XIII. Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct provides a framework designed to support the Maryville College Covenant by encouraging each person in the community to:

  • Focus first on academics.
  • Respect the rights of others, be they property, privacy, opinion or expression.
  • Act with integrity in all interactions – academic, personal and beyond.

Within this context each student assumes the responsibility to:

  • Abide by College, local, state, and federal laws and regulations
  • Assist in creating and maintaining a learning atmosphere that affirms the rights, dignity and worth of all persons
  • Conduct themselves in a moral and ethical manner regarding academic pursuits, co-curricular activities, social customs, and personal behavior.

The following Code of Conduct is of prime importance in building a campus community characterized by trust, respect and security. Violations may subject the student to conduct sanctions (see “Conduct Sanctions” in this chapter) and/or separation from the College. Situations may arise not specifically covered by College regulations, but which adversely affect the welfare of the College community. In these instances the Vice President and Dean of Students or his/her designee will evaluate the situation and take appropriate action.

Off-campus student behavior that adversely affects the College community may also lead to disciplinary action. Students in violation of local, state, or federal laws may also be subject to disciplinary action by the College.

I. ALCOHOL POLICY

The use of alcohol on the Maryville College campus is seen as a privilege that is earned both through age and a demonstration of appropriate behavior. The consumption of alcohol is permitted only in limited situations as described below. The College is committed to combating underage drinking through strong policy enforcement and our alcohol education program. Although we understand alcohol will be a part of college life, we reject the notion that alcohol should be a major part of the college experience.

In accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, Maryville College prohibits the purchase, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor) by or for persons under twenty-one (21) years of age. Further, the Federal Government requires that as a recipient of Federal monies, Maryville College prohibit the illegal use of controlled substances on the campus. To comply with the terms of this federal certification as well as statutory law, students are hereby notified of the Maryville College policy concerning alcohol.

    1. Maryville College does not permit the use, possession, advertisement, or sale of alcoholic beverages on the campus in its daily operations and routine programming. The use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on College property, including academic and athletic facilities, maintenance and storage areas, athletic fields, College Woods, conference facilities, and campus grounds. Any individual found in violation of this policy will be required to immediately relinquish the alcohol in his/her possession to a College staff member who will dispose of the beverage. Students failing to do so may be subject to immediate suspension.
    2. At certain traditional College events, expressly approved and supervised by the College (Robert Burns Dinner, Wine & Cheese, 100 Days Reception, Alumni Barbecue, Graduation Celebration), persons of legal age (21 years and older) may consume alcoholic beverages. Such events must be approved by the Vice President and Dean of Students and conducted within established guidelines. Further information is available in the Office of Student Affairs.
    3. Maryville College permits the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in residential living units located within Beeson Village, Court St. Apartments, Carnegie, and Lloyd  Hall, in which all residents of that living unit are of legal drinking age (21 years or older). A “living unit” may be a room, suite or apartment to which a student is assigned. Bedrooms within a suite or apartment are not considered separate living units, but part of the larger living unit. Guests who are also of legal drinking age are permitted to possess and consume alcohol in these designated living units.
      1. While consumption of alcohol is permitted under Section C above, no consumption of alcohol may take place when individuals under 21 years of age are present.
      2.  Residents discovered to have students or guests under the legal drinking age (under 21 years of age) consuming alcoholic beverages in their living unit, or present while alcohol is being consumed, will be in violation of this Alcohol Policy and subject to appropriate disciplinary action. All persons present in a living unit where this occurs will be subject to disciplinary action. Residents of the living unit where a violation occurs may be subject to disciplinary action whether or not they are present at the time of the violation.
      3. Alcohol is not permitted in public hallways, lounges, stairwells, basements, lobbies, or any other public areas of the residence halls, except when closed alcohol containers are being transported to living units where alcohol possession and consumption are permitted.
      4. Kegs, pony-kegs and alcohol containers larger than or totaling more than one gallon are not permitted on campus.
      5. Students of legal age who provide underage students with alcohol are subject to state and local law as well as College disciplinary action.
      6. When consuming alcohol, residents and their guests must obey the following guidelines concerning room capacity:
        1. Six-person apartments may have no more than 18 persons at one time, including the residents of the apartment.
        2. Four or three-person suites or apartments may have no more than 12 persons present at one time, including the residents of the suite or apartment.
        3. Single or double rooms may have no more than 6 persons present at one time, including the residents of the room.
    4. In Copeland, Davis, Gamble, Gibson, and Pearsons Halls, possession or consumption of alcohol is not permitted under any circumstances. Alcohol containers of any type, whether full or empty, are also not allowed in Copeland, Davis, Gamble, Pearsons, or Gibson Halls.
    5. Students who choose to drink assume total responsibility for their actions. Consumption of alcohol will not be accepted as an excuse for irresponsible or irrational behavior such as excessive noise, vandalism, violence, physical or verbal abuse, or public drunkenness. Conduct disruptive of any College sponsored activity or athletic event or acts that violate the rights of others, tend to breach the peace, or which are considered indecent or obscene, will be subject to local laws as well as College disciplinary action. Any violation of the alcohol policy or other Community Standards while under the influence of alcohol will result in disciplinary action.
    6. Public intoxication is a violation of this policy.
    7. Any student in need of assistance on campus, as a result of having too much to drink, is encouraged to contact the Staff Member On Duty (SMOD) at 865.981.8002 and assistance will be arranged. Students who voluntarily seek help via this means will not be subject to disciplinary action. The counseling staff will assist students in obtaining appropriate assessment and treatment in a confidential manner.
    8. Alcohol Policy Violations Procedures and Sanctions – Any violation of the College’s alcohol policy will minimally subject the student to the disciplinary procedures and sanctions listed below. In all violations, additional disciplinary actions and/or referral to local law enforcement officials may be imposed depending upon the circumstances surrounding the violation. Any questions regarding the campus alcohol policy should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs at 865.981.8213.

