Student Proposed Student 2015–2016 CODE OF CONDUCT

CONTENTS

I.

PREAMBLE .............................................................................................................3

II. JURISDICTION .......................................................................................................3 III. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CODE AND CRIMINAL LAW ......... 4 IV. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT ...........................................................................5 V. FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS ..................................................................................7 VI. STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS: INITIAL STAGES ................................8 VII. STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS: RESOLUTIONS .................................10 VIII. STUDENT CONDUCT BOARD: HEARINGS AND APPEALS .............. 13 IX. SANCTIONS ......................................................................................................... 18 X. HONOR STATEMENT.......................................................................................20 XI. POLICY ON AMNESTY FOR GOOD SAMARITANS AND

STUDENTS IN NEED OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION ..... 22

XII. EMERGENCY POWERS .................................................................................. 22 XIII. RETENTION, DISCLOSURE, AND EXPUNGEMENT OF

STUDENT DISCIPLINARY RECORDS ........................................................ 22

XIV. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE CODE .................................... 23

PROPOSED STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

I. PREAMBLE 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. 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. The University’s behavioral standards are set forth in the Code’s Standards of Conduct (Article IV). 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 potential violations of the Standards of Conduct is called the student conduct process. The student conduct process resolves allegations of misconduct but also is an educational process designed to promote learning and development as it relates to appropriate decision making. 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.

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