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

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.

The Bias Education Response System (BERS) allows community members to report bias-related incidents and microaggressive behaviors. Doing so will allow our community to:

1. 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;

2. receive information in a sensitive and timely way;

3. assess the circumstances of any reported incidents as thoroughly and quickly as possible with the information available;

4. make referrals to appropriate campus officials so that action can be taken; and

5. 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.

Reporting a bias-related incident:

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.

Processing Reports

• Once an incident has been reported, the following process will take place:
• Evaluation by Vice President for Strategic Initiatives/ Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer to determine which campus office should follow up. If it is not entirely clear which office of the College is responsible for investigating the incident reported, it will be reviewed by the Dean for Faculty Recruitment, Development, and Diversity, Dean of Equity and Engagement, the Title IX Coordinator, the Director of Community Standards, and the Director of Human Resources. In the event that a report would be submitted involving any one of these individuals, that person will not participate in the review.
• Once the appropriate office of the College has been determined, the review will begin with an interview with the reporting individual, when not anonymous.
• It may then involve conversations with the individual/s who were the subject/s of the report.
• The individual/s responsible for the investigation will determine the appropriate response, which could include no action at all, referrals to other campus offices or services, educational programming on an individual or group basis, and/or notifications of the incident to the community as appropriate.

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.

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

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, it is the policy of Rhodes College, as it relates to students who reside on-campus, to report missing students and to inform students of their options regarding the contact person. Rhodes College will contact the custodial parent of record or legal guardian of a missing student under the age of 18 no later than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing. If a student is emancipated, or 18 years of age or older and desires a contact other than their parents they should submit this request in writing to the Dean of Students, to be included in their student file. 

When a student is determined to be missing and a report is made to Campus Safety, the On-Call Administrator or a Residence Life staff member, an investigation will commence immediately. The college will take reasonable and prudent steps to locate the student. If the student cannot be located within 24 hours, the emergency contact will be notified by the On-Call Administrator. Campus Safety will initiate a “Missing Person” report and notify local law enforcement.

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.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, is a Federal law which states (a) that a written institutional policy must be established and (b) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of students be made available.  The law provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of student education records.    

Rhodes College accords all the rights under the law to enrolled students. No one outside the institution shall have access to nor will the institution disclose, any information from students’ education records without the written consent of students except to personnel within the institution, to officials of other institutions in which students seek to enroll, to persons or organizations providing students financial aid, to agencies carrying out their accreditation function, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, and to persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons. All these exceptions are permitted under the Act. Only those members of the College community, individually or collectively, acting in the students’ educational interest are allowed access to student education records. These members include personnel in the Student Development and Academic Services Office, including student workers in that office, and the professional staff of Financial Aid, Institutional Research, and College officials with a legitimate educational interest as determined by the registrar.

At its discretion the institution may provide directory information in accordance with the provisions of the Act including name, parents’ names, campus and home addresses and telephone numbers, cellular phone numbers, dates of attendance, photograph, year of graduation, degrees and honors awarded or expected, academic major, email address, and faculty adviser. Students may withhold directory information by notifying the Registrar in writing at least 60 days prior to the first day of class for the fall semester. The permission to release academic information remains in force for a student's entire enrollment at Rhodes unless the Registrar is notified of a change.

In addition, the institution at its discretion may disclose student record information without consent of disclosure to the parents of a dependent student as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and as verified by the institution. Full rights under the act shall be given to either parent, unless the institution has been provided with evidence that there is a court order, state statute, or other legally binding document relating to such matters as divorce, separation or custody that specifically revokes these rights. The institution also has the discretion to disclose to any parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21 information about a violation of any federal, state, or local law, or any rule or policy of the institution governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession. 

The law provides students with the right to inspect and review information contained in their education records, to challenge the contents of their education records, to have a hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory, and to submit explanatory statements for inclusion in their files if the decisions of the hearing panels are unacceptable. The Registrar at Rhodes College has been designated by the institution to coordinate the inspection and review procedures for student education records, which include admissions, personal, academic, and financial files, and academic and placement records. Students wishing to review their education records must make written requests to the Registrar listing the item or items of interest. Only records covered by the Act will be made available within forty-five days of the request. Students may have copies made of their records with certain exceptions, e.g., a copy of the academic record for which a financial "hold" exists or a transcript of an original or source document that exists elsewhere). Education records do not include records of instructional, supervisory, administrative, and educational personnel that are the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any individual except a temporary substitute. Other records not included are those of the Campus Safety department, student health records, employment records (except those records of student workers), or alumni records. Health records, however, may be reviewed by physicians of the students’ choosing.

Students may not inspect and review the following as outlined by the Act: financial information submitted by their parents; confidential letters and recommendations associated with admission to the College, employment or job placement, or honors to which they have waived their rights of inspection and review; or education records containing information about more than one student, in which case the institution will permit access only to that part of the record which pertains to the inquiring student. The institution is not required to permit students to inspect and review confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975, provided those letters were collected under established policies of confidentiality and were used only for the purposes for which they were collected.     

Students who believe that their education records contain information that is inaccurate or misleading, or is otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights, may discuss their problems informally with the Registrar. If the decisions of the Registrar are in agreement with the students’ requests, the appropriate records will be amended. If not, the students will be notified within a reasonable period of time that the records will not be amended; and they will be informed of their right to a formal hearing. Student requests for a formal hearing must be made in writing to the Dean of the Faculty who, within a reasonable period of time after receiving such requests, will inform students of the date, place, and the time of the hearings. Students may present evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or represented at the hearings by one or more persons of their choice, including attorneys, at the students’ expense. The hearing panel that will adjudicate such challenges will be the Faculty Standards and Standing Committee.

Decisions of the hearing panel will be final, will be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing, and will consist of written statements summarizing the evidence and stating the reasons for the decisions, and will be delivered to all parties concerned. The education records will be corrected or amended in accordance with the decisions of the hearing panels, if the decisions are in favor of the students. If the decisions are unsatisfactory to the students the students may place with the education records statements commenting on the information in the records, or statements setting forth any reasons for disagreeing with the decisions of the hearing panels. The statements will be placed in the education records, and released whenever the records in question are disclosed. 

Students who believe that the adjudication of their challenges were unfair or not in keeping with the provisions of the Act may request, in writing, assistance from the president of the institution to aid them in filing complaints with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA), Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20201. 

Revisions and clarifications of this policy will be published as experience with the law and the institutional policy warrants. Annual notice of compliance with the Act is published in the College Catalogue.

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:

• To understand the nature of a liberal arts education
• To assess their strengths and weaknesses, challenges, and areas for growth.
• To formulate educational and career goals
• To plan a course of action to achieve those goals

I.   Guidelines for the Student Advisee

1. Realize that final responsibility for meeting Degree or Foundation Requirements rests with the student.
2. Prepare adequately for each advising session.
3. Make preliminary course selections prior to registration advising appointments.
4. With the assistance of the advisor and Career Services, clarify personal values, abilities, interests, and goals.
5. Become knowledgeable about and observe institutional policies, procedures, and requirements. This requires a careful reading of the College Catalogue.
6. Contact and make an appointment with the advisor when in need of assistance or when required. If the student finds it impossible to keep the appointment, notify the advisor before the scheduled appointment.
7. Maintain a personal advising folder and take it to every advising appointment. Documents placed in this folder might include grade reports, declaration of major forms, course plan, and other documents related to the student’s academic record.
8. Follow through on actions identified during each advising session.
9. Keep the advisor informed about academic achievements, difficulties, and other factors that could influence the student’s academic career.
10. Declare a major no later than the spring semester of the sophomore year and choose a new advisor if necessary.
11. Evaluate the advising system, when requested, in order to strengthen the advising process.
12. Accept final responsibility for all decisions.

According to the Federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1991, all institutions participating in Title IV student financial assistance programs are required annually to disclose the graduation rate for the most recent cohort of first-time students that has had an opportunity to graduate within 150 percent of normal time. For Rhodes, that means giving a six-year graduation rate. The cohort of first-time students who entered Rhodes in 2010 had a six-year graduation rate of 80 percent.

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:

1. No approval will be granted for student led group or individual students on independent study or internships.
2. No other of the following international travel advisories (Australia, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand), advise against travel to the destination.
3. International SOS risk rating https://www.travelriskmap.com/#/planner/locations is no higher than medium.
4.  The itinerary must be limited to regions within the destination country for which the US State Department has indicated that the risk is lower than that for the overall risk of the country and International SOS has indicated that the risk is no greater than medium.
5. The itinerary has been reviewed and approved by our Risk analysis consultants, Lodestone International.
6. The application demonstrates competence and due diligence including an understanding of the hazards and the implementation of risk mitigation strategies as demonstrated by a signed waiver.
7. The applicants agree to any additional requirements, e.g., Buckman Center requested changes in itinerary, the carrying of satellite communication devices, an agreement that no itinerary changes will be made once the program begins without permission and any additional vetting or addition of personnel deemed necessary.
8. Approval may be made for students studying abroad with a well known internationally based third party provider who is willing to indemnify Rhodes College if all points 1 – 3 are true.

Level 2. Approval may be given for proposals for travel to Level 2 destinations if: 

1. Approval may be granted for student led groups or individual students on independent study or internships if the International SOS risk rating is Low or Insignificant.
2. International SOS risk rating is no higher than medium.
3. The itinerary must be limited to regions within the destination country for which the US State Department has indicated that the risk is no greater than that for the overall risk of the country and International SOS has indicated that the risk is no greater than medium.
4. The application demonstrates competence and due diligence including an understanding of the hazards and the implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
5. The applicants agree to any additional requirements, e.g., requested changes in itinerary, the carrying of satellite communication devices, an agreement that no itinerary changes will be made once the program begins without Buckman Center permission and any additional vetting or addition of personnel deemed necessary.
6. Approval may be given for students studying abroad with a well known internationally based third party provider if the itinerary does not venture into any area for which the International SOS risk rating is higher than Medium.

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.

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:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day Rhodes College (“School”) receives a request for access.
   • A student should submit to the registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA
   • A student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
   • If the school decides not to amend the record as requested, the school will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the university discloses personally identifiable information (“PII”) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Circumstances in which the College may disclose education records without a student’s prior written consent include:

• To Rhodes College officials, including teachers and persons in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff positions (including Campus Safety and the Counseling Center),  whom the  College has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, students, attorneys, auditors, collection agents, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions and who work under the control of the College with regard to personally identifiable information from education records protected by FERPA. A College official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for Rhodes College.
• To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer.
• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-­supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-­supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. 
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. 
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. 
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency. 
• Information the school has designated as “directory information.”  Rhodes College has designated the following items to be directory information: student’s name, parents’ names, campus and home addresses and telephone numbers, cellular phone numbers, dates of attendance, photograph, year of graduation, degrees and honors awarded or expected, academic major, email address, and faculty advisor.  
• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non­forcible sex offense., The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. 
• To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non­forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her. 
• To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Rhodes College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

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.

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. 

Emergency Notification to Faculty

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:

• Hospitalization
• Concussion
• Experiencing an assault or other crime
• Death or serious illness in the immediate family
• Legal or military obligations

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:

• Short term sicknesses (i.e. flu, migraines, colds)
• Doctor or other appointments
• Pre-planned events (weddings, vacations, trips)

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. 

• Emergency notifications are a supportive measure when a student cannot fully communicate with instructors. If a student contacts a professor directly about resolving an absence due to an emergency, it is optional to involve the Office of Student Outreach & Support if not needed by the student. Instructors are always welcome to submit a Share a Concern report if they are concerned about a student’s well-being.
• Emergency notifications are not verification that the emergency occurred. The Office of Student Outreach & Support does not require documentation to send out an emergency notification. However, the Office of Student Outreach & Support asks for enough detail to assess the situation to assist students in managing their academics. The Office of Student Outreach & Support also helps students think through their needs and abilities during their challenges. Individual feedback from faculty allows the Office of Student Outreach & Support to do this effectively. The Honor Code is expected to be upheld. If a student is found misusing the emergency notification, they are subject to an honor code violation.
• An emergency notification does not require an instructor to excuse an absence. The decision to excuse an absence lies solely with the course instructor. The syllabus guidelines and essential course elements determine an instructor's ability to allow academic flexibility. Instructors are encouraged to understand that students using the emergency notification process are typically recovering from a crisis and would benefit from some academic flexibility when feasible.

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.

Grade Queries

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:

• Time-limits: If the grade on a particular piece of work during a semester is questioned, the appeal for reconsideration must be made within four weeks of the receipt of the grade. The period of time during which appeals of final grades can be made expires at the end of the fourth week of the semester following the posting of the grade.
• Substitutes for the department chair: In the event that appeals for reconsideration of grades involves grades assigned by a chair of a department, then the procedure outlined here will be conducted by the senior member of the department, or the next senior member of the department in the event that the chair is the senior member.
• Claims of discrimination: The provisions outlined above are meant to apply to situations in which appeals for reconsideration of grades are made by students. There can be circumstances in which a student’s complaint involves a belief that he or she has been discriminated against because of the practices in managing a course. The Vice President for Academic Affairs is the administrative officer to receive any such complaint. It may be that the Vice President for Academic Affairs will ask that the general provisions above be followed in an investigation of possible discrimination.

Examinations

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.

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.

Authorized Users

1. Students, faculty, and staff may use the Bryan Campus Life Center (BCLC) upon presentation of a valid Lynx Card or BCLC I.D. card.
2. Faculty and staff may obtain a BCLC I.D. card for their spouses and dependent children by contacting the Facility Coordinator. Children age 14 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times, and thus will not be issued ID cards. Children 14 and younger are not permitted in the Fitness Room at any time.

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.

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 animals and emotional support animals to persons with disabilities and has established policies and guidelines regarding service animals and emotional support animals that are described in more detail below. Rhodes reserves the right to amend this policy as circumstances require.

Definitions

Pet: A pet is an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A pet is not considered a service animal or an emotional support animal.

Service Animal: A service animal is defined as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a documented disability. Service animals are working animals, not pets. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for purposes of this policy. The work or task a service animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Reasonable modifications may be allowed for a person with a disability to use a miniature horse if the animal has been trained to do work or perform tasks for the individual. 

Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to: assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or a telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by assisting with seizures or preventing or obstructing impulsive or destructive behaviors.

Emotional Support Animal: An emotional support animal is an animal that provides comfort to a person with a disability upon the recommendation of a healthcare or mental health professional. The comfort of an emotional support animal serves to alleviate one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s documented disability. Unlike a service animal, emotional support animals do not have to be trained to perform any particular task, do not assist a person with activities of daily living, and do not accompany the person at all times.

Approved Animal: An approved animal is a service animal or emotional support animal that has been granted access to campus as a reasonable accommodation under this policy.

Owner: The owner is the person who has requested the accommodation and has received approval to bring an approved animal on campus.

Pet Policy 

Fish (in tanks with a maximum capacity of ten gallons) are the only pets that may be kept in campus housing with the permission of roommates. Violators of these policies regarding pets will be fined a minimum of $100.00 for each infraction. Exceptions will not be made for any temporary keeping of pets or stray animals.

Guests and commuter students are required to 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.

Service Animal Policy 

A student requesting to bring a service animal on campus or to keep a service animal in campus housing must make a formal request to 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 to the Office of Student Accessibility Services by June 15 for review and determination before the beginning of fall semester. Returning students should complete this process by February 15. The Office of Residence Life makes housing assignments at the beginning of the year with approved animals in mind to ensure that a service animal does not interfere with other students who may have animal allergies or aversions. While requests for service animals outside of these preferred dates will be accepted and considered, Rhodes cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet late applicants’ accommodation needs.

The Office of Student Accessibility Services reviews each request on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting that a service animal be housed in campus housing will carefully review this policy and sign a release form permitting the Offices 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, 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 Office of 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.

The owner 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 make a formal request to the Office of Student Accessibility Services (901-843-3815) and submit the required supporting documentation. 

In order to be considered for approval, there must be a link between the animal and a documented disability. Emotional distress resulting from having to give up an animal because of a “no pets” policy does not qualify a person for an 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 to the Office of Student Accessibility Services by June 15 for review and determination before the beginning of fall semester. Returning students should complete this process by February 15. The Office of Residence Life makes housing assignments at the beginning of the year with approved animals in mind to ensure that an emotional support animal does not interfere with other students who may have animal allergies or aversions. While requests for emotional support animals outside of these preferred dates will be accepted and considered, Rhodes cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet late applicants’ accommodation needs. 

The Office of Student Accessibility Services reviews each request on a case-by-case basis. While animals other than dogs or cats will be considered, Rhodes is under no obligation 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 carefully review this policy and sign a release form permitting the Offices 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, 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 Office of Student Accessibility Services Procedures.

An emotional support animal is required to be under the control of the owner at all times, 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.

Animal Requirements

1. Vaccinations: In accordance with local ordinances and regulations, the approved animal must be fully immunized against diseases common to that species. For example, dogs must have a current vaccination against rabies and wear a rabies vaccination tag. The owner must provide the Office of Student Accessibility Services with an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Documentation can be a vaccination certificate for the animal or a veterinarian's statement regarding the animal's health. The College has the authority to direct that the animal receive veterinary attention. 

2. Spayed/Neutered: Animals not living in cages must be spayed or neutered, and the owner must provide confirmation of surgery (spay/neuter) to the Office of Student Accessibility Services.

3. Age: Dogs must be at least one year old, and cats must be at least six months old. 

4. Licensing: Local licensing law must be followed. The College reserves the right to request documentation showing that the animal has been licensed.

Owner Responsibilities

1. Community: The owner is responsible for assuring that the approved animal does not cause difficulties for individuals in the Rhodes community or unduly interfere with the routine activities of the Rhodes community. Examples include but are not limited to animal-related noises, odors, and behaviors that rise to the level of written complaint and/or incident report.

2. Roommate Agreement: The owner will complete the annual room selection process with the Office of Residence Life to select their desired location with a roommate and/or suitemates who agree to live with the approved animal. All roommates and suitemates of the owner must agree to allow the approved animal to be in residence with them. If one or more roommates or suitemates do not agree or no longer agree, then either the owner and their approved animal or the non-agreeing roommates or suitemates may be relocated, as determined by the Office of Residence Life. 

3. Cleaning: The owner is responsible for any expenses incurred for cleaning above and beyond a standard cleaning or for repairs to College premises that are assessed after the student and animal vacate the residence. The College shall have the right to bill the student owner’s account for unmet obligations. 

4. Pest Control: The owner's residence may be inspected for fleas, ticks, or other pests as needed. The Office of Residence Life will schedule the inspection. If fleas, ticks, or other pests are detected through inspection, the residence will be treated using approved fumigation methods by a College-approved pest control service. The owner will be billed for the expense of any pest treatment above and beyond standard pest management in the residence halls.

5. Mattress Protection: The owner is responsible for purchasing and using a Twin XL waterproof mattress cover for each mattress in their assigned room.

6. Waste: The owner is responsible for ensuring the cleanup of the animal's waste and, when appropriate, must toilet the animal in areas designated by the College consistent with the reasonable capacity of the owner. Indoor animal waste, such as cat litter, must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and securely tied up before being disposed of in outside trash dumpsters. Litter boxes should be placed on mats so that waste is not tracked onto carpeted surfaces. 

7. Damages: The owner is financially responsible for the actions of the approved animal, including bodily injury or property damage caused by the animal. The owner’s responsibility covers, but is not limited to, replacement of furniture, carpet, window, wall covering, and the like. The owner is expected to cover these costs at the time of repair and/or move-out.

8. Care: Care, feeding, watering, and supervision of the approved animal are the responsibility of the owner. An approved emotional support animal accommodation does not extend to other live animals or insects, even if they are a source of food. Bathing an approved animal in any College residence sink, shower, or tub is prohibited.

9. Overnight Supervision: Approved animals may not be left overnight in campus housing to be cared for by another student. Arrangements must be made to house the animal in a kennel or other approved care facility or be taken with the owner.

10. Campus Access: Service animals may travel freely with their owner throughout campus housing and other areas of the College. Emotional support animals must be contained within the privately assigned residential area (room, suite, apartment) at all times, except when transported outside the private residential area in an animal carrier or controlled by leash or harness. When outside the residence, the owner of an emotional support animal shall carry proof that the animal is an approved animal. 

11. Changes to Approved Animal: The owner must notify the Offices of Student Accessibility Services and Residence Life in writing if the approved animal is no longer needed as an approved animal or is no longer in residence. To replace an approved animal, the owner must file a new request with the Office of Student Accessibility Services. 

12. Emergency: In cases of emergency, the College and emergency services personnel will focus on human life and will not return to buildings solely to rescue animals. 

13. Important Notes: The Office of Residence Life has the ability to relocate the owner and approved animal as necessary according to the housing contract. Failure to comply with the responsibilities and guidelines outlined in this policy may result in immediate removal of the animal from the College, and the owner may be subject to the College’s judicial process. 

Service Animals in Training 

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, 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, based upon an individualized assessment:

1. The animal in question poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be reduced or eliminated by another reasonable accommodation.
2. The owner substantially fails to comply with this policy.
3. The animal in question would cause or has caused physical injury or substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be reduced or eliminated by another reasonable accommodation.

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:

1. The animal is not under the control of the handler, and such an individual does not take effective action to control the animal within a reasonable period of time under the circumstances.
2. The owner has received three or more written complaints or incident reports regarding the animal, has committed serious violations of this policy, or has repeatedly failed or refused to comply with directives to control the animal, clean up after the animal, or remove the animal from places or situations.
3. The animal is not housebroken. For purposes of this policy, “housebroken” means that the animal is trained to relieve its waste in an outdoor area or, if the animal cannot be taken outdoors through reasonable efforts by its handler, then in some designated indoor area that does not pose a sanitation risk to any persons on Rhodes premises.
4. The animal otherwise poses a risk to the health or safety of people or other service or emotional support animals. In determining whether an animal poses a risk to the health or safety of people or other service or emotional support animals, Rhodes will make an individualized assessment based on objective indications to ascertain the severity of the risk. Such indications include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The animal shows external signs of aggression, such as growling, biting or snapping, baring its teeth, or lunging.
• The animal shows external signs of parasites (e.g., fleas, ticks) or other external signs of disease or bad health (e.g., diarrhea or vomiting).

