Student Behavioral Policies

Acts that inhibit learning or that violate the Honor Code and thereby break the trust of the academic community are prohibited. Violations of the Honor Code are cause for disciplinary actions imposed by the appropriate honor council.

General Violations

Graduate and professional schools may have additional policies or discipline-specific violations outlined in their respective Honor Council’s governing documents.

Possible violations include but are not limited to the following:

• Giving and/or receiving unauthorized aid or attempting to give and/or receive unauthorized aid on an assignment, report, paper, exercise, problem, test or examination, presentation, film, or computer program submitted by a student to meet course requirements or to gain an advantage. Such aid includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  • Viewing, use, or production of unauthorized aids, which may include cheat sheets, answer keys, websites, generative AI software, computer programs, or any other resource prohibited by the course instructor
  • Use of texts, papers, computer programs, or other class work prepared by commercial or noncommercial agents and submitted as a student’s own work
  • Copying from another student's work
  • Unauthorized collaboration
  • Unauthorized posting, sharing, taking, or distribution of past or present examinations or other course materials
  • Unauthorized advance access to examinations or other assignments
  • Compromising a testing environment or violating specified testing conditions, including time, location, or unauthorized material or device parameters
  • Unauthorized use of books, notes, websites, phones, watches, calculators, or other impermissible materials or devices
  • Soliciting, giving, and/or receiving unauthorized aid orally or in writing
  • Any similar action that is contrary to the principles of academic honesty.
• Plagiarism on an assigned paper, theme, report, or other material submitted to meet course requirements. Plagiarism is defined as incorporating into one's own work the work or ideas of another without properly indicating the source of the content. A full discussion of plagiarism and proper citation is provided in the section below. Failure to adequately disclose and appropriately cite the use of generative AI technology in courses where its use is permitted under certain conditions also constitutes plagiarism.
• Any action designed to deceive a member of the faculty, a staff member, or a fellow student regarding principles contained in the Honor Code, such as securing an answer to a problem for one course from a faculty member in another course when such assistance has not been authorized or providing false information in order to receive an extension on an assignment or to excuse an absence.
• Any falsification of class records or other materials submitted to demonstrate compliance with course requirements or to obtain class credit, including falsifying records of class attendance, attendance at required events or events for which credit is given, or attendance or hours spent at internships or other work service when connected to a graded course.
• Submission of work prepared for another course without specific prior authorization of the instructors in both courses.
• Falsification and/or fabrication of evidence, which includes but is not limited to:
  • Falsifying or manipulating data collected in a research study or experiment
  • Misrepresenting the methods by which a research study was conducted
  • Citing fabricated sources and/or false information in an assignment
  • Any other action that undermines the accurate representation of any author's body of research.
• Altering a previously graded examination or test for a re-grade.

Note: Schools, departments, programs, and individual faculty members, speakers, and artists may have policies governing the creation, use, and/or distribution of recordings—video or audio—of lectures, virtual course sessions, speeches, performances, and other activities. Individuals must obtain authorization prior to recording such activities, and to abide by the various policies governing their being recorded, including, but not limited to, policies related to use and distribution of recordings. Failure to abide by recording policies may be an Honor Code violation or may result in corrective action through the University’s accountability process depending on the circumstances. In addition, examinations and the questions therein, as well as lectures, teaching notes, scholarly writings, course handouts, assignments, and other course materials are the property of the individual faculty member. Copying or distributing any such materials without the permission of the copyright owner may constitute an infringement violation, and may result in a referral to Student Accountability, Community Standards and Academic Integrity for corrective action. Additionally, submitting course materials, writing prompts, exam questions, or other faculty-produced materials into a generative AI tool may constitute an infringement violation and referral absent permission from the instructor or reasonable accommodations as approved by Student Access.

Honor Code and Preparation of Papers

Papers are to express the original thoughts of the student.

Any ideas generated by another person, or by a generative AI software program, must be attributed to the original author. Failure to properly disclose original authorship may constitute an Honor Code violation.

A change in wording (or insufficient paraphrasing), the use of a catchy word or phrase, undocumented paraphrasing, or word for word copying may also constitute plagiarism. Examples of these common actions that reflect plagiarism are explored further on the Undergraduate Honor Council’s resource page.

A student may not submit papers substantially the same in content for credit in more than one course, without specific and prior permission of all instructors concerned.

Students should understand that sources of common knowledge can be plagiarized. Generally, an idea is considered common knowledge if it is encountered at least five times in separate sources during one's research into a particular subject. (Reprints of one source do not constitute separate sources.) Copying or close paraphrasing of the wording or presentation of a source of common knowledge constitutes plagiarism. What constitutes common knowledge may also vary by discipline so students should consult their instructors to determine whether a citation is needed.

Regardless of intent or premeditation, plagiarism is a violation of the Honor Code. Students, therefore, must be conscious of their responsibilities as scholars under the Honor System, to learn to discern what is included in plagiarism as well as in other breaches of the Honor Code, and must know and practice the specifications for citations in scholarly work.

