1720-02-05-.03
Jurisdiction And Application
Cite as Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1720-02-05-.03
(1)
Jurisdiction. The Code applies to the conduct of a student that occurs on University-controlled
property. With respect to conduct that does not occur on University-owned property, the
University has the discretion to discipline a student for conduct in violation of the Code if the
student's conduct adversely affects the interests of the University, including, without
limitation, when the conduct:
(a)
Occurs during or in connection with a University-affiliated activity, including, without
limitation, an overseas study program, clinical or field placement, internship, or in-
service experience;
(b)
Consists of academic dishonesty or research misconduct;
(c)
Is prohibited by local, state, or federal law;
(d)
Involves another member of the University community; or
(e)
Threatens, or indicates that the student may pose a threat to, the health or safety of the
student or other person, or the security of any person's property, including, without
limitation, alcohol-related misconduct, drug-related misconduct, arson, battery, fraud,
theft, hazing, participation in group violence, Sexual Harassment, and sexual
exploitation.
(2)
Time Period of Application to Students. The Code applies to a student's conduct from the
time the student applies for admission to the University through the entire time that the
student is a candidate for and/or is awarded a degree from the University (even if a student's
conduct which violates the Code is not discovered by the University until after the University
awards a degree to the student). The Code applies to a student's conduct that occurs during
the academic year, between semesters, and during periods between terms of actual
enrollment at the University.
(3)
Conduct Attributable to Student Organizations. Each student organization is responsible for
conduct fairly attributable to the student organization. A determination that conduct is fairly
attributable to a student organization does not preclude holding student members of the
student organization accountable for acts committed in relation to the student organization's
conduct. The chief student officer of the student organization (e.g., president or equivalent) or
his or her designee will serve as the representative of the student organization during any
proceedings against the student organization under the Code. In determining whether
misconduct in violation of the Code is fairly attributable to a student organization, the
University will consider the following factors:
(a)
Whether one (1) or more officers of the student organization had prior knowledge that
the misconduct was reasonably likely to occur and failed to take reasonable
preventative or corrective action, failed to attempt to stop known misconduct while it
was occurring, and/or helped to plan, promote, or carry out the misconduct.
(b)
Whether the misconduct occurred in connection with an activity: (i) financed by the
student organization and/or one (1) or more members or alumni of the student
organization who contributed personal funds in lieu of organizational funds; (ii) related
to initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued
membership in the student organization; and/or (iii) advertised, promoted, or publicized
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
CHAPTER 1720-02-05
in such a way that a reasonable person viewing or hearing the advertisement,
promotion, or publication would believe that the activity was affiliated with the student
organization.
(c)
Whether the misconduct occurred on property owned, controlled, rented, leased,
and/or used by the student organization and/or any of its members or alumni acting on
the student organization's behalf.
(d)
Whether a member of the student organization attempted to conceal the activity
connected with the misconduct or concealed the misconduct of another member of the
student organization.
(4)
Relation to Criminal and Civil Legal Proceedings. The Code has been adopted in furtherance
of the University's interests and serves to supplement, rather than substitute for, the
enforcement of criminal and civil law. Accordingly, a Respondent may be charged with
violating the Code for conduct that also constitutes a violation of criminal or civil law without
regard to whether criminal or civil legal proceedings have been initiated against the
Respondent. Disciplinary action for student conduct in violation of the Code may be carried
out prior to, simultaneously with, or following criminal or civil proceedings regarding the same
conduct. A Respondent charged with violating the Code may not challenge University
proceedings in the student conduct process on the grounds that a criminal or civil legal
proceeding (or another University proceeding) regarding the same misconduct is pending or
has been dismissed, or otherwise that criminal charges or civil claims regarding the same
misconduct have been adjudicated, settled and/or reduced. When appropriate, the University
may refer student conduct matters involving violations of the law to federal, state, or local
authorities for prosecution.
(5)
Misconduct Not Excused by Intoxication or Impairment. The intoxication or impairment of a
student by alcohol, drugs, or other substances will not diminish or excuse any conduct in
violation of the Code that the student commits while intoxicated or impaired, except as
provided under Section .16 of this Chapter.
(6)
Concurrent Honor Code and Non-Honor Code Violations of the Code. Notwithstanding
anything in this Chapter to the contrary, allegations of violations of Section .04(1) of this
Chapter will be resolved in accordance with the Honor Code procedures under Chapter
1720-02-01. In cases involving allegations of both Honor Code violations and non-Honor
Code violations of the Code, the alleged Honor Code violations will be resolved in
accordance with the Honor Code procedures under Chapter 1720-02-01 separately from
resolution of the alleged non-Honor Code violations, which will be resolved pursuant to the
Code procedures under this Chapter. In such cases, disciplinary sanctions may be issued
against the Respondent for any Honor Code violations separate from and additional to
disciplinary sanctions issued for any non-Honor Code violations of the Code.
(7)
Violations of Professional Standards or Ethics. Graduate or professional programs within the
University may take separate and independent action against students for alleged violations
of professional and/or ethical standards using procedures other than those contained in the
Code.
(8)
Effect on Coursework. Coursework performed by a Respondent during the student conduct
process will be considered conditional. Credit for such coursework may be affected, delayed,
denied, and/or revoked based on a finding of a Code violation and/or disciplinary sanctions
imposed against the Respondent under the Code. In addition, subject to the other provisions
of the Code, a delay in the granting of a degree or diploma may be imposed, or a degree that
is awarded prior to a decision under the Code may be revoked.
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(9)
Withdrawal During the Student Conduct Process. If a Respondent voluntarily withdraws from
the University before the conclusion of the student conduct process, the Office of Student
Conduct retains the right to investigate and resolve the allegations against the Respondent
as a condition of the Respondent being allowed to re-enroll in the University. A Disciplinary
Hold on the Respondent's record, as provided under Section .14(3) of this Chapter, may be
implemented or remain in place after the Respondent withdraws in order to enforce this
Section .03(9).
(10) Time Extensions and Rescheduling. Any time period specified under the Code may be
extended for good cause at the discretion of the Office of Student Conduct. Any hearing or
meeting described in the Code may be rescheduled for good cause at the discretion of the
Office of Student Conduct.