An animal removal determination will be made by the Office of 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 the Office of Community Standards. Any removal of an approved animal may be appealed to the Vice President of Student Life, as outlined in the Office of 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.

Questions

All student questions regarding service and emotional support animals on campus should be directed to the Office of Student Accessibility Services at 901-843-3815 or sas@rhodes.edu.

All faculty, staff, or visitor questions regarding service and emotional support animals on campus should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 901-843-3750 or hr@rhodes.edu.

Policy Revised - 4.24.25

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.) 

Statement of Policy 

Rhodes College is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all members of the campus community. Hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited. This policy applies to all students, student organizations, athletic teams, employees, and affiliated groups or individuals.  

Hazing is antithetical to the values of integrity, inclusion, safety, and personal development that guide our institution. 

Definition 

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 any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group (i.e., initiation or affiliation with an organization) that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. 

There are three components that define hazing: 

1. It occurs in a one-on-one or group context
2. Humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior
3. Happens regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate 

Tennessee State Law 

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123, hazing is illegal and defined as: 

“Any intentional or reckless act by one student acting alone or with others that is directed against any other student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or that induces or coerces a student to endanger such student's mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions.” 

Violations of this law may result in criminal charges and/or institutional disciplinary action. 

Scope of Policy 

This policy applies to: 

• All students and student organizations (registered or unregistered)
• Intercollegiate and intramural athletic teams
• Faculty, staff, and administrators
• Volunteers, alumni, and guests involved in campus-affiliated activities 

This policy applies regardless of location (on-campus, off-campus, or virtual) if the incident is affiliated with a college program, organization, or activity. 

Reporting Hazing 

Anyone who experiences, witnesses, or suspects hazing is strongly encouraged to report it. Reports may be made confidentially or anonymously to any of the following: 

• Campus Safety Department:
  • Email: security@rhodes.edu
  • Phone: 901.843.3880 (non-emergency) / 901.843.3333 (emergency)
  • Website: Campus Safety
• Office of Community Standards
  • Email: communitystandards@rhodes.edu
  • Phone: 901.843.3815
  • Website: Office of Community Standards
• Title IX Office (if applicable):
  • Email: titleix@rhodes.edu
  • Phone: 901.843.3354
  • Website: Office of Title IX
• Online Reporting Form:
  • Hazing Reporting Form - If you believe you have been hazed or will be hazed or know of someone else who has been hazed or will be hazed, use this form to report it. Any documents supporting the report, such as police reports, photos, videos, etc., can be uploaded at the bottom of the form.
  • Silent Witness Reporting Form - People who witness or are aware of suspicious activity are encouraged to report this information. To this end, we are providing a completely anonymous method of sharing information with the College. So whether you saw it, heard it, or merely heard about it, you can help us keep the campus safe by telling us.
  • Email: stophazing@rhodes.edu
• Memphis Police Department: Dial 911 

Amnesty for Reporting 

Students who report hazing in good faith may not be subject to disciplinary action for related violations (e.g., underage drinking), provided the violation did not place the health or safety of another individual at risk. The Rhodes College Amnesty Policy supports and encourages reporting. 

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, Registered Student Organizations (RSO), or Affinity Groups (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.    

 Accountability and Enforcement 

Individuals or groups found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the college’s Standards of Conduct and relevant employee policies. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to: 

• Educational sanctions and mandated training
• Probation, suspension, or expulsion (individuals)
• Suspension or revocation of recognition (student organizations)
• Employment consequences (for staff/faculty)
• Referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution under Tennessee law. 

Voluntary participation in hazing does not absolve either party of their responsibility to follow this policy. 

Education and Prevention 

Rhodes College will provide annual hazing prevention training for all students.  Orientation programs, leadership workshops, and ongoing educational campaigns will emphasize community expectations. 

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:

• Cannabis
• Cocaine/cocaine derivatives
• Heroin
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• LSD
• PCP
• Substances known as “designer drugs” such as ecstasy or eve 

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.

Drug Paraphernalia

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.

Health Risks 

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.

Scope

This policy applies to commuter students enrolled at Rhodes College who reside in housing not owned, leased, or directly managed by the College, including privately rented houses, apartments, and other off-campus residences.

Policy Statement

Students living in off-campus residences represent both themselves and the College in the broader community. The College expects students to be respectful community members, comply with local, state, and federal laws, and uphold College Standards of Conduct while living off campus. The College does not regulate or manage behavior at private residences.  The college will address reported student behavior that violates the law. 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Clarify expectations for students living in off-campus housing.
• Promote positive relationships between students and their surrounding community.
• Encourage responsible citizenship and respect for local ordinances.
• Guide for students to be good neighbors and responsible tenants.

Definitions

• Commuter Student: a college student who lives off-campus and travels to campus for classes, rather than living in on-campus housing.
• Off-Campus Housing: Any residential property not owned, leased, or managed by Rhodes College.
• Good Neighbor Guidelines: Standards of courtesy and responsibility that students are expected to follow in order to maintain positive relationships with neighbors and the broader community.
• Local Authorities: City or county law enforcement, code enforcement, or other municipal agencies with jurisdiction over local ordinances and regulations.

Address Registration

Commuter students must register their off-campus local residential address and attend a mandatory safety workshop with Campus Safety. Additionally, if a student changes residences, they must re-register their address and check to make sure that the new residence is registered. 

Commuter students must register their address each year to comply with the policy and to ensure individual records are updated. The registered local address provided is valid for one academic year only. Additionally, if a student changes location of residency, they must re-register their address.

Good Neighbor Guidelines

Students living off-campus are encouraged to:

1. Respect Noise Levels – Adhere to local noise ordinances and refrain from disruptive behavior.  Avoid excessive noise, especially during quiet hours, to prevent disturbances to other students and residents.  It is recommended that you limit the number of guests to manage the crowd effectively.   For more information, refer to the City of Memphis noise ordinances.
2. Maintain Property Appearance – Keep yards, porches, and common areas clean and free of trash or debris.
3. Be Mindful of Parking – Park legally, do not block driveways or sidewalks, and respect posted restrictions.
4. Dispose of Trash Properly – Follow local guidelines for trash and recycling collection.  A clean property is a safer property.  The City of Memphis has rules for garbage pickup and recycling.      There are certain conditions under which the city will not collect specific items.  For more information, visit the City of Memphis Solid Waste or call 901-636-6500.
5. Communicate Respectfully – Engage with neighbors in a courteous and respectful manner.
6. Be a Responsible Host – If hosting guests or gatherings, follow local laws, avoid excessive noise, and ensure that guest behavior does not disrupt the community.
7. Observe Local Laws – Follow all applicable city, county, and state ordinances, including those related to noise, alcohol, and occupancy limits.
8. Address Issues Promptly – Respond quickly to maintenance issues, landlord communications, and neighbor concerns.

The College encourages community members and neighbors to report violations of ordinances and laws directly to local authorities and property owners/managers. 

Accountability

• Students are required to update their local off-campus address annually with the College. Failure to provide accurate and timely information will result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards and may place a hold on registration.
• Students are expected to comply with this policy, College policies, and local laws. Behavior that violates the College’s Standards of Conduct or the law may result in disciplinary action through the College’s conduct process.
• The College does not intervene in landlord-tenant disputes. Students are expected to manage their rental agreements responsibly and in accordance with the law.

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:

• Protection of human life. 
• To prevent and minimize personal injury. 
• Reduce exposure of Rhodes’ physical assets. 
• Optimize loss control for assets where exposure cannot be reduced.
• Restore normal operations as soon as possible.

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.

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:

• All Rhodes College students must always obtain and have their student Lynx ID while on campus. Rhodes Express issues these cards upon submission of appropriate documentation.

Identification Requirement for Issuance: 

• To receive a Lynx ID, individuals must present a valid Rhodes ID number to verify their identity.

Lynx ID Display Requirements:

• Lynx ID must be displayed when entering campus, making them readily available to college personnel and Campus Safety officers.
• Lynx ID must be displayed to pick up items from the mailroom. 
• Lynx ID must be displayed when requested by college employees; this includes but is not limited to Campus Safety and Resident Assistants. 
• Lynx ID must be used to enter the dining halls and access meals. 
• Lynx ID must be used to check out materials from Barret Library. 
• Lynx ID must be used to check out items from the Office of Student Engagement. 
• Lynx ID may be required to access some college and registered student organization events. 
• Lynx ID is needed for printers.
• Lynx ID is required for some services at Rhodes Express.
• Lynx ID is required to charge Bookstore purchases to a student’s Student Account.

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:

• Lost/Stolen Lynx ID: After the loss or theft has been reported and verified, replacement Lynx IDs will be issued through Rhodes Express. The $10 fee for replacement IDs is placed on the student’s account.

Compliance and Enforcement:

• Failure to produce the Lynx ID as required or requested may result in restricted access to campus facilities and services. Repeated non-compliance may lead to further disciplinary action under college policies or the Standards of Conduct.

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.

Rhodes' inclement weather procedures provide for making decisions to cancel classes or to delay the start of classes at the College when weather conditions warrant. 

Inclement weather procedures may be instituted when weather conditions pose a significant risk to the safety, health, or operations of the campus community. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:

• Winter weather
• Tornado
• Extreme temperatures
• Flooding or other hazardous road conditions

The decisions to institute inclement weather procedures will be made by designated leadership based on:

• Local and regional weather forecasts
• Road and campus condition assessments
• Guidance from local and state emergency agencies
• Time and duration of the event

These procedures will be used only if Rhodes’ schedule is altered.

The decision will be communicated through the following College communication avenues

• Rhodes College Alert Text
• Rhodes College Website – www.rhodes.edu
• Email
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter

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

• Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions: While Rhodes seeks to promote open discourse, the College also recognizes the need to balance expressive activities with campus safety and to preserve the educational environment. Time, place, and manner restrictions may be imposed to ensure that expressive activities do not disrupt the educational process, impede campus operations, or infringe on the rights of others.
• Reservation and Notification Process: To ensure the orderly use of designated demonstration spaces and prevent scheduling conflicts, students or student organizations planning to hold demonstrations or similar activities must notify the Dean of Belonging, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, Associate Vice President of Campus Safety, or their designee at least 48 hours in advance.
• Length of Demonstration Events:
  • Events must occur within 24 hours; no overnight or multiple-day events are permitted. 
  • The event can last up to 6 hours within a single day, with the possibility of an extension upon request and with the approval of the Division of Student Life and Campus Safety. 
  • The event must take place between 8:30 a.m. and sunset. The events must end before sunset to ensure safety and minimize disruption. Specific ending times for events will be determined during the review process.   
  • Events occurring inside spaces must comply with building schedules for opening and closing times as determined during the space reservation process before the event. 
  • Expressive activities will be permitted to continue until and unless College officials determine that there has been a violation of College policy, interruption of its operations, or compromise of the rights of others.
• Organizers’ Responsibilities:
  • A recognized student organization must be the designated organizer for any expressive activity. 
  • Organizers and associated participants speak only for themselves at public events and actions.
  • Compliance: The organizer must ensure the event complies with existing College policies, procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Organizers intending to use city sidewalks and streets adjacent to the College should make appropriate arrangements with the City of Memphis.
  • If intending to use city sidewalks and streets, a copy of the permit must be provided to the Dean of Belonging, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, and Associate Vice President of Campus Safety.
• Coordination: The organizer of any event held on campus will be responsible for ensuring its smooth and orderly execution and any potential liability. The student organizer(s) must also coordinate security, cleanup, and parking arrangements with the Division of Student Life and Campus Safety. Campus Safety will review the information the organizer(s) provided and make security and staffing determinations. Organizers must cover the costs of all safety and security needed for the expressive event.

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:

• Federal, state, or local laws
• Existing college policies
• Preservation of safety
• Maintenance and protection of college property
• Free flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic

Designated Spaces for Demonstrations

• Specific Outdoor Areas: Rhodes designates outdoor campus areas as demonstration spaces for students to protest peacefully. These spaces are accessible and conducive to expressing viewpoints while minimizing disruption to academic and administrative activities – The south lawn of Southwestern Hall, the South lawn of Bryan Campus Life Center, and the West lawn behind the Education building and College Bookstore. 
• Prohibited Areas: Expressive activities are not allowed in specific locations, such as all administrative buildings, classrooms, offices, the College library, and residence halls and rooms, to ensure that normal college operations can continue without interruption. 
• The organizers must ensure that corridors, stairways, and doorway entrances remain clear and provide unimpeded passage—no obstructing or blocking traffic, driveways, ingress, or egress to college property.

Permissible Forms of Expression

• Engaging in activities in time periods or physical spaces that are external to the event being protested and do not disrupt the event, including:
  • Organizing a counter-event (e.g., a teach-in) in a different room;
  • Holding a rally in an external space;
  • Passing a Student Government resolution; and
  • Issuing pre/post-event statements, carrying signs, distributing flyers, and using social media to express counterviews.
• Engaging in activities at the event that maintain the event, such as distributing flyers before and/or after the event.
• Participating in the interactive components of the event in ways consistent with the event format, such as engagement during the question-and-answer period.
• Signage: Temporary placards, banners, chalking, and signs are permitted during expressive speech activities at Rhodes College but must adhere to specific guidelines: 
• All signage must display the name of the sponsoring individual or organization and the date of posting. 
• Banners and signs may not exceed a size that obstructs visibility, traffic, or other signage. 
• Chalking is only permitted on horizontal surfaces exposed to the elements, ensuring rain can naturally remove it. 
• Signs must not be affixed to any campus building, structure, or vegetation and must be removed by the sponsoring party within 24 hours of the conclusion of the event or activity. 
• Signage must not include hate speech or offensive language.
• Failure to comply with signage guidelines may result in their removal and potential disciplinary action.

Prohibited Forms of Expression

• Interfering with class instruction or other scheduled academic, educational, or cultural/arts programs using administrative and academic buildings. 
• Preventing or disrupting a college function or approved activity, such as lectures, meetings, interviews, ceremonies, student recruitment programs, conducting college business in an office, and public events.
• Obstructing the legitimate movement of any person about the campus or in any campus building or facility.
• Disrupting college staff or officials while they are fulfilling their college responsibilities. 
• Refusing to leave a campus building or facility when asked to do so in the furtherance of the above regulations by a member of the college community acting in an official role and identifying themselves as such. 
• Students must identify themselves upon request by any college community member acting in an official capacity and identifying themselves as such. No individual on college property shall refuse to provide identification when asked by a college official performing their duties, particularly in situations where assistance or intervention is necessary.
• Obstructing the passage into or out of buildings by sitting in front of doorways, preventing college employees from entering or exiting their workplace. 
• Disrupting or interfering with the free speech of others, including: 
  • Preventing an instructor/speaker from giving a talk; 
  • Employing shouts, interruptions, or chants; 
  • Refusing to leave a closed meeting when unauthorized to attend and
  • Preventing class members from hearing a lecture, taking an examination, or intruding upon or refusing to leave a private interview.
• Constructing unauthorized temporary or permanent structures, walls, barriers, barricades, furniture, or other objects, including: 
  • Encampments, which refer to the setting up of temporary shelters, tents, or structures for prolonged stays, sleeping bags, cots, and any bedding, are prohibited on campus premises. 
  • Barricades are prohibited on campus premises, which refer to any human or physical obstructions intended to restrict or block access to campus buildings, roads, stairs, elevators, or facilities to create or cause unsafe congestion. 
• Employing sound amplification or creating noise that disrupts college activities or interferes with the exercise of free speech by others (e.g., bullhorns, amplifiers, musical instruments, microphones). 
• Disguising or concealment of identity: No person, while in College, may wear a mask, personal disguise, or otherwise conceal their identity with the intent of intimidating and harassing any person or group or to evade or escape discovery, recognition, or identification in the commission of violations of applicable college policy or local, state, or federal laws. 

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:

1. Knowingly and willfully interfere with the peaceful conduct of the activities of the Campus or facility by intimidating, harassing, or obstructing any College employee, student, or any other person.
2. Delay or linger without a lawful purpose for being on College property, including committing a crime or violating College policy.
3. Use College property that is not open to the public, including, but not limited to, residence halls, offices, study areas, or recreational facilities, without authorization from the College.

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.  

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:

• The south lawn of Southwestern Hall
• The south lawn of the Bryan Campus Life Center
• The west lawn behind the Education Building and College Bookstore.

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:

• Notify the Dean of Belonging, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, and Associate Vice President of Campus Safety at least 48 hours in advance.
• Ensure the event complies with College policies and local laws.
• If using city streets or sidewalks, provide a copy of the required permit to the College. 

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:

• Ensure the event follows College policies.
• Coordinate security, cleanup, and parking arrangements with Campus Safety.
• Cover any costs related to safety and security measures.

6. Are there any limitations on the types of expression allowed?

Yes, certain forms of expression are prohibited, such as:

• Interfering with class instruction or college operations.
• Preventing others from speaking or attending events.
• Blocking entrances or obstructing movement on campus.
• Constructing unauthorized structures or using sound amplification devices that disrupt activities.

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:

• Signage must display the sponsoring individual or organization’s name.
• Signage must not include hate speech or offensive language.
• Banners must not obstruct traffic or visibility.
• Chalking is only allowed on horizontal surfaces exposed to the elements and must be removed within 24 hours of the event’s conclusion.

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. 

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:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR).
• Varicella (2 doses or credible history of disease)
• Hepatitis B (HBV) – only health science students are expected to have patient contact (before contact begins).
• Meningococcal - At a minimum of 1 dose given at 16 years of age, under 22, and living in on-campus housing
• TD/Tdap booster in the past ten (10) years.
• Completed TB Screen (a TB skin or equivalent test, chest x-ray, or proof of BCG vaccine). 

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: 

• COVID-19 Booster doses are recommended by CDC. 
• Hepatitis B vaccine: 3 doses 
• Hepatitis A vaccine: 2 doses 
• Varicella vaccine: 2 doses (if no history of chickenpox) 
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: 2 doses 
• Annual influenza (flu) vaccine

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.

The City of Memphis’ ordinance Sec. 22-36 prohibits the use of fireworks in the city. Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited on the Rhodes College campus.

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.

Information Services

Information Services is located in Barret Library. Technology resources include cloud file storage, network printing, email, 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 email, cloud file storage, and printing. Students are responsible for all activities associated with their network user account.

Help Desk. Please refer technology-related questions or problems by calling 901-843-3890 or email to  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 email 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 by calling 901-843-3890 or email to help@rhodes.edu. Students are expected to abide by the rules of usage in this document and 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 personal wireless routing equipment (such as wireless printers and network hotspots) 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 request to have your password reset. We also require that all students, faculty, and staff use multi-factor authentication (MFA) 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, Standards of Conduct, and policies 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 Standards of Conduct. 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 Life and Chief Information Officer. 

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.

The following noise reduction policy is established for the Rhodes campus:

1. Live or amplified music on the Rhodes campus must cease by 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, and by 1:00 a.m. on weekends Friday and Saturday nights, or anytime a complaint is lodged.
2. Quiet Hours begin in all Residence Halls at 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday evenings quiet hours begin at 1:00 a.m.
3. All music or other sounds, from whatever source, at any fraternity or sorority house, residence hall room, social room, or any other location on the Rhodes campus must be kept at a reasonable level at all times.
4. The location of the noise or sound, the day of the week, and the time of day will be taken into consideration in determining what constitutes a “reasonable” sound level. Any sound that is easily audible outside the immediate area of its source must conform to the standards set forth in the preceding paragraph, particularly with respect to the stated days and times.
5. It is the collective responsibility of those participating in events such as parties, tailgating, spontaneous gatherings etc., both registered and informal, must comply with the policy.
6. Any College official has the authority to require compliance and report violations of this policy.

Violations of the noise policy may result in a monetary fine and other possible disciplinary action.

There are a number of outside cooking charcoal grills available for student use in common areas. The use of any grills is prohibited within 50 feet of any residence building.

Propane tanks and gas grills are prohibited for student use on campus. 

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.

Scope

This policy applies to all enrolled students at the College. 

Policy Statement

Rhodes College provides an exceptional atmosphere and aesthetic that reflects our values and mission. Posting materials can be an essential way to share information with the campus community, and this policy establishes the guidelines for doing so in a manner consistent with those values.

Purpose

 The purpose of the Student Campus Posting Policy is to:

• Provide students and organizations with clear avenues to advertise events or share informational material with the campus community.
• Ensure that posting practices respect the integrity and appearance of the Rhodes campus environment.
• Encourage sustainable and effective communication strategies, such as social media, to reduce reliance on paper.
• Preserve the freedom of expression and protect open space for campus communication. 

Definitions

Chalking: Temporary, washable writing or drawing on outdoor campus sidewalks using chalk. Chalking is limited to outdoor sidewalk surfaces only and may not include permanent materials, markers, spray chalk, or substances that stain or damage surfaces. 

Flyer: A smaller, hand-distributed or posted sheet of paper (usually 8.5” x 11” or smaller) designed to promote an event, share information, or advertise opportunities. 

Poster: A printed or professionally produced sign or announcement larger than 8.5” x 11” and not exceeding 11” x 17”, typically intended for display on bulletin boards or other approved surfaces.

Posting: The physical display or distribution of materials (such as posters, flyers, banners, chalking, or signage) in designated campus areas. This policy does not apply to digital communications (e.g., social media, email, or online announcements). 

Procedures

All Rhodes College community members must follow the posting & chalking criteria outlined below. 

