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

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.

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 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 his or her strengths and weaknesses
• 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.

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.

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.

Introduction

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.

Definitions:

Pets

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

Service Animals

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 disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for purposes of this policy. Service animals may assist by guiding individuals with vision impairments, alerting individuals with hearing impairments to sounds, assisting individuals with mobility impairments, or performing other specific tasks. 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.

Work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. 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, assisting an individual during a seizure, 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 preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.

Emotional Support Animals

An emotional support animal, also referred to as a comfort animal, is defined as any animal, the use of which is supported by a qualified physician, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional, based on a disability-related need. Emotional support animals do not have to be trained to perform any particular task.

General Policies for Animals on Campus

Pet Policy

Fish (in tanks with maximum capacity of ten gallons) are the only pets which may be kept in student rooms with the permission of roommates. The only exceptions are approved service or Emotional Support animals. 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.

Guests or commuter students are required to keep pets on leashes while on campus and are responsible for cleaning up after the pet. Pets should not be taken inside Residence Halls.

Additionally, pets are not allowed into campus buildings or structures or into any areas that serve food and/or beverages. 

Service Animal Policy

Rhodes allows service animals to accompany visitors with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. Service animals are allowed in any area, unless the presence of the service animal poses a direct threat, or the service animal’s presence would require a fundamental alteration in the facility’s practices, policies, or procedures.

Rhodes does not impose breed or size restrictions on service animals. Students with qualifying animals are not exempted from responsibility for damage caused by the animal, above and beyond the normal wear and tear a human might reasonably cause.

Students must make a request for disability-related reasonable accommodation with the Office for Student Accessibility Services in order for their service animals to be allowed in the classroom, places where food is served, and student housing. An owner/handler may have more than one service animal, but each animal should have a specific purpose which can be identified.

If the student represents that the animal is a service animal, he or she does not have to provide documentation or other proof that the animal has been certified or licensed as a service animal; conversely providing such a certificate, 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/handler, and shall have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless the owner/handler is unable to use such tether because of a disability, or the use of such tether would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work, in which case the service animal must still otherwise be under the handler’s control (e.g. voice control, signals, or other effective means).

Rhodes is not responsible for the care or supervision of a service animal. It is the responsibility of the owner/handler to provide food, water, and other necessary care or to make such arrangements through accompanying persons.

Emotional Support Animal Policy

Students wishing to bring an emotional support animal on campus must receive advance approval from the Office of Student Accessibility Services before bringing the animal on campus. In order for an animal to qualify as an emotional support animal, the student must provide a certificate from a licensed mental health professional stating that the animal’s presence is necessary for the student’s emotional health. While animals other than dogs 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 emotional support animals.

Emotional support animals on campus grounds are to be properly leashed by the owner/handler at all times or will be subject to removal. The owner/handler is responsible for cleaning up after the emotional support animal. Emotional support animals are not allowed into campus buildings or structures or into any areas that serve food and/or beverages.

With prior approval from Rhodes, students may bring an emotional support animal into previously agreed-upon campus buildings or structures as a reasonable accommodation for a disability-related accommodation request.

Rhodes does not impose breed or size restrictions on emotional support animals. Students  with qualifying animals are not exempted from responsibility for damage and/or cleaning expenses caused by the animal, above and beyond the normal wear and tear a human might reasonably cause.

An emotional support animal is required to be under the control of its owner/handler, 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.

Rhodes is not responsible for the care or supervision of an emotional support animal. It is the responsibility of the owner/handler to provide food, water, and other necessary care or to make such arrangements through accompanying persons.

Dog Guides in Training

Rhodes allows dog guides in training on campus, provided that the dog guide in training is led or accompanied by a dog guide trainer, is wearing a harness, and held on a leash by the dog guide trainer. Additionally, the dog guide trainer shall first present for inspection credentials issued by an accredited school for training dog guides.

Dog guides in training are generally subject to the same rules under this policy as service animals. However, dog guides 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 a service animal or emotional support animal access to its premises or ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from the premises, including a service animal approved to live in campus housing as discussed further below, if one of the following situation exists:

1. The animal is not under the control of the handler, and such individual does not take effective action to control the animal within a reasonable period of time under the circumstances.
2. 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.
3. The animal otherwise poses a risk to the health or safety of people or other service 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:
   1. External signs of aggression, such as growling, biting or snapping, baring its teeth, or lunging; or
   2. External signs of parasites on the service animal (e.g. fleas, ticks), or other external signs of disease or bad health (e.g. diarrhea or vomiting).

Animals in the Classroom:

Animals other than service and emotional support animals are generally prohibited in the classroom. Students seeking to bring a service animal or emotional support animal into the classroom must seek prior written approval through a disability-related request for reasonable accommodation. Rhodes will consider such requests related to service animals and emotional support animals on a case-by-case basis. 

Animals and Campus Housing:

Under the Fair Housing Act ("FHA"), Rhodes is required to make reasonable accommodations to allow service animals and emotional support animals to live with a student with disabilities. Such animals must have reasonable access to an area for animal exercise and waste. It is the responsibility of the owner/handler to provide food, water, and other necessary care for his or her animal.

A student requesting to keep a service animal or emotional support animal in campus housing must make a formal request to the Office of Student Accessibility Services, 901-843-3815. For emotional support animals, the student must also submit an Emotional Support Animal Verification Form signed by a licensed mental health professional who has observed the animal and the owner personally. On-line certificates will not be accepted.
 
In order for an animal 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 a service animal or emotional support animal in campus housing should submit their request and supporting documentation, if required, to Student Accessibility Services by June 1 for review and determination before the beginning of fall semester and by November 1 before the beginning of spring semester. Returning students should submit paperwork by March 1.

Student Accessibility Services reviews each request on a case-by-case basis. If the request is approved, the student requesting that a service animal or emotional support animal be housed in campus housing will carefully review and complete the Service and Emotional Support Animals in Student Campus Housing. 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.

The owner must notify Student Accessibility Services and Residence Life in writing if his, her or their service animal or emotional support animal is no longer needed or is no longer in residence. The owner must file a new request in order to replace a service animal or emotional support animal. Residence Life reserves the right to relocate the owner and approved animal as necessary according to the housing contract. The owner agrees to continue to abide by all other residential policies.

Emotional support animals must be contained within the privately assigned residential area (room, suite, or 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 has been approved by Rhodes as a reasonable accommodation.

All roommates or suitemates of the owner must sign an agreement allowing the service animal or emotional support animal to be in the residence with them. In the event that one or more roommates or suitemates do not approve, either the owner and the animal or the non-approving roommates or suitemates, as determined by Residence Life, may be moved to a different location.

The animal must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal, in accordance with local ordinances and regulations. Further, the animal must comply with local licensing requirements. Animals to be housed in campus housing must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Documentation can be proof of vaccination for the animal or a veterinarian's statement regarding the animal's health. The college has authority to direct that the animal receive veterinary attention.

The owner's residence may be inspected for fleas, ticks, or other pests as needed. 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.

Animals approved to live in campus housing may not be left overnight in campus housing to be care for by another student other than the owner. Animals must be taken with the owner if they leave campus at any time. 

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 housing if, 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, or (2) the specific animal in question would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be reduced or eliminated by another reasonable accommodation.

An animal removal determination will be made by Student Accessibility Services in consultation with Residence Life, the student resident, and other parties as appropriate. Any removal of a previously approved animal may be appealed to the Vice President of Student Life, as outlined in the Student Accessibility Services Procedures. If a previously approved animal is removed from campus premises for any reason, the owner is expected to fulfill their housing obligations for the remainder of the housing contract.

All questions regarding service and emotional support animals in campus housing should be directed to Student Accessibility Services at 901-843-3815 or butlerm@rhodes.edu.

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.) 

Rhodes College will not tolerate the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of illegal drugs or the misuse of over the counter or lawfully prescribed medications on the Rhodes campus. Such activity is a threat to the personal safety of the people who work and live on the campus, and a threat to the reputation and mission of the College. Such conduct:

1. Violates the law
2. Compromises the physical and mental health of those involved
3. Threatens the fabric of the community by introducing unlawful elements

The students, faculty, and staff of Rhodes are responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable state and local laws that make it a crime to possess, sell, deliver or manufacture those drugs considered to be “controlled substances,” and therefore illegal, by the state of Tennessee. Any member of the Rhodes community who violates the law is subject to both prosecution and punishment by law enforcement authorities and to disciplinary proceedings by the College.

Students at Rhodes are subject to disciplinary action for the possession, manufacture, use, sale, or distribution (by either sale or gift) of any quantity of any prescription drug or illegal drug or for being under the influence of any prescription drug or illegal drug, except for the appropriate use of an over-the-counter medication or for the prescribed use of medication in accordance with the instructions of a licensed physician. Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, heroin, amphetamines, barbiturates, LSD, PCP, and substances typically known as “designer drugs” such as “ecstasy” or “eve.” Possession of paraphernalia associated with the use, possession or manufacture of illegal drugs is also prohibited. Students are also subject to disciplinary action for the misuse or abuse of mind-altering substances other than illegal drugs, such as Amyl Nitrate, Ephedrine, volatile solvents, aerosols, Nitrous Oxide, and similar substances.

Student Sanctions

The sanctions to be imposed by the College may range from probation to suspension or expulsion from one’s place of residence or to expulsion from enrollment. However, the following are the minimum sanctions that will be imposed by the College for a violation of this policy.

The minimum sanction for a first-time drug paraphernalia violation is a requirement to participate in a drug education program and disciplinary probation for six months, which places a student in not good standing with the college. The penalty for any student who violates the policy for drug paraphernalia for a second time will be deferred suspension or suspension from the College for at least one semester.

The minimum sanction for a first-time violation of the Drug Policy for misuse or abuse of illegal drugs or the illegal use or possession of a prescription drug is disciplinary probation for a full year, a fine,  and a requirement for participation in a drug abuse education and/or treatment program. Parental notification is also likely. Any student who violates the Drug Policy for misuse or abuse of illegal drugs or illegal use or possession of a prescription drug for a second time will be suspended from the College for at least one year.

Shared Responsibility Statement: 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.

The minimum penalty for sale, manufacture for sale or distribution of illegal drugs, mind-altering substances or prescription drugs is expulsion from the College.

Summary of State Law Concerning Drugs

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 alcohol or drugs risk damage to both their mental and physical health.  The following information includes some health risks associated with misuse of alcohol and drugs.

• Alcohol. Alcohol consumption causes a number of changes in behavior and physiology. Even low doses significantly impair judgment, coordination, and abstract mental functioning. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of violent behaviors on college campuses, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, fights, and incidents of drinking and driving. Continued abuse may lead to dependency, which often causes permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of a healthy lifestyle.
• Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish). The use of marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Users often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is stored in the fatty tissues of the brain and reproductive system for a minimum of 28 to 30 days.
• Hallucinogens. Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when use has ceased. Phencyclidine (PCP) affects the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries.
• Cocaine/Crack. Cocaine users often have a stuffy, runny nose and may have a perforated nasal septum. The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, followed by depression. Crack, or freebase rock cocaine, is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, convulsions, and even death.
• Amphetamines. Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse, and death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts. 
• Heroin. Heroin is an opiate drug that causes the body to have diminished pain reactions. The use of heroin can result in coma or death due to a reduction in heart rate.

Confidential Drug and Alcohol Resources and Clinical Services

Counseling Center and Health Services
Moore Moore Health Services
901-843-3128

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

Other Helpful Numbers

Rhodes College values all community members, including those outside our gates. The College strives to build positive, respectful, and civil relationships with our community neighbors to ensure positive, open streams of dialogue.

Complaints involving excessive noise and/or trash reported by community neighbors will result in an investigation led by the Office of Community Standards. The following are possible sanctions for community violations involving noise and/or trash.

• Warning
• Disciplinary Probation

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.

Purpose of the Policy

As a private institution, Rhodes College is a voluntary association of persons invited to membership with the understanding they will respect the policies and principles set forth by the College. Rhodes College is a place that 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 seek to engage a talented and diverse student body in a challenging, inclusive, and culturally broadening college experience that values and promotes academic freedom. We uphold the values of academic freedom, as stated in the College handbook. 

The expressive speech and activities governed by this policy are planned or spontaneous actions by a group or individual which are expressions of opinion, by words or action about particular events, policies, or situations. These actions are co-curricular or extra-curricular events that are not part of normal curricular courses, lectures, and educational activities being taught or hosted by Rhodes faculty and staff members. These co-curricular or extra-curricular activities are a core part of the life of the College. However, when planned and implemented without care, they can impede our values and diminish us individually and as a community.

The following policy has been developed in cooperation with the Rhodes faculty and administration. Questions and concerns about this statement should be directed to the Executive Director of Communications or to the Senior Leadership Team member for your area. 

Guiding Principles

While respecting academic freedom and the rights of its members to peaceful and unobstructed expressions of opinion, Rhodes College requires such activities not disrupt the College’s operations or endanger the safety of others. Further, Rhodes College reserves the right to establish a reasonable time, place, and manner for all such activities. Expressive activities must not interfere with normal College business. It is a violation of the norms of the College community for anyone to prevent the conduct of College business, including lectures, meetings, events, ceremonies, classroom/educational activities, or other necessary business and community functions. 

Specific Policy Requirements

• Organizer/Liaison: A current student, staff, or faculty member of the College community and/or recognized student organization must be the designated Organizer/Liaison for each expressive activity. Any off-campus person or entity not affiliated with the College wishing to hold such an activity on campus must be sponsored by a department, program or recognized student organization. Organizers and associated participants speak only for themselves in the public events and actions. 
  • The organizer is expected to ensure that the event complies with existing College policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Organizers intending to use city sidewalks and streets adjacent to the College should make appropriate arrangement with the city of Memphis.
  • For all events on campus, the organizer shall be responsible for the orderly execution of the event, for any possible liability, and is required to coordinate security, cleanup, and parking with administrative staff. Should the organizer wish promotional support from the Office of Communication, such requests must be made in a timely manner (usually, at least 3 weeks in advance of the event). The College may or may not choose to promote an event depending on availability of resources or the nature of the event.  
• Space: Expressive speech and activities typically occur in (public) spaces normally approved for reservation by individuals, departments, and recognized organizations for their activities. A list of these common available spaces will be provided by the Office of Events Planning to interested parties when requested. Because of the need for normal college activities to be conducted without interruptions, expressive activities are typically not permitted in the following locations: classrooms, offices, library, residence hall rooms, and lecture halls to ensure that normal work, residential experiences, and services of the College can continue. Organizers must ensure that corridors, stairways and doorway entrances remain clear and provide unimpeded passage.

