Student Handbook
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook
Published on Rhodes College: Rhodes Handbook (https://handbook.rhodes.edu/)
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook
Rhodes College aspires to graduate students with a life-long passion for learning, a compassion for others, and the ability to translate academic study and personal concern into effective leadership and action in their communities and the world. We will achieve our aspiration through four strategic imperatives:
Student Access
To attract and retain a talented, diverse student body and engage these students in a challenging, inclusive and culturally-broadening college experience.
Student Learning
To ensure our faculty and staff have the talent, the time and the resources to inspire and involve our students in meaningful study, research and service.
Student Engagement
To enhance student opportunities for learning in Memphis.
Student Inspiration
To provide a residential place of learning that inspires integrity and high achievement through its beauty, its emphasis on values, its Presbyterian history, and its heritage as a leader in the liberal arts and sciences.
Adopted by the Rhodes Board of Trustees January 17, 2003
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/rhodes-vision
Rhodes College Commitment to Diversity
A diverse learning community is a necessary element of a liberal arts education, for self-understanding is dependent upon the understanding of others. We, the members of Rhodes College, are committed to fostering a community in which diversity is valued and welcomed. To that end, Rhodes College does not discriminate – and will not tolerate harassment – on the basis of race, gender, color, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national or ethnic origin, military status or any other protected status.
We are committed to providing an open learning environment. Freedom of thought, a civil exchange of ideas, and an appreciation of diverse perspectives are fundamental characteristics of a community that is committed to critical inquiry. To promote such an academic and social environment we expect integrity and honesty in our relationships with each other and openness to learning about and experiencing cultural diversity. We believe that these qualities are crucial to fostering social and intellectual maturity and personal growth.
Intellectual maturity also requires individual struggle with unfamiliar ideas. We recognize that our views and convictions will be challenged, and we expect this challenge to take place in a climate of open-mindedness and mutual respect.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/college-commitment-diversity
The Bias Education Response System (BERS) allows community members to report bias-related incidents and microaggressive behaviors. Doing so will allow our community to:
engage community members in dialogue, build awareness of on-going biases among us in order to help foster a learning, working, and living community free from hate, discrimination, harassment, disrespect, and intolerance;
receive information in a sensitive and timely way;
assess the circumstances of any reported incidents as thoroughly and quickly as possible with the information available;
make referrals to appropriate campus officials so that action can be taken; and
assist in implementation of a coordinated and appropriate community response (engaging partners as needed) and/or communicating with the community in an appropriate and timely fashion as often as is necessary.
Please note: This system is not designed to respond to emergency situations. If your safety or that of those around you is at risk, please call Campus Safety 901-843-3880 from an on-campus phone, or 901-843-3880 from off-campus or from a cell phone. Any Rhodes student who requires urgent or emergency counseling services outside of regular office hours should contact the Student Counseling Center at 901-843-3128.
Hate crimes: This system is also not designed to receive reports of hate crimes. The underlying criminal offenses that are designated in hate crime laws include, but are not limited to, crimes against persons like harassment, terroristic threats, assault and crimes against property like criminal trespass, criminal mischief and arson. It may also include vandalism causing damage to a church, synagogue, cemetery, mortuary, memorial to the dead, school, educational facility, community center, municipal building, courthouse, juvenile detention center, grounds surrounding such places or personal property located within such places. According to Tennessee statute, the criminal act alone does not define a hate crime; rather the investigation of the crime must conclude that the offender was bias motivated. Six bias categories are used when reporting hate crimes: Anti-Racial, Anti-Ethnicity/National Origin, Anti-Religious, Anti-Disability, Anti-Sexual, and Non-Specific.
If you believe you have witnessed a hate crime, please report it directly to Campus Safety at 901- 843-3880 from an on-campus phone, or 901-843-3880 from an off-campus or from a cell phone. Again, hate crimes should not be reported to the Bias Education Response System. If your personal safety or that of anyone around you is in danger, please call either Campus Safety or 911.
In order to help community members decide whether and what kind of report to submit, definitions of the following terms are provided:
A bias-related incident is an act motivated by the offender’s inclination, temperament, or prejudice against the actual – or perceived – age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, religious practices, or sexual orientation of the targeted person or group, but does not rise to the level of a criminal offense. Examples may include repeatedly telling harmful jokes based on religion, sexual orientation, etc.; posting on social media about someone based on one of the identities listed above; using offensive language that may pertain to identity; and taking down or tampering with bulletin boards or displays. A bias incident can occur whether the act is intentional or unintentional. Speech or expression that is consistent with the principles of academic freedom does not constitute a bias incident.
Microaggressive behaviors are insults, actions, or comments, usually unintentional, which contribute to an environment or experience that is not welcoming to a person or group based on their age, such things as ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, religious practices, or sexual orientation. Examples can include singling out a person related to their sexual, ethnic, religious, etc. identity in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and usually occur more than once or after having been pointed out.
Bias-related harm versus the discomfort that can come with learning:
As members of a learning community, we must be able to see the difference between a bias-related incident and the kinds of thoughtful, probing conversations that educational institutions are designed to provoke. In such conversations, people will often find the ideas of others unwelcome, disagreeable, or even offensive. Topics are explored and discussed on college campuses that require us to think deeply and critically about our own assumptions. These conversations may cause discomfort, but do not themselves necessarily constitute a bias-related incident.
Points to consider when deciding whether to submit a bias incident report :
When you participate in conversations in a residence hall, a student meeting, the Refectory, or a classroom, it may be helpful to keep the following considerations in mind:
Speech that conveys reasoned opinion, principled conviction, political satire, or speculation is not harassment, even though it may challenge other people’s perspectives or comfort.
Speech and consideration of concepts that are pertinent to a class’s subject but which some students may find offensive do not constitute bias-related behavior. (See the College’sstatement on Academic Freedom.)
However, when that speech unreasonably or substantially interferes with an individual’s safety, security, or educational opportunities by creating an intimidating and/or hostile educational or working environment, it can cause bias-related harm.
Interactions that allow for and encourage uncomfortable, yet productive discussion, create spaces for a variety of voices to participate equally in an environment of mutual respect. Discussions, however, in which individuals feel their voice will either not be heard or will be subject to silencing, suspicion, or ridicule based on their personal background or their (assumed) group identity can cause bias-related harm.
In summary, the purpose of this Bias Education Reporting System is to establish how Rhodes College defines bias incidents and how it can handle them more effectively. The reports will also serve an educational role in helping to cultivate community values of inclusion, civility, and mutual respect.
Reports about bias-related incidents will be forwarded, as appropriate, to the Office of Academic Affairs, Student Life, Human Resources, and/or Campus Safety. It can be very useful to report bias-related incidents in person or over the phone. If you wish to discuss a bias-related incident in person or by phone, you may contact the following offices:
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (901-843-3009; Campus Address: 300 Southwestern Hall) Dean of Students Office (901-843-3885; Campus Address: 4th floor of Burrow Hall)
Campus Safety (901-843-3880; Campus Address: Spann Place #5) Human Resources (901-843-3750)
To report a bias-related incident electronically, please click here.
Information reported in person, by email, phone, or on the electronic form will remain confidential to the extent allowed by law and College policies. This means that your name will not be shared with anyone without your permission. A confidential report will make it possible for the College to contact you and, when appropriate, initiate an investigation. If you think you need to make an anonymous report, you can anonymously write or call any of the above offices. However, anonymous reporting makes it virtually impossible for the institution to investigate and respond appropriately. Rhodes College really cares about the impact of bias-related incidents in our community and wants to gather a good understanding of any harms experienced. Anonymous reporting makes it very difficult to pursue a report appropriately. However, if you choose to report anonymously, the College will use your report to track trends over time.
Minimally, a report will be collated and made available to the Rhodes community on a dedicated website annually. Reports will include brief summaries of the incidents reported and will respect the confidentiality of the parties involved by excluding any information that would allow community members to identify any of the parties involved. The Vice President for Strategic Initiatives/ Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer will use these reports to share information with the college community about trends that we need to address as a community. Additionally, the Faculty Professional Interest Committee will be asked to review the reports related to faculty to ensure that the system is yielding valuable information and that faculty professional interests have been preserved.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/bias-education-response-system-bers
The Rhodes Honor System consists of the Honor Code, the Standards of Conduct for the Rhodes Community, and the Rhodes Commitment to Diversity. By participating in the Honor System, all who make up the Rhodes College community maintain the values by which we live together. At the beginning of each school year, all incoming students sign a pledge affirming their commitment to the following:
Honor Code
"As a member of the Rhodes community, I pledge I will not lie, cheat, or steal, and that I will report any such violation that I may witness."
Standards of Conduct for the Rhodes Community
"As a member of the Rhodes community, I pledge to respect my fellow students, faculty, staff and their property. I will treat others as I would be treated and their property as I would my own."
Rhodes Commitment to Diversity
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/rhodes-honor-system
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/academics-rhodes
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/academics/academic-regulations
Students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible learners. Classroom behavior should not detract from the learning environment. Each faculty member has the right to determine appropriate behavior for the classroom. Expectations might address behavior such as use of electronic devices, late arrivals or early departures, eating or sleeping.
In the classroom, disruptive behavior is behavior that hampers the ability of faculty to teach and students to learn. This can include, but is not limited to, interference with course instruction to the detriment of other students, disruption that attempts to stifle academic freedom of speech, failure to comply with the instructions or directives of the course instructor, or making falsified threats in an attempt to interfere with course instruction or other academic activities.
A student violating a professor’s classroom policy or individual instructions regarding classroom disruptions might be dismissed from the class for the day on which the disruption occurs, subject to a reduction of participation grade, and/or referred to the respective Department Chair.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/academics/classroom-conduct
The mission of academic advising at Rhodes is to promote student learning. Each entering student is assigned a liberal arts academic advisor, who will function in that capacity until the student formally declares a major. This must be done prior to the registration period of the spring semester of the sophomore year. At that point, a faculty advisor from the major department is assigned to or selected by the student.
Assisted by the academic advisor, the student learns:
I. Guidelines for the Student Advisee
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/academics-rhodes/academic-advising
Rhodes strongly encourages its students, faculty and staff who are contemplating travel abroad for educational or other purposes to plan well in advance and to take precautions to ensure a safe trip. All travelers should familiarize themselves with political, health, crime, and other safety-related conditions prevailing in any country and specific locations within the country(ies) to be visited. A review of these conditions should be performed by viewing web-based information provided by the U.S. Department of State as well as information provided by various other cognizant agencies and governments.
Additionally, the College recommends that its students and their parents consult the insurance websites managed by Relation and Chubb, the insurance and travel emergency assistance providers engaged by Rhodes to support students who are traveling internationally. The 4StudentHealth site provides up-to-date plan and claim information for Rhodes students, and the CHUBB site provides access to emergency support and the Travel Intelligence Portal, a site providing real-time information about travel risks of many kinds.
The Rhodes College Travel Policy determines which countries and regions Rhodes College students may travel to for study, work or professional development as representatives of the College. All international student travel requires approval by the Buckman Center and Department Chairs in order for academic credit or financial support to be awarded. Failure to comply with all Rhodes College Travel Policies will result in the withholding of academic credit and/or financial support or reimbursement. Resources: US Dept. of State Travel Advisory Page and International SOS Travel Risk Interactive Map
Restricted Destinations Policy
Rhodes College will not support, finance or award credit for any travel to countries designated by the U.S. State Department as a Level 4 country. Level 3 countries are presumed to be off limits, but permission may be given under certain conditions, see below. Travel to Level 2 destinations will generally be approved by the Buckman Center after the proposing student or faculty member indicates they have reviewed the details of the travel warning and are willing to accept the risk (see below).
Approval
It is expected that approval will be granted for many proposals for travel, even to selected restricted destinations. The Buckman Center will review applications based on an assessment of the components of the proposal, i.e., the diligence of the proposal (level of strategic planning, level of vetting of vendors/partners/providers), the relevance of the purpose of the trip to the mission of the College, the experience and the perceived competence level of the applicants, and upon a more in-depth review of the particular destination and itinerary within the restricted country.
US State Department Advisory Levels and Approval Considerations
Level 4. No approval for travel to these destinations will be given.
Level 3. Approval may be given for proposals for travel to Level 3 destinations if:
Level 2. Approval may be given for proposals for travel to Level 2 destinations if:
Level 1. No additional considerations. Rhodes College reserves the right to withhold or give approval and support if the US State Department Advisory designation is significantly inconsistent with International SOS’ risk rating.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/academics/student-travel-policy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution.) Students who have questions or concerns about FERPA should contact the Office of the Registrar. FERPA rights include:
Circumstances in which the College may disclose education records without a student’s prior written consent include:
If a student wishes to file a complaint alleging a violation of FERPA by Rhodes College, he or she should contact the following agency:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/index.html
1-800-USA-LEARN
For further information concerning a student’s federal privacy rights, the federal regulations implementing FERPA can be found at 34 CFR Part 99.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/academics/student-privacy-rights
Class attendance is a student’s responsibility. Rhodes, as a residential college of the liberal arts and sciences, considers interactive engagement with other students and the professor in a structured setting to be one of the essential and central components of the academic program. Students enrolled at the institution commit to fully participate in their education, including attending class.
Monday-Wednesday-Friday (MWF) classes meet a total of 42 times in a semester; and Tuesday-Thursday (TR) classes meet a total of 28 times in a semester.
Missing three (3) MWF classes, or two (2) TR classes, is equivalent to one week’s work out of the fourteen (14) weeks of the semester; this is a significant amount of time. Absenteeism is not to be taken lightly.
Specific attendance policies are set by individual instructors, who state them in the course syllabus and during the first class session. Faculty should be mindful in setting attendance policies that college-sanctioned activities may require participating students to be off campus and consequently miss class. Additionally, some religious observances may cause participating students to miss class. Faculty are discouraged from penalizing students solely for such absence and should normally, at their discretion, accommodate such a student in, e.g., an alternate date for a test. However, it is the student’s responsibility in undertaking college-sanctioned activities (e.g., varsity athletics, internships, and off-campus competitions connected with courses) to understand that their participation may come at the cost of absences from other courses or even forfeiting credit on specific assignments when making them up is not feasible.
When health and personal matters interfere with a student’s ability to attend class, students should review and follow each instructor’s syllabus guidelines on missed class time and assignments. If the instructor’s policy requires student notification, then the student should communicate with their faculty as soon as they can do so. The individual professor decides what constitutes an excused absence from their course. Students are responsible for learning and understanding the attendance policy in each course, obtaining and mastering material covered during an absence, and consulting with the instructor to learn whether and under what conditions make-up work will be permitted.
In emergencies where the student cannot communicate or develop a plan, the Care Manager or Dean of Student Success may notify the faculty using discreet language (see below Emergency Notifications to Faculty). Please note that leniency with attendance and options for making up work remains at each professor’s discretion and based on their specific course requirements and syllabus guidelines.
Note: If a student is struggling with a chronic, ongoing medical issue that rises to the level of disability, they should contact Student Accessibility Services to explore possible accommodations. The student must address the issues related to missing a class, whatever the reason for the absence. If, by the course policies, the instructor determines that excessive absences are jeopardizing a student’s ability to obtain a passing grade in the course, the instructor may make written request to the Office of Academic Affairs that the student be removed from the course with a grade of F. If a student is removed from two or more courses in the same semester for this reason, the student may be asked to withdraw from the College.
If a student cannot communicate with faculty due to an emergency, a student can request an emergency notification be sent to the faculty. Examples of circumstances in which an emergency notification can be requested include:
Please note, these services are to assist students with unforeseen situations that are immediate in nature. The following are not appropriate reasons to request an emergency notification:
To submit a request, please email care@rhodes.edu. In some circumstances, a student may be unable to initially communicate with the Office of Student Outreach & Support about an emergency. If the office is made aware of an emergency where a student cannot communicate with the College, the Office of Student Outreach & Support may inform the faculty of potential absence using discreet language. If a student experiences the death of a parent or legal guardian, certain offices will be notified, including the President’s Office, Development, the Chaplain, Academic Affairs representative, Financial Aid, and the student’s faculty.
Processing time is 1-2 business days, and requests are only processed during regular business hours. After sending out an emergency notification, the office will contact the student involved to ensure that support is offered once the student resumes academic obligations.
The College understands that grief, health challenges, and other personal challenges impact every student differently. Given their academic responsibilities and goals, students are encouraged to use their judgment about the time they need and can afford to take. Similarly, students should use their discretion taking more extended time through individual course withdrawals, conditional grades, a mid-semester withdrawal from all courses, or a leave of absence. The Office of Student Outreach & Support or Dean of Student Success can meet individually with students to discuss these additional options when needed.
There is no more fundamental relationship in an academic program than that of the instructor and student. The Faculty and its academic officers work to support and to sustain a meaningful and productive instructor-student relationship to secure the educational aims of the College and of the members of its Faculty. Clearly the relationship is not one between equals, and this is most clearly evident when the instructor must assign a grade for the work required of, or expected of, a student.