Posters & Flyers

• Approved Posting Locations –Community bulletin boards and red A-frames are located across campus.
• A faculty or staff member’s office door with the permission of the occupant (must use painter’s or masking tape).
• A student’s residence hall room door (must use painter’s or masking tape).
• Fj windows. doors and interior vestibule are not used to post poster/flyers. Chalking is permitted on the exterior walls of FJ facing the Ampitheatre.  FJ must be reserved through Presence and must follow posting & chalking guidelines. Any unauthorized postings/paintings at the location will be removed immediately, regardless of the content. 

Prohibited Posting Locations

• All building entry doors and vestibules.
• Windows, posts, trees, and columns (excluding FJ windows).
• Campus fencing.
• Campus statues.
• Campus lampposts.
• On top of any current approved posters.
• Elevators.
• Classroom doors.
• Restrooms (all surfaces).
• Vending machines.
• Tabletops.
• Glass surfaces.
• Personal vehicles. 

All these items posted or painted in these locations will be removed and discarded. 

Chalking Guidelines

• Chalking is permitted only on outdoor sidewalks that are exposed to the weather.
• Chalking is not permitted on building walls, steps, benches, vertical surfaces, or any location that is sheltered from the elements.
• All chalking must follow the same content standards as other postings. 

Posting Content for Posters & Flyers

• All posted information must include the name of the organization or party responsible.
• Must clearly state the title, date, time, and location of the event/program.
• Please include an accessibility statement to ensure that events and opportunities are welcoming and inclusive for all members of the Rhodes Community. The following language is recommended: “If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact [name of organization or contact] at [email/phone] at least 72 hours in advance.” This statement ensures compliance with Rhodes College’s commitment to accessibility and provides community members with a clear avenue for requesting accommodations.
• Must comply with all College policies. 

Prohibited Content

• Avoid language or imagery that may be considered “socially offensive."
• Not contain content that is harassing, discriminatory, bullying, or otherwise infringes upon the rights of others.
• Not violate federal, state, or local laws.
• No political signs in public spaces due to Rhodes College’s non-profit status. 

Size requirement

Posters must not exceed 11 inches by 17 inches. 

Removal

All posters and flyers must be removed within 48 hours after completion of the event/activity/program and within 10 business days if the poster does not promote a specific event, exhibit, or activity.

All postings or chalkings that do not meet these criteria will be removed. 

Neither on-campus nor off-campus organizations may post or chalk without prior approval from the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement or the Division of Student Life.

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 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 cancellation 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. 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:

• Violate any Rhodes policy, including those in the Student Handbook
• Physically or otherwise impede the daily business of the College;
• Employ or threaten to use force or violence against another person or property;
• Place the health or safety of others at risk;
• Create a volume of noise that prevents community members from carrying on normal activities;
• Intimidate others, and/or deny or unreasonably interfere with the rights of others;
• Violate any obligation, policy or requirement of Rhodes College concerning privacy or confidentiality in any manner or form; or
• Violate any other federal or state laws or ethical standards. 

Resources/ FAQ

• Where can I post my flyer or poster? You may use community bulletin boards, red A-frames, a faculty or staff office door with permission, or your own residence hall door.
• What is the difference between a poster and a flyer? A poster is larger than 8.5’ x 11” but no bigger than 11” x 17”. A flyer is 8.5” x 11” or smaller and often hand distributed.
• Can I chalk anywhere on campus? No. Chalking is allowed only on outdoor sidewalks exposed to the weather. It is not permitted on roads, streets, buildings, steps, benches, or vertical surfaces.
• Do I need an accessibility statement on my poster/flyer? Yes. Every event posting must include an accessibility statement.
• Can I post about political campaigns or alcohol-related events? Political campaign signs are not allowed in public spaces because of the College’s non-profit status. Alcohol may not be referenced in any posting.
• Can I put flyers under the residence hall room doors? No, unless you have prior approval from the Office of Residence Life.
• Who do I contact if I have questions? Start with the Division of Student Life or the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement, and we will consult with any other office as needed. 

Questions 

Any questions regarding such events should be directed to the 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.

Revised August 18, 2025

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: 

1. Observe all obligations, policies and requirements of Rhodes College concerning privacy and confidentiality. 
2. Conduct themselves at all times in a respectful, professional manner as representatives of the College, and accordingly, adhere to all College standards of conduct and policies contained in the Rhodes College Student Handbook.
3. Identify themselves as a student at Rhodes.
4. Refrain from using language that is harassing, discriminatory, obscene, abusive, or threatening.
5. Respect the intellectual property rights of others.
6. 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 or withdrawal of recognition for a student organization.

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.

For Rhodes to have an environment that is relatively free of pollutants or other substances that may be hazardous to one’s health. All interior spaces of all buildings and all exterior space within 50 feet of all buildings are designated as "No Smoking." 

Members of the campus community are encouraged to remind smokers 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.

Statement of Policy

The purpose of this policy is to outline the rules and regulations regarding alcohol use on campus. Its purpose is to promote a safe and healthy environment, ensure compliance with state and federal laws, reduce alcohol-related harm, and support student well-being. This policy covers legal drinking age requirements, restrictions on possession and consumption, guidelines for events involving alcohol, consequences for violations, and available support resources for those struggling with alcohol use.

Rhodes College follows federal and state law as it pertains to alcohol:

• Individuals under 21 may not possess and/or consume alcohol.
• Individuals may not sell, give, or serve alcoholic beverages or permit alcohol to be served to persons under 21. TN Code § 57-5-301 (2021) By law, the sale of alcoholic beverages includes any situation in which there is a charge for entertainment or service and alcohol is freely available.
• The conduct constituting a violation of this section involves supplying, giving, furnishing, selling, or permitting an underage person to buy or obtain a product or substance that is unlawful for the underage person to possess
• Individuals may not drive or operate a vehicle on or off campus while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (Student Handbook – Drug Policy).
• Alcohol possession or consumption in common areas of residential rooms/units is not permitted where all residents assigned to the room/unit are not 21 or older. This includes, but is not limited to: kitchen, living room, bathroom, etc.
  • Residents 21 or older are required to keep alcohol in their individual bedroom.
• Individuals, regardless of drinking age, are not permitted to leave alcohol unattended in common areas, including but not limited to lobbies, recreation rooms, study rooms, etc. 

As a private institution, Rhodes College has its own policies and guidelines regarding alcohol consumption and behavior:

• Alcohol in Public Areas- Individuals may not possess open containers of alcohol, including secondary containers (i.e., cups, tumblers, water bottles, borgs, etc.) on College property,  outside of an approved College event where alcohol is being served, such as in academic buildings, the library, parking lots, outdoor quads and spaces, athletic fields, roadways, and administrative buildings.
  • Carrying alcohol from one on-campus venue to another is strictly prohibited, this includes, but is not limited to, bottles, cans, kegs, cups, or other containers.
  • An approved college event is a program, activity, or gathering officially sanctioned by the college.  These events are registered through the Rhodes Event Management System.  For more information about college events, refer to the Events Office page on the Rhodes website.
• Students who have guests/visitors will assume responsibility for their guests’ actions/behavior.  Guest/visitors must comply with the Guest and Visitors Policy.
• 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 prohibited.
• Students may not have alcohol shipped to the College, regardless of age.
• 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. Students may face disciplinary actions even if they are not directly consuming alcohol but are in an environment where underage drinking occurs. 

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

• All Rhodes College students,
• All students present in college-owned, leased, or controlled property (including residence halls),
• Students participating in College-sponsored events (on and off campus),
• Registered Student Organizations and athletic teams,
• Off-campus conduct (students)

Reporting Violations

Violations of this policy can be reported through the following methods:

1. Office of Community Standards
   • Email: communitystandards@rhodes.edu
   • Phone: 901.843.3815
   • Website: Office of Community Standards
2. Office of Residence Life
   • Email: reslifestaff@rhodes.edu
   • Phone: 901.843.3241
   • Website: Office of Residence Life
3. Campus Safety Department:
   • Email: security@rhodes.edu
   • Phone: 901.843.3880 (non-emergency) / 901.843.3333 (emergency)
   • Website: Campus Safety
4. Online Reporting Forms:
   • Report an Incident – People who witness an alleged violation of the Standards of Conduct or the Honor Code can select the appropriate form to submit their report.
   • Silent Witness Reporting Form - People who witness or are aware of suspicious activity are encouraged to report this information. To this end, we are providing a completely anonymous method of sharing information with the College. So whether you saw it, heard it, or merely heard about it, you can help us keep the campus safe by telling us.
   • Report a Student of Concern - Rhodes College seeks to foster a community of care and support that relies on the involvement of all College community members. This report has been provided to encourage faculty, staff, students, and other community members to share concerns about students who may be struggling with personal or emotional difficulties or who may be exhibiting concerning behavior.

Definitions:

• Alcohol: Any beverage containing ethyl alcohol (ethanol), including beer, wine, and spirits.
• Possession: Having physical control over or access to alcohol, regardless of intent to consume.
• Distribution: Providing, selling, or giving alcohol to another person.
• Intoxication: A state in which a person’s mental and physical faculties are impaired due to alcohol consumption.
• Underage Drinking: Consumption or possession of alcohol by any person under the age of 21.
• College-sponsored Event: Any activity conducted, supported, or promoted by the college or its affiliates.

Violations and Sanctions:

Violations of this policy include, but are not limited to, alcohol possession or consumption 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 found in violation will:

• Dispose of all alcoholic beverages in their possession or the alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and disposed of by a College staff member;
• Verbal or written warnings
• Alcohol education or counseling
• Parental notification (for students under 21)
• Community service
• Probation, suspension, or expulsion
• Loss of privileges
• Employment disciplinary actions up to termination (e.g., student workers, Resident Assistants, etc.)

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:

• The location and quantity of alcohol,
• The student’s ability to exercise control over the situation, or
• Whether or not students in the incident take responsibility for the procurement or consumption of the alcohol.

Alcohol Awareness, Education, and Resources:

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. 

• Red Ribbon Week (annual) - October
• Student Ally Training (annual online training)
• eCheck-Up (online training, available with the Office of Community Standards)
• Alcohol Awareness Month (April)

For more information regarding alcohol consumption for individuals needing medical assistance, see the Amnesty Policy.

Information concerning responsible use, indications of abuse or addiction, and resources for assistance are available for you or someone you care. Students seeking support for alcohol-related or other substance-related issues have access to the following CONFIDENTIAL campus resources:

• Student Counseling Center - Business hours (8:30am to 5:00pm, Mon-Fri): Call (901) 843-3128 or immediately walk in to the Student Counseling Center in the Moore Moore Building (next to the Refectory) for a crisis session.
  • After Hours or on weekends: Any Rhodes student who requires urgent or emergency counseling services outside of regular office hours can call 1-855-850-4301.
• The Office of the Chaplain supports the religious and spiritual life of the Rhodes College community. Students can contact the Office of the Chaplain for advising, pastoral care, conversation, story-sharing, life planning, or to discuss spiritual and religious needs. To make an appointment, email your availability to chaplain@rhodes.edu, or call 901-843-3815. 

In Memphis, Tennessee, individuals seeking community support for alcohol-related issues have access to several resources:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.): A.A. offers free mutual-support meetings for individuals aiming to achieve sobriety. Local A.A. meetings in Memphis can be found through their official website.
• SMART Recovery: This organization provides free mutual-support meetings focusing on self-management and recovery training. Information on local meetings is available on their website.
• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Resources: The University of Memphis hosts a CIT Center, offering resources and support for crisis situations involving substance abuse. More information can be found on their website.

These organizations provide various forms of assistance, including support groups, educational materials, and crisis intervention services, to help individuals address alcohol-related challenges.

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:

• A location for the solicitation
• A defined time (start and end time)
• Sponsoring College official, department, or RSO and their advisor
• Name and phone number for day of escorting (must be a College representative)
• The nature of the solicitation

• If the concern is not specifically identified above, contact the Office of the Vice President of Student Life. 
• If a concern is not satisfactorily addressed through the offices and agents above, it is possible to file a formal written complaint. That process is described here.
• If the resolution of the complaint is unsatisfactory and meets the requirements for an appeal as indicated in the college catalogue or student handbook, the issue should be brought forward to the committee or individual as listed above.
• Should the institution not be able to resolve the student complaint, the student has the right to contact the federal government or the State of Tennessee and their respective agencies to determine the course of action. Complaints can be filed with the following agencies:
  • Complaints related to the application of state laws or rules related to approval to operate or licensure of a particular professional program within a postsecondary institution shall be referred to the appropriate State Board (i.e., State Board of Health, State Board of Education, and so on.) within the Tennessee State Government and shall be reviewed and handled by that licensing board (http://www.tn.gov), and then search for the appropriate division)
  • Complaints related to state consumer protection laws (e.g., laws related to fraud or false advertising) shall be referred to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs and shall be reviewed and handled by their Unit (http://www.tn.gov/consumer/).
  • Allegations regarding noncompliance with accreditation standards, policies, and procedures may be made to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097. (The Commission's complaint policy, procedure and the Complaint form may be found on their website: https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2020/01/ComplaintPolicy-1.pdf.)
• Title IX (Department of Education Office of Civil Rights). Individuals who wish to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights must do so within 180 days of the incident based on the time limits for adjudication set by that agency. The complaint policy, procedure and complaint form may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html.

Authority, Responsibility, and Accountability for registered student organizations are delegated along the following line:

• Officer(s) of Student Organization (President, Chair, etc.)
• The Office of Student Engagement has the shared authority, responsibility, and oversight for registered student organizations.

1. What constitutes a registered student organization at Rhodes College?

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.

2. Benefits of being a Registered Student Organization

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:

• Reserve space on campus for meetings and approved activities.
• Conduct approved fundraising projects on campus.
• Coordinate activities with other student organizations offices and/or departments.
• Have college mail collected by a student organization leader and the use of a mailing address at Rhodes College.
• Apply for funding through the Allocations and Student Organizations Commission for all campus projects and programs.
• Be considered for Campus Life and College awards.
• Have an Organizational Site on Presence.
• Have the ability to advertise via flyers and other mechanisms on campus.
• Participate in the Student Involvement Fair
• Use of the Rhodes name and trademark. 

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:  

• Submit interest form, including a roster of at least 5 students who intend to join the club, to the Vice Commissioner via Presence.
• Write a constitution to be reviewed for approval by Student Engagement staff and the Vice Commissioner. Constitutions must contain acknowledgement of the college’s polices and non discrimination clauses. 
• Present final proposal and constitution to the ASOC to be approved by a two-thirds vote of ASOC. 
• If approved, all documentation will be sent to the Director of Student Engagement for final approval.
• Once complete, all new officers will be required to complete training.

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:

• An active roster of enrolled students.
• An Allocations-approved constitution and bylaws.
• A current advisor agreement signed by a full-time faculty or staff member.
• Have an updated contact list of the organization’s executive members, including a President and a Treasurer.

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. 

General Expectations 

1. Student Organizations must request the use of campus space through Presence at least 3 weeks in advance. Late submissions may be accepted but to guarantee the ability to accommodate your event, advance notice is required. Please allow 3-5 business days to process your request.  
2. Any groups that use space on campus are responsible for leaving all rooms in the condition in which you found them, which includes removing or properly disposing of all items that you bring into the room. Clean-up of events on campus must be completed by 8:00 a.m. the following morning unless an earlier time is requested in advance. Failure to follow this directive may result in charges being placed on the student group.  
3. Attendance tracking is required for all student organization events on or off campus. Attendee information should be collected upon entry. It is highly encouraged for student organizations to use Presence to track Rhodes student attendance at events. Guests invited from outside the Rhodes community must be submitted 24 hours in advance of the event to Campus Safety to ensure their ability to enter campus.   
4. External vendors and special guest speakers are allowed to be contracted or invited for student organization events, but names must be submitted to Campus Safety 24 hours in advance. Note: Any contracts that are being paid for with funds from Allocations must be signed by a designated college official.  
5. Student organizations may not schedule activities or study breaks during finals period, including reading days. Events taking place on the last day of class in the spring semester will be approved on a case-by case basis.  
6. The College will always require adherence to local health department and CDC guidelines for meetings and events unless an exception has been made by Rhodes administration. Attendees are required to abide by the masking and distancing policies in place at the time of the event. 

On-Campus Space Constraints & Expectations 

1. Event attendance must remain within the published capacities for the event space as reported in EMS. This number could change for various reasons. If a space capacity does change, you will be notified in advance of the event and able to alter arrangements.  
2. Rhodes College Physical Plant maintains a supply of tables and chairs that student groups may request for use at events on campus. Groups can request these resources through their initial request in Presence and a member of the Student Engagement office will reach out if the College does not have the resources for the event. Final event setups must be submitted at least 3 days prior to the event. (Note: Physical Plant is not present on the weekends or after 3:00 p.m. to change setup). 
3. Audio/Visual needs must be included in the event submission on Presence so the groups can be guaranteed a space with the appropriate set-up. Some events may be required to have a technician to operate the requested needs; these come at an additional cost to the organization. Staff in the Office of Student Engagement can offer consultation about what is most appropriate for your event.  
4. To reduce damage to campus buildings, groups are only allowed to affix things to the walls, doors, windows, blinds, or railings in any of the rooms or hallways using approved materials. Free standing decorations are permitted. Requests for exceptions must be submitted and approved by the Office of College Events. Student groups can be charged for room or space damages if necessary.  

Funding 

1. Registered Student Organizations that wish to obtain funding for an event on or off campus must have their event submitted in Presence at least 4 weeks in advance to be eligible for funding. Budgets must be submitted by the Sunday prior to 3 weeks in advance of the event.  
2. The Allocations and Student Organization Commission (ASOC) process for funding student events can be found here. 

Advertising 

1. Events must be submitted through Presence are eligible to be placed in the “Rhodes This Week” twice weekly emails.  
2. Advertising for events must follow the “Campus Posting Policy” outlined here.  
3. Any advertisement that does not contain the name of a sponsoring organization, has been placed in a prohibited area, or is for an event that has not been registered or notified, is eligible to be removed at any time. Violations of this policy may result in consequences for the organization. 

Alcohol 

1. Student Organizations are permitted to host events with alcohol on or off campus.  
2. Any event with alcohol may be subject to increased scrutiny and restrictions to ensure state and college policies are being followed.  
3. A meeting with the Office of Student Engagement is required for any student event or organization that is planning to serve alcohol.   
4. Student Organizations must abide by the Student Event Guidelines for Events with Alcohol. 

 Off-Campus Events 

1. All Student Organizations must notify the Office of Student Engagement of events the organization is holding off campus. 
2. Notification is required at least 1 week in advance through Presence if the group is not utilizing any campus resources. Otherwise 4 weeks is requested. 
3. Off Campus Student Organization events are any events not held on college owned property, this does include the IFC & Panhellenic Lodges as off campus entities.  
4. Additionally, an event is considered off campus if students must travel to the event within the city of Memphis or the surrounding Metropolitan area.  

 Travel 

1. Student organizations planning to travel must notify the Office of Student Engagement at least 3 weeks in advance though Presence. 
2. Student Organization travel is any time the group is traveling outside the greater Memphis area for Student Organization business, competitions or events.  
3. Additional meetings may be required to ensure that the group understands College expectations while traveling.  

 Events with Minors 

1. Student groups may host events with minors on campus if the parents or guardians are present for the duration of the event.  
2. If the minors are under the supervision of students, each student who will be responsible for a minor will be required to pass a background check under state law. Please allow up to 4 weeks for background checks to be processed. 

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.

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. 

Student organizations with (inter)national affiliations

• All student organizations are to follow their (inter)national organization guidelines and procedures both on and off campus as well as any college policies or guidelines. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the college and/or the (inter)national organization. 

Accountability for Violations of the Rhodes College Standards of Conduct

• A student organization’s violation of college regulations or failure to adhere to expected standards of conduct will be adjudicated by the appropriate administrator, as determined after initial review by the Director of Community Standards in consultation with the Director of Student Engagement, or their designees. Persistent or extreme violations at the student organization level may result in withdrawal of recognition by the College.
• A student organization may appeal the findings of violation of regulations or standards of conduct in writing to the Vice President for Student Life, unless otherwise directed in the outcome letter. Appeals must be based on the same grounds listed under the Rhodes College policies of Student Conduct in the Student Handbook. In the event that an incident is adjudicated by a hearing board, that body’s appeal guidelines govern the appeal for that finding.

For more information about due process and rights for registered student organizations, see the Organizational Conduct section of the Student Handbook. 

Please see the College Handbook Weapons Policy page.

Rhodes College prohibits possession of weapons of any type by students, staff, faculty, and visitors on College property (excluding handguns properly stored in motor vehicles pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1313), 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 they tend to look realistic and may be perceived by others to be a weapon.  

Persons who remove their handgun from the motor vehicle are in violation of this policy and are subject to suspension, expulsion, termination, arrest or any combination of appropriate sanctions. 

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:

1. The person’s vehicle is parked and located where it is permitted to be; AND
2. The firearm or ammunition being transported or stored in the vehicle:
   • Is kept from ordinary observation if the person is in the vehicle;
   • Is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, or interior of the person’s motor vehicle or a container securely affixed to the vehicle if the person is not in the vehicle.

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.

Updated 9-15-2025

The Role of Campus Safety 

The Rhodes College Campus Safety Department is committed to fostering a safe, secure, and inclusive environment that supports the academic and personal growth of our diverse community. Through proactive patrol, respectful engagement, emergency preparedness, and collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, we uphold the values of trust, integrity, and service. Our goal is to ensure a welcoming campus where everyone can thrive in pursuit of knowledge and community.

The Campus Safety Department is structured within Rhodes’ Division of Business and Finance. However, Campus Safety is still involved with all aspects of student life.

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.

Hoverboards. Hoverboards, including self-balancing scooters (Bird, Lyme, etc.), battery operated scooters, hands-free Segways, and electrical bikes are prohibited on campus.

Scooters. No electric scooters are allowed on campus or inside the gates, unless approved for a student as an accessibility accommodation. 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 Hall pedestrian gate. This is the only approved parking area for electric scooters.

