UT Martin provides academic advisement to all regularly enrolled students.

The objectives of the University advisement program are:

1. To provide students with information on policies, procedures and programs of the University;
2. To assist students in exploring educational and career opportunities;
3. To assist students in establishing life goals;
4. To assist students with the development of an educational plan of study and the selection of courses; and
5. To make students aware of the range of services and educational opportunities pertinent to their educational objectives of the University.

The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is responsible for the academic advisement program that is based upon a system of policies, procedures, publications, personnel and services that are adopted on a University- wide basis. The deans of the individual colleges are accountable to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the effectiveness of the advisement programs within each college.

Deans of each college are responsible for implementing the academic advising system which is determined as being most effective in meeting the advising needs of the students within each college. Academic deans are responsible for ensuring that advisors have accurate information for each new advisee assigned. Advising records available to all advisors should include the following: ACT and/or SAT student profile reports, campus placement scores, TOEFL scores (if appropriate), admission confirmation, academic planning worksheet, academic progress information, record of referrals to other student services, and academic advising agreement.

Academic deans are also responsible for seeing that files are promptly forwarded to the appropriate office or advisor when students change colleges, majors or advisors.

In support of the academic advising program, the University shall:

1. Provide advisors with current and accurate information related to student educational preparations and progress;
2. Provide advisors with updated information related to policies, procedures, programs, and services;
3. Provide advisors with appropriate training in academic advising;
4. Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the advisement program;
5. Consider academic advising in tenure, promotion, and merit decisions;

Inform students of the advising and counseling services at UT Martin and stress the importance of academic advising.

The University of Tennessee at Martin has chosen as its primary objective quality undergraduate education. Commitment to this objective must include an obligation by all members of the University community to promote and protect the highest standards of integrity in study, research, instruction, and evaluation. Dishonesty or unethical behavior does not belong at an institution dedicated to the promotion of knowledge and learning. Integrity of the academic process requires fair and impartial evaluation by faculty and honest academic conduct by students. A student may be found to have violated this obligation if he/she:

1. Refers during an academic evaluation to materials, sources, or devices not authorized by the instructor;
2. Provides assistance during an academic evaluation or assignment to another person in a manner not authorized by the instructor;
3. Receives assistance during an academic evaluation or assignment from another person in a manner not authorized by the instructor;
4. Possesses, buys, sells, obtains, or uses a copy of any materials intended to be used as an instrument of academic evaluation in advance of its administration;
5. Acts as a substitute for another person in any academic evaluation or assignment;
6. Utilizes another person as a substitute for him/herself in any academic evaluation or assignment;
7. Practices any form of deceit in an academic evaluation or assignment;
8. Depends on the aid of others, in a manner expressly prohibited by the instructor, in the research, preparation, creation, writing, performing, or publication of work to be submitted for academic credit or evaluation;
9. Provides aid to another person, knowing such aid is expressly prohibited by the instructor, in the research, preparation, creation, writing, performing, or publication of work to be submitted for academic credit or evaluation;
10. Indulges in plagiarism by presenting as one’s own, for academic evaluation or assignment, the ideas, representations, or works of another person or persons without customary and proper acknowledgment of sources;
11. Submits the work of another person in a manner that represents the work to be one’s own;
12. Knowingly permits one’s work to be submitted by another person without the instructor’s authorization;
13. Attempts deceitfully to influence or change one’s academic evaluation or record; or
14. Indulges in conduct that is so disruptive as to infringe upon the rights of an instructor or fellow students during a class or examination session.

A student awarded an ‘F’ in a course due to an Academic Integrity violation may not drop the course to avoid the failing grade.

The Office of Academic Records is primarily responsible for registration, maintenance of student academic records, issuance of transcripts (copies of records), certification of students’ eligibility to receive their degrees, and community/junior college relations. This information and class schedules for the upcoming semester are available on the Academic Records website.

UT Martin provides resources to support the academic success of students including centers for mathematics, writing, and STEM. Details of each of these resources can be found on the Academic Support website.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.” (For purposes of FERPA, UT Martin students are “eligible students.”)

Eligible students have the right to inspect and review their education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.

Eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.

Generally, schools must have written permission from the eligible student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

• School officials with legitimate educational interest;
• Other schools to which a student is transferring;
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
• Accrediting organizations;
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State

Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, major field of study, date and place of birth, honors and awards, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees and awards received, most previous school attended, photograph, email address, classification, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.

For additional and more complete information, please refer to the following website: Office of Academic Records

The University of Tennessee provides reasonable accommodations (academic adjustments and auxiliary aids) to ensure equal access to educational content and university programs for students with disabilities. Students who are eligible for and who request accommodations through the Accessibility Resource Center must provide instructors with a letter of accommodation. Visit the Accessibility Resource Center website for complete details.

The possession of and/or being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol are prohibited on University owned or controlled property including the residential life facilities or student auxiliary affiliations, unless allow by policy. If students are found possessing drugs and/or alcohol, whether on or off campus, these incidents will be documented and referred to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action.

University policy prohibits any student and/or student organization from serving or permitting the consumption, possession or display of any alcoholic beverage or containers at any time, or by anyone on University premises, unless allowed by policy. Student organization officers are responsible for initiating risk management procedures and refusing admission to their social gatherings of persons under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Student organizations sponsoring any social affairs are responsible for the general decorum of the event. Any student and/or organization can be sanctioned for violations of the UTM Standards of Conduct, whether on or off campus, if the Office of Student Affairs is notified or contacted.

For reasons of liability, safety, health and sanitation, no animals of any type are allowed in any University of Tennessee, Martin campus owned or leased buildings with the following exceptions:

• Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, for use by faculty, staff and students. The University of Tennessee Martin recognizes the ability of persons with documented disabilities to utilize service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 (ADA). Faculty or staff of UT Martin who require a service animal should consult with the Accessibility Resource Center. Students who require a service animal should consult with the Accessibility Resource Center for accommodation. Service animals, including Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT) animals, are permitted only when they are working in appropriate locations or as a part of the evaluations process.
• Approved research animals as used in accordance with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
• Animals used for undergraduate and graduate research and teaching or instructional purposes are allowed provided the animals have IACUC approval or the owner has a letter from a licensed Veterinarian attesting the animal is healthy and would pose no harm to the public. The letter from the Veterinarian should be available upon request.
• Animals professionally trained for theatrical purposes and directly supervised by show personnel within a controlled environment.
• Animals professionally trained for search and rescue activities or law enforcement; animals used by law enforcement for community policing and de-escalation activities; and certified therapy dogs or therapy dogs in training used by Student Health & Counseling Services.
• Animals in official university approved parades on campus or in attendance at other university approved special events.
• Official university mascots including opposing teams.
• Emotional support animals in university housing that have been approved for residents by the Accessibility Resource Center as a reasonable accommodation.

Animals on University Grounds

Animals on university grounds (not buildings) must be in the control of their owners. Under no circumstances should animals be allowed to run loose. Animals may not be tethered to buildings, handrails, trees, bicycle racks or other objects. Any animal found tethered to university property or wandering loose on campus may be impounded at the owner’s expense or reported to the Campus Police. Animals left in an unattended motor vehicle are subject to the same rules and regulations if they become a nuisance or if the welfare of the animal is threatened. Any infractions or complaints should be directed to the Department of Public Safety.

