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Agnes Scott College Department of Public Safety

Agnes Scott College Fire Safety Policy and Annual Fire Safety Report 
 
 INTRODUCTION  
 
Agnes Scott College is committed to providing a fire-safe environment for the faculty, staff, students and 
visitors, and to protecting its property through an effective fire prevention, protection, preparedness 
and response program. The following policies are in effect to assist the campus community in working 
together to maintain an environment that reduces the risk of fire hazards. 
 
Definitions 
 
Cause of fire: The factor or factors that give rise to a fire. The causal factor may be, but is not limited to, 
the result of an intentional or unintentional action, mechanical failure, or act of nature. 
Fire: Any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an 
uncontrolled manner. 
Fire drill: A supervised practice of a mandatory evacuation of a building for a fire. 
Fire-related injury: Any instance in which a person is injured as a result of a fire, including an injury 
sustained from a natural or accidental cause, while involved in fire control, attempting rescue, or 
escaping from the dangers of the fire. The term “person” may include students, employees, visitors, 
firefighters, or any other individuals. 
Fire-related death: Any instance in which a person— 
(1) Is killed as a result of a fire, including death resulting from a natural or accidental cause while 
involved in fire control, attempting rescue, or escaping from the dangers of a fire; or 
(2) Dies within one year of injuries sustained as a result of the fire. 
Fire safety system: Any mechanism or system related to the detection of a fire, the warning resulting 
from a fire, or the control of a fire. This may include sprinkler systems or other fire extinguishing 
systems, fire detection devices, stand-alone smoke alarms, devices that alert one to the presence of a 
fire, such as horns, bells, or strobe lights; smoke-control and reduction mechanisms; and fire doors and 
walls that reduce the spread of a fire. 
Value of property damage: The estimated value of the loss of the structure and contents, in terms of the 
cost of replacement in like kind and quantity. This estimate should include contents damaged by fire, 
and related damages caused by smoke, water, and overhaul; however, it does not include indirect loss, 
such as business interruption. 
 Fire Safety in the Residence Halls 
 
Fires inside residence halls can occur at any time and prevention is everyone’s concern and the manner 
in which residents react in the event of a fire can mean the difference between life and death. For these 
reasons, the following information is provided to you. 
 
The residence halls at Agnes Scott College are designed for a reasonable level of fire safety. The fire 
alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and extinguishers are all checked annually during the 
summer months by a certified fire protection company and repairs or adjustments are made whenever a 
problem is found.  
 
The alarms are monitored by the Department of Public Safety on a 24 hour basis 365 days a year.  The 
Department of Public Safety notifies the Fire Department upon discovering or receiving reports of a fire 
on campus 
 
Students, faculty and staff should report all fires to the Department of Public Safety by dialing X6400 
from any college phone line or 404 471-6400 from any phone line.  
 
Hazards in Residence Halls and Resident’s rooms 
 
Smoking Policy: Refer to the Smoking Policy, which appears in the STUDENT CONDUCT section. Smoking 
is strictly prohibited in all facilities (e.g. classrooms, computer labs, offices, residence halls and theme 
houses). Smoking is permitted outside at designated locations that have been equipped with 
appropriate receptacles. Smoking is not permitted within 20 feet of any residence hall or building 
entrance. Smoking is prohibited in Avery Glen apartment units. Violations of the college’s smoking policy 
will be handled as a disciplinary matter and will be reviewed by the appropriate college administrator 
and/or judicial body. (See Judicial Board Auto sanctions.) 
 
Electrical Appliances  
a. No changes or additions may be made in the wiring or electrical fixtures in any room without approval 
from the College electrician. Care should be taken not to overload the existing circuits.  
b. No extension cords may be used from the hallway plugs to the rooms.  
c. Electrical appliances, such as hot plates, microwaves, toasters and irons, are to be used only in the 
places especially equipped and designated for their use in each residence hall (kitchens, lounges, lobby 
areas, etc.). Electrical appliances are not to be used in student rooms. If you have questions regarding 
the approval of storage of your appliances or electrical equipment, please contact the Residence Life 
office at ext. 6408.  
 