The access control system at Rhodes College includes electronic key fobs, camera door alarms, keypad doors, automated gates and keys. These methods help to ensure safe, secure, and efficient access to campus buildings and facilities.

Students have access to certain academic and administrative buildings in pursuit of their studies after these buildings have been locked. Access to restricted or prohibited areas must follow the below procedures:

1. Ask the appropriate departmental representative to certify that they are authorized to enter the room during a specified time. Theis authorization must be sent to Campus Safety where it will be retained on file. 

2. Access to students’ rooms for anyone other than the registered occupant must always have the authorization of Residence Life, Student Life, or Campus Safety Administrators. This includes parents, family members, and friends of the registered occupant.

3. Key fobs are for individual use only and may not be shared or loaned. 

4. Unauthorized or misuse of a fob may result in disciplinary action including revocation of access privileges and referral to Community Standards.

5. Tailgating (entering behind someone without using a fob) is prohibited and subject to the same above penalty.

6. Fobs are deactivated when students are no longer affiliated with Rhodes.

7. All fobbed usage is logged. 

8. Users must immediately report a lost, stolen, or damaged fob to Campus Safety.

9. Replacement of keys and fobs that are either lost or damaged is done by accessing the work order system on express.rhodes.edu and complete a work order form.

10. A $25 fob replacement fee may apply.

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 Security Report by October 1 of each year. You can click on Rhodes College Annual Security Report to view the report. 

For questions concerning the Clery Act, contact the Campus Safety Department.

The Rhodes College missing student policy is directed toward students who reside in on-campus student housing. Rhodes College will report to the students appropriate contact person and to the Memphis Police Department any student who has been determined to be missing.

If any member of the Rhodes community believes that a student who lives in on-campus housing is missing from campus, one of the individuals or organizations on the list below should be contacted:

• Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

• Director of Residence Life

• Director of Campus Safety

• Rhodes College Campus Safety

• Memphis Police Department

1. 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.

2. Students can identify a contact person whom Rhodes College shall notify upon determination, by either Campus Safety or the Memphis Police Department, that a student is missing.

3. 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.

4. Students under 18 years of age and are not emancipated, a custodial parent or guardian must be notified that the student is missing, in addition to notifying any additional contact person designated by the student.

5. Rhodes College will notify the Memphis Police Department upon determination that the student is missing, unless a local law enforcement agency determines the student is missing.

Once a student has been determined to be missing, Rhodes College will take the following actions:

1. Notify the emergency contact person named by the missing student. Notification will be made by all methods of contact provided by the missing student.

2. Notify the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian if the missing student is under the age of 18 and not emancipated.

3. Notify the Memphis Police Department if it was not already involved in the missing person investigation.

Rhodes Alert & Outdoor Warning Siren

In the event of an emergency, students will be notified by Campus Safety in the most expeditious manner possible. This may be with the outdoor warning siren and/or with the Rhodes Alert System. 

Rhodes Alert/Warning Clearance

In certain circumstances where an alert has been issued a follow-up message will proceed with it i.e. “All clear” or “It is safe to resume normal campus activity.”

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 exist.

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 passed. When this siren is activated, it will be preceded by verbal instructions. All community members must follow the instructions and seek shelter.

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

• Guest:  A guest is an individual invited to campus by a student or other member of the Rhodes community. Guests are required to remain under the direct supervision of their host for the duration of their visit.
• Visitor: A visitor is an individual who comes to campus for business or personal reasons without a specific host, such as attending events or meetings. Visitors are responsible for their adherence to campus policies.

Guests on Campus

Guests are required to always remain under the responsibility of their host. 

• The host is accountable for ensuring the guest abides by and respects all campus policies, including those related to safety, conduct, respect for others, and behavioral expectations.  Failure of the guest to adhere to campus regulations and policies will result in the host’s referral to the Office of Community Standards.  
• The responsibility for hosting a guest cannot be transferred from one individual to another during their visit.
• Guests are not permitted on campus during high-stress academic periods, such as finals week and senior week, to ensure minimal disruption to the learning environment.

Overnight Guests in Residence Halls

Rhodes College allows overnight guests under the following conditions:

• Rhodes College allows 24-hour visitation provided the student first secures verbal approval from their roommate(s) and/or suitemate(s) before the guest's arrival.
• Roommate Rights: A roommate’s right to free access to the room/apartment, privacy, study, or sleep should not be compromised due to the presence of a guest.
• Cohabitation Policy: The College prohibits cohabitation. Cohabitation is a guest staying overnight for more than three consecutive nights. Violations may result in disciplinary actions.
• Guest Registration Process: All overnight guests must be registered through the Office of Residence Life by completing the Overnight Guest Registration Form. This form must be submitted at least 24 hours before the guest’s stay. The host is responsible for ensuring their guest is registered and for adherence to all Residence Life policies. No one under the age of sixteen can be an overnight guest.
• If an unregistered guest is discovered or the guest policies are violated, the student hosting the guest will lose overnight privileges. There may be additional disciplinary action.
• Various types of misconduct may result in the removal of guests and referral of hosts to the Office of Community Standards (refer to the Student Handbook for more details).

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:

• Identification: Visitors must present a valid driver’s license or other approved government ID at the campus gate.
• Guest/Visitor Badge: The guest/visitor's ID will be scanned into the Raptor system, and a visitor badge will be issued with their name, photo, and destination. All vehicle passengers must present identification to ensure campus security.

• 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.

• Students with overnight guests are required to register their guest(s) at one of the staffed gates. The visitor will receive a visitor badge with the expiration date included.

Large Events: 

• Pre-registered guests/visitors may bypass the Raptor system by displaying their event parking pass or emailed event pass, allowing quicker access to the campus.
• Event organizers are required to submit the list of attendees to Campus Safety at least 48 hours before the event for guests to bypass the visitor check-in process. Campus Safety will send you a visitor pass, which you can forward to your guests.
• If multiple people will be in one vehicle, include the names of the passengers on the list sent to Campus Safety.
• The pass will allow them to pass through the gate without being stopped.  Guests will not be turned away if you do not follow these steps; they will have their ID scanned and be issued a visitor badge as described above.   

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.

Campus Safety has 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, protect fire lanes, and designated unloading areas. 

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.

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, staff, and students must register their vehicles online via the parking registration link on the Rhodes College Parking Portal. People choosing not to register their vehicles for on-campus parking must park off-campus, or they are subject to receiving a parking violation citation.  

If you choose not to register your vehicle, you must still abide by all "off-campus" parking regulations. 

All cars, bikes, and motorcycles parking on campus must have a current parking decal. Vehicles may be registered by clicking on Rhodes College Parking Portal. After registering the vehicle, a notification email will be sent when the decal is ready for pickup at the Mailroom. 

A current parking decal must be properly affixed inside driver′s side, front windshield, on the lower left.

Parking at Rhodes College is available at no cost to faculty and staff.  However, 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.

All bicycles should be registered at the Campus Safety Office. 

Bicycles may be stored: 

1. in the student's own dorm room; or
2. In the outside bike racks. 

If bikes are stored outside, they should be locked to the bike rack. 

Bicycles may not be stored in hallways, social rooms, alcoves, under stairways, or other unauthorized places. Campus Safety or Residence Life staff will remove bicycles found in unauthorized locations.

Parking in accessible spaces on campus requires a temporary or permanent state-issued disability parking placard or license plate.  For more information, click Campus Access.

Campus pedestrian gates are equipped with locking devices and springs to ensure proper perimeter safety and security. Students are issued electronic key fobs that will allow access to these gates. If a gate is left unsecured, please close it. Don’t hold or prop gates open. Notify Campus Safety if a gate is malfunctioning.

Entering Campus. When a Campus Safety officer is on duty at any entrance onto the campus, drivers without decals must stop and check in before entering. All passengers must also check in with the officer. 

Moving Vehicle Regulations. 

The maximum posted speed limit on college property is 15 mph. Vehicle operators must have their vehicles under control at all times regardless of their speed to avoid collision or endangering others’ well-being. Vehicle operators who fail to control their vehicle, who endanger others’ well-being, 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 and may be prosecuted with police involvement.
• Driving is permitted only on designated surfaced drives. No vehicles are allowed on grass, lawns, or fields without special permission.
• Failure to stop at posted stop signs will result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.
   

No Parking Areas. Access ramps, such as those behind Clough Hall and Rhodes Physics Tower provide access to buildings for firefighting equipment and must remain open. Additionally, access 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.

All campus streets are designated as fire lanes except Phillips Lane. No parking in any fire lane. 

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 and vehicle may be towed.

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. City of Memphis parking restrictions are so marked.

Rhodes College restricts parking in the following areas where Rhodes community members are not allowed to park: 1) North side of Snowden west of University; 2) South side of Snowden, west of the alley behind Stewart Hall, 3) North side of Tutwiler, west of the entrance to Spann/Stewart Parking lot, and 4) the west side of University Street north of Snowden Ave to Jackson Ave. These restrictions apply to all members of the Rhodes community.

Temporary Parking Locations. Temporary parking for loading and unloading has been designated and so marked. These areas are for the specific use of loading and unloading and authorized for fifteen (15) minute periods only and further for loading and unloading only. Use of these areas for any other reason is strictly prohibited.

Obstructing Traffic Charges. If a vehicle is parked in such a way whereby two vehicles cannot pass abreast of each other safely because of the parked vehicle, it will be cited for obstructing traffic.

Use of Emergency Flashers. Use of emergency flashers DOES NOT justify parking in violation of regulations and IS NOT an appropriate cause for appeal. Use of flashers does not legitimize a violation of parking regulations. 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.

Penalties. Fines assessed for traffic and parking violations are indicated on the citation. Payment of the fine is required within ten (10) days of the date of issuance unless appealed. 

Appeal of Citations. If you believe you have received a citation in error, you may ask for an appeal of the charges through the Parking Appeals Board. This board is made up of representatives from the faculty, staff and student populations. 

To file an appeal, you must do so online within (10) calendar days of the offense. Otherwise, the right to appeal is forfeited. 

Appeals should be filed on-line in the Rhodes College Parking Portal.  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 in the appeal.

Appeals are heard several times each semester and outcomes are emailed to appellant.

The ruling of the appeals board is final.

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.

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

1. The term “student” includes any person admitted to Rhodes College or enrolled or scheduled to be enrolled in a course for academic credit through Rhodes, both full-time and part-time, pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but have a continuing relationship with Rhodes College are considered “students.”
2. The term “faculty member” means  a person who teaches a course offered for academic credit by an institution of higher education, including teaching assistants, instructors, lab assistants, research assistants, lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors.
3. The term “Rhodes College official” includes any person employed by Rhodes College, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities. Rhodes College officials include, without limitation, administrators, faculty, and campus safety officers; and resident assistants, Honor Council members and Community Standards Council members when acting in an official capacity.
4. The term "member of the Rhodes College community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, Rhodes College official, or any other person employed by Rhodes College. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council upon consultation with the Honor Council President.
5. The term “Rhodes College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).
6. The term “organization (or Registered Student Organization)” means any group of persons who have fulfilled the formal requirements for Rhodes College recognition.
7. The term “Honor Council” means the governing body of students elected by the student body of Rhodes College or, in the case of a mid-year vacancy, selected by the council by application to implement and interpret the Honor Code, including, without limitation, determining whether or not a student has violated the Honor Code and to impose outcomes.
8. The term “pledge” refers to the statement: “As a member of the Rhodes College community, I pledge my full and steadfast support to the Honor System and agree neither to lie, cheat, nor steal, and to report any such violation that I may witness.” Although this pledge may not be written explicitly on a particular assignment, it is implicit in every assignment or activity completed at Rhodes College, as the initial Honor Code signing before the beginning of the student’s first year at Rhodes binds him or her to the Honor System.
9. The term “Faculty Appeals Committee” means the group of faculty members authorized by Rhodes College to consider an appeal of the Honor Council’s decision that a student has violated the Honor Code or an appeal of the outcome imposed on a student by the Honor Council.
10. The term “OCS Administrator for the Honor Council” means the person designated by the administration of Rhodes College to serve as a liaison from the Honor Council to the administration and to consult with the Honor Council President concerning matters of Honor Council business. The OCS Administrator shall not attend or participate in Honor Council hearings.
11. The term “Eligible Voting Member” means a council member serving as a class representative, and who is not serving a special role (including but not limited to investigator, advisor, acting secretary, etc.) during the hearing. 
12. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.
13. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.
14. The term “Honor Code” refers to the rules regarding proscribed conduct set forth in Article III of the Honor Council Constitution.
15. The term “Advisor” refers to a member of the Council who has been selected by/for the Respondent. The President of the Honor Council shall not act as an Advisor in any case.  The Advisor’s role is limited to informing the Respondent of Honor Council procedures and answering any questions about those procedures. The Advisor is foremost a member of the Honor Council and does not represent the .respondent
16. The term “Respondent (or Charged Student)” refers to a Student (also referred to as a Charged Student) who has received notice of allegations detailing a potential violation of the Honor Code.
17. The term “Complainant (or Reporting Party)” refers to Respondent An individual who submits a report or referral against a Student alleging misconduct under the Honor Code.
18. The term “Witness” refers to  A person who has knowledge of facts or circumstances pertaining to an alleged violation.
19. The term “Investigator” refers to the member of the Honor Council designated by the President to investigate a reported Honor Code violation and present evidence to the Council of such investigation.  An Investigator may be present at  Honor Council deliberations on a matter for which they did the investigation in order to clarify facts, but may not deliberate or vote on that matter.
20. The term “source” refers to, without limitation, class textbooks, other books, journals, newspapers, magazines, information obtained electronically, and other persons’ work.
21. The term “documentary evidence” refers to emails, texts, social media, images, or other documents, whether in hard-copy or electronic format, presented to the Honor Council to determine the outcome of a hearing. 

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

1. Vacancies in the Honor Council shall be filled immediately in an election by the student body, and the new member(s) shall serve until the end of the scheduled term. In the case that a position cannot be filled through an election by the student body, the Honor Council has the authority to fill that vacancy. The procedure for filling a vacancy is as follows:
   1. The Council shall announce the vacancy and accept applications from those interested students who are eligible for the position.
   2. The Council shall review the applications.
   3. The Council shall choose a student to fill the vacancy by a majority vote of eligible voting members in a business meeting.
2. In the event that an elected Honor Council representative is unable to fulfill their duties for one full semester or more, the position will be filled by an interim member. The procedure to fill an interim position is the same as for any vacancy. See Section 8.1 (i-iii). The interim position will serve for a period of time subjectively defined by the President and Vice President.

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:

1. The President may schedule a hearing prior to the start of the next academic session. This includes scheduling a hearing during the academic break when classes are not in session.
2. In the event it is difficult or impossible to convene an Honor Council comprised of no less than 4 of the eligible voting members of the Council, or upon occurrence of other extenuating circumstances, a case may be transferred to the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council (or their designee) for adjudication, upon consultation with the Honor Council President.
3. Cases may be scheduled for a hearing in the following semester at the discretion of the President in consultation with the OCS Administrator for the Honor 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 their designee, upon consultation with the Honor Council President, shall determine whether cases are within the jurisdiction of Rhodes College Honor Council.

Students are expected to be familiar with College policies, and a lack of awareness does not exempt individuals from accountability for violations

SECTION 2. Violations

The following conduct is considered a violation of the Honor Code:

1. Lying in Official Matters and/or Dishonest Conduct.  The term “lying” in official matters or “dishonest conduct” is defined as:

• Making an untrue or deceptive statement;

• Making a material omission, or conveying a false impression, with the intent to mislead a Rhodes College official in an official matter; or falsifying, altering, or misusing official material with the intent to mislead a Rhodes College official in an official matter. Official matters and material include, without limitation, matters having to do with coursework, college administration, faculty, residence hall administration, Campus Safety, Honor Council, or Community Standards Council. If a respondent student has lied in an Honor Council hearing, the Council may use the lie as evidence relating to the Respondent to the Honor System when determining an outcome.

• Misuse or falsification of any state, federal, or College documents, forms, records, identification cards, or funds by actions such as forgery, alteration, or improper transfer;

• Possession of a false identification card or possession of another’s identification card.

2. Cheating. The term “cheating” is defined as:

• The attempt or act of giving or receiving unauthorized aid from any source on academic coursework.  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:

  • Quotes another person's actual words, either oral or written.

  • Paraphrases another person's actual words, either oral or written.

  • Uses another person's idea, opinion, or theory.

  • Borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative material unless the information is common knowledge.

  • It is the student’s responsibility to consult the professor, an Honor Council member, or writing handbooks for procedure for properly acknowledging sources.

3. Stealing. The term “stealing” is defined as:

• The act of intentionally taking, appropriating, or transferring, without right or permission, the property (academic and non-academic) of any individual, organization, or institution, either permanently or temporarily associated with the Rhodes community. 

• (Academic) The following are examples of what could be considered under the definition of stealing:

  • Appropriating or obtaining access to files or any other electronically stored information without authorization of the owner of such files or information

  • Taking papers, files, gradebooks, notes, past tests or exams or other academically-related information without the owner’s authorization

  • Removal of or otherwise making unavailable any material from the Rhodes College library without permission

• (Non-Academic) The attempted or actual theft of services or property of the College, of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property.

4. Guest Behavior. Failure of a student host and their guest to adhere to the Guests and Visitors Policy. 

SECTION 1. Investigation and Pre-Hearing

1. Any member of the Rhodes community with knowledge of an Honor Code violation shall report it to a member of the Honor Council, preferably the President, or the OCS Administrator. The Complainant has the prerogative to approach the Respondent student and offer them the opportunity to report the alleged violation to the Honor Council. However, if the respondent fails to report the alleged violation, it is the duty of the person having knowledge of the alleged violation to report it to the Council in a timely manner.
2. Upon receiving a report of a violation, the President of the Honor Council shall appoint a member of the Council to thoroughly investigate the reported violation. The Investigator shall interview the Complainant, any material witnesses, any expert witnesses (such as faculty members who may aid in investigation), and the Respondent and shall conduct such other investigations as is warranted by the circumstances.
3. Any student identified as an active part of the investigation is required to comply with every part of the process.  Such students may not decline to participate in the process without good cause, as determined by the Honor Council President in consultation with the OCS Administrator. If a Respondent declines to participate in the process, the outcome will be determined without their input and they may be subject to disciplinary outcomes under the Rhodes Standards of Conduct.   
4. Any Honor Council member involved in the investigation as an Investigator, Witness, or Complainant shall not be allowed to vote or deliberate in the hearing.
5. The pre-hearing committee shall be composed of the Honor Council President, the two Secretaries, and the Investigator. If the President served as the Investigator, then the Vice President shall serve on the pre-hearing committee.  If a Secretary cannot meet, the Vice President may take the Secretary’s place.
6. Once the investigation is complete, the Honor Council President shall call a meeting of the pre-hearing committee at which the Investigator shall present all information they have gathered concerning the alleged violation to the pre-hearing committee. After all the facts have been considered and the committee feels fully acquainted with the situation, the committee, excluding the Investigator, shall decide by a majority vote whether or not a hearing, further investigation, both, or a case dismissal is warranted. Additionally, the pre-hearing committee may decide if the case shall be transferred to another judicial body or the Rhodes College administration.
7. If the pre-hearing committee decides that the evidence is sufficient to warrant a hearing, the President shall set a time of hearing and notify the Respondent (as outlined in Article IV, Section 2).

SECTION 2. Hearing Procedures Relating to the Respondent

1. The Respondent shall be notified in writing that a complaint is to be taken to a formal hearing at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. This time period may be extended by the  President of the Honor Council, who may also grant an extension in the case of other extenuating circumstances.
2. When notice of the hearing is served, the Respondent shall receive a case packet identifying the nature of the alleged violation, the name(s) of the individual(s) reporting the alleged violation to the Council, the time and place of its alleged occurrence, a summary of any interviews conducted by the Investigator, and any documentary evidence to be considered by the Council at the hearing. The respondent will also receive a written list of hearing procedures as outlined in this article.
3. The Respondent shall choose an Advisor from the members of the Honor Council, excluding the President, the Vice President when serving as President, the two Secretaries, and the Investigator. Should the Vice President be selected, the President shall assume the Vice President’s duties. If the respondent does not choose an Advisor within 24 hours of notice, the President shall appoint an Advisor for the Respondent. The Advisor’s role is limited to informing the Respondent concerning Honor Council procedures and answering any questions about those procedures. The Advisor is foremost a member of the Honor Council and does not represent the Respondent. The Advisor shall not be present during Council deliberations and shall not vote on the disposition of the case.
4. The Respondent shall be required to meet with the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council prior to the hearing.
5. If the Respondent believes that any member of the Honor Council has a conflict of interest or bias that would prevent them from being fair and impartial, the Respondent shall inform either their Advisor or the OCS Administrator in writing no later than 48 hours before any scheduled hearing.  Any objections of this nature not presented less than 48 hours before the hearing shall be deemed waived.
6. The Respondent shall be allowed to hear all evidence presented in the hearing, but the Respondent shall not be present during Council deliberations. The Respondent may offer such proof as is relevant and material, as determined by the Honor Council President, to any issue coming before the Honor Council for decision in their hearing, including, without limitation, the introduction of documentary evidence, the calling of witnesses with relevant knowledge and the questioning of the Honor Council witnesses. All evidence and a complete list of witnesses shall be submitted by the Respondent to the Investigator least 24 hours before the hearing. The Honor Council reserves the right to postpone the time of the hearing to properly evaluate any new evidence submitted after the prehearing committee has met. The Respondent shall be responsible for securing the appearance of their witnesses at the hearing.  Evidence submitted less than 24 hours prior to the hearing will not be considered absent good cause, as determined by the Honor Council President.
7. All participants in the hearing process is required to keep the matter under consideration confidential. The Respondent may consult with a chosen faculty member, family members, counselors or their attorney.
8. The Council may find the Respondent “Responsible” of the Honor Code only upon a preponderance of the evidence. Under this standard, a violation has occurred if it is more likely than not (greater than a 50% chance) that a violation of the Honor Code occurred.
9. The Respondent may be found “Responsible” of the Honor Code only for the violation(s) which is the subject of the hearing.
10. If the Respondent fails to participate in the hearing process, the Council may continue with the hearing procedures. In such a case, the Council shall assume a claim of “Not Responsible” on the part of the Respondent and shall assume that the Respondent presents no defense.
11. In cases in which two or more students are respondents of a joint violation, the Council may conduct one hearing for the joint violation but shall arrive at an independent decision for each respondent.
12. If found “Responsible” of the Honor Code, the Respondent may call for an appeal of the Council’s decision and/or outcome by the members of the Faculty Appeals Committee. The Respondent must request the appeal in writing within four business days of the receipt of the Council’s written decision, and the Respondent must indicate the specific ground(s) upon which they are basing their request for an appeal (see Article IV, Section 5 for the grounds upon which an appeal may be requested).

