Student Accountability, Policies and Resources
Students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ University have the opportunity to encounter God, experience community and engage culture. Each of these opportunities has corresponding benefits and responsibilities. The aim of student accountability and the judicial process is to assist students in their discovery of what it means to live in Christian community, to seek justice, to resolve conflict, to appreciate and celebrate culture and to practice leadership at Â鶹ÊÓƵ University.
The philosophy of discipline at Â鶹ÊÓƵ is redemptive and restorative in nature. The intent is to encourage thought and action while promoting greater commitment to Jesus Christ and promoting healthy habits of lifelong learning. This webpage will provide you with the expectations (community responsibility and values), the outcomes of failing to meet the expectations (sanctions and judicial process), and the support provided by the University (seeking to change, appeals, etc.).
Campus Life Handbook
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ University, as a Christian academic institution, we seek to live meaningful lives of service through knowing and loving Christ and our community. In so doing, we celebrate who God is and the ways in which He is working, we lament our sin and failures, and we commit ourselves to stewarding our giftedness and the opportunities afforded to us for the glory of God.
Graduate/Non-Traditional Programs
Adult and graduate students at the Jackson campus are bound by the policies and procedures listed in the current campus life handbook. Students should check with your specific program or department for any additional supplements to this handbook. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ University campus life handbook serves as the main university handbook. All other handbooks (e.g. handbooks specific to a school, college, academic discipline) serve as a handbook supplement to this main handbook. Where there may be conflicting policies, the policies listed in the main Â鶹ÊÓƵ handbook will take precedent.
Title IX Resources
Â鶹ÊÓƵ University values the intrinsic worth of every individual, and we are committed to providing our faculty, staff, and students with a safe learning and working environment. Our respect for other individuals includes an appreciation of cultural backgrounds different from our own, an understanding of different attitudes and opinions, and an awareness of the consequences of our actions on the broader community.
Complaint/Grievance Procedure Guidelines
Complaint/Grievance Procedure Guidelines for Students
| Type of Student Complaint | Document and Due Process Information | Complaint Submission Form | Person(s) Responsible for the Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic | Campus Life Handbook; (Academic Support: Academic Grievance Procedures) | First Point of Contact: Academic Chair or Program Director | |
| Non-Academic | Campus Life Handbook | VP for Student Life | |
| Personal/ | Campus Life Handbook | Dean of Student Life | |
| Employment | (requires login) | Director of the Vocatio Center | |
| Title IX | Campus Life Handbook; Title IX at Â鶹ÊÓƵ | Title IX Coordinator, VP for Student Life, Assoc. VP for Human Resources |
Forms
Values Violations
The Judicial Process
The purpose of the Values Violation Process is to give fundamental fairness and consistency to a student who has possibly violated a Â鶹ÊÓƵ University Value. A student who has been charged with a values violation and thus alleged to be involved in an inappropriate behavior will be granted these rights in the judicial process.
- Any student, faculty, staff, parent, or guest may present an oral or written report (incident report form) of the facts as they know them regarding the alleged violation.
- This report is referred to the Vice President for Student Life, Director of Residence Life/Dean of Student Life, Residence Director, or Program Chair. If there is substantial evidence to support the alleged violation, he/she will arrange a meeting with the student. In the case of allegations of academic dishonesty or grade appeals, the faculty member, chair and/or Dean of the school will arrange a meeting with the student. Please refer to the Academic Grievance Policy for the process regarding any academic violation allegations or grade appeals. (See the “Grievance Procedures (Academic)” section of this handbook.)
- The student will receive written or verbal notification from the Vice President for Student Life, Director of Residence Life/Dean of Student Life, Residence Director, or Program Chair that there is an alleged judicial violation and meeting. Failure by the student to appear for a scheduled meeting of which he/she had been officially notified will necessitate a decision be made by the University without the student’s input. A summons to a judicial meeting takes precedence over any University class or activity.
- Subsequent to the meeting, the degree of involvement will be established, and a repercussion will be given.
- The student will receive written notification outlining the findings of the judicial meeting, value(s) violations, and any assigned repercussions. Faculty advisors (and if applicable, coaches and the athletic director) will be copied on all judicial letters.
- Any student has the right to appeal the decision of any disciplinary meeting if the student believes the treatment received was unjust, all the facts in the situation were not taken into consideration or the action taken was too severe for the behavior involved. (See the “Appeals Process” section of this handbook for further details).
- Registration for subsequent terms or the conferral of academic degrees may be withheld and a student who may be in a position of leadership will be asked to temporarily step down from that position until the resolution of allegations of values violations has been resolved.
Students' Rights
- Procedures. The student will be informed verbally or in writing of the judicial process detailed in the Campus Life Handbook.
