1720-03-03-.03
Jurisdiction
Cite as Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1720-03-03-.03
(1)
The Standards of Conduct, Chapter 1720-03-03-.04, apply to conduct that occurs on
University-controlled property.
(2)
The University also has the discretion to discipline a student for an act in violation of the
Standards of Conduct that occurs off University-controlled property if the conduct adversely
affects the interests of the University, including, but not limited to, conduct which:
(a)
Occurs in connection with a University-affiliated activity, including, but not limited to, an
overseas study program or a clinical, field, internship, or in-service experience;
(b)
Involves another member of the University community; or
(c)
Threatens, or indicates that the student may pose a threat to, the health or safety of
him/herself or others or the security of any person’s property, including, but not limited
to, alcohol-related offenses, drug-related offenses, arson, battery, fraud, hazing,
participation in group violence, rape, sexual assault or misconduct, stalking, and theft.
(3)
The Standards of Conduct have been adopted in furtherance of the University’s interests and
serve to supplement, rather than substitute for, the enforcement of the civil and criminal law.
Accordingly, University disciplinary action may be instituted against a student charged with
conduct that potentially violates both the criminal law and the Standards of Conduct without
regard to the pendency of criminal charges or civil litigation. At the discretion of the Chief
Student Affairs Officer, or his/her designee, disciplinary action relating to a violation of the
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CHAPTER 1720-03-03
Standards of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following criminal
proceedings. Students accused of violating the Standards of Conduct may not challenge the
University disciplinary proceedings on the grounds that criminal charges, civil litigation, or
other University proceedings regarding the same incident are pending or have been
terminated, dismissed, reduced, or not yet adjudicated.
(4)
Each student shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for
admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before
classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods
between terms of actual enrollment (and even if conduct is not discovered by the University
until after a degree is awarded). Should a student withdraw from the University with
disciplinary charges pending, the student’s academic record and/or ability to register for
classes may be encumbered by the appropriate University office.
(5)
Graduate or professional programs within the University may initiate charges against
students for alleged violations of professional standards or ethics as a separate issue or as
an extension of alleged acts of academic dishonesty or other violations of the Standards of
Conduct.