SECTION 3. Hearing Procedures

The procedures for conducting an Honor Council hearing shall be as follows:

1. The President of the Honor Council shall preside. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside.
2. The Council must act with complete impartiality. Any Council member who believes that their participation in any aspect of the investigation or hearing process constitutes a conflict of interest must report the potential conflict of interest to the Honor Council President, who shall decide whether that member should recuse himself or herself.
3. An audio recording of the hearing shall be made, and the Recording Secretary shall keep minutes of the proceedings. Deliberations of the Council shall be absolutely private, and no record of the deliberations shall be made.
4. The Complainant, Respondent, and the Respondent's Advisor may observe all evidence presented during the hearing but shall not be present for Council deliberations. Witnesses may be present at the hearing only to give their own testimony. The Investigator may be present during both the hearing and deliberations, but the Investigator’s participation in deliberations shall be limited to the clarification of facts; the Investigator may not deliberate or vote. No other persons may be present during the hearing. Disruptive behavior on the part of anyone present shall result in immediate and permanent removal from the hearing.
5. The hearing shall be conducted under the Oath of Privacy, and the Complainant, Council members and witnesses shall take the following Oath of Privacy: “On my honor, I agree to respect the sensitive nature of these proceedings by keeping them confidential.”
6. Every person who testifies at the hearing shall take the following Oath of Truth: “On my honor, I do solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”
7. The Council may call witnesses relevant to the case. The Respondent may present additional witnesses with relevant knowledge and present any other relevant information.  The President shall decide questions concerning the relevance and/or admissibility of witnesses or evidence. The Respondent shall not be required to make an opening and/or closing statement or answer questions unless he or she wishes to do so.
8. Questions asked during the hearing by members of the Council, the Respondent and the Complainant should be relevant, understandable and civil.  The President shall have the discretion to ask that a question be rephrased or order it withdrawn if it does not meet the standards of this paragraph.
9. Legal counsel retained by a Respondent student or any other person participating in the hearing shall not attend any hearing of the Honor Council. Any advice or assistance requested of legal counsel by a student must be obtained prior to the hearing.
10. The Respondent shall be considered "Not Responsible" throughout the course of the hearing unless and until the Respondent has been found "Responsible" of the Honor Code by a preponderance of the evidence.
11. The Council's finding of "Responsible" or "Not Responsible" shall be based only on the merits and facts of the case at hand.
12. If after all available evidence has been heard and a motion to vote on “Responsible" or "Not Responsible" of the Honor Code has been properly moved and seconded, two-thirds of the members of the Council present at the hearing and entitled to vote may find the Respondent “Responsible”. Otherwise, the Respondent shall be found “Not Responsible” and the case shall be dismissed.
13. A quorum for an Honor Council hearing shall be determined as follows:
14. Fifty percent (50%) of the eligible voting members shall constitute a quorum for hearing of alleged violations. There must be a minimum of 4 voting members in every hearing. The Honor Council shall render no decision without the presence of a quorum.
15. If, for any reason, a quorum cannot be achieved, the Respondent may agree to one of the following options:
16. To proceed with the hearing with less than a quorum; or
17. To postpone the hearing for a reasonable period of time (to be determined at the discretion of the President of the Honor Council and the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council or designee) until a quorum of regular Honor Council members can be established.

SECTION 4. Outcomes

1. Outcomes of an Honor Code violation shall be determined by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Council present at the hearing and entitled to vote.
2. When determining outcomes for an individual found in violation of the Honor Code, the following criteria shall be considered along with any other factors determined by the Council to be relevant:
3. The Honor Council’s responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of the Honor Code for the Rhodes College community.
4. The nature and severity of the offense.
5. The ability of the Respondent to reenter campus life under the Honor System.
6. A determination, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the Respondent has lied during the investigation or hearing processes.
7. The level of cooperation of the Respondent during the investigation or hearing processes.
8. The probationary status, previous discipline, or any past suspensions of the Respondent. These shall be considered only when determining outcomes, and the President shall notify the Council of the Respondent’s disciplinary history only after the Council, by proper vote, has found the Respondent “Responsible.” The probationary status, previous discipline, or any past suspensions of the Respondent should cast extreme doubt on the ability of the Respondent to reenter campus life under the Rhodes College Honor System.

The following outcomes may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Honor Code:

1. Academic recommendations: Including but not limited to failure in the related course or on the related assignment.  NOTE: Academic recommendations are subject to the final approval of the professor of the course.  The professors may accept or modify the recommendation of the Honor Council.  
2. Warning: This outcome will be used in cases in which the Honor Council determines that the appropriate lesson has been learned and concludes the matter with a formal letter of warning.
3. Disciplinary Probation: A written notification for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary outcomes, including suspension or expulsion, if the student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.  Students on disciplinary probation are considered not in good social standing with the College.  Good standing may be required for participation in certain campus activities. In addition, students not in good standing may have their conduct reviewed for leadership or employment positions on campus.
4. Loss of Privileges: a temporary or permanent restriction of a student’s access to certain rights, activities, or resources within the College community.  This includes, but is not limited to: loss of guest privileges in the residence halls, restricted access to common areas and/or campus spaces, revocation of parking/driving privileges on campus, ineligibility to participate in or college-sponsored events or programs, restriction from holding leadership roles, etc.
5. Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service to the College and/or monetary or material replacement.
6. Discretionary Outcomes: Work assignments, service to the College, education, referral to counseling, follow-up meetings, required behavioral assessment, or other related discretionary assignments (such assignments shall have the approval of the OCS Administrator or their designee).
7. Residence Hall Suspension: Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
8. Residence Hall Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the residence halls.
9. College Suspension: Separation of the student from Rhodes College for one, two or three semesters, after which the student is eligible to return. If the violation is an academic matter, the student shall receive an “F” in the particular class(es) related to the offense and may receive a “W” in all other classes. A student placed on suspension from the College as a result of a conduct outcome is not permitted on campus without permission from the Office of Community Standards, or their designee.
10. College Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from Rhodes College. If the violation is an academic matter, the student shall receive an “F” in the particular class(es) related to the offense and may receive a “W” in all other classes.  A student expelled from the College as a result of a conduct outcome is not permitted on campus without permission from the Office of Community Standards, or their designee.

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

1. A decision reached by the Honor Council or a outcome imposed by the Council may be appealed by the Respondent or two or more Honor Council members to the Faculty Appeals Committee. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the OCS Administrator within four business days of the decision. The appellant(s) must indicate or list the specific grounds upon which they are basing their request. Once the appellant(s) submit their appeal, the Honor Council President will write a response to the appeal to be submitted to the Faculty Appeals Committee.
2. An appeal shall be limited to one or more of the following grounds:

• The hearing procedure was not followed.
• The outcomes imposed were inappropriate for the violation of College policy.
• New and relevant information, sufficient to alter the decision, that was unknown or unavailable to the appellant at the time of the original hearing.

3. At an appeal hearing by the Faculty Appeals Committee, only the following people may be present: the Faculty Appeals Committee, the President of the Honor Council, an Honor Council representative chosen by the President, the Respondent, the Student Advisor to the Respondent, the Honor Council appellants (in the case that the Respondent is not the appellant) and the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council. If the Respondent chooses not testify at the appeal hearing, they may send a written statement of their testimony.  An audio recording of the appeal hearing shall be made.
4. Legal counsel retained by a Respondent student or any other person participating in the appeal hearing shall not attend any hearing of the Faculty Appeals Committee. Any advice or assistance requested of legal counsel by a student must be obtained prior to the hearing.
5. The Chair of the Faculty Appeals Committee or designee shall preside and decide all questions relating to conduct of the proceedings including, without limitation, the admissibility of evidence. Committee members may ask questions subject to the approval of the Chair. The Faculty Appeals Committee shall then retire to deliberate in closed session. The Faculty Appeals Committee shall either sustain the decision of the Honor Council or return the case to the Honor Council for reconsideration with remarks and suggestions.

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.

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:

1. Proposed amendments must be approved by two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the Honor Council and by the President of Rhodes College.
2. Proposed amendments shall be publicly announced at least seven days prior to the referendum.
3. To be adopted, amendments must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the student body voting in a referendum called for that purpose.
4. Amendments shall become effective immediately when the above steps are completed and communicated to the student body. 

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 contact the Office of Community Standards 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:

• The time, date, and specific location of the violation
• The name(s) of the individual(s) involved in the violation
• The name(s) and contact information of any individual(s) who can corroborate the reporting student’s story
• As much detail as possible about the violation, including any photos, videos, or other supporting documentation available

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.

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 Office of Community Standards 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

1. The term “student” includes any person admitted to Rhodes College or enrolled or scheduled to be enrolled in a course for academic credit through Rhodes, both full-time and part-time, pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but have a continuing relationship with Rhodes College are considered “students.”
2. The term “faculty member” means a person who teaches a course offered for academic credit by an institution of higher education, including teaching assistants, instructors, lab assistants, research assistants, lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors.
3. The term “Rhodes College official” includes any person employed by Rhodes College, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities. Rhodes College officials include, without limitation, administrators, faculty, and campus safety officers; and resident assistants, Honor Council members and Community Standards Council members when acting in an official capacity.
4. The term "member of the Rhodes College community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, Rhodes College official, or any other person employed by Rhodes College. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council upon consultation with the Honor Council President.
5. The term “Rhodes College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).
6. The term “organization (or Registered Student Organization)” means any group of persons who have fulfilled the formal requirements for Rhodes College recognition.
7. The term “Community Standards Council” or “CSC” means the governing body of students elected by the student body of Rhodes College to implement and interpret the Standards of Conduct, including, without limitation, determining whether or not a student has violated the Standards of Conduct and to impose outcomes.
8. The term “Community Standards Council Appeals Committee” means the group of persons authorized by the Associate Vice President/Dean of Students or designee to consider an appeal from the Community Standards Council’s determination that a student has violated the Code or from the outcomes imposed on a student by the Community Standards Council.
9. The term “OCS Administrator for the Community Standards Council” means the person designated by the administration of Rhodes College to serve as a liaison from the Community Standards Council to the administration and to consult with the Community Standards Council President concerning matters of Community Standards Council business. The OCS Administrator shall not participate in CSC hearings.
10. The term “Standards of Conduct” refers to the rules regarding proscribed conduct set forth in Article III of the CSC Constitution and the Rhodes Student Handbook.
11. The term “documentary evidence” refers to emails, texts, images, social media, or other documents, whether in hard-copy or electronic format, presented to the CSC to determine the outcome of a hearing.
12. The term “Eligible Voting Member” means a council member serving as a class representative, and who is not serving a special role (including but not limited to Investigator, Advisor, acting Secretary, etc.) during the hearing. A council member is not eligible to vote until they have at a minimum witnessed a hearing and participated in the educational training required of CSC members.
13. The term “Advisor” refers to a member of the Council who has been selected by/for the Respondent. The President of the Community Standards Council shall not act as an Advisor in any case.  The Advisor’s role is limited to informing the respondent concerning CSC procedures and answering any questions about those procedures. The Advisor is foremost a member of the CSC and does not represent the Respondent.
14. The term “Respondent” refers a Student (also referred to as a Charged Student) or organization or affinity group who has received notice of allegations detailing a potential violation of a policy, the Standards of Conduct or Honor Code.
15. The term “Complainant” refers  An individual who submits a report/referral against a Student, organization or affinity group alleging misconduct under the Standards of Conduct and/or Honor Code.
16. The term “Witness” refers to  A person who has knowledge of facts or circumstances pertaining to an alleged violation.
17. The term “Investigator” refers to the member of the CSC designated by the President to investigate a reported violation of the Standards of Conduct and present evidence to the CSC of such investigation. An Investigator may be present at CSC deliberations on a matter for which they did the investigation in order to clarify facts, but may not deliberate or vote on that matter.
18. The term “pledge” refers to the statement: “As a member of the Rhodes College 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.”
19. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.
20. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.

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

1. Vacancies in the Community Standards Council shall be filled immediately in an election by the student body, and the new member(s) shall serve until the end of the scheduled term. In the case that a position cannot be filled through an election by the student body, the Community Standards Council has the authority to fill that vacancy. The procedure for filling a vacancy is as follows:
2. The Council shall announce the vacancy and accept applications from those interested students who are eligible for the position.
3. The Council shall review all applications.
4. The Council shall choose a student to fill the vacancy by a majority vote of eligible voting members in a business meeting.
5. In the event that an elected Community Standards Council representative is unable to fulfill their duties for one full semester or more, the position will be filled by an interim member. The procedure to fill an interim position is the same as for any vacancy. See Section 8.1 (i-iii). The interim position will serve for a period subjectively defined by the President and Vice President.

SECTION 9. Removal from the Council

A member of the Council may be removed from their position by a three-fourths vote of the eligible voting members of the Council. 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:

1. The President may schedule a hearing prior to the start of the next academic session, including a hearing during the academic break when classes are not in session.
2. In the event it is difficult or impossible to convene a Community Standards Council comprised of no less than four (4) of the Eligible Voting Members, or upon the occurrence of other extenuating circumstances, a case may be transferred to the OCS Administrator, or their designee, for adjudication, upon consultation of the Community Standards Council President.
3. Cases may be scheduled for a hearing in the following semester at the discretion of the President in consultation with the OCS Administrator for the CSC.

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:

1. 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 judgment by the CSC of disruptive behavior.
2. 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.
3. 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 to the CSC any violation of the Standards of Conduct.

Students are expected to be familiar with College policies, and a lack of awareness does not exempt individuals from accountability for violations.

Violations of the Standards of Conduct include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Lying in Official Matters and/or Dishonest Conduct.  The term “lying” in official matters or “dishonest conduct” is defined as:

• Making an untrue or deceptive statement;

• Making a material omission, or conveying a false impression, with the intent to mislead a Rhodes College official in an official matter; or falsifying, altering, or misusing official material with the intent to mislead a Rhodes College official in an official matter. Official matters and material include, without limitation, matters having to do with coursework, college administration, faculty, residence hall administration, Campus Safety, Honor Council, or Community Standards Council. If a respondent student has lied in an Honor Council hearing, the Council may use the lie as evidence relating to the Respondent to the Honor System when determining an outcome.

• Misuse or falsification of any state, federal, or College documents, forms, records, identification cards, or funds by actions such as forgery, alteration, or improper transfer;

• Possession of a false identification card or possession of another’s identification card.

2. Cheating. The term “cheating” is defined as:

• The attempt or act of giving or receiving unauthorized aid from any source on academic coursework.   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:

  • Quotes another person's actual words, either oral or written.

  • Paraphrases another person's actual words, either oral or written.

  • Uses another person's idea, opinion, or theory.

  • Borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative material unless the information is common knowledge.

  • It is the student’s responsibility to consult the professor, an Honor Council member, or writing handbooks for procedure for properly acknowledging sources.

3. Stealing. The term “stealing” is defined as:

• The act of intentionally taking, appropriating, or transferring, without right or permission, the property (academic and non-academic) of any individual, organization, or institution, either permanently or temporarily associated with the Rhodes community. 

• (Academic) The following are examples of what could be considered under the definition of stealing:

  • Appropriating or obtaining access to files or any other electronically stored information without authorization of the owner of such files or information

  • Taking papers, files, gradebooks, notes, past tests or exams or other academically-related information without the owner’s authorization

  • Removal of or otherwise making unavailable any material from the Rhodes College library without permission

• (Non-Academic) The attempted or actual theft of services or property of the College, of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property.

4. Guest Behavior. Failure of a student host and their guest to adhere to the Guests and Visitors Policy.
5. Interfering with College or College-sponsored activities.  Interfering with, disrupting, or obstructing any College function, class, meeting, program, or other sponsored activity—whether on or off campus—is prohibited. This includes conduct that impedes the participation of others, prevents the normal flow of an event, or otherwise compromises the safety, integrity, or purpose of the activity.
6. Bullying and Other Abusive Behavior. This offense includes, but is not limited to, a pattern of targeted, unwelcome conduct directed at an individual or group that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the College’s educational programs or activities.
7. Hate-Motivated Acts.   Engaging in verbal, written or physical conduct that is (1) based on a person’s or group’s race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, age (40 or over), or disability; and/or (2) intended to intimidate or injure the person physically, mentally or emotionally.
8. Disorderly Conduct. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; conduct that has the effect of unreasonably disrupting the life of or interfering with the activities of persons or groups in the college community.
9. Harm/Endangerment.  Attempting or causing physical assault, verbal abuse, threats, coercion, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, including the accused student. Includes conduct that reasonably makes or could be anticipated to make others feel unsafe.
10. Interfering with the freedom of expression of others.  Includes, but is not limited to, behavior that obstructs, disrupts, or otherwise interferes with the lawful freedom of expression of others, whether in speech, writing, performance, or other forms.  In addition, it violates the Student Expressive Speech and Demonstration Policy.
11. Vandalism/Property Damage. Attempted or actual destruction/damage and/or defacement to property of the College or property of a member of the College community or other personal or public property, on or off campus.
12. Failure to comply.      Failure to comply with College policies/procedures and/or directions of College officials, including, but not limited to, Campus Safety Officers, Resident Assistants, Staff, Faculty, etc., in the performance of their duties.  This includes violating the terms of any disciplinary outcome imposed in accordance with the Honor Code or Standards of Conduct.
13. Unauthorized use or entry of institutional facilities/resources.  Unauthorized entry or use of institutional facilities/resources refers to accessing, occupying, or utilizing any college-owned or operated building, room, space, or equipment without proper authorization.  This includes, but not limited to: 1)entering or remaining in any building, room, or area of campus without proper authorization, 2) climbing on or accessing the roof of any campus building or structure, regardless of intent, 3) accessing restricted areas such as maintenance rooms, utility tunnels, or secured administrative spaces without permission, 4) entering or climbing onto balconies, ledges, or exterior architectural features of college facilities not intended for general use, etc.
14. Tampering with safety equipment.  Any unauthorized modification, interference, disabling, or misuse of equipment intended for safety purposes.  Includes but is not limited to fire alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers (i.e., misusing and/or discharging without cause), emergency exit signage, and electrical systems (i.e., manipulating wiring, outlets, fuse boxes, or lighting) designed to ensure safety.
15. Weapons.  Possession of weapons of any type by students or guests while on College property, including but not limited to, firearms, B-B guns, pellet guns, bows and arrows, hunting knives, explosives, or other weapons.  For more information, refer to the Weapons Policy.
16. Violation of any College regulation or policy.  Engaging in behavior that violates, including, but not limited to, Campus Policies, Campus Safety Policies, Residence Hall Policies, etc.
17. Hazing. Violation of the College's Hazing Policy.
18. Silent Agreement/Passive Participation: The agreement to (can be inferred by silent presence or failure to act) or support for an act that is against federal, state, or local laws, Honor Code, Standards of Conduct, or College policy.
19. Engaging in behavior that violates federal, state, and local law.

SECTION 1. Investigation and Pre–hearing

1. Any member of the Rhodes community having knowledge of a possible Standards of Conduct violation should report it to the OCS Administrator or to the President of the Community Standards Council in a timely manner.
2. Upon receiving a report of an alleged violation, the President of the CSC shall confer with the OCS Administrator to determine the appropriate disposition of the report, which will be either through an administrative hearing, to be investigated and adjudicated solely by the OCS Administrator, or through investigation and adjudication by the CSC. If a report is to be addressed by the CSC, the President of the CSC shall appoint a member of the Council to thoroughly investigate the suspected violation to determine whether the alleged violation will result in a hearing before the CSC or other appropriate student hearing board.
3. A CSC member involved in the investigation as an Investigator, the Complainant, or as a Witness shall not be allowed to vote or deliberate in the hearing.
4. During the pre-hearing investigation, the Investigator shall interview the Respondent, the Complainant, and any other witnesses deemed pertinent by the Investigator.  The Investigator shall also gather documentary evidence that the Investigator deems pertinent to the issues raised in the report.
5. Any student identified as an active part of the investigation is required to comply with every part of the process.  Such students may not decline to participate in the process without good cause, as determined by the CSC President in consultation with the OCS Administrator. If a Respondent declines to participate in the process, the outcome will be determined without their input.   
6. The Respondent shall choose an Advisor from the members of the Community Standards Council, excluding the President, the Vice President when serving as President, the two Secretaries, and the Investigator. Should the Vice President be selected, the President shall assume the Vice President’s duties. If the respondent does not choose an Advisor within 24 hours of notice, then the President of the Council will appoint an Advisor for the respondent. The Advisor’s role is limited to informing the Respondent concerning Community Standards Council procedures and answering any questions about those procedures. The Advisor is foremost a member of the Community Standards Council and does not represent the respondent. The Advisor shall not be present in Council deliberations and shall not vote on the disposition of the case.
7. A pre-hearing committee shall be composed of the CSC President, the two Secretaries, and the Investigator.
8. Once the investigation is completed, the CSC President shall call a meeting of the pre-hearing committee at which the Investigator shall present all information they have gathered concerning the alleged violation to the pre-hearing committee. After all the facts have been considered and the committee feels fully acquainted with the situation, the committee, excluding the Investigator, shall decide by majority vote whether or not a hearing, further investigation, both, or a case dismissal is warranted. Additionally, the pre-hearing committee may decide if the case shall be transferred to another  hearing body or the Rhodes College administration.
9. If the pre-hearing committee decides that the evidence is sufficient to warrant a hearing, the President shall set a time for the hearing, and notify the Respondent (Outlined in Article IV, Section 2).