Guardian  Notification

The Maryville College Alcohol policy calls for guardian notification after the second offense or the first offense under certain circumstances. The College may also notify guardians on the first drug offense. The College is allowed to contact parents/guardians concerning drug and alcohol violations, for students under 21 years of age, based on the 1998 Congressional revisions to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Letters are normally sent to the student’s home address and may be followed up with a phone call. The College encourages students to proactively notify their guardian(s) of the violation before notification is received from the College. Any questions concerning parental notification should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs at 865.981.8213.

ANNUAL NOTIFICATION:

MC Annual Notification PDF

 

II. DRUG ABUSE POLICY

The possession, use, distribution, manufacture, or sale of drugs or paraphernalia associated with drug use is strictly prohibited. The term “drugs,” as used here, includes any narcotic drug, central nervous system stimulant, hallucinogenic drug, anabolic steroid, barbiturate, marijuana or cannabis derivative, illegal prescription drug as defined by state law or prescription drug obtained without legal prescription. The term “paraphernalia” refers to implements employed in the use of drugs. Any student who voluntarily seeks help through the Director of Counseling for drug or alcohol abuse will not be subject to College disciplinary action for disclosure of such concerns. The Director of Counseling will assist the student in obtaining appropriate assessment and treatment in a confidential manner. Prescription drugs, taken under the care and by direction of a licensed physician, are permitted. Students taking prescription drugs should inform a staff member of the Office of Student Affairs of any side effects that could affect normal functioning or prohibit the student from participation in College activities.

Procedures and Sanctions

All cases involving violations of the drug policy are ultimately heard by the Vice President and Dean of Students or his/her Student Conduct designee. Any violation of the drug policy will subject the student to the following minimum disciplinary procedures and sanctions and possible prosecution under state law.

    1. The student will be required to immediately relinquish the drug and/or paraphernalia to a College staff member who will turn it over to the conduct officer or a designee.
    2. The first offense may subject the student to suspension from the College and prosecution under the law. If the student admits guilt and has no prior record of violations, the sanction of suspension may be held in abeyance and the student will be subject to additional sanctions determined by the Vice President and Dean of Students or designee. These sanctions may include a Drug Assessment, Drug Testing, and/or guardian notification.

Repeated violations of the drug abuse policy will result in:

    1. Suspension for up to one year if the student opts to enter an approved rehabilitation program. The student may be eligible to apply for readmission only after successful completion of a rehabilitation program approved by the Director of Counseling. The student’s status will stand as “suspension” until the completion of such program.
    2. Suspension for a minimum of one year if the student does not opt to enter an approved rehabilitation program. If during that one year the student chooses to enter and successfully complete an approved program, he/she will be eligible to apply for readmission. If the student does not complete such a program within the period of suspension, the suspension will change to irrevocable dismissal from the College.

Drug Testing

When drug testing is part of a student’s conduct sanctions, the student will be notified on the day of the test. The student will be sent to a local drug testing facility and asked to submit to the screening. The student may be required to pay for the testing. Refusal to submit to the screening and/or release the results to Maryville College will be interpreted as a positive test. Any student who tests positive may be suspended from Maryville College.