General Provisions: On occasion a student may believe that a grade assigned is incorrect. Indeed it is possible that a mistake can be made in reporting a grade. The student has the right to initiate a discussion with the instructor to determine that the grade given is in fact correct. If a mistake has been made, the instructor changes the grade and, if it is necessary, requests the Office of Academic Affairs, to change a grade that has been officially entered on a student’s final grade report. In the event that, after consulting with the instructor, the student is not satisfied that a grade has been assigned fairly, the student may write an explanation of why he or she believes the grade assigned is not justified. The student gives this statement to the instructor who may decide that the explanation warrants a reconsideration of the grade assigned. If the instructor decides not to change the assigned grade and discussion with the student does not result in the student’s agreement with this decision, the instructor will ask the department chair to review the procedures for determining grades in the course, the student’s request, and the instructor’s response to it. The faculty member provides a written statement to the department chair about why the original grade is valid.
Should the chair of the department determine that no lapse in procedure has occurred and that full attention has been given to the explanation by the instructor, the matter is closed. The chair of the department communicates this to the student and the instructor.
Should the chair of the department determine that the procedure was not properly followed or that additional attention to the explanation is warranted, the chair discusses the situation with the instructor. The chair may also obtain additional evaluations of the student’s work that promises a constructive response to instructor and the student. These evaluations will be requested from colleagues within the Faculty whose knowledge and expertise are appropriate to a review of the student’s work. Having completed this additional evaluation, the chair’s determination about the grade closes the matter. The chair of the department communicates this to the student and the instructor.
Special Provisions:
The Honor Code represents what the students, the faculty, and the administration believe to be the best environment for the pursuit of the College’s educational aims. All tests and examinations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Honor Code, and students are asked to indicate on their tests and final examinations that they have abided by the principles contained in the Honor Code. Students “pledge” that they have completed academic work in accordance with these principles, and faculty are expected to ask for this pledge before accepting academic work from students.
Normally every course for which credit is given has a final examination as a component. Final examinations are intended to assess students’ mastery of the subject matter of the course and are normally comprehensive in scope. The Foundations Curriculum Committee expects, in reviewing course proposals prior to approval, that the provisions of the final assessment of student performance are made explicit.
Final examinations are given during the examination week according to the published schedule. A professor may offer optional examination times for an entire class within the examination period, except for a Reading Day. Each member of the class must choose one of the optional times at least one week before the first day of examinations. The feasibility of implementing this option is left to the professor’s discretion.
No examination, including examinations at optional times, may be scheduled on a Reading Day. A student with three examinations in a row (not to include reading days) may petition the Office of Academic Affairs to reschedule no more than two examinations later in the examination period. Other changes because of extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, religious observance) also must be approved by the professor and the Office of Academic Affairs.
In some courses the purposes of a final examination are best served by special testing, for example take-home examinations, departmentally administered oral examinations, or special projects and assignments. Whatever the testing method, the important factor is that students are asked to synthesize major concepts, approaches, and facts for the course, and to demonstrate that they can do this on their own. If a professor wishes to give an in-class final examination outside the dates and times of the published examination schedule then this request, along with the approval of the chair of the department, must be made in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs.
A student who has a failing average on course work should be counseled before the final examination about the status of his or her work and about the role the final examination will play in determining the final grade, but the student may not be excluded from taking the final examination. A student who has a passing average on course work and who fails the final examination and as a result has a failing average for the course, may at the discretion of the professor be given an E grade and be permitted to take a reexamination. The highest grade in the course that can be given upon reexamination is D+.
A student who has a passing average on course work and who fails the final examination, but who earns a passing final grade, may be given the appropriate letter grade for the course. Unexcused absence from a final examination automatically results in failure in the course. A student who is prevented by illness or other reason from taking the final examination at the scheduled time must present a written excuse or doctor’s certificate and will be given a grade of X. In some courses, due to the lesser weight given to the final examination in determining the final grade for the course, a professor may not wish to give the grade of F for an unexcused absence or the grade of X in the event of an excused absence. The professor’s policy on this matter should be made clear at the beginning of the course so that there is no misunderstanding and so that it is clear that this situation is an exception to the general College policy.
Final examinations should be available for review by students and may be returned to students at the discretion of the professor. Professors should maintain copies of final examination questions for a period of one year, and if a professor keeps copies of the actual examinations they should be maintained for at least one academic year after the administration of the examination.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/academics-rhodes/class-attendance-policy
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Rhodes College does not permit discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Students who believe they have been discriminated against in violation of Title VI should contact the Title VI coordinators, the Chief Human Resources Officer or the Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs. Student complaints related to sex- or gender-based discrimination or harassment, or sexual misconduct are governed by Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and are processed accordingly.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/title-vi-policy
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies
Authorized Users
The Alburty Swimming Pool is to be used only during posted hours of operation when pool staff is present. Unauthorized use will minimally result in a $100 per person fine, and is a punishable trespassing offense. Violators may be prosecuted.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/bclc-and-alburty-pool
This Animals on Campus Policy applies to all animals on campus, including pets, emotional support animals, and service animals, and pertains to students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Rhodes College.
Rhodes College is committed to compliance with state and federal laws regarding individuals with disabilities. Rhodes recognizes the importance of service and emotional support animals to students with disabilities and has established policies and guidelines regarding service and emotional support animals that are described in more detail below. Rhodes reserves the right to amend this policy as circumstances require.
Students: Fish (in tanks with maximum capacity of ten gallons) are the only pets allowed in campus housing with roommates' permission. Violators of these policies regarding pets are fined a minimum of $100.00 for each infraction. Exceptions will not be made for any temporary keeping of pets or stray animals.
Commuter students must keep pets on leashes while on campus and are responsible for cleaning up after the pet. Pets are not allowed inside residence halls, campus buildings, or structures or into any areas that serve food and/or beverages.
Faculty and Staff: Pets are prohibited in all residence halls, campus buildings, structures, or into any areas serving food and/or beverages. The only exceptions are for live-on staff.
Guests/Visitors: Pets are prohibited inside residence halls, campus buildings, structures, or any areas serving food and/or beverages.
A student requesting to bring a service animal on campus or keep a service animal in campus housing must formally request the Office of Student Accessibility Services (901-843-3815). Requests for service animals in housing do not require documentation of a disability.
Requests must be made in a timely manner. Incoming students requesting to have a service animal in campus housing should submit their request and supporting documentation to Student Accessibility Services by June 1 for review and determination before the beginning of fall semester. Returning students should submit paperwork by March 1. While applications after these dates will be accepted and considered, Rhodes cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet late applicants’ accommodation needs.
Student Accessibility Services reviews each request on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting that a service animal be housed in campus housing will meet with Student Accessibility Services to carefully review this policy and to sign a release form giving permission for the Office of Residence Life, Campus Safety, and Physical Plant to be informed of the animal’s location. If the student is dissatisfied with the determination of their accommodation request and/or has new information or concerns, they will have the opportunity to request reconsideration. Any denial of an accommodation request may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Life, as outlined in the Student Accessibility Services Procedures.
Rhodes allows service animals to accompany visitors with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. Service animals for students, faculty and staff are allowed in any area unless the presence of the service animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others on campus, or the service animal’s presence would require a fundamental alteration in the facility’s practices, policies, or procedures.
If the owner represents that the animal is a service animal, he or she does not have to provide documentation or other proof that the animal has been certified or licensed as a service animal; conversely, providing such a certificate or placing a vest on an animal that says “Service Animal,” without more, will not qualify an animal as a service animal. Rhodes may ask the owner: (1) if the animal is required because of a disability and (2) what work or task the animal has been trained to perform, unless it is readily apparent that the animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability (e.g., the dog is observed guiding an individual who is blind). Failure to provide satisfactory answers to these questions may result in restrictions on where the animal can go.
A service animal is required to be under the control of its owner at all times, and shall have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless the owner/handler is unable to use such device because of a disability, or the use of such device would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work, in which case the service animal must still otherwise be under the owner/handler’s control (e.g. voice control, signals, or other effective means).
Emotional Support Animal Policy
A student requesting to bring an emotional support animal on campus or keep an emotional support animal in campus housing must formally request the Office of Student Accessibility Services (901-843-3815) and submit an Emotional Support Animal Verification Form.
For approval, there must be a link between the animal and a documented disability. Emotional distress resulting from giving up an animal because of a “no pets” policy does not qualify a person for accommodation under federal law.
Requests must be made in a timely manner. Incoming students requesting to have an emotional support animal in campus housing should submit their request and supporting documentation to Student Accessibility Services by June 1 for review and determination before the beginning of the fall semester. Returning students should submit paperwork by March 1. While applications after these dates will be accepted and considered, Rhodes cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet late applicants’ accommodation needs.
Student Accessibility Services reviews each request on a case-by-case basis. While animals other than dogs or cats will be considered, Rhodes is not obligated to permit an animal that is dangerous, disruptive, or requires special environmental conditions to be brought onto campus as an emotional support animal. Students requesting that an emotional support animal be housed in campus housing will meet with Student Accessibility Services to carefully review this policy and to sign a release form giving permission for Residence Life, Campus Safety, and Physical Plant to be informed of the animal’s location. If the student is dissatisfied with the determination of their accommodation request and/or has new information or concerns, the student will have the opportunity to request reconsideration. Any denial of an accommodation request may be appealed to the Vice President of Student Life, as outlined in the Student Accessibility Services Procedures.
An emotional support animal is required to be always under the control of the owner, and shall have a harness, leash, or other tether or a pet carrier. Emotional support animals may not be transported on campus in purses, tote bags, briefcases, or backpacks.
Emotional support animals are not allowed into campus buildings or structures (other than the residence hall in which its owner resides) or into any areas that serve food and/or beverages.
All provisions of this policy related to service animals are applicable to service animals in training. Rhodes allows service animals in training on campus, provided that the animal is led or accompanied by a trainer, is wearing a harness, and held on a leash by the trainer. Additionally, the trainer shall first present for inspection credentials for training service animals issued by an accredited school. Service animals in training are not allowed in student housing and may not be the subject of a request for reasonable accommodation.
Service and Emotional Support Animal Exceptions
Rhodes may deny approval of a service animal or emotional support animal as a reasonable accommodation and/or remove a service animal or emotional support animal from campus, including campus housing if, based upon an individualized assessment:
Examples of situations in which an animal may not be approved or may be removed from campus include, but are not limited to, the following:
An animal removal determination is made by Student Accessibility Services in consultation with the Office of Residence Life, the student resident, and other parties as appropriate. If the owner fails to comply with the specified removal deadline, then the Office of Residence Life reserves the right to call Animal Control and report the student to Community Standards. Any removal of an approved animal may be appealed to the Vice President of Student Life, as outlined in the Student Accessibility Services Procedures. If an approved animal is removed from campus for any reason, the owner is expected to fulfill their housing obligations for the remainder of the housing contract.
All student questions regarding service and emotional support animals on campus should be directed to Student Accessibility Services at 901-843-3815 or accessibilityservices@rhodes.edu.
All faculty, staff, or visitor questions regarding service and emotional support animals on campus should be directed to Human Resources at 901-843-3750 or hr@rhodes.edu.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/animals-campus-policy
Major changes or additions made in the appearance of the campus should be made only with the approval of the Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs and the President.
"Campus Art." Rhodes promotes the arts and artistic expression. The Clough-Hanson Gallery exhibits student work periodically. "Campus Art" is defined as works of art requested to be displayed outdoors on the campus. Campus art reflects not only the expression of the artist, but can be perceived as reflecting the views or values of the College. Therefore, the principles listed under Campus Regulations should be carefully considered. Works of art that qualify for outdoor display on the Rhodes campus shall be works of art intended as ends in themselves, such as those found in galleries or sculpture gardens. Works that qualify for outdoor display on the campus shall not include items of advocacy or protest or items of information such as posters. (See policy on posting.)
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/campus-appearance
Area |
Office/Department |
Phone Number |
Academic Success Concerns |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Academic Affairs |
Academic Affairs |
901-843-3795 |
Accessibility Services |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Art Gallery |
Clough-Hanson Gallery |
901-843-3442 |
Athletics |
Bryan Campus Life Center |
901-843-3940 |
Books and Supplies |
Bookstore |
901-843-3535 |
Bursar |
Rhodes Express |
901-843-3278 |
Campus Dining |
Catherin Burrow Refectory |
901-843-3541 |
Campus Safety |
Campus Safety |
901-843-3880 |
Career Counseling |
Career Services |
901-843-3800 |
Community Service |
Kinney/Bonner Program |
901-843-3849 |
Computer Labs |
Barret Library |
901-843-3890 |
Counseling |
Counseling Center |
901-843-3128 |
Dean of Students |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Family Weekend |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Financial Aid |
Rhodes Express |
901-843-3278 |
General Inquires |
Rhodes Express |
901-843-3278 |
Fraternity and Sorority Life |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Health Services |
Health Center |
901-843-3895 |
Housing |
Residence Life |
901-843-3241 |
Inclusion & Involvement |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
IT Help Desk |
Barrett Library |
901-843-3890 |
Language Lab |
Language Lab |
901-843-3973 |
Learning Strategies |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Leave of Absence |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Library - Information |
Barret Library |
901-843-3890 |
Mailing Services |
Mailroom |
901-843-3239 |
Maintenance |
Physical Plant |
901-843-3870 |
Mathematical |
Math & Computer Science |
901-843-3599 |
Meal Plans |
Catherine Burrow Refectory |
901-843-3541 |
On Campus Computer Repair |
Computer Depot |
901-843-3923 |
Orientation |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Parking |
Campus Safety |
901-843-3880 |
Registrar |
Rhodes Express |
901-843-3278 |
Religious/Spiritual Support |
Chaplain’s Office |
901-843-3822 |
Scholarships |
Rhodes Express |
901-843-3278 |
Stress Management |
Counseling Center |
901-843-3128 |
Student Conduct |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Student Employment |
Rhodes Express |
901-843-3278 |
Student Organizations |
Student Life |
901-843-3815 |
Study Abroad |
International Programs |
901-843-3403 |
Transcript Request |
Rhodes Express |
901-843-3278 |
Tuition Inquires |
Rhodes Express |
901-843-3278 |
Writing Center |
Barret Library |
901-843-3890 |
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/campus-resources
Rhodes is an institution committed to practicing conscientious respect, Rhodes College will not condone the use of illegal substances and the misuse of over the counter (OTC) or prescription medication. Individuals who use or misuse these substances run the risk of damaging their bodies or their minds.
Students are expected to comply with federal and state law as it concerns controlled substances. This means that the consumption, sale, manufacture, possession, distribution (including gifts), and/or illegal use of controlled substances is prohibited. Controlled substances include, but are not limited to:
Students who share, gift, sell, or distribute their prescription medication to others are violating College policy and the law, and such actions are prohibited. Students who are prescribed medication are expected to keep that medication in a safe place and to only use it as their physician or healthcare provider has prescribed. Possession of a Medical Marijuana prescription/card does not exempt a student from this policy.
Even though a substance is not intended to be inhaled or consumed, the College recognizes that there are some substances that can be abused in this way. Students who utilize other mind-altering substances including, but not limited to, aerosols, amyl nitrate, ephedrine, glue, nitrous oxide, paint, volatile solvents, any cannabis-related Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 substances and other similar substances are also in violation of this policy.
The possession or use of drug paraphernalia is often an indication that an individual is in possession of or is using controlled substances. Drug paraphernalia is defined as any equipment that is used to produce, conceal, and/or consume controlled substances, such as, but not limited to, bongs, grinders or pipes. Possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited by the College.
Shared Responsibility Statement – Drugs
Students who are found to be present in an environment where illegal drug use or drug paraphernalia is present will be held responsible for a “Shared Responsibility Drug” violation. This violation will result in a warning and drug education.
Summary of State Law Concerning Drugs
Students may also face legal consequences for their actions involving substance use. Those consequences may involve criminal prosecution, imprisonment, fines, and loss of their financial aid.
The following summary of the Tennessee Code Annotated is provided to promote increased awareness of the Tennessee laws concerning controlled substances. This summary is not intended to be a restatement of the law nor a summary of all of the laws relating to controlled substances. All members of the Rhodes community are responsible for compliance with laws concerning controlled substances.
It is a criminal offense to knowingly manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess with the intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell controlled substances. The State of Tennessee defines seven categories of controlled substances. Depending upon the type and quantity of substance, felony penalties include fines ranging from $3,000 to $50,000 and imprisonment for not less than one year to not more than 60 years.
For misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, the penalty is imprisonment of not more than 11 months and 29 days and a $2,500 fine.
The term “drug paraphernalia” means any equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are primarily used, intended for use, or designed for use by the person in possession of them, in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body, a controlled substance. (T.C.A. 39-17-425).
