Introduction & General Information

Visits to the Gainesville Campus

Brenau welcomes visitors to the Historic main campus in Gainesville throughout the year. The administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. See the telephone directory in this Catalog for important phone numbers.

See our web site at www.brenau.edu for complete maps and directions.

Directions to Brenau’s Gainesville campus:

From Atlanta: Take I-85 north to I-985 north. Take exit 22 off I-985 and turn left onto Georgia Highway 129 N. Follow 129 and turn right onto Washington St. Brenau is on the corner of Washington and Boulevard.

From Chattanooga: Take I-75 south to the Georgia Highway 20 exit in Cartersville, Ga. Follow Georgia Highway 20 east through Canton. Before you reach Cumming, turn left onto Hwy. 369. Continue on Georgia Highway 369 for about 40 minutes and you will arrive in Gainesville. When you enter Gainesville, Georgia Highway 369 becomes Jesse Jewell Parkway. Turn left onto Georgia Highway 129 and right onto Washington St. Brenau is on the corner of Washington and Boulevard.

From Greenville, SC: Take I-85 south to Georgia. At Jefferson, GA., take the Georgia Highway 129 exit, and turn right on Georgia Highway 129 N. Follow 129 and turn right onto Washington St. Brenau is on the corner of Washington and Boulevard.

Student Responsibility

All colleges and universities establish certain requirements which must be met before a degree is granted. These regulations concern such things as curricula and courses, majors and minors, required institutional testing and residency requirements. Advisors, faculty, and deans assist students in meeting these requirements; however, students are responsible for fulfilling them. If these responsibilities have not been satisfied at the end of the course of study, degrees will be withheld until the student satisfies these requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with and to complete the chosen course of study.

To remain in good standing, students also are required to meet their financial obligations as specified in this Catalog. Failure to do so will result in the withholding of grades and/or transcripts until bills are paid in full. Students whose accounts are not current will not be allowed to register for courses until accounts are paid in full or a payment plan is approved. These obligations must be met prior to the registration deadline or first day of class. Students are held responsible for being acquainted with regulations and procedures as stated in this Catalog and other official publications of Brenau. Therefore, it is important that students read these publications and remain informed throughout their academic career.

Admission to and attendance at Brenau University is a privilege and not an inherent right. The University expects students to conduct themselves with dignity, courtesy, responsibility, and integrity and with due respect for the rights of others. Students may be involuntarily withdrawn for failure to comply with institutional policies, requirements, and standards of conduct.

Mission of Brenau University

Brenau University challenges students to live extraordinary lives of personal and professional fulfillment. As students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees or non-degree programs at Brenau both on ground and online, each prepares for a lifetime of intellectual accomplishment and appreciation of artistic expression through a curriculum enriched by the liberal arts, scientific inquiry and global awareness.

Brenau University fulfills its mission by:

• Designing intellectually and artistically stimulating academic programs grounded in the liberal arts;
• Providing a student-centered environment that supports the highest level of individual achievement;
• Inspiring community responsibility and service to others;
• Developing a progressive curriculum that conforms to or exceeds the best national standards and respects individual worth and equity;
• Establishing a culture that is intolerant of mediocrity;
• Attracting and retaining an exemplary faculty and staff committed to the intellectual, creative, and ethical growth of Brenau students;
• Maintaining its position as a nonsectarian institution that respects individual spiritual choice, including the Judeo-Christian heritage of the University’s founders and encouraging the understanding of diverse global traditions and beliefs;
• Operating in a fiscally responsible manner;
• Offering its services and facilities to the external community for cultural, civic, and intellectual enrichment without compromising University principles

The Brenau Ideal

To find satisfaction in being rather than in seeming; to find joy in doing rather than in dreaming; to be prepared for service - thereby earning the right to be served; to be pure in heart, vigorous in mind, discreet in action, to love deeply, fear nothing, hate never; to enjoy that freedom which comes from knowledge of the “Truth”; to be modestly conscious of the limitations of human knowledge and serenely confident of the limitless reaches of human endeavor -this is the ideal of Brenau.  H.J. Pearce

The founding principles reflected through the Brenau Ideal permeate the university’s myriad academic programs and multiple locations. The university is committed to personal, academic, and professional advancement for its culturally and globally diverse student body. The Brenau Ideal achieves its dynamic ethos as current and future students address evolving and as yet unforeseen social, intellectual, and technical global issues.

With its historic original campus located in Gainesville, Georgia, Brenau University boasts globally recognized and successful alumni from China to California to Central America and beyond, from award-winning costume designers, renowned studio arts alumnae, Centers for Disease Control senior officers, U.S. Military Command Officers, life-changing rehabilitation scientists and nurses, to pioneering entrepreneurs and many more.

Accreditation and Affiliation

Brenau University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Brenau University. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

Additional accreditations have been awarded by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), the Collegiate Commission for Nursing Education (CCNE), Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for teacher education programs (PSC), National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC), and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

The institution also holds memberships including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the American Association of University Women, the American College Testing Program, the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Council on Education, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Library Association, the Association of College and Research Libraries, the College Entrance Examination Board, the Council for the Advancement of Small Colleges, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Council for Undergraduate Research, the Georgia Associate of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Georgia Independent Colleges Association, the Georgia Library Association, the Georgia Theatre Alliance, the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, the National Collegiate Honors Council, the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and the Women’s College Coalition.

Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education
Brenau University is a member of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE). Its mission is to advance Atlanta-area higher education through academic collaboration, corporate and community partnerships and public awareness, offering programs and services for cross-registration, inter-library sharing, cooperative purchasing, research initiatives and public policy. More than 130,000 students from 50 states and 165 countries attend ARCHE institutions. The Atlanta region is an international center for business, transportation, communications, information technology, academic research, science and healthcare.

Other ARCHE member institutions include Agnes Scott College, Brenau University, Clark Atlanta University, Clayton State University, Columbia Theological Seminary, Emory University, Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, Atlanta Mercer University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Oglethorpe University, Spelman College, University of Georgia, University of West Georgia. For more information, contact www.atlantahighered.org or the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Brenau University. Contact the Registrar for more information about taking classes at another ARCHE institution.

Governing Board - Board of Trustees
Brenau is governed by a self‑perpetuating board of trustees of up to 40 members, nine of whom are nominees of the National Alumnae Association of Brenau. All members are elected to serve for three-year terms. The purpose of the board is to set policies that ensure academic excellence in a fiscally responsible manner.

Phi Kappa Phi
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines. The organization inducts about 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually from more than 300 colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. Since its founding, Phi Kappa Phi has inducted more than a million members.

Phi Theta Kappa

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of students enrolled in two-year degree programs. Membership is by invitation to students with a GPA of 3.5 or above.  Members enjoy opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.  Today Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 3 million members and 1,300 chapters in nine nations.

Institutional Organization

The Women’s College of Brenau University  is a single-gender institution in name and spirit that prepares students to be extraordinary leaders for the 21st century while preserving its historic social traditions of connecting people, places and times. For all members of the Women’s College student body, residential or commuter, the school promotes a unique living and learning community as it stresses social and personal development, nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics, student growth both individually in leadership and collectively through student governance, community service and the on-going growth of sisterhood. Brenau Women’s College is the only one in the nation that provides a residential sorority system, which generates a social network for college-wide community. Institutional financial aid and endowed scholarships underpin an undergraduate profile of accomplished, accountable and ambitious women.

The Undergraduate School of Brenau University  delivers coeducational undergraduate degree programs offered in a variety of learning formats at multiple Brenau locations. The school provides flexible student services and accommodating academic schedules. In doing so, Brenau University is cooperating with the nationwide effort to support an affordable and realistic cost for higher education. Therefore, the tuition schedule for the Undergraduate School includes an incorporated discount below the residential program, with the majority of tuition designated to meet academic costs and infrastructure support; concomitantly, only focused student services and limited institutional aid opportunities exist beyond the initial discount. The university supports these students with access to rental housing as available and optional participation in dining services at the Gainesville campus.