Alcohol and Drug Education

The Counseling Center provides a program of alcohol and drug education as a resource to students, staff and faculty. Topics include the disease concept of alcoholism, effects of alcohol and other drugs, drinking and driving, responsible decision making regarding the use of addictive drugs and treatment options. For more information, call 865.981.8035.

Alcohol and Drug Education programs offered by the College are not considered a treatment program, but rather emphasize education, intervention, and support. Anyone concerned about their own use or use by a family member or friend may contact the Director of Counseling or the Office of Student Affairs. Student confidentiality will be strictly observed.

III. DISHONESTY

All forms of dishonesty are a direct violation of the College Covenant and will carry severe sanctions. Violations of this policy could subject the student to separation from the College, but will minimally subject the student to ten (10) hours of community service and disciplinary probation. Dishonesty as defined by the College includes:

    • Cheating
    • Lying
    • Knowingly furnishing false information
    • Forgery
    • Alteration or unauthorized use of College documents or instruments
    • Identification with intent to defraud
    • Violations of the law
    • Alteration of institutional records either written or electronic
    • Unauthorized use of College forms or letterhead

Academic dishonesty is a serious matter and is addressed further in the Catalog.

IV. FALSIFICATION OF COLLEGE RECORDS

Each student is expected to provide truthful information on all College forms or records. Altering, counterfeiting, forging, or causing to be altered, any written or electronic record, form or document used by the College is strictly prohibited and subjects the individual to separation from the College.

V. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE DIRECTIVE OF A COLLEGE OFFICIAL

Failure to comply with the directive of a College official or those appointed or elected to act on behalf of the College is prohibited and may result in separation from the College. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to give identification to College officials, providing false information, failure to comply with conduct sanctions, and failure to comply with an oral or written directive.

VI. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Individual students and organizations are expected to meet financial obligations with local merchants, banks, rental agencies, organizations, the College and individuals in the local community as well as on campus. All financial obligations to the College should be handled promptly. Students who have outstanding balances owed to the College at the time of registration will not be permitted to register for class or campus housing. All recognized student organizations are required to maintain financial accounts in the Business Office.

VII. SOCIAL FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES

Maryville College believes that an inclusive, open community is fundamental to its mission as a residential institution of higher learning committed to the liberal arts tradition. It is for this reason that Maryville College has maintained a long history and tradition of not including fraternities and sororities in its campus life.

During the spring semester of 2001, students, faculty and staff participated in a series of forums discussing the appropriateness of fraternities and sororities at Maryville College. The overwhelming sense of the campus community was that organizations of this variety are inconsistent with the fundamental values to which the community subscribes. At the conclusion of these forums, the Student Government Association (SGA) voted not to approve a fraternity at Maryville College.

In consideration of these actions and beliefs, the Maryville College Board of Directors established a policy on October 18, 2002, prohibiting all Maryville College students from joining or participating in fraternities or sororities, or similar selective membership social organizations, within the Maryville College campus community. Students involved in activities related to such organizations, including, but not limited to, rushing, pledging, perpetuating and initiating, are subject to disciplinary action.

VIII. IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Personal College Identification (ID) Cards are issued to all students and identifies each as a Maryville College student. Where applicable, the ID card allows access to the appropriate Residence Hall building. The ID card must be used for entry to the College Dining Hall, checking out library materials, use of physical education facilities and equipment, and admission to various campus programs and athletic events. Any student found falsifying an ID card or using an ID improperly will be subject to disciplinary action. In the event that an identification card is lost, the student must procure a replacement card in the Residence Life office. IDs are made Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The replacement charge is $15. Student IDs must be carried by students at all times. Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action.

IX. DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Conduct disruptive of College activities or any disorderly conduct on College-owned, controlled, or operated property or at College-sponsored functions on or off campus is prohibited. Disorderly conduct may include public drunkenness, acts which violate the rights of others, behavior which tends to breach the peace, or actions deemed obscene or offensive. Disrespecting a college official is also a violation of this policy.

X. PHYSICAL ABUSE/ASSAULT OR ENDANGERING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF SELF OR OTHERS

Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person is a violation of this policy.

XI. HARASSMENT

The College strives to maintain an environment free from discrimination and harassment of individuals based on tenets of diversity including but not limited to race, color, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or political views. Members of the College community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect for all persons and to refrain from behavior that creates an offensive, demeaning, intimidating, or hostile environment. Maryville College condemns and will not tolerate any form of discrimination, intolerance, gender harassment, abuse, or racism as manifested by institutional or individual attitudes, policies, or behaviors. Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to, physical, sexual, verbal, or written harassment or abuse of any person is a serious offense and could result in dismissal from the College. Further, telephone abuse/harassment is a federal offense and is prosecutable under the law. It may result in a $2,000 fine and/or one year in jail.

