Campus Policies & Procedures

UT allows lawful, responsible service, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in compliance with university policies and federal, state, and local law. 

No alcoholic beverages of any kind may be served, possessed, or consumed by any student under the legal drinking age, which is 21 years in the State of Tennessee. 

Students 21 and over are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages on university-controlled property at events where alcoholic beverages are sold to the public or at events registered with UT. They also are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages off university-controlled property in compliance with federal, state, and local law. 

Student organizations holding events with alcohol much be in compliance with the Events with Alcohol Registration Procedure. 

For more information, see the full policy. 

The UT Student Code of Conduct defines hazing as: “Any intentional or reckless act, on or off university-controlled property, by one (1) student, acting alone or with others, which is directed against any other student, which endangers the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger their mental or physical health, safety, or welfare. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization regardless of the student’s willingness to participate.” 

UT has a Hazing Prevention Team with resources to help identify, act on, and prevent hazing. In an effort to provide the campus community with reliable information and prevention strategies to stop hazing before it occurs, UT has developed prevention and awareness programs related to hazing. For more information on these programs, visit the hazing prevention website at studentlife.utk.edu/hazingprevention or contact the hazing prevention team by emailing [email protected]. 

Hazing can also be reported directly to Student Conduct & Community Standards. Hazing can affect people in many different ways including anger, confusion, betrayal, fear, resentment, embarrassment, humiliation, hopelessness, helplessness, anxiety, and/or depression. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these feelings, contact 865-974-HELP or complete the HELP referral form. We must all be committed to ending hazing. 

Arrests of students on campus may be made by police officers for violations of the law. Student Conduct and Community Standards is notified of the arrest and prepares on-campus charges when appropriate. The student who may have violated a criminal law and a UT Standard of Conduct is subject to rulings by both jurisdictions. 

Before interviewing a student, law enforcement staff will advise the student of their rights. No form of intimidation or harassment will be used by UTPD to coerce an admission of guilt. If the student waives their right to have counsel, the student may still stop answering questions or request an attorney at any time. A student will not be deprived of their liberty without arrest. 

UT employs a variety of methods to notify the campus community of dangerous situations and major interruptions in campus operations. The goal is to inform our community of an imminent threat so that students, faculty, and staff are able to take appropriate action for their specific situation. The campus community is asked to spread UT Alerts to others who may not be aware of the threat. Learn more about UT Alert. 

UT Alert text messages and emails are the most commonly employed method. Texts are character-limited; therefore, they are very general, and recipients must use judgment in choosing the appropriate action based on the information available. In general, be aware of your surroundings and know how to evacuate and shelter in buildings you frequent. Signs are posted in the buildings and guidance for specific emergencies is at the Emergency Management website. UT Alert emails will contain more guidance on how to respond. 

Emergency Blue Phones and building outdoor speakers are used for voice announcements in some emergencies. 

UT Alerts are issued early in the emergency, often before details are fully available. Depending on the event, updates will be posted on the Campus Status webpage at safety.utk.edu/status when available. 

All UT Alert emergency activations are followed by an “all clear” message letting you know the situation has been stabilized. Protective actions should continue until the “all clear” is issued. 

When an emergency significantly disrupts campus operations and schedules, inclement weather procedures will apply and changes to the campus status webpage will be posted. 

Emergency Notification Procedures 

An emergency notification informs recipients about an event that is currently occurring or imminently or immediately threatening the campus. Such notifications may include, but are not limited to the following information: 

• Type of emergency 

• Date, time, and location of crime/incident 

• Immediate action being recommended 

UT will, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of an emergency notification and initiate the notification system, unless issuing a notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency. 

Confirming a Significant Emergency or Dangerous Situation 

Examples of situations in which an emergency notification is likely to be issued include: a major disruption of campus operations; a hazardous material spill/leak impacting a large area; severe weather-related threat; or an active threat. 

As used in this section, “confirmation” generally means that UT has verified that a legitimate emergency or dangerous situation exists. The UT Police Department Shift Supervisor is the primary person who determines whether such a situation exists; however, the Director of Emergency Management, UT Police Department command staff, the Chancellor, the Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the Associate VC for Public Safety, and/or Chief of Police or designee(s) could also make such a determination. In the process of verifying whether such a situation exists, those persons may rely on information received from witnesses, first responders, university departments/units, and entities outside of the UT Police Department with information relevant to the situation including, but not limited to: the Knoxville Police Department; the Knox County Sheriff’s Office; the Knoxville Fire Department; the National Weather Service; and personnel from UT’s Environmental Health and Safety and Facilities Services departments. So that there is no undue delay in notification, confirmation does not necessarily mean that all the pertinent details about the situation are known or available.