- Meeting. Depending on the type of violation, the student will be heard by the Dean of Student Life/Director of Residence Life, Residence Director, Vice President for Student Life, faculty member, Chair, Program Director, or Academic Dean. Depending on the nature of the violation, appeals will be considered by the Vice President for Student Life, Program Director, Chair, Academic Dean of the school or college, Faculty/student judicial appeals committee, the adult/graduate appeals committee, or Provost. The procedure for addressing academic violations is found in the Academic Grievance Procedures section of the Campus Life Handbook.
- Evidence. The student will be informed of all the evidence connecting him/her to the alleged values violation.
- Testimony. The student may offer personal testimony or decline to testify against oneself, and request permission to bring personal witnesses to the meeting.
- Counsel. The student may request to bring a personal witness to the meeting in the role of friend, advisor, and counselor.
Judicial Appeal Process
Â鶹ÊÓƵ University offers an appeal process to all students who believe the facts surrounding their judicial/student conduct decision merit an appeal. This Appeal Form must be completed and submitted within ten (10) business days after receiving notice of disciplinary repercussions.
Please note you will need your case number when submitting this request. Your case number can be found on the letter sent to you outlining the findings of your case and any repercussions assigned.
A student may appeal a decision based on one of the following reasons:
- All the facts in the situation were not considered.
- The action taken does not align with the behavior involved.
- The Student did not receive due process as outlined in this Campus Life Handbook.
This Appeal Form must be complete and detailed. Students are not guaranteed an interview with those hearing the appeal. All judgments on an appeal may be made solely on the information written in the appeal. This information must be directly related to one of the three reasons above.
The student will be provided an official written notification detailing the decision to accept or deny the appeal.
Academic grievances or grade appeals should be submitted through the .
Student Complaints should be submitted through the .
Values Violation Sanctions
The type of behavior deemed to violate these values is determined under the sole discretion of the University. This would include behavior deemed inconsistent with our understanding of Christian values. A student engaged in this behavior is subject to one or more of the Values Violation Sanctions listed below. All sanctions are evaluated in light of past disciplinary records. Values violations that occur before or between semesters may also be subject to disciplinary action at the University. (Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”NIV).
- Reprimand — Official warning that continuation or repetition of an inappropriate behavior will result in a more severe sanction. This sanction includes a conversation with the student about the inappropriateness of the behavior as well as how to make wiser choices in the future.
- Community Service — This sanction requires the student to render a designated number of hours as specified service to the University or community.
- Written Assignment — Personal reflection paper as assigned by the judicial officer.
- Personal Accountability — This sanction requires the student to meet with a predetermined faculty or staff member for ongoing accountability.
- Counseling — Requirement to meet with a University approved licensed counselor for assessment.
- Fine — Financial consequence corresponding to the violation.
- Loss of Privilege — This sanction prohibits the student from participation in specific University activities. (Restriction from social activities, shortened curfew, etc.).
- Parental Notification — A call and/or letter to the student’s parent(s) or guardian regarding the violation.
- Restitution — Requirement to reimburse or otherwise compensate another for damage or loss of property resulting from a student’s misconduct or a fine set in relation to the offense.
- Residence Life Probation — Formal written warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of University policies. The continued status of the student as a resident student depends on the maintenance of satisfactory citizenship during the period of probation. Any student who is on Residence Life probation will remain on probation for one full semester clear of any violation of Community Values and Expectations. Students on probationary status may not hold student leadership or officer positions, for example: SGA, SAC, Life Group Leaders, Focus Leaders, Resident Advisors, Resident Staff Advisors, Fraternity/Sorority officers, and any other leadership position on campus. Contingent upon the violation, intramural participation may be restricted.
- University Probation — Formal written warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of University policies and his/her status as a student is in jeopardy placing them out of good standing with the University. The continued enrollment of the student depends on the maintenance of satisfactory citizenship during the period of probation. Students on probationary status may not hold student leadership or officer positions, for example: University Athletics, SGA, SAC, Life Group Leaders, Focus Leaders, Resident Advisors, Resident Staff Advisors, Fraternity/Sorority officers, and any other leadership positions on campus. Students on probationary status may not participate in intramurals until they have been removed from probationary status.
- Institutional Scholarships Probation — Formal written warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of University policies and his/her University funds (scholarships) are in jeopardy of being removed for not less than one semester. Continued benefit from University funds (scholarships) depends on the maintenance of satisfactory citizenship during the period of Institutional Scholarships Probation.
- Institutional Scholarships Suspension — Termination or reduction of institutional or athletic scholarships and aid for not less than one semester, including institutional aid given in the current semester. (For additional information about athletic scholarships, please refer to the student athletic handbook.)
