1. (1) 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.
2. (2) 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.
3. (3) The University’s behavioral standards are set forth in the Code’s Standards of Conduct (Section .04). 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 alleged 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.
4. (4) 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 before them for the betterment of individual students and the University community. This involvement is vital to the establishment of true community standards.
5. (5) Authority and responsibility relating to the Code are delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Student Life, who has delegated certain authority and responsibility to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (“SCCS”).
6. (6) 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.
7. (7) Students are responsible for being fully acquainted with and for complying with the Code, the applicable undergraduate or graduate catalog, the student handbook (Hilltopics), and other rules and policies relating to students.

Authority: T.C.A. § 49-9-209(e); Public Acts of Tennessee, 1839-1840, Chapter 98, Section 5; and Public Acts of Tennessee, 1807, Chapter 64. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 15, 1976; effective October 15, 1976. Amendment filed March 29, 1978; effective June 14, 1978. Repealed by Public Chapter 575, effective July 1, 1986. New rule filed May 27, 1986; effective August 12, 1986. Amendment filed October 31, 1990; effective January 29, 1991. Amendment filed August 31, 1995; effective December 30, 1995. Repeal and new rule filed April 12, 2012; effective September 28, 2012. Repeal and new rules filed May 24, 2017; effective August 22, 2017. Amendments filed May 14, 2021; effective August 12, 2021. Amendments expired pursuant to Chapter 1024, § 1 of the 2022 Public Acts, effective May 11, 2022, and the rule reverted to its previous status.