Student Rights
The rights that the University strives to guarantee are:
- To a drug free campus
- To non-discrimination
- To file grievances
- To privacy of personal records
- To challenging the content of educational records
- To review the annual security report
- To be free from sexual harassment
- To review the University graduation rates
- To review the athletic gender equity, participation, financial and graduation rates
- To smoke/tobacco free campus buildings
The right to a deferment on student loans is included in the financial aid section entitled “Loan Deferment Terms”.
The University has personnel available to answer questions about consumer information, financial aid information and academic information during normal operating hours 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM Monday – Friday. For appointments during other hours, please call to schedule a time. The phone directory is located on the last page of this handbook.
Access
Within the limits of its facilities and resources, UT Southern is open to all students who are qualified by its admission standards.
Participation in Policy Making
Students may participate in the orderly process of formulating and changing policies, regulations, and procedures that affect their welfare. It is expected that such participation will occur through appropriate student government agencies and University committees.
Fair Disciplinary Hearing
Students have the right to a fair hearing and an opportunity for appeal when charged with violations of the standards of conduct that have been established for University students.
Freedom from Unwarranted Search
Entry by University authorities into occupied rooms in residence halls or University apartments will be divided into two categories: inspection and search. “Inspection” is defined as entry into a room to ascertain health and safety conditions, to make repairs, or to perform cleaning and janitorial operations. “Search” is defined as entry into a room by campus authorities for the purpose of investigating suspected violation of campus regulations and/or local, state, or federal laws. On-campus authorities will not enter a room for purposes of search without the permission of the resident unless they have a campus authorization to search, authorized by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs or his/her designee which specifies the reasons for the search and the objects or information sought or unless they enter in compliance with state law. If possible, the student should be present during the search. Should the search reveal objects in which possession violates a law or a University regulation, the University may take appropriate disciplinary action even though the objects were not listed on the search authorization.
Freedom from Abuse or Harassment During an Investigation
No form of intimidation will be used by University authorities to coerce admissions.
Freedom of Assembly
Students have the right to gather in groups to express their views and opinions, so long as such a gathering is held in an orderly manner; does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, classes, meetings, events, ceremonies, or other educational processes of the University; and is not held in University buildings other than an area approved by the Division of Student Affairs or in residential areas of the campus. No amplification devices are permitted during class hours except by special permission from the Division of Student Affairs.
Freedom of Speech
Students have a fundamental constitutional right to free speech, and free exchange of ideas is not suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the University’s community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrongheaded.
UT Southern is committed to the following:
(A) maintaining a campus as a marketplace of ideas;
(B) giving students the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, learn, and discuss any issue, subject to exceptions outlined in BT0010 Policy Affirming Principles of Free Speech for Students and Faculty, Section 4;
(C) providing an atmosphere that is most conducive to speculation, experimentation, and creation by all students and all faculty, who shall always remain free to inquire, to study and to evaluate, and to gain new understanding;
(D) maintaining the generally accessible, open, outdoor areas of its campus as traditional public forums for free speech by students (i.e., limited public forums because the University has intentionally opened those areas for the limited purpose of free expression activities by a certain group, students);
(E) promoting a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation; and
(F) protecting the freedom of all students and all faculty to state their own views about and contest the views expressed on University property, and to state their own views about and contest speakers who are invited to express their views on University property.
It is not the proper role of the University to attempt to shield individuals from free speech, including ideas and opinions they find offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed. It is for the University's individual students and faculty to make judgments about ideas for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress free speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose. Although the University greatly values civility and mutual respect, concerns about civility and mutual respect must not be used by the University as a justification for closing off the discussion of ideas, however offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrongheaded those ideas may be to some students or faculty. More information, including guest speakers, faculty responsibilities, etc., is available in UT Board Policy BT0010 - Policy Affirming Principles of Free Speech for Students and Faculty, found at https://policy.tennessee.edu/policy/bt0021-policy-affirming-principles-of-free-speech-for-students-and-faculty.
Right to Drug-Free Schools and Communities
The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act requires the university to distribute a notice to all employees and students information about our drug and alcohol prevention efforts:
https://utsouthern.edu/students/.
UT Southern will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, State, and Federal law) up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. Employees are required to self-report drug convictions to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
Protection from Discrimination
UT Southern does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status in provision of educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits.
UT Southern does not discriminate on the basis of sex or handicap in the education programs and activities that it operates, pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Pub. L. 92-318; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93112; respectively. This policy extends to both employment and admission to the University.
