Institutional Policies for Syllabi

The following information helps all students to get the most out of their time at Middle Georgia State University (MGA). Because some policies might change or be updated, all students should review these policies each semester. Students are responsible for reading, understanding, and adhering to all MGA student policies.

Student Code of Conduct

MGA students are responsible for reading, understanding, and abiding by the MGA Student Code of Conduct:
https://www.mga.edu/student-affairs/docs/MGA_Student_Handbook.pdf#page=45

Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy

MGA is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all members of the University community. We encourage students to read more about this institutional policy:
https://policies.mga.edu/policy-manual/section-6-campus-affairs/6-5-nondiscrimination/index.php

Attendance Policy

MGA students should attend all class sessions, be they face-to-face or online. Class attendance and participation is an individual student responsibility. Learn more about attendance expectations by asking each of your instructors and through this web resource:
https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2024-2025/undergraduate-catalog/academic-policy-and-information/course-policies/attendance-policy/

Withdrawing from a Course

Before withdrawing from or dropping a course, students should check the last date for withdrawing before considering their options and the consequences of their choices:
https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2024-2025/undergraduate-catalog/academic-policy-and-information/withdrawal/

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity/Honesty

MGA uses a plagiarism prevention service to evaluate written work that students submit for this course. The papers will be retained by the service for the sole purpose of checking for plagiarized content in future student submissions. MGA’s Code of Conduct prohibits the use of any unauthorized assistance in completing any work for any course. This assistance includes using artificial intelligence platforms to generate any part or all of student submissions. The Code of Conduct is available at this webpage:
https://www.mga.edu/student-conduct/index.php

Academic Mindset

The purpose of a university education is not just to teach you knowledge and skills but also to expand the ways you use your mind and handle challenges. A positive academic mindset provides an effective framework that will guide you through this course and also throughout your life as you adapt to a changing world. In this spirit, MGA seeks to encourage students to strengthen their positive academic mindset. This course promotes a positive academic mindset by highlighting the following:

  • Knowing that you can strengthen your abilities through effort and a positive attitude;
  • Believing in your own ability to learn and continue to improve;
  • Recognizing that the work in this course has value and purpose for you;
  • Fostering your willingness to embrace new experiences and challenges;
  • Acknowledging that your effort and attitude affect your performance.

Mental and Emotional Health Support

Counseling Services is proud to be a part of BeWell@MGA, which provides students 24/7 access to counselors and mental health resources to help cope with minor issues to major concerns. More information is available on this webpage:
https://www.mga.edu/student-affairs/bewell/index.php

Accessibility Services

Students with a documented disability must work with MGA's Accessibility Services to arrange essential services relating to their disability. All entitlements to accommodations are based on documentation and USG Board of Regents standards.

If a student is considering requesting accommodations, they should first contact Accessibility Services to discuss the process:
https://www.mga.edu/accessibility-services/index.php

If a student needs course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability or chronic illness, the student should notify their instructor in writing and provide a copy of a current Student Accommodations Report (SAR), which is available only from Accessibility Services. Faculty cannot offer accommodations to any student without timely receipt of the official SAR document.

Student Success Centers (SSC)

Tutoring is available free of charge on all MGA campuses for currently enrolled students. SSC tutoring sessions may be scheduled online and face-to-face through the “Book an Appointment” link on the SSC website. Other services at the SSC include online academic workshops and a robust website with resources for academic assistance. The SSC locations also have computer workstations, printing, and Internet access. To view contact information, subjects tutored, and tutor availability, go to the SSC website at  http://www.mga.edu/student-success-center/ .

Writing Center

The MGA Writing Center is a free service that provides one-on-one consultations to assist students with all types of writing. Either in-person or via Teams, our consultants provide feedback and use different strategies to help students improve their writing.

Writing Center locations are open on the Macon and Cochran campuses.

Mathematics Academic Resource Center (MARC)

The MARC offers free tutoring for most math courses. Tutoring can be in person or online, by appointment or walk-in. We are equipped with computers, textbooks, whiteboards, calculators, and study notes to provide students with a space to study. For hours, locations, and booking a session, please visit www.mga.edu/MARC.

Center for Career and Leadership Development

Students have free access to career and professional development services through the CCLD. Virtual and in-person appointments can be scheduled in Macon, Cochran, or Eastman at mga.joinhandshake.com. College-to-career resources include career exploration/assessments, job/internship/graduate school search assistance, career fairs, resume/interview prep, and professional/leadership development. Contact them at or visit https://www.mga.edu/center-career-leadership-development/index.php

Course Experience Feedback Survey

Student perception surveys of a class and its instructor are administered online at the end of each term/session for all courses with five or more students. Students will receive an email containing a link to a survey for each course in which they are enrolled. All responses are anonymous.

House Bill 280 (Campus Carry)

In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127.1, Middle Georgia State University recognizes that a lawful weapons carrier may carry concealed handguns on Middle Georgia State campuses, excluding restricted campus facilities. More information is available at this webpage:
https://policies.mga.edu/policy-manual/section-6-campus-affairs/6-10-weapons-on-campus/index.php