Open flames: Many fires occurring in the residence halls are a result of burning candles. Camp stoves, 
candles (decorative or functional, wick or no wick), open coil heating or cooking elements, kerosene 
lamps, etc., can be extremely hazardous. Open flame devices are not permitted in student rooms. 
Similarly, burning incense is not allowed. Cooking on barbecue grills and hibachis is not allowed in or 
around the residence halls or apartments.  
 
Flammable Liquids (and other hazardous chemical): Gasoline, ether, paint, glue, etc. are not permitted 
in residence halls and or student rooms or storage areas. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the 
building under any circumstances.  
 
Halogen Lamps: Due to the high temperature emitted from halogen lamps, they are prohibited in the 
residence halls. It has been reported that many fires are caused by materials coming in contact with the 
halogen bulb or other parts of the lamp.  
 
Cooking:  Cook safely and only in permitted and designated areas or kitchens using proper appliances. 
Microwaves can cause burns, or even start a fire. Residents should never leave cooking food 
unattended.  
 
Tampering with Fire Alarm Systems: The fire alarm system and firefighting equipment in the residence 
halls are for your protection. Tampering with smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, sprinkler piping, alarm 
boxes, and fire extinguishers is prohibited and may subject you to criminal prosecution. No items are to 
be hung or placed over smoke detectors or placed over lighting fixtures within any building. Hanging 
items from the sprinkler head or pipes is prohibited. Remember this is your life safety equipment. You 
will be held accountable and liable for any damage that may endanger the lives of other who reside in 
the building.  
 
False Alarms: Fire alarms may be set off in residence halls accidentally or due to tampering. How do 
you know if it is a false alarm? You don’t… so get out immediately! 
Fire Evacuation Drills 
Unannounced drills are conducted by the department of public safety in collaboration with the 
residence life office and the City of Decatur Fire Department once per semester. Drills are conducted to 
let resident students practice safe evacuation procedures and to evaluate staff performance. Buildings 
that do not pass a drill (e.g., evacuation too slow, students remain in building, etc.) are reported to 
resident life for follow-up educational and/or disciplinary action and are subject to retesting. 
Evacuation Procedures 
 
Fire and evacuation alarms are intended to alert building occupants that a fire or other life-threatening 
situation exists. Upon hearing the alarm, everyone should leave the building immediately. In the event 
of a fire, the following steps should be taken to ensure the safety of all building occupants. 
1. Activate the fire alarm. In the event of a fire or any emergency requiring building evacuation, it is 
essential to activate the nearest fire alarm pull station or verbally notify building occupants if the 
building is not equipped with a fire alarm system. 
2. Call Public Safety. Telephone X6400 and give your name, location, nature of the emergency and 
telephone number. This call should be made immediately, even if the fire alarm has already been 
activated. 
3. Exit the building. At the sound of a fire alarm, all building occupants should proceed to the nearest 
exit and leave the building immediately. During pre-emergency planning, all occupants should learn two 
evacuation routes from each building area. 
5. Assist physically impaired individuals. Physically impaired individuals should be given assistance to a 
secure area, such as a large stairwell or an office separated from a corridor by a fire door. Emergency 
personnel must be notified of their locations.  
6. Ensure all personnel are out of the building. Ensure all personnel are out of the immediate area. If 
there is time and no present danger, close all doors and windows while evacuating. 
7. Do not use the elevators. Elevators may lose power during a fire. If elevators are working during a fire 
emergency, their use is reserved for emergency response personnel only. 
8. Extinguish small fires. If the fire is small and you know how to use a fire extinguisher, attempt to 
extinguish the fire yourself. Do not attempt to extinguish any fire if there is a threat to your safety.  
9. Report hazardous conditions. If you are working in a research area and have sufficient time, ensure 
that the lab and experiments are in safe condition before leaving the area. Report any hazardous 
conditions to responding emergency personnel. 
10. Stay low. If confronted with smoke, keep near the floor. Smoke, heat and toxic gases will normally 
rise to the ceiling. All closed doors should be checked for heat prior to opening. If a doorknob is hot, the 
door should not be opened. 
11. Stay away from the building until it is safe to return. Do not re-enter the building until advised to 
do so by the authorities. 
 