Determining the Appropriate Segment(s) of the Campus Community to Receive an Emergency Notification 

UT alert text and email messages will be sent to subscribers regardless of their actual location when the emergency notification system is activated. However, UT has the capability to send emergency notifications to blue light phones or building fire alarm annunciators based on geographic area, should the emergency or dangerous situation be specific to one area of campus. In addition to alerting UT alert text message subscribers, every member of the campus community with a utk.edu email address will automatically receive any UT alert message via their utk.edu email. The incident dictates the appropriate area(s) to be notified. For example, a building fire would generally only impact one area while a severe weather event would potentially impact the entire campus. The UT Police Department Shift Supervisor or public safety designee generally is the person who determines which segment of the campus community receives an emergency notification.

Determining the Contents of an Emergency Notification

The content of UT alert text and email messages for most potential campus emergencies have been pre-scripted and are ready to be immediately sent. Employees with authority to send a UT alert also have the ability to edit the content of the message in the event that none of the pre-scripted messages are sufficient or more specific details are appropriate. UT alert text messages are generally short and direct due to character limitations. The initial UT alert message is primarily designed for quick notification of a dangerous situation. Each UT Alert message sent for an emergency or dangerous situation will have a subsequent message with a resolution of the incident for the community. The on-call command staff, Chief of Police, and/or public safety designee will work with appropriate university officials to ensure follow-up information is sent out. The campus community is encouraged to seek additional information after becoming aware of an emergency by monitoring their UT email, the university’s social media accounts, and the public safety status page. The university’s emergency notification system uses various communication methods that vary in delivery speed, and more details can be provided in email and on the web. 

Initiating the Emergency Notification System

UT Police Department or public safety designee, in the course of responding to a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees, typically will gather the necessary information pertinent to share with the campus community about incidents on campus that present an ongoing risk. Upon confirmation of such a threat, the UT Police Department Shift Supervisor is the primary person with the authority to send a UT alert. A UT alert may also be sent by the UT Police Department command staff and the Office of Emergency Management. 

Distributing Emergency Notifications

A UT alert is one of the primary methods of notifying the campus community about serious emergencies, ongoing situations, or disruptions to normal operations on campus in a timely manner. Students, faculty, and staff are automatically loaded into the system for email notification. Text message UT Alerts are not mandatory but strongly encouraged by the university. Students, staff, and faculty can register to receive UT alerts text messages at safety.utk.edu/ut-alert. Individuals are responsible for updating their contact information periodically to ensure their continued participation in the UT alert system. Individuals are responsible for the cost of any text messaging fees from their mobile service provider incurred as a result of active or test messages received during their participation in the UT alert system. 

Signing up for the UT alert system is not a guarantee of one’s personal safety. Individuals may opt-out of the UT alert text messaging portion of the system at any time. UT alert email messaging is automatic and cannot be opted out of. 

The UT alert emergency notification method is tested during the spring and fall semesters each year through a published announcement and full activation. Each test includes a campaign to encourage the campus community to register for text alerts and download the campus safety app. The results of each test are documented.  

If a crime is covered by both emergency notification and timely warning requirements and an emergency notification will be issued. Follow-up information may be provided as necessary to the community through email or similar messaging that the notification was originally sent with.  

Timely warnings and emergency notifications may, where appropriate, be distributed to or shared with the larger community by the Office of Communications and Marketing to local television and radio stations. 

For more information about emergency procedures, review the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report at clery.utk.edu. 

UT will send timely warnings, referred to on campus as a Safety Notice, regarding Clery-reportable crimes occurring in Clery geography and reported to a campus security authority or local law enforcement that may pose a serious or continuing threat to students and employees. Such warnings will be issued in a manner that is timely, withholds the names of victims as confidential, and will aid in the prevention of similar circumstances.  

UT is not required to and does not issue timely warnings for Clery Act crimes that are disclosed to a professional or pastoral counselor within the scope of their responsibility.  

Timely warnings, or Safety Notices, may include, but are not limited to, the following information: 

• Type of crime or incident reported 
• Date, time, and location of reported crime 
• Public safety reminders 

A timely warning will not include information that, in the judgment of the university, would compromise law enforcement efforts.

Timely Warnings to Members of the Campus Community

The decision whether to issue a timely warning is made by the Clery compliance coordinator, in consultation with the Chief Campus Compliance Officer, UT Police Department or designee, and/or other relevant university administrators as deemed appropriate. Such decision is made on a case-by-case basis in light of all the facts known at the time of the report concerning the crime, such as the nature of the crime and whether UT students and employees are at risk of becoming victims of a similar crime. The apprehension of the alleged perpetrator typically removes the risk to UT students and/or employees. UT typically does not issue a timely warning regarding an incident for which a report was filed more than 5 days after the alleged incident, unless doing so is deemed appropriate under the circumstances.

Issuing a Timely Warning

Timely warnings are typically written by the Clery compliance coordinator or their designee. Upon final approval, the timely warning is distributed to all UTK NetID accounts (e.g., students, faculty, and staff) through a campus email marketing platform, known as Emma, by the Clery compliance coordinator or their designee. Timely warnings may also be distributed through the university’s Clery website, see clery.utk.edu/safety-notices and UT Police Department’s social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, and X).  