Any student who is uncertain about the application of the plagiarism and citation rules should consult the instructor. A student who plagiarizes out of ignorance is still responsible for an Honor Code violation.

Students participating in capstones, dissertations, or other similar culminating academic activities may be held to additional standards as outlined by their program, department, or school. Plagiarism, falsification and/or fabrication of data, or other unauthorized assistance within one of these culminating writing assignments may be addressed through the school’s academic procedures in addition to or in lieu of respective Honor Council’s procedures.

Honor Code and Tests, Examinations, and Other Exercises

Students are on their honor not to ask for or give information pertaining to any portion of an examination before or after they have taken it, in such a way as to gain or give an advantage over other students.

Additionally, students are required to comply with specified testing conditions or requirements related to the testing environment.

The written pledge (see also “Honor Code Pledge”) signifies that the work submitted is the student's own and that it has been completed in accordance with the requirements of the course as specified by the instructor.

The Honor Code Pledge, or an abbreviation thereof, should be included in all written work completed by the student and submitted for a grade. Any work handed in for credit, however, will be considered “pledged” unless otherwise stated by the instructor. Any student uncertain about the application of the pledge to a particular course requirement should always consult the instructor.

Honor Code and Group Work

• Students are accountable for group work submitted in their names for the fulfillment of a course, program, or assignment and may be responsible for Honor Code violations within the work.
• Students should ask their instructors before collaborating on any assignment.
• Students should ask their instructors if a tutor or other individual may help with any assignment.

The guidelines for appropriate collaboration and task division pertaining to group work vary among classes and instructors. It is therefore the student’s responsibility to obtain a clear understanding of appropriate collaboration from the instructor. Completion of work outside of approved parameters for collaboration constitutes giving or receiving unauthorized aid.

Study away includes study abroad during the academic year or summer, short-term faculty-led programs (e.g., international or domestic Maymesters or travel-embedded courses), and Vanderbilt University network campuses (e.g., Vanderbilt University-New York City Undergraduate Semester Programs). Study away is a privilege for Vanderbilt students to immerse themselves in experiences outside of the Vanderbilt Nashville campus.

Students are expected to comply with local laws when visiting or traveling to another state or country as well as with instructions by the Vanderbilt Global Opportunities staff, their respective program directors, on-site program staff, study abroad program providers, foreign host institutions (in the case of exchange and direct-enroll programs), and facilities in which they reside, take courses, or visit. Students are responsible for complying with the provisions of the Student International Travel policy, Study Abroad policies, and all policies within the Student Handbook. Students are further responsible for complying with all program and/or host institution policies.

Vanderbilt’s behavioral expectations apply to students participating in study away experiences, for the duration of the specific programs in which they are enrolled, and for any period immediately before or after that, should they extend their respective travel.

The standards, policies, and procedures outlined in the Vanderbilt University Student Handbook apply when participating in the Vanderbilt NYC Undergraduate Semester Programs. Additional site-specific policies can be found in the Vanderbilt University-New York City Addendum to the Student Handbook.

Teaching and research are the core of the academic curriculum. Obstruction or disruption of teaching or research includes, but is not limited to, shouting down or attempting to talk over others, engaging in distracting behavior such as moving about the room when required to be seated or making noise unrelated to the classroom topic, not following course instruction or classroom parameters for behavior, barring access to a classroom or lab, failing to follow required research protocols, engaging in horseplay, or arguing over grades or other academic decisions aggressively, disruptively, or in a threatening manner. A professor may choose to issue a warning in lieu of referral to the student accountability process; failure to abide by the warning is also considered obstruction or disruption of teaching.

Student workers, teaching assistants, or those in roles assisting with courses, may not give access to course or laboratory material to others who would not normally have access. They also may not subvert testing or other academic expectations by the faculty.

To help maintain a safe environment, students may not tamper with, damage, disable, misuse, or otherwise interfere with life-safety or security equipment and systems. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, improper use of emergency exits; propping open secured doors; activating alarms when no emergency exists; tampering with building access systems, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, or surveillance equipment; or damaging safety equipment through misuse or horseplay.

Safety expectations also apply within and around residential and University facilities. Fire hazards and other prohibited items—including, but not limited to, candles, paint, flammable liquids, electric scooters or other personal electric mobility devices, skateboards, and similar items—may not be brought into or stored within buildings. Fireworks are not allowed anywhere on campus except during official University events and activities with appropriate safety measures in place. Additional information regarding prohibited items in residential communities can be found in the Residential Life section of the Student Handbook.

Students, faculty, and staff can expect their work and living environments to be free from unwelcome marketing. To that end, the University established the Sale, Solicitation, and Fundraising policy. Individuals who fail to abide by the instructions provided in the policy may be held personally accountable for their activity. Such acts include, but are not limited to, going door to door within the residence halls soliciting, operating a business on University property, and similar behaviors. Students should review the Sale, Solicitation, and Fundraising policy for a complete list of prohibited conduct.