The Sidney O. Smith Jr. Graduate School of Brenau University  awards doctoral, specialist, and master’s degrees and certificates through coeducational programs offered in a variety of learning formats at multiple Brenau locations. Specific graduate programs are offered throughout the Brenau system of educational sites depending on employment opportunities and societal needs. The school provides practice-based, research-centered programs offering individualized faculty guidance in practice, research and thesis preparation along with clinical and academic resources supporting student practice and research. The graduate school awards a limited number of assistantships and fellowships. The university supports these students with access to rental housing as available and optional participation in dining services at the Gainesville location.

History of Brenau

Founded in 1878, Brenau University stands as a distinctive institution of higher learning. The unique name, Brenau, coined from a blend of the German word brennen, meaning “to burn,” and aurum, the Latin word for “gold,” underscores that singularity. It forms the foundation of the Brenau motto, “As Gold Refined by Fire.”

The former frontier boomtown of Gainesville, located in the foothills of Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains, prepared for progressive, evolutionary growth. Civic leaders headed by Gainesville First Baptist Church Pastor W.C. Wilkes established the Georgia Baptist Female Seminary to provide much-needed higher education opportunities for young women. However, by the beginning of the 20th century, the college had evolved into a private, nonsectarian liberal arts institution. Stewardship passed to the independent Brenau Board of Trustees in 1911. Brenau became a university in 1992 and today is designated a Level VI institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and grants degrees at all levels, from associate degrees to doctoral.

Leadership

Brenau has been governed by 11 presidents. The first administrator, Dr. W.C. Wilkes, led the institution until his death in 1886, when Dr. A.W. Van Hoose purchased the school. Dr. H.J. Pearce became president in 1893 and, except during 1910-13 when Dr. T.J. Simmons served as president, served almost continuously until his death in 1943. For about two years after Pearce’s death, his widow, Lucile Townsend Pearce, oversaw the committee that led the school until a new president was hired. Dr. Josiah Crudup served as president from 1945-67 and was followed by Dr. William K. Clark from 1969-70. Brenau was led by Dr. James T. Rogers from 1970-85 and Dr. John S. Burd was president 1986-2005. Dr. Ed L. Schrader served as president from 2005-19, and was followed by Dr. Anne A. Skleder. In February 2024, Dr. David Barnett was named the 11th president of Brenau University.

Academic and Geographic Evolution

The Women’s College of Brenau University continues to provide a residential experience on its Gainesville campus and remains integral to the university’s mission. In the late 1960s Brenau began teaching career-oriented majors, including teacher education, nursing and business administration, that were compatible with the strong liberal arts foundation of its core studies. In the early 1970s, the college created coeducational evening and weekend studies as well as off-campus programs designed for adult learners. It also developed graduate studies in business, education and public administration, while expanding career-oriented programs. Trustees also authorized expansions to include coeducational programs at multiple locations. Brenau operates graduate and undergraduate programs for men and women at three locations in Gainesville, including the newly established Downtown Campus, and an additional instructional site in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross. The university has expanded online offerings since the early 2000s and offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs online.

Campus/Site Locations

Main Campus Location

Brenau University is located about 50 miles north of Atlanta in Gainesville in Hall County, Georgia, which is the primary industrial, agricultural, medical, and educational center for the northeast section of the state. The population of the greater Gainesville-Hall County area is approximately 175,000. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of about 1,300 feet, Gainesville enjoys the best weather the four seasons have to offer. It was this climate, which promotes outdoor living the majority of the year, that more than 100 years ago first brought Gainesville to prominence as a health resort and made Hall County a venue for the Olympic Games in 1996. Residence in Gainesville provides access to a wide variety of recreational opportunities. In addition to the local attractions, the Atlanta metropolitan area offers many amenities within an hour’s drive by interstate. Lake Lanier, Georgia’s largest lake, borders Gainesville on two sides and provides a wealth of recreational enjoyment. Just beyond the nearby Georgia-North Carolina border awaits the Great Smoky Mountains with breath-taking vistas and year-round recreational possibilities. The area’s close proximity to numerous tourist attractions such as Stone Mountain, Six Flags Over Georgia, ski resorts, the Chattahoochee National Forest, and several Georgia state parks provides a constant variety of scenic and entertainment pleasure.

Brenau also enjoys a close relationship with neighboring institutions of higher education. Within miles of the Gainesville campus are University of North Georgia, Piedmont College, Truett McConnell University, The University of Georgia, Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Emory University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Atlanta and many others.

Brenau’s main 56-acres campus, which includes both buildings and a large wooded area, is situated two blocks from the center of Gainesville in the attractive, historical residential area of town. The campus buildings are grouped in what approximates two quadrangles and include academic buildings, residence halls, sorority houses, an amphitheater, fitness center, tennis complex, performing arts center, and other structures.

Additional Locations of Brenau

In addition to the main campus in Gainesville, Brenau offers students the opportunity to seek both undergraduate and graduate degrees at various locations in Georgia.

Directors for these locations are listed in the Administrative/Support Staff section of this catalog. Smaller programs may be offered at other locations on a special basis. Members of the administrative staff and faculty visit each off-campus site periodically. In addition, off-campus classes are evaluated on a regular basis. The purpose of these visits and evaluations is to provide a direct liaison between the students and faculty at distinct locations and the main campus.

All policies, standards, and procedures applied on the main campus are applied to off-campus sites, unless otherwise specifically indicated. 

Cross Registration Between Divisions

Most courses are open to all Brenau University students. All programs are not available in all formats.

Online classes: Online classes are available without restriction to evening and online students. Day students must register for any online course choices via a Registration-Add Form and submit to their major department chair for approval. More than two online classes in a semester also require the approval of the Dean of the Women’s College.

Day classes at the Historic Gainesville Campus: Women’s College and non-Women’s College undergraduate students may enroll in day classes. However, W sections are reserved for Women’s College students.

Cultural Activities at Brenau

Brenau Galleries.  Four Brenau galleries on the Gainesville campus provide educational opportunities and visual arts experiences to the university and North Georgia communities by presenting major art exhibitions each year, often paired with presentations by the artists. In addition, the university holds an impressive permanent collection of sculpture, paintings, photography, historically important clothing and other items in its permanent collection. Items from the collection appear frequently in gallery exhibitions as well as in long-term display in public areas on all Brenau locations. In 2010 Brenau University became the first academic partner of the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, an arrangement that provides students internships and other special access to the museum’s exhibitions and behind-the-scenes operations.

Gainesville Theatre Alliance. Comprised of students and faculty of Brenau University and the University of North Georgia, community members, visiting artists‑in‑residence and guest performers, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA) is one of the most outstanding college‑community performing companies in the Southeast. The group uses facilities at Brenau and University of North Georgia for professional quality preparation and performances. It stages several major productions, usually a musical, a drama and a comedy, in addition to studio productions. GTA includes WonderQuest, an extremely popular program for local children and school groups. 

Other Cultural Activities at Brenau.  Additional cultural opportunities on the Historic Brenau Campus include the Vocal Chamber Ensemble, Spectrum Singers, Spectrum Winds, student and faculty art shows, musical performances, comedy shows, the Brenau Collaborative Art Show and endowed programming initiatives that have brought to campus documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy, husband-and-wife political pundits James Carvill and Mary Matalin, and internationally acclaimed author Khaled Hosseini.

The Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute. The Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute, known as BULLI, is a non-credit educational opportunity for mature adults who wish to stimulate their thinking and expand their knowledge. During each of the four terms of the year, they may choose from some 12 to 14 courses that meet for an hour and a half once each week, as well as take part in a variety of activities outside the classroom.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for the administrative operation of the Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute. Guided by the Center for Lifetime Study, the BULLI program offers a wide diversity of courses from the academic to the technical, from recreational to the artistic. No college experience is needed or required for membership in BULLI and neither tests nor grades are given. BULLI issues no certificates or other official documentation.

Instructors of BULLI classes are a mix of members of the Brenau faculty, instructors from other colleges and universities, community experts, and knowledgeable fellow BULLI members.

Alumni Association

Alumni Association
The purpose of the Alumni Association is to stimulate and vitalize interest in the welfare of Brenau University and to foster a lifetime of learning, community and engagement among its alumni and friends. All University and Women’s College students who completed 30 semester hours or Academy students who completed a high school diploma are entitled to membership in the Association

General University Policies

University Class Attendance and Participation Policy 

All grades and evaluations earned by the student and issued by the faculty are based upon the quality of the student’s overall academic performance both in and out of class. Students are expected to attend and participate in class regularly, and to assume responsibility for meeting all requirements as specified in the course syllabus. Because of the differences in schedules, and contact hours, there are different attendance policies for the day, evening and weekend, and online sessions. 

