The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Student Handbook
University Policies
EEO/AA Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.
In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.
Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title VII (sex, race, color, national origin and religion), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI). The Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion is also the ADA Coordinator and is located at 201 Human Resources Center, Dept. 5455, 615 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598; telephone (423) 425-5468. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the Director of the Disability Resource Center at (423) 425-4006 (V/TTY). Questions about Title IX and complaints of violations should be directed to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Title IX Coordinator, at (423) 425-4255 or via email at titleix@utc.edu. If the student or employee does not wish to contact UTC’s Title IX Coordinator, they may contact the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights at 61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Suite 19T10, Atlanta, GA 30303-8927, Telephone (404) 974-9406, Email: OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual advances by any UTC employee (faculty or staff member) toward another employee or student which become a condition of employment or affect the academic relationship constitute an unlawful practice and a violation of the University’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking Policy. Unsolicited or unwelcome physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of creating an atmosphere of intimidation may be a violation of Title IX and/or Title VII.
In the case of such harassment, an employee or student has the right to report the harassment to the University, following the guidelines listed in the Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking.
Complaint Procedures
A civil rights complaint, including a complaint of sexual harassment, may be filed by any student, present or former employee of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga or any applicant for employment or admissions at UTC, who believes that he/she, has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. University policy strictly prohibits retaliation against any person who, in good faith opposes a practice which he/she believes to be discriminatory.
Employee complaints of discrimination should be directed to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Human Resources Center, Dept.5455, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 720 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, (423) 425-5468. The complaint must be filed within 300 calendar days of the alleged discrimination. In certain circumstances, at the discretion of the Director of Equity and Diversity, complaints filed outside of this time limit or that are not put in writing, may be investigated informally.
Student complaints of discrimination based on sex, including sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking, should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at (423) 425-4255 or titleix@utc.edu. There are no limits on when these types of complaints must be filed. All other complaints of discrimination should be directed to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Human Resources Center, Dept.5455, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 720 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, (423) 425-5468.
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.
A. Peaceable Assembly: Description
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 of the University;
4. if inside a building, are held in an assigned meeting room.
B. Advance Approval: Procedures
1. Only meetings which have been approved in advance through the proper office may be held:
(a) within University buildings;
(b) within University stadia; or
(c) adjacent to residential or academic facilities of the campus.
2. Meetings which would impose an unusual demand upon staff or facilities must have approval regardless of where they are held.
C. Disciplinary Action Violations of the above University policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
Meetings between groups of students and administrative officers are desirable when acute problems affecting student life suddenly arise and the administration should be informed. Similarly, such meetings are necessary when students need fairly immediate access to discuss administrative policy or other critical matters pertaining to their welfare. So that the business of the University may continue to be conducted in an orderly fashion when such meetings between students and the administration are needed, the following rules are applicable to all student groups:
1. Student organizations or groups of students who wish to see the Chancellor or the Vice Chancellors are to choose a group of representatives not to exceed six to conduct their meeting with the appropriate official. Once selected, this group will remain the only delegation from that organization or group to see the official unless the group or organization formally removes one or more members from their delegation, in which case the University official is to be informed in advance.
2. Meetings of the delegation with University officials must be scheduled in advance so as not to interrupt the essential previous business of the University.
3. Meetings of the delegation with University officials will not take place where there are large congregations of students in or immediately adjacent to the building in which the meeting is to take place. Press conferences or communication with members of organizations can be conducted after the meeting and at some other convenient location.
A. When registering an event, submit a complete outline of the proposed activities.
B. Loud music should not begin before 8:00 P.M. in order to avoid conflicts with class activities; however, the civil laws must be obeyed at all times.
C. Music at a reasonable sound level can begin earlier. The leaders of the organization are expected to take responsibility to see that other activities are not disturbed.
D. If in the event that the sound level becomes too high and the leaders do not control it by their own actions, it is to be expected that the proper University officials will need to take charge and stop the program if necessary.
Chattanooga Code on Loud or Disturbing Noise
The following laws, taken in part from the Chattanooga Code, refer to loud and disturbing noise in the City of Chattanooga.
(a) Horns or other signal devices on vehicles. The sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bike, or other vehicle, while not in motion, except as a danger signal if another vehicle is approaching apparently out of control, or while in motion only as a danger signal after or as brakes are being applied and deceleration of the vehicle is intended; the creation by means of such signal device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound, and the sounding of such device for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time.
(b) Musical instruments. The playing of any radio, phonograph or any musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume, in particular during the hours between 11:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M., so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any hospital or in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence or of any persons in the vicinity.