Space Reservations

As with all requests to use College space, in order to further the effectiveness of the event and to avoid any conflicts in scheduling, faculty and staff organizers of expressive activity events that require the use of a College space are expected to reserve the space on the Events Management online portal. Students who are planning an event should consult with the Offices of Student Leadership and Events Planning to make space reservations. Usually, these spaces need to be reserved by students at least 2 weeks in advance. If an event cannot be planned in advance, the Organizer/Liaison must contact the Dean of Students or Dean of Faculty to determine the availability of space, and provide contact information before the event begins. Once an event is scheduled, the Office of Events Planning and/or appropriate administrative office (Dean of Students or Dean of Faculty) will assist with planning the event details as is needed and helpful.

• Timing: The length of any given event may vary. However, campus events will occur within a 24-hour period; no overnight or multiple day events are allowed. Events occurring within inside spaces shall comply with building schedules for opening and closing times, as determined during the space reservation process prior to the event. Within the above stated timing parameters, expressive activities will be permitted to continue until and unless the College officials determine that there has been a violation of College policy, interruption of its operations and/or the rights of others have been compromised.
• Signage: Temporary placards, banners, chalking, and signs that are used in an expressive activity must follow the policy outlined in the College Handbook. They should not be dangerous to others or physically impede the participation of others in the life of the College. Should such items not comply with these expectations, the materials will be removed.

Violations

The College has an obligation to develop policies and procedures that safeguard the freedom of expression while maintaining an atmosphere conducive to the overall functioning of the College and the commitment to academic freedom. Each member of the community is expected to be respectful of the corollary right of other community members to perform their duties and participate in the life of the College free from disruption, interference, or harassment. Violations of this policy can result in the immediate cancelation of an event, and/or all relevant disciplinary actions that fall under the appropriate section(s) of the College Handbook. In order to avoid any misunderstanding of what are peaceful, permitted, and safe expressive activities, the following non-exhaustive list of prohibited behaviors and characteristics is provided as examples. 

Violations of this policy include activities that

• Violate the Rhodes College Handbook or, as applicable, the Rhodes College Student Handbook, including but not limited to the Rhodes College Title IX Policy, Diversity Policy, Policy on Discrimination and Harassment, Sex/Gender Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy, Administrative Policy, Communications Policy, Information Services Policy, and Safety and Security Policy contained therein. 
• 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; 
• Violate any other federal or state laws or ethical standards. 

Questions or Appeals

Any questions or appeals of decisions regarding such events should be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs or Office 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.

Influenza Vaccination Requirement

Beginning in August 2021, Rhodes College will require that all students to be fully vaccinated for Influenza and submit proof of vaccination to come to campus. Those who are not fully vaccinated and plan to be on campus for any reason must have an approved exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Tennessee Department of Health Requirements

The Tennessee Department of Health has immunization requirements for those who attend college. The requirements can be found in the Tennessee Department of Health Rules.

The state’s immunization requirements follow the current schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).  A brief summary of the required immunizations for colleges is listed in the TN Immunization Requirements Summary Table.

Full-time Tennessee college students are required to submit records for the following vaccines:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR): if born on or after January 1, 1957 only.
• Varicella (2 doses or credible history of disease): if born on or after January 1, 1980 only. 
• Hepatitis B (HBV) – only for health science students expected to have patient contact (before patient contact begins).
• Meningococcal - At a minimum of 1 dose given at 16 years of age or greater if enrolling in public institution for the first time and under 22 years of age and living in on-campus housing; private institutions set their own requirements for this vaccine. 

Tennessee follows published CDC guidelines. For vaccines with critical minimum age requirements (e.g., MMR, varicella) or minimum dose intervals, doses are considered valid if given up to 4 days before the minimum age or dose interval.  Doses administered more than 4 days early are considered invalid and should be repeated as recommended.

A positive serology (year of test documented) is acceptable as an alternative to immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B or varicella.  For varicella, documentation of provider diagnosed varicella or provider-verified credible history of disease given by a parent or guardian also is acceptable. By documenting a history of disease, the provider is asserting that he or she is convinced that the child has had chickenpox.

All students should review the information at Tennessee Department of Health, College Immunizations.

Rhodes' extreme weather procedures provide for making decisions to cancel classes or to delay the start of classes at the College when weather conditions warrant. These procedures will be used only if Rhodes’ schedule is altered.

The decision will be communicated through the following College communication avenues

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

Memphis ordinance 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 is located in Barret Library. Technology resources include cloud file storage, network printing, e-mail, computer labs, classroom AV, and internet access throughout campus.

Students are given network user accounts after enrolling. These accounts are for use in work related to the user’s role at Rhodes. Through a network user account, students have secure access to e-mail, cloud file storage, and printing. Students are responsible for all usage in their network user account.

Information Desk. Please refer technology related questions or problems to the Information Desk at (901)843-3890 or by e-mail at help@rhodes.edu.

Printers. Print release stations (aka "PrintHubs") are located throughout Barret Library and many other buildings on campus. Students are allocated $100.00 credit of free printing on August 1. Printing is charged at a rate of $.10 per page for black and white and $.25 per page for color.

Network Services. The use of the network is a privilege, which may temporarily be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Such conduct includes but is not limited to the placing of unlawful information on a system, the use of objectionable language, running unauthorized servers, unaddressed virus or malware infections, and any other type of use that would cause congestion or security risk of the network or otherwise interfere with the work of others. It is a violation of the college policy to assume the identity of others in e-mail and other network communication.

Misuse of Computer Resources. The college assumes that individuals will treat all of the facilities with respect and consideration for other users. Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. If a problem is discovered with Rhodes College computer equipment, it should be reported immediately to the Information Desk. Students are expected to abide by the rules of usage as posted in the labs.

Residence Hall Network. All residence halls have WiFi service available throughout the building. Students are not to tamper with wireless access points. Damage to access points will result in fines being charged to students and/or to all of the students on the entire floor. To minimize interference, students should not use wireless printers in their dorm rooms. Printers should have the wireless feature turned off and a wired connection to their computer (e.g. via USB) used instead.

IDs and Passwords. We want to protect the privacy and security of your personal information and resource access at Rhodes. It is a violation to post a public image of your Rhodes ID card or share your network password with anyone. If you believe that your password has been compromised, please contact help@rhodes.edu to have your password reset. We also require that all students, faculty, and staff use multi-factor authentication to validate password submission, providing a second layer of protection to your account credentials.

Misuse of Internet Resources. In keeping with Rhodes' tradition of student self-governance, students are expected to use the network in ways consistent with codes of conduct established in the Honor Code and Social Regulations Code and with the Standards of the Rhodes Community.

Violations. Violation of any portion of the Computer Usage Policies will result in suspension of one’s privileges for use of Rhodes computers and information technology services until the appropriate Vice President or Dean approves reauthorization of access to equipment and services, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed under other College rules, such as the Honor Code or Social Regulations Code. Users must not conceal or help to conceal or “cover up” violations by any party. Users are expected to report any evidence of actual or suspected violation of these policies to the Vice President for Student and Information Services. 

Rhodes College is authorized to investigate alleged or apparent violations of college policy or applicable law using whatever means appropriate. Rhodes reserves the right to monitor use of Rhodes computers and to access, inspect and/or download any and all information stored on Rhodes computers in the course of such investigation. Information Services is authorized by the college to investigate policy violations and apply reduction or elimination of access privileges while the matter is under review and/or as a penalty for violations. These sanctions may apply to computing accounts, networks, college administered computing rooms, and other services or facilities. A college user accused of a violation will be notified of the charge and will have an opportunity to respond to the college disciplinary body appropriate to the violator’s status before a final determination of any penalty.

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

1. Live or amplified music on the Rhodes campus must cease by 10 p.m. or upon complaint on Sunday through Thursday nights, and by 1:00 a.m. on weekends (Friday and Saturday nights). 
2. Quiet Hours begin in all Residence Halls at 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. On Friday and Saturday evenings quiet hours begin at 1:00 a.m.
3. All music or other sound, from whatever source, at any fraternity house, residence hall room, social room, or any other location on the Rhodes campus must be kept at a reasonable level at all times. The location of the event, 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.
4. Both registered or informal events must comply with the policy; it is the collective responsibility of those participating in such events to ensure compliance.
5. 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 grills available for student use in common areas. The use of grills is prohibited within 50 feet of any residence building.

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.

Advertising special events and posting informational material is a key factor in the success of an organization’s activities. Certain policies and courtesies are outlined below regarding the posting of publicity items.

• The name of the organization responsible for posting must appear on the material.
• All posters, chalking, flyers, and signs must be posted in such a manner that they may be easily removed and do not damage or deface the surface to which they are attached.
• Off-campus organizations may not post without prior approval from the Dean of Students Office.
• All on-campus organizations must receive prior approval to post from the Student Activities Coordinator or Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
• Individuals or organizations who post materials are responsible for removing these materials no later than 48 hours after the event has taken place.
• No organization or individual with posters or chalking for display may cover or remove any other approved materials that have not gone beyond their assigned posting dates.
• All posters, chalking, signs, advertisements, and displays are subject to the “not socially offensive” standard, such as no personal attacks or obscenities. Content must not violate the College’s policy on Harassment and Discrimination or the Commitment to Diversity. Due to the college's non-profit status political campaign signs are not permitted in public spaces on campus.
• No posters, chalking, flyers, or displays of any kind may be attached to the fence surrounding the campus, to a window of a door, sculptures or statues.
• Posters are not allowed to be posted on entrances to the Refectory, Burrow Hall, Briggs Hall, BCLC, Robertson Hall, Barret Library, and lamp posts.
• Chalking is limited to sidewalks only.
• No mention of alcohol should be on fliers.

Violations of the posting policy may be sanctioned by the Community Standards Council or an administrative hearing officer.

Click here for information about Permanent Campus Signage.

This policy does not apply to faculty. 

Social media at Rhodes extends existing communication efforts to raise the profile and manage the reputation of the College. “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. Participating in social media sites on behalf of Rhodes College is not a right, but a privilege and should be taken seriously and with respect to the broader community. 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.

Use at Work

• College employees seeking to represent Rhodes via social media outlets, including departmental accounts, must do the following:
  • Observe all obligations, policies and requirements of Rhodes College concerning privacy and confidentiality. 
  • Conduct themselves at all times as representatives of the College, and accordingly, adhere to all College standards of conduct and observe conventionally accepted protocols and proper decorum.
  • Identify themselves as an employee of the College.
  • Refrain from using language or images that are obscene, sexually explicit, threatening, intimidating, or harassing; or language that ridicules, harasses, maligns, disparages, or otherwise expresses bias against any person(s) on account of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
  • Respect the intellectual property rights of others.
  • Do not combine your personal social media account with the social media account you maintain on behalf of Rhodes. 
  • At Rhodes’ request, promptly take down any posts or other information deemed to violate this policy.
• College employees using social media on College-provided devices must not:
  • Circulate or post commercial, personal, religious or political solicitations, chain letters, spam or promotion of outside organizations unrelated to the business of Rhodes College.
  • Use working time to post on social media unless part of an employee’s job duties.

Personal Use

Rhodes recognizes the important part social media may play in the personal lives of its employees. However, in this interconnected world, an employee’s personal social media presence may affect the reputation of Rhodes College. For this reason, Rhodes expects employees to observe the following rules for the personal, off-duty use of social media:

• Employees engaged in the personal use of social media, whether it be the employee’s own sites, the sites of others, media pages, professional sites or other information exchange forums, must not state or imply that they are speaking or acting on behalf of Rhodes or presenting or representing the interests of the College. 
• Employees may not post, transmit, or otherwise disseminate any confidential or proprietary information such as student information, social security numbers, personal health information, business strategies, future planning, or attorney-client communications to which they have access as a result of their employment. 
• Employees may not display the College’s name, seal, or logos on their personal web pages in such a manner as to give the appearance of an official site of the College. 
• Employees must refrain from using language or images that are obscene, sexually explicit, threatening, intimidating, or harassing; or language that ridicules, harasses, maligns, disparages, or otherwise expresses bias against any person(s) on account of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
• Rhodes employees should expect that any information created, transmitted, downloaded, exchanged, or discussed in a public online forum may be accessed by the College at any time without prior notice.
• Rhodes employees should recognize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries between Rhodes employees and Rhodes students when communicating with students on social media platforms. 

Certain areas of the campus are designated as non-smoking. Specifically, all interior spaces of all buildings and all exterior space within 50 feet of all buildings are designated as "No Smoking." 

In order for Rhodes to have an environment that is relatively free of pollutants or other substances that may be hazardous to one’s health, members of the campus community are encouraged to direct those who choose to smoke to do so in exterior locations at least 50 feet away from all buildings. 

This policy includes e-cigarettes, which are not permitted for use in any buildings. A violation of the smoking policy is also a violation of the fire safety policy.

Philosophy
In 2009, led by a group of students, the College adopted the following statement:

As a community we embrace the vision of a healthy and balanced social environment, grounded in trust and open communication among faculty, staff, and students. Such an environment fosters personal and community growth and embodies a sense of responsibility and accountability to self and others. This vision depends upon each member’s commitment to achieve and maintain inclusiveness, consistency, continual education, and the growth of shared traditions. This is our duty to one another. 

Rhodes supports behavior and social interactions that are:

• Legal
• Responsible
• Healthy
• Reflective of our community values.