Student Responsibilities

1. Students are responsible for all material covered in each course for which they are registered. In no instance does absence from class relieve a student from the responsibility for any course work.
2. Students are responsible for complying with both the institutional attendance policy and any special attendance regulations specified by the instructor in the course syllabus.
3. Students are responsible for initiating any request to make up work missed because of a class absence. The decision to assist the student with make-up work, including tests, in every case rests with the instructor.
4. Students should explain the cause of every absence from illness or other causes to the instructor, who if the absence is justified may grant the student a chance to make up work missed as a result of the absence.
    

Faculty Responsibilities

1. Faculty may prescribe reasonable requirements relevant to the course of instruction. At the beginning of each semester, they shall inform students in writing of any special requirements. Each syllabus shall state the attendance policy and any academic consequences of excessive absences as well as any special attendance requirements. In no case shall any individual policy conflict with university policy.
2. Faculty should keep a record of class attendance for their enrolled students.
3. When a student in the Women’s College has been absent from 25 percent of the classes in any semester, the instructor shall report the absences in writing to the Director of Student Success Initiatives and may recommend appropriate action. If the student is a recipient of VA educational benefits, the instructor must also report these absences to the director of veteran’s services by the next workday after the second absence for a class which meets once a week.
4. Faculty are responsible for counseling with students regarding the academic consequences of absences from class or laboratory sessions.
5. Faculty are responsible for arranging make-up work when an absence is excused. The student must initiate the request for make-up work in writing, along with a written explanation of the absences.

Academic Rights  Recognizing the mutual rights and responsibilities of faculty and students to each other is essential to the higher education community. The following statements reflect Brenau policies and procedures regarding those rights and responsibilities.

1. Academic freedom includes both the freedom to teach and the freedom to learn; students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.
2. As citizens and members of an academic community, students are subject to the policies and regulations of the institution and responsible for preserving high standards of conduct and scholarship.
3. Students are encouraged to engage in a sustained independent search for truth and to develop the capacity for critical judgment. This is the responsibility of everyone in a community of scholars.
4. Students may take exception to points of view offered in any course and reserve judgment about opinions expressed, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course in which they are enrolled.
5. Students are protected through established procedures against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation, but they are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
6. Students have the right to request review of grading systems with faculty for clarification; such review is to be conducted responsibly and should promote better student-faculty understanding.
7. Confidential information about students that instructors acquire in the course of their professional association is to be maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. (See Student Records section of this catalog.)
8. Students have the right to belong to any university organization if they meet membership requirements.
9. Students have the right and responsibility to participate in determining their courses of study within the guidelines of the discipline and must assume responsibility for meeting degree requirements as set forth in their major programs of study.
10. Students have the right to examine and discuss in a responsible manner questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately in a like manner.

Academic Honesty

Brenau University is an academic community actively engaged in scholarly pursuits. As members of this community, students are expected to recognize and honor standards of intellectual and academic integrity. Brenau supports the ideals of scholarship and fairness by rejecting all dishonest work when it is submitted for academic credit. Brenau University encourages students to be responsible and accountable for their decisions and actions. It is Brenau’s hope that its students will uphold the honor of the University by refraining from every form of dishonesty in the community. Any attempt by students to present the work of others as their own or to pass an examination by improper means is regarded as a most serious offense and renders those students who do so liable to disciplinary action. Assisting another student in any such dishonesty, or knowing of this dishonesty and not reporting it, is also considered a grave breach of honesty. Brenau University faculty members will make every effort to deal with suspected violations of academic dishonesty. Included in every syllabus is the Brenau Honor Code:

Brenau University Honor Code: 
I promise to uphold the Brenau University honor code and expectations of civility in the student handbook by refraining from every form of dishonesty, cheating, and impropriety in university life. I will strive to create a spirit of honesty and honor. Failure to do so is considered a breach of trust toward the faculty, staff, and student body. I accept this commitment as a personal responsibility to refrain from and to report all forms of dishonesty, cheating, and misconduct.

Plagiarism  Plagiarism is the act of taking the words or ideas of another and representing them as one’s own.

Cheating  Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to, giving or receiving unauthorized assistance before, during, or after an examination or assignment; sharing course materials (hard copy or uploaded online) provided by the instructor or completed by the student for a course; falsification or misrepresentation of information in an academic exercise or assignment; unauthorized use of someone else’s password or account number; submitting work more than once without the consent of the instructor; and lying for academic advantage.

Process:

1. If a faculty member suspects academic dishonesty, they first contact the student in question to determine the student’s understanding and awareness of the issue. The student and faculty member should meet to discuss the issue, preferably face-to-face, but, in the case of an online student, web conference is a possible alternative. 

2. Sanctions for academic dishonesty are as follows:

• 1st offense: “0” on the assignment, which may result in an F in the course, depending on the assignment. Students may be required to enroll in AS 120, Academic Honesty in Context, a zero-credit P/F course, at a cost of $125.00, if the student does not understand why the incident is considered a breach of the academic integrity policy and/or if the student does not admit breaking the academic integrity policy. Students must complete the course with a P during the next term of enrollment.

• 2nd offense: Required enrollment in AS 120 and an automatic F in the course in which the offense took place.

• 3rd offense: Expulsion from the University.
  Note: For incidents of plagiarism or similar committed while not enrolled (i.e. plagiarism of an academic suspension appeal), the appeal will be denied and an academic dishonesty report will be filed.

3. In all cases, faculty should submit an Academic Dishonesty Report (ADR; available on the Brenau Registrar’s Office website ⇒ forms) to the Office of Academic Affairs within 10 days of the incident occurring. The faculty member should provide supporting documentation.

Appeal Process for Academic Dishonesty Reports:

When a student has substantial grounds to dispute an Academic Dishonesty Report and is prepared to present evidence to support an appeal, the student must initiate the procedure by speaking first with the professor who submitted the report.

If there are no errors in the report or other substantial evidence to support an appeal, the student is encouraged to accept the report as final. However, in cases where there are substantial grounds for a review and a resolution cannot be reached between the student and the professor, the student has the following recourse:

• Within two weeks following the official notification that a report has been filed, the student must submit to the appropriate department chair a letter of appeal with evidence supporting the need for an external review of the report in question.
• The department chair will review the student’s material and consult with the professor before deciding if the report should stand.
• The department chair must provide a written response to the student, with a copy to the college dean and Office of Academic Affairs.

If a student does not accept the decision of the chair, there is one additional and final level of appeal. The student may submit documentation to the appropriate college dean who will determine if new information or insufficient consideration of the student’s case merits further review of the incident report by a review panel. The dean’s decision to proceed or not to proceed will be final in all cases.

If the dean determines that further review is warranted, they will convene and chair a panel of five faculty members (the reporting faculty may not serve on the panel). Both the student and the professor will have the opportunity to address the panel. Legal counsel may not represent either party. However, the dean may exercise discretion to invite other faculty or students, who can provide relevant information, to address the panel. The review panel’s decision will be final, with no recourse on the part of the student or professor for any further appeal.

When the dean or department chair is the reporting faculty, the dean will substitute for the department chair and the provost will replace the dean.

The entire appeal process must be completed within four weeks of the notification of a report being submitted was issued. Once an appeal resolution has been determined, the Office of Academic Affairs will issue an official appeal decision to the student.

Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Brenau University is committed to complying with all applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal and state laws. Brenau does not discriminate in violation of these laws in its programs and services available to all admitted students.

The Office of Accessibility Services assists qualified students with disabilities in obtaining a variety of services, directed by the University’s Disabilities Service Provider. The University’s Compliance Officer coordinates the university’s efforts in complying with federal, state, and local laws, Section 504 and the ADA.

Eligibility for services is determined by the DSP, and individuals must self-identify and provide proper documentation as outlined by the DSP. After eligibility is approved, students meet with an assigned coordinator to develop an individualized service plan that identifies appropriate accommodations and services.