The maximum penalty for unlicensed possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor with imprisonment up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The maximum penalty for the unlicensed possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture a controlled substance is a Class E felony with imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than six years, or a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
Denial of Federal Aid (20 USC 1091)
Under the Higher Education Act of 1998, students convicted under federal or state law for the sale or possession of drugs will have their federal financial aid eligibility suspended. This includes all federal grants, loans, federal work study programs, and more. Students convicted of drug possession will be ineligible for one year from the date of the conviction of the first offense, two years for the second offense, and indefinitely for the third offense. Students convicted of selling drugs will be ineligible for two years from the date of the first conviction, and indefinitely for the second offense. Those who lose eligibility can regain eligibility by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program.
People who abuse drugs risk damage to both their mental and physical health. More information about the health risks associated with the use of illegal substances or the misuse of medication can be found within the Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/.
Confidential Counseling Resources
Rhodes is committed to student health and safety first and foremost. If a student is engaged in the use of substances or the misuse of OTC/prescription medication and wishes to seek help, there are several resources on and off campus that are able to support. Students can visit Student Health Services to speak with a nurse practitioner or they can make an appointment with someone in the Counseling Center. More information about substance abuse support can also be found on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration’s website https://www.samhsa.gov/.
The following local resources are available to Rhodes students:
Student Counseling Center
Moore Moore
901-843-3128
Student Health Center
Moore Moore
901-843-3895
Lakeside Behavioral Health System
2911 Brunswick Rd, Memphis, TN 38133
901-377-4733
Memphis Alcohol and Drug Council/NCA, Inc.
1430 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38104
901-274-0056
Memphis Area Intergroup Association (Alcoholics Anonymous)
3540 Summer Avenue, Suite 104, Memphis, TN 38122
8 901-454-1414 (24 Hour Helpline)
Methodist Health Care/Lamar Campus/Addictions Services
Methodist Central
1265 Union Ave., Suite 105 Sherard, Memphis, TN 38104
901-726-2996
Mid-Town Mental Health Center
427 Dr. ML King Jr Ave, Memphis, TN 38126
901-577-0200, ext. 370
Charter Parkwood Hospital
8135 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch, MS 38654
662-895-4900
Southeast Mental Health Winchester Center (Alliance Healthcare Services)
3810 Winchester, Memphis, TN 38118
901-369-1400
Veterans Administration Medical Center – Alcohol and Drug Unit
(for veterans and families only)
1030 Jefferson Ave., Memphis, TN 38104
901-532-8990, ext. 5706
Rhodes College is committed to the health and safety of its students. The College hosts numerous educational programs and shares information widely about the dangers of substance use and the implications it can have on student’s lives. For more information about such programs, visit the Student Health Center | Rhodes Siteshttps://www.rhodes.edu/student-life/services-support/student-health-services.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/drug-policy
Rhodes College values all community members, including those outside our gates. The College strives to build positive, respectful, and civil relationships with our community neighbors to ensure positive, open streams of dialogue.
Rhodes students, whether living on or off campus, should be respectful of the people who live in the neighborhoods surrounding Rhodes. We are committed to reducing quality of life concerns such as loud noise, abusive behaviors (i.e., fighting, bullying, etc.), harassment, underage drinking, and drug abuse, which may negatively impact life on and off campus.
Quality of life concerns included but are not limited to:
If a student is living in an off-campus residence with one or more other students or non-students and the residence is found by the College to be violation of the Good Neighbor Policy or other policies and regulations or to be adversely affecting the College’s relationship with the neighboring community, all Rhodes College students who are residents may be subject to corrective action through the College’s Community Standards process, even if the conduct of an individual resident cannot be specifically identified.
Any Rhodes College student residing off campus is encouraged to engage with their fellow community members/neighbors:
Be familiar with state and local laws and Rhodes College policies regarding behavior, alcohol, and drugs.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/good-neighbor-policy
Rhodes engages in planning to minimize danger to life, health, and property from emergencies or other critical incidents should they arise. Included in planning are necessary and prudent steps to assure continuity of operations and restoration of academic and other activities as quickly as possible following an emergency.
The foundation for such planning is based on the following priorities:
With these priorities as a foundation, the plan facilitates a quick and efficient move from normal to emergency operations and back. You may view the complete plan at https://www.rhodes.edu/student-life/services-and-support/campus-safety/emergency-plan.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/emergency-preparedness
The Lynx ID card serves as the official identification for all members of the Rhodes College community, including students, staff, faculty, and registered non-employee occupants.
This policy outlines the requirements and procedures for obtaining, wearing, and managing Lynx ID cards. It ensures that all individuals on campus are correctly identified, and that student and employee data is protected while providing clear guidelines for issuing and managing ID badges.
Eligibility and Issuance:
Identification Requirement for Issuance:
Lynx ID Display Requirements:
Lost or Stolen IDs:
Reporting: If a student loses their Lynx ID, they must report it as lost or stolen to the Rhodes Express during regular operating hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Prompt reporting is essential to prevent unauthorized use and facilitate a replacement issuance.
Replacement Procedures:
Compliance and Enforcement:
If you have any questions or concerns about the Lynx ID policy or procedures for obtaining or replacing IDs, contact Rhodes Express or the Office of Finance during regular operating hours, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/lynx-id-student-policy
Rhodes' extreme weather procedures provide for making decisions to cancel classes or to delay the start of classes at the College when weather conditions warrant. These procedures will be used only if Rhodes’ schedule is altered.
The decision will be communicated through the following College communication avenues
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/inclement-weather
Rhodes College upholds the principles of academic freedom and free expression as cornerstones of our educational mission, essential for the pursuit of truth and the unfettered exploration of knowledge. As an inclusive and truth-seeking community, we affirm all members' intellectual freedom and right to free expression, even when the ideas conveyed are controversial, provocative, or perceived as offensive. Simultaneously, we defend the right of our community members to critique, protest, and challenge these ideas. These rights should be exercised responsibly, considering the impact on community members with differing views.
However, the right to free expression carries with it the responsibility to respect the rights, safety, and dignity of others. Equally important is our commitment to non-discrimination and promoting respectful discourse, ensuring all community members can engage in discussion without fear of harassment or exclusion. Through this balance of freedom, we aim to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant campus through this balance of freedom and responsibility.
Rhodes College is dedicated to cultivating a dynamic learning environment that promotes open dialogue, robust debate, and the free exchange of ideas among students, faculty, staff, and invited speakers. The following policies and procedures for expressive speech activities on campus, including demonstrations, are rooted in this commitment. However, with the right to free expression comes the responsibility to respect the rights and safety of others.
This policy outlines the guidelines for student expressive speech activities on campus, including designated demonstration spaces, to protect the right to express and learn.
Non-Discrimination and Respect for Others
Expressive speech activities must adhere to Rhodes' Non-discrimination Policy and respect for others. Speech that incites violence credibly threatens or harasses individuals, or creates a hostile environment is not protected under this policy. Disagreement and debate should be conducted civilly and respectfully.
Guidelines for Expressive Activities
Withholding or Withdrawal of Approval
The College may withhold or withdraw approval for any event or activity on College property under this policy if it is deemed inconsistent with the following:
Designated Spaces for Demonstrations
Permissible Forms of Expression
Prohibited Forms of Expression
Non-Affiliates on College Property
Non-affiliates are those who are not any of the following: student, employee, officer, trustee, auxiliary employee, official college volunteer, or household member authorized to reside on campus. A non-affiliate must leave College property if instructed to do so by a College official, following a reasonable determination that their presence or actions may disrupt the peaceful conduct of the College’s activities, functions, or operations or if they have entered the premises with the intent to do so. Non-affiliates on College property shall not:
College Response to Policy Violations
Students who believe they have been subjected to harassing speech that is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies their ability to participate in or benefit from the College's programs or activities should report their concerns to the Director of Institutional Equity charged with enforcing the Nondiscrimination Policy. The college will assess the matter under the Rhodes’ Nondiscrimination Policy's procedures and provide reasonable supportive resources to the affected students.
Even if the activity is deemed protected speech and does not violate Rhodes' policies or applicable laws, the College official charged with enforcing Rhodes’ Nondiscrimination Policy and other appropriate College officials will work with students to provide reasonable supportive services and resources. In those circumstances, although no sanction or action may be taken against the individuals engaged in the protected speech activity, reasonable support and other measures will be provided.
Whether harassing conduct creates an unlawful hostile environment must be determined from the totality of the circumstances. Relevant factors for consideration may include but are not limited to, the context, nature, scope, frequency, duration, and location of the harassment based on race, color, or national origin, as well as the identity, number, age, and relationships of the persons involved. The less pervasive the harassing conduct, the more severe it must be to establish an unlawful hostile environment. For example, in most cases, a single isolated incident would not be sufficient to establish a policy or legal violation. However, in some cases, a hostile environment requiring appropriate responsive action may result from a single severe incident.
Enforcement and Consequences
The established Standards of Conduct process addresses students who violate this policy. Depending on the severity and frequency of the violation, the consequences may range from warnings and removal from college property to more severe outcomes.
No "ordinary" penalty applies to violations of this policy. However, infractions may lead to penalties up to suspension or expulsion. The gravity of the offense and the student's prior conduct are considered; however, the more serious, the penalty. Non-affiliates who violate this policy and/or any applicable laws will be held accountable to the full extent of the College’s authority under existing laws, regulations, and policies.
***Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the Student Expressive Speech and Demonstration Policy can be found here.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/student-expressive-speech-and-demonstration-policy
1.What is the purpose of the Expressive Speech and Demonstration Policy?
The policy promotes academic freedom and free expression as central to Rhodes College’s educational mission. It ensures all community members can express their views while respecting others' rights, safety, and dignity.
2. Are there restrictions on where demonstrations can be held?
Yes. Designated outdoor areas for demonstrations include:
Prohibited areas include administrative buildings, classrooms, residence halls, and offices to avoid disrupting college operations.
3. What is the process for organizing a demonstration?
To hold a demonstration, students or student organizations must:
4. How long can demonstrations last?
Demonstrations must occur within 24 hours and cannot exceed 6 hours in a single day. Events must take place between 8:30 a.m. and sunset. Overnight or multiple-day events are only permitted with special approval.
5. What responsibilities do organizers have?
Organizers must:
6. Are there any limitations on the types of expression allowed?
Yes, certain forms of expression are prohibited, such as:
7. Can non-affiliates participate in demonstrations?
Non-affiliates (those not associated with the College) cannot participate unless authorized. They must leave campus if requested by a College official if their presence disrupts College operations.
8. What types of signage are allowed during demonstrations?
Temporary signage, banners, and chalking are permitted under the following conditions:
9. What happens if I violate the Expressive Speech and Demonstration Policy?
Policy violations may result in penalties ranging from warnings to suspension or expulsion. The severity of the violation and the student's/organization’s prior conduct will determine the penalty.
10. What should I do if I feel harassed during a demonstration?
If you believe you have been subjected to harassing speech, you should report the issue to the Director of Institutional Equity. The College will assess the situation and provide appropriate support and resources, even if the speech is protected.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/student-expressive-speech-and-demonstration-policy/faqs-expressive
Student Immunization Policy
This policy applies to all the students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at Rhodes College.
The Tennessee Department of Health has immunization requirements for those who attend college. All students should review the information at the Tennessee Department of Health, College Immunizations.
Rhodes College developed the following pre-entrance immunization requirements based on recommendations of the American College Health Association, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Center for Disease Control, and the Tennessee Department of Health.
Required Vaccinations for All Students Before Starting Classes Rhodes College requires that every student (undergraduate and graduate) who attends classes on campus or has an on-campus component to their program must show proof of receiving the following vaccinations before coming onto campus.
Required to submit records for the following vaccinations:
A positive serology (year of test documented) is acceptable as an alternative to immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, or varicella. For varicella, documentation of provider-diagnosed varicella or provider-verified credible history of disease given by a parent or guardian is also acceptable. By documenting a history of disease, the provider is asserting they are convinced that the student has had chickenpox.
Recommended vaccinations:
Process for Submitting Immunization Records
Before moving on campus and or before the first day of classes, first-year undergraduate and graduate students must upload an Immunization Record completed and signed by a healthcare provider to the student’s Medicat patient portal or fax it to the Student Health Center (SHC). The annual deadline is on or around July 15 and is communicated on the SHC website, Medicat, and through communications to incoming first-year students. Medical and Religious Exemption forms are on the SHC website, in the student’s Medicat account, or can be requested by emailing health@rhodes.edu. Students requesting a medical or religious exemption should upload a completed exemption form and supporting documentation to their Medicat account. Exemptions must be approved before moving on to campus and before the first day of classes.
Students requesting a medical or religious exemption should upload a completed exemption form and supporting documentation to their Medicat account.
Exemptions must be approved before moving on to campus and before the first day of classes.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/student-immunization-policy
Memphis ordinance prohibits the use of fireworks in the city. Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited on the Rhodes College campus.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/fireworks
As an educational institution, Rhodes College is committed to maintaining an environment in which its college employees and students are safe, can be trusted and count on others to be trustworthy, and receive and extend to others respect as human persons. Indeed, mutual respect among college employees and students is an essential ingredient in the educational process and the greatest care must be taken that it not in any way be eroded. For the purposes of this policy, students include graduate and undergraduate students.
Virtually all college employees are, or can appear to be, in a position to exercise power or authority, directly or indirectly, over students, whether or not an individual student is enrolled in their classes, are subject to their direct supervision, or have some form of business to transact with offices at the College. Many students are at a stage in their development when they may be particularly vulnerable to the influence of college employees who are in positions where they can affect the terms and conditions of a student’s standing at the College.
If a student consents to a romantic relationship with a college employee, the existence of such a relationship could have unintended adverse effects on the educational environment of the College. In some cases, such a relationship can end unhappily or become problematic, resulting in charges of sexual harassment, and even physical or psychological abuse.
Some circumstances in which a college employee works with students can have the potential for the exploitation of students. For example, a work-study student might be asked to perform services that go beyond the terms and conditions of the work-study assignment, e.g. child care, personal business transactions. In such cases, it must be clear that the student may decline such personal invitations without any adverse consequences. It may be that a work-study student will respond to an invitation to provide personal assistance, but this relationship must be one in which the student volunteers, is offered and accepts a fair wage for services, and one which bears no relationship to the continuation of or the evaluation of the work-study assignment.
Because of the commitment to maintaining an environment that supports our educational goals, Rhodes College prohibits romantic, sexual, and exploitative relationships between college employees and students. For the purpose of this policy, student employees will be treated as 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. The policies and procedures for employee disciplinary procedures and dismissal for cause apply in all such cases. Please contact the Director of Human Resources with any questions regarding this policy.
There are exceptional circumstances in which the spouse or partner of a college employee is a student at the College. This fraternization policy does not apply in such circumstances. The Dean of the Faculty, in consultation with the Director of Human Resources, is the administrative officer who determines whether an exceptional circumstance applies.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/fraternization
Information Services is located in Barret Library. Technology resources include cloud file storage, network printing, e-mail, computer labs, classroom AV, and internet access throughout campus.
Students are given network user accounts after enrolling. These accounts are for use in work related to the user’s role at Rhodes. Through a network user account, students have secure access to e-mail, cloud file storage, and printing. Students are responsible for all activities associated with their network user account.
Information Desk. Please refer technology related questions or problems to the Information Desk at (901)843-3890 or by e-mail at help@rhodes.edu.
Printers. Print release stations (aka "PrintHubs") are located throughout Barret Library and many other buildings on campus. Students are allocated $100.00 credit of free printing on August 1. Printing is charged at a rate of $.10 per page for black and white and $.25 per page for color.
Network Services. The use of the network is a privilege, which may temporarily be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Such conduct includes but is not limited to the placing of unlawful information on a system, the use of objectionable language, running unauthorized servers, unaddressed virus or malware infections, and any other type of use that would cause congestion or security risk of the network or otherwise interfere with the work of others. It is a violation of the college policy to assume the identity of others in e-mail and other network communication.
Misuse of Computer Resources. The college assumes that individuals will treat all of the facilities with respect and consideration for other users. Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. If a problem is discovered with Rhodes College computer equipment, it should be reported immediately to the Information Desk. Students are expected to abide by the rules of usage as posted in the labs.
Residence Hall Network. All residence halls have WiFi service available throughout the building. Students are not to tamper with wireless access points. Damage to access points will result in fines being charged to students and/or to all of the students on the entire floor. To minimize interference, students should not use wireless printers in their dorm rooms. Printers should have the wireless feature turned off and a wired connection to their computer (e.g. via USB) used instead.
IDs and Passwords. We want to protect the privacy and security of your personal information and resource access at Rhodes. It is a violation to post a public image of your Rhodes ID card or share your network password with anyone. If you believe that your password has been compromised, please contact help@rhodes.edu to have your password reset. We also require that all students, faculty, and staff use multi-factor authentication to validate password submission, providing a second layer of protection to your account credentials.
