Board of Regents Policy Manual

Official Policies of the University System of Georgia

4.1 General Policy on Student Affairs

4.1.1 Institutional Responsibility

Admission, discipline, promotion, graduation, and formulation of all rules and regulations pertaining to students of University System of Georgia institutions are matters to be handled by the institutions within the framework of policies and regulations issued by the Board of Regents. Students failing to comply with Board of Regents’ or institution rules, regulations, or directives may face disciplinary actions.


4.1.2 Financial Needs Analysis

Applicants for student financial aid programs that are based on need must file an acceptable needs analysis which has been approved by the United States Department of Education.

University System of Georgia (USG) institutions shall accept and process the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal and state student aid programs. USG institutions may elect to accept and process other needs analysis systems approved by the United States Department of Education.


4.1.3 Student Voting Privileges

Students are encouraged to vote in all federal, state, and local elections. A student whose class schedule would otherwise prevent him or her from voting will be permitted an excused absence for the interval reasonably required for voting.


4.1.4 Fraternities and Sororities

Each University System of Georgia institution may decide whether social fraternities and sororities shall be established at the institution and whether each social fraternity or sorority shall be local only or affiliated with national groups. Each institution may promulgate rules and regulations concerning the establishment, organization, governance, and discipline of social fraternities and sororities.


4.1.5 Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires colleges or universities to make necessary modifications to ensure that the institution does not discriminate or have the effect of discrimination against a qualified student with a disability. The USG is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to all students, and offers students with disabilities a variety of services and accommodations to ensure that both facilities and programs are accessible.

The USG has established sets of common standards and procedures for evaluating and administering accommodations for students with disabilities, which can be found in the Academic Affairs Handbook.

The policy is pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The USG is a “public entity” within the meaning of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12131, and 28 C.F.R. § 35.104, and, therefore, subject to Title II of the ADA, and its implementing regulations, 28 C.F.R. Part 35. It is also a “recipient” of “federal financial assistance” within the meaning of Section 504, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and 34 C.F.R. § 104 and is therefore subject to Section 504 and the relevant implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 104 (BoR Minutes, November 2008).


4.1.6 Admission of Persons Not Lawfully Present in the United States

A person who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible for admission to any University System institution which, for the two most recent academic years, did not admit all academically qualified applicants (except for cases in which applicants were rejected for non-academic reasons).


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