SECTION 2. Hearing Procedures Relating to the Respondent

1. The Respondent shall be notified in writing that a complaint is to be taken to a formal hearing at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing. This time period may be extended by the President of the Community Standards Council. The President may also grant an extension of the time between notice of the charges and the hearing for other extenuating circumstances.
2. When notice of the hearing is served, the Respondent shall receive a case packet identifying the nature of the alleged violation(s), the name(s) of the individual(s) reporting the alleged violation(s) to the Council, the time and place of its alleged occurrence, a summary of any interviews conducted by the Investigator, and any documentary evidence to be considered by the Council at the hearing.  The respondent will also receive a written list of hearing procedures as outlined in this article.
3. The Respondent shall be required to meet with the OCS Administrator or designee prior to the hearing.
4. The Respondent shall be allowed to hear all evidence presented in the hearing, but the Respondent shall not be present during Council deliberations. The Respondent may offer such proof as is relevant and material, as determined by the CSC President, to any issue coming before the Community Standards Council for decision in their hearing, including, without limitation, the introduction of documentary evidence, the calling of witnesses with relevant knowledge and the questioning of the Complainant and other witnesses, if applicable. All evidence and a complete list of witnesses shall be submitted by the Respondent to the Investigator no later than 24 hours before the hearing.  The CSC reserves the right to postpone the time of the hearing to properly evaluate any new evidence submitted after the Pre-hearing Committee has met.  The Respondent shall be responsible for securing the appearance of their witnesses at the hearing. Evidence submitted less than 24 hours prior to the hearing will not be considered absent good cause, as determined by the Community Standards Council President.
5. If the Respondent believes that any member of the CSC has a conflict of interest or bias that would prevent them from being fair and impartial, the Respondent shall inform either their Advisor or the OCS Administrator in writing no later than 48 hours before any scheduled hearing. Any objections of this nature not presented less than 48 hours before the hearing shall be deemed waived.
6. All participants in the hearing process are required to keep the matter under consideration confidential. The Respondent may  and may  consult with a chosen faculty member, family members, counselors or attorney.
7. The Council may find the Respondent “Responsible” of the Standards of Conduct only upon a preponderance of the evidence. Under this standard, a violation has occurred if it is more likely than not (greater than a 50% chance) that a violation of the Standards of Conduct occurred.
8. The Respondent may be found responsible of the Standards of Conduct only for the violation(s) which is the subject of the hearing.
9. If the Respondent fails to participate in the hearing process, the Council may continue with the hearing procedures. In such a case, the Council shall assume a claim of “Not Responsible” on the part of the Respondent and shall assume that the Respondent presents no defense.
10. In cases in which two or more students are respondents of a joint violation, the Council may conduct one hearing for the joint violation but shall arrive at an independent decision for each respondent.
11. If found “Responsible” of the Standards of Conduct, the Respondent may call for an appeal of the Council’s decision and/or outcome by the members of the Appeals Committee. The Respondent must request the appeal in writing to the OCS Administrator within four business days of the receipt of the Council’s written decision, and the Respondent must indicate  the specific ground(s) upon which their appeal is based (see Article IV, Section 5 for the grounds upon which an appeal may be requested).

SECTION 3. Hearing Procedures

The procedures for conducting a Community Standards Council Hearing shall be as follows:

1. The President of the Community Standards Council shall preside. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside.
2. The Council must act with complete impartiality. Any Council member who believes that their participation in any aspect of the investigation or hearing process constitutes a conflict of interest must report the potential conflict of interest to the Community Standards Council President, who shall decide whether that member be recused.  
3. An audio recording of the hearing shall be made, and the Secretary shall keep minutes of the proceedings. Deliberations of the Council shall be absolutely private, and no record of the deliberations shall be made.
4. The Complainant, the Respondent, and the Respondent’s Advisor may observe all evidence presented during the hearing but shall not be present for deliberations. Witnesses may be present only during their own testimony. The Investigator may be present during both the hearing and deliberations, but the Investigator’s participation in deliberations shall be limited to the clarification of facts; the Investigator assigned to the case may not deliberate or vote.  Upon the request of a Witness, arrangements may be made for the Witness to testify via video for good cause shown, as determined by the President in consultation with the OCS Administrator. Disruptive behavior on the part of anyone present shall result in immediate and permanent removal from the hearing. No other persons may be present during the hearing.
5. The hearing shall be conducted under the Oath of Privacy and the Complainant, witnesses, and Council members involved in the hearing shall take the following Oath of Privacy: “On my honor, I agree to respect the sensitive nature of these proceedings by keeping them confidential.”
6. Every person who testifies at the hearing shall take the following Oath of Truth: “On my honor, I do solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”
7. After the Oath of Truth has been administered, the Council may call the Complainant and/or witnesses relevant to the case or may rely solely on the evidence in the case packet. The Respondent may present witnesses with relevant knowledge and any other relevant evidence. The President shall decide questions concerning the relevance and/or admissibility of the witnesses/evidence. The Respondent shall not be required to make an opening and/or closing statement or answer questions unless they wish to do so.
8. All statements or questions from the Respondent, the Complainant, and Witnesses shall be addressed to the Presiding Officer.  Participants in the hearing are not permitted to address one another directly.
9. Questions asked during the hearing by members of the Council, should be relevant, understandable and civil.  The Presiding Officer  shall have the discretion to ask that a question be rephrased or order it withdrawn if it does not meet the standards of this paragraph.
10. Legal counsel retained by a Respondent student or any other person participating in the hearing shall not attend any hearing of the Community Standards Council. Any advice or assistance requested of legal counsel by a student must be obtained prior to the hearing.
11. The Council’s findings of “Responsible” or “Not Responsible” shall be based only on the merits and facts of the case at hand.
12. The Respondent shall be considered “Not Responsible” throughout the course of the hearing      until the CSC has heard and deliberated on the entire case  and the Respondent has been found “Responsible” of the Standards of Conduct by a  preponderance of the evidence.
13. If after all available evidence has been heard and a motion to vote on " Responsible" or "Not Responsible" has been properly moved and seconded, two-thirds of the members of the Council present at the hearing and entitled to vote may find the Respondent “Responsible.” Otherwise, the Respondent shall be found “Not Responsible,” and the case shall be dismissed.
14. A quorum for a Community Standards Council hearing shall be determined as follows:
15. Fifty percent plus one, but no less than six of the eligible voting members shall constitute a quorum for a hearing. The Community Standards Council shall render no decision without the presence of a quorum.
16. If, for any reason, a quorum cannot be achieved, the Respondent may agree to one of the following options:
    • To proceed with the hearing with less than a quorum; or
    • To postpone the hearing for a reasonable period of time (to be determined at the discretion of the President of the Community Standards Council and the OCS Administrator or designee) until a quorum of regular Community Standards Council members can be established.

SECTION 4. Outcomes

1. Outcomes of a CSC violation shall be determined by a two-thirds majority of Council members present at the hearing who are entitled to vote.
2. When determining outcomes for an individual found in violation of the Standards of Conduct, the following criteria shall be considered along with any other factors determined by the CSC to be relevant:

• The CSC’s responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of the Standards of Conduct for the Rhodes College community.
• The nature and severity of the offense.
• The ability of the Respondent to reenter campus life under the Standards of Conduct.
• A determination, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the Respondent has lied during the investigation or hearing processes.
• The level of cooperation of the Respondent during the investigation or hearing processes.
• The probationary status, previous discipline, or any past suspensions of the Respondent. These shall be considered only when determining outcomes, and the President shall notify the Council of the Respondent’s disciplinary history only after the Council, by proper vote, has found the Respondent “Responsible.” The probationary status or any past suspensions of the Respondent should cast extreme doubt on the ability of the Respondent to reenter campus life under the Standards of Conduct.

1. The following outcomes may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Standards of Conduct:
   • Warning: This outcome will be used in cases in which the College determines that the appropriate lesson has been learned and conclude the matter with a formal letter of warning.
   • Disciplinary Probation: A written notification for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary outcomes if the student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.  Students on disciplinary probation are considered not in good social standing with the College. Good Standing may be required for participation in certain campus activities. In addition, students not in good standing may have their conduct reviewed for leadership or employment positions on campus.
   • Loss of Privileges: a temporary or permanent restriction of a student’s access to certain rights, activities, or resources within the College community.  This includes, but is not limited to: loss of guest privileges in the residence halls, restricted access to common areas and/or campus spaces, revocation of parking/driving privileges on campus, ineligibility to participate in or college-sponsored events or programs, restriction from holding leadership roles, etc.
   • Fines: Previously established and published fines may be imposed.
   • Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
   • Discretionary Outcomes: Work assignments, service to the college, education, referral to counseling, or other related discretionary assignments (such assignments must have the approval of the OCS Administrator or their designee).
   • No Contact: a preventative measure when alleged violation(s) of the Standards of Conduct are reported.  At the discretion of the Director of Community Standards, or their designee, a NCO can be issued as a means of informal resolution. The NCO will usually state that the individual may have been involved in a situation where a violation of College policy occurred and prohibiting the individual from contacting another student(s).
   • Residence Hall Suspension: Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
   • Residence Hall Expulsion: Permanent separation of a student’s privilege to live in or access any on-campus residential facility.
   • College Suspension: Separation of the student from Rhodes College for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.   A student placed on suspension from the College as a result of a conduct outcome is not permitted on campus without permission from the Office of Community Standards, or their designee.
   • College Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from Rhodes College. A student expelled from the College as a result of a conduct outcome is not permitted on campus without permission from the Office of Community Standards, or their designee.
2. More than one of the outcomes listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
3. Disciplinary outcomes shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s confidential record.
4. 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

1. A decision reached by the Community Standards Council or an outcome imposed by the Council may be appealed by the Respondent or two or more Council members to the Community Standards Appeals Committee (CSAC) within four business days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and delivered to the OCS Administrator or designee, and shall specify the basis for the appeal. Once the appellant(s) submit their appeal, the Community Standards Council President will write a response to the appeal to be submitted to the CSAC.
2. Except for the limited purpose of hearing new evidence pursuant to (4) below, an appeal shall be limited to a review of the verbatim record of the initial hearing and supporting documents on one or more of the following grounds:
   • The hearing procedure was not followed.
   • The outcomes imposed were inappropriate for the violation of College policy.
   • New and relevant information, sufficient to alter the decision, that was unknown or unavailable to the appellant at the time of the original hearing.
3. The CSAC may, at their discretion, render a decision based on what was submitted or contact the Respondent student for an appeal hearing, and/or additional questions/information.
4. In the event of an appeal hearing, the President of CSC, the Respondent, and the Advisor for the Respondent shall meet with the CSAC to review the case.  An audio recording of the meeting shall be made.
5. The CSAC shall consist of the Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students, or their designee, a staff representative from Academic Affairs, and a designated member of the Honor Council. Committee members may ask questions, subject to the approval of the Chair.
6. The CSAC shall deliberate in closed session.
7. The CSAC may uphold, modify, or overturn the original decision.  If the decision is modified, the CSAC may, at their discretion and considering the information received during the appeal, impose a more severe decision and/or outcome.
8. The decision of the CSAC is final.  

This Constitution may be amended by the following procedure:

1. Proposed amendments must be approved by two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the Community Standards Council and by the President of Rhodes College.
2. Proposed amendments shall be publicly announced at least seven days prior to the referendum.
3. To be adopted, amendments must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the student body voting a referendum called for that purpose.
4. Amendments shall become effective immediately when the above steps are completed and communicated to the student body.

The Office of Community Standards strives to protect the interests of the community and to educate and develop those whose behavior is not in accordance with our policies, not to punish. 

Furthermore, the goal is to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision-making to become productive members of our campus community, uphold its expectations, and understand the impact of their behavior and how it affects others.

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:

• “We pledge to treat the members of the Rhodes Community, that is, anyone who lives, works, or learns here, as well as those who visit the community, with conscientious respect, honor, kindness and even-handedness.”
• “We pledge to respect the property of other members of the Community, treating all such property with care equal to or greater than that accorded our own property. Further, realizing that the property of Rhodes College, that is, its buildings and grounds and all-encompassed within, serves to benefit all members of the community, we pledge to preserve this property for others to use after us. Understanding that adherence to these standards is necessary to promote community spirit, we pledge to report violations.”
• “Remembering that the reason the Rhodes Community exists is to promote the intellectual development of its members, we pledge to help create an environment that encourages reasoned discourse and action in a way that promotes this intellectual pursuit for everyone.”

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.

1. General Rights and Responsibilities
   • All Students, Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), and Affinity Groups (AGs) are bound by the Honor Code, Standards of Conduct, and all College policies. Any Student, RSO, or AG found in violation of the aforementioned policies may be held accountable and be subject to the Community Standards process outlined in these Standards.
   • Additionally, faculty and staff are required to follow the procedures outlined in these Standards when they become aware of behavior that may violate the Standards.
2. Purpose of the Standards of Conduct and Honor Code
   • The purpose of the Standards of Conduct and Honor Code is to engage students on issues of community membership, encourage responsible decision-making, safeguard the health and welfare of all members of the Rhodes community, protect college property, and promote integrity and accountability.
3. Implementation of Rights
   • The Standards of Conduct and Honor Code are the College’s document governing Student, RSO, and AG conduct and the Community Standards process. All discipline imposed upon a Student, RSO, or AG must be in accordance with the provisions of the Standards of Conduct and Honor Code.
   • The procedures for addressing and resolving allegations of sex and gender-based harassment and discrimination, including sexual misconduct (e.g. sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, retaliation, etc.) are addressed by the Office of Title IX.
   • OCS may delegate its authority over potential violations by residents of Rhodes College housing to the Department of  Residence Life for resolution using the standards set forth in the Standards of Conduct.

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. 

1. Retaliation is defined as any adverse action (including and not limited to retaliatory harassment, threats, vandalism, unauthorized or unwelcome contact, or other harmful behavior) taken against an individual who is or is perceived to be engaged in a report, an investigation, or any Rhodes College proceedings because that individual participated in the process or to deter a person from participating in the process. 
   • Adverse action does not include petty slights or trivial annoyance (i.e., giving someone angry looks, refusing to socialize with someone, and/or making negative comments about someone would not generally constitute retaliation.) 
2. Retaliation against an individual for reporting an incident, supporting an affected party, or otherwise participating in the student conduct process is a violation of the Standard of Conduct.
3. No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege as outlined in the Standards of Conduct, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing. 
4. Any individual or group found to have retaliated against another individual or group will be in violation of this Policy and will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion for students and indefinite removal of recognition as a student organization.

1. Administrative Hearing Conference: An opportunity for a Respondent to address the allegations and charges with a Hearing Officer individually.
2. Advisor:  An individual that provides support, education, guidance, and advice to the Student, RSO, or AG during any OCS procedure. An Advisor may not have personal involvement regarding any facts or circumstances of the allegation.  An Advisor may not be an attorney and does not represent the Respondent in any hearing proceeding.   An Advisor is a member of the Council who has been selected by/for the Respondent. The President of the Honor Council shall not act as an Advisor in any case.  The Advisor’s role is limited to informing the Respondent concerning Honor Council procedures and answering any questions about those procedures.  The Advisor is foremost a member of the Honor Council.
3. Affinity Group (AG): specialized educational groups or athletic teams in which members are sponsored by Rhodes College department/office .  An affinity group is not a Registered Student Organization recognized by the Office of Student Engagement. 
4. Appellate (or Appellate Officer or Appeals Committee): The individual or a group of individuals with responsibility under the Standards of Conduct or Honor Code to review and respond to appeals.
   1. The designated individual appellate officer is the individual reviewing appeals of outcomes rendered from Administrative Hearing Conferences. 
   2. Faculty Appeals Committee: the group of faculty members authorized by Rhodes College to consider an appeal of the Honor Council’s decision that a student has violated the Honor Code or an appeal of the outcome rendered to a student by the Honor Council.
   3. Community Standards Appeals Committee: the group authorized by Rhodes College to consider an appeal of the Community Standards Council’s decision that a student has violated the Standards of Conduct or an appeal of the outcome rendered to a student by the Community Standards Council.
5. Campus: Campus includes all land, buildings, property, and facilities in the possession of, owned by, used by, or controlled by Rhodes College, regardless of contiguity or proximity. This includes land leased to others, property owned, managed or maintained by the College, and all streets, alleys, sidewalks, and public ways adjacent to any land of the College or the land upon which housing is located even if the housing is not owned by the College.
6. Charge Letter/Notification:  Correspondence for a hearing sent to a student outlining the alleged violation(s) of the Standards of Conduct.  The correspondence will also include the date, time, and location of the hearing along with any evidence/documentation a part of the case. 
7. College:  College refers to Rhodes College.
8. Complainant (or Reporting Party):  An individual who submits a report/referral against a Student, RSO, or AG alleging misconduct under the Standards of Conduct and/or Honor Code.
9. Council:  A student-elected hearing board responsible for hearing violations of the Honor Code, Standards of Conduct, and other Rhodes College policies and procedures. 
   1. Honor Council: the governing body of students elected by the student body of Rhodes College or, in the case of a mid-year vacancy, selected by the council by application to implement and interpret the Honor Code, including, without limitation, determining whether or not a student has violated the Honor Code and to impose outcomes.
   2. Community Standards Council: the governing body of students elected by the student body of Rhodes College to implement and interpret the Standards of Conduct, including, without limitation, determining whether or not a student has violated the Standards of Conduct and to impose outcomes.
10. Confidential and Private: indicating that what one shares is private or secret.
11. Dean: Dean refers to any Dean within the Division of Student Life (i.e. Dean of Students (DOS), Dean of Student Success (DSS), and Dean of Belonging (DOB)). 
12. Disciplinary Violations:  Those violations detailed in the Standards of Conduct and Honor Code that are specific to student behavior. Certain conduct may constitute both Academic and Behavioral Misconduct.
13. Disciplinary Outcome: identifies a resolution and any requirements, restrictions, or change in Student status that have been assigned to the Student by the Director of Community Standards, or designee, or Council.
14. Eligible Voting Member: a council member serving as a class representative, and who is not serving a special role (including but not limited to investigator, advisor, acting secretary, etc.) during the hearing. 
15. Evidence (or documentary evidence or material evidence): refers to emails, texts, social media, images, or other documents, whether in hard-copy or electronic format, presented to the hearing officer/body to determine the outcome of a hearing.
16. Faculty Member: a person who teaches a course offered for academic credit by an institution of higher education, including teaching assistants, instructors, lab assistants, research assistants, lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors.
17. Hearing Officer:  An individual who adjudicates a case.
18. Honor Code: the rules regarding proscribed conduct set forth in which students commit to not lie, cheat, or steal. Furthermore, commit to report a violation of the policy. 
19. Education and Accountability Conference - In cases of minor misconduct, an informal resolution may be pursued. This typically involves a discussion or meeting between the student and a staff member, such as a resident advisor or a student conduct officer, to address the issue and find a mutually agreeable educational and reflective solution.
20. Instructor: Any Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Instructor, Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Teaching Assistant, or other professional charged with oversight of a lab, class, section, or course for academic credit at the College.
21. Investigator: the member of the Council designated by the President to investigate a reported violation and present evidence to the Council of such investigation.  An Investigator may be present at Council deliberations on a matter for which they did the investigation in order to clarify facts, but may not deliberate or vote on that matter.
22. Mediation: Mediation 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.
23. Member of the Rhodes College Community: any person who is a student, faculty member, Rhodes College official, or any other person employed by Rhodes College. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the OCS Administrator for the Honor Council upon consultation with the Honor Council President.
24. No Communication Agreement (NCA): A mutual agreement between two individuals who voluntarily affirm that they will not have direct communication with each other in person or electronically, or make indirect contact through third parties, except for that which is necessary for their academic or employment pursuits. 
25. No Contact Order (NCO): A directive that one individual may not have direct contact with another, or make indirect contact through third parties, except for that which is necessary for the individual’s academic or employment pursuits. 
26. Not Responsible (or “Not In Violation”:  The finding or acknowledgment that indicates a Student, RSO, or AG is in not violation of the a College policy, the Standards of Conduct, or the Honor Code.
27. Notice of Investigation:  The written notice sent to a Student, RSO, or AG of the allegations and corresponding violations/infractions to be addressed
28. Outcome (formerly “sanctions”): a determination/decision as a result of the formal or informal resolution process. 
29. OCS Administrator: the person designated by the administration to provide procedural information and support to a Respondent and/or Complainant before and after hearing proceedings with a Council. Also serves as a liaison between the Honor & Community Standards Councils and the administration and consults with the Council Presidents concerning matters of the respective Council business. 
30. Pledge: refers to the statements: 1) “As a member of the Rhodes College community, I pledge my full and steadfast support to the Honor System and agree neither to lie, cheat, nor steal, and to report any such violation that I may witness.” Although this pledge may not be written explicitly on a particular assignment, it is implicit in every assignment or activity completed at Rhodes College, as the initial Honor Code signing before the beginning of the student’s first year at Rhodes binds him or her to the Honor System.  Or 2) “As a member of the Rhodes College 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.”
31. Policy: the written rules and regulations of the college as found in, but not limited to, the Campus Handbook, Academic Catalogue, and the college website.
32. Report: A written complaint against a Student or Registered student organization forwarded to OCS. A report may be submitted by any individual(s). Anonymous report may be considered at the discretion of OCS.
33. Registered student organization (RSO):   any group of persons who have fulfilled the formal requirements for Rhodes College recognition.
34. Responsible (or ‘In Violation’): The finding or acknowledgment that indicates a Student, RSO, or AG is in violation of the a College policy, the Standards of Conduct, or the Honor Code.
35. Respondent: A Student (also referred to as a Charged Student) or RSO or AG who has received notice of allegations detailing a potential violation of a policy, the Standards of Conduct or Honor Code.
36. Rhodes College Official: any person employed by Rhodes College, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities. Rhodes College officials include, without limitation, administrators, faculty, and campus safety officers; and resident assistants, Honor Council members and Community Standards Council members when acting in an official capacity.
37. Rhodes College Premises: all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).
38. Social Media:  Examples of social media include but are not limited to blogs, wikis, microblogs, message boards, chat room, electronic newsletters, online forums, social networking sites, and other sites and services that permit user to share information with others on the internet (i.e., including, but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, TikTok, Twitter, YikYak, GroupMe, etc).
39. Source: refers to, without limitation, class textbooks, other books, journals, newspapers, magazines, information obtained electronically, and other persons’ work.
40. Standards of Conduct: the rules regarding proscribed conduct set forth in which students commit to the rules, regulations, polices, and procedures of the College. 
41. Student: any person admitted to Rhodes College or enrolled or scheduled to be enrolled in a course for academic credit through Rhodes, both full-time and part-time, pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but have a continuing relationship with Rhodes College are considered “students.”
42. Office of Community Standards (OCS): OCS is the office and staff responsible for the implementation and administration of Rhodes College policies, the Standards of Conduct, and Honor Code. 
43. Vice President: Vice President refers to Vice President of Student Life (i.e., VP, VPSL)
44. Witness: A person who has knowledge of facts or circumstances pertaining to an alleged violation.
45. Written Communication: Written correspondence generated by OCS, including but not limited to email. Any correspondence sent to a Student’s College-issued email address shall constitute actual notice.