Any person who has been subjected to offensive behavior should, as a first step, discuss the incident with the person who has been offensive and ask that the behavior cease. If such a discussion is not possible or if the request is ignored, then the person should seek to resolve the problem through consultation with the Assistant Dean of Students, Vice President and Dean of Students/Chief Diversity Officer, or the College Equal Opportunity Officer (HR). If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, the formal conduct process may be initiated. Complaints against students are handled as stated in the student conduct process (see “Conduct Processes and Student Rights” in this chapter). Complaints against faculty or staff are handled under policies for those groups. Students wishing to file a complaint should see the Associate Academic Dean (for faculty) or the Director of Human Resources (for staff) for information on procedures.

XII. HAZING

All forms of hazing are prohibited. Hazing is defined as a willful act, by a student or group of students, directed against any other individual which inflicts discomfort, pain, harm, intimidation, or humiliation. The offending individual, as well as the officers and members of organizations violating hazing regulations, are subject to disciplinary action and suspension from further operation. The specific individual(s) involved will be subject to disciplinary action which could result in separation from the College.

XIII. THEFT/VANDALISM OR UNAUTHORIZED USE OF PROPERTY

Theft of property belonging to another person or the College is prohibited. The destruction or unauthorized use of property (including telephone access codes) or equipment belonging to the College or any person is prohibited. This includes all campus building, grounds, campus woods, ropes course, and athletic facilities. This also includes damage due to disorderly conduct or drunkenness. Such theft, vandalism or unauthorized use will result in restitution for repair and/or replacement as well as disciplinary action. Practical jokes that lead to property damage, personal injury, or the invasion of individual privacy, are prohibited. Student involved in the misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action and possible dismissal.

XIV. COMPUTER MISUSE POLICY

Theft or other abuse of College computer resources, including but not limited to:

    1. Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
    2. Unauthorized addition, deletion or transfer of a file.
    3. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password.
    4. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty or staff member.
    5. Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages, or other unsolicited bulk messages commonly referred to as “spam.”
    6. Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the College computer network.
    7. Illegally downloading copyrighted music and/or video.

XV. ILLEGAL ENTRY/UNAUTHORIZED USE OF KEYS

Forced or unauthorized entry by a student into an office, residence hall, residence hall room, or other College facility is prohibited. Duplication or illegal possession or use of College keys is prohibited and will result in confiscation of such keys and disciplinary action. Authorization is required for possession of any College key. Tampering with, forced entry into, or damage to the Campus Post Office or any mail box is a federal offense and is cause for disciplinary action and/or arrest by the U.S. Postal Department. Entering any campus construction area or building under construction is strictly prohibited.

After-Hours Building Access Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide faculty, staff and students with convenient and safe after-hours access to Maryville College (MC) buildings, when linked to reasonable and approved curricular and/or co-curricular activities. This policy also seeks to insure safeguarding of MC property. The College takes seriously its responsibility to provide students and employees with safe facilities, including well maintained equipment and materials.  Individuals accessing MC buildings after hours must also take responsibility for their own safety, and shall follow any policies and procedures established for access and usage.

As a general practice, MC Safety and Security personnel will not provide after-hours access to academic and administrative buildings on campus. After-hours is defined as being between the hours of 10:00 P.M. until 7:00 A.M., during which these buildings are routinely closed and not to be accessed by students.  Students requiring access during this time frame must obtain the written authorization of the faculty member associated with the need for access. The request form found here, requires the following information:

    1. Name(s) of the student(s) with a need for access.
    2. The building and specific area(s) within for which the access is requested.
    3. The reason for the requested access.
    4. The after hours time frame for which access is requested and date span. Date spans longer than two weeks require a signature from the Division/Department Chair as well.

As a matter of practicality, the educational buildings on the MC campus which are routinely accessed after hours by students are the Clayton Center buildings A and B, and the Sutton Science Center. Completed forms requesting access should be submitted to the Safety & Security Department for review. Once approved, the completed form will be forwarded to the Office of Residence Life for card access to be granted.

Students are strongly discouraged from being unaccompanied/alone in academic buildings after hours. Requests for after hours access should reflect that a minimum of two (2) students seek/require access with an associated safety plan, reflecting all site-specific requirements (i.e. for specific labs or work spaces) which have been developed.