Evacuation Procedure for Disabled Persons 
 
Persons whose mobility is impaired are individually responsible for informing their supervisors, 
residence life staff, office of academic advising and the department of public safety (404)471-6355 of 
their name, location and the nature of their disability. This information will be given to emergency 
responders during an emergency situation. The rescue of disabled persons who are unable to evacuate 
themselves will be an initial priority for responding fire units. Co-workers may assist in evacuating 
disabled persons only if this places them in no personal danger. Always ask someone with a disability 
how you can help before attempting any rescue technique. Ask the individual if there are any special 
considerations or items that need to come with the person. Someone should stay with the disabled 
person if it does not place them in additional danger, and someone should meet responding fire fighters 
to report the location of disabled persons. Visually impaired persons should have a sighted individual 
guide them to safety. Inform hearing-impaired persons of the nature of the emergency. Do not assume 
they know what is happening by watching others. 
 
The table below lists the assembly sites in place for each residence hall in the event of a fire.  
 
Residence Hall Assembly location 
Walters Hall Alston Campus Center 
Winship Hall Alston Campus Center 
Inman Hall Alston Campus Center 
Hopkins Hall Alston Campus Center 
Main Hall Alston Campus Center 
Rebekah Hall Alston Campus Center 
All Theme Houses Parking Deck area near the public safety office 
Avery Glen Avery Glen parking area as far away from the building as possible 
Campbell Hall Parking Deck area near the public safety office 
 
Fire Safety Training 
Fire Drills are conducted in each residence hall each semester. Every resident in the residence halls is 
required to participate with the drill using the techniques that are outlined in the student handbook.  
Residence Life staff is trained prior to the start of the fall semester regarding fire safety and the use of 
fire extinguishers.  
 
 
 
 
On-Campus Housing Facilities Fire Safety Systems 
 
The table below lists the safety systems in place at each of the on campus student residence halls at 
Agnes Scott College.  
 
Residence Halls Sprinkled Smoke Detectors Monitored by 
Building Fire Alarm System 
Walters Hall Yes Yes 
Winship Hall Yes Yes 
Inman Hall Yes Yes 
Hopkins Hall No Yes 
Rebekah hall Yes Yes 
Main Hall Yes Yes 
Theme House 124 Yes No 
Theme House 132 Yes No 
Theme House 138 Yes No 
Avery Glen  Yes No 
Campbell Hall Yes Yes 
 
Fire Safety Policies and Report 
 
Annual Reporting of Fire Safety Policies 
Agnes Scott College Fire Safety Report is published and distributed by the Department of Public Safety in 
cooperation with the Residence Life office and Facilities department. This report includes fire statistics 
for the previous year concerning reported fire that occurred in on-campus student housing facilities. 
This report includes college policies concerning fire safety, such as fire safety systems and other matters. 
You can obtain a copy of this report by accessing the following web site 
 
This report is published separately from the Annual Reporting of Security and Crime Statistics, which 
may also be found on the same web site http://www.agnesscott.edu/studentlife/publicsafety 
 
Number of Fire Drills 
Residence Halls Calendar Year No. of Drills 
Walters Hall 2013 2 
Winship Hall 2013 2 
Inman Hall 2013 2 
Hopkins Hall 2013 2 
Rebekah hall 2013 2 
Agnes Scott (Main) Hall 2013 2 
Theme House 124 2013 2 
Theme House 132 2013 2 
Theme House 138 2013 2 
Avery Glen Apartments 2013 1 
Campbell Hall NA NA 
 
Residence Halls Calendar Year No. of Drills 
Walters Hall 2012 2 
Winship Hall 2012 2 
Inman Hall 2012 2 
Hopkins Hall 2012 2 
Rebekah hall 2012 2 
Agnes Scott (Main) Hall 2011 2 
Theme House 124 2012 2 
Theme House 132 2012 2 
Theme House 138 2012 2 
Avery Glen Apartments 2012 1 
 