Responsible and Healthy Behavior

• There is a time and place for alcohol consumption that is consistent with certain college activities and times of day. Behavior should demonstrate respect for the campus, its visitors, and its community.
• Reasonable and safe consumption happens when drinking is done in moderation and not toward a goal of inebriation. When drinking is the focus of an activity or gathering, consumption is less likely to be reasonable and safe. Drinking during or before certain high-risk activities or in conjunction with health conditions or medications is dangerous to both the student and his or her surrounding community.
• Public intoxication is not a community value or activity endorsed by the social policy or alcohol policy of the College. Public intoxication is defined as a state of inebriation indicating impaired judgment, visible intoxication, or behavior that endangers or threatens the welfare of self and others. The public consumption and/or possession of alcohol in public areas, including on-campus buildings and outdoor venues is prohibited unless a college-sanctioned event.  Once approved, carrying alcohol from one on-campus venue to another is prohibited unless carried in a cup.  No bottles, cans, kegs or other containers are allowed to be carried from one on-campus venue to another. This includes, but is not limited to: academic buildings, the library, parking lots, outdoor quads and spaces, athletic fields, roadways, and administrative buildings.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is strictly prohibited both on and off campus.
• Public consumption and/or possession of alcohol in public areas, including on-campus buildings and outdoor venues is prohibited unless a college-sanctioned event.
• Good Samaritan Statement: The health and safety of students is a priority for the Rhodes community.  Because of this, the College has adopted a Good Samaritan Statement, and students are expected to assist fellow community members by utilizing this service. Students are to contact Campus Safety or Residence Life staff when they believe an impaired/intoxicated student needs assistance. In case of a medical emergency, students should call 911. When a student or organization calls for assistance, neither the student/organization, nor the impaired student will be subject to an alcohol violation, unless the student involved demonstrates a repeated lack of care for him/herself and the campus community. This policy does not protect students from violations of other college policies, such as threatening/causing physical harm, sexual assault, harassment, damage to property, hazing, etc. This policy likewise does not prevent action by local and state authorities. Staff members will record names of intoxicated students to allow for appropriate follow-up, which may result in timely completion of alcohol education programs, assessment, or treatment, depending upon the level of concern for the student’s health and safety.
• High-Risk drinking and associated paraphernalia (such as funnels), which encourage the abuse of alcohol, are strictly forbidden. 
• In order to promote safer alcohol consumption and individual responsibility, common containers and mass sources – including kegs and stockpiles of beer or other alcohol – are not permitted.
• Shared Responsibility Statement: Students who are found to be present in an environment when illegal, unhealthy, irresponsible, or unreflective of community values drinking is occurring may be held responsible for a “Shared Responsibility-Alcohol “violation. This violation will likely result in a warning.

Hosting Events and Parties
All events planned and hosted by Rhodes College departments and organizations must use the Events Management System to:

• Reserve the location (indoor, outdoor, and off-campus) 14 days prior to the event start date. If coordination with other departments listed below, arrangements are needed at least seven days in advance.
• Arrange catering through Bon Appetit and request any of the following: set-up from Physical Plant (chairs, tables, stage, etc.), AV equipment from the Barret Media Center, Campus Safety if cash is collected or security is needed, and publicity through Communications.
• In planning of events where alcohol is anticipated, the host will work with the VP for Finance and Business Affairs (faculty and staff) and Campus Safety to plan logistics and procedures related to compliance with the law, organizational rules and by-laws, and the well-being of guests.
  • No organization shall furnish alcoholic beverages to students on campus or at any College function.
  • Requests for exceptions to these procedures should be made to the Student Activities Coordinator or the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Dean of Students for student groups
• Advertising for events must follow the Posting Signs Policy in the Student Handbook.
• Clean-up of events on campus must be completed by 8 a.m. the following morning unless an earlier time is requested in advance. 

Regulatory and Contractual Compliance

• Bon Appetit is Rhodes College’s approved contract vendor for food and beverages. To consume alcohol in the Lair and/or Lair Patio, it must be purchased through Bon Appetit.
• In compliance with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited at National Collegiate Athletic Association athletic events.
• In planning of events where alcohol is anticipated, the host will work with the VP for Finance and Business Affairs (faculty and staff) and Campus Safety to plan logistics and procedures related to compliance with the law, organizational rules and by-laws, and the well-being of guests. No organization shall furnish alcoholic beverages to students on campus or at any College function.
• Requests for exceptions to these procedures should be made to the Dean of Students for student groups or the VP for Finance and Business Affairs for other groups.

Mailroom

It is prohibited for any student, regardless of age, to have alcohol shipped to the mailroom at Rhodes College. The mailroom will inform the Office of Community Standards if/when shipments of alcohol are received. This is a violation of the Social and Alcohol Policy.

Tennessee Law on Alcohol

The following summary is provided to promote increased awareness of the Tennessee laws concerning alcoholic beverages. This summary is not intended to be a restatement of the law nor a summary of all of the laws relating to alcoholic beverages. All members of the Rhodes community are responsible for compliance with the state laws governing the use of alcohol.

Regarding alcohol consumption, according to Tennessee law, it is illegal:

• For any person or group of legal drinking age to sell, furnish, or provide alcoholic beverages to any person under twenty-one years of age;
• For any person under the age of twenty-one to purchase, receive, or possess alcoholic beverages;
• For any person to make a false statement to the effect that he or she is twenty-one years of age or older for the purpose of obtaining alcoholic beverages;
• For any person or group to sell alcoholic beverages without a license;
• For any person or group of legal drinking age to sell or furnish any alcoholic beverages to any person who is known to be visibly intoxicated, or to any person who appears to habitually drink alcoholic beverages to excess, or to any person who appears to be a habitual user of narcotics or other habit-forming drugs.

Regarding alcohol and driving a motor vehicle, according to Tennessee law, it is illegal:

• To drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle if a person is under twenty-one years of age and register .02 or more blood-alcohol content (BAC); for individuals who are twenty-one or over, the blood-alcohol test level is set at .08.
• To consume any alcoholic beverage or possess an open container of alcoholic beverage while operating a motor vehicle.

Partial summary of punishments for offenses related to alcohol and motor vehicles:

• The offense of driving while impaired (.02 or greater BAC) for a person under age twenty-one (21) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a driver’s license suspension of one (1) year and by a fine of two-hundred fifty dollars ($250). As additional punishment, the court may impose public service work.
• The offense of driving while the driver is in possession of an open container of alcohol, or of a beverage containing any amount of alcohol, is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine to be established by the court.
• The first DUI offense (.08 or higher BAC) is punishable by 48 hours up to 11 months and 29 days jail time, one (1) year suspension of license, $350 -$1,500 fine, and participation in an alcohol treatment program.
• The second DUI offense (.08 or higher BAC) is punishable by 45 days up to 11 months and 29 days jail time, two (2) year suspension of license, $600 - $3,500 fine, and an alcohol and drug treatment program may be required.
• The third DUI offense (.08 or higher BAC) is punishable by 120 days up to 11 months and 29 days jail time, three (3) to ten (10) year suspension of license, $1,100 - $10,000  fine, and an alcohol and drug treatment program may be required.
• The fourth DUI offense (.08 or higher BAC) is a Class E Felony punishable by 150 straight days minimum jail time, five (5) year suspension of license, $3000 - $15,000 fine, and 1 to 6 years’ probation or parole, and an alcohol and drug treatment program may be required.

Violations and Sanctions

In light of our Vision and policy we seek to establish an appropriate system for addressing violations of our community, remembering our commitment to fostering an atmosphere of personal and communal development. 

• To emphasize learning versus punishment
• To promote development
• To emphasize success and support
• To support responsibility and judgment of individuals and groups.

Student violations of this policy are on a two-tiered system. “Level 1” Violations include, but are not limited to, the possession or consumption of alcohol if under the age of 21 or providing alcohol to underage students. “Level 2” Violations include, but are not limited to, alcohol intoxication or substance induced behavior that places a student at risk in terms of health and safety issues. The adjudicator determines the level of the violation.
Students in violation will:

1. Dispose of all alcoholic beverages in his or her possession or the alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and disposed of by a College staff member;
2. Receive a written or oral warning that current or future policy violation(s) may result in more severe sanctions and/or administrative action at the discretion of the adjudicator.

Alcohol Education –designed to increase awareness of health, safety and legal issues surrounding alcohol misuse;
Substance Evaluation – evaluation for substance abuse issues;

Parent/Guardian Notified – The parent/guardian will be notified via email.

Other Sanctions – see section on “Disciplinary Sanctions”

Failure to complete the required sanction(s) within six (6) weeks will result in: (1) the inability to register at enrollment clearance for the following semester until requirements are met; and (2) other sanctions may be applied.

Special Note: Any violation that includes drinking and driving on campus will likely result in a suspension of parking and driving privileges for the rest of the student’s college career at Rhodes.

Alcohol Awareness

Rhodes is committed to providing students, faculty, and staff with factual information about alcohol as well as confidential referrals for professional assistance in the event that they are needed. An awareness of the negative effects of alcohol consumption may assist you in your efforts to make safe and responsible choices about alcohol. Educational programs will be organized and conducted annually to promote continued awareness and encourage an attitude of genuine concern and care for others. Information concerning responsible use, effective party planning, indications of abuse or addiction, and resources for assistance are available for you or someone you care about in the Counseling Center.

Solicitations of any type, including, but not limited to fliers, free samples, roaming vendors or recruiters are prohibited on campus without prior approval as outlined below:

Solicitation on campus by outside groups, companies or organizations requires an invitation and prior approval by a sponsoring campus department or student organization and advisor. Approving outside organizations should include a stationary location, a defined time period, the name of the escorting host (must be a Rhodes College community member), and the nature of the solicitation. The information must be placed on the Events Management System. 

All requests must be entered and approved through the Event Management System.

Any requests for solicitation on campus for recognized student groups should be presented to Student Life (Presence).

The College Events office can assist with locations available for any solicitations approved by the college.

• 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 [4], 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/ [5]).
  • 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, http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/complaintpolicy.pdf [6].)
  • 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 student organizations are delegated along the following line:

• Officer(s) of Student Organization (President, Chair, etc.)
• Student Activities Coordinator and, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Director of New Student Programs and Leadership

The Dean of Students has the authority, responsibility, and accountability for student affairs and student organizations. 

1. What constitutes a student organization at Rhodes College?

A 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 officially recognized student organizations.

2. What does it mean to be a registered Student Organization at Rhodes College? 

A registered organization has completed all necessary paperwork and submitted it to Office of Student Activities and the Allocations and Student Organization Commission. Please familiarize yourself with the privileges/benefits listed below and make sure that your organization is not participating in these types of activities unless they are registered.
Groups that are existing organizations must re-register every year, and they must electronically submit an updated profile, membership roster and constitution and by-laws on Presence.

3. Benefits of being a Registered Student Organization

All organizations must maintain an active, up to date profile with the Office of Student Activities 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 and participate in events such as: Homecoming, Welcome Week, and organization fairs.
• Have university 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 (if eligible) 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.

An organization seeking College recognition should first contact the Student Activities Coordinator. The organization must submit a New Student Organization Proposal form on Presence. The completed online registration packet which includes a questionnaire, roster of at least 11 members, a president and treasurer, and a signed adviser agreement, will be reviewed by the Allocations and Student Organizations Commission (ASOC). Once approved by ASOC, the organization leaders will be asked to submit a Constitution. The Constitution will be reviewed by the Student Activities Coordinator, and once approved will be submitted to the Dean of Students for final approval on whether or not the group should be a Recognized Student Organization.

With the exception of nationally-affiliated fraternities and sororities that have received official approval from the Dean of Students, 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 not exclusive (i.e., the organization must be open 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 Vice Commissioner or Office of Student Activities 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 Activities, and then the Dean of Students if necessary.

The officers of recognized student organizations are responsible for the actions of their respective organizations. Neither the Dean of Students, Director of New Student Programs and Leadership, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Activities Coordinator, nor the Allocations and Student Organizations Commissions controls or is responsible for actions taken by student organizations.

The focus during reading days and finals is preparation for final examinations and papers. To maintain this focus, 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.

Once the College recognizes a student group, the organization may apply to receive financial support. Recognized status does not guarantee funding by the College.

For more information about Student Organizational Funding please email studentactivities@rhodes.edu.

Student Organizations will be approved for funding on a case-by-base basis. It is the responsibility of the organization's President and Treasurer to monitor expenditures and income per event. Approved funds can be used three ways. For more information, reach out to your ASCO Representative or the Office of Student Activities.

All equipment purchased by any Student Organization or Club Sport with College funds is the property of Rhodes College and must be inventoried annually 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.

Student organizations are responsible for obtaining and maintaining, in conjunction with their national organization, the proper insurance coverage.

Copies of such coverage shall be submitted to the Dean of Students Office at the beginning of each academic year.

All student organizations are to follow their national organization social event guidelines and procedures as set forth by their national organization both on and off campus as well as any college policies or guidelines.

i. Evaluation and Review

. Should the organization be required to submit to its national office a document which includes all of the above, a copy of that document may be submitted as its report to the Student Activities Coordinator or Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Each organization will submit to the Student Activities Coordinator via the Student Organization registration site (Presence) copies of its governing documents (constitution, bylaws, handbook, etc.) as requested. These documents are subject to review by the Dean of Students and ASOC to determine that chapter policies are in keeping with college and ASOC policies. 

ii. Hazing

As required by T. C. A. § 49-7-123, hazing, which is any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property of Rhodes College by one (1) 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 the student’s mental or physical health or safety.   The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. No organization member shall condone hazing. Any student or student organization found in violation of hazing may be subject to suspension or expulsion from the College.

Every year at orientation, time will be set aside to specifically discuss this hazing policy and its ramifications as a criminal offense and Rhodes College’s penalties that may be imposed. 

iii. Judicial Process for Violations of Regulations or 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 student judicial body or administrator, as determined after initial review by the Director of Community Standards in conferral with the Student Activities Coordinator or Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. 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 sanctioning 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 judicial body, that body’s appeal guidelines govern the appeal for that finding.

Please see the College Handbook Weapons Policy page.

Rhodes College strictly prohibits possession of weapons of any type by students, employees or visitors on all College property, including but not limited to firearms, B-B guns, pellet guns, bows and arrows, hunting knives, explosives or any other object that could be used as a deadly weapon. (Weapons are defined in the Tennessee Code Annotated.)

Violators (including those individuals with valid Tennessee gun carry permits) are subject to suspension, expulsion, termination, 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 should be reported immediately to Campus Safety at 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 or the Chief Human Resources Officer.

The Role of Campus Safety 

The Campus Safety Office is structured within Rhodes’ Division of Student Life, putting Campus Safety in close contact with all aspects of student life.