Any person in MC buildings after hours may not prop open doors or allow unauthorized persons into the facility.  Individuals authorized to be in MC buildings after hours are authorized only for specifically designated areas and are not allowed free access to all areas of the building.  The length of the stay within the building should be the minimum amount of time necessary to accomplish the goal intended to be met after usual classroom hours.  Students may not use access time for any building to sleep/nap while inside.  Upon departure from the building, departing individuals should make a reasonable attempt to ensure that the exit door through which they left is secured/locked. Students found to be in violation of these conditions will be prohibited from after hours access and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Students who are allowed access to specialized areas in MC buildings must follow established safety guidelines for those areas.  Specialized areas are understood to include, but not be limited to, science labs (research and teaching), art and theatre production areas, machine shops, studios, practice rooms/rehearsal spaces, and other areas where specialized equipment or materials are kept. Department heads are responsible for making sure that faculty, staff, and students are aware of the safety guidelines for the specialized areas in their building(s) and ensuring they are followed.

Designated study areas exist in the library and within residence halls. Students seeking study locations on-campus, after hours, have access to sections of Bartlett Hall twenty-four (24) hours per day. MC Security Officers will not unlock buildings during evening and weekend hours without appropriate forms approved and on-file.

XVI. SMOKING, VAPING, and TOBACCO USE

Smoking, vaping, and the use of smokeless tobacco are permitted on the campus grounds. All campus buildings are smoke, vape, and tobacco free zones. “No Smoking” signs should be observed in other areas. Spitting or disposal of tobacco products on furniture, walls, floors, windows, sidewalks, grounds, etc., is prohibited. Irresponsible use of smoking, vaping, and products will result in disciplinary action.

In accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, Maryville College prohibits the purchase, possession, or usage of tobacco products by or for persons under twenty-one (21) years of age.

XVII. WEAPONS

The use and/or possession of any lethal or potentially harmful weapon, explosive, or hunting device (e.g., firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, sling shots, hunting knives, fireworks, explosives, airsoft or paintball guns, bows and arrows, throwing stars, stun guns, ammunition, etc.) on College property is expressly prohibited. Pocket knives of a folding type with a maximum blade length of four (4) inches and common kitchen knives are permissible. Students found to be misusing a knife, i.e., threatening another person, causing damage to property, etc., would be subject to disciplinary action, confiscation of the knife and possible legal ramification. One weapon exception is a firearm stored within a vehicle in compliance with Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) section 39-17-1313, Transporting and storing a firearm or firearm ammunition in permit holder’s motor vehicle. The firearm must not be visible from outside the vehicle, and preferably locked inside the trunk. Weapons brought to campus for hunting purposes must be stored in the Campus Security Office. For more information on storing weapons, contact the Director of Safety and Security at 865.981.8112.

 

 

  1. An incident report (written or verbal) is filed with the designated Student Conduct Officer by Residence Life staff (e.g. Resident Assistant, Resident Director), Security Officer, other College official, or campus community member.
  2. The designated Student Conduct Officer, reviews the incident, determines charges, and notifies the accused student.
  3. Students will have the opportunity to participate in an administrative hearing, and/or Student Conduct Board hearing. The designated Student Conduct Officer will assess the severity of the alleged incident to determine a recommended process for the student. Any student may request a Student Conduct Board hearing. During an administrative hearing the student will meet with a designee of the Student Conduct Officer and will have an opportunity to review the charge, review relevant information, and accept responsibility for the violation. A student wishing to contend responsibility will be deferred to a formal hearing with the designated Student Conduct Officer or the Student Conduct Board.
  4. If the case is referred to the Conduct Board, Board members are notified, and a hearing is scheduled. The student can present witnesses and evidence on their behalf at the hearing. The accused student is notified of the Conduct Board decision. If the student accepts the decision of Conduct Board, the case is closed and recorded. If the student does not accept the Conduct Board decision, the student may appeal the decision by following the appeals process outlined in the Appeals section. Appeals must take place within three (3) business days of the Board decision. If the case is appealed, it is sent to the Appeals Board.
  5. The chairperson of the Appeals Board is notified and a meeting is scheduled. The accused student is notified of the Appeals Board decision.
  6. A final appeal may be made to the Vice President and Dean of Students only in cases of suspension or expulsion. In circumstances where the Vice President and Dean of Students served as the Conduct Officer, and the outcome is suspension or expulsion, the appeal may be submitted to the President of the College.