If there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on campus, the university will follow its emergency response and evacuation procedures, which include emergency notification. No timely warning based on the same circumstance will be issued. However, follow-up information will be disseminated to the campus community as needed. Follow-up information may include status of incident, all clear, situational awareness, university response, and additional safety tips and information. The Clery compliance coordinator or their designee may, in their discretion, issue special messaging for incidents the Clery Act does not require the university to issue a timely warning. 

For more information about timely warnings, review the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.  

Under the Tennessee Campus Free Speech Protection Act, as implemented in Board Policy BT0021, UT is committed to maintaining its campus as a marketplace of ideas, and students have certain rights to speak, to assemble and demonstrate, and to distribute literature. To learn more visit freespeech.utk.edu.

UT recognizes the need to provide students an avenue to advertise events and information for their various activities. The purpose of this policy on chalking is to balance the overall aesthetic appearance of campus with the need for student information sharing. 

Students and student organizations may engage in chalking only on: 

1. Horizontal concrete or asphalt surfaces 
2. Surfaces that are in open areas that reasonably can be expected to be naturally cleaned by rain (e.g., not including under overhangs or other areas that could block the surface from being exposed to rain) 
3. Surfaces on which chalking reasonably can be expected to be done without jeopardizing the health or safety of the persons doing the chalking 

Notwithstanding the previous statement, areas in which chalking is not permitted include, without limitation: 

• Vehicular streets 
• Horizontal surfaces covered by brick or stone 
• Patios 
• Pat Summit Plaza 
• Torchbearer Plaza 
• the UT Seal at Johnson-Ward Pedestrian Mall 
• the engraved “Torch” at the Haslam Building 
• Covered sidewalks 
• Any vertical surface (e.g., doors, buildings, walls, windows, sculptures, fountains, benches, picnic tables, signs, poles, newspaper boxes, columns, ash urns, bus stops, University-owned signage, emergency phones, railings, utility boxes, mailboxes, waste receptacles, planters, light poles, lampposts, trees) 

Only water-soluble dry stick sidewalk chalk may be used (e.g., aerosol spray chalk, markers, paints (latex or oil-based), or similar products are prohibited). Chalking in areas not permitted is subject to immediate removal. Students and student organizations who violate this policy may be charged the cost of cleanup, referred to the Student Conduct and Community Standards, and/or the violation may be reported to the police. 

Students and student organizations may use any kind of chalk or paint on the Rock itself. However, paint may not be applied to adjacent sidewalks, curbs, poles, signs, or landscaping. Any paint on campus features surrounding the Rock may result in cleanup costs being assessed.

The 946-CARE referral line is designed to assist distressed faculty or staff who appear to be a threat to themselves or others or are distressing to other members of the campus community. The CARE line offers support through the Employee Assistance Program as well as other resources. If you encounter an employee who appears to be in distress, contact 865-946-CARE (2273). During work hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.), 946-CARE is answered by trained professional Human Resources staff. After hours and on weekends and holidays, it is answered by the UT Police Department. The 946-CARE Response Team provides case management and threat assessment as needed.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act requires the university to distribute a notice to all employees and students information about our drug and alcohol prevention efforts. The university prohibits the unlawful use, manufacture, possession, distribution, or dispensing of drugs and alcohol on university property or during university activities. Violation of this policy is grounds for disciplinary action as well as legal prosecution. 

Information regarding the standards of conduct prohibiting drug and alcohol use, as well as possible sanctions, is available in the Student Code of Conduct. 

Information regarding the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse as well as programs and resources to address drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation can be found at the Center for Health Education and Wellness website.

Drug-Free Campus & Workplace

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act requires the university to distribute a notice to all employees and students information about our drug and alcohol prevention efforts. The university prohibits the unlawful use, manufacture, possession, distribution, or dispensing of drugs and alcohol on university property or during university activities. Violation of this policy is grounds for disciplinary action as well as legal prosecution. 

Information regarding the standards of conduct prohibiting drug and alcohol use, as well as possible sanctions, is available in the Student Code of Conduct. 

Information regarding the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse as well as programs and resources to address drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation can be found at the Center for Health Education and Wellness website. 

Drug and Alcohol Policies for Students

Students at UT are members of both the university community and the larger community of which the university is a part. Accordingly, students are responsible for conducting themselves in a lawful manner as well as in compliance with university rules and policies.  

Students are responsible for being fully acquainted with and for complying with the Code of Conduct, the applicable undergraduate or graduate catalog, the student handbook, and other rules and policies relating to students. 

Amnesty Policy

UT holds paramount the health, safety, and welfare of students. Accordingly, all UT students are expected to alert appropriate officials in the event of a health, safety, or welfare emergency including, without limitation, a situation involving the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. 

Amnesty will be offered to both the “Good Samaritan” and the “Impaired Student.” Amnesty means no formal disciplinary action is taken when a good Samaritan: (1) contacts appropriate resources to report and request assistance and (2) demonstrates cooperation and care by remaining with the impaired student. Amnesty applies to the impaired student(s) and any good Samaritan(s) under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs. 