Animals walked on campus must be kept on a leash and animal fecal matter must immediately be removed to a proper disposal container by the animal’s owner to protect the health and safety of others.

Feral and/or stray animals (such as dogs, cats, raccoons, possums) sometimes appear on campus. If such an animal is noticed, please alert the Department of Public Safety. Although it may be tempting to feed or offer care for such animals, it is in the best interest of the animals to allow an animal-related professional to find proper environments for them. University faculty, staff and students should not feed nor shelter feral animals.

Animals in University Housing

For health reasons, pets (animals) are not permitted in the halls or on the premises. The only exceptions to this procedure are, subject to the Office of Housing’s requirements and restrictions:

• Fish in aquariums of ten gallons or less.
• Service animals.
• Emotional support animals that have been approved as a reasonable accommodation by the Accessibility Resource Center.
• Full-time, live-in Hall Director Staff.

Campus or Unit Requirements

Individuals having permission as listed in the exceptions must assume the responsibility of their animal. Individuals should:

• Carefully consider the needs of their animals and the sensitivities of other members of the community.
• Remain with their animal at all times or, for animals in university housing, subject to the Office of Housing’s requirements for security of animals while the owner is away from their room.
• Clean up after their animal. It is not the responsibility of the housekeeping staff to vacuum hair or remove stains from carpeting resulting from animals.
• Be responsible for any costs or consequences of damage caused to the extent allowed by applicable law.

This procedure will be enforced by the department head or administrative supervisor to ensure an appropriate environment is maintained. Abuse of this procedure will be referred to the supervisor for disciplinary action.

Exceptions

The Vice Chancellor of Finance & Administration or designee must approve any exceptions to this procedure. The employee’s supervisor, department head, dean and or vice chancellor must approve the request for an exception before submitting the appeal to the Vice Chancellor of Finance & Administration.

This procedure is effective 24 hours per day including holidays and weekends

Questions regarding the procedure should be directed to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration 731-881-7800.

The UT Martin Skyhawks participate in Division I of the NCAA and are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. The rodeo team competes in the Ozark Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

For more information, visit the official website for UT Martin Athletics, www.utmsports.com.

The University Bookstore provides a convenient place for the purchase of books, emblematic apparel and gifts, and other supplies students might need. Specialty art supplies are also available. There are several options for textbooks: new, used, rental, and digital. Visit the Barnes and Noble UTM Bookstore website for more information.

The University of Tennessee at Martin is committed to the offering of a wide variety of opportunities planned to enrich the student. A number of religious organizations share this concern and have established campus ministries. The University acknowledges the campus ministries listed below which have met the following criteria:

1. They are associated with the University through a University-registered and sanctioned faith- based student organization.
2. Their principal mission is ministry to and with the University community.
3. They are organized and authorized under the auspices of a nationally recognized religious body.
4. They have been in existence as campus ministries long enough (at least two years) to establish the nature and true purpose of the organization.

These campus ministries may make use of campus facilities with the same rights and responsibilities that apply to any campus organization, as long as such use remains consistent with the purposes of the University (as determined by the University) and does not attempt to infringe on the privacy or rights of others. Use of any campus facility will be cleared through the Division of Student Affairs.

Visit Runway for a complete list of Religious Affiliated Student Organizations.

Commencement dates, ceremony details, graduate application, and academic regalia information can be found on the Academic Records website.

UTM provides several means by which a student may address complaints and grievances. Students are advised to put their concerns in writing and carefully document the events that led to the complaint or grievance. As it is sometimes confusing to determine the appropriate office to direct the complaint or grievance, students are advised to contact the office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for advice on the most appropriate office or person to address the student’s complaint or grievance. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible after the event occurs, as some policies have specific deadlines for filing complaints or grievances. Complaints and grievances can be submitted online via the Student Affairs website: https://www.utm.edu/offices-and-services/division-of-student-affairs/complaint-resolution-process.php

Individual student petitions concerning deviation from degree requirements should be prepared in consultation with the student’s advisor on a Special Request form. Special requests are submitted to the student’s college degrees committee for approval. Special requests which are denied by the college committee may be resubmitted to the committee for a second and final judgment. Special requests which involve exceptions to University degree requirements must also receive approval from the Undergraduate/Graduate Council after receiving approval from the college committee. All Special Request forms must include verifying documentation to support the student’s request.

This documentation should include:

1. description of course(s) taken, or to be taken, that is sufficient in fulfilling the degree requirement, as verified by the student’s advisor, department and college;
2. letters from Student Health Services or private physician;
3. letters from employer on company letterhead; or
4. other written evidence which supports the student’s

If the Undergraduate/Graduate Council denies the student’s request, it may not be resubmitted to the council. Any appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs must be limited to an alleged procedural violation.

UT Martin partners with Sodexo to provide dining options to students that include the Skyhawk Dining Hall, Chick-fil-A, Freshens Food Kitchen, Mein Bowl, The Hangar Coffee Shop, Reelfoot Lake Café (Latimer-Smith Building), and On The Fly Convenience Store as well as catering for campus events and programming.

For details regarding meal plans options and policies for freshman, visit the Meal Plan website.

For answers to common meal plan questions, visit Sodexo’s FAQ page.

Policies and procedures regarding dropping or adding classes and withdrawing are maintained on the Office of Academic Records website.

The University of Tennessee at Martin offers financial assistance to students based on need and academic achievement. To determine student need, the University utilizes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For detailed information on financial aid options to support students, please visit the Student Financial Aid website.

Students who wish to appeal a grade that is alleged to be lower than that academically earned must initiate the process within the first three weeks of the next semester (Fall or Spring.) Students may contact the Office of Student Conduct for information on the appeal process. Due to the flex year contracts of various University employees, not all University Council members are available to hear cases outside of the approved academic calendar. The National Institute for Higher Education does not recognize summer term(s) as a part of the academic calendar.

The aggrieved student shall first discuss the matter with the teacher involved to see if there is some error or misunderstanding which can be resolved between them. Failing this, the student may take the matter to the department chair or, in the case of colleges without departments, to the dean. If the teacher in the case is a department chair, the student shall go to the dean. If the teacher in the case is a dean, the student shall go to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The person designated above shall attempt to mediate between the student and teacher to arrive at a resolution of the problem.

If the problem is not resolved, the student may request a Grade Appeal Hearing before the University Council. The chair shall be a member of the council selected by the membership. Decision of the council shall be by majority vote. If the council finds in favor of the instructor, the grade which has been given to the student will stand and there will be no further appeal. If the council finds in favor of the student, the matter will be remanded to the instructor for reconsideration.

The final decision of the professor stands affirmed and cannot be challenged regardless of the recommendation of the board.

Hawks Alerts are notifications to UT Martin staff sharing concern for a student’s well-being. Hawk Alerts can be submitted by anyone in the university community for a student at care.utm.edu. Hawks Alerts are not monitored 24/7 and should not be used in case of emergency. Emergency situations should be reported immediately by calling 911 or Public Safety at 731-881-7777.