Misuse of Internet Resources. In keeping with Rhodes' tradition of student self-governance, students are expected to use the network in ways consistent with codes of conduct established in the Honor Code and Social Regulations Code and with the Standards of the Rhodes Community.
Violations. Violation of any portion of the Computer Usage Policies will result in suspension of one’s privileges for use of Rhodes computers and information technology services until the appropriate Vice President or Dean approves reauthorization of access to equipment and services, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed under other College rules, such as the Honor Code or Social Regulations Code. Users must not conceal or help to conceal or “cover up” violations by any party. Users are expected to report any evidence of actual or suspected violation of these policies to the Vice President for Student and Information Services.
Rhodes College is authorized to investigate alleged or apparent violations of college policy or applicable law using whatever means appropriate. Rhodes reserves the right to monitor use of Rhodes computers and to access, inspect and/or download any and all information stored on Rhodes computers in the course of such investigation. Information Services is authorized by the college to investigate policy violations and apply reduction or elimination of access privileges while the matter is under review and/or as a penalty for violations. These sanctions may apply to computing accounts, networks, college administered computing rooms, and other services or facilities. A college user accused of a violation will be notified of the charge and will have an opportunity to respond to the college disciplinary body appropriate to the violator’s status before a final determination of any penalty.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/information-services
The following noise reduction policy is established for the Rhodes campus:
Violations of the noise policy may result in a monetary fine and other possible disciplinary action.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/noise-reduction
There are a number of outside cooking grills available for student use in common areas. The use of grills is prohibited within 50 feet of any residence building.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/outside-cooking-grills
Rhodes community members have the right to use restrooms that correspond with their sex, gender identity, and/or gender expression without being questioned by others about their restroom choices. All community members are entitled to determine which restroom options are the most appropriate and safest options for them at any time. Any community member who has a need or desire for increased privacy, regardless of reason, shall have access to a single-stall, all-gender/gender inclusive restroom.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/restroom-access
Students who wish to advertise their events or post informational material on campus are subject to the following guidelines:
Neither on-campus nor off-campus organizations may post or chalk without prior approval from the Dean of Belonging/Director of Residence Life.
Please note: Failure to abide by these policies may lead to loss of posting privileges, College recognition, and/or disciplinary action from the College. Violations of the posting policy may be referred to the Office of Community Standards.
Violations
The College has an obligation to develop policies and procedures that safeguard the freedom of expression while maintaining an atmosphere conducive to the overall functioning of the College and the commitment to academic freedom. Each member of the community is expected to be respectful of the corollary right of other community members to perform their duties and participate in the life of the College free from disruption, interference, or harassment. Violations of this policy can result in the immediate cancelation of an event, payment of expenses incurred to remove or repair damage from non-conforming signs, and/or all relevant disciplinary actions that fall under the appropriate section(s) of the College Handbook. In order to avoid any misunderstanding of what are peaceful, permitted, and safe expressive activities, the following non-exhaustive list of prohibited behaviors and characteristics is provided as examples.
Violations of this policy include activities that
Questions or Appeals
Any questions or appeals of decisions regarding such events should be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs or Division of Student Life. They will consult with others on campus as needed to finalize a response to the appeal.
It should be noted that when the physical safety of the Rhodes community is threatened, the college reserves the right to cancel an event.
Click here for information about Permanent Campus Signage.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/campus-posting-policy
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/sexgender-discrimination-and-sexual-misconduct-policy
Social Media Policy
As social media has evolved over the years, we have seen both the positive and negative impact such platforms can have. Rhodes College believes that social media can be a tool to promote ideas, build community, share information, and facilitate learning. Rhodes is committed to providing an atmosphere in which students are free to express themselves creatively and stay connected using social networking platforms. However, we know from experience that social media, when used without care, can also have an impact in ways that are contrary to our values and diminish us individually and as a community. Improper use of social media can also pose risk to the College’s confidential and proprietary information, reputation, and brand, as well as jeopardize the College’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
“Social media” as referenced in this policy refers to any website, platform or application that allows users to create and share content or participate in digital social networking. Social media platforms develop and change at a rapid pace, and the policy may be revised from time to time as new platforms are developed and new concerns are identified. The lack of explicit reference to a specific site does not limit the extent of the application of this policy.
Official Use
Rhodes students seeking to represent Rhodes via social media outlets, for example by running the social media account of a Rhodes student organization, must do the following:
Personal Use
Students may not use their personal social media accounts to speak on behalf of or as a representative of the Rhodes community. Students should not use the official Rhodes logo on a personal social media account.
Rhodes College urges students to be mindful of how their online activity can be detrimental or harmful to others, and to remember that what you post on your personal social media accounts may easily be become public and shared with others. Personal social media accounts should never be used in a way that violates any Rhodes College policy or the student handbook. Students must also comply with all laws, license agreements, and contracts governing network, software, and misconduct in order to protect others’ rights and safety. Rhodes will hold students accountable for social media activity that violates the Rhodes Standards of Conduct. Rhodes reserves the right to ask students to take down social media postings that violate the Standards of Conduct or any other Rhodes policy and the failure to do so promptly may result in disciplinary action.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/social-media-rhodes
Certain areas of the campus are designated as non-smoking. Specifically, all interior spaces of all buildings and all exterior space within 50 feet of all buildings are designated as "No Smoking."
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 do so in exterior locations at least 50 feet away from all buildings.
This policy includes e-cigarettes, which are not permitted for use in any buildings. A violation of the smoking policy is also a violation of the fire safety policy.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/smoking-policy
Alcohol and its effect on the college experience is a common topic of discussion and debate. The Rhodes College philosophy is that there is a time and a place for alcohol consumption consistent with certain college activities and times. No matter the circumstance, an individual’s behavior when consuming alcohol should always demonstrate respect for people and property.
When an individual chooses to drink alcohol, they are assuming some level of risk – risk to their health and safety, and, if they are under the legal drinking age, the risk that they will be held accountable either by the College and/or by law enforcement. Students can lessen their risk by practicing reasonable and safe consumption of alcohol. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation and not toward a goal of intoxication.
Drinking alcohol to the point of intoxication is not a community value and violates this policy. Rhodes defines alcohol intoxication as a condition of having physical or mental control so diminished by the effects of alcohol that the individual: (1) is a danger to themselves; (2) presents a danger to other people or property; or (3) unreasonably annoys people in the vicinity. Regardless of a student’s age, intoxication is not tolerated.
Rhodes College follows federal and state law as it pertains to alcohol:
There are some campus events where alcohol is served in a controlled and monitored setting. At these approved events, carrying alcohol from one on-campus venue to another is strictly prohibited unless carried in a cup. No bottles, cans, kegs, or other containers are permitted to be carried from one on-campus venue to another.
Because the College is committed to promoting the reasonable and safe consumption of alcohol, paraphernalia that facilitates high-risk or binge drinking is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, beer bongs or funnels, kegs, and other common containers and mass sources.
Drinking games are another contributor to the rapid consumption of alcohol and are also prohibited.
In situations in which an alcohol policy violation occurs in a group setting, the determination of each individual’s responsibility for the violation will be determined on a case-by-case basis, including, but not limited to, the following factors:
Shared Responsibility Statement: Students who are found to be present in an environment where illegal alcohol consumption is present will be held responsible for a “Shared Responsibility Alcohol” violation. This violation will result in a warning and alcohol education.
All events planned and hosted by Rhodes College departments and organizations must use the Events Management System to:
Regulatory and Contractual Compliance
Alcohol Shipments and Delivery
It is prohibited for any student, regardless of age, to have alcohol shipped to the mailroom at Rhodes College. The mailroom will inform the Office of Community Standards if/when shipments of alcohol are received. This is a violation of the Social and Alcohol Policy.
The following summary is provided to promote increased awareness of the Tennessee laws concerning alcoholic beverages. This summary is not intended to be a restatement of the law nor a summary of all of the laws relating to alcoholic beverages. All members of the Rhodes community are responsible for compliance with the state laws governing the use of alcohol.
Regarding alcohol consumption, according to Tennessee law, it is illegal:
Regarding alcohol and driving a motor vehicle, according to Tennessee law, it is illegal:
Partial summary of punishments for offenses related to alcohol and motor vehicles:
Student violations of this policy include, but are not limited to, the possession or consumption of alcohol if under the age of 21, providing alcohol to underage students, or alcohol intoxication or substance-induced behavior that places a student or others at risk in terms of health and safety issues. Students in violation will:
Special Note: Any violation that includes drinking and driving on campus will likely result in a suspension of parking and driving privileges for the rest of the student’s college career at Rhodes in addition to other applicable sanctions.
Rhodes is committed to providing students with information about alcohol and confidential referrals for professional assistance if needed. An awareness of the negative effects of alcohol consumption may assist you in your efforts to make safe and responsible choices about alcohol. Educational programs will be organized and conducted annually to promote continued awareness and encourage an attitude of genuine concern and care for others. Information concerning responsible use, effective party planning, indications of abuse or addiction, and resources for assistance are available for you or someone you care about in the Student Counseling Center.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/social-and-alcohol-policy
Solicitation involves the sale of products, collection of monies, or promotion done with the intent to obtain something in return. Students should be aware that solicitation in any form is prohibited on campus without prior approval. This includes, but is not limited to, handing out fliers, giving free samples, vending, or recruiting.
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) must submit requests for solicitation on campus to the Office of Student Engagement via Presence. The Office of Student Engagement will assist student groups in finding a location for any approved solicitation activity.
Student groups who are not RSOs, must submit requests for solicitation on campus to their respective sponsoring College official or department. The College Events Office will assist student groups in finding a location for any approved solicitation activity.
All salespersons and solicitors, including canvassers, distributors, external partners, companies, or organizations wishing to solicit on campus must be invited by or receive prior approval by a sponsoring College official, department, or Registered Student Organization and their advisor.
Any request for solicitation on campus should include the following information:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/solicitation-campus
Nature of Concern | Address concern to | If Appealed - Address to |
Grade concerns | Issuing Instructor | Department Chair |
Financial Aid concerns | Financial Aid Office | Director of Financial Aid |
Academic Standards | Standards & Standing Committee | Provost |
Academic Discrimination | Associate Provost | Provost |
Educational Records | Registrar | Standards & Standing Committee |
Housing | Housing Appeals Committee | Dean of Students via Director of Residence Life |
Honor Code | Honor Council via Director of Community Standards | Faculty Appeals Committee via Director of Community Standards |
Information Technology | help@rhodes.edu | Chief Information Officer |
Standards of Conduct | Community Standards Council via Director of Community Standards | CSC Appeals Committee via Director of Community Standards |
Bias Incidents | Bias Incident Reporting System (BERS) | See Standard of Conduct Policy |
Parking | Director of Campus Safety | Traffic Appeals Committee |
Sexual Misconduct/Title IX | See Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy | See Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy |
All other violations of college policy | Director of Community Standards | Dean of Students |
Student Organizations | IFC for fraternity/sorority; Office of Student Engagement for other student organizations | Vice President of Student Life |
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/student-concerns
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/registered-student-organizations
Authority, Responsibility, and Accountability for registered student organizations are delegated along the following line:
A registered student organization is defined as a group of college students who unite to promote or celebrate a common interest. While student organizations of the College may include faculty, staff, or community members, the majority of the organization must be Rhodes College students. Additionally, only students are permitted to serve as officers of registered student organizations. A registered organization has completed all necessary paperwork and submitted it to Office of Student Engagement and the Allocations and Student Organization Commission. Groups that are existing organizations must re-register every year and must electronically submit an updated profile, membership roster and constitution and by-laws on Presence.
All organizations must maintain an active, up to date profile with the Office of Student Engagement on Presence. Failure to register annually will result in denial of privileges or deactivation of organization. Registration as a student organization is a privilege and is not intended to restrict the free association of students in non-registered organizations. Upon registering, student organizations gain several privileges, including the ability to:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/student-organizations/general
Process of Starting a Student Organization
Enrolled students of Rhodes College may petition the Allocations and Student Organizations Commission (ASOC) in order to create a new, recognized and active student organization. Below is the process for any student seeking to start a new organization:
Requirements of a Student Organization
In order for a student organization to remain active and eligible for funding, it must maintain the following requirements on its student organization’s Presence page:
With the exception of nationally-affiliated honor societies, fraternities and sororities, and religious groups that have received official approval from the Dean of Equity and Engagement or designee, official recognition by the College will be granted to organizations who meet with the following requirements: (1) the organization’s purpose is not in conflict with the mission of the College, (2) the membership of the organization is available to all Rhodes students who are interested in membership, and (3) the organization must be distinct and unique from all other existing organizations on campus.
The Allocations and Student Organizations Commission (ASOC) Vice Commissioner or Office of Student Engagement will notify the organization in writing of the decision. If denied, a written explanation of the denial along with the procedure for appeal must be included.
The decision of ASOC may be appealed in writing to the Office of Student Engagement, and then the Dean of Equity and Engagement if necessary.
The officers of recognized student organizations are responsible for the actions of their respective organizations. Neither the Office of Student Engagement nor the Allocations and Student Organizations Commission controls or is responsible for actions taken by student organizations.
Student Organization Event Guidelines
The following guidelines have been set forth by the Office of Student Engagement to oversee all events, practices, meetings, and activities for registered Student Organizations at Rhodes College. For the purposes of this document all three will be referred to as events.
On-Campus Space Constraints & Expectations
Advertising
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/registered-student-organizations/registered-student-organization
Once the College recognizes a student group, the organization may apply to receive financial support from the Allocations and Student Organizations Commission. All submissions must adhere to a strict set of funding guidelines set by the commission and the college. Recognized status does not guarantee funding by the College. Funding requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to an event for their request to be considered.
If funding is granted, the student organization may only use the awarded funds on the approved items. Last minute changes to the use of the approved funds or amount must be authorized by the commissioner and/or the Office of Student Engagement prior to purchase. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disciplinary action for the organization or individuals involved.
For more information about Student Organizational Funding please email engagement@rhodes.edu.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/registered-student-organizations/student-organization-funding
All equipment purchased by any Student Organization or Club Sport with College funds is the property of Rhodes College. Equipment must be returned at the conclusion of the season (for club sports) or academic year. Appropriate storage, administration and maintenance of equipment are the responsibility of the respective student organization. Items purchased or used for events must be returned at the conclusion of the event. Storage and maintenance of these items will be at the discretion of the Office of Student Engagement. Organizations and individuals may be held accountable for any items damaged or lost while in the possession of the group.
The Office of Student Engagement maintains an inventory of items that are both reusable and non-reusable available for use by Registered Student organizations. That inventory can be found here: https://rhodescollege.myturn.com.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/registered-student-organizations/organization-equipment-supplies
Student organizations with (inter)national affiliations
Accountability for Violations of the Rhodes College Standards of Conduct
For more information about due process and rights for registered student organizations, see the Organizational Conduct section of the Student Handbook.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/registered-student-organizations/accountability
Please see the College Handbook Weapons Policy page.
Rhodes College prohibits possession of weapons of any type by students, staff, faculty, and visitors on all College property, including and not limited to firearms of any type, B-B guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, stun guns, slingshots, bows and arrows, martial arts weapons, knives, chemical weapons, explosives or any other object or substance that could be used as a deadly weapon. Toy and water/squirt guns are not permitted on campus because tend to look realistic and may be perceived by others to be a weapon.
Violators (including those individuals with valid Tennessee gun carry permits) are subject to suspension, expulsion, termination, or any combination of appropriate sanctions for violation of this policy.
The sole exception to this policy is that Rhodes College complies with Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1313.
In accordance with TCA § 39-17-1313, a person who has a valid enhanced handgun carry permit or concealed handgun carry permit or who lawfully carries a handgun pursuant to § 39–17–1307(g) may, unless expressly prohibited by federal law, transport and store a firearm or firearm ammunition in the person’s motor vehicle if:
Any violation of this policy must be reported immediately to Campus Safety at 901-843-3880. Prohibition of such weapons extends to the property and/or vehicles controlled by an individual while on College property if that individual is not in compliance with TCA § 39-17-1313. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Director of Campus Safety.
The College recognizes the desire for students to protect themselves when appropriate and necessary. Personal defense spray is permitted.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-policies/weapons
The Role of Campus Safety
The Campus Safety Office is structured within Rhodes’ Division of Student Life, putting Campus Safety in close contact with all aspects of student life.
The primary mission of the Campus Safety Department is to preserve the safety and security of the campus community to enable the mission of the College to go forward. This mission includes comprehensive efforts aimed at protecting our community from threats to both person and property. Although the Campus Safety staff is considered a private security and safety force, they are responsible for enforcement of all state and local laws, College policies and procedures, security, safety, and emergency responses. As a “first responder”, Campus Safety stands ready and well-trained to provide support services to meet the many and varied needs of the Rhodes Community.
