Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Judicial Affairs?
- What happens if I get called in to Judicial Affairs?
- What is a Student Conduct Hold?
- Do parents/guardians have access to my records?
- Are there fees involved in the process?
- How come this can't be taken care of over the phone?
- What does probation mean?
- Will my alcohol violation remain on my file and be reported to graduate school programs or employers after my undergraduate graduation?
- What sanctions will remain on my permanent record?
- I already resolved this issue in the Knox County court system so why am I here?
The Office of Student Judicial Affairs serves the student body by administering the student judicial system. Anytime a student has violated the General Standards of Conduct (found in Hilltopics,) their case can be referred to this office.
2. What happens if I get called in to Judicial Affairs?
If you receive a phone call or an email from our office, you need to set up an appointment. At that appointment, you will be notified of why we contacted you.
- If you are a witness to an incident, or can provide additional information, we may be able to resolve the issue over the phone.
- If you have been charged with violating a Standard of Conduct, you will meet with a Judicial Advisor, who will explain your rights, and the charges against you.
3. What is a Student Conduct Hold?
If a student fails to make an appointment with our office or fails to contact us regarding a pending investigation, we will put a hold on their records. This hold will prevent the student from registering for classes. The hold can easily be removed by our office, as soon as the student comes in for their meeting.
4. Do parents/guardians have access to my records?
Not without your written permission. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) maintains the privacy of student records. Students may come into our office and sign a waiver, releasing information to a specified third party.
5. Are there fees involved in this process?
We do not assign monetary fees as sanctions, except in the case of restitution for damaged property.
6. How come this can't be taken care of over the phone?
Due to the serious nature of alleged violations, we require students to personally meet with a staff member to review all charges and allegations. Students are also required to sign a statement clarifying their rights.
Probation means that a student is permitted to remain in the University on a probationary status. The student will set up regular appointments with the Director/ Associate Director to monitor the student's progress. Probation can be set for a semester, a year, or indefinitely. While a student is on probation, any further violations can be cause for suspension or permanent dismissal.
8. Will my alcohol violation remain on my file and be reported to graduate school programs or employers after my undergraduate graduation?
It depends. First time violations of the University's Alcohol Policy usually result in the student being assigned to the Alcohol Diversion Program (ADP.) Students that successfully complete ADP do not maintain a permanent record in our office.
9. What sanctions will remain on my permanent record?
Sanctions of reprimand or higher will remain on a student's disciplinary record indefinitely. If you are applying to a graduate program or a government job, the appropriate agency will most likely request you to disclose your record.
10. I already resolved this issue in the Knox County court system so why am I here?
Hilltopics states "violations of local, state, or federal law, whether on or off campus shall be brought forth to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs." (See Hilltopics-General Standards of Conduct for further information.) The University of Tennessee administrative system operates independently of the Knox County court system. Thus, violations of state law, that are also violations of University Standards of Conduct, must be resolved through the University, as well as the Knox County court system.