For more information about the Amnesty policy please review the Student Code of Conduct.   

All students are provided with a university email account. UT uses the university-supplied email account as an official means of communication with all students. Official communication can include, but is not limited to, information and notices about financial obligations, student conduct, course schedules, canceled courses, and financial aid. Students are responsible for activating, maintaining, and checking their university-supplied account and for all official university communication sent to that account. For more information about student email accounts and responsibilities, and to set up your UT email account, visit oit.utk.edu/email/.

When, in the judgment of the university’s Chancellor, conditions are such that it is impractical for the Student Conduct Board to function, the Vice Chancellor for Student Life may suspend these procedural regulations and appoint an ad hoc committee to hear a conduct matter. Any such ad hoc committee shall follow procedures that will ensure that the Respondent is provided with due process. Additional information is outlined in Section XIII of the Student Code of Conduct. 

Because free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of the goals of a university, UT encourages students to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in an independent search for truth. The institution supports the rights of students and other members of the UT community to express freely their views for or against actions and opinions with which they agree or disagree.  

UT also recognizes a concurrent obligation to develop policies and procedures which safeguard this freedom of expression but which, at the same time, will maintain an atmosphere on the campus conducive to academic work, will preserve the dignity and seriousness of university ceremonies and public exercises, and will respect the private rights of all individuals. The right of peaceable assembly is a guaranteed constitutional right and one which this institution does not intend to abrogate. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report violations of policies associated with freedom of assembly and/or expression to Student Conduct and Community Standards or the Office of the Dean of Students. 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 the opinions of the participants.  

All use of campus space is subject to the Policy on Indoor Facility Usage for Authorized Events and the Policy on Outdoor Facility Usage for Authorized Events.  

No reservation is required under the Policy on Outdoor Facility Usage for Authorized Events for spontaneous outdoor assemblies or outdoor distribution of literature in the generally accessible, open, outdoor areas of the campus, provided such activities:   

1. Are conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner 
2. In no way obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic  
3. Do not interfere with classes, scheduled meetings, events, and ceremonies or with other essential processes of the university  

Planned events and meetings are overseen by the Office of Campus Event Services, which manages the reservation process for campus space pursuant to the Policy on Indoor Facility Usage for Authorized Events and the Policy on Outdoor Facility Usage for Authorized Events.   

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

1. Within university buildings, and must occur in an assigned meeting room. 
2. Within university stadia. 
3. Adjacent to residential or academic facilities of the campus. 

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

Violations of the above university policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action. 

UT is committed to maintaining a safe environment grounded in civility and respect for all members of the campus community. The Office of the Dean of Students, in conjunction with other offices on campus, assists students and student groups in resolving incidents. Learn more on the Dean of Students website.  

Definitions

Bias-related incident: Any act of bigotry, harassment, intimidation, coercion, or damage to property by known or unknown perpetrators that occurs on campus or within an area that impacts the UT community and which an individual can reasonably conclude is directed at a member or a group of the UT community due to that individual’s or group’s actual or perceived age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any combination of these or related factors.

Some examples of bias-related incidents include, but are not limited to:

• Defacement and vandalism 
• Coercion or intimidation 
• Racial epithets written on someone’s dry-erase board 
• Racially themed parties 
• Bigotry 
• Using a racial, ethnic, or other slur in a joke to refer to or identify someone 
• Threats, destruction of personal property, harassment, or threatening telephone calls or electronic mail 
• Ridiculing a person’s language or accent 
• Insulting a person’s traditional; manner of dress 
• Stalking 
• Hate messages and symbols 
• Language and imagery objectifying women 
• Verbal, physical, or online harassment (e.g. text, social media) 
• Damage to property via written slur, graffiti, or hate symbol

For more information about the bias protocol and procedures, go to dos.utk.edu.

UT remains open except in the most severe weather conditions. Decisions about campus operations are made based on conditions on campus and major transportation routes. It is anticipated that the campus community shall also monitor local conditions to assess the travel risk. When a decision to close or delay is made, information is distributed to the campus community via UT Alert, shared with local media, and posted on the university website. For more information, see the full policy. 

The following policy applies to literature distribution by UT students inside and outside campus buildings. 

The distribution of leaflets and handbills and the circulation of petitions on campus shall be free and unhindered. Any material to be distributed should be in accordance with the applicable local, state, and federal laws. 

Special racks and bulletin boards are provided at numerous places on the campus and may be used by members of the university community. Litter produced by an individual or group as a result of distributing information is the responsibility of the individual or group. Continued littering will result in appropriate student conduct action. Traffic and specialized usage of certain facilities dictate the following specialized guidelines: 

Hand Billing: Students, faculty, and/or staff wishing to distribute literature in the outdoor areas of campus are able to do so freely, subject to time, place, and manner restrictions. Individual buildings on campus may have policies restricting the distribution of literature in interior spaces. Places such as Pedestrian Walkway is an area where students, faculty, and/or staff are able to distribute literature freely (e.g., to pass out literature, a university-affiliated group is not required to submit an Event/Solicitation Form). An event request on 25Live must be submitted if the person or group is distributing materials (other than literature) or selling materials.