We the students at the University of Tennessee Martin are given and fully committed to the concepts and ideas that govern academic integrity. We trust that within these principles we shall find the fundamentals necessary for personal and academic excellence.

Visitation of Guests

Guests are allowed in the halls only at the request of residents, who are responsible for their conduct. A guest is any individual without a current housing assignment in that room or residence hall. Residents of a particular hall are considered guests when visiting another student within the same residence hall.

Non-negotiable guest terms

• Guests must remain with their resident host throughout their visit and must be escorted at all times.
• Guests must abide by university and hall regulations applicable to the resident host.
• The presence of guests should not prevent roommates/suitemates from fully utilizing the living unit or cause undue hardship on any other resident of the room, suite, or apartment.
• Overnight guests who are minors require approval from the Hall Director.

Important Information

1. Self-Regulated Visitation: All residence halls and on-campus apartments have self-regulated visitation, allowing guests if agreed upon in the roommate/suitemate agreement. Each residence hall is designated for self-regulated visitation. This means guests can visit periodically but does not allow for cohabitation.
   • A guest is defined as someone not assigned to the residence hall room, suite, apartment, or residence hall in which they are located.
   • Visitation determines when and if residents may have guests in their rooms.
   • Visitors are permitted during specified hours according to Housing visitation policies and the roommate/suitemate agreement.
   • Visitation may be revoked for individuals or groups in living units where continued violations of the agreed-upon visitation limitations occur.
     
     
2. Overnight Guests: Residents may have overnight guests with the permission of their roommate(s) and suitemate(s). Guests may not stay for more than three days in any 30-day period without written permission from the Hall Director or Assistant Director for Residence Life. Guests exceeding this duration will be considered cohabitating, which is prohibited in any residence hall.

Complete Housing policies can be found in the Housing Handbook.

Before attending UT Martin, all entering students are required by the State of Tennessee to complete an immunization compliance process. This includes submitting and receiving approval for required immunization documentation prior to the start of each semester. All students must provide proof of immunizations or immunity to MMR and Varicella, with additional documentation of immunization for Meningitis ACWY required for students under 22 living on campus.

For full details and instructions, visit utm.edu/immunization

The University of Tennessee at Martin and its six centers in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer, Somerville, and Springfield will remain open except in the most severe weather conditions. The Chancellor may officially close or suspend selected activities of the University due to extreme weather conditions. When a decision to close is made, the campus and appropriate radio and TV stations will be notified so that announcements may be made. Closing information will also be posted on the UT Martin home page at www.utm.edu, social media, and through an optional text messaging system.

If the University is officially closed, certain essential activities such as food services, physical plant, public safety, computer services, and telephone services will continue to operate. Some facilities, such as the Paul Meek Library, Student Recreation Center, and Boling University Center, will, if possible, continue to function as a service to students and faculty. When the University is officially closed, the Days of Administrative Closing Policy will apply for staff exempt and staff non-exempt employees.

Students will be responsible for any academic work that they miss due to absences caused by severe weather conditions. It is the individual student’s responsibility to take the initiative to make up any missed class work, and it is the instructor’s responsibility to provide a reasonable opportunity for students to complete assignments or examinations missed due to such absences.

The Margaret N. Perry Children’s Center provides quality care for children of UT Martin students, faculty and staff, and community members. Student-parents are given first priority and children with special needs are included at the center. The state-of-the-art facility is licensed and provides part-day and full-day care for children six weeks to 12 years of age.

The children’s center is administered through the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Information about fees and services may be obtained by calling the director, 731-881-7715.

The right of peaceable assembly is a guaranteed constitutional right and one which this institution does not intend to abrogate. The following regulations are intended to enumerate the essential provisions necessary to reconcile freedom of assembly with responsibility in any campus meeting conducted for the purpose of expressing opinions of the participants.

Peaceable Assembly

Student gatherings may be conducted in areas which are generally available to the public, provided such gatherings:

1. Are conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner;
2. Do not obstruct in any way vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
3. Do not interfere with classes, scheduled meetings, events, and ceremonies, or with other essential processes the University;
4. If inside a building, are held in an assigned meeting room.

Only meetings which have been approved in advance through the proper office may be held:

• Within University buildings;
• Within Univerity stadia;or
• Adjacent to residential or academic facilities of the campus.

For approval, contact the Division of Student Affairs.

Meetings which would impose an unusual demand upon staff or facilities must have approval regardless of where they are held on campus.

The University of Tennessee recognizes and appreciates the interest of students in the political processes related to local, state, and federal governments. It is the intent of the University to provide, within the constraints of University regulations and local, state, and federal laws, a campus environment in which students may participate fully in appropriate political activity. Toward that end, the following guidelines shall apply to the activities of students on UT campuses:

1. Registered student organizations may invite candidates for public office to speak on or in University property or facilities. Scheduling of politically related activities shall be handled in accordance with applicable University regulations.
2. Registered student organizations may announce a campus visit of a political candidate through the use of posters and However, campaign posters and signs promoting candidacy for public office may not be attached to or placed on or in University property and buildings.
3. Students may distribute campaign literature on campus so long as such distribution is in accord with University policy governing distribution of literature in general (solicitation guidelines).

The Publication Committee establishes policies governing student publications, appoints qualified students to editorial positions on the yearbook and the campus newspaper, nominates faculty sponsors, and recommends budgets of official student publications.

No other written publication may solicit advertising without this committee's approval, nor is any additional publication permitted to be distributed to students on University owned or controlled property without approval from the Publication Committee, University Council and/or the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. It is the committee's responsibility to see that publications meet standards of objectivity and taste consistent with the committee's Code of Ethics, Policy Guide and the mission of UT Martin. Official student publications funded using University collected funds must be approved by this committee. The committee has authority to reprimand or replace staff, as well as to recommend salaries and commissions.

The Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program at the University of Tennessee at Martin develops strong leaders who are prepared to handle situations in a rapidly changing environment. A cadet from this program is well-rounded: an organized leader, a team player, a scholar in academics and in the military arts, a strong communicator, and a technical expert in individual and team collective tasks.

For information on participating in the UT Martin ROTC program, visit the Military Science and Leadership website.

The University of Tennessee at Martin is committed to ensuring an environment which prevents sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment by any member of the University is a violation of University policy and will not be tolerated in the University community. Both males and females can be perpetrators and/or victims of Sexual Harassment. Sexual Harassment is a particularly sensitive issue which may affect any member of the University community and as such will be dealt with promptly and as confidentially as possible by the University administration.

Sexual Harassment is a form of Sex Discrimination. To determine whether conduct constitutes Sexual Harassment, consideration must be given to the totality of the circumstances, including without limitation: the context in which the conduct and/or words occurred; and the frequency, nature, and severity of the conduct and/or words. Depending on the severity of the conduct, a single incident may be considered Sexual Harassment.