Section 504 and ADA Grievance Procedures. Brenau University has established an intra-institutional grievance procedure that allows for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints in relation to Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and its subsequent amendments and impending regulations. The complaint should be filed, in writing, with the University’s compliance officer, the Assistant Vice President for Risk Management & Operations. The official complaint should contain the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the complaint and a brief description of the alleged violation of the ADA. The complaint should be filed within 30 calendar days from the time the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. An investigation, as may be appropriate, will follow the filing of a complaint. The Assistant Vice President for Risk Management & Operations will conduct the investigation and will involve other appropriate parties as required. The investigation will be thorough and complete. A written determination of the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, will be issued by the Assistant Vice President for Risk Management & Operations and a copy shall be forwarded to the complainant within 45 calendar days of the filing of the complaint. The Assistant Vice President for Risk Management & Operations shall maintain all files and records relating to the complaint held. 

In cases where the complainant is dissatisfied with the resolution, he or she may request a reconsideration of the case. The request and reason for reconsideration should be made within 15 calendar days to the Assistant Vice President for Risk Management & Operations. If no resolution can be found within the institution, the alleged grieved party is free to pursue other remedies.

Please refer to the chart at the end of this section of the Catalog for a complete listing of where to obtain further information about a variety of services and information.

Title VI and Title IX Compliance

Within the stated Purpose of Brenau University, the institution is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veterans status in its recruitment, admissions, employment, facility and program accessibility or services.

Grievance Procedure

A continuing goal of Brenau University is that work, study, teaching, and service proceed unencumbered by any form of disagreement that is capable of resolution. Every individual within the Brenau community will seek to resolve problems at the point of origin. If such resolution is not feasible, first the mediation and then the formal grievance processes outlined below should be used. Individuals at every level of leadership will be expected to assist with this process when requested to do.

Objective: The primary objective of a grievance procedure is to ensure that concerns are dealt with promptly and resolution reached in a fair manner for all parties concerned. It is essential that each complainant be given adequate opportunity to bring complaints and problems to the attention of the University administration with the assurance that each will be given fair treatment. The grievance procedures of Brenau University are designed to provide effective means for resolving legitimate issues that are subject to the grievance process.

Grievance Definition: A grievance is defined as dissatisfaction occurring when a complainant feels or thinks that any condition affecting him/her is unfair, inappropriate, or creates unnecessary hardship.

Types of Grievances: Brenau University affords two grievance procedures, depending on the nature of the grievance. The Formal Grievance procedure is for non-academic concerns, and the Academic Grievance procedure is for concerns related to classroom issues other than grade appeals. These procedures should be enacted once the Informal Grievance Resolution options have failed to bring about a solution.

Informal Grievance Resolution: The initial phase of the grievance procedure is oral discussion between the complainant and the University employee alleged to have caused the grievance in order to communicate and resolve the problem. The meeting should be held as soon as the complainant first becomes aware of the problem. If the complainant has good cause not to meet with the person(s) alleged to have caused the grievance or considers the response to the grievance to be unsatisfactory causing the grievance to still exist, then the complainant should consult with the person’s supervisor to attempt to resolve the problem. Should the matter remain unresolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, then the complainant may file a formal grievance or academic grievance. Problems between students should be brought to the attention of the Vice President of Student Development & Engagement, or designee, for discussion and resolution.

Formal Grievance Procedure

1. To file a formal grievance, the complainant should detail the grievance in writing outlining the events of the incident, limiting information to factual details and persons directly involved. The Grievance Complaint Form must be signed by the complainant and dated then filed with the Vice President of Student Development & Engagement within thirty (30) days of the initial incident. The Vice President of Student Development & Engagement will serve a copy of the Grievance Complaint to any and all parties which the complainant has included in the grievance and the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer will be the designee of the Vice President of Student Development & Engagement for non-academic, formal grievances.
2. Within seven (7) working days of the Grievance Complaint the parties will submit in writing their explanation, if any, to the Hearing Officer. Upon request, the parties will submit for inspection and/or review any evidence relevant to the grievance which the parties have knowledge of to any other party to the action. Within fourteen (14) working days of the filing of the Grievance Complaint the Hearing Officer will have a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to proceed with the grievance and attempt to resolve the matter.
3. The hearings may not be tape recorded. Hearings may not be attended by outside agencies or attorneys, as these are informal and internal proceedings. All grievances written are confidential and no outside third party shall be provided a transcript of the proceedings without the consent of all parties involved. Violation of confidentiality may result in dismissal from the University or termination of employment.
4. If the Hearing Officer determines that there is not probable cause to support the Grievance Complaint, then the Hearing Officer will dismiss the grievance in writing stating the reasons for that finding. Such decisions may be appealed to the President who will have final authority on that issue. The appeal must be filed within seven (7) working days of the Hearing Officer’s decision and state with specificity and clarity the reasons for the appeal.
5. If the Hearing Officer finds there is probable cause to support the grievance, the Hearing Officer may resolve the grievance or pass the resolution to a Grievance Committee, which is ad hoc. The Vice President of Student Development & Engagement will appoint appropriate members to the Grievance Committee. The Committee will consist of two administrators (one of which must be a Student Development & Engagement staff member), two students, and two faculty members. The Hearing Officer will serve as the Chair and will not have a vote. Within fourteen (14) working days the Grievance Committee will convene a hearing to determine the resolution of the grievance.
6. Formal Grievance Committee Procedure: The Formal Grievance Committee will hear the matter and resolve the dispute subject to the following:
   1. The Complainant will present all relevant evidence to the Committee, subject to examination by the other parties and/or the Committee.
   2. The other parties will present all relevant evidence to the Committee, subject to examination by the complainant and/or the Committee.
   3. Other persons may be allowed to present evidence at the sole discretion of the Committee Chair.
   4. Transcripts of the hearings will be taken by a Committee member designated by the Chair.
   5. The Committee will make a written finding within seven (7) working days of the hearing which will contain the decision of the Committee and findings of fact that support the decision. This written finding will be filed with the Vice President of Student Development & Engagement. The Vice President of Student Development & Engagement will serve a copy on all appropriate parties, and the President.
   6. All documents, transcripts, and decisions related to the Grievance Complaint will be held in a secure location within the Vice President of Student Development & Engagement’s office.

Academic Grievance Procedure:

To file an Academic Grievance, the complainant must follow all procedures as outlined in the Formal Grievance Procedures above, with the following exceptions:

1. The Academic Grievance Complaint would be submitted to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (using the Grievance Complaint Form) who will in turn designate a Hearing Officer.
2. The Committee will consist of two Faculty Members, one Department Chair, one Academic Dean and two Student Services staff members. The Hearing Officer will serve as the Chair and will not have a vote. Within fourteen (14) working days the Academic Grievance Committee will convene a hearing to determine the resolution of the grievance.
3. Grade appeals are not covered by this procedure. Students dissatisfied with their grades must follow the procedures outlined in the Student Catalog.
4. The Academic Grievance Committee will hear the matter and resolve the dispute in accordance with the procedure outlined in the Formal Grievance Procedures with regard to changes in personnel involved as stated above.

Appeals:

The appeal process is available to complainant(s) addressing decisions of the Hearing Officers or a Grievance Committee. Either party may appeal the decision, within seven (7) working days, to the President who will have the final authority over the matter. The President normally will only consider the written record of the evidence, including the Grievance Complaint, complainant file, responses, transcripts of the meetings, and written reason for the appeal, in order to render a decision in the matter.

Student Complaints Regarding Accreditation: 

For complaints regarding a violation of accreditation policies, students may use the Complaint Procedures against SACSCOC or its Accredited Institutions Policy Statement to find information about how to make a complaint to the University’s accrediting body, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). The Policy Statement is available from the SACSCOC website at http://www.sacscoc.org/. The student must send two copies of the Complaint against Institutions Information Sheet and Form, contained in the Policy Statement, to the President of the accrediting body at the following address:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

1866 Southern Lane

Decatur, GA 30033

Student Complaints to the State of Georgia:

Federal regulations require that each state designate a department or agency to be responsible for receiving and responding to complaints made by students against a postsecondary institution operating within that state. In the state of Georgia, the designated agency is the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC). Students and other constituents who wish to make a complaint against Brenau University or any other private postsecondary institutions operating in Georgia may do so by following the complaint procedures on GNPEC’s website. 

