Introduction

(1) Students at the University of Tennessee (the “University”) 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 and in compliance with University rules and policies. The University has established the Student Code of Conduct (“Code”) in order to advance the mission of the University by maintaining a safe and secure learning environment; 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 institutional integrity 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. (2) 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 to the United States Constitution. (3) Students are responsible for being fully acquainted with and for complying with the Code, the University catalog, handbook, and other rules and policies relating to students. Failure or refusal to comply with the rules and policies established by the University may subject a student to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.