In the classroom: Generally not permitted; special requests should be presented to the professor using the classroom.

In academic buildings: Requests should be presented to the academic officer in charge of the facility.

In RecSports facilities: Requests should be presented to the Administrative Office (main level) in the TRECS facility for approval by the RecSports Marketing Coordinator. Requests for the TRECS, Student Aquatic Center, Intramural Field, HPER Building, and surrounding grounds must be submitted to this location for approval.

In residence halls: Distribution is limited to the main bulletin board. Distribution may not take place in the living areas of the residence hall unless the material is posted or distributed by a hall staff member. Postal boxes may not be used unless the material is considered US mail. For special pamphlet and leaflet distribution in lobby areas, approval of the Hall Director may be required.

In the Student Union: Posting of any item on painted surfaces, doors, or windows is prohibited. Items posted in violation of this policy will be removed, and the individual posting them will be assessed any costs of removal or repair of damage. For more information, visit the Student Union website.

In campus outdoor areas: Posting of information is allowed only on general bulletin boards. Posting of any item on painted surfaces, doors, or windows is prohibited. Items posted in violation of this policy will be removed, and the individual posting them will be assessed any costs of removal or repair of damage.

While the responsibility for class attendance and achievement rests with the student, it is recognized that there are occasions in which the student is unable, because of health reasons, to attend scheduled classes. The policy of the Student Health Center is not to provide medical excuses. Explanations of absence and satisfactory arrangements for academic makeup can be accomplished through communication between the student and the professor. 

(EEO/AA Statement/Non-Discrimination Statement)

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission 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. 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 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. Allegations of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 2450 E J Chapman Drive 216 Business Incubator Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-0717. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility. 

For additional information, visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility website or Office of Investigation and Resolution.

The use of university property by non-affiliated persons for activities is governed by the Rules of the University of Tennessee, Chapter 1720-01-12. A student organization may invite a non-affiliated person to participate in the student organization’s free expression activities, subject to the terms of the invitation and subject to time, place, and manner restrictions; this activity is the responsibility of the student organization, and representatives of the organization must be present at all times. 

In accordance with state law, UT notifies the parent or legal guardian of any student under the age of 21 who is found to be in violation of federal, state, or local law or UT policy related to the use, possession, or distribution of drugs and/or alcohol. For additional information, visit the parent notification section of the Student Conduct and Community Standards website. 

Students at UT can request the use of a preferred first name. A preferred first name is a name that you wish to be known by or identified by on campus. No legal documentation needs to be provided to select a preferred first name. 

Preferred names are limited to alphabetical characters, apostrophes, periods, and hyphens. UT reserves the right to deny a preferred first name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language or is being used for misrepresentation.

Once the preferred first name has been established, the student is responsible for confirming with their instructors the existence and use of the preferred first name on respective class rosters. 

Official, external communications such as financial aid reporting, official transcripts, billing, and similar documents will continue to display an individual’s legal name. The name on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must match the legal name in the student information system in order for aid to be processed. 

The link to change preferred first names will be on the One Stop website and on the front page of MyUTK. 

Such requests, including a summons to any Student Conduct hearing, must be promptly carried out. When the request to report at a specific date conflicts with a student’s class schedule, notification of class absence for such person will be issued by the Dean of Students or their designee. 

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) at UT is committed to providing the safest, most healthful, and environmentally responsible learning and work environment in higher education. EHS serves the entire UT community through a range of program areas, including Fire and Life Safety, Chemical and Laboratory Safety, Biological Safety, Radiation Safety, Research Safety Compliance, Industrial Worker Safety, Environmental Programs, and Occupational Health & Campus Risk Management. The department also supports Program Effectiveness, Accessibility, Culture & Engagement to foster a strong safety culture across campus. 

Students, faculty, and staff may interact with any of these programs during their time at UT. Safety concerns, health issues, and near-misses should be reported to EHS. Reports can be submitted by phone at 865-974-5084, by email at [email protected], or in writing to Environmental Health & Safety, 5723 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 119, Knoxville, TN 37921, anonymously. Concerns and near-misses may also be reported through the General Liability Incident Report (select “unsafe condition” or “near-miss”) available through the UT System Office of Risk Management. 

Reporting to the Office of Risk Management

• General Liability incidents involve students or visitors and should be documented using the General Liability Incident Report form. Any incident involving personal property damage or injury, including those possibly related to university negligence, should be reported within 24 hours of the incident. 
• On-the-Job Injuries (for student employees) must be reported directly to the university’s workers’ compensation administrator, CorVel, within 24 hours. Do not use the General Liability form for these incidents. 

For more information about the Office of Risk Management, visit their website, email [email protected], or call 865-974-5409.

