Clayton County Upward Bound

All participants in the Upward Bound Program are guaranteed all the rights and privileges granted to every Atlanta Metropolitan State College participant. With these rights come responsibilities. By their voluntary entrance into the Upward Bound Program, participants assume special responsibilities for the Upward Bound Program's conduct regulations. The policies and procedures ensure that the program maintains a positive atmosphere that is conducive to learning, personal development, and social growth. Upon acceptance into the Upward Bound Program parents and students will be sent a copy of our Official Program Handbook. Parents are responsible for completing the signature sheet included in the handbook as a part of their parent contract. 

Certain offenses disrupt the basic operation of the program, thus warranting appropriate disciplinary action. Each case will be handled individually, and corrective actions will be based upon the seriousness of the violation and attitude of the individual. A participant will be afforded “due process" in the disciplinary process. The Upward Bound Staff reserves the right to appropriately discipline participants, including the right to expel a participant from the Upward Bound Program for violations and offenses that may not be stated here. 

The Upward Bound Staff will notify parents or guardians of all disciplinary actions. Furthermore, the Upward Bound Staff reserves the right to change policies, when necessary, to ensure the orderly and efficient operation of the program. 

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DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 

Oral Reprimand/Warning: It is an oral disapproval issued to the participant by an Upward Bound staff member. Usually, this is the first line of discipline unless the offense is of a serious nature. 

Written Reprimand: It is a statement of disapproval, which may take the form of a demerit; it is prepared by a staff member and given to the participant in writing; a copy should be sent to a parent/guardian. Once a participant receives two (2) written reprimands, a parent/participant conference will be held by an Upward Bound staff member. A decision will be made at that time as to further action. All written reprimands will be mailed to parents as they occur. This will be done during the summer and academic phases of the program. 

Due Process 

Participants may write appeals for decisions made as a result of a discipline referral. This process will flow as follows: 

▪ Referrals of incidents are sent to the Director for follow-up and further action if needed. 

▪ All disciplinary issues, except those for major violations, should be first resolved at the lowest possible level of authority. The staff member should discuss the incident on the referral with the Participant(s) before any disciplinary action. 

▪ The staff member will determine the appropriate disciplinary action, if necessary. 

▪ The staff member will contact the participant's parents to inform them about the incident and the disciplinary actions taken. 

▪ If not resolved, the Director will be brought in for further discussion. If the problem cannot be resolved, the participant and parent will meet with the Director for a final decision. 

Consequences of Behavior 

▪ Restrictions- a statement is written and limitations are given to participants based on the offense or violation. 

▪ Probation – Notice that further convictions of major offenses, as specified in the decision, will result in suspension or dismissal from the program. The typical duration for probation is 30 calendar days. In such time, the participant must attend all required Upward Bound activities and must fully participate in those activities with no additional disciplinary issues. A written statement with corrective action will accompany a notice of probation. 

▪ Suspension – Immediate suspension of program events for a specified amount of time to be determined by an Upward Bound Educational Specialist and Director. A written statement will be sent home with the participant outlining duration of suspension. 

▪ Dismissal- (1) Permanent severance of the participant's relationship with the Clayton County (Atlanta Metropolitan State College) Upward Bound Program. 

▪ Reasons a Participant may be Dismissed from the Clayton County (AMSC) Upward Bound Program (not an inclusive list) 

o Excessive absences* 

o Possession of alcohol and/or drugs 

o Being expelled from school 

o Violence/ Bullying 

o Behavior inappropriate of any type, including inappropriate sexual conduct.