Distance education students are able to direct complaints to the GNPEC (non-Georgia resident) link below if existing grievance complaints have not been satisfactorily resolved on the institutional level.  The student complaint rules are linked here: https://gnpec.georgia.gov/student-resources/student-complaints/ga-sara-student-complaint-rules.

Contact information is as follows:

State of Georgia

Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

2082 East Exchange Place

Suite 220

Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305

Phone: 770-414-3300

Fax: 770-414-3309

Regardless of the disposition of the grievance, no member of the University community may harass or retaliate against a student who has filed a grievance under the University grievance procedure. The University explicitly prohibits any such actions of harassment or retaliation.

If a student needs assistance regarding the initiation or presentation of a grievance, they may contact the following Brenau University officer for assistance:

Whitney McDowell-Robinson, Ph.D., NCC

Vice President for Student Development & Engagement

Owens Student Center, Room 105

(770) 534-6108

wmcdowell-robinson@brenau.edu

Student Complaints

If the student desires to file a complaint with the state, the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission is the designated state agency for receiving complaints made by students in accredited private post-secondary institutions.

Consumer Information and Required Disclosures

As a participant in the Title IV federal student financial aid programs, Brenau University provides the following chart of consumer information and required disclosures, along with contact information for the department from which a student or other interested person may obtain the information, and the name of the administrator who oversees that department.

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Brenau University Title IX Nondiscrimination Policy

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 provides: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

It is the policy of Brenau University to maintain an environment that is free of all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex and sex-based harassment in any education program or activity whether or not such program or activity is offered or sponsored by Brenau University including admission and employment. 

This Policy prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex and sex-based harassment, including on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This Policy also prohibits retaliation against a person who reports, complains about, or who otherwise participates in good faith in any matter related to this Policy. 

Brenau University takes prompt and equitable action to eliminate the Prohibited Conduct (if any), prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.  

Read Brenau University’s Nondiscrimination Policy & Procedures

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to the published policy linked above or contact:

Brenau University’s Title IX Coordinator
Emily Zank
ezank@brenau.edu or titleix@brenau.edu
770-534-6191
431 Brenau Ave.
Gainesville, GA 30501

Other Policies and Regulations

Inclement Weather Policy

Weather alerts and information pertaining to emergency weather situations will be issued via the e2Campus Emergency Alert System as soon as decisions are made regarding class cancellations. This is the most up-to-date, authoritative source of information for the university.

E2Campus Emergency Alert System

All students, at all instructional sites, are strongly encouraged to register for the e2Campus Emergency Alert System. This “opt-in” service can be personalized so that students can only receive alerts relevant to their location(s). To register log into the Brenau single sign-on account at my.brenau.edu. Students should select the campus group where they attend classes to receive messages relevant to their geographic area. There is no charge for the service; however, standard text messaging fees may apply.

Students, faculty, and employees may select as many options for notification as they choose, including cell phone, home or business telephone land lines, text, personal and Brenau email, and other options through social media services such as Instagram. When Brenau officials post an emergency alert, notifications on all elected devices occur immediately, while alerts posted on the university website or through news media may not occur that quickly.

Automobile and Parking Regulations - Gainesville Campus

Parking Stickers Required   

Vehicles parked on the Gainesville campus on a regular basis must display a current parking sticker. Students, faculty, and staff will be issued parking stickers which should be displayed on each vehicle’s rear left bumper or window as appropriate. Visitors may obtain a parking permit from the Student Development & Engagement Office when they visit the Gainesville Campus.

Approved Areas  

• Gainesville Campus: Students, faculty and staff with valid permits may park in any Brenau parking lot in approved parking spaces. Any cars parked illegally or in unauthorized areas may be booted and a fine imposed for improper parking. Booting and fine questions should be directed to Campus Security. All designated handicap parking slots are patrolled by the municipal police departments and violators are fined by those entities.
• For campuses other than Gainesville, parking policies and approved parking areas are designated by the local site officials. For information, contact the main office at your site.

Damage to Property and Facilities

The taking, damaging, or malicious destruction of property belonging to Brenau, its visitors, or any member of the Brenau community is prohibited.

Students are responsible for any damage to Brenau’s property at any location where classes are offered, beyond normal wear and tear. For such damage, a minimum charge of $50 or the cost of repair, whichever is greater, will be assessed.

Drug and Alcoholic Beverages Policy

Brenau recognizes the extreme dangers arising from use and abuse of drugs and alcohol and, consequently, has restricted their use at all its locations. Actions of this nature are a serious offense and may be handled accordingly through appropriate administrative channels and/or with law enforcement. The use, possession, or sale of any illegal, dangerous, or controlled drugs on any Brenau campus/site or at any Brenau sponsored event is prohibited except for the proper use or possession of drugs prescribed by a person legally authorized to do so. However, Brenau reserves the right to discipline any student abusing prescribed medications, when the abuse interferes with the orderly atmosphere essential for the learning environment. For the complete policy, please see the Student Handbook. 

Fire Regulations

If a fire should occur in a campus building, the first concern is the safety of the occupants. Unless the fire is very small (i.e., in a wastebasket), call 911 or 8-911 IMMEDIATELY. (Campus Security may be summoned for assistance with inconsequential fires by calling 770-534-6202 or 1234 from any campus telephone.) If there is any doubt about whether to call the fire department, err on the side of safety. Give your name, location of the fire (physical addresses of each building are located on the exterior of each building) and directions. Occupants should evacuate the building by the primary means of escape or an alternate escape route if the primary route is unsafe. Once you have evacuated, call Campus Security if they are not already on the scene.

Smoking/Tobacco Use Policy   Realizing the health implications of local, state and federal “no-smoking” movements associated with the use of tobacco products, Brenau University has implemented the following policy: 

• In an effort to create a modified smoke-free environment at our locations, not only for the benefit of those who work here, but for the benefit of students and visitors, university policy prohibits the use of tobacco products on premises with the exception of designated outside areas.
• No smoking or tobacco use is allowed in any buildings, entrance, or exit doorways or anywhere on the front campus. The designated outside smoking areas are limited and marked.

Emergency Doors  Use of emergency doors is strictly prohibited except in the case of actual emergency. Setting off fire alarms, except during actual emergencies, is strictly prohibited.

Firearms/Weapons Policy

Firearms and other dangerous weapons are absolutely prohibited at all times on all university property. Firearms cannot be stored in vehicles. Because of the potential danger from misuse of such weapons, any failure to comply with this rule shall be subject to penalty. Anyone failing to comply with this policy will be subject to penalty by local, state and federal laws in addition to campus disciplinary measures.

Student Support Serivces

Academic Advisement

All Brenau students are assigned a faculty advisor when they enroll. Women’s College freshpersons are required to enroll in First-Year Experience and are assigned a faculty advisor as well as a peer advisor. (See Women’s College section of this Catalog.) All other students are assigned an advisor in their major or in a related department. Specific advisors are also designated for undeclared majors. Students should consult their advisor with any academic questions or concerns. All students should consult a current Brenau catalog for information and policies related to their course of study.

Academic advising is a developmental process, which assists students in the clarification of their life and career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of this goal through the careful consideration of a student’s plan of study. It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is continuous, multifaceted, and the responsibility of both student and advisor. By considering all aspects of a student’s life, the advisor serves as a facilitator of communication, a coordinator of learning experiences that take place both inside and outside the classroom through course and career planning and academic progress review, and as an agent of referral to other campus agencies as necessary.

All students should meet with their academic advisor at least once a semester, more as needed.

Center for Academic Success

Brenau University’s Center for Academic Success provides academic support to all enrolled students regardless of platform or degree level. Our services include tutoring and academic coaching, plus other general support to ensure student success. The tutors who provide this support include student peers, credentialed professionals, and faculty experts to meet the needs of every student. Walk-in hours and appointments are available in most subject areas, with dedicated staff to help students identify the key factors that will aid in academic excellence. In addition to the in person services provided, 24/7 access to online tutoring is provided through Brainfuse Tutoring Services.

Brenau Trustee Library

The Trustee Library provides access to relevant high-quality resources, user-focused services, and collaborative information literacy instruction to support learning, teaching, and research.