Additionally, all marketing materials—posters, flyers, leaflets, etc.—should follow applicable campus posting policies, which includes identifying the name of the person or organization who posted the materials. More information can be found in the Notices, Posters, Banners, and Printed Announcement section of the Student Handbook.

Notices, posters, flyers, banners, social media posts, email invitations, etc., may not use logos or trademarks of alcoholic beverages, or mention or refer to alcoholic beverages or their availability at an event except as outlined in the Alcohol policy.

Activity that violates this policy is considered commercial whether or not it is for profit or the exchange of money.

Vanderbilt University is dedicated to participating in the local community in meaningful ways. To that end, the Good Neighbor Guidelines exist to assist students living off campus to be responsible neighbors.

All students living in an off-campus residence who engage in behavior or allow guests to engage in behavior that interferes with a neighbor’s enjoyment of their property, becomes a nuisance to the community, or violates local ordinances may receive a warning that continued acts will be subject to corrective action. Actions that violate other University policies or adversely affect the University’s relationship with neighboring communities may be referred to Student Accountability, Community Standards and Academic Integrity regardless of prior warnings.

In addition to sanctions assigned by Student Accountability, Community Standards and Academic Integrity, residents found responsible for violating the Good Neighbor Policy may be restricted from living off campus in future years.

Non-Compliance

If a student is living in an off-campus residence with one or more other students or non-students and the residence is found by the University to be in violation of the Good Neighbor Guidelines or other policies and regulations of the University or to be adversely affecting the University’s relationship with the neighboring community, all Vanderbilt students who are residents may be subject to corrective action through the University’s accountability process, even if the conduct of an individual resident cannot be specifically identified.

Prohibited Properties

When student behaviors at an off-campus residence does not meet the Good Neighbor Guidelines and causes ongoing disruption to the neighboring community over a significant period of time despite intervention via the University’s accountability process, a property may be placed on the University’s Prohibited Properties list.

Additionally, when Vanderbilt receives notice of a landlord whose practices are in violation local law and/or endangering the safety and well-being of student tenants or neighbors, Vanderbilt reserves the option of placing the property on the Prohibited Properties list.

By placing a property on the Prohibited Properties List, the University denies undergraduate students the privilege of living off campus at those particular properties. Properties will remain on the Prohibited Properties List for 5 years from date placed on the list. Students found to be living at a Prohibited Property may face enhanced disciplinary sanctions.

Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests while on University property. Guests must be registered in accordance with residential policies and accompanied by their host as required. Students are in violation of the policies outlined in the Visitation and Overnight Guests section of the Student Handbook when they fail to register or appropriately accompany guests, or when they permit guests to violate University policies or community standards.

Students are expected to maintain noise levels appropriate to the time, place, and manner of the activity, whether in residential communities, on University property, or in the surrounding community. Students are also responsible for noise created by guests or animals in their care or control (both those approved to be in a particular space as well as those present without approval).

Additional information on noise can be found in the Residential Life section and the Excessive Noise and Amplified Sound policy of the Student Handbook.

Animals (other than Assistance Animals) may not enter campus buildings. Students who are seeking or who have received approval for an emotional support or service animal must abide by the expectations outlined in the Assistance Animal section of the Student Handbook.

Students may not enter restricted-access locations without prior approval or trespass on property, on or off campus. To respect the property and privacy of others, students may not enter residential rooms, offices, laboratories, rooftops, athletic fields or courts, or other University spaces not generally open to the public without express authorization. Students are also expected to access and exit spaces through designated entrances and exits only (e.g., students should not use residence hall windows for entry or exit).

Additionally, unauthorized use of personal or University property—including, but not limited to, identification cards, cellphones, computers, construction equipment, or golf carts—is prohibited. This includes using property without the owner’s permission, in a manner inconsistent with its intended purpose, or in violation of expectations related to University sponsored travel.

All organizational activities or events for which registration is required must be registered appropriately and receive approval before occurring. Events and activities that would typically require registration on campus cannot be held off-campus in order to circumvent University policies.

Sanctions may be escalated for organizations who host unregistered activities or events off campus with alcohol in ways that would have been inconsistent with expectations for registered, on-campus activities such as, but not limited to, common containers such as kegs, providing liquor or wine, or serving underage.

Students living in University residential communities are expected to comply with all residential policies. Students residing off campus are likewise expected to follow residential policies when visiting residential communities and facilities. Students may not reside off campus without prior University approval. Additional information regarding these policies can be found in the Residential Life section of the Student Handbook.

Alcohol at a Recruitment Event

The presence of alcohol at all undergraduate student organizational activities determined to be a recruitment event is prohibited. The prohibition includes the use by of-age individuals at such an event or activity.