Accessing Student Health Center (SHC) Services

• Eligible non-employee students who experience a non-emergency injury or incident resulting from work in an academic research context (research lab, instructional lab, maker space, etc.) may receive outpatient care from the Student Health Center (SHC) by appointment only. If you have non-emergent injury or incident, call the Student Health Triage line 865-974-5080 and leave a message indicating that you are a student injured in a campus lab and details of the injury. Please make sure that your phone is set up for voicemail, and that it is not full, so you don’t miss an important call with instructions on what to do. 
• Please note that emergency care is not provided by SHC. Dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if immediate medical attention is needed. 

For more information about the Student Health Center, visit studenthealth.utk.edu or call 865-974-3135.

To learn more about EHS programs, campus safety policies, procedures, and reporting, visit ehs.utk.edu or contact the department directly.

UT has adopted a policy that prohibits sexual harassment (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking), sexual exploitation, and retaliation. The policy applies to students, faculty, and staff. The policy applies to students, faculty, and staff. The policy (link to updated policy) and related processes are available, along with additional information on resources, supports, reporting options, and related issues, found on the Office of Title IX website.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is committed to the safety and security of the campus community. As required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the university releases an annual report addressing a wide range of safety information and security procedures. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports for the past three years are available on the university’s Clery webpage.

These reports contain information on crime reporting, crime prevention, and awareness programming, fire safety, a university police overview, emergency response, disciplinary procedures, and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. The report also contains statistics for reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the university, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

If you would like a copy of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, you may download the document from the Clery website, request a hard copy from the UT Police Department at 1101 Cumberland Avenue, or have a hard copy mailed to you by emailing [email protected].

UT is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited in and on all university property, which includes all outdoor spaces. This prohibition includes smoking in private vehicles when parked or operated on university property. Any university student who is found to have violated the university’s policy on smoking may be subject to discipline in accordance with campus procedures. For more information, please reference the full policy. 

A university social activity is defined as any social function planned and/or attended by students. The best guide for planning social activities is common sense and mature judgment. Student organizations sponsoring a social function are responsible for the conduct of members as well as nonmembers. Student organization officers are encouraged to call upon advisors and members of the university staff for assistance in planning and operating their activities. 

Resources for planning campus activities are available on the Center for Student Engagement website. 

Both commercial and noncommercial solicitations are prohibited in nonpublic areas of the university. Solicitations and sales in public areas of the university are restricted to invitees, registered organizations, faculty, staff, and students of UT and are subject to reasonable restrictions as to time, place, and manner. 

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. 

Requests for approval of any form of solicitation must be made online through Campus Event Services. 

When the death of any student occurs, whether on or off campus, the Office of the Dean of Students coordinates UT’s response. The goal is to provide timely, caring assistance to the family, impacted students, and campus community. 

To make necessary notifications to provide support, if you are contacted regarding a student’s passing, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students at 865-974-3179. The Dean of Students will notify appropriate university offices and officials and ensure that appropriate needs are being addressed to the family of the deceased student. 

The Student Programs and Services Fee (SPSF) was created in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ Policy on a Student Programs and Services Fee, adopted on June 19, 2014. The SPSF replaced the former University Programs and Services Fee. 

The purpose of the SPSF is to advance the university’s educational mission by funding non-instructional services, activities, programs, and facilities that promote student satisfaction and retention or promote the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, cultural, or leadership development of students. 

To learn more and to read the SPSF Fee, please visit the SPSF website. 

UT’s policy regarding the use and release of student records is governed by Public Law 93-380, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Tennessee Public Records Act. Under the terms of those laws, UT and its employees are charged with protecting the confidentiality of the educational records of its prospective, current, and former students. See the full policy and additional information on UT’s FERPA website. 

(1) General

(a) Coverage: The provisions of this policy apply to student financial assistance including federal, state, and institutional aid programs such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study, but excluding graduate assistantships, fellowships, and other employment-based stipends covered by Human Resources policies. 

(b) Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures for the termination of student financial assistance in alignment with applicable federal Title IV regulations, state aid rules, NCAA Bylaws, and university policy. 

(2) Definitions

(a) Athletic Grant-in-aid: A contract for financial assistance that has been approved by the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Aid and awarded in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Southeastern Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. 

(b) Financial Aid: Assistance awarded to a student in one (1) of the following categories: federal work-study, including undergraduate and graduate scholarships, loans, and grants. 

(3) Notice

(a) Athletic Grant-in-Aid 

i. Whenever the Athletic Department proposes that a student’s financial assistance be terminated within the contract period, the student shall be notified in writing by the Director of Financial Aid of the proposed termination. The notice shall contain the reasons for termination, the student’s right to a hearing in accordance with the contested case provision of the Administrative Procedures Act or in accordance with the provisions hereinafter provided. 

ii. Whenever athletic financial aid is not to be renewed at the end of the contract period, the student shall be notified of the student’s right to a hearing, in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, before the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Aid. 