(c) Yelling, hawking, etc., in streets. Yelling, hawking, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on the streets or sidewalks or in public places, particularly between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M., in a manner which disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in any hospital, dwelling, hotel, or other type of residence in the vicinity.
(d) Noise near schools, courts, churches, or hospitals. The creation of any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any school, institution of learning, church, or court, while the same is in session, or adjacent to any hospital, which unreasonably interferes with the working or sessions thereof.
(e) Loudspeakers and amplifiers. The use of mechanical loudspeakers and amplifiers on buildings, trucks, or other moving or standing vehicles for advertising or other purposes. Loudspeakers, amplifiers and sound-amplifying devices.
It shall be unlawful to:
(a) Operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds registering fifty-five (55) db(A) between 9:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M., as measured anywhere within the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, hospital, school in session or nursing home, except in accordance with a permit obtained from the chief building official.
(b) As to multifamily structures including apartments, condominiums or other residential arrangements where boundary lines cannot readily be determined, it shall be unlawful to operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds registering fifty-five (55) db(A) between 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 p.m. or fifty (50 db(A) between 9:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M., as measured from any point within the interior of another residential unit in the same complex or within the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, except in accordance with a permit obtained from the chief building official.
(c) As to places of public entertainment having a capacity of one thousand (1000) or more persons, operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds registering more than sixty-five (65) db(A) between 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M., or fifty (50) db(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 A.M., as measured anywhere within the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, except in accordance with a permit obtained from the chief building official.
(d) Operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment for advertising purposes or otherwise to attract customers so as to cast sounds which are unreasonably loud and disturbing or which register more than sixty (60) db(A) at or on the boundary of the nearest public right-of-way or park.
(e) Operate or allow the operation for personal use of any sound amplification equipment on the public right-of-way, including streets or sidewalks, or in the public parks so as to produce sounds registering more than sixty (60) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M., or fifty (50) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M.
The University’s FERPA Policy can be found by visiting: https://www.utc.edu/records/ferpa/index.php
Tennessee law requires that all students provide proof of immunizations. For more information, visit: https://www.utc.edu/university-health-services/
A student enrolled at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the School of Nursing is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for engaging in the following acts of misconduct, regardless of whether such misconduct is engaged in on or off University-owned or University-controlled property:
A. Commission of an offense classified as a felony by Tennessee’s criminal statues or by Federal criminal statues.
B. Unlawful use, possession, or sale of drugs or narcotics, whether or not felonious.
C. Plagiarism, falsification of records, or other acts which substantially impacts the integrity of the student.
D. Other unprofessional and unethical conduct which would bring disrepute and disgrace upon both student and the nursing profession and which would tend to substantially reduce or eliminate the student’s ability to effectively practice that profession.
A student applying for admission to UTC shall also be subject to the above provisions and may be denied admission or continuation on the basis of his or her failure to maintain the aforementioned ethical and professional standards.
The School of Nursing maintains extensive information regarding professional standards for Nursing students in the School of Nursing undergraduate and graduate handbooks.
In the event of a drug or alcohol emergency, the primary concern is the well-being, health and safety of the individual(s) involved. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga recognizes that the potential of disciplinary action creates a barrier for students seeking medical assistance for themselves or other students in alcohol or other drug-related emergencies. Therefore, a medical amnesty protocol has been established.
Students/organizations who call for medical assistance for themselves or for another student who they observe to be or feel is dangerously intoxicated/under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be face formal conduct action by the Dean of Students office for the mere possession of alcohol or drugs.
- The student/organization, who calls on behalf of another student, is required to remain with the student experiencing the emergency until medical assistance arrives.
- Sufficient evidence must be provided to confirm medical assistance was received at the time of the incident for the medical amnesty policy to apply.
- The student(s) requiring medical assistance and the referring student(s)/organization will be required to contact the Dean of Students Office at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga within two (2) business days of the incident to schedule a meeting.
- Students will be required to complete an assessment and any recommend action with a reasonable time frame to be determined by the Dean of Students Office. There will be no disciplinary action taken related to the violation of possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs.
- Student Organizations will be required to complete a review of their risk management policies and/pr participate in educational programs with the Dean of Students Office. The organization will be responsible for any costs associated with these measures.
- Failure of the student or referring student organization to complete this assessment/action plan may result in charges being filed with the Dean of Students Office.