Due to the importance of Campus Safety, students are advised that it is a specific offense of the student code of conduct to fail to comply with the directions of a College official including those with Campus Safety or to fail to identify oneself to a College official including those officers in Campus Safety.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies
Hoverboards. Hoverboards, including self-balancing scooters (Bird, Lyme, etc.), battery operated scooters, and hands-free Segways, are prohibited on campus.
Scooters. No electric scooters are allowed on campus inside the gates, unless approved as an accommodation for a disabled student. For safety purposes, there is a designated parking area for electric scooters outside the gates along the curb of University Street located just south of the Tutwiler crosswalk and near the Bellingrath pedestrian gate. This is the only approved parking location for electric scooters.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/alternative-modes-transportation
Students may need access to certain academic and administrative buildings in pursuit of their studies after these buildings have been locked at the end of the day and on weekends. At the same time, the College has the responsibility to ensure that students utilizing these facilities work and study in a safe secure environment.
Accordingly, students will use the following building access control systems:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/building-access-control
In 1990, the Jeanne Clery Act was signed into law and requires colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs, such as Rhodes College, to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their campuses. In accordance with the Clery Act, Rhodes publishes an Annual Campus Safety Report by October 1 of each year. You can view the Rhodes College Annual Campus Safety Report at https://www.rhodes.edu/student-life/services-and-support/safety-campus/annual-security-fire-safety-report-clery-report. For questions concerning the Clery Act, contact the Campus Safety Department.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/clery-act
The Rhodes College missing student policy relates to students who reside in on-campus student housing. Rhodes College will report to the appropriate contract person and to the Memphis Police Department any student who has been determined to be missing from campus for 24 hours or more.
If any member of the Rhodes community believes that a student who lives in on-campus housing has been missing from campus for at least 24 hours, one of the individuals or organizations on the list below should be contacted.
When a campus official other than Campus Safety receives a report that a student is missing, the report must be referred to Campus Safety immediately for investigation. The Campus Safety Department will initiate a “Missing Student” report. The College will take reasonable and prudent steps to locate the student. Campus Safety may contact the Memphis Police Department for assistance in its investigation.
Students can identify a contact person whom Rhodes College shall notify within 24 hours of the determination, either by Campus Safety or the Memphis Police Department, that a student is missing.
This contact information will be confidential and will be accessible only to authorized campus officials, and will be disclosed only to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of the missing student investigation.
Once a student has been determined to be missing, Rhodes College will take the following actions no later than 24 hours from the determination:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/missing-student-policy
In the event of an emergency, students will be notified in the most expeditious manner possible. This may be with the outdoor warning siren and/or with the Rhodes Alert System.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/rhodes-alert-outdoor-warning-siren
The College utilizes a mass communication system capable of emailing, texting, and calling all students, faculty and staff in an emergency. This system is used to communicate delays and closures due to inclement weather, as well as alerting the community to present or continuing threats that may be present.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/rhodes-alert-outdoor-warning-siren/rhodes-alert-system
The College is equipped with an outdoor warning system. When the county activates the tornado siren, the College will do the same. The siren will continue to alert until the weather hazard has past. When this siren is activated it will be preceded by verbal instructions. All community members must follow the instructions and seek shelter.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/rhodes-alert-outdoor-warning-siren/rhodes-outdoor-warning
Rhodes College welcomes guests and visitors while maintaining the safety and comfort of our campus community. All guests and visitors must comply with college policies and local, state, and federal laws while on campus.
Definitions
Guests on Campus
Guests are required to always remain under the responsibility of their host.
Overnight Guests in Residence Halls
Rhodes College allows overnight guests under the following conditions:
Guests are not permitted during finals week and senior week to protect the integrity of the academic environment.
Guest and Visitor Check-In Process
All are required to follow the campus check-in process upon arrival:
Students who enter through the North Parkway gate with guests must register guests at the Phillips or Bailey gate when the North Parkway gate is not staffed.
Visitors to West Campus should be directed or taken to one of the staffed gates to allow their guests to check in through the Raptor process before proceeding to their destination.
Large Events:
For more details on the visitor check-in process, refer to the guidelines provided by Campus Safety.
Trespass Notice
Campus Safety or any Rhodes official may issue a Criminal Trespass Notice if it is determined that an individual poses a threat to the safety, well-being, or academic environment of the College. If a person is deemed to have committed a crime, they may be subject to arrest by the Memphis Police Department.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/student-guests-and-visitors
All items found on campus should be turned in to Campus Safety located in Spann Place #5. Campus Safety will donate all items not claimed during the semester at the beginning of each new semester - August 15, January 15, and May 15. Lost and found is in the Campus Safety office in Spann Place #5 and on the Campus Safety website.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/lost-and-found
The College strives to have a parking system that is based upon compliance, safety, and convenience for all. Written regulations and appropriate signage are established to facilitate traffic flow, control parking, and protect fire lanes and unloading areas as designated. In consultation with the Rhodes Student Government and the Community Standards Council, the Director of Campus Safety or his/her designee manages the parking program. Parking information is available on the Campus Safety website, all parking maps, and in both the Student Handbook and College Handbook. If you have any questions, please contact the Campus Safety office at 901-843-3880.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/parking-regulations
All members of the Rhodes community who park on campus are required to register their vehicles with the Campus Safety Department and display a current registration decal. If a member of the Rhodes community drives a vehicle on campus, it must be registered with either a permanent or temporary registration decal.
Faculty and staff must register their vehicles online via the parking registration link on https://parking.rhodes.edu. Persons choosing not to register their vehicles for campus parking must park off-campus. They must still abide by all "off campus" parking regulations.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/registration-motor-vehicles
All students, faculty, and staff cars, bikes and motorcycles must have a parking decal. Vehicles may be registered at https://parking.rhodes.edu. Notification will be sent by email when the decal is ready for pickup from Rhodes Express.
Decals indicate registration information and specified parking areas. They must be properly affixed inside driver′s side front windshield to the lower left.
Parking at Rhodes College is available at no cost to faculty and staff who have a parking decal affixed to their cars; the Parking Registration Fee for students is $400.00 per academic year. Those parking on the Rhodes campus park at their own risk. Rhodes is not responsible for any damage to personal vehicles including, but not limited to, weather damage, accidents, damage, or theft.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/parking-decals
All bicycles should be registered with the Campus Safety Office. Bicycles may be stored: 1) in the student's own residence hall room; or 2) in the outside bike racks. Please lock the bike to the rack. Bicycles may not be stored in hallways, social rooms, alcoves, under stairways, or other places. Campus Safety or Residence Life staff will remove bicycles found in unauthorized locations.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/bicycles
Vehicles parked in handicap spaces must display proper handicap placard or license information. If a "temporary" handicap need arises for students, please contact the Director of Accessibility Services or Campus Safety.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/handicap-parking-include-temporary-handicap
Campus pedestrian gates are equipped with locking devices and springs to ensure proper perimeter safety and security. Electronic key FOBs, issued to students, will access these gates. If a gate is left unsecured, please close it. Notify Campus Safety if it is malfunctioning.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/pedestrian-gates
1. Entering Campus
When a Campus Safety officer is on duty at any entrance onto the campus, drivers must stop or slow down enough to be acknowledged and identified before entering.
2. Moving Vehicle Regulations
The maximum posted speed limit on Main Campus and West Campus is 15 mph. Vehicle operators must have their vehicles under control at all times regardless of their speed to avoid collision or endangering others’ wellbeing. Vehicle operators who fail to control their vehicle, who endanger others’ wellbeing, or who have the potential to endanger others while operating a vehicle are subject to being held accountable for reckless driving.
Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol on campus is strictly prohibited.
Driving is permitted only on designated surfaced drives. No vehicles are allowed on grass, lawns, or fields without special permission.
3. No Parking Areas
Off ramps, such as those behind Clough Hall and Rhodes Physics Tower, provide access to buildings for fire-fighting equipment and must remain open. Additionally, off ramps provide routes of egress to open areas from many of the campus buildings in case of fire and must be kept free of parked vehicles. If a space is not lined or marked as a parking space, it is considered a violation to park in the space and will be cited as such.
4. Fire Lanes
Fire lanes are currently designated on all roads throughout the campus. Persons who park in these areas are not only in violation of Rhodes parking regulations, but of the City of Memphis Ordinances as well. Rhodes Campus Safety will cite vehicles found parked in fire lanes.
5. Illegal Parking
All legal parking areas within the college complex are clearly indicated both on site and in publications. Parking in areas other than those properly lined as parking spaces is a violation and will be cited. Parking along curbs, unless clearly marked as a parking space or unless otherwise authorized is strictly prohibited.
Visitor parking is considered "reserved" twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week. Areas designated as visitor parking are strictly reserved for visitors to the campus only. Unauthorized parking will be cited.
6. Off Campus Parking
While parking on campus is recommended, those who choose to park on streets near Rhodes should be aware of restrictions imposed by both the City of Memphis and also those regulations held by Rhodes College. All persons are expected to comply with the below "off campus" parking regulations.
City of Memphis parking restrictions are so marked.
Rhodes College restricts parking in the following areas where Rhodes community members are allowed to park:
Use of flashers does not legitimize a violation of parking regulations and is not an appropriate cause for appeal. Time elapsed is not an element of a violation. Violating a parking regulation "for only two minutes to run inside" is not a defense for the violation.
7. Penalties
Fines assessed for traffic and parking violations are indicated on the citation. All payments should be made at Rhodes Express.
8. Appeal of Citations
If students or employees of the college believe they have received a citation in error, they may ask for an appeal of the charges through the Traffic Appeals Board. This board is made up of representatives from the faculty, staff and student populations.
To file an appeal, the student or employee must do so within ten (10) calendar days of the offense. Otherwise the right to appeal is forfeited.
Appeals should be filed on-line via Express Rhodes from http://express.rhodes.edu/documents-forms/miscellaneous/parking-citation-appeal.
All of the pertinent details such as the citation number, time and date issued, location, name and R number of the citation recipient must be included.
Appeals are heard several times each semester and outcomes are emailed.
9. Accidents
Please remember that accidents do happen. Should you bump another vehicle or become involved in an accident on campus, call Campus Safety immediately. Hit and run offenses are taken very seriously and can result in serious consequences.
10. Visitors/Guests and Parking
Visitors are always welcome at Rhodes and visitor parking is available on campus. All visitor (non-decaled vehicles) must stop and their vehicle information/name/destination registered at the entry gate.
If you have a bus drop-off, special parking needs, or questions about where to park, please call Campus Safety at 843-3880.
11. Deliveries and Transportation
Deliveries such as flowers, gifts, and mail should be directed to the mail room Monday- Friday 8am-4pm.
After hours and weekend mail, flowers, and gifts will be accepted at the Campus Safety Office at #5 Spann. All deliveries will be taken to the mailroom first thing Monday morning.
When having food delivered, be prepared to meet the driver at the main gate, Bailey Gate.
For cabs, Uber, Lyft, and other transportation, go to Bailey Gate, and meet them in the cut out across from West Village. These services will not be allowed unlimited access to campus.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/campus-safety-policies/vehicle-use-campus
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies
Cans and/or bottles may not be stored, collected, or used as decorations in a resident’s room. Violations of this policy will result in a $50 fine for the first violation. Subsequent violations may result in additional disciplinary action. Students are encouraged to recycle cans and bottles using one of the recycling centers on campus.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/bottle-and-can-collections
Common areas include but are not limited to hallways, door exteriors, bathrooms, stairwells, lounges, laundry rooms, study rooms, utility rooms, storage rooms, kitchens, and TV rooms. Students are expected to help maintain these community areas. Furnishings in common areas must not be removed or rearranged. Roofs, ledges, and balconies of residence halls are always off-limits. For security reasons, outside hall doors may not be propped open. All residence hall space is non-smoking. The College will make every effort, within reason, to discover the individuals responsible for any damage or loss in the common areas of any residence hall. However, when the damage or loss cannot be attributed to specific individuals, the cost for damages or loss occurring in the common areas of the building will be shared equally by all students of that facility. Students can be held accountable for building damage if a connection can be made back to a particular residence hall facility.
When intentional and deliberate damage occurs in a common area (hallway, communal bathroom, social room, etc.) and no one claims responsibility for such damage, the RAs of the building will notify the residents of an impending Common Area Damage charge. If the individual(s) responsible cannot be identified, then the charge is equally distributed among the community members.
Each resident should feel as though they have an intrinsic investment in the residential community. As such, residents should feel motivated to hold each other accountable for their actions. If a student damages college property, they are bound to accept responsibility and report these actions to their RA. Damage to public areas often goes unreported. Failure to take responsibility for our actions and allowing members of the hall to pay for damage is a serious breach of our Honor System. If damage occurs accidentally, the student still holds the responsibility to report the incident to their RA honestly and promptly.
If damage occurs to an area outside of the residence hall, but can be connected back to a particular residence hall, the damage charge may be assessed to the residents of that residence hall.
Charges will often be assessed based on a standardized fine. Situations that require additional work from sources outside of the College will result in the fine plus the cost of the outside contractor. Damage fines can be incurred for the following but are not limited to: Vomit, excessive trash, damage to exit signs, damage to ceiling tiles, cracked or broken window panes. etc. Additional fines may be assessed for deliberate contamination of recycling bins.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/common-area-damage
Students must remove all their belongings within 24 hours after their last exam and check out appropriately. Only graduating seniors and students associated with an official College function will have permission to remain past the official closing. Students (non-Seniors) must be approved to stay past official closing by the Director of Residence Life. When extenuating circumstances exist, students must agree to be relocated (along with all their possessions). Failure to abide strictly by these time limitations may result in a fine of $250 per incidence/per day and/or other disciplinary action.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/semesterend-year-closing
By State and Local Codes, the College strictly prohibits tampering with any fire safety equipment or the starting of fires of any sort on the campus. Disciplinary action and/or civil prosecution may be taken against those found tampering with fire alarm mechanisms (including room or hall smoke detectors) and fire extinguishers and/or refusing to vacate a building in the event of a fire alarm. In addition, the residents will be assessed a monetary penalty, individually or collectively, if the College is reasonably unable to determine the individual(s) responsible for false fire alarms and/or damage to alarm mechanisms or fire extinguishers.
Falsely pulling a fire alarm or discharging a fire extinguisher, possession of fireworks on campus, and burning items (e.g., paper on doors or walls, paper in bathrooms, etc.) is prohibited. Minimally, first-time offenders will be fined $100and the Community Standards Council may take other appropriate action. If the person responsible cannot be identified, the charge may be divided equally among residents of the floor. Clean-up fees may also be charged.
Any student who willfully fails to exit the residence hall after the fire alarm sounds will be subject to disciplinary action that may result in removal from the residence hall.
Rhodes is required to conduct fire drills each semester to ensure that fire safety systems are in working order.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/fire-extinguisher-fire-alarms-and-fire-related-activities
The residence halls are private residences owned and maintained by the College. They are subject to the Memphis Fire Code, and are regularly inspected by the Fire Marshall's Office.
Failure to comply with any of these fire safety requirements will minimally result in a $50 fine for first offense. Subsequent offenses may result in suspension or expulsion from the residence halls.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/fire-prevention-and-safety
All students who reside in campus housing sign the Housing Contract and agree to abide by the policies and regulations contained therein. Students have a responsibility to know all College policies in general, and specifically all residence hall policies contained in the Housing Contract and The Student Handbook.
All non-summer Rhodes College Housing assignments are made for the entire academic year. Concerning Rhodes College Housing, the academic year begins on the day residence halls open at the beginning of the fall term (August 21, 2024 for first years, and August 25, 2024 for returning students). The academic year ends on the day following the last final examination of the spring semester (May 12, 2025).
Concerning Rhodes College Housing, the Fall semester begins on the day residence halls open (August 21, 2024 for first years, and August 25, 2024 for returning students) and ends on the day following the last final examination (December 19, 2024). Concerning Rhodes College Housing, the Spring semester begins on the day residence halls open (January 11, 2025) and ends on the day following the last final examination May 12, 2025). Concerning Rhodes College Housing for graduating students, the academic year ends the day after Commencement (May 18, 2025).
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/housing-contract
All current resident students must register online by the date determined by the Office of Residence Life to become eligible for the Rhodes College Housing lottery and selection process for the following academic year.
It is the student’s responsibility to know the eligibility requirements of the housing selection process.
Students who cancel their registration or housing after the selection process begins are subject to a progressive cancellation fee.
If a student cancels before May 15, there is no cancellation fee.
Students who cancel between May 16 and June 30 will incur a $250 cancellation fee. For students who cancel between June 30 and July 15, the cancellation fee is $500.
Cancellations after July 15 will incur a $750 cancellation fee. For the Student required to live on campus, the College will assign a room in Rhodes College Housing even if the Student does not meet the designated registration deadline.
