Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response

What to do if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or experienced sexual misconduct

The University of Georgia expressly prohibits sexual misconduct, including dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking consistent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, and University System of Georgia policy:

Get to a Safe Place

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, the first priority is to get to a safe location. Once you are safe, assess if you need medical attention. If so, go to your local emergency room or dial 911. 

Know Your Options

Survivors have the option to: Notify proper law enforcement authorities, including on-campus and local police, be assisted by the offices described in this section in notifying law enforcement authorities if the victim so chooses, and decline to notify such authorities. If you choose not to contact police, start with a confidential advocate at 706-542-SAFE for guidance on all options, including police involvement.

The University will provide a student or employee who reports they have been the victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, whether the offense occurred on or off campus, with a written explanation of their rights and options as described in “Safe and Secure 2026.”

UGA’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention (RSVP) office offers UGA students a 24-hour confidential hotline for support and crisis intervention at whatever time you need it most. If you have just experienced an assault, RSVP can walk you through your options via phone and arrange to meet with you in person. To learn more about next steps, call the Fontaine Center at 706-542-8690 during business hours, or call the 24/7 RSVP hotline at 706-542-7233 for after-hours support.

Options can look different for every situation but can include speaking to a confidential advocate, contacting the police, receiving medical attention, obtaining a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination (SANE), and/or making a report to the UGA Equal Opportunity Office (EOO).

Contact the Police

Contacting the police does not commit or obligate the survivor to having the assault investigated or prosecuted. The survivor can make that choice later. Contacting the police will not subject the survivor to scrutiny or judgmental opinions from officers. Rather, contacting the police will:

• Facilitate the survivor’s safety.
• Ensure the survivor has access to free, confidential advocates specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention and support. Confidential advocates can be reached by calling 706-542-SAFE.
• Allow for documentation of the event that occurred, without pressure to go forward with a criminal investigation.
• If the survivor wants to make a report, having the police on scene immediately will allow for immediate action and investigation, depending on circumstances of the case.
• Assist with the facilitation of connecting the survivor with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination, allowing for the opportunity for evidence collection and evidence preservation (in the event the survivor wants to pursue prosecution). It is important to preserve evidence, including any electronic communications or photographs of injuries, that may assist in proving that the alleged criminal offense occurred or may be helpful in obtaining a protection order.

For off-campus assaults on the Gwinnett, Griffin, or Tifton campuses, contact the following:

• The Gwinnett Campus– Contact the Gwinnett County Police Department by calling 911 or 770-513-5000.
• The Griffin Campus– Contact the City of Griffin Police Department by calling 911 or 770-229-6450.
• The Tifton Campus– Contact the Police Department of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, which borders the UGA Tifton campus, at 229-391-5060 or the City of Tifton Police Department at 911 or 229-382-3132.

To report on-campus assaults on the Athens, Griffin, Gwinnett, or Tifton campuses, contact the UGA Police Department at 911 or 706-542-2200. 

To report off-campus assaults in Athens, contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department by calling 911 or 706-613-3330.

Notify the Equal Opportunity Office/Title IX Coordinator

Contact Information:

Director & Title IX Coordinator Equal Opportunity Office (EOO)
278 Brooks Hall, Athens, GA 30602
706-542-7912 (ph) / 706-542-2822 (fax)
ugaeoo@uga.edu

All University Community members are strongly encouraged to report incidents or allegations of sexual misconduct within the University Community to the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO)/Title IX Coordinator.

Upon request, the University will make any reasonably available change to a victim’s academic, living, transportation, and/or working situation regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement. Students and employees may contact the Title IX Coordinator for assistance.

The University will maintain as confidential any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victim, to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the institution to provide the accommodations or protective measures.

UGA follows Georgia law in recognizing and enforcing orders of protection, including, but not limited to restraining orders, temporary protective orders, and stalking orders issued in Georgia or any other state, with the understanding that orders from other states are subject to laws in the issuing state. Anyone having an order of protection should submit the order to the UGA Police Department.

Interim measures may be issued by the Director for Student Conduct, Title IX Coordinator, or a designee, at any point after the University becomes aware of an allegation of misconduct in order to protect any alleged victim and/or the University community.

Interim measures may include, but are not limited to:

• Change of housing assignment
• Issuance of a mutual “no contact” directive
• Restrictions or bars to entering certain University property
• Changes to academic or employment arrangements, schedules, or supervision
• Interim suspension
• Other measures designed to promote the safety and well-being of the parties and University community.