NOTE:

• The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.
• The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.

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:

1. Involves violence or produced a reasonable fear of physical harm; and/or
2. Involves any members of the College community or any academic work, records, documents, or property of the College.
3. Involves 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 interests. 

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.

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.  

Click here to request your records or submit a verification form from an agency/institution, complete the Disciplinary/Conduct Record Request form. 

1. Rights of a Respondent (Charged Student)
   • A Charged Student (Respondent) will have the following rights:
     1. The presumption of not responsible. A Respondent/Charged Student may not be deemed responsible until the conclusion of the hearing proceedings.
     2. To receive a notification letter through Written Communication of any specific allegation, Charge(s), and evidence collected.
     3. To be provided with a reasonable amount of time to respond to the Notification Letter.
     4. To refuse to comment or answer questions.
     5. To present information or any Witness in defense of a charge per the procedures outlined in the Standards of Conduct and Honor/CSC Council constitution.
     6. To request that any member of a hearing body be recused for good cause clearly established by the charged Student.  The request for a Council member to be recused will be reviewed by the Council President in consultation with the OCS Administrator.
     7. To present evidence of any issue coming before their hearing.
     8. To have an Outcome imposed that is appropriate with the violation.
     9. Right to be assisted by an Advisor (for Honor Council and Community Standards Council hearings only).  The Advisor can only be selected by the Respondent from the current members of the Honor or Community Standards Councils.
     10. To retain rights as a Student until a final decision is issued by the hearing officer, hearing body, or Appeals Committee if requested. However, a Student may be subject to an Interim Action, limitations or conditions as set forth in the Standards of Conduct.
2. Responsibilities of a Charged Student (Respondent)
   • A Charged Student will have the following responsibilities before and during a hearing:
     1. To be honest.
     2. To attend the scheduled hearing on a specified date, time, and location.
     3. To have personal information kept private. All hearing proceedings are confidential and private.   The Office of Community Standards may share information with campus partners with a legitimate educational interest of the matter.
     4. To appeal any hearing outcome as detailed in this Standards of Conduct.
     5. To check their Rhodes student email on a frequent and regular basis in order to stay current with College-related communications,
     6. To conduct reasonable questioning of any Witness appearing at the hearing (Honor Council and Community Standards Council hearings only).
     7. To conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and honorable.  Any participant that is disruptive to the hearing process will be dismissed and the hearing will continue in their absence.
     8. Only the College may record the Honor Council and Community Standards Council proceedings. No other forms of recording or transmission of any proceeding is allowed.
3. Proceeding in Absentia
   • In the event a Charged Student, fails to respond to any notification sent by a Hearing Officer or Council representative, the case may proceed through the process without the Charged Student,  in attendance.
     1. A hearing may proceed without the Charged Student in attendance.
4. Rights of a Complainant
   • The Complainant may be notified the outcome of the hearing has been determined; details of the outcome will not be shared due to confidentiality.
   • When participating in any OCS hearing, the Complainant may use conference call, written statement, video, or other measure for the Complainant’s safety or wellness. The hearing officer/chairperson may require that the Complainant respond to reasonable questions requested by the Charged Student in real time.
5. Role of Advisor (for Honor Council and Community Standard Council)
   • The Advisor's function shall be to provide support, education, guidance, and advice to the Student, during any Honor Council or Community Standards Council meeting/hearing or procedure.  
   • The Advisor may be present but may not represent the Respondent in any hearing proceeding.

Overview

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.

Amendments to procedures and 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. 

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. 

Students are expected to be familiar with College policies, and a lack of awareness does not exempt individuals from accountability for violations.

Examples of student misconduct at Rhodes include, but are not limited to:

1. Lying in Official Matters and/or Dishonest Conduct.  The term “lying” in official matters or “dishonest conduct” is defined as:

• Making an untrue or deceptive statement;

• Making a material omission, or conveying a false impression, with the intent to mislead a Rhodes College official in an official matter; or falsifying, altering, or misusing official material with the intent to mislead a Rhodes College official in an official matter. Official matters and material include, without limitation, matters having to do with coursework, college administration, faculty, residence hall administration, Campus Safety, Honor Council, or Community Standards Council. If a respondent student has lied in an Honor Council hearing, the Council may use the lie as evidence relating to the Respondent to the Honor System when determining an outcome.

• Misuse or falsification of any state, federal, or College documents, forms, records, identification cards, or funds by actions such as forgery, alteration, or improper transfer;

• Possession of a false identification card or possession of another’s identification card.

2. Cheating. The term “cheating” is defined as:

• The attempt or act of giving or receiving unauthorized aid from any source on academic coursework. 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:

  • Quotes another person's actual words, either oral or written.

  • Paraphrases another person's actual words, either oral or written.

  • Uses another person's idea, opinion, or theory.

  • Borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative material unless the information is common knowledge.

  • It is the student’s responsibility to consult the professor, an Honor Council member, or writing handbooks for procedure for properly acknowledging sources.

3. Stealing. The term “stealing” is defined as:

• The act of intentionally taking, appropriating, or transferring, without right or permission, the property (academic and non-academic) of any individual, organization, or institution, either permanently or temporarily associated with the Rhodes community. 

• (Academic) The following are examples of what could be considered under the definition of stealing:

  • Appropriating or obtaining access to files or any other electronically stored information without authorization of the owner of such files or information

  • Taking papers, files, gradebooks, notes, past tests or exams or other academically-related information without the owner’s authorization

  • Removal of or otherwise making unavailable any material from the Rhodes College library without permission

• (Non-Academic) The attempted or actual theft of services or property of the College, of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property.

4. Guest Behavior. Failure of a student host and their guest to adhere to the Guests and Visitors Policy.
5. Interfering with College or College-sponsored activities.  Interfering with, disrupting, or obstructing any College function, class, meeting, program, or other sponsored activity—whether on or off campus—is prohibited. This includes conduct that impedes the participation of others, prevents the normal flow of an event, or otherwise compromises the safety, integrity, or purpose of the activity.
6. Bullying and Other Abusive Behavior. This offense includes, but is not limited to, a pattern of targeted, unwelcome conduct directed at an individual or group that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the College’s educational programs or activities.
7. Hate-Motivated Acts.   Engaging in verbal, written or physical conduct that is (1) based on a person’s or group’s race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, age (40 or over), or disability; and/or (2) intended to intimidate or injure the person physically, mentally or emotionally.
8. Disorderly Conduct. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; conduct that has the effect of unreasonably disrupting the life of or interfering with the activities of persons or groups in the college community.
9. Harm/Endangerment.  Attempting or causing physical assault, verbal abuse, threats, coercion, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, including the accused student. Includes conduct that reasonably makes or could be anticipated to make others feel unsafe.
10. Interfering with the freedom of expression of others.  Includes, but is not limited to, behavior that obstructs, disrupts, or otherwise interferes with the lawful freedom of expression of others, whether in speech, writing, performance, or other forms.  In addition, it violates the Student Expressive Speech and Demonstration Policy.
11. Vandalism/Property Damage. Attempted or actual destruction/damage and/or defacement to property of the College or property of a member of the College community or other personal or public property, on or off campus.
12. Failure to comply.      Failure to comply with College policies/procedures and/or directions of College officials, including, but not limited to, Campus Safety Officers, Resident Assistants, Staff, Faculty, etc., in the performance of their duties.  This includes violating the terms of any disciplinary outcome imposed in accordance with the Honor Code or Standards of Conduct.
13. Unauthorized use or entry of institutional facilities/resources.  Unauthorized entry or use of institutional facilities/resources refers to accessing, occupying, or utilizing any college-owned or operated building, room, space, or equipment without proper authorization.  This includes, but not limited to: 1)entering or remaining in any building, room, or area of campus without proper authorization, 2) climbing on or accessing the roof of any campus building or structure, regardless of intent, 3) accessing restricted areas such as maintenance rooms, utility tunnels, or secured administrative spaces without permission, 4) entering or climbing onto balconies, ledges, or exterior architectural features of college facilities not intended for general use, etc.
14. Tampering with safety equipment.  Any unauthorized modification, interference, disabling, or misuse of equipment intended for safety purposes.  Includes but is not limited to fire alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers (i.e., misusing and/or discharging without cause), emergency exit signage, and electrical systems (i.e., manipulating wiring, outlets, fuse boxes, or lighting) designed to ensure safety.
15. Weapons.  Possession of weapons of any type by students or guests while on College property, including but not limited to, firearms, B-B guns, pellet guns, bows and arrows, hunting knives, explosives, or other weapons.  For more information, refer to the Weapons Policy.
16. Violation of any College regulation or policy.  Engaging in behavior that violates, including, but not limited to, Campus Policies, Campus Safety Policies, Residence Hall Policies, etc.
17. Hazing. Violation of the College's Hazing Policy.
18. Silent Agreement/Passive Participation: The agreement to (can be inferred by silent presence or failure to act) or support for an act that is against federal, state, or local laws, Honor Code, Standards of Conduct, or College policy.
19. Engaging in behavior that violates federal, state, and local law.

The following outcomes may be imposed for student misconduct at Rhodes:

1. Warning: This outcome will be used in cases in which the College determines that the appropriate lesson has been learned and conclude the matter with a formal letter of warning.
2. Disciplinary Probation: A written notification for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary outcomes if the student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.  Students on disciplinary probation are considered not in good social standing with the College. Good Standing may be required for participation in certain campus activities. In addition, students not in good standing may have their conduct reviewed for leadership or employment positions on campus.
3. Loss of Privileges: a temporary or permanent restriction of a student’s access to certain rights, activities, or resources within the College community.  This includes, but is not limited to: loss of guest privileges in the residence halls, restricted access to common areas and/or campus spaces, revocation of parking/driving privileges on campus, ineligibility to participate in or college-sponsored events or programs, restriction from holding leadership roles, etc.
4. Fines: Previously established and published fines may be imposed.
5. Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
6. Discretionary Outcomes: Work assignments, service to the college, education, referral to counseling, or other related discretionary assignments (such assignments must have the approval of the OCS Administrator or their designee).
7. No Contact: a preventative measure when alleged violation(s) of the Standards of Conduct are reported.  At the discretion of the Director of Community Standards, or their designee, a NCO can be issued as a means of informal resolution. The NCO will usually state that the individual may have been involved in a situation where a violation of College policy occurred and prohibiting the individual from contacting another student(s).
8. Residence Hall Suspension: Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
9. Residence Hall Expulsion: Permanent separation of a student’s privilege to live in or access any on-campus residential facility.
10. College Suspension: Separation of the student from Rhodes College for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.   A student placed on suspension from the College as a result of a conduct outcome is not permitted on campus without permission from the Office of Community Standards, or their designee.
11. College Expulsion: Indefinite separation of the student from Rhodes College. A student expelled from the College is permanently prohibited from being present on campus; no special requests for returning to campus will be considered.  

 More than one of the outcomes listed above may be imposed for any single violation. 

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.   

Medical Amnesty

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:

• Student seeking medical attention for  themselves
• Student seeking medical attention on behalf of another Student
• an RSO or AG seeking medical attention for a Student

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.

Non-Medical Amnesty

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.

• Non-Medical Amnesty may be available to a Student, RSO, or AG who proactively seeks clarification of College rules prior to engaging in questionable conduct.

Appeals for Respondents (Charged Student):

All student conduct proceedings at Rhodes allow for an appeal of the outcome of the hearing.  There are two types of appeals, Academic and Non-academic.    

• Non-academic appeals will review decisions and outcomes from missed Educational and Accountability Conferences, Administrative Hearings (individual), and the Community Standards Council.  The appellate committee reviewing the appeal is the Community Standards Appeals Committee (CSAC), composed of the Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students (Chair), or their designee, a staff representative from Academic Affairs, and a designated member of the Honor Council.
• Academic Appeals will review disciplinary decisions and outcomes from Administrative Hearings (referred by the Honor Council) and the Honor Council.  The appellate committee reviewing the appeal is the Faculty Appeals Committee (FAC), composed of Rhodes Faculty members.   

The appeal must be submitted via the appropriate form.   The form will be included in the respondent’s outcome letter after their hearing.  The rationale for the grounds for appeal must be attached to the appeal submission by the respondent, not a third party.

• Honor Code Appeals Form – Academic appeals
• Standards of Conduct Appeals Form – Non-academic appeals  

Appeals are limited to three grounds:  

• A hearing procedure was not followed; and/or
• The outcomes imposed were inappropriate for the violation of College policy; and/or
• New and relevant information, sufficient to alter the decision, that was unknown or unavailable to them at the time of the original hearing. 

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 legal counsel must be obtained prior to the appeal 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.   

Decision of the Appeal Committee: 

• For Non-academic appeals, the CSAC may, at their discretion, render a decision based on what was submitted or contact the Respondent student for an appeal hearing, and/or additional questions/information.  The CSAC may uphold, modify, or overturn the original decision.  If the decision is modified, the appellate committee may, at their discretion and considering the information received, impose a more severe decision and/or outcome.  The decision of the CSAC is final.
• For Academic appeals, if the Respondent chooses not to testify at the appeal hearing, they may send a written statement of their testimony. The FAC may sustain the decision of the Honor Council or return the case to the Honor Council for reconsideration with remarks and suggestions. The decision of the Honor Council after reconsideration is final.

NOTE: For Appeal Procedures for RSO/AGs, see the Organizational Conduct section. 

The Office of Community Standards will place a hold on the student’s record if:

• The student has a pending conduct proceeding under the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code.  (Community Standards Hold)
• The student has not completed the required compliance/educational training.  (Student Compliance Training Hold)

These holds 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 another designated Rhodes College official with the authority to do so.

To resolve these holds, contact the Office of Community Standards at communitystandards@rhodes.edu.  

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. 

• No Communication Agreement: A mutual agreement between two individuals who voluntarily affirm that they will not have direct communication with each other in person or electronically, or make indirect contact through third parties, except for that which is necessary for their academic or employment pursuits. This applies to on-campus, college-sponsored events, and/or by electronic communication (from any location). An NCA does not constitute a finding of responsibility for violating college policy, nor does it preclude the possibility of future review of any past interactions through the student or employee conduct process. 
• No Contact Order: A directive that one individual may not have direct contact with another, or make indirect contact through third parties, except for that which is necessary for the individual’s academic or employment pursuits. Parties subject to an NCO must make a concerted effort to avoid any close proximity to the other party. An NCO will be issued when, upon careful review, the appropriate college officer deems there is sufficient information presented that doing so will safeguard a community member’s ability to pursue their education in an environment free from unwanted contact.  However, NCO’s do not ensure that parties to such Orders will not see one another on the campus. Rather, they serve to limit potential interactions between the parties. If individuals have safety concerns and feel that they need additional protection, they should contact Campus Safety at (9018433880) NCOs may also be used in connection with the student conduct process, or other process determining the responsibility of a community member who is alleged to have violated a college policy, either as an interim measure during the pendency of the process, and/or an outcome associated with a finding of responsibility from the process. NCOs may be unilateral or mutual, depending on the underlying circumstances. 

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. 

Student Privacy Rights and Community Standards 

This policy outlines the procedures for redacting information and maintaining confidentiality in the college conduct process to protect the privacy of individuals involved while ensuring a fair and transparent process. 

Confidentiality of Information 

• All records, reports, and proceedings related to student conduct cases are confidential and shall only be shared with authorized individuals.  

• Information will be disclosed only as necessary to carry out the conduct process, comply with legal requirements, or as permitted by institutional policies and applicable laws, including, but not limited to, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Title IX regulations, etc.  

• Individuals participating in the conduct process are prohibited from disclosing details of cases to unauthorized parties. 

Redaction of Information 

• Personally identifiable information (PII), including but not limited to names, student identification numbers, addresses, and contact details, will be redacted from publicly available reports and records.  

• Sensitive information, including medical records, disciplinary history unrelated to the current case, and third-party information, will be removed or anonymized to protect privacy.  

• Redacted documents may be provided to involved parties when required for due process, ensuring that only relevant and non-sensitive information is disclosed. 

Access and Disclosure Restrictions 

• Students involved in the conduct process have the right to access their own records, subject to redactions necessary for protecting the privacy of other individuals.  

• Conduct officers and designated Rhodes administrators will have access to unredacted records strictly for case management purposes.  

• Third parties, including parents, legal representatives, and the media, will only receive information in compliance with the Student Privacy Rights policy, FERPA, and other applicable laws. 

Violations of Confidentiality 

• Unauthorized disclosure of conduct records or information may result in disciplinary action. 

• Any concerns regarding breaches of confidentiality within the conduct process should be reported to the Office of Community Standards by emailing communitystandards@rhodes.edu. 

Policy Statement 

The College reserves the right to implement Interim Actions when it determines that an individual student, student organization, or group may present an immediate risk to themselves, others, or the College community. Such actions are temporary and designed to preserve safety, maintain the integrity of the educational environment, and allow time for a full review of the circumstances through the student conduct process. 

Interim Actions are not a finding of responsibility and do not replace the formal investigation or adjudication process. Students or organizations subject to Interim Actions will be notified in writing of the decision, the reasons for the action, and the procedures for requesting review or modification. 

Scope of Policy 

This policy applies to all enrolled students, registered student organizations, and other individuals or groups subject to the College’s Standards of Conduct processes. Conduct Interim Actions may be implemented when a student or organization’s continued presence on campus, participation in College programs, or access to certain privileges is determined to pose an immediate risk to the safety, health, or welfare of the College community, its property, or the normal operations of the institution. 

Purpose 

The purpose of Interim Actions is to allow the College to take immediate, temporary steps to protect the community, maintain order, and ensure the integrity of the conduct process while an alleged violation of policy is under review. These measures are not disciplinary sanctions. Rather, they are precautionary actions designed to reduce potential harm until the completion of a formal investigation or conduct a resolution process. 

Definitions 

• Interim Actions: Temporary measures imposed by the College prior to the resolution of a conduct matter. These may include, but are not limited to, restriction from campus (i.e. temporarily prohibited from attending classes, participating in College activities, and/or being present on College property until the conduct process is resolved or the action is lifted), removal from campus housing, restriction from certain facilities or activities, and no-contact directives from the College.
• Immediate Risk: A situation in which the College has reason to believe that a student’s or organization’s behavior may pose a significant threat to the safety, security, or well-being of individuals, property, or the College’s educational mission.
• Non-Punitive: Interim Actions are not a determination of responsibility and are not considered disciplinary sanctions. They are precautionary measures pending the outcome of the conduct process. 

The Division of Student Life designee may consult with other College personnel as necessary in deciding whether to impose an interim action. 

For individual students: 

1. An interim action means that the student is not allowed on Rhodes College property, cannot attend classes, or participate in any clubs/organizations or college-sponsored activities both on and off College property until an interim action appeal is reviewed (see below) or the Rhodes College conduct/resolution process is completed and the student is notified that some or all of the interim action has been lifted. Any exceptions to the campus ban will be explicitly communicated by the Division of Student Life designee issuing the interim action.  Students placed on interim action may be impacted academically and financially based on the following conditions including, but are not limited to:
   • The student is prohibited from attending classes, taking exams, or submitting coursework during the interim action period.
   • Access to academic resources such as the library, laboratories, and online learning platforms may be restricted.
   • The student may receive grades of "Incomplete" or "Fail" for any coursework missed during the interim action period, subject to faculty discretion and institutional policies.
   • If reinstated, the student may be allowed to make up missed work at the discretion of faculty and academic leadership.
   • Tuition and fees for the current semester are non-refundable.
   • The student's financial aid package, including grants, scholarships, and loans, may be affected if their enrollment status changes.
   • Residential students will be required to vacate within 24 hours of the interim action notice and will still be responsible for housing and meal plan costs.
   • The student will be required to surrender their student ID, fob, room key (if applicable), and parking permit (if applicable) to Rhodes Campus Safety.
   • Student employment (work-study or other on-campus jobs) may be suspended or terminated.
   • Any outstanding financial obligations remain due, and failure to settle these may result in account holds preventing future registration or transcript requests.
2. Notification of an interim action will be sent to the student’s College e-mail account. The notification will include information regarding: 1) the alleged behavior, 2) the rationale for the interim action, 3) the date and time the interim action goes into effect, 4) the terms of the interim action, and 5) the appeal process.  Students who are placed on interim action will have the opportunity to appeal the interim action decision.
3. Notification of the student’s interim action status will be limited to campus departments that have a legitimate need to know to enforce the interim action and ensure safety.
4. Students requesting an appeal of an interim action decision may do so by completing an Interim Action Appeal Form. The Vice President for Student Life, or their designee, will be the staff member reviewing and rendering a decision on the appeal. This appeal is an opportunity for the student to articulate why the student’s presence does not present safety and security concerns. The appeal must be submitted by the student within 48 hours from the date of the interim action notification. The student’s appeal of the interim action decision must include the rationale for the request and any documentation or information that supports lifting the interim action. The interim action decision, and any relevant information, will be reviewed and the decision will either be upheld, modified, or overturned.
5. The student will be notified of the appeal decision as soon as administratively possible. The notification will be sent to the student’s College e-mail account. The interim action  remains in effect while any review is pending. There will be no further appeals to the decision rendered upon review. If the interim action is lifted, other interim restrictions may be assigned until the resolution of any related conduct.
6. The interim action does not replace the regular resolution process and appeal process, which shall proceed in accordance with applicable procedures.
7. The College has the discretion to impose, lift, reassess, and modify an interim action as circumstances may warrant at any point in any case, including without limitation as new information becomes available. 

