Student Right to Know

Student Right to Know

Code of Student Conduct

APSU students are citizens of the local community, state, nation, and academic community.

They are, therefore, expected to conduct themselves as such at all times. Admission to the University carries with it special privileges and imposes special responsibilities apart from those rights and duties enjoyed by non-students. In recognition of the special relationship that exists between the institution and the academic community which it seeks to serve, the Board of Trustees has authorized the president to take such action as may be necessary to maintain campus conditions and preserve the integrity and educational environment of the institution.

Pursuant to this authorization and in fulfillment of its duty to provide a secure and stimulating atmosphere in which individual and academic pursuits may flourish, the University has developed the Student Code of Conduct, APSU Policy 1:013, contained in the Student Handbook, which is intended to govern student conduct at Austin Peay State University.

In addition, students are subject to all national, state, and local laws and ordinances. If a student’s violation of such laws or ordinances also adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of its educational objectives, the University may enforce its own regulations regardless of any proceedings instituted by other authorities.

Conversely, violation of any section of the Student Code of Conduct may subject a student to disciplinary measures by the institution whether or not such conduct is simultaneously in violation of state, local, or national laws.

Generally, through appropriate due process procedures, institutional disciplinary measures shall be imposed for conduct which adversely affects the University’s pursuit of its educational objectives, which violates or shows a disregard for the rights of other members of the academic community, or which endangers property or persons on University or University-controlled property. In addition, disciplinary action may be taken on the basis of any conduct, on or off campus, which violates University policies for student organizations or poses a substantial threat to persons or property within the University Community.

When students are unable to pursue their academic work effectively, when their behavior is disruptive to the normal educational process of the University or is detrimental to themselves or others, due to drug and/or psychological disturbance, they may voluntarily withdraw, or be temporarily suspended from the University.

The University Academic and Non-Academic Grievance Policies are designed to afford students a due process opportunity for expressing their complaints. These policies are published in the Student Handbook.

University Rights

The University exercises all rights and responsibilities as are necessary and desirable for the University to achieve its purposes. Under the authority of the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees, the University exercises the following rights:

1. To establish regulations concerning the use and abuse of University property and to assess students with penalties, both monetary and otherwise, for such abuse;
2. To withhold grades and transcripts of credit until all claims have been paid;
3. To dismiss, in the absence of specific regulations, any student, at any time, for cause deemed by the University to be in the best interest of the student’s emotional or physical safety or the well-being of the University community;
4. To establish standards of dress, manners, and conduct on the campus within the range of convention and good taste;
5. To establish traffic regulations on campus, provide for registration of all vehicles using the campus, and enforce such regulations as are established. Automobile Restrictions: All cars to be parked on campus must be registered with the Office of Public Safety/campus police;
6. To control and regulate the housing of students on campus;
7. To establish or institute honor systems and ethical practice codes;
8. To supervise the scheduling of meetings, events, and activities of student organizations; and
9. To enter, inspect, and search for contraband, stolen articles, etc. in the room of any student in University-owned housing facilities, when probable cause is established.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list and in no way limits the rights, responsibilities, and authority possessed by the University.

Confidentiality of Student Records

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees and Austin Peay State University to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also known as the “Buckley Amendment” and, in so doing, to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable educational records of students and former students. The student has the right to access, to request amendment, and to file a complaint concerning his/her education records in accordance with APSU Policy 1:020. Appointments to review education records are scheduled through the Office of the Registrar at least 72 hours in advance.

If the student is indebted to the University, a copy of the education records will not be made. Except as provided by the policy, the University may disclose directory information to any person requesting it without consent of the student. Directory information includes the student’s name, permanent address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, student photograph, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, enrollment status, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. The University provides each student the opportunity to refuse to allow disclosure of designated directory information through the Offices of the Registrar, Ellington Building, Room 303 and the AP Center at Fort Campbell Information Window. The student will be given this opportunity at the beginning of each academic term. The student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

Annually, students are informed of their rights through the Student Handbook. A complete copy of the policy shall be made available upon request at the Office of the Registrar (free of charge) and the University library (at a nominal per-sheet charge).

Student Right to Know Act

Statistics for all crimes are publicized and distributed to employees and students on an annual basis, in the time frames required by Federal/State law, and are available to applicants for enrollment or employment upon request from the Office of Public Safety.  For information on the law and University policy and statistics, contact the Office of Decision Support and Institutional Research at 931-221-7331.

Drug-Free School and Communities Amendment Act

All currently enrolled students are required to read the University’s Drug-Free Schools and Communities Amendments Act Statement. This statement outlines policy, legal sanctions (federal, state, and University), health risks, and assistance programs related to the use of alcohol and/or other drugs on the Austin Peay State University campus. The statement is in the Student Handbook.

Smoking and Clean Air

All smoking is prohibited on the APSU campus, except in designated campus parking lots (APSU Policy No. 3:032). APSU promotes an environment free from tobacco smoke in buildings and vehicles where students, faculty, and staff are working, conducting seminars, research, discussions, etc. Regardless of whether classes are in session, this policy is in effect 24 hours-a-day year-round. Those choosing to use smoke-free tobacco products may do so 30 feet from each building entrance and exit. (See Student Handbook)

University Liability

Austin Peay State University is not responsible for bodily harm and/or death to participants in any voluntary organizations or activities, including but not limited to voluntary athletics, intramural recreation, hiking, karate, judo, skydiving, or other activities in which risk is incurred. Austin Peay State University, as an agent of the state of Tennessee, is not liable for claims resulting from injury and/or death incurred in such participation. Members of the University faculty and staff may not be held liable unless personal negligence occurs. All claims against the University should be filed with the Tennessee Claims Commission. Forms for such claims may be obtained in the University Human Resources Office.

Austin Peay State University does not require that students sign assumption of risk and release of liability forms for routine educational activities that are part of their course requirements.  In addition, Austin Peay State University does not require that employees sign these forms for activities that are in the scope and course of their employment. However, for activities that are voluntary, Austin Peay State University does strongly suggest that students and employees complete these forms.  For more information, please visit http://www.apsu.edu/legal-affairs/releases-waivers.php.

Purpose of the University Bulletin

The course offerings and requirements of the institution are continually under examination and revision. This Bulletin presents the offerings and requirements in effect at the time of publication, but does not guarantee that they will not be changed or revoked. Indeed, we are sure that students desire that the University continue its efforts to strengthen and improve its programs. Changes are always made with that intent. However, adequate and reasonable notice will be given to students affected by any changes. This Bulletin is not worded in contractual terms and does not constitute a contract between the student and the institution. The institution reserves the right to make changes as required in course offerings, curricula, programs of study, academic policies, and other rules and regulations affecting students, to be effective whenever determined by the institution. These changes will govern current and formerly enrolled students, and enrollment of all students is subject to these conditions. Current information is available from the following sources:

Austin Peay State University provides the opportunity for students to increase their knowledge by providing programs of instruction in various disciplines by faculty who, in the opinion of the University, are trained and qualified for teaching at the college level. However, the acquisition of knowledge by any student is contingent upon the student’s desire to learn and his or her application of appropriate study techniques to any course or program. Thus, Austin Peay State University must necessarily limit representation of student preparedness in any field of study to that competency demonstrated at that specific point in time at which appropriate academic measurements were taken to certify course or program completion. The instruction, of course, cannot warrant that any student who completes a course or program of study will necessarily acquire skills or knowledge, or will be able to successfully pass any specific examination for course, degree, or license.