Community members who are responsible employees or in positions of authority are required to report. The EOO/Title IX Coordinator is, in turn, responsible for investigating allegations of sexual misconduct ensuring parties are aware of and have access to assistance and support resources remedying, to the extent possible, the effects of the sexual misconduct and preventing recurrence. These assistance and support resources are made available to the Complainant and Respondent before or after the filing of a complaint or where no complaint has been filed.

Confidentiality

The University recognizes the sensitive nature of sexual violence and is committed to protecting the privacy of any individual who reports an incident of sexual violence. The Clery Act prohibits the disclosure of a victim’s personally identifying information in crime statistics, the crime log, and timely warnings. Different officials on campus are, however, able to offer varying levels of privacy protection to victims. Reports made to law enforcement, including if criminal prosecution is pursued, may be made public and shared with the accused. The University will withhold information requested by the Open Records Act including FERPA exempt information, information in law enforcement records which would jeopardize the health and safety of an individual, and the information required to be kept confidential by Federal law. 

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Obtain Medical Care

Whether or not the police are contacted, the survivor is encouraged to obtain medical treatment.

Medical providers in the Griffin, Georgia, area include

Spalding Regional Hospital 
601 South 8th Street 
Griffin, Georgia 30224 
770-228-2721 

Medical Providers in Gwinnett County, Georgia, include 

Gwinnett Medical Center – Northside Hospital Gwinnett 
1000 Medical Center Boulevard 
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046 
678-312-1000 

Medical Providers in the Tifton, Georgia area, include

Tift Regional Medical Center 
901 East 18th Street 
Tifton, Georgia 31794 
229-382-7120 

For off-campus domestic and international incidents requiring medical care outside of the above-listed locations, contact local healthcare providers for the relevant jurisdiction.  

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Connect with Counseling and Support Resources

Sexual assault affects people in many different ways and can have profound and lasting impacts. However, healing is possible and there are many resources available both on and off campus to support a survivor at any point in the aftermath of an assault, including during times of crisis.

24-Hour (University Community) Confidential and FREE Support Services:

University Health Center

• Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) — 706‑542‑SAFE (706-542-7233)
• Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) — emergencies — 706-542-2273 (ask for the CAPS on-call clinician)

Sexual Assault Centers located in the Buckhead, Griffin, and Tifton areas

Buckhead (Atlanta)

Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence

Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence
115 E Maple St, Decatur, GA 30030
Office Phone: 404-370-7670
24/7 SA Crisis: 404-377-1428

Griffin

Southern Crescent Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center
24-hour crisis line: 770-477-2177

Tifton

Ruth’s Cottage and the Patticake House
Tifton, GA 31793
Crisis Phone Number: 229-388-1541
Office Phone Number: 229-387-9697

Additional UGA resources

Members of the following UGA offices are designated as confidential support employees for incidents and allegations of sexual assault. These offices can provide support resources regardless of whether a survivor or complainant chooses to report the incident to UGA Police or local law enforcement. Absent circumstances indicating an imminent threat of harm to an individual member of the University community or the University community as a whole, these confidential support employees are not required to disclose information that identifies a sexual assault survivor or third-party complainant:

Office of Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP)

The RSVP office offers 24-hour, free, and confidential advocacy support to student survivors of interpersonal violence. RSVP advocates can provide emotional support, safety planning and crisis intervention, coordination with medical services for emergency care, as well as coordination of academic and housing accommodations. RSVP can help connect the student with counseling services and offers a free survivor support group. RSVP advocates can accompany a survivor for treatment, formal reporting (including to law enforcement), and discuss options 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The RSVP hotline is 706-542-SAFE (7233). RSVP services are free and confidential. RSVP advocates serve all student survivors regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. This office is located on the first floor of the University Health Center. More information can be found at https://healthpromotion.uga.edu/rsvp/.

Student Care and Outreach (SCO)

SCO provides individualized assistance to students experiencing hardship circumstances. More information can be found at sco.uga.edu or by calling 706-542-7774.

University Ombudspersons

These are designated individuals who serve as independent, neutral, and informal resources for UGA students, faculty, and staff. More information can be found at www.ombuds.uga.edu.

Additional support services through Athens Area resources

The Cottage: Sexual Assault Center

24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 706‑353‑1912 (local), 877‑363‑1912 (toll-free)

The Cottage offers a confidential 24-hour crisis and information hotline, crisis counseling, medical and legal advocacy, counseling referrals for survivors of sexual assault, and support for secondary survivors (friends and family members of sexual assault survivors).

Project Safe

24-Hour Hotline: 706‑543‑3331

Project Safe offers 24-hour confidential information and domestic violence services.

Immigration and Visa Support

Immigration and Visa assistance may be obtained by contacting Immigration Services within the UGA Office of Global Engagement  

More

A list of the above and other resources can be found online.