Residence Halls Calendar Year No. of Drills 
Walters Hall 2011 2 
Winship Hall 2011 2 
Inman Hall 2011 2 
Hopkins Hall 2011 2 
Rebekah hall 2011 2 
Agnes Scott (Main) Hall 2011 2 
Theme House 124 2011 2 
Theme House 132 2011 2 
Theme House 138 2011 2 
Avery Glen Apartments 2011 1 
 
Fire Report Summary 
 
Number of Fires, their cause, and associate injuries and property damage 
The following table lists all fires that have occurred in on-campus student housing. 
 
Calendar 
Year 
Residential  Cause Fires Injuries Deaths Property 
Damage in 
Dollars 
2013 Walters Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Winship Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Inman Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Hopkins Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Rebekah hall  0 0 0 0 
 Agnes Scott (Main) Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 124  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 132  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 138  0 0 0 0 
 Avery Glen Apartments  0 0 0 0 
 
 
 
 
 
Calendar 
Year 
Residential  Cause Fires Injuries Deaths Property 
Damage in 
Dollars 
2012 Walters Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Winship Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Inman Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Hopkins Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Rebekah hall  0 0 0 0 
 Agnes Scott (Main) Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 124  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 132  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 138  0 0 0 0 
 Avery Glen Apartments  0 0 0 0 
 
Calendar 
Year 
Residential  Cause Fires Injuries Deaths Property 
Damage in 
Dollars 
2011 Walters Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Winship Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Inman Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Hopkins Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Rebekah hall  0 0 0 0 
 Agnes Scott (Main) Hall  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 124  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 132  0 0 0 0 
 Theme House 138  0 0 0 0 
 Avery Glen Apartments  0 0 0 0 
 


Fire Safety Policy and Annual Fire Safety Report

Agnes Scott College Dean of Students

 
 
AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE 
OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS 
 
	  
Self-­Harming	  Behaviors	  Response	  Protocol	  
	  
Agnes	  Scott	  College	  (ASC)	  has	  coordinated	  specific	  wellness	  and	  safety	  services	  in	  order	  to	  serve	  
students	  dealing	  with	  cutting,	  burning,	  hair	  pulling,	  or	  other	  forms	  of	  self-­‐harming	  behaviors.	  	  We	  
utilize	  a	  multidisciplinary	  team	  approach,	  as	  this	  is	  considered	  a	  best	  practice	  for	  intervention	  of	  self-­‐
harm-­‐related	  concerns	  on	  college	  and	  university	  campuses.	  	  The	  team	  consists	  of	  representatives	  
from	  the	  fields	  of	  health,	  psychology,	  student	  life,	  and	  office	  of	  disability	  services	  who	  work	  
collaboratively	  with	  the	  student	  toward	  stated	  goals.	  	  
	  
	  
What	  is	  self-­harm?	  
Self-­‐harm	  is	  the	  overarching	  term	  used	  to	  refer	  to	  a	  wide	  variety	  of	  problematic	  behaviors	  related	  to	  
self-­‐injury	  and	  is	  defined	  as	  the	  intentional,	  direct	  injuring	  of	  body	  tissue	  most	  often	  done	  without	  
suicidal	  intentions.	  These	  types	  of	  behaviors	  may	  include	  cutting,	  burning,	  banging	  or	  hitting	  body	  
parts,	  and/or	  hair	  pulling.	  	  The	  motivations	  for	  self-­‐harm	  vary;	  it	  may	  be	  used	  as	  a	  coping	  mechanism	  
for	  anxiety,	  depression,	  stress,	  emotional	  numbness,	  sense	  of	  failure,	  low	  self-­‐esteem	  or	  
perfectionism.	  
	  