Once the Student checks into their Rhodes College Housing at the appointed time for any given semester, this Housing Contract may only be canceled if expressly provided herein. There are no refunds of room/board charges once students move into Rhodes College Housing, irrespective of cancellation, for the following reasons:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/housing-registration
Individual room keys will be issued to each resident student by the Office Residence Life upon arrival on campus. Students will have access to the outside doors of residence halls via electronic key fob. It is the responsibility of each student to protect all other students by taking care neither to lose residence hall keys and key fobs nor lend them to others. Lost keys and fobs should be reported to Campus Safety. A new fob and room key can be requested via the campus work order system. Residents must return keys to the Residence Life Office when leaving campus or at the end of the year. Students who fail to report a lost or stolen key are jeopardizing the safety and security of their fellow students. The cost for a replacement key fob is $25 Lost or unreturned keys will result in a $10 charge. Students are to keep their key fob unless they withdraw or graduate from the College.
Due to the serious compromise to the security of all residents, exterior doors should never be propped. A $50 fine and a possible referral to the Community Standards Council will be assessed for individuals found violating this policy.
In the interest of personal security, residence hall rooms must always be locked. Room keys and access devices (key fobs) are NOT to be duplicated under any circumstances. All keys must be turned in to the Office of Residence Life during room check-out. The student may not lend their residence hall keys to anyone at any time (whether a student or non-student). The College will issue replacement keys if the Student loses their residence hall key only after paying the $20 replacement fee. The College reserves the right to assess the cost of changing locks depending on the circumstances involved with lost keys.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/keys-and-key-fobs
Laundry and vending services are available in many of the residence halls. Refunds for lost money may be obtained from Rhodes Express. See section on Physical Plant for reporting broken machines. The Office of Residence Life will remove remaining clothing items at the end of the semester.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/laundry-and-vending-services
Residence halls will remain open for Fall, Thanksgiving, Spring, and Easter recesses. Either the Refectory or the Lynx Lair will be open during Fall, Thanksgiving, Spring, and Easter recesses with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, however, the meal plan will not be in effect. Normal operating services are not available during break periods. Residence halls and dining venues will be closed during Winter Break. All students must temporarily vacate their assigned Rhodes College Housing during winter break and may not return until the published College opening date. Failure to abide strictly by these limitations may result in a fine of $100 per incidence/per day and/or other disciplinary action. Students who believe they are unable to leave campus due to extreme circumstances (e.g. homelessness, emancipated foster youth, inability to return to home country) may petition to reside on campus during the Winter Break. The petition form will be made available late in the fall semester. Submitting a petition to remain on campus during Winter Break does not guarantee a space will be available or that the petition will be approved.
Students who remain in the halls after the posted closing times or who arrive prior to halls opening may be asked to leave immediately, may be fined a fee per day, and may face disciplinary action.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/official-recesses
The College does not insure or assume any legal obligation to pay for the loss of or damage to the student's personal property that may occur on Rhodes College Housing property or in leased buildings. Students and their families and supporters are encouraged to carry appropriate insurance to cover such losses. Bicycles must be locked in a designated rack when not in use.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/personal-property
The College contracts with a pest control company to provide service to control insects and rodents. Service is requested by submitting a work order to Physical Plant by Sunday or Wednesday of each week. If it is found that unsealed food, excessive trash, or improper storage of belongings has led to extra treatment, the resident(s) may be charged the total cost incurred by the College. Do not use your own pest control products. Use of such chemicals can pose a serious health risk to you and the other residents who live near you.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/pest-control
Routine maintenance may be requested via the Rhodes webpage. For emergency requests, call Physical Plant at 901-843-3870; if no answer or after hours, call Campus Safety at 901-843-3880.
Students are responsible for cleaning assigned room. Housekeeping staff will clean community bathrooms/showers, laundry rooms, and common space. Residents in apartment-style units (East Village, West Village, Spann, and Parkway Hall) or suite style unit bathroom (Glassell, Blount, Robinson, Voorhies, and Voorhies-Townsend) or rooms in unit, are responsible for cleaning the suite, including common areas, bath/shower rooms, and kitchens.
Students are responsible for notifying Physical Plant directly or by the Work Order system of any items needing attention/repairs. These items include but are not limited to furniture, lighting, electrical, plumbing/leaks, HVAC, keys/locks, pest control, etc.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/physical-plant-and-maintenance
Quiet hours are times when no noise should be heard in the hallways or outside of the building. Courtesy hours are times during which the noise level may be higher than during quiet hours. As the term implies, students are expected to be courteous to one another and respect the rights of other residents. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 a.m. the following morning Sunday through Thursday. On weekends (Friday and Saturday), these hours begin at 1:00 a.m. and last until the following morning. Courtesy Hours are in effect at other times. During final exams and reading days, quiet hours are extended to 24 hours.
Violations of the noise policy may result in a $25 fine and possible disciplinary action.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/quiet-hours-and-noise
College-provided furnishings must remain in the room. Student(s) will bear the cost of repair or replacement for damaged or misplaced furnishings. Refer to the guidelines for students’ personal property in the Student Handbook. Any non-College property left in the student's assigned room at the end of the term of this Contract will be discarded, and the student (s) of the room will be charged for the expense involved in discarding such property.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/residence-hall-property
Living on campus is a vital part of the college experience and aids the student’s adjustment to college. Room changing/moving to a room not approved by a Residence Life Staff member may result in a $50 fee for each offense. In addition, students may be charged the cost of occupying an additional room if they move into a space that they are not assigned to. Therefore, all first-time, first-year students at Rhodes must live on campus for their first three full academic years. Transfer students must live in College housing until they have completed three full academic years; previous enrollment at other institutions counts toward fulfilling this requirement. Exchange students must reside in College housing for the duration of their enrollment at Rhodes.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/residency-requirement
The Office of Residence Life must preapprove all room assignment changes during this contract term. Students can email reslifestaff@rhodes.edu to initiate the room change process. A student may not change rooms during the first or last two weeks of either semester during the academic year. The Student making an unapproved room change without proper notification and approval will be fined $250 and may have the preferred room assignment revoked.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/room-changes
Residents are responsible for the condition of their assigned rooms, furnishings, and common areas. All students will review the state of the room with the Resident Assistant when they begin occupancy, at which time any existing damage and missing furnishings will be noted. Damages occurring during the period of occupancy, normal wear, and tear excepted, are the student’s responsibility, and damages will be assessed to the individual(s) responsible, as will any unusual cleaning charges. Upon request of the College, students will promptly reimburse the College for all damages to the room and any fixtures, furnishings, or other furnished properties (including the interior of doors, windows, walls, ceilings, floor, furniture, etc.) provided under this Contract. Any student responsible for such damage or destruction will also be subject to additional disciplinary action. Students must return their keys to the Office of Residence Life when moving out of the room.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/room-condition-report
The Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee, in consultation with the Director of Campus Safety and/or Director of Residence Life, may authorize a search of a student's premises if there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of college policy is occurring or has occurred. Students who refuse to permit or seek to delay a search of their dorm room or locker will be subject to disciplinary action.
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 violations of College regulations. Resident Assistants conduct routine checks of battery-powered room smoke detectors. At least once a semester a representative of the Office of Residence Life and/or a representative of Physical Plant or Campus Safety will conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance inspections. Rooms are expected to be livable and in good sanitary conditions.
On-Site Inspection and Assessments. Room conditions must be the same as at the beginning of the term at check-out, except for ordinary wear and tear. At the end of every academic term, an onsite inspection is conducted by the College, at which time the cost to restore the room to its original condition will be assessed against the student (s) of the room. The cost of discarding non-college property, excessive cleaning, repairing any damage to the room, and replacing missing items will be divided equally among room residents unless the College determines the fees should be assessed otherwise. If students feel they have received a residence hall charge in error, they may appeal it to the Office of Residence Life. All appeals must be made within 30 days of the notification of the charge.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/room-searches-and-safety-inspections
The College does not provide storage for students. Please contact the Office of Residence Life for recommendations for local off campus storage facilities.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/storage-personal-property
Rhodes College welcomes guests and visitors while maintaining the safety and comfort of our campus community. All guests and visitors must comply with college policies and local, state, and federal laws while on campus.
Definitions
Guests on Campus
Guests are required to always remain under the responsibility of their host.
Overnight Guests in Residence Halls
Rhodes College allows overnight guests under the following conditions:
Guests are not permitted during finals week and senior week to protect the integrity of the academic environment.
Guest and Visitor Check-In Process
All are required to follow the campus check-in process upon arrival:
Large Events:
For more details on the visitor check-in process, refer to the guidelines provided by Campus Safety.
Trespass Notice
Campus Safety or any Rhodes official may issue a Criminal Trespass Notice if it is determined that an individual poses a threat to the safety, well-being, or academic environment of the College. If a person is deemed to have committed a crime, they may be subject to arrest by the Memphis Police Department.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/residence-hall-policies/visitation
Student academic conduct at Rhodes is governed by the Honor System, and misconduct is judged according to the Honor Code. This section discusses the process for adjudicating Honor Code violations by the student-run Honor Council, whose members are selected by the student body.
The Honor System, perpetuated by the students of Rhodes College, was one of the institutions brought to Memphis, Tennessee when the College moved there in 1925. Throughout its history, the College has emphasized a true spirit of honor and integrity, by means of the Honor System’s governing document—the Honor Code—and its governing body—the Honor Council. Though it has since been revised over the years, the Honor Code’s underlying tenets of honor and trust remain unchanged. The Honor Council, then, represents both the steadfast tradition of the Honor Code and the ever-changing nature of Rhodes College.
The Honor System at Rhodes is a tradition, an inheritance, and an opportunity all in one. It is a tradition because it is and has been a valued possession of Rhodes students since the early days of the College. It is an inheritance because each entering class receives it from the previous class as a gift to be cherished and respected. Above all, it is an opportunity because it allows the fullest possible expression of individual life in harmony with community life.
Within the Honor System, Rhodes students have found a moral ideal by which to guide their actions. This ideal is absolute honesty to oneself and to others in all aspects of life. It is not only a guide for college life; it is also a principle that guides one’s ethical life after leaving Rhodes College. The objective of the Honor System is the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of the individual student. It demonstrates the important union between freedom and responsibility. To demonstrate their commitment to this ideal, Rhodes College Students take the following pledge: “As a member of the Rhodes Community, I pledge I will not lie, cheat, or steal, and that I will report any such violation that I may witness.”
Students are personally responsible for their work, their actions, and their word. Because these actions take place in a larger community, students have a responsibility to that community. Students must protect their freedom by encouraging adherence to the Honor Code and by reporting any violations of which they are aware. In order to preserve an atmosphere of honor and trust at Rhodes, it is necessary for the Honor Council to act upon any cases of dishonesty in connection with academic or campus life. All members of the Rhodes community must fulfill their responsibilities to the Honor System. This process of cooperation is vital to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of Rhodes College.
For these reasons, the Honor Council is composed of, by, and for the students of Rhodes College, that they may honor one another and the larger community to which they belong. The Honor Council is chosen and governed by the Honor Council Constitution, which also houses the Honor Code.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/honor-council-constitution
SECTION 1. Purpose
The purpose of the Honor Council shall be to foster a spirit of honor at Rhodes College, and to act upon cases of cheating, stealing, or lying in official matters, or the failure on the part of students to report such violations in connection with academic work or campus life.
The Honor Council’s role at Rhodes College is to maintain a system which is symbolic of the perpetual commitment of this institution to the values of truth and honesty. The Honor Council recognizes that the Honor System is more than a guide to campus life; it is a guide to ethical life, both during and after college.
SECTION 2. Definitions
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/honor-council-constitution/article-i-purpose-and-definitions
SECTION 1. Membership
The Honor Council shall consist of four members each from the senior, junior, sophomore, and first-year classes; the President; the Vice President; and two Secretaries.
SECTION 2. Elections
The President and Vice President shall be elected by a majority vote of the Honor Council members in the spring semester, prior to the election of class representatives. The meeting during which the election is held shall be presided over by the OCS Administrator of the Honor Council or designee. To be eligible for the office of President or Vice President, a candidate must have at least one year of experience as a member of the Honor Council. The rising senior, junior, and sophomore representatives of the Honor Council shall be elected by the members of their class in the spring semester of each year. Four (4) first-year student representatives shall be elected by their class as soon as possible after the opening of the fall semester of each year. They shall be installed immediately and shall serve until the installation of a new Council in the spring. Representative positions of the Honor Council are open to any member of the student body in good academic and social standing.
SECTION 3. Officers
The officers of the Honor Council are the President, the Vice President, and two Secretaries.
SECTION 4. President
The President shall decide questions of procedure and interpretations arising under the Constitution, execute decisions of the Council, and represent the Council to the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council. The President’s role in all hearings and deliberations shall be one of impartial participation, and the President shall not vote.
SECTION 5. Vice President
The Vice President shall act in the capacity of President in the absence of the President. Unless acting as President, the Vice President shall be a voting member of the Council. In addition, the Vice President shall preside over business meetings and have authority over committees. The Vice President shall also serve as a liaison between the Council and the Rhodes community. These duties shall include, but are not limited to, programming and community engagement. The Vice President may serve as a voting member of the Pre-Hearing Committee in the absence of a Secretary.
SECTION 6. Secretaries
The two Secretaries, Recording and Corresponding, shall be appointed by the President from the general student body and shall be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the incoming Council. The Secretaries shall serve on the pre-hearing committee in order to determine if an alleged violation should be taken to a hearing. In addition, the Recording Secretary shall keep records of hearings and meetings, and the Corresponding Secretary may (in the discretion of the President) handle the Council’s official communication to the Respondent, Complainant, Witness(es), and Rhodes College administration. The two Secretaries shall not participate in questioning or deliberation and shall not vote during the hearing.
SECTION 7. Transition
The outgoing members of the Council shall continue to exercise the full responsibilities of membership until the incoming Council is installed. In the case that a member of the senior class is brought before the Council after installation, outgoing senior members shall remain as voting members on the Council for that hearing only. Installation includes educational training and participation in a transition pre-hearing and hearing, both of which are mandatory. During the transition pre-hearing and hearing, new members may participate in questioning and deliberations but shall not vote.
SECTION 8. Vacancies
SECTION 9. Removal from the Council
Any member of the Honor Council may be removed from their position by a three-fourths vote of the eligible voting members of the Council. Conditions warranting removal may include, without limitation, any unexcused absence for a hearing or meeting, violation of the Honor Code or Standards of Conduct, violation of the Oath of Privacy, Standards of the Rhodes Community, or non-support of the procedural operations of the Council. An expressed lack of belief in the Honor System of Rhodes College, or nonsupport of the procedural operations of the Council. Removal may be sought by any member of the Honor Council or the OCS Administrator. A hearing will be held at which the person seeking removal will be heard as well as the Council Member whose removal is sought. The Council may hear other witnesses or consider other evidence as determined by the Honor Council President in consultation with the OCS Administrator. The Council member in question and, if applicable, the Council Member seeking removal, may not vote in this matter.
SECTION 10. Hearing Schedule
Ordinarily hearings will be conducted during the semester in which the alleged violation occurs. In the event that convening a hearing prior to the end of the semester is difficult or impossible, the President, after consulting the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council, may exercise one of the following options:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/honor-council-constitution/article-ii-honor-council-authority
SECTION 1. Jurisdiction of Rhodes College
Students may be sanctioned for conduct which constitutes a hazard to the health, safety, or well-being of members of the College community or which is detrimental to the College’s interest, whether such conduct occurs on campus, off campus, or at College-sponsored events. The OCS Administrator or their designee, upon consultation with the Honor Council President, shall determine whether cases are within the jurisdiction of Rhodes College Honor Council.
SECTION 2. Violations
The following conduct is considered a violation of the Honor Code:
Lack of knowledge of these policies does not absolve responsibility for these violations.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/honor-council-constitution/article-iii-honor-code
SECTION 1. Investigation and Pre-Hearing
SECTION 2. Hearing Procedures Relating to the Respondent
SECTION 3. Hearing Procedures
SECTION 4. Outcomes
The following outcomes may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Honor Code:
More than one of the outcomes listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
Failure to adhere to any outcome imposed may result in the individual being brought back before the Honor Council for consideration of further outcomes.
Disciplinary Outcomes shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record but shall become part of the student’s confidential record.
Each year, the Secretaries may, in the discretion of the President, and in consultation with the OCS Administrator, post a list of charges and Council decisions with names omitted.
SECTION 5. Appeals
SECTION 6. Reconsideration of Council’s Decision
If a case is returned to the Honor Council by the Faculty Appeals Committee, the Honor Council shall reconsider the case as soon as practical after the notification of its return. A quorum for reconsideration shall consist of at least three-fourths of the voting members present at the original hearing. During a reconsideration, the Honor Council shall consider the remarks and suggestions of the Faculty Appeals Committee, recall any witnesses, the Complainant or the Respondent if deemed necessary for the clarification of facts, and either sustain the original decision and/or outcome or render a new decision and/or outcome based on the procedures outlined in Article IV.