Library Collection. The collection contains approximately 70,000 print volumes, more than 615,000 eBooks and a core selection of print journals as well as a media collection of 4,500 video and audio recordings. In addition, some 200 databases provide access to approximately 78,000 electronic journals, magazines and other publications. The online resources are accessible to local and distance students around the clock. Library resources are specifically selected to support the mission and curriculum of Brenau, providing students with information needed to successfully complete their coursework. The library also offers a browsing collection of popular fiction and non-fiction books for pleasure reading. Special Collections, which includes the Bentley Rare Books Room and the Watson Collection, contain rare and valuable materials. These are available for use in Special Collections, by appointment. Should students require additional materials not available in our collection on-site, the library has reciprocal access and borrowing privileges with other institutions.

Library Circulation Policies and Procedures. Books and music scores from the Trustee Library, with the exception of reserve and reference items, can be checked out of the library for a two-week period, renewable once. Materials can be renewed online. Students may borrow up to 15 items at a time. Periodicals, reference books, and media items may be checked out to faculty for instructional purposes. Students may use these resources inside the library.

All items are due back in the library by the end of the last day of exams for each academic term. Fines are levied at the rate of 25 cents per day for all non-reserve materials that are owned by the Trustee Library. Reserve and Information Delivery materials carry a $1.00 per day late fee and two-hour reserve books carry a late fee of 25 cents per hour. For lost items, library users will be charged an amount necessary to replace the item at current prices plus 10 dollars. Students are responsible for returning all materials and paying all late fees prior to receiving grades or transcripts. Transcripts will be held for lost items and late fees until these charges are cleared.

Research and Instructional Services. The Trustee Library provides courses, classes, and personalized instruction to teach undergraduate and graduate students how to research the literature of their discipline effectively. Instruction and assistance are available to all students on all Brenau campuses.

Additional Support Services. 

The library provides Wi-Fi internet access, computers, printers, a copier, a scanner, DVD players, and a VCR for student use. Students can gather in the Conversation Corner, work in groups in the Collaboration Zone, or study individually or enjoy the garden view in the Quiet Zone. Group and personal study rooms are also available.

The library houses the Writing Center, the Language Bistro classroom, and the Redwine Technology Center, a complex of several computer-equipped study rooms for individuals and groups, two instructional labs, and the Costume Design lab.

The Trustee Library also provides an Information Delivery service for all current students, faculty, and staff. Information Delivery contains two key components:

1. Users may request articles and books that are not available in the library’s collection. Those materials will be borrowed from another library on behalf of the user.
2. We deliver, via campus courier or mail, articles and books to the Brenau students who do not attend class at the Gainesville campus.

Forms for Information Delivery are available in the library or online. Please allow up to 20 working days for print materials to arrive. Please keep in mind that a user may request up to five (5) items per week. This service is typically free, but occasionally there may be some costs for difficult to obtain items; users will be notified of any costs prior to obtaining an item and all costs are the responsibility of the patron. The Trustee Library complies will all Federal copyright laws.

Hours of Operation. The Trustee Library is open throughout the year, closing for Brenau University holidays and inclement weather. In addition, the library closes for commencements and other special Brenau University functions. During those times of the year when classes are not in session, the library closes for the weekends and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Changes in library hours are posted at the entrance to the building, announced on the library website and in social media, entered on a voicemail message (770) 534-6113.

Student Development & Engagement

Mission Statement

The Division of Student Development & Engagement (SD&E) is committed to providing exemplary and consistent service to Brenau University students. Through this commitment to service, students will be supported in their intellectual, personal, social, and professional development. SD&E will reinforce the academic experience and provide programs, services, resources, and advocacy efforts. Recognizing that growth and learning occur in all facets of campus life, SD&E staff will collaborate with students, faculty, alumni, staff, community leaders, and others to provide innovative and strategic programs, activities and services. The Division of Student Development & Engagement is dedicated to serving the entire University community as advisors, administrators, and educators. Through these partnerships, the SD&E staff will continue to develop traditions, teach leadership skills, celebrate diversity and enhance the overall quality of students’ lives.

Residence Life 

All Women’s College students under the age of 22 are required to live on campus in approved residential housing. Students who are 21 years of age as of the final drop/add date of the semester and have completed 90 credit hours may live in the Brenau student apartments. Information about student apartments can be obtained from the Residence Life Office. Students who live with a parent or legal guardian within commuting distance (50-mile radius) from campus may be exempt upon approval of a written request submitted by parent or guardian. This request should be submitted to the Vice President of Student Development and Engagement at least a month before the beginning of the semester if the student plans to live off campus. Students who are married and/or have dependents are not required to live on campus. Family/married student housing is not available.

Students who have earned 90 academic credit hours or are 22 years of age may petition for permission to live off campus, independently. This request must be submitted by the student to the Vice President of Student Development and Engagement at least one month before the beginning of the semester in which the student wants to change residential status.

Convenient and suitable living arrangements are provided for all single residential students in Crudup Hall, Van Hoose Hall, New Hall, Virginia Hall, Yonah Hall, Wilkes Hall, West Hall, and Parklane Apartments. In addition, seven national sororities have houses on campus.

New students are housed in residence halls on the basis of information obtained from their Housing Application Form, availability of rooms and date of housing deposit. Returning students are given priority in selecting the coming year’s room according to the number of academic credit hours they have completed. There are a limited number of private rooms in each residence hall. Upper-class students may submit a written request for a private room with the understanding that the room cannot be guaranteed. If a private room is granted, the student is responsible for an additional private room charge. Freshman will not be housed in private rooms. The Director of Residence Life is responsible for these arrangements.

Residence halls and sorority houses are equipped with kitchens (no ovens), laundry, and study areas. The use of microwaves or small refrigerators in the student rooms is permitted in all residence halls.

Brenau reserves the right to inspect rooms for conditions relating to the health, safety, and welfare of students and assessment of damages as stipulated in the student housing contract and in detail in the Student Handbook.

The University strives to maintain adequate security, but does not assume responsibility for loss of or damage to students’ possessions. To ensure maximum security, the university encourages families to cover students’ possessions on their current homeowner’s policy.

The residence halls and sorority houses are staffed with live-in professionals and paraprofessionals. The Residence Life staff is dedicated to creating an environment in which the student can grow and develop as a total person. Their aim is to enable students to live in a community that is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Student Engagement  

In an effort to maximize the undergraduate and graduate experience, the Office of Undergraduate Engagement and the Office of Graduate, Online, and Military Engagement offer a unique array of co-curricular opportunities that enhance and support the academic and social transition of Brenau University students.

Through the facilitation and implementation of on-going, quality programs, Student Engagement provides programmatic resources that foster leadership, citizenship, character, and interpersonal development in addition to cultivating student success in today’s global society. At Brenau, there are many student organizations/leadership opportunities, honorary, intercollegiate sports teams, and national sororities.

Center for Health and Well-being

The Center for Health and Well-being advocates a holistic approach toward health, which includes the student’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The services below are available to all currently enrolled Brenau students. All services are free and confidential within the limits of the law.

Counseling 

The Office of Counseling Services is located at 205 Boulevard NE on the Gainesville Historic Campus. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Director of Counseling Services is happy to meet with any currently enrolled Brenau student during regular business hours. Appointments are strongly recommended. Brenau offers free counseling to students who are experiencing problems that interfere with their lives, studies, or relationships. A counselor can also provide referrals to agencies and providers for those who need or prefer off-campus services. Brenau is firmly committed to a code of confidentiality. All sessions are confidential within the limits of the law. Only in cases that threaten harm to self-and/or others is information shared with those who need to know (family and other college personnel).

Students at regional sites for whom travel to the Gainesville Campus during regular office hours is not an option are encouraged to reach out to the Director of Counseling Services at (770) 534-6121 or confidential email at universitycounselor@brenau.edu, who can provide safe and confidential teletherapy, assess the need, and provide a consultation and/or referral.

You may also seek counseling services from the following resources:

If you have insurance: Call your insurance company and ask about your “behavioral health coverage” to verify your benefits. If you have coverage, ask for a list of “behavioral health providers” in your area. If you do not have insurance or you have Medicaid or Medicare and live in Georgia: Call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1 (800) 715-4225 to locate the nearest counseling center in your area. The Access Line professionals can connect you with services for addiction and mental health treatment along with child and adolescent services. You will have access to counselors and psychiatrists who can prescribe medications if needed. You may also call this 24/7 number if you are experiencing a crisis and need to talk with someone immediately.