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Sexual Misconduct Disciplinary Procedures

The Equal Opportunity Office (EOO)will conduct prompt, fair, and impartial proceedings – from initial investigation to the final result – of incidents and allegations of sexual misconduct within the University community under the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, the University System of Georgia’s Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual Policy to Prohibit Discrimination & Harassment, the University’s Code of Conduct, and the University’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment (NDAH) Policy. While the EOO investigates all complaints of sexual misconduct, the procedures governing resolution of matters and appeals differ based on whether the respondent is a student or a faculty or staff member.

Time Frame. Efforts will be made to complete the investigation and resolution within 120 business days. Temporary delays and limited extensions may be granted by the institution for good cause throughout the investigation and resolution process. The parties will be informed in writing of any extension or delay and the applicable reason. The institution shall keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation.

Title IX Sexual Misconduct & Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct 

Upon notice of the alleged misconduct, the institution will assess whether a formal investigation, informal resolution, or dismissal would be appropriate. In making this determination, the institution will assess whether the allegation(s), if true, would rise to the level of prohibited conduct, whether an investigation is appropriate in light of the circumstances, whether the parties prefer an informal resolution, and whether any safety concerns exist for the campus community. The need to issue a broader warning to the community in compliance with the Clery Act shall be assessed in compliance with federal law.

The University uses different types of proceedings when a student is accused, when an employee is accused, and when a faculty member is accused. Additionally, federal regulations implementing Title IX require us to use certain procedures in “Title IX Sexual Misconduct” cases that aren’t required in “Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct” cases. Both types of sexual misconduct include the VAWA Offenses as well as other forms of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct.

“Title IX Sexual Misconduct” matters are when the alleged misconduct occurs against a person in the United States on institution property, or at institution-sponsored or affiliated events where the institution exercises substantial control over both the Respondent and the context, or in buildings owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution.

“Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct” matters are when the alleged misconduct occurs off-campus and or when the Complainant is not participating in or attempting to participate in the education program or activity of the institution occurring within the United States at the time of the filing.

In Title IX Sexual Misconduct matters a Formal Complaint is required. A Formal Complaint is a written document filed by the Complainant or signed by the Coordinator alleging sexual misconduct, as defined by Title IX and its implementing regulations, against a Respondent and requesting that the institution open an investigation. In order to file a Formal Complaint, the Complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in the education program or activity of the institution occurring within the United States at the time of the filing.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for determining which type of proceeding will be used or if a complaint is to be dismissed and will provide simultaneous written notice of their determination to the parties at their institutional e-mails. If the Title IX Coordinator dismisses a complaint the notice provided to the parties will include the reason and a right to appeal. If a complaint moves forward an investigator will be assigned and the notice will include their identity. 

Procedures for Student Respondents

Allegations of sexual misconduct against a student, including allegations of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, are reviewed and/or investigated by the EOO. A review may result in a determination that insufficient evidence exists to proceed. An investigation may result in an informal or formal resolution or result in a determination that insufficient evidence exists to proceed. In the case of a formal resolution for a student Respondent, the matter is heard by a three-person panel made up of University faculty and/or staff. The standard of proof utilized in these cases is a preponderance of the evidence. Preponderance of the evidence, which means that it is more likely than not the alleged violation of policy occurred.

All investigations and hearings of possible student sexual misconduct, including appeal processes, are carried out by University employees who have received annual training on issues related to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, with such training covering how to conduct a sexual misconduct investigation, resolution of investigations (including the hearing process when applicable), and the appeal process, in each case focusing on protecting the safety of victims, maintaining fairness/impartiality for accused individuals, and promoting student accountability.

Efforts will be made to complete the investigation and resolution within 120 business days. Temporary delays and limited extensions may be granted by the institutions for good cause throughout the investigation and resolution process. The parties will be informed in writing of any extension or delay and the applicable reason. The institution shall keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation. The institution shall keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation, shall provide timely notice of meetings at which either or both parties may be present, and will provide timely and equal access to both parties, their advisors (if applicable), and institution officials to any information that will be used during informal and formal disciplinary meetings and hearings.

Any party may challenge the participation of any institution official, employee, or panel member on the grounds of personal bias by submitting a written statement to the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee setting forth the basis of the challenge. Complaints of sexual misconduct reported to the EOO are investigated per the procedures found in the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and USG Policy 4.6.5.

Due process rights of the Complainant and Respondent are observed throughout the course of the investigation, resolution, and appeal of an allegation of sexual misconduct. Prior to the finalization of the investigation report, timely and equal access to information directly related to the allegations that has been gathered during the investigation and may be used at the hearing will be provided to each party and each party’s advisor (where applicable). If it is determined that a violation of policy has occurred, disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including the expulsion of the offender.