A reconsideration of the outcome(s) imposed may not result in a more severe outcome for the Respondent. The second decision of the Honor Council shall be final.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/honor-council-constitution/article-iv-honor-council-hearing-procedures
The Honor Council may adopt new rules and/or amend its Standing Rules. Consistent with the Constitution, the Standing Rules are the procedures the Council deems necessary to ensure the effective execution of its duties.
This Constitution may be amended by the following procedure:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/honor-council-constitution/article-v-interpretation-and-revision
Conduct outside of the academic realm is governed by the Standards of Conduct for the Rhodes Community, as set forth in the Community Standards Council Constitution. Rhodes College promulgated these Standards of Conduct to help us hold ourselves accountable, and are intended to be, first and foremost, a way to ensure that all students can enjoy a diverse community where we live in harmony, interact effectively, and learn from each other. These standards protect our personal freedom by encouraging a climate of trust, concern, and respect conducive to learning and growing. Incoming students pledge as follows:
“As a member of the Rhodes community, I pledge to respect my fellow students, faculty, staff and their property. I will treat others as I would be treated and their property as I would my own.”
The Standards of Conduct are primarily enforced by the Community Standards Council, a student-led body, pursuant to the Community Standards Constitution.
Students, particularly those who wish to report a violation of the Standards of Conduct, are encouraged to use the College’s online report form to report a violation. If the student wishes, a report can be made anonymously, but it is important to remember that submitting an anonymous report means that Community Standards has no way of following up with the student to ask for additional information. Therefore, it is essential that an anonymous report contain as much information as possible. Anonymous reports should include:
Students do not have to report anonymously. When a student chooses to come forward and report a violation, the College can offer resources and support for that student’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Community Standards will work with students who report a violation to keep their identifying information private to the greatest extent possible while still being able to address the violation.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-council-constitution
SECTION 1. Purpose
Rhodes strives to be a college community where students can develop to their fullest potential, not only as scholars, but also as responsible and caring members of the community. Thus, although they should have freedom of choice in as many areas as possible, they must also come to understand that their choices have an impact on other members of the community so that through experience, they may acquire a mature and responsible attitude toward freedom and their membership in the community.
The official name of this body is the Community Standards Council of Rhodes College (hereinafter called “CSC” or “the Council”). The purpose of the Community Standards Council is fivefold: (1) Decisional: to address alleged violations/infractions of the Rhodes College standards for student conduct (hereinafter “ the Standards of Conduct”); (2) Communicative: to serve as a liaison concerning social matters between the students and the faculty/administration, and to mediate disputes regarding the Standards of Conduct between various members of the Rhodes Community; (3) Advisory: to make recommendations to the Dean of Students regarding the Standards of Conduct and students’ social life; (4) Interpretive: to promote responsible, sensitive and mature conduct among students; and (5) Educational: to educate those who are a part of the Rhodes Community about its standards and to explain what constitutes a violation of those standards.
SECTION 2. Definitions
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-council-constitution/article-i-purpose-and-definitions
SECTION 1. Membership
The Community Standards Council shall consist of four members each from the senior, junior, sophomore, and first-year classes; the President; the Vice President; and two Secretaries.
SECTION 2. Elections
The President and Vice President shall be elected by a majority vote of the Community Standards Council members in the spring semester, prior to the election of class representatives. The meeting during which the election is held shall be presided over by the OCS Administrator of the Community Standards Council or a designee appointed by the Community Standards Council. To be eligible for the office of President or Vice President, a candidate must have at least one year of experience as a member of the Community Standards Council. The rising senior, junior, and sophomore representatives of the Community Standards Council shall be elected by the members of their class in the spring semester of each year. First-year student representatives shall be elected by their class as soon as possible after the opening of the fall semester of each year. They shall be installed immediately and serve until the installation of a new Council in the spring. Representative positions of the Community Standards Council are open to any member of the student body in good academic and social standing.
SECTION 3. Officers
The officers of the Community Standards Council are the President, the Vice President, and two Secretaries.
SECTION 4. President
The President shall decide questions of procedure and interpretation arising under the Constitution. The President’s role in the hearing and in deliberations shall be one of impartial participation, and the President shall not vote. In addition, the President shall preside over meetings, appoint committees, be responsible for the execution of all of the Council’s decisions, and represent the Council to the OCS Administrator or designee.
SECTION 5. Vice President
The Vice President shall act in the capacity of President in the absence of the President. Unless acting as President, the Vice President shall be a voting member of the Council. The Vice President shall also serve as a liaison between the CSC and the Rhodes community. These duties shall include, but are not limited to, programming and community engagement. The Vice President may serve as a voting member of the Pre-Hearing Committee in the absence of a Secretary.
SECTION 6. Secretaries
The two Secretaries, Recording and Corresponding, shall be appointed by the President from the general student body and shall be approved by the majority of the Council. The Secretaries shall serve on the pre-hearing committee in order to determine if an alleged violation should be taken to a hearing. In addition, the Recording Secretary shall keep records of hearings and meetings as well as posting year-end Council decisions. The Corresponding Secretary may (at the discretion of the President) handle the Council’s official communication to the Respondent, Complainant, Witness(es), and Rhodes College administration. The two Secretaries shall not participate in questioning or deliberation and shall not vote during the hearing.
SECTION 7. Transition
The outgoing members of the Council shall continue to exercise the full responsibilities of membership until the incoming Council is installed. In the case that a member of the senior class is brought before the Council after installation, outgoing senior members shall remain as voting members on the Council for that hearing only. Installation includes educational training and a transition hearing, both of which are mandatory. During the transition hearing, new members may participate in questioning and deliberations but shall not vote.
SECTION 8. Vacancies
SECTION 9. Removal from the Council
A member of the Council may be removed from their position by three-fourths vote of eligible members. Conditions warranting removal from the Council may include, but are not limited to: exceeding three absences in the course of one elected term, or two in one semester, from any committee meeting, Council meeting, hearings, or other functions of the Council; any violation of the Honor Code or the Standards of Conduct; Oath of Privacy; or an expressed lack of respect for the Standards of Conduct. Removal may be sought by any member of the Community Standards Council or the OCS Administrator. A hearing will be held at which the person seeking removal will be heard as well as the Council Member whose removal is sought. The Council may hear other witnesses or consider other evidence as determined by the Community Standards Council President in consultation with the OCS Administrator. The Council member in question and, if applicable, the Council Member seeking removal, may not vote in this matter.
SECTION 10. Hearing Schedule
Ordinarily hearings will be conducted during the semester in which the alleged violation occurs. In the event that convening a hearing prior to the end of the semester is difficult or impossible, the President, after consulting the OCS Administrator or designee may exercise one of the following options:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-council-constitution/article-ii-community-standards-council
SECTION 1. Jurisdiction of Rhodes College
Students may be sanctioned for conduct which constitutes a hazard to the health, safety, or well- being of members of the College community or which is detrimental to the College’s interest whether such conduct occurs on campus, off campus, or at College-sponsored events. The OCS Administrator or designee, upon consultation with the Community Standards Council President, shall determine whether cases are within the jurisdiction of the Rhodes College Community Standards Council.
SECTION 2. Violations
The Community Standards Council recognizes three major responsibilities of every student:
Violations of the Standards of Conduct include, but are not limited to, the following:
Lack of knowledge of these policies does not absolve responsibility for these violations.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-council-constitution/article-iii-proscribed-conduct
SECTION 1. Investigation and Pre–hearing
SECTION 2. Hearing Procedures Relating to the Respondent
SECTION 3. Hearing Procedures
SECTION 4. Outcomes
SECTION 5. Appeals
SECTION 6. Reconsideration of Council’s Decision
If a case is returned to the Community Standards Council by the Community Standards Council Appeals Committee, the Standards of Conduct Council shall reconsider the case as soon as practical after the notification of its return. A quorum for reconsideration shall consist of at least three-fourths of the voting members present at the original hearing. During a reconsideration, the Community Standards Council shall consider the remarks and suggestions of the Appeals Committee, recall any witnesses, the Complainant, or the Respondent if deemed necessary for the clarification of facts, and either sustain the original decision and /or outcome or render a new decision and/or outcome based on the procedures outlined in Article IV. A reconsideration of the outcome(s) imposed shall not result in a more severe outcome for the Respondent. The second decision of the Community Standards Council shall be final.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-council-constitution/article-iv-community-standards-council
This Constitution may be amended by the following procedure:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-council-constitution/article-v-interpretation-and-revisions
The Office of Community Standards strives to educate the Rhodes community to understand that our standards serve as a guide for our daily life. They allow members of our diverse community to live in harmony, to interact effectively, and to learn from each other. These standards, by which we all agree to live, protect our personal freedom by encouraging a climate of trust, concern, and respect conducive to learning and growing.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes
The Rhodes Community depends on personal concern for one another, and our standards serve as a guide for our daily life. They allow the members of our diverse community to live in harmony, to interact effectively, and to learn from each other. These standards, by which we all agree to live, protect our personal freedom by encouraging a climate of trust, concern, and respect conducive to learning and growing.
Actions and attitudes that undermine this respect and concern are unacceptable. We strive instead to act in a way that promotes the pursuit of knowledge in an atmosphere of integrity, justice and truth. In order to do so we pledge to uphold the following standards:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/expectations
Rhodes College has the right to establish standards for academic and personal conduct for continued membership in the College community, to deny membership to those who do not meet these standards, and to impose outcomes and discipline on any Student, Registered student organization (RSO), or Affinity group (AG) who is found in violation of these standards.
Rhodes College has charged the Office of Community Standards (OCS) with the responsibility for administering these Standards of Conduct and the Honor Code. OCS generally cannot make public comment on any individual’s case, as per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, in limited circumstances, as required or allowed by law, information relative to certain incidents and case statistics may be disclosed.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/governance-college
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/statement-policy
All members of the Rhodes College community have a right to bring forth information that helps support an environment of safety and support. Any act of retaliation taken against another is a serious violation of College policy.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/retaliation
NOTE:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/definitions
The Standards of Conduct/Honor Code apply to conduct that occurs on the Campus, at Rhodes College-sponsored activities, and/or when the Student, RSO, or AG is representing Rhodes College.
OCS will have discretion to extend jurisdiction over conduct that occurs off campus when the conduct adversely and significantly affects the learning environment or College community and would be in violation of a college policy, the Standards of Conduct, or the Honor Code had occurred on campus. In determining whether or not to extend jurisdiction, OCS may consider its ability to gather information. OCS may extend jurisdiction if the alleged conduct:
Each Student is responsible for conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment and even if the conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded.
Violation of Law and Rhodes College Policy
Proceedings may be instituted against a Student, RSO, or AG charged with conduct that violates both the law and the Standards of Conduct without regard to the status of any civil, criminal, or other proceedings. Any student who is arrested on or off campus must inform the Office of Community Standards within 48 hours of the arrest.
Proceedings under this Standards of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following any civil or criminal proceedings.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/jurisdiction-standards-conduct-and-honor-code
Students have the opportunity to apply for a variety of activities at Rhodes, during which the student represents the College and/or is placed in a leadership position. Because of the nature of these opportunities, applications for these positions may include consideration of the applicant’s disciplinary record.
Upon receipt of a signed release from the requesting student/alumni, Rhodes College will report to institutions or agencies outside the College only violations and/or outcomes that result in suspension or expulsion, regardless of the information that may specifically be requested by the institution/agency.
Disciplinary records for students are maintained for seven (7) years post-graduation or separation from the College. Records of violations/outcomes for RSO/AGs are also maintained for seven (7) academic years. If a student is suspended/expelled or the RSO/AG is suspended/removed from the campus, their records will be kept indefinitely. To request your disciplinary/conduct records, complete the Disciplinary/Conduct Record Request Form by clicking here.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/disciplinary-conduct-verification
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-due-process-rights-and-responsibilities
This section of the handbook discusses the various ways in which conduct violations at Rhodes can be addressed. It does not cover sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct. See the section of the handbook entitled Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy for more information.
At Rhodes College, we are committed to adjudicating alleged policy violations in a way that is thoughtful, deliberate, and fair. Remember that we commit to promote the pursuit of knowledge in an atmosphere of integrity, justice, and truth. This commitment is expected not only of our students, but of our staff and faculty members as well. The individuals who adjudicate conduct cases abide by this philosophy and engage in their work with this in mind.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct
Amendments to policies of the Office of Community Standards can be made at the discretion of Rhodes College. If amendments are made, the updates will be added to the constitutions of the Honor Council and Community Standards Council, respectively. These amendments will not require revisions and approval as outlined in the Honor Council/CSC constitutions.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/amendments-policies
At Rhodes College, each student is responsible for their behavior at all times and under all circumstances. Intoxication or the influence of drugs will not be considered a mitigating circumstance in determining whether a student has engaged in misconduct. Each student is responsible for the actions of their guest and may be held socially and financially responsible for any social offenses committed by that guest. Ignorance is not an excuse for violating College policy.
Since shared community standards are necessary to maintain an atmosphere of respect among individuals in the community, it is the responsibility of every member of the community to report any violation of the Honor Code or Standards of Conduct.
Examples of student misconduct at Rhodes include, but are not limited to:
Cheating. The term “cheating” is defined as the attempt or act of giving or receiving unauthorized aid from any source on academic course work.
Cheating includes plagiarism. Plagiarism is an act of academic dishonesty. A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, words, or statements of another person without appropriate acknowledgment. A student must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge an indebtedness whenever the student does any of the following:
Hazing. According to Tennessee state law (TN 49-7-123 & 49-2-120), every college and university must implement a policy prohibiting hazing. Hazing refers to any intentional or reckless act, whether on or off-campus, by a single student or a group of students that endangers another student's physical or mental health and safety. However, customary athletic events, contests, or competitions are not considered hazing, and the law is limited to actions and situations related to initiation or affiliation with an organization.
The College's definition of hazing includes acts that cause mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, humiliation, intimidation, or endangerment of health and safety, regardless of affiliation, including but not limited to recruiting, joining, pledging, initiating, admitting, affiliating, participating, or retaining membership in an organization or team.
The College holds individuals and organizations accountable for hazing, regardless of whether it occurs on or off campus. Victims' voluntary participation in hazing does not absolve responsibility. The severity of the hazing, including forced alcohol or drug consumption, physical abuse that causes or could cause bodily harm, sexual misconduct, or deprivation of sleep, food, or water, will determine the sanctions and accountability action plans. First-time acts of aggravated hazing may result in suspension or expulsion.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/disciplinary-violations
The following outcomes may be imposed for student misconduct at Rhodes:
More than one of the outcomes listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/disciplinary-outcomes
Student safety is of utmost importance to the College. To encourage Students to make responsible decisions, Rhodes College recognizes the need for amnesty from College sanctions in certain situations. Amnesty under this policy, when granted, excuses a Student, RSO, or AG from College sanctions under the Standards of Conduct. Amnesty is intended to promote action when an emergency situation is present. It is not intended to excuse any student or organization causing the emergency situation or unsafe condition. The decision to grant amnesty will be determined by the Dean of Students, Director of Community Standards, or their designee, on a case-by-case basis.
Amnesty under this policy is limited to violations of the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code and has no bearing on actions taken by any law enforcement agency, including any Police entity. To qualify for amnesty, a Student, RSO, or AG is encouraged to: report any incident or medical emergency by contacting the appropriate College officials (i.e. Campus Safety, Residence Life, etc.), remain with any student needing attention or emergency treatment, This policy does not protect students from violations of other college policies, such as threatening/causing physical harm, sexual assault, harassment, damage to property, etc. After a review of the information and considering of any mitigating factors reported, the College has the discretion to grant or deny amnesty to a student, RSO, or AG.
The College strives to empower students to make healthy and responsible decisions while exploring opportunities to learn. A student, RSO, or AG may not use the Amnesty policy repeatedly as a means to circumvent accountability medically or non-medically.
The College recognizes the need for emergency response amnesty (“Medical Amnesty”) in certain alcohol, drug, physical, and emotional distress related emergencies and situations. Medical Amnesty may be available in the following situations:
Medical Amnesty will not be granted for other policy violations (outside of alcohol and drug related violations) that may have occurred during the incident. In order to qualify for Medical Amnesty, the Student, RSO, or AG must comply with College requests for an educational conversation, assessment, and any potential referrals for additional services or treatment and/or outcomes to address the behavior.
The College recognizes the need for amnesty in certain behavioral situations which do not require immediate emergency medical response (“Non-Medical Amnesty”). In order to qualify for Non-Medical Amnesty, the Student, RSO, and/or AG must notify the College of the specific concerns in advance of the College having knowledge of the incident for which Non-Medical Amnesty is sought. In order to qualify for Non-Medical Amnesty, the Student, RSO, or AG must agree to comply with appropriate educational outcomes to address the behavior.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/amnesty
Appeals for Respondents (Charged Student):
All student conduct proceedings at Rhodes allow for an appeal of the outcome of the hearing.