Alcohol at New Member Activities of Bid Nights

The presence of alcohol at all undergraduate student organizational activities determined by the University to be for the benefit of welcoming or educating new members is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, formal and informal new member education or onboarding, Bid Nights, initiation rituals, or ceremonies, or other activities related to new membership like "big-little" celebrations.

Evidence of High-Risk Alcohol Use

The risks posed from rapid consumption of alcohol necessitates additional corrective action when evidence of high-risk use exists. Evidence of high-risk use includes, but is not limited to, funnels, vaporizers, beer bongs, common containers, and the possession of pure grain alcohol.

Drinking games are also prohibited. Evidence of drinking games includes, but is not limited to, paraphernalia associated with drinking games, words or actions heard or observed by University officials, amount of alcohol present compared to number of people present, the level of intoxication of participants, as well as other circumstances leading a reasonable person to believe that drinking games have occurred.

Hosts of parties or gatherings where evidence exists to determine high-risk alcohol use occurred are responsible for the environment they created and/or allowed, which may result in heightened sanctions.

Funding Alcohol for Distribution

Use of undergraduate organizational funding of any type to purchase alcohol is prohibited. Use of organization bank accounts, dues, party accounts, pooling of funds, or peer-to-peer payments (Venmo) to purchase alcohol for distribution to others is prohibited. Individuals buying or fronting sums of money for mass alcohol purchase, whether expecting repayment or not, also constitutes funding of alcohol distribution.

Furnishing Alcohol to Person(s) Under the Legal Drinking Age

Subject to statutory exceptions available under Tennessee law, alcoholic beverages may not be provided (served, distributed, furnished) to persons under the legal drinking age (21 years old) in the state of Tennessee.

As in our broader community, a student—regardless of age—may not furnish alcohol to a person under the age of 21 regardless of their affiliation with the University. Furnishing includes, but is not limited to, giving alcohol to another person regardless of whether money is exchanged.

Hosting an Event where Underage Persons Consume Alcohol

Hosting a social environment in which individuals who are under the age of 21 consume alcohol is prohibited.

Possession or Consumption of Alcohol where Prohibited

Possession of open containers or consumption of alcoholic beverages, regardless of the type of container, is prohibited except where expressly authorized by the Vice Provost and Dean of Students. When authorized, possession and consumption must align with the limits of that authorization (e.g. students may not bring their own alcohol to a space where only consumption of alcohol served from a cash bar is permitted). Spaces where alcohol consumption and possession are prohibited include, but are not limited to, classrooms, academic spaces, the lobbies of residences, or about the campus, including lawns and recreational sports fields. Liquor and wine is prohibited in West End Neighborhood facilities without prior authorization. The only places on campus where students over the age of 21 may routinely possess and consume alcoholic beverages are: (1) the rooms and apartments of students in upper-division residences (with the exception of substance-free floors and buildings and Recovery Housing rooms), (2) designated facilities in the West End Neighborhood (with the exception that no liquor or wine is permitted), (3) The Pub at Overcup Oak (provided the alcoholic beverage was purchased on the premises), and (4) events with alcohol that received prior authorization of the Vice Provost and Dean of Students.

Underage Possession and/or Consumption of Alcohol

Students under the age of 21 may not possess alcohol. Possession includes, but is not limited to, carrying on one’s person, unclaimed alcohol found in an underage student’s residential space, and alcohol held on behalf of an of-age individual.

Consumption of alcohol by students under the age of 21 is prohibited, except as permitted in the observance of religious activities.

Use and/or Possession of Common Containers

The possession, storage, or use of common or bulk containers of alcoholic beverages such as kegs, pony kegs, coolers, or punch bowls by undergraduates or at any student organization-sponsored event, to which undergraduates have been invited, or at which they are present, is prohibited.

Violation of Alcohol Policy for Registered Events and Activities

Hosts and attendees are expected to comply with the Alcohol policy for all approved events or activities that include alcohol. Unless approved by the Vice Provost and Dean of Students or the Dean's designee, wine and liquor are generally prohibited at events with undergraduates in attendance.

Distribution or Provision of Illicit Drugs or Controlled Medications

Distribution of controlled and illegal drugs is prohibited. This prohibition includes distributing controlled prescription medications. The term distribution includes “sharing” of any drug and does not require the exchange of money. An attempt to distribute controlled or illicit drugs violates this policy regardless of whether drugs are actually exchanged.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Students may not possess drug paraphernalia. Drug paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to, bongs, pipes, needles, grinders, weights, scales, rolling papers, as well as common smoking devices when used for the consumption of illegal substances such as e-cigs, vapes, juuls, and hookahs.

Possession and/or Use of Marijuana, THC/CBD, and other Illicit Drugs

Possession and/or use of controlled and illegal substances consistent with federal, state or local laws is strictly prohibited.

