Student Conduct and Campus Regulations
The College expects all students to conduct themselves as responsible citizens of an academic community. Persistent or extreme departures from this standard will lead to restrictions and may result in suspension or expulsion. Rhodes reserves the right to exclude at any time persons whose conduct is undesirable. In such cases, no refunds of tuition, fees, or room and board will be made, and the College, its students, faculty, administrative judicial committees and officers shall not be under any liability.
The administration of rules pertaining to student behavior is chiefly the responsibility of the Honor Council, the Social Regulations Council, the Dean of Students, and designees of the Dean of Students.
This section of the College Catalogue, which summarizes regulations especially applicable to students, is intended only to provide a broad overview. The Student Handbook, available on the College’s web site, contains all policies pertinent to students.
THE HONOR COUNCIL AND SOCIAL REGULATIONS COUNCIL
The students of Rhodes assume responsibility for the honorable conduct of campus life. They elect an Honor Council and a Social Regulations Council. Each Council is composed of elected representatives from each of the four classes. The Councils investigate alleged infractions of the Honor Code and Social Regulations Code, and enforce regulations with sanctions up to and including expulsion. The decision may be appealed to a specially designated appeals committee. This committee may, at its discretion, remand the case to the Council for reconsideration, and if so, the second decision is the final decision to be rendered by the Council in the case. The Councils also serve as liaison between students and faculty/administration, and they educate students about honor and integrity. Every entering student is expected at the time of matriculation to sign a pledge promising to uphold the Diversity Statement, the Honor Code, and the Social Regulations Code.
INVOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL FROM CAMPUS
The College occasionally faces the problem of students who pose a threat to themselves or others, who are unable to cope, or who create a pattern of extreme disruption. If such behavior constitutes a violation of College rules and regulations, the case will be referred to the Dean of Students for action.
If the student’s behavior occurs without such violation, if the student does not respond to the charges against him or her, or if the student did not know the nature or quality of the conduct in question at the time of occurrence, the Dean of Students will investigate the situation and the effect or the potential effect of the behavior on the student and the College community. The Dean may require a personal interview with the student and/or an evaluation of the student by a qualified professional. The Dean may require an interim removal of the student from campus pending resolution of the investigation.
If, as a result of this investigation, the Dean of Students determines that the student’s behavior indicates substantial risk of threat to self or others, or that the individual is otherwise unable to fulfill the expectations of a student at Rhodes, the pursuit of professional care or a withdrawal from the College may be recommended. The student will be provided with the option of voluntarily taking a leave of absence. If the student refuses to do so, the Dean of Students will consult with the Associate Dean of Students or other members of the student affairs staff as deemed appropriate. They will recommend to the Dean of Students a course of action, which may include removal of the student from the College with conditions for readmission. If the student withdraws, he or she may be referred to an appropriate facility for additional assistance. The parents will be notified as soon as possible and must assume responsibility for the student’s care.
Students who leave campus under the above conditions, either voluntarily or involuntarily, may be readmitted to the College only after being cleared by the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid with concurrence of the Dean of Students. Permission for readmission will typically be based on the student’s demonstrating a period of responsible behavior outside the College and may require a statement from a physician, psychologist, or other qualified professional that the student is ready to return and cope with college life. Follow-up assessment or services may be required as part of the readmission decision.
Removal of a student from the College will be undertaken only as a last resort. Every effort should be made to help students understand the consequences of their behavior, make responsible decisions, and develop skills that will allow them to remain and function in the Rhodes community.
Students who have voluntarily withdrawn or who have been removed from campus are not allowed to attend class and have no access to the campus or College sanctioned or sponsored events.