Student inquiries concerning Title IX should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. Charges of violations concerning Section 504 should be directed to the Provost, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Student Responsibilities
When persons enroll in UT Southern, they retain the rights and duties of a citizen. Additionally, they must assume the duties and observe the regulations imposed by the University community.
Failure or refusal to comply with the rules and policies established by the University may subject the offender to disciplinary action up to and including permanent dismissal from the University.
The University requires (2) two requisites in order for students to retain compliance for continued enrollment. These requirements are both good academic and disciplinary standings.
The policies and procedures described below have been established to insure the rights and privileges of all members of the University community, to communicate the expectations of the community to its members, and to provide a basis for orderly conduct of the University.
It is therefore acknowledged that all students are subject to be held accountable for their knowledge of, participation in, or being in the presence of alleged misconduct whether on or off campus while actively enrolled at the University.
Adherence to Student Code of Conduct
Students at UT Southern 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 Student Code of Conduct is included in Appendix A of this Handbook for convenience, and it is available online at
https://utsouthern.edu/students/.
Email
Every student is issued a University email address. UT Southern uses the university supplied email account as an official means of communication. Students are responsible for checking their University email account regularly, Important financial aid deadlines, graduating senior, registration information, etc. are sent to students using the UT Southern email address. Students should contact Information Technology for email access issues.
Insurance
Students are expected to have adequate medical and health insurance. Students should confer with their families and/or an independent insurance agent. International students will be charged each semester for insurance through an insurance carrier chosen by UT Southern.
ID Cards
Every student is required to obtain and carry their official UT Southern identification card. The initial card is provided at no additional charge, but a replacement card costs $25. This card is used for checking out books in the library, meal plans, Bookstore purchases, and gaining entrance to University facilities. Discounts may also be available from certain local businesses. Lost or stolen ID cards must be reported to the university as soon as possible.
Computing Practices
The list below constitutes a code of computing practice for all persons using the University network system. It is important for all users to practice ethical behavior in computing activities because of the many valuable and sensitive resources involved and because of the effect one user’s practices can have on the work of others.
Disciplinary action for violating the code will be governed by the applicable provisions of the Student Handbook, Code of Computing Practice Violations, and the Computer Crimes Act of the State of Tennessee.
1. The University is not liable for students’ actions when connecting to the Internet through University network. Students assume liability for their own actions.
2. Students are responsible for being aware of and following the published procedures for accessing the computer network system.
3. Students are responsible for complying with laws protecting software or other accessed information. Downloading programs and files may violate United States copyright laws that protect information and software. All files downloaded from a source external to the University must be scanned for viruses.
4. Students should be aware that usage statistics in archived log files, used for monitoring system performance and usage patterns, are maintained by the University concerning traffic initialed from the University network.
5. Students must use only the user account which has been authorized for their use. Students must use the user account only for the purpose for which they are authorized. Use of the University’s network resources for personal or business financial gain without express authorization is prohibited.
6. Students are responsible for the use of their user account. Students should make use of system-provided protection features such as passwords, and students should take precautions against others obtaining access to network resources under your provided credentials. Sharing network credentials (username and password) is prohibited at all times.
7. Students may not access or copy the programs, files, or data belonging to other persons or to the University without prior authorization to do so. Students may not attempt to access files for which they do not have authorization. Programs and data provided by the University are not to be taken to other computer sites without permission. Students may not use personal software on the school’s computers and may not install any programs on the school’s computers.
8. To minimize the impact of activities on the work of other persons, students must not attempt to encroach on others’ use of the facilities or deprive them of resources. Deliberate wasteful use of resources, such as printing or storing large amounts of unnecessary data or the downloading or uploading of large or excessive number of files for purely recreational purposes is prohibited.
9. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not offend or harass others and that does not interfere with individual and campus activities. Resources are not to be used to store or transmit obscenities or other potentially offensive material.
10. The use of any network packet sniffing tool or “booster/stressor services” or any personal wireless router on the University network is prohibited.
11. Students may not attempt to modify system facilities, misuse, damage, or misappropriate computer equipment, campus network resources, or property.
Tennessee law provides that certain computer offenses are criminal acts and prescribes penalties for unlawful activities related to computer usage. UT Southern believes it is important for users to be aware of the Tennessee Computer Crimes Act and its provisions, which are found in Tennessee Codes Annotated, Sections 39-14-601, et seq.