Whether from an Administrative, Honor Council or Community Standards Council decision, the appeal must be in writing, written by the student and not a third party, and is limited to three grounds:
Appeals that are not based on one or more of the above grounds may be dismissed without further meeting or action. As with the original hearing, legal counsel may not attend any appeals hearing. Any advice or assistance of counsel must be obtained prior to the hearing.
While an appeal is pending, the student may continue to attend their courses and participate in College life as usual, unless they are under interim removal from campus. Additional limitations on personal contact and/or participation in College-related events or activities may be imposed while the appeal is pending.
After hearing the appeal, the appellate officer/committee may:
The decision of the appellate officer/body is final.
NOTE: For Appeal Procedures for RSO/AGs, see the Organizational Conduct section.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/appeals
The College reserves the right to redact or not disclose a student’s information to maintain a student’s privacy and protection of confidential information that is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/confidentiality-redaction-and-non
The Office of Community Standards will place a hold (“conduct hold” or "community standards hold") on the student’s record if the student has a pending conduct proceeding under the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code or outstanding tasks that have not been completed (e.g., failing to complete their disciplinary outcome, failing to complete educational training, etc.).
A conduct hold may restrict the student from registering for classes, requesting an official transcript, or receiving a degree from the College until the hold has been removed. The hold will remain in place until lifted by the Office of Community Standards or other designated Rhodes College official with authority to do so.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/holds-community-standardsconduct
Students may at times have interpersonal conflicts that raise concerns for their health and safety, or that unduly disrupt the individuals’ academic environment. To remedy such situations, and to support the individuals involved, it may become necessary for the college to issue No Communication Agreements (NCAs) or No Contact Orders (NCOs). These arrangements are designed as protective measures to help mitigate the potential for future problematic interactions between an enrolled student and another enrolled student.
NCAs/NCOs are issued at the discretion of an appropriate college officer. If the college officer determines that reported health and safety concerns or disruptions in education do not warrant the issuance of an NCA/NCO, students should pursue or may be referred to other forms of conflict resolution offered through the offices of Student Life.
Any enrolled student may request an NCA/NCO with respect to an enrolled student. One may do so due to interpersonal conflicts or situations that they believe are interfering with their educational environment or causing them to be concerned about their health or safety. NCAs/NCOs may also be available as an interim remedy under the College’s Non-Discrimination Policy or Sexual Misconduct Policy for students and employees who are complainants or respondents under those policies.
The parameters of every NCA/NCO are determined on a case-by-case basis and are reviewed on an ongoing basis or upon request. Following discussion and agreement to enter into the NCA/NCO, the two individuals will receive a letter confirming the terms of the agreement. In the event that an individual declines to enter into a requested NCA, the appropriate college officer may elect to review the matter to determine whether a No Contact Order is warranted.
An NCA/NCO prohibits contact, including, but not limited to in-person contact, or contact through electronic means or a third party, but it does not prevent individuals from being in common campus spaces or seeing one another on- or off-campus; the expectation is that the parties will keep as much distance as reasonably possible when in the same place. In certain cases, however, including but not limited to an ongoing Title IX proceeding, the college may require a respondent to leave a place where a complainant is present or otherwise restrict a respondent’s activities as a separate interim measure and/or a remedy if appropriate.
Once implemented, any violation of an NCA/NCO will be vigorously pursued as an alleged violation of a college directive through the student conduct process. Violations that occur during a formal Title IX investigation may be included in the investigation as well.
A NCA/ NCO remains in effect until it has been terminated, in writing, by the issuing officer or appropriate college officer following a determination that the arrangement is no longer warranted or necessary.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/no-contact-agreements-no-contact-orders
An interim suspension is an immediate temporary restriction from the College. An interim suspension may be implemented when a student, RSO, or AG whose alleged violation of the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code indicates that there may be a perceived threat to themselves, to others, or to College property.
Conditions may include, but are not limited to, restriction from College premises, participation in academic and/or social endeavors, and college-related activities.
Interim suspensions will be expedited through the Community Standards process. An interim suspension may be imposed at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Life, or their designee.
An interim suspension will end at the conclusion of the conduct proceedings. An interim suspension should not be confused with a disciplinary suspension, which is one possible outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/interim-suspension
At the discretion of the adjudicating Hearing Officer or Council Leadership, a hearing can be conducted virtually. The Charge Notification will outline the platform that will be used to conduct the hearing.
All due process rights, responsibilities, and procedures will be adhered to for virtual/remote hearings as a hearing conducted in person.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/virtualremote-hearings
When a student is alleged to have violated one of the College’s policies, there are resolution processes by which a student’s case may be heard:
These processes exist to ensure that there is diversity of thought when addressing alleged misconduct. These processes exist under the purview of the Director of Community Standards (also referred to as the OCS Administrator) or their designee, and they are authorized by the Dean of Students. The Director of Community Standards may, in their complete discretion, designate which process an alleged violation of student conduct policy be addressed by.
All student conduct resolution processes, while slightly different in nature, abide by the same standard of proof – a preponderance of the evidence, or “more likely than not”- to determine whether a student did or did not violate College policy.
Student conduct processes at Rhodes are not legal proceedings and so do not strictly adhere to the rules of evidence and procedure by which courts are governed. For the same reasons, lawyers are not permitted to participate in student conduct processes at Rhodes. Any advice or assistance a student requests from legal counsel must be obtained prior to the conduct process.
Students are required to be responsive to College officials when a meeting is requested, and more specifically, students must respond in a timely manner to emails and communication sent on behalf of the conduct process.
When a student chooses not to be responsive or elects not to participate in the conduct process, the College reserves the right to move forward with the process in absentia. This means that the Office of Community Standards will conduct a hearing relying on the information they have already received about the incident.
If the College chooses to hold a hearing in absentia, the student will lose the ability to provide new information not brought out in the original hearing.
These resolution processes are not restricted to a specified term/time period during the academic year; any resolution process may occur between academic terms and/or during unique time periods, such as, Mid-Term and Final Examinations.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/resolution-processes
Education and Accountability Conference is an informal resolution that provides an opportunity for the OCS Administrator to meet with the Respondent involved in an incident where ownership actions have been demonstrated or there is an opportunity for the student to engage in ownership actions. The goal of this conference is to:
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/resolution-processes/educational-and
Mediation is an informal resolution that involves bringing the involved parties together, along with a neutral mediator, to facilitate a constructive conversation and work towards a resolution. It is commonly used when conflicts arise between students or groups of students and aims to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/resolution-processes/mediation
When a case is addressed through the Administrative Hearing process, the staff member adjudicating the matter (the OCS Administrator, Hearing Officer, or their designee) will send the student a charge letter via their Rhodes email address.
After the hearing has ended, the student will: 1) meet with the OCS Administrator, or their designee to discuss the outcome of the hearing followed by a written decision, or 2) receive a decision letter. All written decisions will be sent via the student’s Rhodes email address, informing them of the outcome, whether or not they have been found in violation, and if they have been found in violation, what the outcomes will be.
Students who wish to appeal the outcome of an administrative hearing should submit an appeal letter to the decision-maker who is named in the decision letter. The appeal letter must be written by the student, and not another individual or party. This letter must specify the basis for the appeal. Appeals will be considered based on the supporting documents provided by the student, and may be requested on one of three grounds:
Appeals that are not based on one or more of the grounds listed above may be dismissed without further meeting or action. Students have four business (4) days from the date their decision letter was sent to submit an appeal.
The appeal of an administrative decision will be heard by the Dean of Students, or their designee. The Dean of Students, at their discretion, may determine that, in addition to the documentation received for the appeal, interviews are warranted to gather more information about the appeal. After reviewing the appeal documentation/information, the Dean of Students, or their designee may uphold, modify, or overturn the original decision. If the decision is modified by the Dean of Students, at their discretion and considering the information received, may impose a more severe decision and/or outcome. The decision of the appellate officer is final.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/resolution-processes/administrative
A Charged RSO, or AG will have the following rights:
A Charged RSO, or AG will have the following responsibilities before and during a hearing:
A RSO or AG that has been charged with a violation of the Standards of Conduct may, in the discretion of the College, be placed on interim suspension pending the investigation and/or adjudication of the charge(s). While on interim suspension, an organization may be directed to take one or more of the following actions: (1) refrain from publicizing or holding events; (2) refrain from recruiting, meeting with, or initiating new members; (3) refrain from holding meetings of its membership; or (4) any other action deemed appropriate based on the charge(s) at issue. An organization placed on interim suspension will be notified in writing of the terms of the suspension. Failure to observe the terms of the interim suspension may itself be deemed a violation of the Standards of Conduct.
After the hearing has ended, the president of the RSO/ the primary student point of contact for the AG (or Respondent) will: 1) meet with the OCS Administrator, or their designee to discuss the outcome of the hearing followed by a written decision, or 2) receive a decision letter. All written decisions will be sent via the student’s Rhodes email address, informing them of the outcome, whether or not they have been found in violation, and if they have been found in violation, what the outcomes will be.
Appeals that are not based on one or more of the above grounds may be dismissed without further meeting or action. As with the original hearing, legal counsel may not attend any appeals hearing. Any advice or assistance from legal counsel must be obtained prior to the hearing.
While an appeal is pending, the organization’s interim suspension status will remain active, if applicable. If no interim suspension status was imposed, the sanctions will be placed in abeyance until the appellate officer renders an outcome.
After hearing the appeal, the appellate officer may uphold, modify, or overturn the original decision. If the decision is modified the appellate officer may, at their discretion and considering the information received, impose a more severe decision and/or outcome.
The following outcomes may be imposed when a RSO or AG has been found in violation of the Standards of Conduct:
Primary:
Secondary:
The officers, leaders, or any identifiable spokespersons for a RSO or AG may be directed by a member of the college staff to take appropriate action designed to prevent or end prohibited conduct by the organization or by any persons associated with the organization who can reasonably be said to be acting on the organization's behalf. Failure to make reasonable efforts to comply with the directive shall be considered a violation of the Standards of Conduct both by the individual officers, leaders, or spokespersons for the organization and by the organization itself.
Rhodes College officials may exercise the authority to cancel an organization’s event when there are concerns about an organization's ability to follow campus policies and guidelines. Cancellation notification will be through the Office of Student Engagement with rationale for the decision included. The sponsoring organization shall be notified immediately upon the decision to cancel.
In the course of an approved activity/event, the Department of Campus Safety or an acting Rhodes College official can discontinue a sanctioned activity/event when College policy is not being followed.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/community-standards-rhodes/student-conduct/resolution-processes/organization
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 violates College rules and regulations, the case will be referred to the Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee for action.
The College may administratively withdraw a student from classes, remove a student from residence halls, and/or require conditions for continued enrollment when one of the following transpires:
In the circumstance described above, the Dean of Students (DOS), in consultation with the appropriate medical, psychological, and academic resources, may administratively withdraw a student from their classes, remove the student from the residence halls, and/or place conditions on the student’s continued enrollment. The decision must be based on assessing 1) the probability, nature, duration, and severity of the disruption, risk, and/or impairment; and 2) whether reasonable accommodations can mitigate the risk allowing the student to remain enrolled. Under certain circumstances, either before or after deciding to withdraw the student administratively, DOS may mandate that the student undergo a psychological or medical assessment to evaluate the student’s ability to participate successfully in the college community.
DOS’s determination regarding CIAW and the reasons supporting the decision are shared in written form with the student. The written determination includes the length of separation from the college and describes the conditions the student may seek to return.
A student may appeal the CIAW determination in writing, and provide supporting documentation, within forty-eight (48) hours, the Vice President for Student Life, whose decision is the college's final decision.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/college-initiated-administrative-withdrawal-ciaw
Below are the COVID guidelines for the fall 2023 semester. These guidelines are based on current conditions and are subject to change as circumstances warrant. As conditions dictate, we will consult with infectious disease experts at Baptist Memorial Health Care, use CDC guidelines, monitor trends in the Memphis area, and consider our previous campus experience to make decisions about COVID protocols. COVID-related updates will be sent as necessary based on circumstances and events.
Vaccinations/Boosters
All members of the Rhodes community, especially the most vulnerable, are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID, including boosters. Up-to-date vaccination remains one of the best tools to protect ourselves and each other.
Masking
Masks are not required on campus. However, individual faculty retain the option of requiring masks in their classrooms, labs, and studios. Faculty and staff may ask visitors to their private offices to masks. You must comply with the requests if asked to mask in such circumstances.
Student Testing
We will provide testing for symptomatic and close contact exposed students in Student Health Center.
If a student is experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms:
Student COVID-19 Care Clinic: The Student Health Center can provide onsite rapid testing for symptomatic students and those who may have been in close contact with or exposed to a positive case of COVID-19. The clinic will be available to all students (residential and non-residential) for symptomatic testing and COVID-19 care support. The Student Health Center continues to require wearing masks at this time.
Appointments are available Monday thru Friday, and students should contact Student Health Center at 901-843-3895 or health@rhodes.edu to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Students experiencing severe symptoms or a medical emergency, be sure to call 911 immediately and then contact Campus Safety by calling 901-843-3880
Faculty and Staff Testing
Faculty and Staff who need a COVID test should seek one off-campus. Many pharmacies and clinics nearby offer testing by appointment.
Contact Tracing
COVID-positive students, faculty, and staff are expected to communicate directly with their close contacts. A close contact is someone within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over 24 hours (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for 15 minutes). An infected person can spread the virus 48 hours before symptoms until 5 days after symptoms begin.
Students who test positive are responsible for completing the COVID-19 Reporting Form and contacting all close contacts from the past 48 hours of exposure. Students, contact covidcare@rhodes.edu for questions. Faculty and staff should communicate with all close contacts from the past 48 hours of exposure.
Isolation and Quarantine
Isolation and quarantine for students who test positive will occur in place, which means students will remain in their assigned rooms for the duration of the isolation/quarantine period.
Vaccinated roommates are not restricted from class and should be tested by the protocols.
Isolation/Quarantine Protocol | |
Positive for COVID | The Rhodes isolation and protocols are based on an adaptation of CDC recommendations. 5-day isolation protocol.
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High Risk/ Close Contact Exposure | No isolation or quarantine. Recommended test at 48 hours and another test between days 5-7. |
Distinguishing mild symptoms from more significant symptoms:
Significant Symptoms:
Mild Symptoms:
**For the purpose of this guidance, fever is defined as subjective fever (feeling feverish) or a measured temperature of 100.0oF (37.8oC) or higher. Note that fever may be intermittent or may not be present in some people, such as those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or taking certain fever-reducing medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDS]).
Student-Athletes will be required to follow protocols outlined by the SAA under NCAA guidance and will receive guidance from the Coordinator of Athletic Training.
Class Attendance Guidelines for Students with COVID
Students who have COVID must not attend class in person and will be responsible for sharing their need to isolate directly with faculty. Students will be on their honor in doing so but are not expected to provide medical documentation. Normally, a COVID-positive student will remain in isolation for five days.
Faculty should develop their own attendance policies in line with the college’s existing Class Attendance Policy. This policy states that “students are responsible for knowing the attendance policy in each of their courses, for obtaining and mastering material covered during an absence, and for determining, in consultation with the instructor, whether and under what conditions make-up work will be permitted. It is the student’s responsibility to address the issues related to missing a class, whatever the reason for the absence.”
Faculty will use their best judgment in deciding how students can best make up class time or material they have missed. Faculty are not required to provide remote access via a Zoom link to students who are in isolation. They may encourage the student to receive class notes from another student, meet individually with the student (either in person and properly distanced or via Zoom), ask the student to review materials on Canvas (including a recorded lecture), or, if they prefer, provide remote access to the class for a student via Zoom.
Isolation and Quarantine Meals
Students in an isolation or quarantine protocol and with a meal plan may access to-go dining options through the college’s Quarantine Café. Students order through the following link: Quarantine Café. Please create an account and place daily orders by visiting the "Quarantine Café" section. We recommend that students place weekly orders upon creating their accounts to avoid missing a meal. To pick up meals, students must leave the isolation/quarantine space fully masked and distanced to pick up prepared meals for each day. Students will pick up their food between 8-10 a.m. daily in the Brooks Room in the Refectory. Students will enter the Brooks Room using the outside entrance, which opens on the Refectory north patio and is located at the Hyde-Moore breezeway.
Contact Chris Caldaro, Catering Director, at Chris.Caldaro@cafebonappetit.com for ordering confirmation.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/covid-guidelines-fall-semester-2023
The Vice President for Student Life, or their designee, will have the final approval for all proposed changes. The Vice President for Student Life consults with the College’s senior leadership team, which includes the President of the College, before finalization occurs.
The College recognizes the possibility that extenuating circumstances may require that the revision and approval process be adjusted. Therefore, under these circumstances, revisions only require the approval of the Vice President for Student Life.
Approved revisions will be reflected immediately in the Student Handbook and will be effective upon their approval.
This version of the Standards of Conduct for the Rhodes Community was approved on September 5, 2023.
Printed from: https://handbook.rhodes.edu/student-handbook/handbook-revisions-and-approval