.

For more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, William Mast, at wmast@daltonstate.edu or 706-272-2999.

Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus

In compliance with BOR policy, the DSC campus is smoke and tobacco-free. All forms of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes are prohibited on property owned, leased, and controlled by DSC and used by all employees, students, contractors, subcontractors, and visitors. This policy is applicable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All events hosted by a USG entity or on behalf of the USG shall be smoke and tobacco-free. This includes all buildings, surrounding land, parking lots, green space, and adjacent sidewalk areas, including Gilmer County Center and residential halls.

Penalties for tobacco use are as follows: 

1. In the event of the first offense, the student violator will be fined $25.00. 
2. Each additional offense will result in a $50.00 fine for the student.
3. After the third offense, the student will be referred to Student Conduct. 

Visitors/guests may be asked to leave campus if they refuse to comply with campus policies, including the smoke and tobacco-free campus policy.