Motor Vehicles
All vehicles parked on UTS property must be registered with the Office of Safety and Security and have a valid UTS parking permit properly displayed. Everyone is expected to operate their vehicles in compliance with the current Parking and Traffic Regulations that are available online. One (1) vehicle registration decal is included in the student’s comprehensive fee at the rate of $50 per year. Failure to register vehicles and/or violations of parking and traffic regulations can result in ticketing and fines and can result in disciplinary action.
Persons on UTS property are authorized to park a vehicle only in a designated parking space located in those areas or lots for which a UTS parking permit authorizes the vehicle to be parked. Lack of an available authorized designated parking space will not excuse a person from violating any of these rules.
On special occasions (including but not limited to athletic events, concerts, and graduation exercises) or in emergency situations, UTS Safety and Security may impose parking limitations more restrictive or permissive than in these rules, as it determines to be appropriate under the circumstances. UTS Safety and Security reserves the right to alter, block, reserve, or reallocate designated parking spaces on UTS property at any time.
Temporary Vehicles
Registered parking permits are not transferrable to any person, but may be transferred between registered and temporary vehicles. Temporary parking passes are available for visitors and may be requested by contacting Security (utssecurity@utsounthern.edu or 931-309-7502). Temporary Passes are acquired at the UTS Safety and Security.
Display of Parking Permit
Parking permits must be displayed on the rear-view mirror of the vehicle at all times while on UTS property. Lost or stolen parking permits will be replaced without charge.
Information Needed to Register the Vehicle
Students should provide the vehicle license plate state and number, and the vehicle make, model, and color.
Parking Citations
Fines range from $25 to $200 based upon the violation. A citation for any type of parking violation must be paid or appealed within fourteen (14) calendar days after the issuance of the citation. Failure to pay or appeal a citation within fourteen (14) calendar days after issuance of the citation constitutes a separate violation of these rules. If a fine is not paid or appealed within fourteen (14) calendar days after the issuance of the citation, a ten dollar ($10.00) late charge will be added.
Payments for all parking violations must be made to the Security Office located in the Justice Center or the Business Office located in Colonial Hall between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If more than five (5) citations are issued to a student in one semester, the student will be notified that his/her vehicle is subject to towing or immobilization. If, after this notification, the student receives another citation during the same semester, the student’s vehicle will be subject to towing or immobilization for that citation and subsequent citations for the remainder of that semester, even if the previous citations have been satisfied by paying the fines or other penalties.
Registrants/owners/operators of vehicles that are towed or immobilized pursuant to these rules will be required to pay a fee of forty dollars ($40.00) as a condition of the vehicle being released or mobilized. Vehicles that are towed/booted/immobilized under these traffic and parking regulations will be released only upon the owner or registrant of the vehicle providing identification and paying to UTS all previously unpaid parking fines, penalties, and towing/booting charges levied by UTS. The release of a vehicle impounded in an impound lot not owned or operated by UTS also may be subject to payment of additional fees or charges levied by the owner/operator of the impound lot.
Any student who receives $100.00 or more in traffic and/or parking violations on UTS property during any semester or academic term may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable rules. UTS students and employees with unpaid parking fines or charges will not be allowed to register a vehicle, renew their UTS parking permits, or purchase UTS parking permits until all fines and penalties are paid.
Ticket Appeals
Citations may be appealed to UTS Safety and Security within fourteen (14) calendar days from the issuance of the citation, using the form provided by the Office of Safety and Security. Persons who fail to appeal a citation within fourteen (14) calendar days of issuance of the citation forfeit their right to appeal the citation.
Traffic Appeals Board
If a vehicle is towed or immobilized, with or without advance notice, the registrant (if a registered vehicle) or the owner/operator (if an unregistered vehicle) shall have the right to a hearing upon request to UTS Safety and Security to contest the parking violation(s) for which the vehicle was towed or immobilized. A request for a hearing may be made within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of the towing or immobilization. A registrant/owner/operator may pay any fines, penalties, immobilization fees and/or towing charges required for the mobilization or release of the vehicle prior to the hearing. Persons who fail to request a hearing within fourteen (14) calendar days of the towing or immobilization forfeit their right to a hearing. If the underlying parking citation for which the vehicle was immobilized or towed is successfully appealed, then UTS shall refund any fines, penalties, immobilization fees or towing charges paid by the registrant/owner/operator.
The Traffic Appeals Board, composed of faculty, staff, and students, will review appeals of citations and hear challenges involving the towing or immobilization of a vehicle. All decisions of the Traffic Appeals Board will be communicated to the appealing person in writing and are final.