STATEMENT ON ALCOHOL USE
A complete description of the Rhodes College Alcohol Policy can be found in the Student Handbook available on the College web site. The Rhodes policy has been established in an effort to promote a balance between the interests of the individual and those of the Rhodes community, and to encourage responsible decisions about alcohol. This policy recognizes and is guided by the following principles:
All members of the Rhodes community, as adults, are ultimately responsible for their choices and behavior regarding alcohol. We are committed to the ongoing development of a community based on respect for the individual and compliance with the policies of the college and the laws of the city, state, and nation. Within this community, the College will take all reasonable steps to insure that no illegal consumption of alcohol occurs on its property or at its institutionally-sponsored activities.
The College is subject to the laws of the State of Tennessee and the City of Memphis regulating the use of alcoholic beverages. Every member of the collegiate community has a personal responsibility in regard to these laws, and no member can assume Rhodes provides a sanctuary for the misuse of alcohol or other drugs. Information concerning responsible use, indications of abuse or addiction, and resources for assistance are available in the Counseling Center.
The regulations contained within this policy apply to all students, employees, alumni and visitors or guests of the College. These regulations are to be observed:
• At all times on the property of Rhodes College.
• At all property leased for official purposes by Rhodes College.
• At all institutionally-sponsored activities of the College that occur off campus.
(Note: An institutionally-sponsored activity refers to a specific activity of a College funded organization or College sponsored program.)
Rhodes is committed to providing the members of its community with factual information about alcohol as well as confidential referrals for professional assistance in the event that it is needed. An awareness of the positive and negative effects of alcohol consumption may assist in efforts to make safe and responsible choices about alcohol. Educational programs are organized and conducted annually to promote continued awareness and encourage an attitude of genuine concern and care for others.
STATEMENT ON DRUG USE
The possession, use, sale or distribution of illegal drugs, the misuse or abuse of medications or other legal drugs on the Rhodes campus is prohibited. Such conduct:
• Violates the law;
• Violates one’s physical and mental health; and,
• Violates the fabric of the community with serious security risks resulting from dealing with individuals operating outside the law.
The students, faculty and staff of Rhodes, as citizens, are responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable state and local laws that make it a crime to possess, sell, deliver or manufacture those drugs considered to be “controlled substances” by the state of Tennessee. Any member of the Rhodes community who violates the law is subject to both prosecution and punishment by civil authorities and to disciplinary proceedings by the College.
Students, faculty, or staff at Rhodes are subject to disciplinary action for the possession, manufacture, use, sale, or distribution (by either sale or gift) of any quantity of any prescription drug or controlled substance or for being under the influence of any prescription drug or controlled substance, except for the appropriate use of an over-the-counter medication or for the prescribed use of medication in accordance with the instructions of a licensed physician. Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, heroin, amphetamines, barbiturates, LSD, PCP, and substances typically known as “designer drugs” such as “ecstasy” or “eve.” Possession of paraphernalia associated with the use, possession or manufacture of a prescription drug or controlled substance is also prohibited. Students, faculty or staff also are subject to disciplinary action for the misuse or abuse of non-controlled substances (e.g. amyl nitrate, ephedrine, etc.).
The penalties to be imposed by the College may range from probation to suspension or expulsion from one’s place of residence, to expulsion from enrollment or termination from employment.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT POLICY
Rhodes College is committed to providing a working, educational, social, and residential environment for all members of our College community, including all faculty, staff, and students, that is free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment or assault in any form is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. It is a form of misconduct that undermines the institutional mission of the College. The complete sexual harassment and assault policy may be found in the Student Handbook and the College Handbook.
FRATERNIZATION POLICY
Rhodes College prohibits romantic, sexual, and exploitative relationships between college employees and students. In the event that any such relationship is reported and confirmed the college employee is subject to employee disciplinary procedures up to and including termination in the case of administrators and staff members, or dismissal for cause in the case of faculty members. There are exceptional circumstances in which the spouse or partner of a college employee is a student at the College. This policy does not apply in such circumstances. The Dean of the College, in consultation with the Director of Human Resources, is the administrative officer who determines whether an exceptional circumstance applies. The complete fraternization policy and employee discipline policy are available in the College Handbook.