In accordance with TCA 43-27-103, students may not possess or consume hemp or hemp concentrate when the delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration exceeds three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis. In addition, in accordance with TCA 39-17-1505, students under the age of 21 may not possess tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor product or smokeless nicotine product including but not limited to delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol. In accordance with TCA 57-7-103, a person under the age of 21 may not possess hemp-derived cannabinoid, including delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol, when the concentration exceeds one-tenth of one percent (0.1%).

In accordance with TCA 39-17-422, students may not intentionally inhale or consume for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, elation, dizziness, excitement, stupefaction, paralysis, or the dulling of the brain or nervous system, or disturbing or distorting of the audio or visual processes fumes from glue, paint, gasoline, or aerosols (whippets or other nitrous oxide product).

Possession and/or Misuse of Medication

The misuse of prescription drugs is a serious concern on college campuses. For this reason, it is a violation of University policy for a student to be in possession of, or use, another person’s prescription medication. It is also a violation for a student to misuse their own prescribed medication.

Because of the danger that drivers under the influence pose to themselves and to others, the operation of a vehicle (car/motorcycle/bicycle/scooter) while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited.

Due to the danger that intoxicated persons pose to themselves and to others, as well as to the disruption that intoxication can bring to the living/learning community, intoxication, regardless of age, is prohibited. Standard

indicators of drinking or other drug use to the level of intoxication may include, but are not limited to, lack of balance, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, foaming of the mouth, paranoia, odor of intoxicant, nodding out, excessive scratching, change in skin color (lighter skin turns bluish-purple and darker skin turns grayish or ashen), and behavioral changes, such as erratic actions, confusion, aggression, rudeness, recklessness, or overt friendliness.

Smoking, including the use of a vaporizer, is prohibited outside of designated areas. See the University's Smoke-Free Campus policy and the Facilities webpage for more information and designated smoking areas. Smoking inside a campus building also increases the risk of fire and may warrant escalated sanctioning.

Students may not offer, give, receive, accept, threaten or solicit any benefit, detriment, or item of value to influence the outcome of sporting events, grading of assignments, participation in university investigations, or other action designed to influence the actions or decisions of another.

Engaging in dishonest acts is prohibited. Dishonest acts include, but are not limited to, altering University documents, altering University identification, forgery of any kind, fraud, impersonation of another person, use or possession of identification belonging to another person, including giving one's identification to another or allowing another to use one's identification, use or possession of false identification regardless of age, providing false information to University officials or members of the University community, misleading University officials through the omission of information, lending to or using on behalf of another a Commodore Card/provisioned device/key/access, misuse of University Parking Permit, and altering or misusing University records, documents or materials.

Failure to comply with authorized directives of a University official or representatives of the University acting in performance of their duties is prohibited. Failure to comply includes, but is not limited to, fleeing from an official or representative of the University, violating a no contact directive, not heeding warnings, not following instructions, or violating previously posted or communicated policies or expectations.

In seeking to live lives of integrity, Vanderbilt students should neither attempt to violate university policy nor facilitate, aid, or abet others in violation of University policy.

Students may not take, withhold, or interfere with the property of another without express permission. Engaging in such actions is considered theft or misappropriation of property; these acts include, but are not limited to, the unauthorized access of private information, unauthorized possession of University property, possession of property of others, unauthorized use of property of others, and the use of trademarks, symbols, or other copyrights belonging to the University or others.

Schools, departments, programs, and individual faculty members, speakers, and artists may have policies governing the creation, use, and/or distribution of recordings—video or audio—of lectures, virtual course sessions, speeches, performances, and other activities. Individuals must obtain authorization prior to recording such activities, and to abide by the various policies governing their being recorded, including, but not limited to, policies related to use and distribution of recordings. Failure to abide by recording policies is a violation. In addition, examinations and the questions therein, lectures, teaching notes, scholarly writings, course handouts, assignments, and other course materials are the property of the individual faculty member. Copying or distributing any such materials without the authorization of the copyright owner may constitute a violation.

Individuals with access to University or student organization funds—including, but not limited to, funds allocated to Registered Student Organizations by Vanderbilt Student Government, funds provided to a Registered Student Organization by a University office for co-sponsorship of an event or activity, membership dues or fees, Student Care Assistance Program funds, Vanderbilt Critical Support Funds, Experience Vanderbilt Funds, Immersion Vanderbilt funds or grants, and the like—who misuse those funds, misappropriate funds, file false reimbursements or other requests for funds, misuse purchasing cards, or otherwise violate University financial policies resulting in a financial loss may be responsible for theft and/or misappropriation of property.

Students and student organizations who go through the University’s accountability process and are found responsible for policy violations are expected to abide by all assigned sanctions and accountability action plans. For those assigned disciplinary probation as a sanction, further violations of University policy during their probationary period are considered a violation of disciplinary outcomes. Similarly, those who are non-compliant with sanctions, terms of suspension, or requirements of accountability action plans are also in violation of disciplinary outcomes.