With respect to an employee’s conduct, Sexual Harassment means conduct prohibited by University of Tennessee System Human Resources Policy 0280 (“Sexual Harassment and Other Discriminatory Harassment”) https://policy.tennessee.edu/procedure/hr0280-h-sexual-harassment/

With respect to the conduct of a student or other non-employee, Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is so severe or pervasive, and objectively offensive, that it substantially interferes with the ability of a person to work, learn, live, or participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the University. In no event shall the term “Sexual Harassment” be construed to prohibit speech protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution (e.g., mere insulting or offensive speech). Sexual Harassment may include, for example, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and acts of Sexual Assault.

In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes Sexual Harassment, UT Martin will look at the circumstances, such as the nature of the alleged conduct and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred. The determination of whether a particular alleged action constitutes Sexual Harassment will be made from the facts on a case-by-case basis.

Harassment on the basis of sex is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Students who believe they have been Sexually Harassed are encouraged to report the matter to the Title IX Coordinator in the Office Access, Compliance, and Title IX, 731-881-3505. Section 3 of the Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking, contains details about reporting options and what to expect after making a report of Sexual Harassment or other prohibited conduct.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against individuals found to have engaged in Sexual Harassment.

Procedures

1. Posting of printed materials by UTM-affiliated persons
   1. Authorized posting locations. The posting of printed materials by UTM-affiliated persons within campus buildings and on the grounds of the UTM campus is generally permitted only in designated posting locations (e.g., bulletin boards, kiosks, etc.). Information regarding designated posting locations for a building may be obtained from the Building Manager for the building. A list of the Building Managers for campus buildings may be found on the Division of Finance and Administration and Division of Student Affairs websites.
   2. Posting guidelines. Postings in authorized locations are subject to the following guidelines:
      1. Only one posting of a printed material in a designated posting location is permitted at a time (i.e., multiple copies of the same printed material should not be posted in the same posting location at one time).
      2. A posting should not cover any other printed materials already posted.
      3. UTM prohibits the posting of any printed material that is obscene; is defamatory; consists of fighting words; communicates an objectively serious expression of intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group; or is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.
      4. Permitting posting of printed material does not represent university endorsement of the information posted or the event advertised.
      5. Posting of printed materials by a university unit must identify the unit and a contact person for the unit. Materials posted by a university unit must promote the activity publicized as its primary message, rather than the commercial advancement of a non- affiliated entity or product. The name, logo, trademark or similar identifier of a non- affiliated person or entity may not appear as the dominant message.
      6. Printed materials advertising regular business enterprise sales are prohibited. Designated posting locations may be used to advertise occasional sales or rentals, such as personal autos and auto accessories, electronic devices, pets, homes, books, etc., that are not part of a business.
      7. Campaign posters and signs promoting candidacy for public office are prohibited. Campaign posters and signs promoting candidacy for student government office are permitted but must adhere to this procedure.
      8. Banners are not permitted inside or on buildings, except that student organizations and university units may post banners inside the Boling University Center for the purpose of advertising an event. Prior to posting a banner, student organizations and university units must contact the Office of Student Life at 731-881-7755 to reserve a space. Banners may only be posted during the duration of the event. Boling University Center staff will remove any banners not removed immediately upon conclusion of the event, and the student organization or university unit who reserved the space will be billed for the expense of the banner removal.
   3. The only printed materials that may be posted outside are non-paper “yard signs” constructed with firm backing and wire stands for easy set-up and removal that are posted by a university unit or student organization for the purpose of advertising or providing directions to an event sponsored by said university unit or student organization. Yard signs should be placed no more than one (1) week before the event and removed immediately following the event’s conclusion. The Office of the Physical Plant will remove all yard signs not removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the activity or event, and the organization or unit will be billed for the expense of the sign removal.
   4. Prohibited posting locations. UTM generally prohibits the posting of printed materials on any structure or natural feature of university property that is not a designated posting location, including, without limitation, doors, building exteriors, windows, walls, utility poles, lampposts, waste receptacles, trees, fences, street signs and windshields of cars. Printed materials posted in violation of this policy will be removed, and UTM will assess any costs for removal or repair of damage or cleanup of litter caused by the posting to the individual responsible for the posting.
   5. Maintenance of authorized posting locations. Building Managers are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the designated posting locations of the buildings they manage.
      1. Regularly scheduled removal of postings. Building Managers will remove all posted printed materials from designated posting locations on a regularly scheduled basis as determined by the Building Manager, without regard to the viewpoint or content of the printed materials.
      2. Removal of postings that violate University policy. The Building Manager will immediately remove any posting of printed material that violates Section B above upon the notice of the posting. The Building Manager may consult with the appropriate vice chancellor, who may consult with the Office of General Counsel, in determining whether a posting violates this procedure.
2. Posting of printed materials by non-affiliated persons is prohibited
   1. Chapter 1720-01-12 (Use of University Property by Non-Affiliated Persons for Free Speech Activities) prohibits non-affiliated persons from placing or attaching any printed materials on or to any structure or natural feature of university property.
   2. UTM will immediately remove any printed material posted on university property by a non-affiliated person upon notice of the posting, without regard to the viewpoint or content of the printed material.
3. Amplified Sound – University units and student organizations may use amplified sound on the patio areas around the Boling University Center. Amplification devices are generally prohibited during class hours. University units and student organizations must reserve a date and time to use amplified sound by contacting the Office of Student Life at 731 -881-7755.
4. Electronic Monitors – Electronic monitors located inside the Boling University Center may be used by student organizations and university units for the purpose of advertising an event. Requests to advertise an event on these electronic monitors may be made to the Office of Student Life at 731-881-7755. Messages may be shown on the electronic monitors no more than one (1) week before the event and will be deleted immediately following the event’s conclusion.
5. Chalking – Chalking is permitted on sidewalks in open areas (i.e., not under cover from the weather) and at least twenty-five (25) feet from any building entrance.
6. Solicitation – Solicitation is governed by the Rules of the University of Tennessee Chapter 1720-1-7. UTM prohibits solicitation for the personal benefit or regular business enterprises of a faculty, staff, student or individual member of a student organization. Certain types of philanthropic solicitation or solicitation by student organizations consistent with the aim of the organization may be permitted in public areas of the university upon approval by the Division of Student Affairs using the Student Organization Solicitation Request Form.
7. Peaceable Assembly – The right of peaceable assembly is regulated by the Rules of the University of Tennessee Chapter 1720-1-8. For meetings that require advance approval according to the Rules, requests should be directed to the Division of Student Affairs.

SECTION 6. Penalties/Disciplinary Action for Non-Compliance

Violations of this procedure by students or student organizations are a violation of the Student Handbook and will be subject to the University disciplinary process. Violations by other non-student UTM-affiliated persons will be addressed by the appropriate vice chancellor area consistent with University policy and procedure.

The Skyhawk Card is more than your student or ID. You can use your card to make cash free purchases at campus locations that accept the Skyhawk Card as a method of payment. You will also use your card to access buildings across campus.

For complete information regarding acquiring, replacing, or using your Skyhawk ID Card, visit the Skyhawk Card Office website.

To protect the health and safety of UT Martin students, employees, and visitors; to promote a healthy and safe work, educational, and living environment; and to comply with the Tennessee Non-Smoker Protection Act and other applicable state laws, UT Martin is a Smoke-Free Campus effective July 1, 2018. For further information please review The University of Tennessee at Martin Environmental Health and Safety Smoke-Free Campus Procedure.