The primary mission of the Campus Safety Department is to preserve the safety and security of the campus community to enable the mission of the College to go forward. This mission includes comprehensive efforts aimed at protecting our community from threats to both person and property. Although the Campus Safety staff is considered a private security and safety force, they are responsible for enforcement of all state and local laws, College policies and procedures, security, safety, and emergency responses. As a “first responder”, Campus Safety stands ready and well-trained to provide support services to meet the many and varied needs of the Rhodes Community.

Due to the importance of Campus Safety, students are advised that it is a specific offense of the student code of conduct to fail to comply with the directions of a College official including those with Campus Safety or to fail to identify oneself to a College official including those officers in Campus Safety.

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

Scooters. No electric scooters are allowed on campus inside the gates, unless approved as an accommodation for a disabled student. For safety purposes, there is a designated parking area for electric scooters outside the gates along the curb of University Street located just south of the Tutwiler crosswalk and near the Bellingrath pedestrian gate. This is the only approved parking location for electric scooters.

Students may need access to certain academic and administrative buildings in pursuit of their studies after these buildings have been locked at the end of the day and on weekends. At the same time, the College has the responsibility to ensure that students utilizing these facilities work and study in a safe secure environment.

Accordingly, students will use the following building access control systems:

1. When students need to have access to a certain academic office or administrative space, they must ask the appropriate departmental representative to certify that they are authorized to enter the room during a specified time. This authorization must be sent to Campus Safety where it will be retained on file. 
2. Most academic and administrative buildings, including classrooms, are accessible to students after hours by FOB. Individual offices and restricted spaces are secured and should not be entered unless previous authorization has been obtained as outlined above.
3. Access to students’ rooms for anyone other than the registered occupant must always have the authorization of the Residence Life or Student Life Administrative Staff. This includes parents, family members, and friends of the registered occupant.
4. Replacement of keys and FOBs that are either lost or damaged is done by accessing the work order system on express.rhodes.edu and completing the order form. 

In 1990, the Jeanne Clery Act was signed into law and requires colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs, such as Rhodes College, to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their campuses. In accordance with the Clery Act, Rhodes publishes an Annual Campus Safety Report by October 1 of each year. You can view the Rhodes College Annual Campus Safety Report at https://www.rhodes.edu/student-life/services-and-support/safety-campus/annual-security-fire-safety-report-clery-report. For questions concerning the Clery Act, contact the Campus Safety Department.

The Rhodes College missing student policy relates to students who reside in on-campus student housing. Rhodes College will report to the appropriate contract person and to the Memphis Police Department any student who has been determined to be missing from campus for 24 hours or more.

If any member of the Rhodes community believes that a student who lives in on-campus housing has been missing from campus for at least 24 hours, one of the individuals or organizations on the list  below should be contacted.

• Dean of Students
• Director of Residence Life
• Director of Campus Safety
• Rhodes College Campus Safety
• Memphis Police Department

When a campus official other than Campus Safety receives a report that a student is missing, the report must be referred to Campus Safety immediately for investigation. The Campus Safety Department will initiate a “Missing Student” report. The College will take reasonable and prudent steps to locate the student. Campus Safety may contact the Memphis Police Department for assistance in its investigation.

Students can identify a contact person whom Rhodes College shall notify within 24 hours of the determination, either by Campus Safety or the Memphis Police Department, that a student is missing.

This contact information will be confidential and will be accessible only to authorized campus officials, and will be disclosed only to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of the missing student investigation.

Once a student has been determined to be missing, Rhodes College will take the following actions no later than 24 hours from the determination:

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.

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

The College utilizes a mass communication system capable of emailing, texting, and calling all students, faculty and staff in an emergency. This system is used to communicate delays and closures due to inclement weather, as well as alerting the community to present or continuing threats that may be present.

The College is equipped with an outdoor warning system. When the county activates the tornado siren, the College will do the same. The siren will continue to alert until the weather hazard has past. When this siren is activated it will be preceded by verbal instructions. All community members must follow the instructions and seek shelter.

Rhodes has always welcomed guests and visitors to the campus; however, we also recognize that there are certain identification, safety, and security problems attendant with this practice. Therefore, it is essential that guidelines be established to insure the wellbeing of the College community. While it is impossible to cover every variable, the following general policies apply with respect to visitors to the campus.    

Visitors to the campus are generally prospective students and parents, alumni, and those who have business with academic or administrative departments. Once the identity and purpose of these persons are confirmed, they should always be made to feel welcome and accorded the same amenities that faculty, staff and students are allowed.    

Guests of students are welcome on campus. Guests staying with a student overnight along with their host-student must register with Campus Safety. Guests are expected to remain under the auspices of the host student.  The host student bears the responsibility for the guest's behavior and compliance with campus policy. Rhodes access keys should never be loaned to guests. Guests are not allowed on-campus during exams. When it appears that guests have been completely abandoned by a host, they will be asked to leave campus. Host responsibilities for a guest should not be transferred from one student to another.

Visitors arriving at a Gatehouse to see a student, faculty member or staff person will be detained there until the officer can phone and locate the host.  If the host cannot be located, the visit will not be allowed. If the host is located, he/she must authorize the visit before entry is allowed. Students expecting a visitor, who is not staying overnight, may call Campus Safety and advise the staff on duty whom to expect, the time of arrival, and the name of the host. If this is done, the visit is allowed regardless of phone confirmation of visit.

All items found on campus should be turned in to Campus Safety located in Spann Place #5. Campus Safety will donate all items not claimed during the semester at the beginning of each new semester - August 15, January 15, and May 15. Lost and found is in the Campus Safety office in Spann Place #5 and on the Campus Safety website.

The College strives to have a parking system that is based upon compliance, safety, and convenience for all. Written regulations and appropriate signage are established to facilitate traffic flow, control parking, and protect fire lanes and unloading areas as designated. In consultation with the Rhodes Student Government and the Community Standards Council, the Director of Campus Safety or his/her designee manages the parking program. Parking information is available on the Campus Safety website, all parking maps, and in both the Student Handbook and College Handbook. If you have any questions, please contact the Campus Safety office at 901-843-3880.

All members of the Rhodes community who park on campus are required to register their vehicles with Campus Safety and display a parking decal.  If a member of the Rhodes community drives a vehicle on campus, it must be registered with either a permanent or temporary parking decal. Faculty and staff must register their vehicles online via Campus Safety on Express.rhodes.edu or  https://express.rhodes.edu/quick-links. Persons choosing not to register their vehicles for campus parking must still abide by all "off campus" parking

All students, faculty, and staff cars, bikes and motorcycles must have a parking decal.  Applications can be completed online from the parking section of Express Rhodes  https://express.rhodes.edu/. Notification will be sent by email when the decal is ready for pickup from Rhodes Express.

Decals contain graduation year to indicate registration information and specified parking areas. They must be properly affixed to the lower left, inside driver's side front windshield.

All bicycles should be registered with the Campus Safety Office. Bicycles may be stored: 1) in the student's own residence hall room, 2) in the bicycle storage rooms assigned, or 3) in the outside bike racks. Bicycles may not be stored in hallways, social rooms, alcoves, under stairways, or other places. Campus Safety or Residence Life staff will remove bicycles found in unauthorized locations.

Vehicles parked in handicap spaces must display proper handicap placard or license information. If a "temporary" handicap need arises for students, please contact the Director of Accessibility Services or Campus Safety.

Campus pedestrian gates are equipped with locking devices and springs to ensure proper perimeter safety and security. Electronic key FOBs, issued to students, will access these gates. If a gate is left unsecured, please close it. Notify Campus Safety if it is malfunctioning.

1. Entering Campus
When a Campus Safety officer is on duty at any entrance onto the campus, drivers must stop or slow down enough to be acknowledged and identified before entering.

2. Moving Vehicle Regulations
The maximum posted speed limit on Main Campus and West Campus is 15 mph. Vehicle operators must have their vehicles under control at all times regardless of their speed to avoid collision or endangering others’ wellbeing. Vehicle operators who fail to control their vehicle, who endanger others’ wellbeing, or who have the potential to endanger others while operating a vehicle are subject to being held accountable for reckless driving.
Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol on campus is strictly prohibited.   
Driving is permitted only on designated surfaced drives. No vehicles are allowed on grass, lawns, or fields without special permission.

3. No Parking Areas
Off ramps, such as those behind Clough Hall and Rhodes Physics Tower, provide access to buildings for fire-fighting equipment and must remain open. Additionally, off ramps provide routes of egress to open areas from many of the campus buildings in case of fire and must be kept free of parked vehicles. If a space is not lined or marked as a parking space, it is considered a violation to park in the space and will be cited as such.

4. Fire Lanes
Fire lanes are currently designated on all roads throughout the campus. Persons who park in these areas are not only in violation of Rhodes parking regulations, but of the City of Memphis Ordinances as well. Rhodes Campus Safety will cite vehicles found parked in fire lanes.

5. Illegal Parking
All legal parking areas within the college complex are clearly indicated both on site and in publications. Parking in areas other than those properly lined as parking spaces is a violation and will be cited. Parking along curbs, unless clearly marked as a parking space or unless otherwise authorized is strictly prohibited.    
Visitor parking is considered "reserved" twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week. Areas designated as visitor parking are strictly reserved for visitors to the campus only. Unauthorized parking will be cited.

6. Off Campus Parking
While parking on campus is recommended, those who choose to park on streets near Rhodes should be aware of restrictions imposed by both the City of Memphis and also those regulations held by Rhodes College. All persons are expected to comply with the below "off campus" parking regulations.
City of Memphis parking restrictions are so marked.

Rhodes College restricts parking in the following areas where Rhodes community members are allowed to park:

• North side of Snowden west of University St.; both north and south sides of Lyndale Ave; and Mignon Ave west of University St.
• South side of Snowden, west of the alley behind Stewart Hall,
• North side of Tutwiler, west of the entrance to Spann/Stewart Parking lot.
• West side of University St., north of Snowden Ave. to Jackson Ave.
• Use of Emergency Flashers

Use of flashers does not legitimize a violation of parking regulations and is not an appropriate cause for appeal. Time elapsed is not an element of a violation. Violating a parking regulation "for only two minutes to run inside" is not a defense for the violation.

7. Penalties
Fines assessed for traffic and parking violations are indicated on the citation. All payments should be made at Rhodes Express. 

8. Appeal of Citations
If students or employees of the college believe they have received a citation in error, they may ask for an appeal of the charges through the Traffic Appeals Board. This board is made up of representatives from the faculty, staff and student populations.

To file an appeal, the student or employee must do so within ten (10) calendar days of the offense. Otherwise the right to appeal is forfeited. 

Appeals should be filed on-line via Express Rhodes from http://express.rhodes.edu/documents-forms/miscellaneous/parking-citation-appeal.

All of the pertinent details such as the citation number, time and date issued, location, name and R number of the citation recipient must be included. 

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

9. Accidents
Please remember that accidents do happen. Should you bump another vehicle or become involved in an accident on campus, call Campus Safety immediately. Hit and run offenses are taken very seriously and can result in serious consequences.

10. Visitors/Guests and Parking
Visitors are always welcome at Rhodes and visitor parking is available on campus. All visitor (non-decaled vehicles) must stop and their vehicle information/name/destination registered at the entry gate.

If you have a bus drop-off, special parking needs, or questions about where to park, please call Campus Safety at 843-3880.

11. Deliveries and Transportation
Deliveries such as flowers, gifts, and mail should be directed to the mail room Monday- Friday 8am-4pm.
After hours and weekend mail, flowers, and gifts will be accepted at the Campus Safety Office at #5 Spann. All deliveries will be taken to the mailroom first thing Monday morning.

When having food delivered, be prepared to meet the driver at the main gate, Bailey Gate.

For cabs, Uber, Lyft, and other transportation, go to Bailey Gate, and meet them in the cut out across from West Village. These services will not be allowed unlimited access to campus.

Cans and/or bottles may not be stored, collected, or used as decorations in a resident’s room. Violations of this policy will result in a $50.00 fine for the first violation. Subsequent violations may result in additional disciplinary action. 

When intentional and deliberate damage occurs in a common area (hallway, communal bathroom, social room, etc.) and no one claims responsibility for such damage, the RAs of the building will notify the residents of an impending Common Area Damage charge. If the individual(s) responsible cannot be identified, then the charge is equally distributed among the community members.

Each resident should feel as though they have an intrinsic investment in the residential community. As such, residents should feel motivated to hold each other accountable for their actions. If a student damages college property, they are bound to accept responsibility and report these actions to their RA. Damage to public areas often goes unreported. Failure to take responsibility for our actions and allowing members of the hall to pay for damage is a serious breach of our Honor System. If damage occurs accidentally, the student still holds the responsibility to report the incident to their RA honestly and promptly.

If damage occurs to an area outside of the residence hall, but can be connected back to a particular residence hall, the damage charge may be assessed to the residents of that residence hall.

Charges will often be assessed based on a standardized fine. Situations that require additional work from sources outside of the College will result in the fine plus the cost of the outside contractor. Damage fines can be incurred for the following but are not limited to: Vomit, excessive trash, and cracked or broken window panes. Additional fines may be assessed for deliberate contamination of recycling bins. 

Students must remove all their belongings within 24 hours after their last exam and check out appropriately. Only graduating seniors and students associated with an official College function will have permission to remain past the official closing. Students (non-Seniors) must be approved to stay past official closing by the Director of Residence Life. When extenuating circumstances exist, students must agree to be relocated (along with all their possessions). Students who remain beyond the official closing date and time will be fined $250 per day.

Falsely pulling a fire alarm or discharging a fire extinguisher, possession of fireworks on campus, and burning items (e.g., paper on doors or walls, paper in bathrooms, etc.) is prohibited. Minimally, first-time offenders will be fined $100.00 and the SRC may take other appropriate action. If the person responsible cannot be identified, the charge may be divided equally among residents of the floor. Clean-up fees may also be charged. 

Any student who willfully fails to exit the residence hall after the fire alarm sounds will be subject to disciplinary action that may result in removal from the residence hall.

Rhodes is required to conduct fire drills each semester to ensure that fire safety systems are in working order.