Self-Directed Search: To locate a counselor or psychologist in the United States use the “Find a Counselor” option from the American Counseling Association at: www.counseling.org/Resources/CounselorDirectory/TP/Home/CT2.aspx or the “Find a Psychologist” option from the American Psychological Association go to http://locator.apa.org

Health Services 

The Health Services Clinic is located at 205 Boulevard NE on the Gainesville Campus. Clinic hours are 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Health Services staff is happy to see any currently enrolled Brenau students at the clinic during regular office hours. Services include examinations and treatment of illnesses and women’s wellness exams. The staff of Health Services will provide information and referral assistance to other medical personnel and services in the area when necessary. Several wellness programs are offered throughout the year.

All residential students who have been accepted and have submitted a deposit will receive a health form and an immunization form that must be completed and returned to the Center for Health and Well-being prior to enrollment. A residential student cannot register for classes until this form is received. A registration hold will be placed on the student’s account if the health form and immunization form are not received.

All commuter students who have been accepted and wish to take advantage of the services offered through the Center for Health and Well-being must submit a health form before receiving services.

Career Services  

Career planning is much more than a senior-year experience. Students visit Career Services to receive information about selecting a major, learning more about majors and careers, securing an internship, writing a resume, developing interviewing skills, attending job fairs, job searching, and attending graduate school. The office administers career assessments to help students identify skills, abilities and interests and learn more about majors and careers. Career Services assists all students and alumni with their career counseling and job search needs.

The office assists students with the skills needed to conduct an effective, professional job search. Students looking for a part-time, full-time, seasonal job opportunity or an internship can log in their Handshake account or visit the website at https://www.brenau.edu/student-life/career-services/.

The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please email careerservices@brenau.edu to make an appointment.

Internships  Concentrations offered within departments may require students to complete an internship in a practical work setting. Guided professional study is vitally important to the career orientation offered by these programs. Students should consult the department chair in their major and the Office of Career Services to receive guidance in locating internships in their field of study.

Miller Institute for Global Education

At the Miller Institute for Global Education, we prepare students to become leaders ready for the global stage. Whether you are an international student settling in a new country, or a domestic student looking to broaden your horizons through study abroad or other international experiences, the Miller Institute provides the services you need.

The Miller Institute builds on Brenau’s long tradition of international partnerships and provides international experiences for as many Brenau students as possible. In addition to serving Brenau’s international students and helping them adjust to life in the United States, the Miller Institute facilitates study abroad programs and creates programming that promotes cultural exchange and brings a slice of other cultures to Brenau.

For more information, please visit: https://www.brenau.edu/about/miller-institute/.

Orientation 

New Student Orientation, held a few days prior to classes beginning each semester, is one crucial way that Brenau University helps new students transition from high school to college. These events, required for all Women’s College and Undergraduate College students, focus on acclimating you to your academic life at Brenau, sharing information related to campus resources, and providing social events to meet other students, faculty, and staff.

At the beginning of each semester, Brenau acquaints new students (with fewer than 24 hours of transfer credit) with campus life of the university and research skills.

• AS 100W First Year Experience  is required of all Women’s College first-year, full-time students seeking an undergraduate degree. Students who have earned more than 24 transfer credit hours from an accredited college or university are exempt from this requirement. Dual enrollment and other alternate credit do not exempt students from this requirement.
• AS 110 First Year Seminar  First-Year Seminar is required of all Undergraduate School full-time, first-time, degree-seeking students enrolled on the Gainesville campus. Students who have earned more than 24 transfer credit hours from an accredited college or university are exempt from this requirement. Dual enrollment and other alternate credit do not exempt students from this requirement.
• AS 111 Foundations for Success  Students in the Undergraduate School take Foundations for success if required for their degree.

Students With Disabilities  The University is dedicated to providing equal access to college education for all students, regardless of any disabilities they may have. The Office of Accessibility Services offers a range of accommodations, services, and resources to support students with disabilities and those with temporary injuries or illnesses. To register for these services, students should complete an online intake form. Once the application is approved, the student will receive a letter with granted accommodations. Students are responsible for sending accommodations to the faculty with whom they are taking classes. Please refer to the Brenau catalog for more information about your rights and appeals.

Publications/Broadcasting

Aurum, the Women’s College yearbook, gives a review of university life.

Brenau Window published quarterly, is an award-winning magazine distributed free of charge to more than 25,000 alumni and friends of the university

Brenau student handbooks, published annually, compile pertinent student information.

Cable Channel 95 publicizes university announcements, student and class-related information on campus and offers students the opportunity to produce their own video and music programs.

The Alchemist is Brenau’s online student newspaper.

The Elixir, the annual Women’s College literary magazine, publishes student writing, photography and art.

Update, a periodic faculty and staff electronic newsletter, provides information about events, activities, meetings and other items of interest about the university. Students are welcome to subscribe as well to RSS feeds that occur as new information is published in the newsletter.

WBCX 89.1 FM, Brenau’s radio station, serves the Northeast Georgia area with eclectic music and locally produced programming by students and community volunteers under faculty and staff supervision.

Other Student Services

Hopkins Dining Hall  Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining hall. Hours vary. Non-residential students utilize Flex Bucks, pay the cashier or purchase a meal plan from https://brenau.campusdish.com/

Brenau Tea Room  Located in the Student Union Building, the Tea Room serves Starbucks, sandwiches, grilled, and convenience items in a casual atmosphere. Flex Bucks accepted.

The Campus Post Office is located in the lower level of the Owens Student Center. Students may be assigned a box upon request. Services include shipping and receiving via UPS, FedEx and USPS.

Bookstore  Brenau University’s official bookstore is operated by Barnes and Noble College and is located on the Gainesville Historic Campus at 510 Washington St. https://brenau.bncollege.com/

Intellectual Property and Student Initiated Audio and Video Recording Policy

Policy Number: ICHS-400-01

Faculty and students engaged in the instructional process have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Assurance of privacy encourages open and robust discussions on issues and ideas without fear that any statements made will be used for inappropriate purposes and, thereby, enhances learning. In recognition of this and acknowledgement that lectures and other classroom instruction are the sole intellectual property of the lecturer, the University has adopted the following policy regarding student initiated classroom recordings.

1. Applicability and General Provisions
   1. Applicability: This policy governs all class audio and video recordings made for student use.
   2. Purpose of Recordings: All recordings made for student use are intended to allow for review of classroom presentations and discussions by students who are absent from the relevant class or receive audio or video recordings as part of an accommodation. Any other use, whether by students or others, is strictly prohibited without the prior, express written permission of the relevant instructor.
   3. Who May Use Audio and Video Recordings: Only the student on whose behalf a request for recording for a pre-approved reason was made will be granted access to that audio or video recording.
   4. Intellectual Property: Lectures and other classroom instruction are the sole intellectual property of the instructor. If an instructor grants permission for a student to record their class, this does not constitute a transfer of intellectual property.
2. Requesting Permission to Record Lectures
   1. With the exception of recordings made for the purpose of accommodations as noted in a student’s official letter of academic accommodations provided by Accessibility Services, all classroom audio and video recordings are at the sole discretion of the course instructor.
   2. All students who wish to record classroom lectures and activities must request permission from the course instructor in writing using the ICHS Recording Permission Form  . Students requesting to record a course as part of an accommodation must provide a copy of their official accommodation letter to the course instructor.
   3. All permission to record classroom lectures and activities must be granted to each individual student by the course instructor in writing.
3. Approved Student Usage of Recordings
   1. Any recordings of instruction material made by a student is to be used for that student’s personal academic study and review only. All recorded instruction materials must be erased and deleted by the student at the end of each semester.
   2. Lectures and other classroom instruction are the sole intellectual property of the instructor. Therefore, sharing or distributing recordings without the instructor’s expressed permission is prohibited and is subject to College disciplinary proceedings as described below.
   3. Pre-Approved Reasons for Classroom Recording
      1. As part of an accommodation as noted in a student’s official letter of accommodation.
      2. Absence due to:
         • Medical Emergency
         • Death in the Family
         • Observance of Religious Holidays
         • Military Obligations
         • Jury Duty
4. Provisions for Remediation

Any violation of this policy or unauthorized use of classroom recordings, including uploading audio and/or video recordings to publicly accessible web environments, including but not limited to, Instagram, and Facebook, will be considered an incident of Academic Dishonesty and will be subject to disciplinary action as disciplinary action as outlined under Academic Honesty in the current catalog.