For	  more	  information	  about	  self-­‐harm	  or	  how	  to	  recognize	  the	  signs	  and	  symptoms,	  please	  refer	  to	  
the	  Mayo	  Clinic’s	  information	  page	  at	  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-­‐injury/DS00775	  
	  
	  
Intervention	  Team	  
ASC	  takes	  a	  multidisciplinary	  team	  approach	  to	  working	  with	  enrolled	  students	  experiencing	  self-­‐
harm	  to	  assist	  them	  in	  their	  treatment	  and	  recovery	  efforts.	  	  A	  multidisciplinary	  team	  approach	  is	  
most	  beneficial	  to	  students	  because	  it	  maximizes	  services	  and	  support	  through	  coordinated	  care	  with	  
the	  goal	  of	  students	  regaining	  wellness	  and	  succeeding	  academically,	  socially	  and	  emotionally.	  	  This	  
approach	  may	  involve	  the	  student	  attending	  counseling	  sessions	  (individual	  and	  group	  appointments	  
as	  available	  and	  appropriate).	  	  	  
	  
Once	  a	  student	  presents	  to	  or	  initiates	  contact	  with	  a	  team	  member,	  the	  team	  member	  will	  work	  with	  
the	  student	  to	  identify	  what	  goals	  the	  student	  would	  like	  to	  work	  toward.	  	  The	  team	  will	  work	  
collaboratively	  with	  the	  student	  to	  determine	  treatment	  options,	  course	  of	  treatment,	  and	  
recommendations	  for	  continued	  care,	  taking	  into	  account	  the	  student’s	  individual	  goals.	  	  Once	  a	  plan	  
is	  created	  the	  student	  is	  responsible	  for	  scheduling	  and	  attending	  these	  appointments.	  	  It	  is	  
important	  to	  be	  proactive	  scheduling	  these	  meetings	  to	  guarantee	  being	  seen.	  	  Recovery	  from	  
engaging	  in	  self-­‐harm	  behaviors	  must	  be	  a	  top	  priority	  to	  the	  student	  and	  the	  student	  should	  
understand	  that	  at	  times	  adjustments	  to	  the	  student’s	  academic	  and	  co-­‐curricular	  plan	  may	  be	  
necessary	  in	  order	  to	  incorporate	  treatment	  recommendations.	  	  	  
	  
	  
Intervention	  Team	  Members	  
 Wellness	  Center	  –	  404.471.7100*	  
Executive	  Director,	  Wellness	  Center	  	  
Director,	  Counseling	  and	  Psychological	  Services	  	  
Clinical	  Director,	  Student	  Health	  	  
Student	  Support	  Coordinator,	  Wellness	  Center	  	  
 Director,	  Residence	  Life	  -­‐	  404.471.6408	  
 Assistant	  Athletic	  Director	  and	  Director	  of	  Sports	  Medicine	  -­‐	  404.471.6496	  
 Coordinator,	  Disability	  Services	  -­‐	  404.471.6174	  
 Associate	  Dean	  of	  Students	  -­‐	  404.471.6075	  
	  
*this	  line	  can	  be	  utilized	  to	  connect	  with	  any	  member	  of	  the	  Wellness	  Center	  listed	  above:	  
	  
	  
The	  above	  individuals	  will	  meet	  on	  a	  regular	  basis	  once	  the	  need	  arises.	  	  The	  team	  may	  consult	  with	  
others	  on	  an	  as-­‐needed	  basis	  depending	  on	  the	  circumstances	  and	  needs	  of	  the	  student.	  	  	  
	  
	  
Confidentiality	  
Confidentiality	  means	  that	  information	  shared	  by	  a	  student	  with	  medical	  providers,	  mental	  health	  
providers,	  and	  individuals	  serving	  on	  the	  intervention	  team	  cannot	  be	  revealed	  to	  any	  other	  
individual	  without	  express	  written	  permission	  of	  the	  student.	  These	  individuals	  are	  prohibited	  from	  
breaking	  confidentiality	  unless	  there	  is	  an	  imminent	  threat	  of	  harm	  to	  self	  or	  others.	  	  
	  