Any student who is alleged to have been involved in an incident resulting in the conduct process being initiated will be granted the following rights: 

  • May be assisted by an advocate from the College community. This advocate may confer with the accused but has no speaking rights in the hearing. Conduct hearings are not formal legal proceedings; therefore, legal counsel is not permitted to attend.  
  • May testify personally or decline to do so.  
  • May present witnesses – the accused student is responsible for having the witness(es) present for the hearing(s). 
  • May examine all evidence.  
  • May challenge for bias of any member of the Conduct Board or Conduct hearing officer. 
  • All conduct hearings are closed unless all the complainants and accused students request otherwise in writing to the Chief Justice 24-hours prior to the hearing.  
  • All persons present, excluding Conduct Board members and the advisors are excused from the hearing during the deliberation.  
  • Any student who is charged with a conduct infraction can choose to meet with an individual hearing officer. During this hearing, the student will be given the option to accept responsibility for their actions and waive the conduct board process. The student and hearing officer will then come to an agreement on appropriate sanctions. 
  • The decision(s) of the Conduct Board is/are based on the evidence presented at the hearings and official College documents and correspondence contained in the student’s record.  
  • If you disagree with the Conduct Board’s finding(s), you have the right to file an appeal to the Appeals Board, and must do so in writing, within three (3) business days of receiving the Conduct Board’s decision, to the Assistant Dean of Students. Appeals will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
    1. Is new information available that was not at the time of the original hearing.
    2. Was there an administrative error that would have impacted the outcome
    3. Was there bias or a conflict of interest between the individual and the board.
    4. Were the student’s rights (listed above) not upheld. 

All conduct hearings are closed unless all the complainants and accused students request otherwise in writing to the Chief Justice at least 24-hours prior to the hearing. All persons present, excluding Conduct Board members and the advisor, are excused from the hearing during the deliberation. Students who elect an administrative hearing, will be given the option to accept responsibility for their actions and waive the Formal Conduct Process. The student and designated Student Conduct Officer will then come to an agreement on appropriate sanctions. 

STUDENT CONDUCT BOARD

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The Student Conduct Board hears cases referred to it by the designated Student Conduct Officer. The Conduct Board determines responsibility or no responsibility regarding a violation of College policies and imposes appropriate sanctions if an individual is found responsible for a violation. In cases resulting in suspension, expulsion, or campus restriction, the Conduct Board recommends the sanction to the designated Student Conduct Officer who takes final action. If the Student Conduct Board is unable to convene within two weeks of student notification for any reason, the case may be heard by the Vice President and Dean of Students in consultation with the Conduct Board.

In its hearings, the Conduct Board consistently follows a protocol for proceedings established by the Conduct Board. A unanimous decision is required for any offense resulting in expulsion. A three-quarters majority vote is required for the sanction of suspension. Hearings may be open to the campus if both the complainant(s) and the accused student(s) agree. The Chief Justice will generate a complete record of all proceedings. Student disciplinary records are maintained by the Office of Student Affairs as stated in the Student Records Policy (see Student Records, “Location of Student Records” in this Catalog).

The Student Conduct Board is composed of up to twelve (12) members. A quorum requires the presence of at least three (3) voting members. If a quorum is not present, the accused student and the complainant can agree to continue with the hearing or the hearing will be rescheduled. The Chief Justice serves as the administrator of the Conduct Board hearing. The Chief Justice does not have a vote, except to break a tie. Rather, the Chief Justice serves an administrative function to convene the Conduct Board, assure that hearing procedures are followed consistently, generate proper records and facilitate the work of the Conduct Board. The Chief Justice is selected in the spring of each year by the Student Government Association.

The Vice President and Dean of the College selects a member of the faculty to serve as an Advisor to the Conduct Board, along with the designated Student Conduct Officer. Both advisors are non-voting members who attend all hearings and advises the Conduct Board on policy and procedural matters. If an advisor is unable to attend, the Chief Justice may select an alternate from among the faculty and staff, in consultation with the designated Student Conduct Officer and/or the Vice President and Dean of Students.

A member of the Office of Student Affairs (which may include the designated Student Conduct Officer) attends hearings involving potential suspension or expulsion to advise the Conduct Board as needed.


CAMPUS APPEALS BOARD

The Campus Appeals Board hears all appeals beyond the Student Conduct Board. Reasons for appeal may include but are not limited to procedural matters, suspected bias, inappropriate or excessive sanctions, and new evidence. Students seeking review of Student Conduct Board decision may do so through the Campus Appeals Board by submitting a written appeal to the designated Student Conduct Officer within three (3) business days of the Conduct Board decision. The appeals process involves a review of the written appeal statement and all evidence by the Appeals Board members. It does not include a formal hearing. After the review, the Appeals Board may:

  • Uphold the decision of the Conduct Board,
  • Reevaluate the sanctions, or
  • Remand the case back to the Conduct Board with an explanation and recommendations for further hearing.