Respect and Responsibility

The success of this policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All members of the University community share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy. Any complaints should be brought to the attention of the appropriate University authorities and, anyone who complains shall be protected against retaliation.

Compliance

It is the responsibility of University faculty, staff, student, visitor or contractor to voluntarily comply with the no smoking policy.

Violation of this policy may be regarded as a willful safety violation. If someone is non-compliant, the supervisor (or other authority) has a responsibility to speak with person(s) and encourage compliance. Community-Wide Accountability: Each member of the University community will be responsible for respectfully informing or reminding others of the smoke-free environment if coming upon someone smoking. Effective approaches for talking with individuals who smoke must be employed with respect. Please consult with Student Affairs or Human Resources should you need further assistance in addressing compliance.

On Campus

Solicitation is defined as the seeking of funds or support by student(s), registered student organization(s), and University employees from sources on campus and other forms of support including the procurement of supplies and the selling and distribution of items, materials, or products and services.

Solicitation will not be authorized for personal benefit of individual students or individual members of student organizations.

Solicitation and (posted) advertising of regular business enterprise sales by students and student organizations are not allowed. Students and student organizations may use designated bulletin boards to advertise occasional sales or rentals, such as personal autos and auto accessories, electronic devices, pets, homes, books, etc., that are not a part of a business.

Door-to-door solicitation in residence halls, University apartments, and offices by individuals on or off campus is prohibited. Certain types of philanthropic solicitation in designated areas of University buildings might be permitted with approval of the Office of Student Life.

Student representatives of magazines, service or mail-order companies may not solicit door-to-door in residence halls. They may post notices on bulletin boards in the halls, giving their own names and phone numbers or room numbers by which the students may seek their products, as long as the companies represented are bona fide agencies. Clearance for the posting of these notices should be given by the Division of Student Affairs where a check may be made as to the reputation of the firm.

In accordance with the state law, the University does not allow any raffling or other forms of gambling in its name or in any of its facilities.

Registered organizations are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Life for the specifics of any additional guidelines regarding solicitation for private, political or public philanthropy.

Any individual(s) or organization(s) wanting to solicit on campus must first get approval from the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs via a solicitation request. Solicitation requests for the University Center, Elam Center, and Student Recreation Center are completed via the events requests in the organizations Runway portal.

Off-Campus Solicitation

Student(s) or student organization(s) interested in soliciting off campus, e.g. door-to-door sales, bake sales, car washes, etc., are required to obtain a Solicitation Permit and approval from Martin City Hall. In addition, if a student organization wishes to set up near a business establishment for a bake sale, car wash, etc., the organization should first have approval from that business entity.

Five student organizations are termed advisory boards. The following is a list of these organizations and information concerning their activities and responsibilities:

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

IFC shall be the supervisory and governing body of all North-American Interfraternity Council (NIC) men's social fraternities at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The specific purpose shall be to instill in the members’ the highest regard for the traditions and standards of the University, to encourage scholastic achievement among fraternity men, to foster social and recreational activities of the member fraternities, to establish and administer policies pertaining to recruitment, pledging, pledge-ship, initiation and general deportment of men's fraternities, and to promote the general welfare of such fraternities. IFC is composed of an executive council and representatives from each of the fraternities.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

The National Pan-Hellenic Council is composed of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities. The purpose of this council is to present members of the national Pan-Hellenic chapters as a unified source of community, campus, and scholastic service. At UTM, NPHC establishes a standard of excellence and leadership in the African American community as well as the community beyond. NPHC emphasizes academic achievement, social events, and professional activity. NPHC works mutually with their national, regional, and state chapters for the purpose of fundraisers as well as community outreach programs. The NPHC stresses and provides action strategies on matters of mutual concern and serves as the conduit through which these action plans are put into effect.

National Panhellenic Council (NPC)

NPC is the governing body for social National Panhellenic Conference sororities on the UT Martin campus, placing emphasis on recruitment and new member regulations and procedures, fostering a sense of cooperation and understanding, and creating unity among the sororities. The purpose is to uphold the highest ethical characteristics to which they hold other sororities accountable. The executive board of NPC includes two representatives from each of the four national affiliated NPC sororities at UTM. There is also one representative of each sorority that constitute the organization’s voting delegate. The council members pride themselves with helping to improve the lives of all Greek women.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Every student at the University of Tennessee at Martin is a member of SGA. Students are represented by elected officials, senators, and other appointed members. SGA provides a platform for student issues and concerns and works with the administration and faculty in all matters affecting the welfare of the student body.

Student Alumni Council (SAC)

The Student Alumni Council (SAC) at the University of Tennessee at Martin was established in 1973 as the undergraduate arm of the Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. The purpose of SAC is to be of service to potential students, fellow undergraduates, and UT Martin faculty and staff in the promotion of the University. Through service, the SAC is designed to help in the development of a better student-alumni relationship and consequently a more interested and active alumni base. The main activities supported by and run through SAC include Homecoming Week in the fall and I Heart UTM week in the spring.

As the primary advocate for students, the staff commits to facilitating opportunities for growth and development in civility and humanity. The Division of Student Affairs is responsive to the needs of all students. It embraces traditions as well as creates opportunities for new programs and services. Collectively, the offices ensure that students experience a vibrant, living/learning campus community.

The Division consists of the following areas/departments, visit each website for program details:

• Boling University Center
• Campus Recreation
• Career Planning and Development
• Dean of Student Office
• Dining Services
• Housing and Residential life
• Student Life and Multicultural Affairs
• Student Conduct and Care
• Student Health and Counseling Services

Work study and student employment are programs that provide part-time employment for students. Federal Work-Study is a federally-subsidized part-time employment program administered by the university. The Student Employment program is an on-campus part-time employment program funded and administered by the university.

Explore campus employment opportunities on the Student Employment/Work-Study website.

The University encourages students to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities and organizations. A complete listing of registered student organizations is maintained in the Student Organization System (Runway). Registered Student Organizations (RSO) and Social Greek Letter Organizations (fraternities and sororities) are supervised by the Division of Student Affairs in the area of Student Life.

University Liability

Fraternal organizations, sports clubs, and other student organizations, even though permitted to operate on or near University property and even though required to conform to certain prescribed University procedures, are not in any way or manner operated under the general supervision of the University or its trustees, officers, administrators, or employees. Neither the University nor any of its trustees, administrators, officers, or employees is in any way or manner liable for acts or failures to act on the part of such organizations. It is especially noted that the University is not responsible for bodily harm or death to participants in voluntary organizations or activities including athletics, hiking, karate, judo or other such organizations in which risk is incurred.

Types of Status for Student Organization(s)

With the exception of social Greek letter organizations whose relationship with the institution requires a more detailed and exacting peer and administrative review, any group of students may seek to register their organization as an official student organization of UT Martin.

Continuing Registered Student Organizations (RSO)

Any group of at least 10 students meeting the requirements contained herein whose purpose for existing is presumed to endure beyond a given academic semester is considered a Continuing Registered Student Organization.