The residence halls are private residences owned and maintained by the College. They are subject to the Memphis Fire Code, and are regularly inspected by the Fire Marshall's Office.

1. Students should test their battery operated smoke alarm regularly to assure proper operation of the alarm. Service requests for malfunctioning alarms or new batteries should be submitted through the work order system.  Smoke alarms must not be tampered with or covered.
2. No upholstered furniture that has significant cuts or ruptures in the upholstery will be permitted in the residence halls. Students may be asked to remove items on walls that create a fire hazard. No items are to be hung from ceilings, covering lights, or covering smoke detectors.
3. Students may be asked to remove appliances to avoid overloading the circuits and to avoid fire hazards. All electrical appliances should be turned off when not in use. 
4. Refrigerators in residence halls must be no larger than 33" high or 19" wide. Only one refrigerator per room.
5. Any appliance with an open flame or burner, including but not limited to candle warmers, hot plates, electric skillets, toaster ovens, toasters, counter top style grills, sandwich makers and woks are prohibited.
6.  Halogen and other exposed bulb lamps are not permitted.   
7. “UL Approved” power-strips with surge protectors not exceeding 15 amps must be used. 
8. “UL Approved” Christmas tree lights designed specifically for indoor use may be used. No other forms of extension cords or multi-outlet extenders can be used.
9. Neon lights, beer signs, fireworks, flammable liquids of any kind, and open flame devices, including but not limited to candles and incense, are not allowed in residence halls.
10. Residents are prohibited from installing air conditioners or ceiling fans in their rooms. Students are prohibited from plugging air conditioner units into any other outlet not designated specifically for the unite.
11. Space heaters are prohibited.
12. All residence hall spaces are non-smoking.

Failure to comply with any of these fire safety requirements will minimally result in a $50.00 fine for first offense. Subsequent offenses may result in suspension or expulsion from the residence halls.

All students who reside in campus housing sign the Housing Contract and agree to abide by the policies and regulations contained therein. Students have a responsibility to know all College policies in general, and specifically all residence hall policies contained in the Housing Contract and The Student Handbook. The most current housing contract may be found here.

To participate in housing selection, a student must complete an online registration from the link sent to them via e-mail by Residence Life each year. Students who register on time will receive an email giving them the date and time they can go into the system and select their room and bring in their roommate(s). Students who register for housing after the designated date will select from available upper-class housing spaces after the housing selection process.
By registering for housing selection, students agree to the housing cancellation policy. By contacting the Director of Residence Life, a student may cancel the registration or housing assignment.

1. If a student cancels by 5 p.m. on May 15, the student will incur no cancellation fee.
2. If a student cancels between ay 16 and June 30, a cancellation fee of $250will be placed on the student's account.
3. Students who cancel between July 1 and July 15 will incur a $500 cancellation fee.
4. Cancellations after July 15, will incur a cancellation fee of $750.

If a student registers for housing, and then decides to participate in a study abroad program during fall semester, the registration will be deferred to the spring semester, and no cancellation fee will be incurred. If a student registers for housing, and subsequently is released from the residency requirement, the registration will be cancelled without penalty. If a student registers for housing and subsequently withdraws or transfers, the student will be held to the housing cancellation policy. In the case that a roommate withdraws from housing, a student may be assigned to the open space, or the remaining student may be asked to move to another under booked room.  Students on the waiting list will not be charged the cancellation fee unless they accept a housing assignment and subsequently cancel.

Individual room keys will be issued to each resident student by the Residence Life Office upon arrival on campus. Students will have access to the outside doors of residence halls via electronic key fob. It is the responsibility of each student to protect all other students by taking care neither to lose residence hall keys and key fobs nor lend them to others. Lost keys and fobs should be reported to Campus Safety.  A new fob and room key can be requested via the campus work order system.  Residents must return keys to the Residence Life Office when leaving campus or at the end of the year. Students who fail to report a lost or stolen key are jeopardizing the safety and security of their fellow students. The cost for a replacement key fob is $25. Lost or unreturned keys will result in a $10.00 charge. Students are to keep their key fob unless they withdraw or graduate from the College.

Due to the serious compromise to the security of all residents, exterior doors should never be propped. A $50.00 fine and a possible referral to SRC will be assessed for individuals found violating this policy. 

Laundry and vending services are available in many of the residence halls. Refunds for lost money may be obtained from Rhodes Express. See section on Physical Plant for reporting broken machines. Residence Life will remove remaining clothing items at the end of the semester.

All residence halls remain open during fall, Thanksgiving, spring, and Easter breaks. Food service is limited or not available during this time and meal plan is not in effect. Limited break housing is available between fall and spring semesters. Students must live in Voorhies, Voorhies-Townsend, Trezevant, Townsend, and East Village A. During the break between the fall and spring, students not associated with college business will be charged $500 for their stay. Students who wish to remain in halls during the break between the fall and spring must be approved by the Director of Residence Life. They must be approved by November 30th.

Students who remain in the halls after the posted closing times or who arrive prior to halls opening may be asked to leave immediately, may be fined a fee per day, and may face disciplinary action.

Students’ personal belongings are not covered by College insurance. Students are encouraged to have renter’s insurance or confirm that personal belongings are covered under parent’s/guardian's homeowner’s policy.  Bicycles must be locked in a rack or when not in use.

The College contracts with a pest control company to provide service to control insects and rodents. Service is requested by submitting a work order to Physical Plant by Sunday or Wednesday of each week. If it is found that unsealed food, excessive trash, or improper storage of belongings has led to extra treatment, the resident(s) may be charged the total cost incurred by the College. Do not use your own pest control products. Use of such chemicals can pose a serious health risk to you and the other residents who live near you.

Routine maintenance may be requested via the Rhodes webpage. For emergency requests, call Physical Plant at 901-843-3870; if no answer or after hours, call Campus Safety at 901-843-3880. 

Students are responsible for cleaning assigned room. Housekeeping staff will clean community bathrooms/showers, laundry rooms, and common space. Residents in apartment style units (East Village, West Village, Spann, and Parkway Hall) or suite style unit bathroom (Glassell, Blount, Robinson, Voorhies, and Voorhies-Townsend) or rooms in unit, are responsible for cleaning the suite, including common areas, bath/shower rooms, and kitchens.

Quiet hours are times when no noise should be heard in the hallways or outside of the building. Courtesy hours are times during which the noise level may be higher than during quiet hours. As the term implies, students are expected to be courteous to one another and respect the rights of other residents. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 a.m. the following morning Sunday through Thursday. On weekends (Friday and Saturday), these hours begin at 1:00 a.m. and last until the following morning. Courtesy Hours are in effect at other times. During final exams and reading days, quiet hours are extended to 24 hours.

Violations of the noise policy may result in a $25 fine and possible disciplinary action.    

1. All residence hall furniture in students' rooms at the beginning of the academic year must remain in their rooms throughout the academic year.
2. Beds may not be stacked on other beds, dressers, or desks. Bed risers may not be used. 
3. Students are responsible for removing trash and debris and for cleaning their residence hall room when moving out of a room. Failure to do so is subject to a fine. No items may be stored on campus during the summer. Anything left behind will be discarded and the expenses incurred will be charged to the owner(s).
4. Social rooms serve as a place where residents can gather as a community. Thus, priority for reservation is given to residents of the hall and Residence Life sponsored programs. The primary use of social rooms should allow for maximum availability and access to hall residents. Social rooms are not intended to serve as sleeping or storage spaces for residents or their guests. 
5. Personal furniture or equipment must not be placed in the halls or lounges. Any items of furniture found missing from a residence hall room will be charged to the residents of that room. A student who leaves personal furniture in a room after checking out will be charged a disposal fee. Social Room furniture must remain in social rooms at all times. Removal of furniture is considered a violation of the Honor Code. Additionally, any costs involved and a fine of up to $100 will be assessed in such matters. Screens must not be removed from windows. Student-made or individually purchased lofts of any kind are not permitted in residence halls. Students with lofts will be fined no less than $100.00 for any offense. Marring and destruction of furnishings and defacement of walls, doors and woodwork, breakage of windows, etc., is not tolerated. Compensatory damages will be assessed for any violation, and disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible.
6. Students are prohibited from being on the roof or other unapproved spaces.  Violation of this policy may result in $50 fine and housing probation or removal.
7. Tampering with, opening, or removing window screens is prohibited.
8. Residents may not install radio, television, satellite or other telecommunications equipment outside of the room or apartment.
9. The use of the residence hall space and/or an individual's room for business purposes is prohibited.   
10. Students are not permitted to play sports or ride bicycles or skate boards in residences.

Living on campus is a vital part of the college experience and aids the student’s adjustment to college. (Director of Residence Life, ADRL or RLC). Room changing/moving to a room not approved by a Residence Life Staff member may result in a $50 fee for each offense. In addition, students may be charged the cost of occupying an additional room if they move into a space that they are not assigned to. Therefore, all first-time, first-year students at Rhodes must live on campus for their first three full academic years. Transfer students must live in College housing until they have completed three full academic years; previous enrollment at other institutions counts toward fulfilling this requirement. Exchange students must reside in College housing for the duration of their enrollment at Rhodes. 

All changes in room assignment must be pre-approved by a staff member in the Residence Life Office. During the academic year, a student may not change rooms during the first two weeks or last two weeks of either semester. Between June 15 and August 1, returning students may change room assignments for the upcoming year with the approval of the Director of Residence Life. 

The Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee, in consultation with the Director of Campus Safety and/or Director of Residence Life, may authorize a search of a student's premise if there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of college policy is occurring or has occurred.

Authorized personnel of Rhodes have the right to enter student rooms at any time for purposes of maintenance and repair, inspection of health and safety conditions, and investigation of violation of College regulations. Resident Assistants conduct routine checks of battery-powered room smoke detectors. At least once a semester a representative of the Residence Life Office and/or a representative of Physical Plant or Campus Safety will conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance inspections. Rooms are expected to livable and in good sanitary conditions, they are not expected to be pristine.

The Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee, in consultation with the Director of Campus Safety and/or Director of Residence Life, may authorize a search of a student's premise if there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of college policy is occurring or has occurred.

Authorized personnel of Rhodes have the right to enter student rooms at any time for purposes of maintenance and repair, inspection of health and safety conditions, and investigation of violation of College regulations. Resident Assistants conduct routine checks of battery-powered room smoke detectors. At least once a semester a representative of the Residence Life Office and/or a representative of Physical Plant or Campus Safety will conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance inspections. Rooms are expected to livable and in good sanitary conditions, they are not expected to be pristine.

The College does not provide storage for students. Please contact the Residence Life Office for recommendations for local off campus storage facilities.

Rhodes permits twenty-four hour visitation if the Student first secures the verbal approval of his or her roommate(s) and/or suite-mate(s) before the arrival of any visitors.    

A roommate's right to free access to the room/apartment at all times, privacy, study time, or sleep must not be deprived because of a guest. Any student wishing to entertain a guest, whether of the same or opposite sex, must have the permission of the roommate(s). The College does not allow cohabitation and cannot ignore any infraction of this policy that comes to its attention. Cohabitation is defined as a guest spending the night more than three consecutive nights. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disciplinary action. Guests are expected to remain under the auspices of the host student and the host bears the responsibility for the guest's behavior in compliance with campus policy. Host responsibilities for a guest should not be transferred from one student to another. When it appears that guests have been abandoned, they will be asked to leave the campus. Guests are not permitted during finals and senior week.
 

The Honor System was instituted at Rhodes College well before the turn of the century. Throughout the history of the College, emphasis has been placed on a true spirit of honor and integrity. The Honor System, perpetuated by the students of Rhodes themselves, was one of the institutions brought to Memphis, Tennessee, when the College moved in 1925. The Honor Code is the constitutional document which governs and reflects the Honor System itself. The Honor Code has been revised and changed through the years, but the underlying tenets of honor and trust remain unchanged.

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 which Rhodes students believe to be fundamental in ethical life, both during and after college.
The objective of the Honor System is the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of the individual student, which is promoted and encouraged by the freedom and responsibility the student gains by virtue of living within the

Honor System. 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.

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 all persons taking courses at Rhodes College, both fulltime 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 any person hired by Rhodes College to conduct classroom activities.
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 Judicial Officer 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” means any group of persons who have complied with 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 to implement and interpret the Honor Code, including, without limitation, determining whether or not a student has violated the Honor Code.
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 sanction imposed on a student by the Honor Council.
10. The term “Judicial Officer 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 Judicial Officer 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.

The term “source” refers to, without limitation, class textbooks, other books, journals, newspapers, magazines, information obtained electronically, and other persons’ work.

SECTION 1. Membership

The Honor Council shall consist of seventeen members: four members from the senior, junior, and sophomore classes; two members from the first-year class; the 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 current President of the Honor Council or a designee appointed by the Honor 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 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. 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 Judicial Officer for the Honor Council. The President’s role in the hearing and in 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.

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 President shall handle the Council’s official communication to the Accused, Accuser, 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 pre-hearing and hearing, 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

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.

SECTION 9. Removal

Any member of the Honor Council may be removed from his or her 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 Social Regulations Code, violation of the Oath of Privacy, expressed lack of belief in the Honor System of Rhodes College, or nonsupport of the procedural operations of the Council.

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 Judicial Officer 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.
   1. 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 Judicial Officer for the Honor Council (or his/her 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 Judicial Officer 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 Judicial Officer, upon consultation with the Honor Council President, shall determine whether cases are within the jurisdiction of Rhodes College Honor Council.

SECTION 2. Violations

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

A.        Lying in Official Matters.    The term “lying” in official matters 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 course work, college administration, faculty, residence hall administration, Campus Safety, Honor Council, or Community Standards Council. If an accused student has lied in an Honor Council hearing, the Council may use the lie as evidence relating to the Accused’s commitment to the Honor System when determining a sanction.

B.        Cheating. The term “cheating” is defined as the attempt or act of giving or receiving unauthorized aid from any source on academic course work. 

“Cheating” includes plagiarism. Plagiarism is an act of academic dishonesty. A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, words, or statements of another person without appropriate acknowledgment. A student must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge an indebtedness whenever the student does any of the following:

• 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.