Students may not engage in the abuse of another person. Abuse includes, but is not limited to, harmful physical contact of a non-sexual nature, striking/hitting or attempting to strike/hit another person, restricting the movement or attempting to restrict the movement of another person so that they cannot leave the immediate area, intimidation through threats or other means, and words, symbols, graphics, or other communications that threaten violence. Behavior that causes a reasonable person to fear for one's safety or bodily autonomy also constitutes abuse.

The University may resolve situations where there are mutual combatants and no clear aggressor outside the formal conduct adjudication process.

Vanderbilt University’s Discrimination policies and procedures for students are available on the Equal Opportunity and Access webpage.

Vanderbilt University expects students to refrain from conduct that is harassing toward another. Harassment is unwelcome verbal, physical, electronic, or other conduct toward another that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it alters the conditions of education or participation in a University program or activity. A person's subjective belief that behavior is intimidating, hostile, or abusive does not necessarily make that behavior harassment. Students are also expected to refrain from conduct that otherwise unreasonably impairs the security or privacy of another member of the University community by any means, including through the use of electronic communications, social media, computers, or data networks, or by recording unauthorized video or photographic images in a location in which the other community member has a reasonable expectation of privacy, or by publishing such images. Such conduct is a violation of University policy.

Harassment of any individual based on sex, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or genetic information is unacceptable. Equally unacceptable within the University is the harassment of any individual on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or harassment because of one’s perception of another’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Harassment that falls within one of these protected categories is subject to referral for investigation and adjudication by EOA or Title IX.

Federal Law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physically preparation necessary for participation in an athletics team, of physical or psychological injury), including:

• Whipping, beating, striking, electric shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity
• Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity
• Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts
• Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct
• Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law
• Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

Tennessee law requires the University to adopt a policy prohibiting hazing. Hazing, as defined by the state of Tennessee, includes, “any intentional or reckless act in Tennessee on or off the property of any [college or university] by one (1) student acting alone or with others which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger the student’s mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.” T.C.A. § 49-7-123.

In New York, in addition to violating University policy regarding hazing, a person can be found guilty of hazing in the first degree or second degree. “A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person's initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury. Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.” N.Y. Penal Law § 120.16. “A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person's initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person. Hazing in the second degree is a violation.” N.Y. Penal Law § 120.17

While including the statutory definitions of hazing above, the University expands its definition of hazing to include any act by an individual or an organization that may produce, or is intended to produce, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, or ridicule, or any acts that are humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning, or that endanger the health and safety of an individual or group of individuals regardless of their affiliation for the purposes of, but not limited to, recruiting, joining, pledging, initiating, admitting, affiliating, or retaining membership in an organization. Accordingly, hazing may still occur regardless of whether a person is considered initiated or otherwise admitted as a full member of the organizations. Such acts include—but are not limited to—the following:

• Violation of federal, state, provincial, local law, or organizational policy
• Consumption of any food, liquid, or other substance in any non-customary manner
• Forced or encouraged consumption of alcohol or other drugs
• Physical contact, including but not limited to, beating, paddling, branding, dangerous physical activity, or exposure to elements, or threats of such conduct
• Exercise inconsistent with the mission of the organization
• Adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual through acts such as sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in embarrassment, or threats of such conduct
• Disruption of academic performance or class attendance, including early morning or late night work sessions
• Designated driving programs
• Personal or financial servitude
• Publicly wearing apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste
• Engaging in public stunts
• Morally degrading or humiliating games and activities
• Scavenger hunts.

The University makes no distinction as to whether the acts occurred on or off campus. Willful or voluntary participation in hazing activities by a victim does not absolve the person or organization engaging in hazing from responsibility. Both organizations and individuals within organizations may be charged with hazing for actions stemming out of the same event or incident.

Severe, persistent, or pervasive acts may be classified as aggravated hazing. The extent to which the form of hazing presents a significant threat to health and safety, including, but not limited to, forced alcohol or drug consumption, physical abuse, reckless conduct that jeopardizes life or wellbeing, sexual misconduct or exploitation, engaging in criminal activity, or deprivation of sleep, food, or water, will be taken into account in assigning sanctions and accountability action plans. When the hazing act causes actual harm or could have reasonably caused significant harm to people or property, the University’s response to aggravated hazing charges will be escalated, and will likely result in suspension or expulsion on the first occurrence of such behavior

Any concerns of hazing as described above should be reported by using the Hazing Incident Reporting Form. Reporters are asked to provide as much detail as is known about the incident including the organization or persons involved, the nature of the hazing alleged to have occurred, specific dates/times/locations, and any supporting evidence (pictures, videos, messages) to substantiate the allegations. If an organization’s leaders or members who are not subject to the hazing come forth to disclose hazing is occurring within the organization in an effort to address it in concert with the university and prior to the university receiving any information about alleged hazing, the University will evaluate whether individual charges of hazing are more appropriate as compared to charging the organization. In either circumstance, individual or organizational charges, the University will evaluate whether educational requirements are more appropriate than formal adjudication. In cases of aggravated hazing, educational requirements are not appropriate and formal adjudication is required.

