Section 1720-04-03-.01 - PREAMBLE(1) Students at the University of Tennessee are members of both the University community and the larger community of which the University is a part. Accordingly, students are responsible for conducting themselves in a lawful manner as well as in compliance with University rules and policies. In addition, the University has developed a set of aspirational goals titled, Principles of Civility and Community, which encourages all members of the University community to foster a learning environment where diversity is valued, respected, and celebrated. As stated in those Principles, the University of Tennessee affirms the value of each member of the University community and adheres to the principles of inclusivity, diversity, dialogue, collegiality, respect, knowledge, integrity, learning, awareness, and responsiveness. We respect the diverse backgrounds of all members of our community. This includes, but is not limited to, people of any race, color, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, ability status, and military status. We value an environment that facilitates collegial relationships, encourages mutual understanding among diverse individuals and leads to addressing issues and differences in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility. Therefore, we strive to be welcoming to all and hostile to none.(2) The University has established the Student Code of Conduct ("Code") in order to advance the mission of the University and sustain a culture of excellence by: maintaining a safe learning environment; requiring students to conduct themselves in ways that allow for their personal growth and development as well as others, in the most positive manner possible; protecting the rights and privileges of all members of the University community; providing a basis for orderly conduct of the affairs of the University; promoting a positive relationship between the University and its surrounding community; preserving the University's reputation and property; encouraging students to engage in conduct that brings credit to themselves and the University; and ensuring that each student who matriculates at the University graduates ready to contribute to society as an ethical and law-abiding citizen.(3) The University's behavioral standards are set forth in the Code's Standards of Conduct (Section .04). Students who engage in conduct that is inconsistent with the Standards of Conduct are subject to University disciplinary action. The process by which the University investigates and resolves alleged violations of the Standards of Conduct is called the student conduct process. The student conduct process resolves allegations of misconduct and is an educational process designed to promote learning and development. Therefore, even if behavior does not violate the Standards of Conduct, a University staff member may engage students in voluntary conversations to promote learning and development. The student conduct process is consistent, fair, and provides means of resolution that are commensurate with the skills and abilities of the participants in the process.(4) The effectiveness of the student conduct process rests partially upon the participation of all members of the University community. Active participation in the process by students, faculty, and staff reflects a willingness to address the difficult issues brought before them for the betterment of individual students and the University community. This involvement is vital to the establishment of true community standards.(5) Authority and responsibility relating to the Code are delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Student Life, who has delegated certain authority and responsibility to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards ("SCCS").(6) The University is committed to respecting students' constitutional rights. The Code shall be interpreted in a way that does not violate students' constitutional rights, including, without limitation, the rights protected by the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.(7) Students are responsible for being fully acquainted with and for complying with the Code, the applicable undergraduate or graduate catalog, the student handbook (Hilltopics), and other rules and policies relating to students.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1720-04-03-.01
Original rule filed September 15, 1976; effective October 15, 1976. Amendment filed March 29, 1978; effective June 14, 1978. Repealed by Public Chapter 575, effective July 1, 1986. New rule filed May 27, 1986; effective August 12, 1986. Amendment filed October 31, 1990; effective January 29, 1991. Amendment filed August 31, 1995; effective December 30, 1995. Repeal and new rule filed April 12, 2012; effective September 28, 2012. Repeal and new rules filed May 24, 2017; effective August 22, 2017. Amendments filed May 14, 2021; effective 8/12/2021.Authority: T.C.A. § 49-9-209(e); Public Acts of Tennessee, 1839-1840, Chapter 98, Section 5; and Public Acts of Tennessee, 1807, Chapter 64.