C.         Stealing. The term “stealing” is defined as the act of intentionally taking, appropriating, or transferring, without right or permission, the academic property of any individual, organization, or institution, either permanently or temporarily associated with the Rhodes community. 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

D.        Failure to Report. Intentional failure to report a violation is a violation of the Honor Code, as it undermines the Honor System and the Rhodes Community. Any student having knowledge of an Honor Code violation is obligated to report it to a member of the Honor Council, preferably to the President. The student may approach the accused if the student so desires, or the student can simply report it to the Honor Council.

E.         Violation by Guest. Any Honor Code violation committed by a guest of a Rhodes College student, excluding prospective students registered through the Admissions Office, shall be the responsibility of their host. 

SECTION 1. Investigation and Pre–Hearing

A. Any faculty member, administrator, or student with knowledge of an Honor Code violation shall report it to a member of the Honor Council, preferably the President. The Accuser has the prerogative to approach the Accused student and offer him or her the opportunity to report the alleged violation to the Honor Council. However, if the Accused student 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.

B. 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 Accuser, any material witnesses, any expert witnesses (such as faculty members who may aid in investigation), and the      Accused and shall conduct such other investigations as is warranted by the circumstances.

C. Any Honor Council member involved in the investigation as an Investigator, Witness, or Accuser shall not be allowed to vote or deliberate in the hearing.

D. 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.

E. The Honor Council President shall call a pre-hearing meeting at which the Investigator shall present all information 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.

F. 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 Accused (as outlined in Article IV, Section 2).

SECTION 2. Hearing Procedures Relating to the Accused

A. The Accused shall be notified in writing that a complaint is to be taken to a formal hearing at least forty-eight hours prior to the hearing. This time period may be waived by the Accused upon concurrence by the President of the Honor Council. In the case of extenuating circumstances, the President may grant an extension.

B. When notice of the hearing is served, the Accused shall receive a charge letter, including the nature of the alleged violation, the name(s) of the individual(s) reporting the alleged violation to the Council, and the time and place of its alleged occurrence. The Accused shall also receive a written list of hearing procedures as outlined in this article.

C. The Accused 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. If the Accused does not choose an Advisor, the President shall appoint an Advisor for the Accused. The Advisor’s role is limited to informing the Accused 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 Accused. The Advisor shall not be present during Council deliberations.

D. The Accused shall be required to meet with the Judicial Officer for the Honor Council prior to the hearing.

E. The Accused shall be allowed to hear all evidence presented in the hearing, but the Accused shall not be present during Council deliberations. The Accused may offer such proof as is relevant and material to any issue coming before the Honor Council for decision in his or her hearing, including, without limitation, the calling of witnesses with relevant knowledge and the questioning of Honor Council witnesses. All evidence shall be submitted at least 24 hours before the hearing to the investigator. The Honor Council reserves the right to postpone the time of the hearing to properly evaluate any new evidence submitted after prehearing.

F. All participants in the hearing process should keep the matter under consideration confidential. The Accused may make such investigation as he or she requires to state his or her case and may also consult with a chosen faculty member, family members, counselors or his or her attorney.

G. The Council may find the Accused “In Violation” of the Honor Code only upon clear and convincing evidence. “Clear and convincing evidence” is an intermediate standard of proof, greater than “by a preponderance of the evidence,” but less than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

H. The Accused may be found “In Violation” of the Honor Code only for the violation which is the subject of the hearing.

I. If the Accused fails to participate in the hearing process, the Council may continue with the hearing procedure. In such a case, the Council shall assume a plea of “Not In Violation” on the part of the Accused and shall assume that the Accused presents no defense.

J. In cases in which two or more students are accused of a joint violation, the Council may conduct one hearing for the joint violation but shall arrive at an independent decision for each accused student.

K. If found “In Violation” of the Honor Code, the Accused may call for an appeal of the Council’s decision and/or sanctioning by the members of the Faculty Appeals Committee. The Accused must request the appeal in writing within four days of the decision, and the Accused must indicate or list the specific ground(s) upon which he or she is basing his or her request for an appeal (see Article IV, Section 5, Paragraph (2), for the grounds upon which an appeal may be requested).

SECTION 3. Hearing Procedures

A.    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 his or her 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. The hearing shall be taped, 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 Accuser, Accused, and the Accused’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. 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 Accuser, 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, [so help me God].”
7. The Council may call witnesses relevant to the case. The Accused may request additional witnesses with relevant knowledge and present any other relevant information. All evidence shall be submitted at least 24 hours before the hearing to the investigator. The Honor Council reserves the right to postpone the time of the hearing to properly evaluate any new evidence submitted after prehearing. The President shall decide questions concerning the relevance and/or admissibility of witnesses or evidence. The Accused shall not be required to make a statement or answer questions unless he or she wishes to do so.
8. Legal counsel retained by an Accused 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.
9. The Accused shall be considered "Not in Violation" throughout the course of the hearing unless and until he or she has been found "In Violation" of the Honor Code.  
10. The Council's finding of "In Violation" or "Not in Violation" shall be based only on the merits and facts of the case at hand. Any finding of "In Violation" shall be based on clear and convincing evidence. 
11. If after all available evidence has been heard and a motion to vote on “In Violation" or "Not in Violation" 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 Accused “In Violation”. Otherwise, the Accused shall be found “Not in Violation” and the case shall be dismissed.

B.    A quorum for an Honor Council hearing shall be determined as follows:

1. 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, except as provided under Paragraph (2)(b).
2. If, for any reason, quorum cannot be achieved, the Accused may agree to one of the following options:
   1. To have quorum reestablished by the President appointing other students to sit on the Council. The President shall consult the Judicial Officer for the Honor Council before appointment.
   2. 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 Judicial Officer for the Honor Council) until quorum of regular Honor Council members can be established.

SECTION 4. Sanctions

A.        Sanctioning 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.  

B.        When determining sanctions 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:

1. The Honor Council’s responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of the Honor Code for the Rhodes College community.
2. The nature and severity of the offense.
3. The ability of the Accused to reenter campus life under the Honor System.
4.  A determination, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the Accused has lied during the investigation or hearing processes.
5. The level of cooperation of the Accused during the investigation or hearing processes. 
6. The probationary status, previous discipline, or any past suspensions of the Accused. These shall be considered only when determining sanctions, and the President shall notify the Council of the Accused’s disciplinary history only after the Council, by proper vote, has found the Accused “In Violation.” The probationary status, previous discipline, or any past suspensions of the Accused should cast extreme doubt on the ability of the Accused to reenter campus life under the Rhodes College Honor System.

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

1. Warning: This sanction 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.
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 sanctions, 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.
3. Academic recommendations: Including but not limited to failure in the related course or on the related assignment. 
4. Loss of Privileges: Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
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 Sanctions: 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 Judicial Officer 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.
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.

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

E.         Failure to adhere to any sanction imposed may result in the individual being brought back before the Honor Council for consideration of further sanctions.

F.         Disciplinary Sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record but shall become part of the student’s confidential record.

G.        Each year, the Secretaries may, in the discretion of the President, and in consultation with the Judicial Officer, post a list of charges and Council decisions with names omitted.

SECTION 5. Appeals

A.        A decision reached by the Honor Council or a sanction imposed by the Council may be appealed by the Accused or two or more Honor Council members to the Faculty Appeals Committee. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Judicial Officer 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.

B.        An appeal shall be limited to one or more of the following grounds:

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

C.        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 Accused, the Student Advisor to the Accused, the Honor Council appellants (in the case that the Accused is not the appellant) and the Judicial Officer for the Honor Council. If the Accused chooses not to testify at the appeal hearing, they may send a written statement of their testimony.  An audio recording of the appeal hearing shall be made.

D.        Legal counsel retained by an Accused 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.

E.         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 or the Accused if deemed necessary for the clarification of facts, and either sustain the original decision and/or sanction or render a new decision and/or sanction based on the procedures outlined in Article IV. A reconsideration of the sanction(s) imposed may not result in a more severe sanction for the Accused student. The second decision of the Honor Council shall be final.

The Honor Council may, by a two-thirds vote of its membership, 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 at the opening of the first academic year following the referendum.

1[1] Indiana University. “IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.” Part 3. 4 May 1990 (Amended 1993 and 1996).

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, they must have freedom of choice in as many areas as possible 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 infractions of the Social Regulations Code; (2) Communicative: to serve as a liaison concerning social matters between the students and the faculty/administration, and to mediate disputes regarding social regulations between various members of the Rhodes Community; (3) Advisory: to make recommendations to the Dean of Students regarding social regulations 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

A. The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at Rhodes College, 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.”

B. The term “faculty member” means any person hired by Rhodes College to conduct classroom activities.

C. 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.

D. 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 Dean of Students or his/her designee.

E. 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).

F. The term “organization” means any group of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for Rhodes College recognition.

G. 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 Social Regulations Code, including, without limitation, determining whether or not a student has violated the Code and to impose sanctions.

H. The term “Community Standards Council Appeals Committee” means the group of persons authorized by the Dean of Students, or his/her designee, to consider an appeal from the Community Standards Council’s determination that a student has violated the Code or from the sanctions imposed on a student by the Community Standards Council.

I. The term “Dean of Students” is that person designated by the College President to be responsible for the administration of the Social Regulations Code.

J. The term “Judicial Officer 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 Social Regulations President concerning matters of Community Standards Council business.

K. The term “policy” is defined as the written regulations of the College as found in, but not limited to, the student code, residence hall policies and contract, and College catalogue.

L. 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.”

M. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.

N. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.

SECTION 1. Membership

The Community Standards Council shall consist of nineteen members: two males and two females from the senior, junior, sophomore, and first-year classes; the President; and two Secretaries. The Vice President shall be counted as a class representative, the only officer counted as such.

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 Judicial Officer 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 Judicial Officer or his/her 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.

SECTION 6. Secretaries

The two Secretaries shall be appointed by the President from the general student body and approved by the majority of the Council. The Secretaries shall serve on the pre-hearing committee in order to determine the disposition of an alleged violation. The two Secretaries shall not participate in questioning or deliberation and shall not vote during the hearing. In addition, the Secretaries are responsible for keeping records and minutes of all meetings, as well as posting year-end Council decisions.

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

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:

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 all applications.
3. The Council shall choose a student to fill the vacancy by a majority vote of eligible voting members in a business meeting.

SECTION 9. Removal from the Council

A member of the Council may be removed from his/her position by three-fourths vote of eligible members. Conditions warranting removal from the Council may include, but are not limited to: exceeding three absences in the course of one elected term, or two in one semester, from any committee meeting, Council meeting, hearings, or other functions of the Council; any violation of the Honor Code or Social Regulations Code; Oath of Privacy; or an expressed lack of respect for the Standards of the Rhodes Community.

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 Judicial Officer, or his/her designee, may exercise one of the following options:

1. At the end of the fall semester, a hearing may be postponed until the beginning of the spring semester. At the end of the spring semester, a special Community Standards Council may be convened by the President, comprising no less than one-third of the regular voting members of the Council.
2. In the event of an alleged Social Regulations Code violation during a time other than the fall or spring semester, a special Community Standards Council may be convened by the President, comprising no less than one-third of the regular voting members of the Council, unless the Accused student(s) wishes to wait until the regular Council reconvenes for hearing.
3. In the event it is difficult or impossible to convene a special Community Standards Council comprised of no less than one-third of the regular voting members of the Council, or upon the occurrence of other extenuating circumstances, a case may be transferred to the Judicial Officer, or his/her designee, for adjudication, upon consultation of the Community Standards Council President and at the request of the Accused student(s).

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 Judicial Officer, or his/her 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 his or her 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.

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

A.        Stealing. Stealing is defined as attempted or actual theft of property or services of the College, of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property.

B.        Interfering with College or College sponsored activities, including but not limited to, studying, teaching, research, college administration, campus safety, or fire, police, or emergency services.

C.        Bullying and Other Abusive Behavior. This offense includes, but is not limited to:

• Threatening the physical health or safety of another person
• Using physical force or violence against another person
• Blackmailing, extorting or demanding money not legitimately owed from another person
• Pervasive taunting, mocking, put-downs or demeaning humor that has the effect of interfering with a person’s ability to participate meaningfully in the Rhodes community
• Spreading gossip or rumors or socially excluding someone with the intention of interfering with that person’s ability to meaningfully participate in the Rhodes community
• Barring access to College property or facilities without the authority to do so
• Posting misleading, altered or fake images or video footage of a person online
• Creating fake social media profiles or websites and posing as another individual
• Sending email, texts, social media messages or voicemail messages that are intended to overwhelm or bombard another individual’s email, phone or social media accounts   

D.        Hate-Motivated Acts.   Engaging in verbal, written or physical conduct that is (i) based on a person’s or group’s race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, age (40 or over), or disability; and (ii) is intended to intimidate or injure the person physically, mentally or emotionally.

E.         Interfering with the freedom of expression of others.

F.      Attempted or actual damage to property of the College or property of a member of the College community or other personal or public property, on or off campus.

G.     Hazing, which is an action taken or situation created to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. No organization member shall condone hazing. 

Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:

• Acts of personal servitude, including, but not limited to, doing someone’s laundry, buying someone’s food, driving someone around/“chauffeuring” someone, completing someone’s classwork for them
• Any activity that would be viewed by a reasonable person as subjecting someone to embarrassment, degradation, or humiliation
• Pressuring or coercing a student into violating College policy or breaking state or federal law
• Physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, paddling, branding, “shocking”, exposing someone to the elements, depriving someone of food, or forcing/coercing someone into consuming food, liquor, or any substance
• Any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the health or safety of the student
• Any activity that could subject a student to extreme mental stress, such as line-ups or berating, sleep deprivation, forced or coerced exclusion from social interaction, forced or coerced wearing of clothing/apparel, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity that could negatively affect the student’s mental health or dignity
• Any activity that causes unreasonable interference with a student’s academic participation or performance
• Kidnapping or abandonment

H.      Failure to comply with directions of College officials, including campus safety officers, in performance of their duties.

I.         Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any College premises or unauthorized entry to or use of College premises.

J.      Possession of weapons of any type by students or guests while on College property, including firearms, B-B guns, pellet guns, bows and arrows, hunting knives, explosives or other weapons, except as specifically permitted by the Weapons Policy in the Student Handbook.