Reports of hazing are investigated by Student Accountability, Community Standards & Academic Integrity. Investigations into hazing are described in the Student Organization procedures section of the Student Handbook. Organizations accused of hazing will follow the procedures explained in the Student Organization Procedures section of the Student Handbook; individual members accused of hazing will follow the procedures explained in the Student Accountability Procedures section of the Student Handbook.

Where conflict exists between federal law, state law, and University policy, the University will apply the more expansive of the three.

To ensure that the teaching, evaluation and supervision of students remain unbiased and professional, no graduate/professional student or any student in a position of authority (teaching assistant, grader, University-designated mentors, etc.) over undergraduate students shall initiate or engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with, any student who is subject to that individual’s academic or non-academic supervision before the supervision has concluded and, if applicable, a final grade on the student’s supervised academic performance has been submitted to the Registrar.

Academic supervision includes, but is not limited to, serving as a teaching assistant, evaluating coursework or other performance, scheduling, coordinating assignments, or otherwise having grading or other authority over another student in their academic program, internship or practicum.

Non-academic supervision includes, but is not limited to, supervision through a designated role in which a more senior student is formally designated by the University to serve as a mentor to another student, including in housing, orientation, or other co-curricular program.

If such a relationship predates the supervision, the relationship must be disclosed to the appropriate academic or non-academic department to determine any adjustments to the supervision that may be necessary, such as reassignment.

Abuse of an academic or non-academic supervisory position is grounds for dismissal and/or termination of the supervisory relationship in addition to violation of University Policy. Abuse in this context includes, but is not limited to, using the supervisory position to 1) gain an advantage for a student with whom a relationship exists, 2) granting access to information or physical space that the student would not otherwise have absent the relationship, 3) initiating or continuing a relationship without the disclosure described above, and 4) engaging in quid pro quo exchanges.

Violation of this policy may be addressed by the appropriate academic or non-academic department and may result in reassignment or other appropriate action.

Retaliation against any individual who files a report or complaint with the University or testifies or participates in any manner in a University investigation or proceeding is strictly prohibited. A person may be held responsible for retaliation when they either directly engage in retaliatory acts or explicitly encourage others to do so on their behalf, including failure to stop others’ actions when known. Retaliatory acts include, but are not limited to, intimidating, threatening, coercing, or in any way discriminating against another. A violation of a No Contact Directive may also be considered Retaliation. Vanderbilt will vigorously enforce this prohibition against retaliation up to and including expulsion.

Vanderbilt University's updated Sexual Misconduct and related policies, which detail the Title IX process are available on the Title IX Office webpage.

Cruelty to animals is prohibited. Cruelty includes, but is not limited to, failing to appropriately care for an animal and intentionally or recklessly harming an animal when not done for the normal purposes of hunting or fishing.

Students should conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Unreasonable behavior that negatively impacts or interferes with community members’ ability to live, learn, sleep, or be safe, healthy, or well is disorderly conduct. Conduct that obstructs or disrupts teaching, administration, events, University procedures and activities, or other authorized activities is also prohibited. Examples of disorderly conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Unreasonable or reckless conduct that is inherently or potentially unsafe to other persons or their property
• Disrupting University or Organizational Activity
• Engaging in behavior that is inconsistent with the decorum of an event or activity causing annoyance, alarm, or unrest
• Preventing members of a class from hearing a lecture, taking an exam, or otherwise engaging in an academic activity
• Violations of an instructor’s expectations for classroom conduct
• Refusing to leave a private area or closed meeting when not authorized to attend
• Interrupting or interfering with the carrying out of the duties of a University or public official, including law enforcement
• Pushing or shoving of another that does not rise to the level of abuse.

Dangerous conduct is considered any course of action a reasonable person would understand to put themselves or others in harm’s way regardless of whether harm occurs. Any conduct that endangers health and safety is prohibited.

Students should respect the property of others and not intentionally or recklessly cause damage. Damage includes, but is not limited to, vandalism, destruction of signs or banners hung with appropriate authorization, punching or kicking walls or similar physical structures, setting off fire sprinklers, and leaving windows in residence halls open during extreme temperatures. Engaging in actions that result in damage to property, even if that damage was not intended, may still constitute damage to property.

Damage of University property or property of a University community member or campus visitor by a student or student organization is prohibited. Students who damage property may be held financially responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.

All student organizational activities as defined in the Student Organization Administration section of the Student Handbook must be registered and conducted appropriately.