Temporary Registered Student Organizations

Any group of at least 10 students meeting the requirements contained herein whose purpose for existing is presumed to be less than 90 days is considered to be a Temporary Registered Student Organization.

Inactive Student Organizations

Any organizations which have discontinued activity or failed to complete the required annual update. Inactive status can be granted for two (2) consecutive academic years, and then any additional inactivity will warrant the organization being removed from the UTM student organization roster maintained in the Office of Student Life.

Sorority and Fraternity Policies & Regulations

Any group seeking to establish a social fraternal organization on campus must contact the Office of Student Life for procedures and policies relative to this action. Registration is granted by the University Council on the recommendation of the Student Life staff. Withdrawal of registration of social fraternal organizations may be initiated by the University administration or the respective governing body with the final decision being the responsibility of the University administration. Social fraternities and sororities shall not be required to reveal their secret rituals provided these rituals do not conflict with local, state, or federal law or with University regulations.

Registration Policy

Although the primary purpose of the University is academic, voluntary associations of students are an important part of the educational process. The University has a positive responsibility to encourage such associations as a means by which students can develop full civic and social awareness. In doing so it neither endorses nor disclaims any particular idea, system of thought, or point of view. The ultimate testing place for all of these is not in any one office or council, but in the minds of responsible citizenry.

When groups of students wish to have a continuous association causing them to congregate for activities on the campus, requiring from time to time the use of University facilities, and holding themselves out of the general public as a group centered on campus, it is proper that they be registered by the University. All registered associations shall be accorded the same privileges and bound by the same obligations. Registration by the University does not constitute endorsement of the purposes or activities of an association by the faculty, administration, or student body.

Student Organization Review Board

The Office of Student Life shall utilize an advisory committee for new organization registrations called the Student Organization Review Board (SORB). The review board will consist of the following: the Director of Student Life or designee, a representative from the Office of Public Safety, a Student Government Association representative, a current Student Organization President, and a current Student Organization Advisor. The SORB will review all registration documentation and will render a decision to either “recommend” or “not recommend” the petitioning for approval to the University Council.

New Organization Registration

Any student group may apply for registration by submitting an application packet to the Office of Student Life. All registration forms can be obtained in the Office of Student Life.

Application packets for new organizations may be turned in throughout the academic year. Application packets will be reviewed by the Student Organization Review Board (SORB) once each semester. Packets are due the Friday prior to fall break or spring break. The SORB will meet around fall break during the fall semester and around spring break in the spring semester. Recommendations from the SORB are forwarded to the University Council for action and then to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for disposition.

Registration Process

Step 1:

New organizations begin the process by submitting an Intent to Develop a Student Organization Form via Runway to the Office of Student Life. The form identifies the interest of forming a new student organization and prompts the Student Life Coordinators to schedule a meeting with the interested students. The purpose of the meeting is to fully inform students of the University policies and procedures pertaining to student organizations, as well as to discuss the registration and approval process.

Step 2:

New organizations are required to prepare an application packet, which must consist of the following:

1. Student Organization Information Sheet and Petition
2. Constitution

Other information may be required if determined to be necessary by the University Council or the Office of Student Life to facilitate the registration process.

Step 3:

New organizations submit their application packet to the Office of Student Life. The deadline in the fall is the Friday prior to fall break; the deadline in the spring is the Friday before spring break. The packet is reviewed by the Director of Student Life. The Director of Student Life will work directly with the petitioning organization to correct any documentation issues prior to submission to the SORB.

Step 4:

The application packet is reviewed by the SORB. A meeting will be scheduled between the petitioning organizations and the SORB. The petitioning organization will have the opportunity to directly answer any questions presented by the SORB. The Student Life Coordinators will communicate the date, time, and location of the meeting to the SORB and the petitioning organization’s members.

After review of the organization packet and the student presentation, the SORB will deliberate and issue either a “recommended for approval” or “not recommended for approval” decision.

Step 5:

The petitioning organization packet and the results of the SORB review are forwarded to the University Council for a final decision. The decision, whether denial or approval, will be communicated in writing to the organizations by the Student Life Coordinators. If denied, a rationale will be provided.

Step 6:

After approval by the University Council, the Student Life Coordinators will schedule a training session with the leadership of the new organization(s).

• Upon approval, a Runway Portal will be created for the student organization(s).
• Organizations will not be allowed to begin functioning or use University facilities until the training session has been completed.
• Upon completion of the training session, the Student Life Coordinators will inform the campus facility managers of the newly approved Student Organization.

Denial of Registration

Negative recommendations or denial by the University Council of a student organization may be based on one or more of the following grounds:

1. If the statement of purpose or the proposed activities are illegal under local, state, or federal laws or does not conform with written University regulations.
2. If the organization would, in the opinion of any appropriate University official, constitute clear and present danger to the continued or proper functioning of the University
3. If the proposed organization duplicates the functions of an existing registered student
4. If any aspect of the registration forms have been found to be
5. If the proposed organization has been recognized as an organization previously but their campus status was revoked for disciplinary reasons, and such time has not passed so that all those involved in the infraction have graduated or left the University.

Appeals

Any decision refusing to register an organization may be appealed to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in writing by the affected organization. When a decision by the University Council is appealed, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs shall abide by the following procedures in hearing the appeal:

1. The University Council has the burden of proving the charges against the organization, including the presentation of a detailed statement of why the organization should be denied registration or registration should be withdrawn under the University’s policy governing student organizations.
2. The organization may be represented by an advisor of its
3. The organization may present a defense against the A copy of the charges must have been provided to the organization a reasonable time in advance of the hearing, along with all information available to the University Council in rendering their denial.

It is recognized that the By-Laws of The University of Tennessee as adopted by the Board of Trustees require the approval of the Chancellor on any action of the University Council.

Runway

The University provides an online management system for all organizations called Runway. Runway can be accessed via the UT Martin portal. Runway provides a wide range of management tools to assist organizations in their operations. Runway is the official method in which student organizations will update their information with the Office of Student Life.

At a minimum, all student organizations will be required to maintain the following information in Runway:

1. The organization mission, basic contact information, and organization
2. The organization profile must be updated each year between January 1 and the last day of classes of the spring semester to continue active status.
3. Organizations are required to input their meetings and programming via the Event Request Process available in Runway via the organizations Runway portal, located under the events tool.
4. The current organization membership (roster) must be maintained in

Runway offers many more applications and benefits to assist student organizations. Please contact the Office of Student Life to learn about the many other features of Runway.

Terms of Registration

Organizations must update their information in Runway each year between January 1 and last day of spring semester classes to continue their status as a registered organization. Failing to update information with the Office of Student Life may result in a student organization losing its active status and all rights and privileges such status entails. A student organization may be removed from the list of registered student organizations if:

1. The organization does not show a reasonable amount of activity in promoting the ends and purposes specified in its constitution, as evidenced by membership meetings and other Student organizations are expected to comply when requested to provide a brief report on their year’s activities.
2. The organization violates University regulations, including those governing student organizations, or local, state, or federal laws.
   
   

Student Eligibility

Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in the activities of student organizations. Individual organizations may require stricter GPA requirements if stated in their constitution.