Because	  an	  atmosphere	  of	  trust	  is	  vital	  when	  assisting	  a	  student	  who	  has	  disclosed	  personal	  
information,	  all	  efforts	  will	  be	  made	  to	  ensure	  that	  a	  student’s	  privacy	  is	  maintained.	  However,	  there	  
may	  be	  occasions	  in	  which	  confidentiality	  is	  not	  always	  possible	  or	  appropriate.	  	  The	  College	  has	  the	  
responsibility	  to	  balance	  the	  requests	  for	  confidentiality	  with	  our	  institutional	  responsibility	  of	  
ensuring	  a	  safe	  educational	  environment	  and	  workplace.	  	  Thus,	  depending	  on	  the	  level	  of	  threat	  to	  
the	  student’s	  health	  and	  well	  being,	  on	  some	  occasions	  successful	  treatment	  may	  require	  the	  
cooperation	  and	  involvement	  of	  the	  student’s	  family	  and/or	  guardian.	  The	  student	  will	  be	  
encouraged	  to	  share	  information	  regarding	  treatment	  with	  their	  family	  member	  and/or	  guardian	  in	  
instances	  deemed	  appropriate	  by	  the	  team.	  When	  it	  is	  believed	  that	  a	  student’s	  health	  and	  well	  being	  
is	  in	  jeopardy,	  the	  family	  member	  and/or	  guardian	  will	  be	  notified	  and	  involved	  in	  the	  referral	  
process	  to	  a	  more	  intensive	  treatment	  program.	  Additionally,	  under	  these	  circumstances	  emergency	  
personnel	  may	  need	  to	  become	  involved	  in	  order	  to	  ensure	  the	  safety	  of	  the	  student.	  	  	  	  
	  
	  
Identification	  and	  Referral	  
Any	  student	  concerned	  about	  self-­‐harming	  behavior,	  or	  related	  issues	  can	  consult	  with	  the	  
Intervention	  Team	  by	  initiating	  contact	  with	  a	  member	  of	  the	  team.	  	  	  
	  
Any	  member	  of	  the	  Agnes	  Scott	  College	  community	  (faculty,	  staff	  or	  student)	  who	  has	  concern	  about	  
a	  particular	  student	  can	  consult	  with	  a	  team	  member.	  	  The	  team	  member	  will	  discuss	  the	  signs	  and	  
symptoms	  noticed,	  give	  advice	  about	  how	  to	  talk	  to	  the	  student	  of	  concern	  and	  discuss	  how	  to	  refer	  
the	  student	  for	  an	  assessment.	  	  The	  College	  considers	  this	  a	  best	  practice	  for	  referral	  of	  a	  student.	  	  
	  
If	  the	  concerned	  party	  is	  uncomfortable	  approaching	  the	  student	  about	  a	  referral	  for	  an	  assessment,	  
or	  the	  efforts	  have	  been	  unsuccessful,	  a	  team	  member	  may	  intervene	  on	  their	  behalf.	  	  Once	  the	  team	  
member	  is	  able	  to	  verify	  and	  document	  the	  concerns	  and	  there	  is	  an	  indication	  of	  potential	  significant	  
risk	  to	  self,	  the	  student	  will	  be	  notified	  and	  asked	  to	  schedule	  an	  appointment	  to	  meet	  with	  a	  team	  
member	  for	  an	  initial	  assessment.	  	  	  
	  
If	  the	  student	  is	  unresponsive	  to	  the	  request	  (e.g.,	  doesn’t	  respond	  to	  email	  or	  telephone	  calls,	  etc.)	  or	  
if	  it	  is	  determined	  during	  this	  process	  that	  there	  is	  a	  significant	  and	  immediate	  risk	  to	  self,	  the	  
Intervention	  Team	  will	  consult	  directly	  with	  the	  Dean	  of	  Students	  representative	  and/or	  emergency	  
medical	  personnel.	  	  	  
	  