The list of sanctions described in USG Policy 4.6.5 include: expulsion, suspension for an identified time frame or until satisfaction of certain conditions or both, temporary or permanent separation of the parties (e.g., change in classes, reassignment of residence, no contact orders, limited geography of where parties can go on campus) with additional sanctions for violating no-contact orders required participation in sensitivity training/awareness education programs required participation in alcohol and other drug awareness and abuse prevention programs counseling or mentoring volunteering/community service loss of institutional privileges delays in obtaining administrative services and benefits from the institution (e.g., holding transcripts, delaying registration, graduation, diplomas) additional academic requirements relating to scholarly work or research financial restitution or any other discretionary sanctions directly related to the violation or conduct. In determining the severity of sanctions or corrective actions the following should be considered: the frequency, severity, and/or nature of the offense history of past conduct and offender’s willingness to accept responsibility previous institutional response to similar conduct strength of the evidence and the wellbeing of the University community. For more information, see the Code of Conduct and the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Procedures for Faculty and Staff Respondents

Allegations of sexual misconduct against a University faculty or staff member are reviewed and/or investigated by the EOO in accordance with the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, the University System of Georgia’s Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual Policy on Discrimination & Harassment, and the University’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.

Following its investigation, allegations that could meet the definition of Title IX sexual misconduct are heard by an administrative officer in accordance with the University System of Georgia Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual Policy on Discrimination and Harassment. If the allegations do not meet the definition of Title IX sexual misconduct, the investigation proceeds under the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, and EOO will make a finding as to whether a violation has occurred or not in accordance with the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.

All investigations and hearings concerning alleged sexual misconduct by a UGA faculty or staff member will be prompt, fair, and impartial and shall be conducted by University employees who have received annual training on issues
related to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, with such training covering how to conduct a sexual misconduct investigation, resolution of investigations (including the hearing process when applicable), and the appeals process, in each case focusing on protecting the safety of victims, maintaining fairness/impartiality for accused individuals, and promoting employee accountability.

Efforts will be made to complete the investigation and resolution within 120 business days. Temporary delays and limited extensions may be granted by the institution for good cause throughout the investigation and resolution process. The parties will be informed in writing of any extension or delay and the applicable reason. The institution shall keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation.

The institution shall keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation, shall provide timely notice of meetings at which either or both parties may be present, and will provide timely and equal access to both parties, their advisors (if applicable), and institution officials to any information that will be used during informal and formal disciplinary meetings and hearings. Prior to the finalization of the investigation report, timely and equal access to information directly related to the allegations that has been gathered during the investigation and may be used at the hearing will be provided to each party and each party’s advisor (where applicable).

A Complainant, Respondent or EOO representative may assert that a complaint presents an actual or apparent conflict of interest for EOO by submitting such complaint to the Office of Legal Affairs for consideration and resolution.

Faculty or staff investigation and hearing procedures will determine findings of fact using the preponderance of the evidence standard, which means that it is more likely than not that a violation of University policy has occurred. If it is determined that a violation of policy has occurred, disciplinary action may be taken, a letter of counseling, mandated training, suspension with or without pay, and termination of employment. The level of discipline and type or scope of sanctions will depend on the severity and nature of the discrimination or harassment, the weight of the evidence, and the need to maintain a safe and respectful environment. EOO will also consider any history of past discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory conduct, the Respondent’s willingness to accept responsibility, and previous institutional response to similar conduct.

Hearing Procedures for Faculty Respondents

In cases of sexual misconduct where the Respondent is a faculty member, a determination that a violation of policy has occurred will trigger the initiation of the faculty discipline and removal process pursuant to the Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 8.3.9.2. This process consists of three stages: (i) an informal meeting between the faculty Respondent and the supervisor to review the results of the investigation and the recommended sanctions, (ii) an evaluation of the matter by a three-person faculty committee resulting in a recommendation to the President of the University as to whether to institute the recommended sanctions, and (iii) if the faculty Respondent chooses, a formal hearing to consider the results of the investigation and the recommended sanctions. If the faculty Respondent does not request a formal hearing, the recommended sanctions will go into effect.

If the faculty Respondent requests a formal hearing, the matter shall be heard in accordance with the procedures established in Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 8.3.9.2. The formal hearing will be conducted by a hearing panel of three to five faculty members appointed by the Executive Committee of the University Council. Notice of the identities of the panel members shall be provided to parties in writing at least 20 days prior to the hearing. The parties may challenge the selection of specific panel members in writing at least five days in advance of the hearing. A faculty member may also waive a hearing in which case the panel shall evaluate the record. At the hearing, an oath or affirmation shall be administered to all witnesses. The parties shall have the right to confront any witnesses, including the other parties, by having their advisors ask relevant questions directly to the witnesses.