Student Organization Programming:

Student organizations should recognize the importance of the education program of the University and should plan their activities in such a manner as to complement this program. So far as possible, conflicts with major events in the educational program and with scheduled activities of other registered student organizations should be avoided. All student organization programming/events should be registered via the Event Registration Form available in Runway via the organizations Runway portal. Activities should not be scheduled during final examination week.

Requirement of an Advisor

All student organizations must have at least one qualified faculty/staff advisor. Except for local chapters of national social fraternities and sororities, which may have alumni advisors, the advisor shall be a fulltime faculty or staff member. Any full-time member of the University faculty or full-time professional administrator may serve as faculty/staff advisor to a student organization provided he or she has completed one year of service at UT Martin. Those persons not having one year of service must be approved by the University Council.

A faculty/staff member who agrees to the request of a student organization to serve as its faculty advisor accepts responsibility for encouraging the organization in its purposes and activities within the limits of University policy. Faculty/staff advisors are responsible for being familiar with the following:

• This policy and other University regulations pertaining to student organizations and
• The constitution and purposes of the student organization they are
• The activities and projects of their

The advisor should always be fully informed of any policy or program decisions reached at meetings at which the advisor is not present. Advisors may counsel their organization in the exercise of responsibility, but they do not have the authority to control the policy of the organization. The officers of the organization are responsible for keeping their advisors aware of the policies and actions of their organization. Financial records must be available to the organization’s advisors at all times.

Non-University Employee Advisors

Non-University employees with special interests or talents are permitted to serve as additional advisors to various student organizations with the approval of the Office of Student Life. These individuals will be required to register as a Volunteer/Friend of the University.

Change of Advisor

Organizations should notify the Office of Student Life immediately upon the changing of an organization advisor.

Transition of Organizations’ Officers

Organizations must notify the Office of Student Life within two weeks of new officers being elected. New organization presidents will be required to complete an online training course within two weeks of the notification of their election.

Affiliations

Registered student organizations may be affiliated with an organization off the campus where such affiliation is:

• Clearly indicated by the title of the organization or through its
• Consistent with the purposes set forth in the
• Not such as to change significantly the nature of the organization as an association of students with primary interest on campus. Affiliation with an extramural organization does not of itself affect the right of a student organization to operate on the campus. When seeking registration, the student organization must make clear those obligations imposed on the local chapter by extramural affiliation.
• When there is a conflict between the policies and procedures of the extramural organization and those of the University (e.g., policies pertaining to membership eligibility or voting privileges), the obligation of the student organization is to the University and its policies.

Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions

Student organizations should respect the rights of all members of the University community. The following categories of conduct subject organizations to disciplinary action by University officials ranging from disciplinary warnings to withdrawal of charters. This list includes, but is not limited to: hazing, disorderly conduct, interference with activities of the University or other organizations of individuals, poor academic performance, social misconduct, and/or improper discrimination.

Change or Amendment Affecting the Nature or Purpose of an Organization

Any change or amendment affecting the nature or purpose of the organization as originally approved must also be approved by the University Council, and a current copy of the constitution must be on file in the Office of Student Life.

Organizations wanting to change the organization name only (purpose and function must remain the same), can do so by submitting an updated constitution to the Office of Student Life through their Runway portal.

Alcoholic Beverages

University policy prohibits any student organization from serving or permitting the consumption, possession or display of any alcoholic beverage or containers at any time, or by anyone on University premises. Student organization officers are responsible for refusing admission to their social gatherings of persons under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Student organizations sponsoring any social affairs are responsible for the general decorum of the event. Any student and/or organization can be sanctioned for violations of the UTM Standards of Conduct whether the behavior occurs on or off campus.

Fraternity and Sorority Regulations

The following regulations are set forth as guidelines for active fraternity and sorority chapters duly registered as campus organizations:

Pledging and Initiation

First-Year students may pledge and be initiated under the following conditions:

1. A first-year student of full-time status at the University of Tennessee at Martin may pledge an IFC fraternity or NPC Sorority during his/her first semester as a student if allowed by the group’s constitution or new member policy. NPHC organizations usually only intake students with at least a sophomore
2. First-Year students pledged to be initiated must be full-time students and have on record twelve semester hours of passing work with twenty-four quality points passed during the immediately preceding semester or summer school, unless the organization’s National Constitution contains a program for earlier
3. Full-time students of sophomore, junior or senior classifications may be pledged and initiated during the same semester if they have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
4. To be initiated, a student at the University of Tennessee at Martin must be in good standing with the University, free of academic or disciplinary probation.

Chapter Status, Initiation

1. All candidates must have at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average before initiation into a fraternity or sorority.
2. When an IFC, NPC, or NPHC fraternity or sorority’s GPA falls below a 00 for two consecutive semesters, that group becomes ineligible to participate in intramural sports competition; to sponsor parties or socials; and the right to participate or sponsor other activities as deemed appropriate by the Student Life Coordinators or until such time that the semester GPA rises to a 2.00 or better.
3. All activities of fraternities or sororities, including recruitment, intake, pledging, initiation, chapter houses, housemothers, social functions, NPHC, NPC, and IFC are under the jurisdiction of the Office of Student Affairs and the Student Life Coordinators.
4. No hazing in any form is “Hazing” means any intentional or reckless act, on or off the University property, by one student, acting alone or with others, which is directed against any other student or students, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student(s), or which induces or coerces a student to endanger him or her mental or physical safety, and includes treatment of a violent, abusive, shameful, insulting, or humiliation nature. All Greek organizations are required to sign an anti-hazing contract at the beginning of each semester. Such action is prohibited when connected with initiation into or affiliation with an organization and does not include participation in customary athletic events or similar competition. Emphasis is placed instead on instruction in the ideals of the fraternity and service to the University and community. In addition, all new members must participate in an anti-hazing education program as instructed by the Office of Student Life prior to their initiation.

When persons enroll in The University of Tennessee at Martin, 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.

Access

Within the limits of its facilities and resources, The University of Tennessee at Martin 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 Evaluation of Performance

Students may expect their academic performance to be evaluated only on an academic basis and may expect their teachers to make clear the basis for the evaluation used in their classes. They should feel free to take reasoned exceptions to opinions or views expressed by any instructor, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled and may expect to be tested on it.

A student alleging unfair methods or bases of evaluation should appeal first to the course instructor. If resolution is not met, the student may appeal to the next higher echelon. In most cases this will be the chair of the department; however, if the instructor is the chair, appeal to the department head or dean of the school. If the instructor is the department head or dean, appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Alternatively, or if resolution is not achieved following the appeal process as described above, the matter may be reported to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for consultation.

 

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 Abuse or Harassment during an Interrogation

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.

The UT Board of Trustee’s Policy Affirming Principles of Free Speech for Students and Faculty can be found at:https://policy.tennessee.edu/policy/bt0021-policy-affirming-principles-of-free-speech-for-students-and-faculty/

 

Freedom of Inquiry and Expression

Students have the right to engage in discussions and speak freely on any subject in accordance with guarantees of the state and national constitutions. As citizens, they are obliged to inform themselves regarding issues and problems of the day, to formulate stands regarding these, and to give expression to their view. In discharging these rights and obligations, students should also recognize their responsibilities to other members of the academic community and to the University.