(b) Financial Aid. Whenever financial aid is to be modified or terminated, the student shall be notified of the reasons for the proposed modification or termination and of the right to appeal by contacting the Director of Financial Aid. If the Director of Financial Aid is unable to amicably resolve the student’s appeal, it shall proceed as follows: 

i. If the appeal concerns the interpretation of policy, the student shall be afforded the right of further appeal through the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs to the Chancellor. 

ii. If the appeal concerns a disputed question of fact, the student shall be advised of the right to a hearing before the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Aid or in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

(4) Request for a Hearing

The request for a hearing together with his/her election of an Administrative Procedures hearing or one under this policy shall be made in writing to the Director of Financial Aid within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the notice of proposed termination.

(a) If the student elects a hearing under the provision of the Administrative Procedures Act, the Director of Financial Aid shall forward the file to the Provost for the appointment of a hearing officer.

(b) If the student elects a hearing under this policy statement, the Director of Financial Aid shall immediately forward the request for a hearing together with a copy of the complete file to the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Aid.

(5) Hearing Committee

At the beginning of each semester, the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Aid shall appoint a hearing subcommittee of not less than three (3) persons who shall be charged with the responsibility of hearing all appeals during that semester.

(6) Responsibility of the Hearing Committee

It shall be the responsibility of the hearing committee to: 

(a) Conduct a hearing within ten (10) business days of the student’s request for said hearing. When the University is not in session, the hearing shall be held as soon as reasonably possible. 

(b) Make findings of fact and a determination as to the termination of financial aid. 

(c) Notify the student as soon as possible of the committee’s decision. 

(d) Notify the student of the right to appeal, as indicated below. 

(7) Hearing Procedures

Students who are entitled to a hearing as above provided are entitled to the following procedural rights: 

(a) A written notice of the alleged grounds for termination of financial assistance. 

(b) To reasonable notice of the time and place of the requested hearing. 

(c) The assistance of a representative of the student’s choice. If the student requesting a hearing desires to be represented by an attorney, the University must be notified by the student at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled hearing. 

(d) To present the testimony of witnesses and other evidence. 

(e) To confront and cross-examine all adverse witnesses. 

(8) Appeal

(a) Hearing Committee Decision. The student may appeal the decision of the hearing committee in accordance with Article V, Section 7 of the University By-Laws. An appeal must be submitted in writing to the Chancellor within five (5) business days. 

(b) Administrative Procedures Act. The decision of the Chancellor is final in all cases heard under the contested case provision of the Administrative Procedures Act. Further appeal shall be in accordance with the provisions of that Act.

(1) General

(a) The provisions of this policy statement apply to all student employees except those on federal work-study (see policy statement on termination of financial assistance). 

(b) The purpose of this statement is to provide procedures for the termination of student employees. 

(2) Definitions

(a) Student Employee. An employee who is classified as a “student employee” by the payroll section of the Office of the Treasurer, University of Tennessee. 

(b) Contract Employee. A student employee who has a written contract with the University providing employment for a specified period of time. 

(c) Non-Contract Employee. A student not employed for a specified period of time, whose employment is terminable at the will of the University irrespective of the quality of the performance of the student. 

(d) Gross Misconduct. Theft or dishonesty, gross insubordination, destruction of University property, falsification of records, acts of moral turpitude, reporting to duty under the influence of intoxicants, using or selling illicit drugs on University premises, disorderly conduct, provoking a fight, and such other similar acts involving intolerable behavior by the employee. 

(e) Grounds for Termination of Contract Employees. A contract employee may be terminated during the term of employment for gross misconduct or inadequate job performance.

(3) Non-Contract Employee

(a) Notice. Whenever, in the opinion of the supervisor, a non-contract employee should be terminated, the employee shall be notified in writing setting forth the date of termination. If the reason for termination involves gross misconduct, the supervisor will, prior to termination, consult with the Vice Chancellor having administrative responsibility for the employee. 

(b) Request for a Hearing: A non-contract employee may appeal termination through the appropriate Dean/Director and Vice Chancellor to the Chancellor. No right to a hearing accompanies this right of appeal. 

(4) Contract Employee

(a) Notice: Whenever a supervisor is of the opinion that a contract employee should be terminated, the supervisor shall notify the appropriate Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor shall notify the employee in writing of the reasons for immediate termination or suspension, as appropriate, and of the right to request a hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act (T.C.A. § 4-5-301, et seq.) or as hereinafter provided. 

(b) Request for a Hearing: The request of a contract employee for a hearing together with the election of an Administrative Procedures Act hearing or one under this policy statement shall be forwarded in writing within five (5) business days of the notice of termination to the Vice Chancellor having administrative responsibility for the employee. 

If the employee elects a hearing under the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, the Vice Chancellor shall forward the file to the Chancellor for the appointment of a hearing officer. 

If the employee elects a hearing under this policy statement, the Vice Chancellor shall immediately thereafter establish a three-member hearing committee. 