- Residence Life Suspension — Exclusion from living in or visiting University residence complexes for a stated period of time during which the student’s presence in any Â鶹ÊÓƵ residence complex is prohibited without prior permission from the Assistant Dean of Students. No residence life refund will be given.
- Immediate Suspension — In the event a student’s actions on- or off-campus show that the student’s continued presence constitutes a danger to property, others or themselves, the student may be placed on immediate suspension until a campus hearing can be arranged. A student on interim suspension will be restricted from the campus or from a particular program, activity or building.
- University Suspension — Termination of student status at the University for not less than the remainder of the semester during which time the student’s presence on Â鶹ÊÓƵ University campus is prohibited without permission of the Assistant Dean of Students. Tuition and residence life charges may be refunded on a pro-rated basis, according to the University Catalogue. Students who reapply and are allowed to return to Â鶹ÊÓƵ following a University suspension will enter on probationary status and may be ineligible for University funds for not less than one semester.
- Expulsion — Termination of student status at the University permanently for an indefinite period of time. No residence life refund will be given.
Anti-Hazing Guide
Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person, which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties or sleep deprivation, which may demean, degrade, or disgrace any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action or situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student seeking admission or affiliation with any student organization.
Hazing is against the Â鶹ÊÓƵ University Values Statement which upholds the worth of each individual student. Personal abuse is defined by the university as "any behavior that results in harassment, coercion, threat, disrespect and/or intimidation of another person. This action may include action or statements that cause damage or threaten the personal and/or psychological well-being of a person. Inappropriate narrative on a personal blog (e.g. Myspace, Facebook) may be considered personal abuse.
Hazing Myths
Hazing is only a problem for fraternities or sororities
Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or organizations.
Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others- it is victimization. Hazing is premeditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening.
As long as there’s no malicious intent, a little hazing should be O.K.
Fact: Even if there’s no malicious “intent” safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be “all in good fun.” For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group team members?
Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
Fact: First of all, respect must be EARNED- not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.
If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can’t be considered hazing.
Fact: In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim can’t be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action it may be not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.
It’s difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing-it’s such a gray area sometimes.
Fact: It’s not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions:
- Does this activity add to the worth and growth of the individual?
- Would you be willing to invite your chapter advisor or coach to the activity?
- Would you be willing to invite a university faculty member or administrator to this activity?
- Would you be prepared to go to court to defend the merit of this activity?
- Would you participate equally in the activity?
- Can this activity be written into your new member manual and shared with other chapters, leadership consultants, and university administrators?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, the activity could be considered hazing, and you should reconsider it.
Did you know?
Under Tennessee state law, those charged with hazing are automatically charged with assault. Organizations caught hazing are at risk of permanent expulsion from Â鶹ÊÓƵ University.
If you think hazing is fun, think again. Hazing is against state law. Hazing is against Â鶹ÊÓƵ values. Hazing is inconsistent with Biblical guidelines. Hazing damages self-respect, self-esteem, and integrity. It hinders scholastic achievement, creates embarrassing situations, causes emotional strain, and poses a risk of bodily injury or death.
For More Information
For more information on hazing, possible penalties for hazing, and alternatives to hazing, please contact:
- Bryan Carrier, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
731.661.5090
bcarrier@uu.edu - Joe Ball, M.Div.
Executive Director, Student Discipleship and Engagement
731.661.5094
jball@uu.edu
Â鶹ÊÓƵ University Complaint Policies for Certain Distance Education Students Enrolled Through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements ("SARA")
The below policies apply to students who are:
- non-Tennessee residents in and who are enrolled in a distance education program/course or
- attending an out-of-state learning placement in a other than Tennessee
The nature of complaints to be addressed through these policies include violations of SARA policies and dishonest or fraudulent activity. These policies do not apply to complaints concerning student grades or student conduct violations. For more information on complaint subject matter see Sections 4.2 and 4.3.
Institution Complaint Policies
See Â鶹ÊÓƵ University’s Student Life Handbook, pages 22-26.
Additional Complaint Policies
Tennessee Higher Education Commission (“THEC”)
- Students (as described above) must complete the institution complaint process before appealing to THEC.
- Students who are not satisfied with the institution’s resolution of their complaint may appeal the institution decision to THEC using the . Additional information on the THEC complaint process is available at . Students may also contact THEC.RCD@tn.gov with questions.
- The appeal to THEC must be filed within two (2) years of the incident about which the complaint is made.
- Out-of-state student may also contact their home state higher education authority; although student may be referred to THEC. See for a listing of SARA states and contacts.
- Students residing in non-SARA states, currently California only, should consult their respective state of residence for further instructions for filing a complaint.
