Hearings to Challenge Accuracy of Records
If, upon inspection and review of his or her record, the student believes that the record is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of his or her privacy rights, he or she has the right to ask that the record be changed or inserted in a statement in the file. Such a request shall be submitted to the Office of Registration and Records at Athens Technical College.
The Office of Registration and Records shall process the student’s request and notify the student of the college’s decision in writing. Should the request for a change be denied, the student will be notified of the college's decision and advised of the right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's privacy rights. The student has 30 days to appeal the decision to the president and ask for a hearing.
On behalf of the president of the college, a hearing officer shall conduct a hearing at which the student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the student's education records. The student may be assisted by one or more individuals, including an attorney. The hearing officer will consider only challenges to the accuracy of the records. Hence, whether or not a grade has been incorrectly recorded on a student's transcript may be considered, but not whether the student should have been awarded a grade different from the one given.
The hearing officer shall prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision. The hearing officer's decision shall be final, save for any review that the president of the college may grant.
If the college decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's right of privacy, it will notify the student of the right to place in the education record a statement commenting on the challenged information and a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision. Such a statement shall become a part of the information in the education record and will be disclosed with it.
A student may make a specific waiver of access to evaluations solicited and/or received under the condition of confidentiality.