This policy is only applicable to the individual(s)/organization who are directly involved in the effort to seek medical assistance or the individual in direct need of medical assistance. This policy does not apply to any situation where a campus official or employee (residence hall staff, police officer, or administrative staff) initiates the response for medical assistance or where the reporting student does not stay until assistance arrives.
Medical amnesty applies only to alcohol or other drug-related emergencies but does not apply to other conduct violations such as assault, property damage, or distribution of illicit substances. The use/or abuse of alcohol or drugs is never considered a mitigating circumstance for any other violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Medical amnesty applies specifically to The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s conduct and judicial policies and has no influence over criminal or police action or authority. If multiple violations occur the Dean of Students Office will review the additional violations separately and assess the need for further intervention. This policy is not intended to provide a shield or protect students/organizations who conspire to misuse or abuse the policy: instead, it is intended to empower students and organization to seek medical attention for those in need without question.
The University adopted a policy that affirms certain principles of free speech for students and faculty at The University of Tennessee in accordance with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, Article I, Section 19 of the Tennessee Constitution, and the Campus Free Speech Protection Act. View the policy (pdf).
The University has adopted a policy that prohibits sexual misconduct, relationship violence, stalking and retaliation. The policy applies to students, faculty, and staff.
The policy and related processes are available, along with additional information on resources, support, and reporting options, at UTC’s sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking prevention website: www.utc.edu/sexual-misconduct.
To comply with state and federal laws, the UTC Police Department collects and maintains statistics concerning crime on campus and in areas of the University Community, including a public crime log accessible during business hours. UTCPD sends monthly reports on-campus crime to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation via the Tennessee-Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS). These statistics are then reported by TBI to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. To comply with the Jeanne Clery Act, the UTCPD also sends reports regarding crime on and around campus to the United States Department of Education. Each October, the UTCPD publishes the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains statistics for the past three years not including year of production. A free copy of this report may be obtained from the UTC Police Department, 400 Palmetto Street, Dept 3954, Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598. For more current statistics and helpful links for research, please refer to www.utc.edu/police.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and safety of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) students, employees, and visitors; to promote a healthy and safe work, educational, and living environment; and to comply with applicable state laws regarding smoking. This policy is enacted by UTC pursuant to the express authority granted by the Board of Trustees in UT Policy BT0022 - Policy on Smoking.
Definitions
A. “Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette (including an electronic cigarette or similar device), pipe, or other lighted tobacco product, in any manner or in any form.
B. “University” or “UTC” for purposes of this policy, means the institution, departments, offices, programs and services of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
C. “University-controlled property” means:
1. All land, grounds, buildings, structures, and any other physical property owned, operated, or otherwise controlled by the University; and
2. All motor vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the University.
Scope and Application
This policy applies to all University students, employees, contractors, and visitors. This policy is intended to comply with, and shall be interpreted consistently with, all applicable state law, including Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-135; the Non-Smoker Protection Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1801 et seq.; and Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-1-304.
Prohibition of Smoking and Littering of Tobacco Products In or On University-controlled Property
A. The campus of UTC is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited in and on all University-controlled property, including in private vehicles when parked or operated on University-controlled property.
B. Littering with tobacco products or the remains of any tobacco products on University- controlled property is prohibited.
Cessation Resources for Students and Employees
Assistance with smoking cessation for students and employees is available through Student Health Services, the Office of Alcohol, Other Drug, and Mental Health Education, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More information about cessation resources can be found by visiting: https://www.utc.edu/smoke-free-utc.
Compliance and Enforcement
A. Any individual may report a good-faith concern about a violation of this policy using the following procedure:
1. Concerns about employees should be directed to the employee’s immediate supervisor or Office of Human Resources;
2. Concerns about students should be directed to the Office of Student Conduct;
3. Concerns about contractors should be directed to the contract administrator or the Office of Budget and Finance; and
4. Concerns about visitors should be directed to the UTC Police Department.
B. Violation of this policy may subject individuals according to the following:
1. Violations by an employee may result in disciplinary action in accordance with applicable University policies (e.g., UT Policy HR0580 - Code of Conduct, UT Policy HR0525 – Disciplinary Action, or the UTC Faculty Handbook);
2. Violations by a student may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct;
3. Violations by a contractor may result in a contractor being directed to leave University property, in accordance with Comp. R. & Regs. § 1720-01-02; and
4. Violations by a visitor may result in a visitor being directed to leave University property, in accordance with Comp. R. & Regs. § 1720-01-02.
C. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit a supervisor’s ability to establish, regulate, or limit employee work breaks, whether for smoking or otherwise.