Information Technology

Brenau University’s Information Technology (I.T.) department manages academic and administrative technology for all users. The I.T. department offers students hands-on and virtual support through a Help Desk located in the Redwine Technology Center on Brenau’s main campus in Gainesville.

Click Here to access Brenau’s Privacy Policy

Email Communication Policy  Email is the official internal means of communication for faculty, staff, and students. Students will communicate to faculty and staff using their Brenau-issued email address, and faculty and staff will communicate with students using their Brenau-issued email address. The only exception to this policy is the Admissions Office when communicating with prospective students who have not yet received a Brenau-issued email address.

Email addresses are provided to students through a partnership between Brenau University and Google. This provides students

• Email that is free with no advertising, available in a web browser
• Spam and virus protection
• Access to Google Docs that include word processing, spreadsheets & presentation slides
• TigerMail is accessible by visiting https://my.brenau.edu
• TigerMail addresses end in @tiger.brenau.edu for all of our students.

Computing Ethics and Network Responsibilities  Computing and networking resources are provided to students, faculty and staff at Brenau to be used for a wide variety of purposes. Access to these resources is a privilege and not a right. These network resources are for the general benefit of the Brenau community and are continually updated and maintained to provide an environment that is consistent with the educational goals of the University. These resources are limited and how each individual uses them may affect the work of other members of the community and beyond. As our campus network is connected (through the Internet) to other networks worldwide, it is important that everyone be aware of his or her individual obligations and of what constitutes proper use and behavior.

The Computing Ethics and Network Responsibilities are published as a part of the various student handbooks, the faculty/staff handbook and other publications of the University. Because of the rapid evolution of computing and information networks, the University reserves the right to modify the text of these policies. While users will be kept apprised of any changes, it is the user’s responsibility to remain aware of current regulations. These are kept up-to-date at http://intranet.brenau.edu on the University’s internal web site.

In general, common sense is a good guide to what constitutes appropriate behavior and use of computers and networks. You should respect the privacy of others and use computing resources in a manner that is consistent with the instructional and research objectives of the University.

The following are behaviors that can create problems in a networked computing environment. This list of responsibilities should provide users with a good idea of what constitutes illegal or unethical on-line behavior. Everyone should note that computer users are governed by federal and state laws and University policies and standards of conduct. Violations of these rules or indeed, any disruptive situation (in which a person’s behavior on machines, accounts or file space under that individual’s control, creates a disruption of service to our clients) may be met by suspending access and services to the responsible parties and may result in disciplinary action. When there is reason to believe that illegal activities or significant infractions of our rules have occurred or are continuing, staff may monitor a suspected individual’s computer files and activities. When necessary, the University may request the assistance of a law enforcement agency. It is not for the computing services staff to judge whether any request from a law enforcement agency to investigate suspected illegal activities affords due process and is of appropriate jurisdiction. The general practice is to defer such requests to the appropriate University Vice President.

1) Break-ins and Tampering

1. You may not attempt to gain access to computer systems (on or off campus) for which you have not been granted access.
2. You may not deliberately attempt to disrupt the performance of a computer system or a network, on or off-campus.
3. You may not attempt to ‘break’ system security.
4. You may not reconfigure computer systems to make them unusable for others.
5. You may not attempt to destroy or alter data or programs belonging to other users.
6. You may not modify residential computing network services or wiring or extend those beyond the area of their intended use. This applies to all network wiring, hardware and cluster and in-room jacks.

2) Theft  (including licensure and copyright violations)

1. By the copyright laws of the United States and most other nations, virtually all programs and applications are copyrighted (see further description under Copyright Reminders, below).
2. If you have not been given direct permission to copy a file, you are not permitted to do so.
3. You may not copy or redistribute software or other information that is copyrighted. By recent changes of the US law, software piracy is a felony.
4. You may not attempt to override copy protection on commercial software.
5. The ability to find and read information on computer systems does not mean that the information is in the public domain. Having the ability to read does not necessarily grant the right to copy or redistribute. Nor, even in the case of certain information on the Internet, does the ability to read mean that permission to read has been lawfully granted. Certain information, such as GALILEO, is licensed to be read by the Brenau community, though this does not grant the right to redistribute this information.

3)  Eavesdropping and Violations of Privacy

1. All information on a computer system belongs to somebody; some of it may be private or personal information; some may consist of confidential information, trade secrets, or classified material.
2. If you have not been given direct permission to read or access another person’s file, you may not attempt to do so.
3. Brenau-specific or commercially obtained network resources may not be re-transmitted outside of the University community. Examples include CINAHL, Academic Search Complete or other commercial information services available from the Brenau Trustee Library and private student-related information.

4)  Individual Responsibility and Archiving:

1. Information stored by individuals on network servers, including email, is the responsibility of the individual assigned and using that file space.
2. Computer services provide backup for the email and file servers only to the extent needed to restore services in case of a network failure.
3. Periodic removal of excess and/or inactive files and accounts may be done to preserve available resources for current users.

5)  Forging, Password Sharing, Password Theft:

1. You may not attempt to impersonate another individual by sending forged information such as email, including spam (bulk unsolicited mail)
2. Never give your password to anyone.
3. You may not seek to determine another person’s password, through cracking, decryption, interception or other means.

6)  Annoyance and Harassment:

1. Brenau University has written standards of conduct that seek to preclude annoyance and harassment by members of the Brenau University community (students, faculty and staff).
2. You may not use computing to violate the University’s standards of conduct.
3. You may not distribute electronic chain letters. These not only serve as an annoyance, but also can severely disrupt computing and network performance. 

7)  Negligence and Misuse: (including private business)

1. Having access to computing privileges (email account, Brenau network connection, login or shared file space assigned to you), means that you have general responsibility for all computing activity that takes place from those accounts, connections or file spaces. The University’s connection to the Internet, for example, does not allow you to abuse that connection.
2. Limited personal use of the Internet is allowed. However, the employee-user is reminded that use of any and all Brenau property is primarily for the purpose of business. Any personal use of the Internet is expected to be on the user’s own time and is not to interfere with the person’s job responsibilities.
3. Access to the Brenau University computing network and the Internet is limited to members of the Brenau University community. Individuals within the Brenau community are not permitted to provide access to the campus network to those outside this community.
4. Use of Brenau Computing facilities is intended to be consistent with the educational mission of the University; this does not preclude personal nor even commercial uses. Refer to the appropriate Handbook for your unit (Faculty/Staff, Women’s College or Evening and Weekend) to review the University’s limitations on the community’s use of computing facilities for commercial purposes.
5. You should report any suspected illegal or unethical activity to the Chief IT Officer or the appropriate Dean’s office.
6. You may not use chat rooms, Websites such as Facebook, MySpace, blogs and similar sites by identifying yourself as being associated with Brenau and revealing personal information or information about Brenau that is inappropriate, unprofessional or otherwise embarrassing to Brenau.
7. Employees are prohibited from using a university owned computer to access pornographic websites.

 8)  Copyright and Attribution - Reminders:

1. We would like also to remind the community that by the terms of the Berne copyright conference (now a part of US law), virtually all material fixed in a tangible medium including photos, text (printed and electronic), music, software and broadcast performance is, indeed, copyrighted. This is true whether the copyright was registered or whether the material was published prior to the Berne accords.
2. University rules governing attribution require that all users of Brenau computing networks acknowledge any use of ideas or other materials produced by others (in textual, pictorial, auditory or other forms) through a note clearly identifying both the source and the nature and extent of indebtedness. 
3. Of special note is that despite the rapid evolution of case and statutory law concerning intellectual property, educational “fair use” exemptions for copyright protection may not protect redistribution of copyrighted material beyond or even within, University property. Accordingly, the University urges all authors and artists using Brenau University computing networks to either

• Use only original graphics, sound and text.
• Provide written notification of licensure or copyright agreement with the copyright holder in such case as the work is by other than oneself, whenever such work is to be shared with others outside of the classroom context.