A student may make a final appeal to the Vice President and Dean of Students only in cases involving suspension or expulsion from the College. Such an appeal must be presented to the Vice President and Dean of Students in writing within 24 business hours of the Appeals Board decision.

The Appeals Board is comprised of two resident students, one commuting student, and one faculty member appointed by the Vice President and Dean of the College with the approval of the College President. The Chairperson is selected by the Appeals Board from among the student membership at its first meeting. The designated Student Conduct Officer convenes the first meeting of the Board to provide orientation and facilitate the selection of the Chairperson. Subsequent meetings are convened by the Chairperson. If the Appeals Board is unable to convene for any reason, the case is heard by the President of the College or his/her designee.

Campus conduct bodies use their judgment in responding to violations appropriately and effectively. In the assignment of any sanction or combination of sanctions, the level/degree will be determined by:

  1. Nature of offense,
  2. Severity of violation, and
  3. Behavioral history of the offender.

Failure to comply fully with sanctions as prescribed will result in a charge of contempt and may subject the student to expulsion.
Conduct sanctions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Restitution – Repayment to cover the cost of damaged or misappropriated property
  • Service Hours – Assignment of campus service projects or other appropriate tasks
  • Education Hours – Appropriate participation in counseling sessions, alcohol/drug education classes, or other similar programs
  • Campus Restriction – Limitation of activities or privileges on campus for a designated period of time
  • Confiscation – Removal of offensive or prohibited property
  • Fines – Specified financial penalty for violation of regulations
  • Censure – Written reprimand recorded in the student’s conduct file
  • Guardian Notification – Written or telephone communication with student’s parent
  • Eviction – Relocation to another residence or removal from on-campus residence without refund of room and board
  • Disciplinary Probation – Establishes a given period of time in which a violator is asked to prove responsibility to himself/ herself and to the College community through exemplary behavior
  • Suspension – Temporary dismissal from the College with the right to apply for readmission to the Vice President and Dean of Students. Decisions regarding readmission following academic suspension are made by the Academic Standing Committee. Special conditions affecting eligibility for readmission or conditions to be in effect upon readmission may be designated. The duration of the suspension may not exceed two years. There is no refund of tuition, room, board or fees.
  • Expulsion – Permanent dismissal from the College. There is no refund of tuition, room, board, or fees.

Special Conditions for Suspended or Expelled Students

  • The student must leave the campus within 24-hours after the decision is rendered unless an extension is granted by the Vice President and Dean of Students.
  • If the case is under appeal, the Vice President and Dean of Students may delay the suspension or expulsion until after the appeal process has been completed.
  • Suspended or expelled students may not visit the campus unless prior written permission has been granted by the Vice President and Dean of Students.
  • If a student is evicted, suspended or expelled for preventive or disciplinary cause, there will be no refund of room, board, tuition, or fees.
  • If a student is suspended or expelled, a notation of “W” is placed on the transcript for each class. No grade is recorded; however, each course remains listed on the transcript. Suspension and expulsion are the only sanctions of record which result in any notation in the student’s permanent file.
  • The general deposit is refunded when a student withdraws permanently from the College unless the student has outstanding debts (such as library fines, hall damage, outstanding athletic equipment, etc.) or fails to complete the official withdrawal procedure.

The College, through its designated officers, may suspend or restrict the campus activity of any individual whose behavior constitutes a disruptive force on campus, poses a direct threat, or threatens the well-being of the College community or any of its members. Preventive suspension may be invoked by the Vice President and Dean of Students or his/her designee.

The Vice President and Dean of Students will make such a decision once an individualized assessment is conducted. However, a preventative suspension may require a student to leave campus immediately. Should the circumstances warrant an immediate removal from campus, an individualized assessment will occur, while the student is off-campus, for final determination.

The College will give careful consideration to the recommendations provided by the student’s medical professionals, if available and applicable, as well as those consulted by the College during the individualized assessment. The College may request the student to provide a medical release for access to the student’s medical records as reasonably necessary to complete its individualized assessment.  Once on a preventative suspension, the College may require the student to submit to an evaluation by a qualified medical provider, at their own expense, before they are allowed to return to campus. Information from these evaluations will be used to determine whether the student may safely return to campus.

Students for whom a preventative action is pursued are encouraged to provide any information the student feels is important to the determination of such an action.