The Title IX Coordinator shall notify the President and parties simultaneously in writing of the decision and recommendation, if any, of the panel. If dismissal is recommended the President shall either approve the recommendation or if not shall advise the panel in writing of the basis prior to rendering a final decision. The panel may also recommend a lesser sanction. The President may or may not follow the recommendations of the panel. The President shall notify the parties simultaneously in writing of the decision. Such notice shall include information about applying to the Board of Regents for discretionary review. Upon dismissal, pending possible discretionary review, the faculty member shall be suspended without pay. The Board may reinstate the faculty member with compensation from the date of suspension.

Additional Procedures for all Sexual Misconduct Proceedings

Advisors. Both parties to a proceeding under the University’s sexual misconduct policies shall have the opportunity to use an advisor (who may or may not be an attorney) of the party’s choosing at the party’s own expense for the express purpose of providing advice and counsel. Unless a proceeding is adjudicating allegations of Title IX Sexual Misconduct, an advisor to a party may not participate directly during interviews or hearings nor may the advisor be a witness during the investigation process. The advisor may be present and advise the party in any manner, including providing questions, suggestions, and guidance on responses to any questions posed to the party. In hearings adjudicating allegations of Title IX Sexual Misconduct, advisors are required to participate directly solely to conduct cross-examination during the formal hearing stage of the proceeding. Advisors are not otherwise permitted to directly participate in a proceeding adjudicating
allegations of Title IX Sexual Misconduct. If a party does not have an advisor to conduct cross-examination, the University will provide an advisor for this limited purpose.

Notification. In accordance with federal law, each of the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, the Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual Policy on Discrimination and Harassment, the University’s Code of Conduct, and the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy provide that in the case of allegations of sexual misconduct, each party to the matter shall receive simultaneous notification of the results of such matter, the appeals process, any change in the result
of such matter and when such results become final. All appeals following the resolution of a sexual misconduct proceeding must be made within five business days of the receipt of the final written decision, other than appeals under the University System of Georgia Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual Policy on Discrimination and Harassment, which must be made within five business days of the date of the decision.

Prevention and Training are offered through the following UGA Campus Resources

EOO staff members are available to provide training upon request to any University department or student, faculty, or employee group.

Established training presentations and content include:

• Introduction to the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment (NDAH) Policy and the Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Understanding sexual consent at UGA
• Other NDAH-related topics upon request

To schedule a training, please contact the Office of Learning and Development which hosts these trainings at learnanddev@uga.edu or 706-542-7062.

The University Health Center/Health Promotion Department provides comprehensive interpersonal violence prevention, education, and confidential 24/7 advocacy support services to all UGA students, including the following programs:

SAPU (sexual assault prevention for undergraduates) – The Fontaine Center administers SAPU, the required online interpersonal violence prevention program that all incoming first year undergraduate and transfer students take prior to their arrival on campus.

UMatter is an Upstander Intervention Program that equips students with the skills to safely intervene and support students in potentially harmful situations. Students gain practical skills to recognize signs and respond to situations that can be harmful such as substance misuse, sexual assault, mental well-being concerns, and everyday encounters in the UGA community. Students will engage in relatable scenarios to practice upstander intervention strategies.

Other Programs and Educational Opportunities – A comprehensive range of programs are offered throughout the year to support student connection, belonging, and well-being. The Fontaine Center and RSVP offers programs that are tailored to specific needs and populations across campus upon request (including faculty/staff request for education). Topics include but are not limited to: relationship and sexual violence prevention, healthy relationships and communication, consent, harassment and stalking, trauma-informed survivor support approaches, recovery ally training, and safer substance use education. In addition, the Fontaine Peer Education program has a team of trained peer educators who assist our office with awareness programs/events across campus.

The UGA Police Department provides information about sexual assault, date rape, and other crime prevention information to students and parents during first-year orientation sessions each summer. The UGA Police Department also offers sexual assault and other educational information on their website. In addition, the UGA Police provide talks and presentations on related topics upon request.

Sex Offender Registration

The Georgia Sex Offender Registry allows for the search of sex offenders by name, address, and several other identifiers/methods. The registry also designates sexual offenders as Sexually Dangerous Predators and Absconders based on their histories and allows for searches in these categories as well. The link to the Georgia Sex Offender Registry can be found on the University of Georgia Police Department website.