The University of Tennessee at Martin takes pride in the fact that its campus is open to free discussion and examination of views with the condition that such discussion be conducted in an orderly manner and under peaceful conditions consistent with the scholarly nature of an academic community. Speakers who are not related to the University may be invited to the campus by University departments and registered student organizations.

 

Use of University Property & use of University Property for Free Expression Activities

 

Certain rules on the use of University property, such as a rule on the use of University property for free expression activities, have been promulgated by the University in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. Copies of those rules can be found at: https://sos.tn.gov/apd/guides/statutes-and-rules-administrative-hearings.

For more information on free expressions on campus, visit the Free Speech at UT Martin website.

Faculty / Student Relationship

Every faculty member has the responsibility to discharge his/her duties in a fair and conscientious manner in accordance with standards generally recognized within the academic community. At a minimum, these standards include:

1. Meeting his /her class commitments when scheduled and, if possible, informing students in advance if he/she must be absent;
2. Utilizing a portion of the first or second class period to discuss plans for the This presentation should include: a general outline of the course as to content or topics to be studied; a description of the kinds of learning activities expected; guidelines for the type and expected amount of course work; a description of the means for evaluating student performance; and an explanation of expectations regarding Academic Integrity;
3. Encouraging acceptable academic conduct by all members of the academic community at all times;
4. Informing classes, in advance of any evaluation, of the permissible materials or references allowed during evaluation;
5. Taking thorough precautions against student cheating on examinations or other required class work;
6. Basing all academic evaluations upon professional judgment, avoiding consideration of factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, political or cultural affiliation, life-style, or activities or behavior outside the classroom unrelated to academic achievement;
7. Performing grading duties in a timely manner and encouraging consultation with students concerning any grade they feel to be incorrect;
8. Being available at reasonable times for appointments with students and using care to keep such appointments;
9. Respecting the confidentiality of student information contained in University records and refraining from releasing such information, except in connection with intra-University business or with student consent or as may be required by law;
10. Avoiding the exploitation of his/her professional relationship with students for private advantage, and refraining from soliciting the assistance of students for private purposes in a manner which infringes upon such student’s freedom of choice;
11. Giving appropriate recognition to contributions made by students to research and publication;
12. Refraining from any activity which involves risk to the health, safety, and welfare of a student except with the student’s informed consent and, where applicable, in accordance with University policy relating to the use of human subjects in experimentation;
13. Respecting the dignity of students individually and collectively in the classroom and other academic contexts;
14. Exercising flexibility in course requirements to allow students to make up work for which legitimate excuses can be presented and when the student has taken proper steps to inform the instructor.

The above responsibilities of University faculty should not be considered inflexible or inclusive, but rather as general guides. Each faculty member should become familiar with the standards of professional conduct expected of him/her through observation of and consultation with colleagues within the University community and his/her particular discipline. Every faculty member has the responsibility to discharge his/her duties in a fair and conscientious manner in accordance with standards.

UT Martin coordinates its learning support activities through the Student Success Center centrally located in Clement Hall. The SSC offers assistance in the areas of success counseling services. The UT Martin SSC staff and services are prepared to help all students reach their full academic potential. The full range of academic support services may be viewed at: http://www.utm.edu/academics/student-success-center/.

Testing Services offers CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), DANTES (Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support), ACT Residual, and Post Comp/Major Field Exams. Students seeking to further their education beyond their undergraduate degree may also elect to take various graduate aptitude tests such as the GMAT, GRE, IT Testing, Kaplan, NCEES, PRAXIS, and MAT, as well as other tests, through the UT Martin Testing Center. For more testing information visit the Testing Center website.

Get the edge on adventure and advancement by traveling with UT Martin Travel Study programs. Experienced faculty leaders provide global learning opportunities ready for students. Most of our travel comes complete with exciting activities and course credit. For additional information and current course/travel opportunities, refer to the Travel Study/Study Abroad Website.

All motor vehicles operated by faculty, staff, and students in connection with their employment or attendance at UTM must be registered online at the UTM Department of Public Safety. This includes residents of University Courts using University parking lots. Cost: $85.00 academic year (August to August).

Complete Rules and Regulations including ticketing policies and appeals can be found on the Office of Public Safey website.

The University of Tennessee at Martin is dedicated to assisting Veterans, Active-Duty service members, National Guard and Reservists and eligible military families in achieving their educational and professional goals.

For veteran resources, support, and points of contact, please visit the Veteran Services website.

Additional Information regarding weapons and Public Safety can be found on the Public Safey website.

Tennessee Criminal Law

The UT Martin Department of Public Safety enforces Tennessee’s criminal law concerning weapons. Among other prohibitions concerning weapons, Tennessee’s criminal law generally prohibits persons from possessing or carrying, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to go armed, any firearm, explosive, explosive weapon, crossbow, bow and arrows, bowie knife, hawk bill knife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, knuckles, fireworks, firecrackers, stun guns, TASERs, or any other weapon of like kind, not used solely for University instructional or University-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, on any property owned, used or operated by the University. Anyone illegally possessing, carrying, or using any of those weapons will be subject to criminal sanctions. (T.C.A. §§ 39-17-1309 and 39-17-1359).

University Policy for Employees

In addition to being subject to Tennessee’s criminal law, University employees are subject to the University’s Code of Conduct for employees. The University of Tennessee’s Code of Conduct for employees, HR 580, prohibits the possession of firearms, explosives, or other dangerous materials on University property or during University activities, unless the employee is authorized either by University policy or law to carry firearms, explosives, and other dangerous materials and it is also necessary to do so in the course of employment (police officers, R.O.T.C. personnel, etc.).

University Policy for Students

In addition to being subject to Tennessee’s criminal law, University students are subject to the University’s Code of Conduct for students. The Code of Conduct prohibits students from possessing, using, storing, or manufacturing any weapon or any facsimile of a weapon on University-controlled property or in connection with a University-affiliated activity, unless authorized in writing by the UT Martin Department of Public Safety. The Code of Conduct for students defines “weapon” to mean any device, instrument, or substance that is designed to, or reasonably could be expected to, inflict a wound, incapacitate, or cause serious bodily injury or death, including, but not limited to, firearms (loaded and unloaded, real and replica), ammunition, electronic control devices (such as TASERs and stun guns), devices designed to discharge an object (such as bb guns, air guns, pellet guns, potato guns, and slingshots), explosives, dangerous chemicals (such as mace, tear gas, and oleoresin capsicum), martial arts weapons, bows and arrows, artificial knuckles, nightsticks, blackjacks, dirks, daggers, swords, and knives with fixed blades longer than four (4) inches. The term “weapon” does not include chemical repellents available over-the-counter for self-defense; instruments used solely for personal hygiene, preparation of food, maintenance, University-related instruction/athletics, or University employment-related duties. University-related instruction/athletics may be transported on campus only to and from the Department of Public Safety for the purposes of checking the weapons in/out or to/from authorized University instruction/athletics events, which can be done at any time, 24 hours a day. All weapons shall remain unloaded while being checked in/out and stored.