Preventative suspensions may be implemented for students for whom disciplinary hearings, appeals, and/or criminal charges are pending, or for whom is otherwise compromised and unable/unwilling to participate in the student conduct process. The Vice President and Dean of Students may also impose suspension or campus restriction when there is reason to believe that preventive action is necessary to maintain College activities or to protect the property and safety of individuals on the campus.  Any student suspended under any of these circumstances may be considered for readmission only with the expressed permission of the Vice President and Dean of Students.

Students who are placed on a preventative suspension will be notified, in writing indicating the length of the leave, requirements to return to campus, and salient appeal options. This written notice will include a statement that the students may appeal a preventative suspension directly to the College President, by submitting a written appeal within five (5) days of notification of the preventative action. Such an appeal must addresses alternatives to the preventative action.

Behavioral Contracts
College officials may develop non-mental health related behavioral contracts with individuals when such action is deemed necessary to guide and support student success at the College. Such contracts may be developed with the consultation of the Vice President and Dean of Students and/or the Assistant Dean of Students, and may be informed by recommendations from the Chief Justice of the Student Government. Failure to fulfill the terms of a behavioral contract may subject the student to suspension from the College.

The College affirms and defends the student’s right of privacy yet must balance those rights with the student’s responsibility to operate within established policy and with consideration for the rights of others. College personnel may enter a resident student’s room in the event of an emergency or while conducting routine room inspections, maintenance inspections, and fire drills. College personnel may inspect student vehicles in the course of enforcing institutional traffic and parking regulations as well as in the event of an emergency. If reasonable cause exists to indicate a violation of College policy, College personnel may search the on-campus room, vehicle, or personal property of an individual with the expressed permission of the Vice President and Dean of Students or his/her designee. Rumor, speculation, or information provided anonymously is not considered reasonable cause for a search. Reasonable cause is defined as a ground of action based on the good judgment of the College staff ascertained on the presence of tangible or physical evidence (sight, smell, sound) of the violation. In the event of a non-search oriented visit, where a violation is found to be occurring, the person(s) found in violation may be subject to disciplinary action.

In the spirit of the Maryville College Statement of Purpose, the College sees itself as a “community of learning that includes persons with a variety of interests, backgrounds, beliefs and nationalities.” Such differences in attitude and perspective may, at times, result in problems or situations that warrant further institutional review and intervention.

Procedures are in place for appeals of various College policies. Students should refer to the appropriate section of the Student Handbook related to specific appeal processes related to grades, suspension, financial aid, disability service, judicial sanctions, and sexual grievances.

Filing a Formal Complaint

In an effort to provide students with an appropriate and effective response to situations not otherwise addressed in specific appeal processes, students should send a written explanation of their concern/complaint to the appropriate College official for review and resolution.

Student Complaints
Complaints regarding students are handled as stated in the following conduct procedures. Complaints regarding faculty and staff are handled in accordance with policies and procedures as stated in the Faculty and Staff handbooks. Copies of the Faculty and Staff handbooks are available in the Human Resources Office.

Concerns/complaints related to academic matters — Most academic issues can be resolved informally through conversation with the faculty member or staff person involved or through consultation with the appropriate division chair. In situations where this has not provided adequate resolution, the concern/complaint should be directed in writing to the Academic Dean or Associate Academic Dean.

Concerns/complaints related to another student(s) or a student development activity — Students are encouraged to discuss concerns with the other student(s)/staff member involved with the problem. In situations where this has not provided adequate resolution, the concern/complaint should be directed in writing to the Office of Student Affairs.

Concerns/complaints related to a financial matter — Most financial issues can be resolved through discussion with the appropriate College staff member. In situations where this has not provided adequate resolution, the concern/complaint should be directed in writing to the Vice President and Treasurer.

College Response

Upon receiving a written concern/complaint, the appropriate Vice President or designee will initiate an investigation of the student concern/complaint within ten working days. The student filing the concern/complaint will receive timely written notification of the College response to the concern/complaint. Records of written student concerns/complaints will be maintained in the Office of the Registrar for five years.

Other Complaint Protocols

Complaints relating to quality of education or accreditation requirements shall be referred to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), (http://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2020/01/ComplaintPolicy-1.pdf

Complaints related to the application of state laws or rules related to approval to operate or licensure of a particular professional program within a postsecondary institution shall be referred to the appropriate  State Board (i.e., State Boards of Health, State Board of Education, and so on) within the Tennessee State Government and shall be reviewed and handled by that licensing board (http://www.tn.gov), and then search for the appropriate division);

For students attending programs in Tennessee, complaints related to state consumer protection laws (e.g., laws related to fraud or false advertising) shall be referred to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs and shall be reviewed and handled by that unit (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/consumer/file-a-complaint.html).