For Registered Student Organizations (RSO) & Affinity Groups (AG): 

1. An interim action means that the Registered Student Organization/Affinity Group must refrain from, including but not limited to: publicizing or holding events, recruiting, meeting with, or initiating new members, holding meetings with its membership until an interim action appeal is reviewed (see below) or the Rhodes College conduct/resolution process is completed and the RSO/AG is notified that some or all of the interim action has been lifted. Any exceptions to the interim action will be explicitly communicated by the Division of Student Life designee issuing the interim. RSO/AGs placed on interim action may be impacted by the following conditions including, but not limited to:
   • Meeting Spaces – Loss of reservation privileges for on-campus meeting rooms or event venues.
   • Access to Lodges – If the organization has a dedicated lodge space on campus, they may not be permitted to enter the space.
   • Fundraising Privileges – Prohibited from conducting fundraisers or soliciting donations on behalf of the organization.
   • Use of College Name and Logo – May be restricted from representing itself as an official college-affiliated organization.
   • Social Media & Marketing – Required to pause or take down official social media accounts or promotional materials that imply active college recognition.
   • Recruitment & Membership Engagement – Prohibited from recruiting new members or holding meetings.
   • Participation in Campus Events – Banned from participating in college-sponsored activities, including fairs, performances, and competitions.
   • Athletic & Club Competitions – If the organization is sports-related, they may be barred from competing under the college’s name.
2. Notification of an interim action will be sent to the College e-mail account of the President of the RSO/primary student point of contact for the AG. The notification will include information regarding the alleged behavior and the rationale for the interim action. RSO/AGs who are placed on interim action will have the opportunity to appeal the interim action decision.
3. RSO/AGs requesting an appeal of an interim action decision may do so by completing an Interim Action Appeal Form. The Vice President for Student Life, or their designee, will be the staff member reviewing and rendering a decision on the appeal. This appeal is an opportunity for the RSO/AG to articulate why their presence does not present safety and security concerns. The appeal must be submitted by the RSO/AG within 48 hours from the date of the interim action notification. The RSO/AG’s appeal of the interim action decision must include the rationale for the request and any documentation or information that supports lifting the interim action. The interim action decision, and any relevant information, will be reviewed and the decision will either be upheld, modified, or overturned.
4. The RSO/AG will be notified of the appeal decision as soon as administratively possible. The notification will be sent to the College e-mail account of the President of the RSO/primary student point of contact for the AG. The interim action will remain in effect while any review is pending. There will be no further appeals to the decision rendered upon review. If the interim action is lifted, other interim restrictions may be assigned until the resolution of any related conduct.
5. The interim action does not replace the regular resolution process and appeal process, which shall proceed in accordance with applicable procedures.
6. The College has the discretion to impose, lift, reassess, and modify an interim action as circumstances may warrant at any point in any case, including without limitation as new information becomes available. 

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. 

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:

• Informal Resolution Processes:
  • Education and Accountability Conference
  • Mediation
• Formal Resolution Processes:
  • Administrative Hearing Conference
  • Organization Conduct
  • Honor Council
  • Community Standards Council

These processes exist to ensure that there is diversity of thought when addressing alleged misconduct. These processes exist under the purview of the Associate Dean of Students (also referred to as the OCS Administrator) or their designee, and they are authorized by the Vice President for Student Life. The Office of Community Standards may, in its complete discretion (dependent on the factors in the reported information), designate which process an alleged violation of student conduct policy should be addressed by.

All Rhodes 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.  

Education and Accountability Conference is an informal resolution that provides an opportunity for the OCS Administrator, or designee, 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:

• Understand the impact of their actions and how they align and/or misalign with their intent.
• Seek development and education through discussion of exploration of alternative ideas, framework of thinking, and actions.
• Reach accountability for the actions that have been taken and reach a mutual educational outcome.

Educational and Accountability Conference Procedures

1. The Respondent will receive written notification of the alleged violation and any evidence submitted.
2. The OCS Administrator or designee must act with complete impartiality.
3. No recordings (audio and video) are made of the Educational and Accountability Conference process.  The Respondent cannot record the process on any device.
4. The student provides their narrative about what took place during the incident.
5. The Respondent may revisit the evidence submitted from their notification; the Respondent may also submit any evidence prior to the scheduled conference or during the conference.  The Respondent must be prepared to provide a copy of their evidence.
6. The OCS Administrator, or designee, asks the Respondent questions relevant to the incident and their narrative of events.
7. The OCS Administrator, or designee, concludes the conference and discusses the decision and the outcome with the student.
8. The Respondent will acknowledge the outcome, in writing:
   • If the Respondent agrees to the outcomes, they acknowledge: 1) they are waiving their student due process rights, 2) they do not request a hearing.
   • If the Respondent does not agree with the outcome, the case is referred to a hearing officer/body.

Outcomes of Education and Accountability Conferences

1. The outcomes of an Education and Accountability Conference will be discussed and agreed on between the OCS Administrator, or designee, and the Respondent.
2. When determining the educational outcomes for the violation, the following criteria is considered along with any other factors determined by the OCS Administrator, or designee, to be relevant:
   • The nature and severity of the violation.
   • The ability of the Respondent to demonstrate their ability to uphold the Standards of Conduct as a productive member of the Rhodes community.
   • The level of cooperation and accountability of the Respondent during the conference.
3. The following outcomes may be imposed:
   • Warning: This outcome is used in cases in which the Honor Council determines that the appropriate lesson has been learned and concludes the matter with a formal letter of warning.
   • Disciplinary Probation: A written notification for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary outcomes, including suspension or expulsion, if the student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period. Students on disciplinary probation are considered not in good social standing with the College.  Good standing may be required for participation in certain campus activities. In addition, students not in good standing may have their conduct reviewed for leadership or employment positions on campus.
   • Discretionary Outcomes: Work assignments, service to the College, education, referral to counseling, follow-up meetings, developing/hosting programs and/or initiatives, educational seminar/workshops, required behavioral assessment, or other related discretionary assignments (such assignments shall have the approval of the OCS Administrator or their designee).
4. More than one of the outcomes listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
5. The outcome(s) of the Education and Accountability conference is/are discussed and agreed on between the Respondent and the OCS Administrator, or designee, conclude the conference.
   • If the Respondent agrees with the outcome, they acknowledge their agreement and understand they are waiving their right to a formal hearing and appeal.   
6. Failure to adhere to any outcome imposed may result in the individual being referred through a formal Community Standards resolution process (i.e., Administrative Hearing Conference, Community Standards Council, or Honor Council) or a conduct hold placed on their account.
7. Disciplinary Outcomes are not a part of the student’s permanent academic record but are a part of the student’s disciplinary record.
8. Future violations of the same policy may be referred to a formal hearing resolution process. 

Failure to Attend and Disruptive Behavior 

1. If the Respondent fails to appear for their scheduled conference, the hearing officer will make one attempt to reschedule the conference.  If the Respondent does not appear for the rescheduled conference, the Hearing Officer may render a decision in their absence.  The Respondent may appeal the decision to the Community Standards Appeal Committee.  Refer to the 'Appeals' section of the Student Handbook for more information.  
2. Disruptive behavior on the part of anyone present shall result in immediate and permanent removal from the conference.  The conference will move forward in the student’s absence.

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.

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.

1. The Office of Community Standards receives an information/incident report regarding an alleged violation of the Standards of Conduct, the student is notified by the OCS Administrator in writing an Administrative Hearing will take place.
2. Any student identified as an active part of the reporting or hearing process is required to comply with every part of the process.  Such students may not decline to participate in the process without good cause, as determined by the OCS Administrator. If a Respondent declines to participate in the process, the outcome will be determined without their input and they may be subject to disciplinary outcomes under the Rhodes Standards of Conduct.
3. The OCS Administrator will send a Charge Notification Letter that includes an incident report identifying the nature of the alleged violation, the time and place of its alleged occurrence, and any evidence/documentation to be considered at the hearing. The student will also receive a written list of hearing procedures as outlined in the Standards of Conduct.
4. The notice will be sent at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. This time period may be extended by a written request from the student to the OCS Administrator.  The approval is at the discretion of the OCS Administrator.
5. The student shall be allowed to review all evidence prior to the scheduled hearing.
6. The student shall not be present during hearing officer’s deliberations.
7. The Respondent may offer evidence/documentation, including, without limitation, the introduction of documentary evidence, the calling of witnesses with relevant knowledge. All evidence and a complete list of witnesses shall be submitted by the Respondent to the OCS Administrator no less than 24 hours before the hearing. The OCS Administrator reserves the right to postpone the time of the hearing to properly evaluate any new evidence. The Respondent shall be responsible for securing the appearance of their witnesses at the hearing.  Evidence and witness information submitted less than 24 hours prior to the hearing will not be considered.
8. All participants in the hearing process should keep the matter under consideration confidential. The Respondent may make such investigation as they require to state their case and may also consult with a chosen faculty member, family members, counselors or their attorney.
9. The hearing officer may find the Respondent “Responsible” of the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code/policy only upon a preponderance of the evidence. Under this standard, a violation has occurred if it is more likely than not (greater than a 50% chance) that a violation of the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code/policy occurred.
10. The Respondent may be found “Responsible” of the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code/policy only for the violation(s) which is the subject of the hearing.
11. If the Respondent fails to participate in the hearing process, the Hearing Officer may continue with the hearing procedure.
12. In cases in which two or more students are respondent of a joint violation, the Hearing Officer may conduct one hearing for the joint violation but shall arrive at an independent decision for each respondent student.
13. If found “Responsible” of the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code/policy, the Respondent may call for an appeal of the Hearing Officer’s decision and/or sanctioning by the Appellate Officer. The Respondent must request the appeal in writing within four business days of the decision, and the Respondent must indicate or list the specific ground(s) upon which they are basing their request for an appeal.
14. All accounts (Complainant, Respondent, and Witnesses) during the Administrative Hearing will be held individually only to give their own testimony.  No other persons may be present during the hearing. Disruptive behavior on the part of anyone present shall result in immediate and permanent removal from the hearing.  Hearing proceedings will move forward in absentia. 

Hearing Procedures

1. The Hearing Officer shall preside over the hearing.
2. The Hearing Officer must act with complete impartiality. If the Hearing Officer believes their participation in any aspect of hearing process constitutes a conflict of interest, they must recuse themselves.
3. No audio or video recording of the hearing will be made during the Administrative Hearing process.  The Student may not record on their personal device.
4. The student shares their opening statement.
5. The Respondent may observe all evidence presented during the hearing but shall not be present for Hearing Officer’s deliberations.
6. The student provides their narrative about what took place during the incident.
7. The OCS Administrator or designee asks the student questions relevant to the incident and their narrative of events.
8. The student shares their closing statement.
9. The OCS Administrator or designee concludes the hearing and deliberates on the outcome.
10. Legal counsel retained by an Respondent student or any other person participating in the hearing shall not attend the Administrative Hearing. Any advice or assistance requested of legal counsel by a student must be obtained prior to the hearing.

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.

The Appeal Process for a Respondent (Charged Student)

For information regarding appeal procedures, refer to the Appeals section of the Student Handbook.

Organization Conduct for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and Affinity Groups (AGs)

Student organizations at Rhodes College play a vital role in enhancing campus life, promoting leadership, and fostering a sense of community. To maintain a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for all students, all recognized student organizations are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct.

Organization conduct refers to the behavior, operations, and decision-making practices of student groups and their members. All organizations are accountable for:

• Acting in accordance with the college’s values, policies, and code of conduct.
• Ensuring that all events and activities are inclusive, respectful, and non-discriminatory.
• Managing their operations transparently and ethically, including financial practices and leadership transitions.
• Taking responsibility for the actions of their members, particularly during official events or when representing the college.
• Collaborating constructively with college departments, advisors, and other student groups.

Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension or loss of organizational recognition. Through responsible conduct, student organizations help build a campus community rooted in respect, leadership, and integrity.

A Charged RSO, or AG will have the following rights:

• The presumption of not responsible. A Charged RSO, or AG may not be deemed responsible until the conclusion of the hearing proceedings.
• To receive a notification letter through Written Communication of any specific allegation, Charge(s), and evidence collected.
• To be provided with a reasonable amount of time to respond to the Notification Letter.
• To refuse to comment or answer questions.
• To present information or any Witness in defense of a charge per the procedures outlined in the Standards of Conduct.
• To present evidence of any issue coming before their hearing.
• To be notified prior to a hearing to inspect and review the information on which a charge is based.
• To have an Outcome imposed that is appropriate with the violation.
• To retain rights as a RSO, or AG until a final decision is issued by the hearing officer or appellate body. However, a RSO, or AG may be subject to an Interim Suspension, limitations or conditions as set forth in the Standards of Conduct.
• To appeal any interim suspension and/or hearing outcome.

A Charged RSO, or AG, will have the following responsibilities before and during a hearing: 

• To be honest.
• To attend the scheduled hearing on a specified date, time, and location.
• To have personal information kept private. All hearing proceedings are confidential and private.   The Office of Community Standards may share information with campus partners with a legitimate educational interest of the matter.   
• To conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and honorable.  Any participant that is disruptive to the hearing process will be dismissed and the process will continue in their absence.
• Only the College may record in the investigative and hearing proceedings. No other form of recording or transmission of any proceeding (including investigations) is allowed.
• A registered student organization (RSO) or Affinity group (AG) may be accused of a violation of the Standards of Conduct regardless of whether a member of the organization is individually accused of a violation arising from the same incident(s).  Registered organizations and sponsored activities are subject to the same rules and regulations as individual students, and Rhodes may hold them accountable for their actions even when the College pursues charges of misconduct for the same incident against individual members of the group.
• A RSO or AG may be held accountable if any of the following situations regarding an alleged violation(s) of the Standards of Conduct apply:
  • The conduct is sanctioned by the organization and/or any of its officers. “Sanctioned by” includes, but is not limited to, active or passive consent or encouragement or possessing prior knowledge that the conduct was likely to occur; and/or
  • The activity involved such a significant number of members of the organization and/or the organization advertised or promoted the activity through communications associated with the organization, such that a reasonable person would conclude that the activity was affiliated with or sanctioned by the organization; and/or
  • The organization, either in whole or in part, planned and/or implemented the activity, and/or advertised the activity; and/or
  • The activity occurred on property (whether on campus or off) owned, controlled, rented, leased, or used by the organization or any of its members for organization activities; and/or
  • The activity was related to initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in the organization; and/or
  • The organization knew or should have known about the activity and failed to act responsibly in preventing it.
• In any hearing resulting from a violation by a RSO or AG in which it is determined that the violation was caused by the action of individuals rather than the official action(s) of the organization, those individuals may be referred through the Community Standards process as individuals.
• The president of the RSO/ the primary student point of contact for the AG shall represent the organization in all conduct proceedings. Rhodes College-issued email addresses are the primary means of communication with RSO or AGs and the Office of Community Standards.  Officers within the RSO or AGs are responsible for all communications delivered to their Rhodes College email addresses. RSO or AG leadership should check their Rhodes College email address daily. Notices of an investigation, meetings, and hearings are only sent to Rhodes College email addresses.

For more information regarding Interim Suspension of Registered Student Organizations/Affinity Groups, refer to the Interim Action page of the Student Handbook.

The Office of Community Standards, or its designee, may, in its complete discretion, designate which process an alleged violation of student conduct policy is to be addressed by (i.e., Administrative Hearing, IFC Judicial Board (if applicable), Community Standards Council). A hearing will be conducted with a hearing officer or hearing body.   

• Administrative Hearings for Registered Student Organizations and Affinity Groups, click here.
• Interfraternity Council (IFC) Hearing Procedures, click here.

The following outcomes may be imposed when a RSO or AG has been found in violation of the Standards of Conduct: 

Primary: 

• Warning is notifying the organization that it has violated the Standards of Conduct and is a caution that repetition of the behavior or other misconduct may result in a more severe outcomes. An organization may not receive more than two warnings for the same conduct in an academic year without more serious action being taken.
• Loss or Restriction of Privileges is limitation or removal of social privileges including, but not limited to, the opportunity to schedule social functions, to use Rhodes facilities, or to post notices.
• Educational Measure is a requirement to complete specific assignments at the organization’s expense directly related to the violation committed.
• Restitution is requiring an organization to reimburse Rhodes, appropriate individual(s), or vendor(s) for damage or misappropriation.
• Task Participation is requiring the organization’s members to participate in assigned tasks or service projects appropriate to the violation.

Secondary: 

• Termination is removal of institutional recognition. Rhodes denies the organization all privileges associated with recognition including, but not limited to, the right to reserve space in College facilities or to use Rhodes property or resources, the right to receive student activity fees or other funding from College resources, and the right to participate in or sponsor extracurricular or social activities on campus.
• Suspension is removal of institutional recognition for a stated period of time. During the period of suspension, the organization will be denied the use of all Rhodes facilities and resources and may not in any way participate in or sponsor any extracurricular or social activity on campus. At the end of the prescribed period of time, the organization will be allowed to re-form subject to any condition(s) set forth at the time of suspension.
• Probation with Loss of Privileges is continued recognition with loss of the right to sponsor or participate in all extracurricular and/or social activities for a stated period of time. Further misconduct during the period of probation or violation of the terms of the probation will most likely result in a loss of recognition.
• Probation is continued recognition and operation with a warning that further misconduct during the period of probation or violation of the terms of the probation may result in loss of institutional recognition. Conditions may be attached as terms of continuance during the period of probation.

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. 

Appeals for RSO (Under Interim Suspension): RSO/AG has the right to appeal an interim suspension.  The appeal must be submitted to the Vice President for Student Life (VPSL), or their designee, who is named in the interim suspension notification letter. The appeal letter must be written by the President of the RSO/the primary student point of contact for the AG. This letter must specify the basis for the appeal.  The VPSL, at their discretion, may uphold, modify, or overturn the interim suspension.

Appeals (After a Hearing):  All organizational conduct proceedings at Rhodes allow for an appeal of the outcome of the hearing.  The appellate officer will be the Vice President for Student Life, or their designee. The appeal is limited to three grounds:

• A hearing procedure was not followed; and/or
• The outcomes imposed were inappropriate for the violation of College policy; and/or
• New and relevant information has become available, sufficient to alter the decision, that was unknown or unavailable to them at the time of the original hearing.

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 sanctions will be placed in abeyance until the appellate officer renders a decision. 

The appellate officer may, at their discretion, render a decision based on what was submitted or contact the Respondent for an appeal hearing, and/or additional questions/information.  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 decision is final.  

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: 

• The student significantly disrupts the activities of the college community: 
• The student poses a direct risk to the health or safety of others; or  
• The student demonstrates evidence of significant impairment such that they are unable to participate safely and successfully in the college's academic and/or residential life and cannot independently determine that a voluntary leave is needed.  

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.

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:

1. Contact the Student Health Center to schedule a symptomatic testing appointment.
2. Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Students should contact the Student Health Center at health@rhodes.edu or 901-843-3895.
3. After 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday: Students should contact Campus Safety by calling 901-843-3880
4. You will be scheduled for testing (self-isolate until tested).
5. Attend your symptomatic testing appointment masked and distanced.
6. If your rapid test is positive, the Student Health Center staff will follow up with you about the appropriate positive or contact protocols. You will be issued an isolation order, which you must follow.
7.  If your rapid test is negative, the Student Health Center staff will contact you about the appropriate protocols, including following up on your rapid test with a PCR test. You will be advised to mask and personally distance yourself from other community members when possible, pending the results of the PCR test, which may take up to 72 hours.
8. PCR testing will be completed by the outside vendor (American Esoteric Laboratories) that will bill your insurance information on file with the college.  If you do not have insurance information on file with the college, the vendor will bill you the test cost.  The college does not cover the cost of the PCR testing. Please ensure your insurance information is updated and on file by viewing the Medicat Patient Portal (https://patient-rhodes.medicatconnect.com/).

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. 

• The Shelby County Health Department lists locations for free tests, including at-home tests;
• CVS offers drive-through tests at many locations in Memphis and Shelby County; and
• Walgreens also offers testing at most of its locations.

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.

Distinguishing mild symptoms from more significant symptoms:

Significant Symptoms:

• Lingering cough
• Fever within the last 24 hours**
• Severe respiratory systems
• Lingering GI symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting
• Severe sore throat, fatigue, headache
• Body aches, chills

Mild Symptoms:

• Mild headache, mild or scratchy sore throat, fatigue
• Lingering loss of smell or taste
• Mild congestion (nasal
• Sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose

 **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.

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.