All students must comply with all laws regulating gaming and gambling activity in Tennessee. Under Tennessee law, illegal gambling is defined as “risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance, or any games of chance associated with casinos, including, but not limited to, slot machines, roulette wheels and the like.” Tennessee law exempts certain state-run lotteries, fantasy sports contests, individuals age 21 or older who wager on sports in accordance with the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, and low-level sports entertainment pools with a total entry fee or buy-in of no more than $25 per participant and a total pool of no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), so long as the pool is managed by an individual and not by any type of business entity.

Under New York law, gambling is illegal and includes a person “stak[ing] or risk[ing] something of value” upon the outcome of a “contest of chance” with the understanding that they will receive something of value if they win.

Separately, Vanderbilt University prohibits:

• Possessing on one’s person or premises any card, book, or other device for registering bets for illegal gambling
• Knowingly permitting use of premises, telephone, or other electronic communications devices for illegal gambling
• Knowingly receiving or delivering a letter, package, or parcel related to illegal gambling
• Offering or accepting a bribe to influence the outcome of an athletic event.

Students may participate in “casino nights” or similar events in which individuals play roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, or other card games, dice games, board games, or video games so long as play is solely for entertainment purposes and nothing of value is paid, exchanged, or risked by any participant in exchange for any award, prize, or stake.

Students may host or participate in drawings so long as nothing of value is paid, exchanged, or risked for the opportunity to win a prize or stake. A “suggested” donation may be stated for a drawing ticket, but it must also be stated with any “suggested” donation that there is no charge or fee required for participation in a drawing. Accordingly, any interested individual must be allowed to participate in the drawing without any entry fee or ticket charge. In addition, any payment, or lack thereof, to participate in a drawing cannot affect the odds or chances to win any prize, stake, or award.

Under no circumstances may “casino nights” or similar, raffles, or pools be used by a student to sell or lease goods, property, or services to others or to solicit the sale or lease of the same.

Students charged with a federal, state, or local criminal offenses, whether the underlying conduct occurred on or off campus, or students behaving in ways that could be grounds for federal, state, or local charges, whether the prosecutor pursues or other party seeks charges or not, violate this policy. The University is not required to wait for legal processes to conclude before resolving an accountability proceeding; however, it may choose to wait to not interfere with a police investigation or to gain additional clarity regarding the underlying facts. Given the evidentiary standard used in a criminal proceeding is different than the standard used in an accountability proceeding, a not guilty finding or dismissal in legal processes has no bearing on a determination reached by the University.

The University prohibits the throwing of objects from the stands and abusive language or gestures at athletic events. Student spectators who throw objects at athletic events will be ejected from the contest and may be subject to corrective action through the University’s accountability process. Spectators who are not affiliated with Vanderbilt will be treated similarly by local authorities. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in undesignated areas is prohibited at athletic events, as is the use of tobacco, electronic smoking devices, and other nicotine delivery systems.

Vanderbilt students who are granted access to the University’s IT systems, including computer centers or campus wide internet services, are expected to ensure appropriate use of those systems, including by complying with the Student Computing Policy and Appropriate Use of Technology Assets Policy. Among other things, these policies prohibit sharing Vanderbilt University passwords, violation of copyright laws, including illegal file sharing, the transportation of obscene materials across state lines, and unauthorized access to private information, whether obtained through direct “hacking” or by “social engineering” methods. University computers and data networks, including electronic mail systems, may not be used by students for commercial business purposes not authorized by the University or to harass another by threats, obscenities, or repeated unwanted emails.

Using services or accessing areas behind a Single Sign On of another Vanderbilt community member is prohibited.

Students should identify themselves to the persons they contact through University communications systems and may not use the systems to harass another by threats, obscenities, or repeated contact in which they fail to identify themselves. Harassment over communications systems may be a violation of state law.

Students may not improperly use the University's mailroom for shipping or receiving illicit packages. Students may not collect the mail of another, and should return all mail room equipment for the delivery of larger packages.

Any use of a Vanderbilt issued credit card or reimbursement request that is not in accordance with policies regardless of whether or not there was actual financial loss to the organization or the University is prohibited.  Purchases made under false pretense or not for the business purpose approved and intended are both a violation of purchasing policies, but also fraud.

It is a felony in the state of Tennessee to possess or carry a weapon on property owned or operated by a university, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to go armed. The possession or carrying of firearms, explosives, or other weapons on Vanderbilt University property is prohibited in accordance with TCA 39-17-1309, except as otherwise provided by University policy or other applicable law.

Similarly, in the state of New York, in accordance with New York Penal Law §§ 265.01-a, 265.01-e, it is a felony to possess a firearm, rifle, or shotgun on university grounds, except as otherwise provided by university policy or other applicable law. New York also prohibits a person age sixteen years or older to possess “any air-gun, spring-gun or other instrument or weapon in which the propelling force is a spring, air, piston or CO2 cartridge” on university grounds. N.Y. Penal Law § 265.06.

All students are subject to the Vanderbilt University Weapons Policy.

The University takes violations of the Weapons Policy seriously and will escalate sanctioning for those found to possess a weapon on campus.