Exceptions
This policy does not apply to smoking for controlled research or educational, theatrical, or religious ceremonial purposes, provided prior written approval has been obtained from the dean, director, or department head responsible for the facility in which the smoking will occur.
Both commercial and noncommercial solicitation are prohibited in non-public areas of the University.
Solicitation and sales in public areas of the University are restricted to invitees and registered organizations, faculty, staff and students of the University and are subject to reasonable restrictions as to time, place and manner.
Requests for approval of any form of solicitation must be made in writing to the Dean of Student’s Office no later than seven working days preceding the date of the proposed date of the activity. Request forms are available in the main office of the University Center and on their website.
Solicitation of Funds by Student Organizations
As it pertains to student organizations, “solicitation” is defined as the seeking of funds or support by a registered student organization from sources other than its members including the procurement of supplies, and other forms of support, and the selling and distribution of items, materials or products and services.
Registered student organizations may be authorized to solicit on campus as long as such solicitation is consistent with the aims of the organization and is not for the personal benefit of members. In interpreting the aims or purposes of the registered student organization, the statement in its constitution will be followed.
Prior to approval by the Dean of Students Office, the requesting organization must make appropriate arrangements and scheduling with the administrative office of the facility to be used. Content approval for the project is not a guarantee of the availability of the space.
The Dean of Students Office will assist the organization in scheduling and coordinating outdoor space with the appropriate Facilities Management Office. Ordinarily, the academic buildings and the non-public areas of the Residence Halls will not be used for purposes of solicitation.
The University of Tennessee is committed to ensuring that it is safe and free from the illegal use, manufacture, possession, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812). To accomplish this, the University has established a student drug abuse prevention program through the Office of Student Affairs. Further, students are subject to a Code of Conduct pertaining to use or possession of controlled substances, and recipients of certain federal financial assistance such as Pell Grants will be required to certify that they will be drug-free during the pendency of the Grant.
In accordance with the Student Right-To-Know Act, the University’s Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Institutional Research provides a Factbook of data about the Univeristy. To review the factbook visit: http://www.utc.edu/planning-evaluation-institutional-research/factbook/.
Information regarding the refund or adjustment of tutition and fees can be found on the Bursar’s Office website by visiting: http://www.utc.edu/bursar/refund-charges.php.
The policy regarding residency classification can be found by visiting: http://www.utc.edu/admissions/pdfs/residencyrules.pdf
Residency Appeals Procedure
Most Undergraduate students classified as non-residents may appeal this classification by submitting a petition and supporting evidence to the Undergraduate Admission Office on or before the last day to register for class for each respective semester. Graduate students classified as non-residents may appeal this classification by submitting a petition and supporting evidence to the Graduate Admissions Office on or before the last day to register for class for each respective semester. These deadlines also apply to students seeking to pay in-state fees due to their full-time employment in the State of Tennessee or receive the Regional Tuition discount. Decisions on appeals made before the deadline will be effective for that semester. Petitions received after the deadline, if granted, will be effective the following semester.
The Assistant Director of Admissions serves as the primary classification officer for undergraduate students and the Dean of the Graduate School serves as the primary classification officer for graduate students enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Residency classification appeals should be made by completing the petition form provided by the Undergraduate or Graduate Admission Office. Appeals should include appropriate evidence to support the student’s establishment of domicile in the State of Tennessee. Evidence of residence includes rental agreements, property deeds, voter registration, and other instruments that verify that the student’s permanent residence is in Tennessee.
Undergraduate students may appeal the decision of the Assistant Director of Admissions by submitting a formal request to the chair of the Residency Appeals Committee.
Graduate students may appeal the decision of the Dean of the Graduate School by submitting a formal request to the chair of the of the Residency Appeals Committee. The chair of the committee will schedule a hearing to review the student’s request. The student may be present at the committee’s hearing and may bring to the hearing any materials or other individuals (including legal counsel) that he or she believes will support the appeal. The student may appeal in writing the committee’s decision to the Chancellor of UTC. The student has the right to appeal in writing the Chancellor’s decision the President of the University of Tennessee. The President of the University of Tennessee makes the final decision on all residency appeals.
Classification Officers
The Undergraduate Admissions office serves as the initial residency classification officer for undergraduate students. All initial requests for classification or reclassification should be submitted in writing to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 101 University Center.
The Dean of the Graduate School serves as the residency classification officer for graduate students. All requests for classification or reclassification should be submitted in writing to the Graduate School in Race Hall.
Information regarding tuition and fees can be found on the Bursar’s Office website by visiting: http://www.utc.edu/bursar/fee-schedule.php
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