Responsibility of the Hearing Committee (Contract Employees)

It shall be the responsibility of the hearing committee to: 

(a) Conduct a hearing within ten (10) business days of the employee’s request for said hearing; 

(b) Make findings of fact and recommendations to the appropriate Vice Chancellor; 

(c) Notify the employee within five (5) business days after the hearing of the committee’s findings and recommendations; and 

(d) Prepare and forward as soon as it is practicable a written report of the hearing to the appropriate Vice Chancellor. 

Hearing Procedures

Employees who are entitled to a hearing as provided above are entitled to the following procedural rights: 

(a) A written account of the alleged misconduct or grounds for inadequate work performance; 

(b) Reasonable notice of the time and place of the requested hearing; 

(c) The assistance of a representative of the employee’s choice; if the employee requesting a hearing desires to be represented by an attorney, the appropriate Vice Chancellor must be notified by the employee at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled hearing; 

(d) To present all pertinent evidence including witnesses; and 

(e) To confront and cross-examine all adverse witnesses. 

Decision and Appeal

(a) Hearing Committee. The appropriate Vice Chancellor shall within five (5) business days after receipt of findings and recommendations of the hearing committee notify the employee in writing of the decision and of the employee’s right to appeal as provided by Article 5, Section 7 of the University By-Laws. An employee’s appeal must be submitted in writing to the Chancellor within ten (10) business days after receipt of the decision. 

(b) Administrative Procedures Act. The decision of the Chancellor is final in all cases heard under the contested case provision of the Administrative Procedures Act. Further appeal shall be in accordance with the provisions of that Act. 

Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 57-3-412) prohibits any resident, owner, or occupant of property (the social host) from allowing an underage adult to consume alcohol on such property. The legislation defines “underage adults” as those individuals who are at least 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age. A resident may face criminal prosecution and university sanction if an underage adult consumes alcohol on his or her property which includes, but is not limited to, a residence hall room or apartment, fraternity- or sorority-affiliated housing, an off-campus house or apartment, or any other property owned or occupied by the individual. 

UT, with the assistance and advice of students, employees and other members of the UT community, has developed procedures for handling a variety of situations involving student rights and privileges. Examples of these procedures, including opportunities for a hearing, are included in the student handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. UT believes that these procedures well serve the interests of students in obtaining full and fair hearings with minimum expense, complexity, and inconvenience. 

An alternative to these procedures, however, is the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act,” (Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-5-101). This Act provides that any party whose legal rights, duties or privileges are required by any statute or constitutional provision to be determined after an opportunity for a hearing, shall be afforded an opportunity for such a hearing in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Whenever a student entitled to a hearing under the Act requests a hearing, that hearing will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the “contested cases” section of the Act. If a student elects to invoke the hearing procedures of the Act, the student has no right to have the same matter heard through UT’s procedures. 

A student entitled to a hearing under the Act may waive the right to proceed under the Act and elect to proceed under UT’s procedures. Appropriate waiver forms are available to students desiring to proceed under UT’s procedures. Contact Student Conduct and Community Standards. 

Certain rules on the use of UT property, such as a rule on the use of UT property for free expression activities, have been promulgated by UT in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (TUAPA). For more information, see the complete rules on the Tennessee Secretary of State website. The rules promulgated under the TUAPA supersede any conflicting provisions in this website. 

Each student at the university is required to obtain and carry at all times an official UT identification credential. This credential is used in nearly all aspects of campus life to obtain services including access to UT housing and meals, attending sporting events, checking out library books, admission to events sponsored by the university or student organizations and more. The credential is non-transferable and may not be duplicated. Students are responsible for the safekeeping of this credential and must immediately report it lost or stolen if it is not in their possession. It must be shown when requested by any UT official. Learn more at the VolCard Office website. 

When a student is unable to effectively pursue academic work or when a student’s behavior is disruptive to the normal educational processes of UT or constitutes a threat to members of the UT community due to alcoholism, drug addiction, mental instability or other physical or psychologically incapacitating illness or condition, the student may be withdrawn or temporarily suspended from UT as hereinafter provided. 

Withdrawal

A student may be withdrawn from the university only after an evaluation of the student’s mental and physical condition by a panel of at least three persons appointed by the vice chancellor for student life. The student shall be notified of the reasons for the evaluation and given an opportunity to present evidence to the committee. The committee’s findings and recommendations shall be forwarded to the vice chancellor, who will notify the student in writing of the decision. A student withdrawn under this procedure shall not be readmitted to the university without the approval of the vice chancellor. When a student is withdrawn from the university, the student may be assigned a grade of W or I whichever is deemed appropriate by the faculty member involved. 

Temporary Suspension

Whenever a student, because of the student’s mental or physical condition, constitutes a danger to persons or property, or when a student’s behavior is disruptive to the normal educational processes of UT, the student may be suspended from UT, for a reasonable period of time, by the vice chancellor for student life or the dean of students. If the university does not withdraw the student in accordance with the procedures outlined above, the student may return to the university at the end of the suspension period. When a student is temporarily suspended from the university, the student may be assigned a grade of W or I, whichever is deemed appropriate by the faculty member involved.