Additional	  resources	  regarding	  self-­‐harming	  behaviors	  can	  be	  found	  at	  	  
www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-­‐injury/DS00775	  
www.selfinjury.com	  
	  
	  


Self-­Harming Behaviors Response Protocol

Agnes Scott College 
Student Complaint Policy 
 
Agnes Scott College strives to address student concerns in a responsive and prompt manner. 
Students are encouraged to resolve concerns themselves by first talking directly with the college 
representative involved. The vice president for student life and dean of students is available as a 
resource for students who have complaints. 
Student complaints are defined as grievances or general dissatisfaction with the college and/or its 
employees.  
Agnes Scott distinguishes between student complaints and student appeals of college policies 
and decisions.  A student’s appeal, whether for an exception to a policy, a decision made by a 
judicial body, or a financial aid award, is not considered a student complaint. There are specific 
procedures in place for students who wish to make an appeal; these procedures vary according to 
the type of appeal.  Information about appeal procedures can be found in the relevant sections of 
the Student Handbook and/or the Agnes Scott College Catalog. 
Specific procedures for disputing final grades and reporting violations of the college’s sexual 
harassment and consensual relationship policies are also found in the Student Handbook.  
In addition, there are multiple processes in place for students who have a complaint about 
another student.  These include Honor Court, Judicial Board and mediation and conflict 
resolution processes available through the Office of Residence Life. Students seeking guidance 
on resolving a complaint against another student should contact the vice president for student life 
and dean of students. 
The following procedures are to be followed for all other types of complaints. 
I. Informal Complaint: A student who has a complaint about Agnes Scott College and has not 
been able to resolve it by speaking with the individual(s) involved should discuss the issue with 
the college official responsible for that area of the college. The student should attempt to resolve 
the issue informally within 30 days of the occurrence. If the matter still cannot be resolved, then 
the student may file a formal written complaint.  
II. Formal Complaint: A student who has attempted to resolve the issue through the informal 
complaint process and is still not satisfied may file a formal written complaint with the vice 
president for academic affairs and dean of the college or the vice president for student life and 
dean of students. This should be done as soon as possible after the informal process is completed 
but within six months of the occurrence. The student must complete the Student Complaint 
Form, which is available in the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, in the Office of 
Academic Advising and on the college’s website. If the complaint is about a vice president of the 
college, the student should file the complaint with the Office of the President.  If the complaint is 
about the president of the college, the student is advised to speak with the vice president for 
student life or the student may file a formal written complaint by submitting the complaint form 
to the secretary of the board in a sealed envelope addressed to the Chair of the Board of Trustees.    
III. Procedures for resolution of formal written complaints:  
a. Depending on the nature of the formal complaint, the Office of the Vice President for Student 
Life, the Office of Academic Advising or the Office of the President will log the formal 
complaint and send it to the appropriate officer of the college for resolution.  
b. The officer (or her or his designee) will review the written complaint and respond to the 
student within 10 business days while the college is in session.  
c. If the complaint involves a specific staff or faculty member’s action, the officer should consult 
with the director of human resources for guidance. The officer will also inform any named staff 
or faculty member upon receipt of a formal complaint, which names that person. Depending on 
the nature of the complaint, the officer may call together all involved parties, mediate the 
situation and find a reasonable solution. If no resolution is found or the resolution is 
unsatisfactory to any party, the student or an individual directly involved in the dispute may 
petition in writing to the Judicial Review Committee within 72 hours of the attempt to mediate 
and settle the matter. An officer can also send the complaint directly to the Judicial Review 
Committee, if she or he chooses in lieu of mediation.  
The Judicial Review Committee has 30 days to hear each side of the dispute and render a 
decision. If a specific staff or faculty member’s action is in question, the director of human 
resources will be an ex officio member of the Judicial Review Committee. Additionally, if a 
faculty member’s action is in question, the president of the Faculty Executive Committee will 
also be an ex officio member. The committee will announce its findings and recommendations in 
writing to all parties involved. Deliberations of the Judicial Review Committee are confidential. 
Current procedures of Judicial Review Committee will be followed; no legal representation or 
recording devices will be permitted at committee meetings. The committee’s decision is final. 
All parties are expected to respect the confidentiality of the committee’s decision. 
 