Responding to Disturbing or Excessively Violent Student Writing Policy
Â鶹ÊÓƵ University provides a creative writing environment in which students should feel free to express themselves and grow in the discipline of writing. Students should not feel an undue layer of restraint on their writing.
However, when a faculty encounters writing that raises uneasiness about the writer’s mental state and/or creates a potentially hostile classroom environment, the professor should use common sense about addressing the issue. Baseline concerns would include, but are not limited to, outright threats to self or others, or writing that reflects a deep desperation.
Other screening questions include but are not limited to:
- Is the work excessively violent?
- Does the violence seem more expressive of rage and anger than it does a literary, aesthetic, or thematic purpose?
- Is a character in the creative work aware of or disturbed by what has taken place? (e.g., is there unmediated venting or rage or anger, or is there literary sensibility that makes judgments on the characters’ thoughts and action?)
- Is this the first piece of violent writing from the student? Is the nature of disturbing violence a constant or growing theme?
- Are the violent actions in the work so disturbing or so extreme as to suggest they go beyond any possible sense of purpose in relation to the larger narrative?
- Does the writing direct violence towards a particular race, ethnicity, or gender?
Screening questions for violence towards self include, but are not limited to:
- Are there themes of hopelessness, despair, and isolation?
- Is there an excessive sense of worthlessness, self-blame, or “badness?”
- If the student mentions self -harm, is there a specific plan? Is it realistic?
- Is there a known or self -disclosed student history of suicide, depression, violence, or impulsivity?
- Is there a fascination with death or weapons?
Example – Action Steps During Phase I, department level interaction:
- A copy of the paper should be made for the department record.
- Whenever possible, the professor should talk with the student informally one-on-one to discuss the writing. The professor should listen carefully and ask specific questions about the inspiration for the piece, the motivation of characters, and the influence of other authors.
- The professor should make careful notes of the informal meeting. If questions and concerns are not resolved after the meeting, the professor should consult with the chair of the English Department and/or the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. (Notes should include the date and time of the meeting, discussion notes, and action steps.) Subsequent action steps could include evaluation of the next paper in consultation with the chair or dean, discussion about the conversation with the chair or dean, and/or consultation with the counseling office or Office of the Vice President for Student Life.
- If the professor feels personally threatened, the professor should never meet alone with the student but should involve the chair or academic dean. The Chair of the English Department or Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will be available to conduct the meeting or sit in on the meeting with the student.
- During the meeting, the professor should call 911, the 24/7 Security Cell phone, 731-394-2922, the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, 731-661-5090 or Counseling Services 731-661-5322 if they feel there is an immediate threat to self or others. If referring the student to counseling, the professor should make a note of the reference and follow up with the student at a specific subsequent date.
- The Director of Counseling Services will require the student to sign an attendance release form allowing the Director of Counseling to confirm to the professor that the evaluation took place.
- The professor should contact the Director of Counseling and give her information regarding the nature of the issue and information about the upcoming meeting.
- The professor should make a note on his or her calendar to follow up with the Director of Counseling Services within one week of the referral (sooner, if needed) to ensure the meeting between the student and the Director of Counseling Services took place. Any further recommendations regarding the student will be given by the Director of Counseling Services to the student and the Vice President for Student Life if warranted.
- No detailed information may be given from the Director of Counseling to the professor without a full release from the student. However, the professor is free to inform the Director of Counseling of all concerns prior to the counseling evaluation. If a student does not follow up and undergo a counseling evaluation, the student can be required by the Vice President for Student Life to go to the counseling evaluation (See Campus Life Handbook, Emotional Stability of Students) based on the recommendation of the professor and department chair.
Example – Action Steps During Phase II, university-wide interaction:
- If conversations between the professor, chair and/or Dean of Arts and Sciences and the student do not result in confidence that the student is not at risk to self or others, a call by the professor, chair, or dean must be placed to the Vice President for Student Life.
- The professor must provide evidence of disturbing writing and dates and/or notes on which conversations occurred that resulted in further concern about the student.
- The Vice President for Student Life may also require an evaluation of the student by a licensed counselor and recommendation from the counselor that the student may remain a part of our community and is not at risk to self or others. (See Campus Life Handbook, Emotional Stability of Students)
- If a professor feels threatened and is uneasy about a student’s readmission to his or her classroom, the professor should submit in writing a request to the dean. The academic dean would convene an evaluation committee (that may include but is not limited to the Director of Counseling, Office of the Provost, and Vice President for Student Life) and recommend next steps.
For issues of inappropriate student behavior, please refer to the Campus Life Handbook (e.g., Personal Abuse, Insubordination, and Emotional Stability of Students).
The following is a resource from Utah Valley University’s Disturbing Writing: Guidelines for Faculty.