Office of Student Conduct - Student Rights

Within the limits of its facilities and resources, The University of Tennessee at Martin is open to all students who are qualified by its admission standards.

Students may participate in the orderly process of formulating and changing policies, regulations, and procedures that affect their welfare. It is expected that such participation will occur through appropriate student government agencies and University committees.

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

A student alleging unfair methods or bases of evaluation should appeal first to the teacher, then if desired to the department head, the dean of the school, and the academic vice chancellor.

Alternatively, the matter may be reported to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for consultation.

Students have the right to a fair hearing and an opportunity for appeal when charged with violations of the standards of conduct that have been established for University students.

Entry by University authorities into occupied rooms in residence halls or University apartments will be divided into two categories: inspection and search. Inspection is defined as entry into a room to ascertain health and safety conditions, to make repairs, or to perform cleaning and janitorial operations. Search is defined as entry into a room by campus authorities for the purpose of investigating suspected violation of campus regulations and/or local, state, or federal laws.

On-campus authorities will not enter a room for purposes of search without the permission of the resident unless they have a campus authorization to search, authorized by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or his designee which specifies the reasons for the search and the objects or information sought or unless they enter in compliance with state law. If possible, the student should be present during the search. Normally these searches will not be made unless the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or his designee is present.

In case the search reveals objects the possession of which violates a law or a University regulation, the University may take appropriate disciplinary action even though the objects were not listed on the search authorization.

No form of intimidation will be used by University authorities to coerce admissions of guilt.

Students have the right to gather in groups to express their views and opinions, so long as such a gathering is held in an orderly manner; does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, classes, meetings, events, ceremonies, or other educational processes of the university; and is not held in university buildings other than an area approved by the Division of Student Affairs or in residential areas of the campus. No amplification devices are permitted during class hours except by special permission from the Division of Student Affairs.

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

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

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

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

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