SMOKING POLICY
Certain public areas of the campus are designated as “smoke-free.” Classified as “No Smoking” areas are all interior spaces of all buildings and the exterior space within forty (40) feet of the entrances to all buildings.
In order for Rhodes to have an environment that is relatively free of pollutants or other substances that may be hazardous to one’s health, members of the campus community are encouraged to direct those who choose to smoke to areas not designated as “smoke-free.”
All residence halls are smoke-free. This includes student rooms and apartments, bathrooms, hallways, stairwells and social rooms. Students who smoke in “smoke-free” spaces are subject to disciplinary action. A violation of the smoking policy is a violation of the fire safety policy.
RESIDENCE HALLS AND CAMPUS PROPERTY
All residence hall regulations are administered and enforced by the Dean of Students and Residence Life Offices. A complete description of all regulations appears in the Student Handbook.
It is absolutely prohibited for any student to have weapons (including knives, pellet guns, BB guns and bows-and-arrows) on the Rhodes campus. Violators are subject to suspension, expulsion, termination, criminal prosecution, or any combination of sanctions appropriate.
Authorized personnel of Rhodes have the right to enter student rooms at any time for purposes of maintenance and repair, inspection of health and safety conditions, and investigation of violation of College regulations. This right will be exercised with restraint. College furniture may not be removed from a room at any time. Any College items of furniture found missing from a residence hall room will be charged to the residents of that room. Students are responsible for all damages in their rooms. Cost of damage to common areas of residence halls will be prorated among the residents. It is an Honor Code violation to remove any furniture from a residence hall social room.
A student’s personal belongings are not covered by College insurance. In deciding what to bring to college, students should discuss with their parents whether they want their comprehensive policy to include coverage of their belongings on campus.
CAMPUS COMMUNICATION
There are three official means of communication on the Rhodes campus: campus mail, e-mail using Rhodes’ accounts, and campus voice-mail. All students, faculty, and staff have a personal e-mail address on the Rhodes e-mail system, and students are expected to check this account on a regular basis.
Communication about severe weather or similar campus-wide issues, as well as other official communication, may take place over the campus voice-mail. Due to these factors, all residential students are expected to activate, and regularly check, for voice-mail messages.
Most official notices to individuals and to the campus community are sent via e-mail, and such correspondence is considered official. In addition to e-mail, some official notices, communication, and information are sent via campus mail. For this reason, all students are required to maintain a mailbox in the mailroom located in the Briggs Student Center Building.
OFFICIAL RECESSES
Residence halls and the Refectory will be closed for the official College recesses that occur at Fall Recess, Thanksgiving, between the Fall Semester and the Spring Semester, Easter Recess and Spring Break. Certain students may be allowed to remain in residence during these recesses; but in that event, they may be subject to temporary reassignment to other residence halls. Exceptions may be granted in extenuating circumstances by contacting the Director of Residence Life at least two weeks before the vacation period. After any vacation period, students may not re-enter any residence hall before the date and time determined by the Director of Residence Life.
AUTOMOBILES
A student may not keep a car on campus without registering it with the Campus Safety Office. Car registration can be obtained through the Campus Safety Office anytime during the year.
USE OF CAMPUS FACILITIES
Campus facilities are for the use of the Rhodes College community, including alumni and trustees, as well as Meeman Center clients. All requests for use of campus facilities, excluding social rooms in residence halls, may be requested through the room reservation system, Facilities Management, on the Rhodes web site (http://calendar.rhodes.edu/). This web site provides access to instructions for reserving space and information such as spaces that require special permission, multimedia smart classrooms, and a calendar of events.
Requests for the use of campus facilities for personal events or by off-campus groups and any request for use of facilities during the summer should be sent to the Conference and Event Services Manager, Meeman Center for Lifelong Learning, 843-3965.