Student Complaint Policy

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Agnes Scott College

Catalog 2013-2014

Kiss, Elizabeth

Holder, Beth

Get Schooled (http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog) 
President of Agnes Scott and college trustee: Cutting aid to 
private college students will cost more than it saves
9:11 am March 20, 2013, by Maureen Downey
Here is a guest column on the planned cut to tuition assistance given by the state to Georgia students who 
attend private in-state colleges. The authors are Beth Holder, a trustee and alumna of Agnes Scott College, 
and Elizabeth Kiss, president of Agnes Scott.
According to the AJC:
House budget writers reduced the  Tuition Equalization Grant — money paid to all private 
college students — from $700 to $500. The subsidy program has been around for about 40 
years and is meant to help private college students pay tuition.
The $6 million saved by reducing the grant would be plowed into the Technical College 
System of Georgia. Deal proposed a $24 million cut in technical college funding because of 
an enrollment drop at the schools. Technical colleges, like University System of Georgia 
schools, are funded largely based on enrollment.
The cut has alarmed private colleges, which contend that the money is often a factor in a student’s ability to 
enroll.
By Beth Holder and Elizabeth Kiss
The Georgia House of Representatives passed a budget last Tuesday that cuts $6 million in 
tuition assistance to Georgia residents attending independent colleges in state. The $6 million 
reduction in the long-standing Tuition Equalization Grant program would be used to cover 
technical college and University System of Georgia shortfalls. We believe this proposed cut is 
misguided for several reasons.
Cutting the TEG is NOT a smart use of taxpayer money. Much like the HOPE Scholarship helps 
keep our best students in Georgia and ultimately generates money for the state, the TEG helps 
thousands of Georgia’s brightest young people attend and graduate from a private Georgia 
college — at a much lower cost to taxpayers than if these students attended public universities.
In fact, according to the most recent data available (2009 State Higher Education Executive 
Officers Report), the state of Georgia spent approximately $4,051 for each bachelor’s degree 
awarded to a student at private college versus $65,516 per degree awarded at a public institution. 
That’s 16 times less tax spending if a student attends a private institution.
Georgia students use the TEG, in combination with other scholarships, grants, loans, and work-
study, to help pay for college. Private colleges do their share, raising funds from donors to provide 
institutional financial aid at an average of $10,500 per student per year. Cutting the TEG means 
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some students won’t be able to bridge the gap and will either drop out or transfer to a public 
institution at a much higher cost to taxpayers.
Our state needs more college graduates to ensure a stronger tax base and economy. As demand 
for higher education outpaces the state’s ability to fund our public institutions, private colleges can 
pick up the slack, enrolling more Georgia students with a smaller impact on taxpayers.
A cut to TEG disproportionately hurts lower-income and minority students. Private colleges in 
Georgia educate more lower-income and minority students as a percent of enrollment than four-
year public institutions. For example, at Agnes Scott, 34 percent of students are African-American 
and 48 percent of all students are eligible for Pell grants, the federal program for low-income 
students. Statewide, minority and low-income students also graduate at higher rates from private 
colleges. At a time when public policy needs to focus on getting more students, especially lower-
income and minority students, to and more importantly through college, cutting TEG funding does 
just the opposite.
TEG has already been cut to the bone. Georgia students who attended private colleges in the 
early 1990s received a TEG award of around $1000 per year. The TEG has already been reduced 
to $700. The House-approved budget would reduce it by another 28 percent, to $500. This would 
bring overall cuts to the TEG program to a whopping 58 percent since 2000. TEG is not a bloated 
program in need of a diet—there’s no fat left to cut here.
The State Senate has the next crack at the FY 2014 state budget. We urge Senators to restore 
TEG funding and ask Gov. Nathan Deal, a long-time supporter of the TEG, to weigh in on this 
important opportunity to maintain a balanced system of higher education in Georgia. And we call 
on all Georgians who want to save taxpayer money while expanding college access and success 
to raise your voices against these short-sighted cuts.
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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Cutting aid to private college students will cost more than it saves

Agnes Scott College Office of Institutional Research

Agnes Scott Fact Book 2013-2014

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Self-Harming Behaviors Response Protocol

Student Complaint Policy

Fire Safety Policy and Annual Fire Safety Report

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Catalog 2013-2014

Cutting aid to private college students will cost more than it saves

Agnes Scott Fact Book 2013-2014

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