K.       Failure of a student host to reasonably supervise guest behavior, including behavior occurring in their residence hall rooms, behavior at student organization events, and behavior by off-campus guests. 

L.         Violation of college alcohol and/or drug policies.

M.       Violation of any college regulation or policy (does not include Title IX policy).

N.     Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with the Standards of Conduct.

O.        Violation of any federal, state or local law.

P.         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. 

SECTION 1. Investigation and Pre–hearing

A. Any member of the Rhodes community having knowledge of a possible Social Code violation should report it to the Judicial Officer or to the President of the Community Standards Council in a timely manner.

B. Upon receiving a report of an alleged violation, the President of the CSC shall appoint a member of the Council to thoroughly investigate the suspected violation to determine whether the alleged violation can be disposed of by the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Judicial Officer, or his/her designee, or will result in a disciplinary conference with the Judicial Officer, or hearing before the SRC or other appropriate student judicial board.

C. An CSC member involved in the investigation as an investigator or as a witness shall not be allowed to vote or deliberate in the hearing. 

D. The Accused 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 Accused does not choose an Advisor, then the President of the Council will appoint an Advisor for the Accused. The Advisor’s role is limited to informing the Accused 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 Accused.

The Advisor shall not be present in Council deliberations.

E. A pre-hearing committee shall be composed of the CSC President, the two Secretaries, and the Investigator.

F. The CSC President shall call a pre-hearing meeting at which the Investigator shall present all information 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, disciplinary conference, or a case dismissal is recommended.

G. 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 Accused (Outlined in Article IV, Section 2).

SECTION 2. Hearing Procedures Relating to the Accused

A. The Accused shall be notified in writing that a complaint is to be taken to a formal hearing at least forty-eight hours prior to the hearing. This time period may be waived by the Accused upon concurrence by the President of the Community Standards Council. In the case of extenuating circumstances, the President may grant an extension.

B. When notice of the hearing is served, the Accused shall receive a charge letter, including the nature of the alleged violation(s), the name(s) of the individual(s) reporting the alleged violation(s) to the Council, and the time and place of its alleged occurrence. The Accused shall also receive a written list of hearing procedures as outlined in this article.

C. The Accused shall be required to meet with the Judicial Officer, or his/her designee, prior to the hearing.

D. The Accused shall be allowed to hear all evidence presented in the hearing, but the Accused shall not be present during Council deliberations. The Accused may offer such proof as is relevant and material to any issue coming before the Community Standards Council for decision in his or her hearing, including, without limitation, the calling of witnesses with relevant knowledge and the questioning of Council witnesses.

E. All participants in the hearing process should keep the matter under consideration confidential. The Accused may make such investigation as he or she requires to state his or her case and may also consult with a chosen faculty member, family members, counselors or his or her attorney.

F. The Council may find the Accused in violation of the Social Code only upon    clear and convincing evidence. “Clear and convincing evidence” is an intermediate standard of proof, greater than “by a preponderance of the evidence,” but less than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

G. The Accused may be found in violation of the Social Code only for the violation(s) which is the subject of the hearing.

H. If the Accused fails to participate in the hearing process, the Council may continue with the hearing procedure. In such a case, the Council shall assume a plea of “Not In Violation” on the part of the Accused and shall assume that the Accused presents no defense.

I. In cases in which two or more students are accused of a joint violation, the Council may conduct one hearing for the joint violation but shall arrive at an independent decision for each accused student.

J. If found in violation of the Social Regulations Code, the Accused may call for an appeal of the Council’s decision and/or sanctioning by the members of the Appeals Committee. The Accused must request the appeal in writing within four business days of the decision, and the Accused must indicate or list the specific ground(s) upon which he or she is basing his or her request for an appeal (see Article IV, Section 5 for the grounds upon which an appeal may be requested).

SECTION 3. Hearing Procedures

A. 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 his or her participation in any aspect of the investigation or hearing process constitutes a conflict of interest must report the potential conflict of interest to the Social Regulations Council President, who shall decide whether that member should recuse himself or herself. 
3. The hearing shall be taped, 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 Accused, and Advisor may be present during the hearing, with the exception of the Council deliberations. Witnesses other than the Accuser and Accused 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 Accused may observe all evidence presented during the hearing. 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 Accuser, 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, [so help me God].”
7. The Council may call witnesses relevant to the case. The Accused may request additional witnesses with relevant knowledge and present any other relevant evidence. The President shall decide questions concerning the relevance and/or admissibility of the witnesses/evidence. The Accused shall not be required to make a statement or answer questions unless he or she wishes to do so. 
8. Legal counsel retained by an Accused 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.
9. The Accused shall be considered “Not in Violation” throughout the course of the hearing unless and until he or she has been found “In Violation” of the Code by clear and convincing evidence.
10. If after all available evidence has been heard and a motion to vote on "In Violation" or "Not in Violation" of the 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 Accused “In Violation.” Otherwise, the Accused shall be found “Not in Violation,” and the case shall be dismissed.

B. A quorum for a Community Standards Council hearing shall be determined as follows:

1. Fifty percent plus one, but no less than six of the eligible voting members shall constitute a quorum for a hearing. The Social Regulations Council shall render no decision without the presence of a quorum, except as provided under Paragraph (2)(b).
2. If, for any reason, quorum cannot be achieved, the Accused may agree to one of the following options:
   1. a. To have quorum reestablished by the President appointing other students to sit on the Council. The President shall consult the Judicial Officer, or his/her designee, before appointment.
   2. b. 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 Judicial Officer, or his/her designee) until quorum of regular Community Standards Council members can be established.

SECTION 4. Sanctions

A.        Sanctioning of a CSC violation shall be determined by a two-thirds majority of Council members present at the hearing who are entitled to vote.

B.        When determining sanctions 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:

1.      The CSC’s responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of the Standards of Conduct for the Rhodes College community.

2.      The nature and severity of the offense.

3.      The ability of the Accused to reenter campus life under the Standards of Conduct.

4.      A determination, by clear and convincing evidence, that the Accused has lied during the investigation or hearing processes.

5.      The level of cooperation of the Accused during the investigation or hearing processes.

6.    The probationary status, previous discipline, or any past suspensions of the Accused. These shall be considered only when determining sanctions, and the President shall notify the Council of the Accused’s disciplinary history only after the Council, by proper vote, has found the Accused “In Violation.” The probationary status or any past suspensions of the Accused should cast extreme doubt on the ability of the Accused to reenter campus life under the Standards of Conduct.

C.      The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Standards of Conduct:

1. Warning: This sanction 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 sanctions 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: Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
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 Sanctions: Work assignments, service to the college, education, referral to counseling, or other related discretionary assignments (such assignments must have the approval of the Judicial Officer or 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 a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
10. College Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from Rhodes College.

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

E.       Disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s confidential record.

F.       Each year, the Secretaries may, in the discretion of the President, and in consultation  with the Judicial Officer, post a list of charges and Council decisions with names omitted.

SECTION 5. Appeals

A.       A decision reached by the Community Standards Council or a sanction imposed by the Council may be appealed by the Accused or two or more Council members to the Community Standards Council Appeals Committee within four business days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and delivered to the Judicial Officer or designee, and shall specify the basis for the appeal.

B.        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:

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

C.        In the event of an appeal, the President of CSC, the Accused, and the Advisor for the Accused shall meet with the CSC Appeals Committee to review the case.  An audio recording of the meeting shall be made.

D.       The CSC Appeals Committee shall consist of the Dean of Students, or the Dean’s designee, one student (usually the President of the Honor Council), and one staff member in Academic Affairs. The Dean of Students or designee shall preside and decide all questions relating to the conduct of the proceedings including, without limitation, the admissibility of evidence. The Appeals Committee shall deliberate in closed session and either sustain the decision of the Council or return the case to the CSC for reconsideration with remarks and suggestions.

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 at the opening of the first academic year following the referendum.

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.”

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.

When a student is alleged to have violated one of the College’s policies, there are three processes by which a student’s case may be heard:

• Administrative Hearing
• Community Standards Council
• Honor Council

These three processes exist to ensure that there is diversity of thought when addressing alleged misconduct. These three processes exist under the purview of the Director of Community Standards (also referred to as the Judicial Officer) or their designee, and they are authorized by the Dean of Students. The Director of Community Standards may, in their complete discretion, designate which process an alleged violation of student conduct policy be addressed by.

All student conduct 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 expected to be responsive to College officials when a meeting is requested, and more specifically, students are asked to 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 an administrative 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.

A student that is the subject of a pending College investigation may be ineligible to graduate from the College until the investigation is resolved. 

Amendments to the Disciplinary Violations, Disciplinary Sanctions, and Grounds for Appeal 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 Article V of 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. 

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

1. Lying in Official Matters.    The term “lying” in official matters 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 course work, college administration, faculty, residence hall administration, Campus Safety, Honor Council, or Community Standards Council. If an accused student has lied in an Honor Council hearing, the Council may use the lie as evidence relating to the Accused’s commitment to the Honor System when determining a sanction.  
2. Cheating. The term “cheating” is defined as the attempt or act of giving or receiving unauthorized aid from any source on academic course work.  

Cheating includes plagiarism. Plagiarism is an act of academic dishonesty. A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, words, or statements of another person without appropriate acknowledgment. A student must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge an indebtedness whenever the student does any of the following:

• 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 academic property of any individual, organization, or institution, either permanently or temporarily associated with the Rhodes community. 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 

Outside the academic context, stealing is 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.

D.        Violation by Guest. Any Honor Code/Standards of Conduct violation committed by a guest of a Rhodes College student, excluding prospective students registered through the Admissions Office, shall be the responsibility of their host. 

E.         Interfering with College or College sponsored activities, including but not limited to, studying, teaching, research, college administration, campus safety, or fire, police, or emergency services. 

F.         Bullying and Other Abusive Behavior. This offense includes, but is not limited to: 

• Threatening the physical health or safety of another person 
• Using physical force or violence against another person 

• Blackmailing, extorting or demanding money not legitimately owed from another person 
• Pervasive taunting, mocking, put-downs or demeaning humor that has the effect of interfering with a person’s ability to participate meaningfully in the Rhodes community 
• Spreading gossip or rumors or socially excluding someone with the intention of interfering with that person’s ability to meaningfully participate in the Rhodes community 
• Barring access to College property or facilities without the authority to do so 
• Posting misleading, altered or fake images or video footage of a person online 

• Creating fake social media profiles or websites and posing as another individual 
• Sending email, texts, social media messages or voicemail messages that are intended to overwhelm or bombard another individual’s email, phone or social media accounts  

G.        Hate-Motivated Acts.   Engaging in verbal, written or physical conduct that is (i) based on a person’s or group’s race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, age (40 or over), or disability; and (ii) is intended to intimidate or injure the person physically, mentally or emotionally. 

H.        Interfering with the freedom of expression of others.

I.          Attempted or actual damage to property of the College or property of a member of the College community or other personal or public property, on or off campus. 

J.         Hazing, which is an action taken or situation created to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. No organization member shall condone hazing.  

Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to: 

• Acts of personal servitude, including, but not limited to, doing someone’s laundry, buying someone’s food, driving someone around/“chauffeuring” someone, completing someone’s classwork for them 
• Any activity that would be viewed by a reasonable person as subjecting someone to embarrassment, degradation, or humiliation 

• Pressuring or coercing a student into violating College policy or breaking state or federal law 
• Physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, paddling, branding, “shocking”, exposing someone to the elements, depriving someone of food, or forcing/coercing someone into consuming food, liquor, or any substance 
• Any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the health or safety of the student 
• Any activity that could subject a student to extreme mental stress, such as line-ups or berating, sleep deprivation, forced or coerced exclusion from social interaction, forced or coerced wearing of clothing/apparel, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity that could negatively affect the student’s mental health or dignity 
• Any activity that causes unreasonable interference with a student’s academic participation or performance 

• Kidnapping or abandonment 

K.        Failure to comply with directions of College officials, including campus safety officers, in performance of their duties. 

L.         Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any College premises or unauthorized entry to or use of College premises. 

M.       Possession of weapons of any type by students or guests while on College property, including firearms, B-B guns, pellet guns, bows and arrows, hunting knives, explosives or other weapons, except as specifically permitted by the Weapons Policy in the Student Handbook.  

N.        Failure of a student host to reasonably supervise guest behavior, including behavior occurring in their residence hall rooms, behavior at student organization events, and behavior by off-campus guests.  

O.        Violation of the College’s Alcohol and Drug Policies.

P.         Violation of any College regulation or policy.

Q.        Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with the Honor Code or Standards of Conduct.

R.        Violation of any federal, state or local law.

S.         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. 

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

1. Warning: This sanction 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 sanctions 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: Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time. 
    
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 Sanctions: Work assignments, service to the college, education, referral to counseling, or other related discretionary assignments (such assignments must have the approval of the Judicial Officer 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 a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. 
    
10. College Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from Rhodes College. 

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

The values of Rhodes College apply wherever Rhodes community members live, work or play. Students may be held accountable 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 interests whether such conduct occurs on campus, off campus, or at College-sponsored events.

The College occasionally may face instances where a student poses a threat to themselves or others, who are unable to cope, or who create a pattern of extreme disruption. 

The College Risk Assessment Team will investigate the situation and the effect or the potential effect of the behavior on the student and the College community. The Team may require a personal interview with the student and/or an evaluation of the student by a qualified professional. The Team may require an interim removal of the student from campus pending conclusion of the investigation.

If, as a result of its investigation, the Risk Assessment Team determines that the student’s behavior indicates substantial risk of threat to self or others, or that the individual is otherwise unable to fulfill the expectations of a student at Rhodes, the pursuit of professional care or a withdrawal from the College may be recommended. The student will be provided with the option of voluntarily withdrawing from the College for the remainder of the term. If the student refuses to do so, next steps will be considered by the Team, including, but not limited to,  removal of the student from the College with conditions for readmission. If the student withdraws, they may be referred to an appropriate facility for additional assistance. The parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible and must assume responsibility for the student’s care.

Students who leave campus under the above conditions, either voluntarily or involuntarily, will be readmitted only after being cleared by the Risk Assessment Team and, when appropriate, the Committee on Standards and Standing. Permission for readmission will typically be based on the student’s demonstrating a period of responsible behavior outside the College and may require a statement from a physician, psychologist, or other qualified professional that the student is ready to return and cope with college life. Follow-up assessment or services may be required as part of the readmission decision.

