Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1720 - University of Tennessee
Title 1720 of the Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee is specifically dedicated to the University of Tennessee. These regulations outline the operational procedures, governance, and specific rules that apply across the various campuses and units of the University of Tennessee System.
It's important to distinguish the University of Tennessee System from the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). While both are public higher education systems in Tennessee, they have distinct governance structures and separate sets of rules and policies. The University of Tennessee System is governed by its own Board of Trustees, whereas the TBR governs other state universities and community colleges.
Here's a breakdown of the typical scope of Title 1720:
I. General Governance and System-Wide Rules (Subtitle 1720-01 - All Campuses):
This subtitle contains rules that are applicable across all campuses and institutes within the University of Tennessee System. Key areas include:
Classification of Students (In-State and Out-of-State): Rules for determining residency status for tuition purposes.
Contested Case Procedures: Outlines the formal administrative procedures the University must follow for hearings in cases where the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a student, employee, or other entity are determined after a hearing (e.g., student disciplinary proceedings, certain employee disciplinary proceedings, traffic/parking violation appeals).
Use of University Property: Regulations concerning who can use university property and for what purposes, including rules for authorized users and permissible uses, as well as specific provisions for free expression activities by non-affiliated persons.
Student Information: Policies regarding student records, identification cards, and potentially other general student matters.
Fiscal and Administrative Matters: Rules pertaining to financial operations, public records, unclaimed property, and surplus property.
Board of Trustees Procedures: Rules governing the operation of the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, including procedures for addressing the Board.
Student Immunization Requirements: Health-related mandates for students.
Free Speech: Policies affirming principles of free speech for students and faculty.
II. Campus-Specific Rules (Subtitles for individual campuses):
Title 1720 is further broken down into subtitles for each major campus or unit within the UT System, where more specific rules pertinent to that location are outlined. These often include:
Subtitle 1720-02 - The University of Tennessee (Chattanooga):
Honor Code
Parking Rules
Registration of Student Organizations
Student Code of Conduct
Maintenance of Ethical and Professional Standards (e.g., for Nursing programs)
Library Fines
Termination of Financial Assistance
Student Publications
Subtitle 1720-03 - The University of Tennessee (Health Science Center):
Honor System
Library Fines
Subtitle 1720-04 - The University of Tennessee (Knoxville):
Often includes detailed rules on student conduct, parking, and specific campus operations. For example, Chapter 1720-04-03, Section 1720-04-03-.04 details "STANDARDS OF CONDUCT" for students, covering academic dishonesty, discrimination/harassment, invasion of privacy, property violations, hazing, fire safety, misuse of technology, alcohol-related conduct, and failure to appear at hearings.
Subtitle 1720-05 - The University of Tennessee (Martin):
Similar to other campuses, containing rules specific to UT Martin.
Subtitle 1720-06 - The University of Tennessee at Nashville (often includes repealed chapters as this campus no longer exists independently).
Subtitle 1720-07 - The University of Tennessee (Southern): Rules specific to the newer UT Southern campus.
Key Concepts and Governance:
University of Tennessee Board of Trustees: This board is the primary governing body for the entire University of Tennessee System. Its policies (UT System Policies or Board of Trustees Policies) often complement and sometimes supersede the specific rules within Title 1720, or Title 1720 implements the Board's broader policies.
Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Title 49, Chapter 9: This part of the state law governs the statewide University of Tennessee System and forms the statutory basis for the rules found in Title 1720.
Shared Governance: While the Board of Trustees holds ultimate authority, the University System operates under a principle of shared governance, involving faculty, staff, and students in policy development and decision-making processes.
Where to Find the Full Text:
University of Tennessee System Policies Website (policy.tennessee.edu): This is an excellent resource for UT System policies, including Board of Trustees policies, which often relate directly to the content of Title 1720. They often have links to the Tennessee Rules & Regulations as well.
Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII) (www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/tennessee/title-1720): Another reliable source for the full text.
Students, faculty, staff, and anyone interacting with the University of Tennessee System should be aware of these rules and regulations as they govern a wide range of activities and responsibilities within the university environment.
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