Removal of a student from the College will be undertaken only as a last resort. Every effort will be made to help students understand the consequences of their behavior, make responsible decisions, and develop skills that will allow them to remain and function in the Rhodes community.

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn or who have been removed from campus are not allowed to attend class and have no access to the campus or College sanctioned or sponsored events

Hearing Process

When a case is addressed through the Administrative Hearing process, the staff member adjudicating the matter (the Judicial Officer or their designee) will send the student a charge letter via their Rhodes email address, informing them of the alleged policy violation(s) and sharing the date, time, and location of the hearing. Students typically have three business days to respond to this notification.

A student may request a written report from the Judicial Officer for their records. Students also have the opportunity to produce the names of any witnesses who may be important to include in the hearing process.

At the hearing, the student has an opportunity to share their story and address the alleged policy violation(s) they have been charged with.

The hearing process is laid out as follows:

1. The student shares their opening statement.
2. The student reviews the incident report and any supplemental documentation pertaining to the incident.
3. The student provides their narrative about what took place during the incident.
4. The Judicial Officer or designee asks the student questions relevant to the incident and their narrative of events.
5. The student shares their closing statement.
6. The Judicial Officer or designee concludes the hearing and deliberates on the outcome.

After the hearing has ended, the student will receive a decision letter via their Rhodes email address, informing them of the outcome, whether or not they have been found responsible, and if they have been found responsible, what the sanctions will be.

The Appeal Process

Students who wish to appeal the outcome of an administrative hearing should submit an appeal letter to the decision-maker who is named in the decision letter. The appeal letter must be written by the student, and not another individual or party. This letter must specify the basis for the appeal. Appeals will be considered based on the supporting documents provided by the student, and may be requested on one of three grounds: 

1. The student believes that the hearing procedure was not followed; 

2. The student believes the sanctions imposed were inappropriate for the violation of College policy; 

3. The student has 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 grounds listed above may be dismissed without further meeting or action. Students have four business (4) days from the date their decision letter was sent to submit an appeal. 

The appeal of an administrative decision will be heard by the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students may determine that, in addition to the documentation received for the appeal, interviews are warranted to gather more information about the appeal.  After reviewing the appeal documentation/information, the Dean of Students may uphold the original decision and/or sanction, or may choose to render a new decision and/or sanction.   An appeal will not result in a more severe sanction for the accused student.  The decision of the appellate officer is final.

All student conduct proceedings at Rhodes allow for an appeal of the outcome of the hearing. For administrative hearings, the appellate officer will be the Dean of Students.  For appeals of hearings before the CSC, the appellate officer will be the Community Standards Appeals Committee, which is chaired by the Dean of Students and composed of a representative from Academic Affairs and a student representative, usually the President of the Honor Council. For appeals of an Honor Council decision, the appellate officer will be the Faculty Appeals Committee, composed of faculty and staff.

Whether from an administrative, Honor Council or CSC decision, the appeal must be in writing, written by the student and not a third party, and is limited to three grounds:

1. The student believes that the hearing procedure was not followed; and/or
2. The student believes the sanctions imposed were inappropriate for the violation of College policy; and/or
3. The student has 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 counsel must be obtained prior to the hearing.

While an appeal is pending, the student may continue to attend their courses and participate in College life as usual, unless they are under interim removal from campus. Additional limitations on personal contact and/or participation in College-related events or activities may be imposed while the appeal is pending.  

After hearing the appeal, the appellate officer may:

• For administrative appeals, uphold the original decision and/or sanction, or may choose to render a new decision and/or sanction.   
• For Community Standards Council appeals, sustain the decision of the Council or recommend that the Council reconsider its decision or sanction(s).  
• For Honor Council appeals, sustain the decision of the Honor Council or return the case to the Honor Council for reconsideration with remarks and suggestions.  

An appeal will not result in a more severe sanction for the accused student.  The decision of the appellate officer is final.

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 any violation and/or sanction that is specifically requested by the institution/agency. 

Disciplinary records are maintained for seven (7) years post-graduation or separation from the College. To request your disciplinary/conduct records, complete the Disciplinary/Conduct Record Request Form. 

UPDATED August 2021

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. 

At Rhodes College, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our vision. We believe strongly in our students and their ability to make choices that support not only their own health and wellbeing, but the health and wellbeing of the entire community. Rhodes students are characterized by their commitment to honor, compassion, and effective leadership and action in our communities. At this time and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is these characteristics that the world needs most. 

At Rhodes College, we recognize that both community and compassion are words of action: taking care of ourselves, caring for each other, and contributing to the wellbeing of our campus and the City of Memphis. This recognition requires the full attention and daily dedication of everyone. The College is following guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and our partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care, and the Tennessee Department of Health. This cooperation is essential for a successful remote fall semester, a return to campus in the spring, and the overall health of our entire community.   

Rhodes College is asking students, faculty and staff to choose to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 wherever they are. When we all engage these health and safety guidelines, we are working to ensure that Rhodes can return to a safe an in-person experience. as soon as possible. 

We believe, that if all of us, at all times, and wherever we may be practice with strict adherence the health and safety protocols recommended, then the whole campus community and our local community can remain well. In turn, we will all be able to fulfill our most ardent wish: to live and learn together on campus and in Memphis.

Our whole community will be asked to adhere to the Lynx Promise, an agreement to the College’s health and safety protocols and policies.

About the Policy 

The COVID-19 Compliance Policy contains the necessary health and safety policy protocols to support a healthy and safe Rhodes College. The policy is a supplement to the Standards of Conduct for the Rhodes Community. This policy applies to students while on campus or in College facilities and provides guidance and recommendations for remote and off-campus activities.  

These interim policies are covered under the Standards of Student for the Rhodes Community, under Disciplinary, Failure to comply with directions of a College official, including campus safety officers, in performance of their duties. These interim policies apply to conduct that occurs on or off campus, as stated in Disciplinary Violations section of the Standards. 

The policy is updated as the College monitors the evolving COVID-19 health environment and adjustments to federal, state, and local regulations, public health guidance, and input from the Rhodes College community.  Changes to the policy will be communicated via Rhodes email, and students are expected to check their email regularly. 

The College will continue to assess the situation both on campus and in our community at-large.  If localized outbreaks emerge and/or the protocols in this policy are not adhered to, tighter restrictions and more aggressive mitigation measures may be implemented. 

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.  Finding ourselves in a global pandemic, it has been our compassion for others and a deep, personal concern for our communities, that has driven us to commit to a set of core values: health and safety; the quality of our academic program and student experience; a commitment to equity; support for our faculty and staff; and the long-term strength of Rhodes College. We believe strongly in our community, our sense of compassion for each other, and our shared commitment to make choices that support the health and wellbeing, of our entire community. 

We understand we are committing as individuals to make choices to support our Rhodes community and the City of Memphis as a whole. We are each committed to taking the steps outlined by the College to slow the spread of COVID-19 and promote health and safety. When we all follow these guidelines, we are working to ensure that Rhodes can work to ensure a safer campus and community experience. 

The Lynx Promise is an agreement to adhere to the Health & Safety Provisional Code of Conduct Standards.If at any point an individual needs clarification on health & safety  COVID-19 policies and procedures, they are expected to ask a College official for support and information. Failure to review and lack of awareness of this policy are not excuses for a violation. 

Students will be expected to keep their Rhodes ID accessible when on campus.  College faculty, staff, or student leaders may ask to see a student’s Rhodes ID when they enter campus or when they enter a building or space.  Students are expected to produce their ID for review when requested by a campus official.  

Students are required to participate in a daily health screening and seek medical care if symptomatic, which will help direct our community members to seek healthcare immediately and decrease the transmission of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to the campus community. 

Students may be required to be tested for COVID-19 based on directions or requests of campus officials. Students who do not comply may be in violation of the Requests or Orders policy. 

The Failure to Comply disciplinary violation policy outlines the expectation that students immediately and fully cooperate with college officials, Student Life staff, law enforcement, and emergency personnel in the completion of their duties.  Complying with the College’s Health & Safety COVID-19 policies is a reasonable request, and one that ensures the health and safety of our entire community. 

Smoking and vaping are prohibited on campus and College properties for the duration of the pandemic in order to help ensure community-wide health and safety. 

Students will be required to submit proof of their flu vaccination via the Medicat portal. Questions or concerns about how to upload documents should be directed to Director of Health Services, Adora Browne. To request a flu vaccination exemption or accommodation, students must contact the Director of Student Accessibility Services, Melissa Butler, at butlerm@rhodes.edu. 

Any student who becomes ill for any reason, is quarantined due to exposure, is awaiting test results, or tests positive for COVID-19 should contact the Student Life team via email at covidcare@rhodes.edu with medical documentation and refrain from moving about campus in person.  

If students become ill after hours or on the weekends or need immediate or emergency assistance, they should contact Rhodes Campus Safety by phone: (901) 843-3880. 

Students who are ill should continue to monitor their symptoms through the MyChart app and a College health official will be in contact to discuss next steps. 

Students who are ill should continue to attend classes virtually if they are well enough to participate, but please know that health and wellbeing should take priority.  

The Dean of Students office will work to notify the student’s faculty members in the event of their absence. 

In the event that a student is exposed to, exhibits symptoms of, or is diagnosed with COVID-19, they may be asked to quarantine in place in their assigned residence hall room. 

This order will be mandated by the Dean of Students or designee, which may include The Director of the Health Center or the Director of Residence Life. The College will make every effort to provide necessary care, including meal delivery, wellness monitoring, and provisions for supporting remote studies while in quarantine.  Students are expected to comply with the quarantine/isolation guidelines, including: 

1. Staying within the room for 10 days, 

2. Screening for symptoms daily,

3. Participating in the contact tracing process. 

In the event that a student who is under quarantine/isolation violates these guidelines, they will be charged with a Failure to Comply disciplinary violation policy. 
 
If a student is exposed to, exhibits symptoms of, or is diagnosed with COVID-19, Rhodes will enact the contact tracing process.  Students are required to participate in order to alert those who may have been exposed.  Participating in contract tracing requires providing responsive, honest, and thorough information.  By responding quickly and accurately, students can help keep others safe and healthy. 

Students who live in the residence halls on campus are expected to adhere to all health and safety protocols.  This includes living in the residence hall room that is assigned to each student and not moving without expressed permission from Residence Life.   

Additionally, the following areas are included in the Fall 2021 Terms and Conditions of the Housing Agreement. 

1. Health and Safety.  We expect that all members of the Rhodes College Housing community—residents and staff—act in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration for those around them, including respect and consideration for the health and safety of all community members. Students are required to comply with health and safety laws, orders, ordinances, regulations and health and safety guidance adopted by Rhodes College as it relates to public health crises, including COVID-19. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Wearing a face mask when required. 
• Social distancing to the extent possible.  

• Participating in Rhodes College mandatory testing protocols 
• Participation in Rhodes College Contact Tracing efforts 
• Quarantining and isolating according to Rhodes College guidelines 

2.  Health & Safety protocols related to COVID-19 continue to change and advance under CDC guidance and recommendations. Specific details regarding the bulleted list above may change. 

3. Rhodes College may request or require a resident to leave Rhodes College Housing if their continued presence in the housing community poses a health or safety risk for community members.  

4. Adherence to health and safety requirements applies to all residents, staff and visitors and extends to all aspects of housing including residential and non-residential spaces., 

5. Quarantine / Isolation / Separation. At any time, Rhodes College may request or require a resident to leave Rhodes College Housing when that resident’s continued presence in the housing community poses a health or safety risk for community members. Residential students are required to comply with requests from Residence Life staff to leave their assigned space due to COVID-19 or other public health emergency. Failure to do so is a violation of the Housing Agreement and may subject a student to emergency removal from their assigned space. Not all Rhodes College Housing residential rooms or halls are appropriate for self-quarantine or self-isolation, for example, and in those situations where a student is recommended to self-quarantine or self-isolate, students will not be permitted to continue residing in their residential space and may be provided alternative housing arrangements as needed. Removal from Rhodes College Housing to isolate or quarantine does not constitute a termination of a residential student’s housing contract. 

6. Dining Services. Dining services, including where and how it will be offered to residential students, is subject to the discretion of Rhodes College and Rhodes Dining Services and is subject to modification to address public health concerns. Due to health and safety guidance adopted or that may be adopted by Rhodes College, or Rhodes Dining Services, Rhodes Dining Services may limit the occupancy of dining facilities, limit the amount of time students may reside within dining facilities, or make other operational adjustments needed to address health and safety concerns. 

7. Cleaning. Rhodes College Facilities Services will continue to implement and modify its cleaning protocols to address COVID-19 or other public health emergency in the interest of attempting to minimize the spread of disease.

8. Guest and Visitors. Rhodes campus will be open to Rhodes faculty, staff, students, prospective students, and visitors.  In the interest of health and safety, overnight guests in residence halls must be fully vaccinated. Overnight guests may be asked to show proof of vaccination and should have identification and proof of vaccination available while on campus. During move in, students will be limited to two helpers. All helpers assisting students will be required to wear masks while inside the buildings. 

9. Termination. Upon reasonable notice, Residence Life serves the right to terminate housing contracts due to public health emergency needs, including COVID-19. 

Rhodes College is committed to supporting its students during this unprecedented time and recognizes the value of the on-campus residential experience. There may be additional modifications needed as the year progresses and as Rhodes College tracks the impact of COVID-19 on its residential communities and campus and as it prepares for a return to campus this spring. 

The College has established a number of protective measures on campus that are designed to keep our entire community safe. 

First and foremost, all members of the campus community – faculty, staff, and students – are welcome to wear masks on campus in all public and community spaces, both indoors and outdoors.  The College may require masks during certain periods or events. 

Students who are not in compliance with the College’s mask policy may be charged with a violation of the Failure to Comply disciplinary policy. 

Rhodes campus will be open to Rhodes faculty, staff, students, prospective students, and visitors.  In the interest of health and safety, overnight guests in residence halls must be fully vaccinated. Overnight guests may be asked to show proof of vaccination and should have identification and proof of vaccination available while on campus.