Objective is Student Development College is a time to challenge ideas and beliefs, to learn new ideas and to develop a sense of self. You will be growing and changing all your life. The academic programs in the curriculum and the opportunities in the co-curriculum are designed to help you develop your present and future skills to their maximum. We encourage you to assess your skills, abilities and attitudes right now and ask, “How do I want to develop over this year?” “What aspects of The University of Tampa experience can help me meet those goals?” Consider all aspects of your growth: academic and career, intellectual and cultural, physical, social and interpersonal, and spiritual and ethical. The University of Tampa is a community. Faculty and staff members are concerned about your experience as a member of this community (whether in your residence hall, your commuter student group, your campus organization, or, most important, your classes) and will pay close attention to your needs and responsibilities as a community member. UT is also concerned about your personal development (for example, career awareness, personal growth, learning skills) and will offer many programs and services to assist you individually.
We want to help you utilize your in- and out-of-class time for productive learning experiences. All the educators and administrators at UT are ready to support and encourage you in your goals, but it is you who must decide to be actively involved and committed to your own learning.
Nondiscrimination Notice The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin in the recruitment, admission and advancement of students, in the recruitment, employment and advancement of faculty and staff or in the design and operation of any of our programs, policies or activities.
Policy Regarding Discriminatory Acts The University has instituted policies against harassment, including sexual and racial harassment. A description of the grievance procedures is available in the Office of the Dean of Students, located in Plant Hall 124.
Buckley-Pell: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that states (a) that a written, institutional policy must be established, and (b) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of students be made available. The law provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of student education records. See the University catalog for the complete Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Dean of Students in PH 124, or the Registrar’s Office in PH 113.
Smoke-Free Policy It is the philosophy of The University of Tampa to provide an environment that offers the opportunity and resources to optimize the personal health and well-being of the University community. In accordance with this philosophy and the convincing evidence of the negative health effects of sidestream (passive) smoke, it is intended that all University buildings implement this smoke-free policy.
Procedure for Involuntary Withdrawal The Dean of Students, under advisement of either the Director of the Student Health and Counseling Center, the University mental health professional, or, when applicable, the Director of Residence Life, may determine that a student is a direct threat to self, others, or the good order of the academic community through indications such as verbal/physical disruption or uncontrolled/unstable behavior. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the director of the Student Health and Counseling Center, may require a psychiatric, psychological or physical evaluation by an appropriate off-campus physician and/or mental health professional for the purpose of determining the student’s stability. The student is responsible for any evaluation fees. If the student refuses to be evaluated by the off-campus professional, the student will immediately be summarily suspended from the University. Summary suspension will be continued until the student consents to evaluation or until a hearing is held, following regular University procedures.
If it is the determination of the appropriate professional or hearing board that the student is not currently able to function medically or behaviorally in the University environment, the Dean of Students’ office will initiate a withdrawal (for medical reasons) from the University. A student who is withdrawn under these circumstances and who at a later date desires admission is required to provide a written opinion from an objective physician and/or mental health professional. This professional will have provided treatment subsequent to the withdrawal and will substantiate the ability of the student to perform successfully at the University.
When the Dean, in consultation with the director of the Student Health and Counseling Center and the appropriate physician or mental health professional, determines that no threat to self, others or the good order of the community exists, the student will be able to continue at the University provided all behavior is appropriate. Conditions may be placed on the student to prevent potential problems or incidents from occurring anywhere on campus. Should the student’s behavior become disruptive to the residential living environment, the University may refuse the student on-campus housing.
Student Participation in University Governance The primary vehicle for student participation in University governance is the Student Government, which is regulated by its constitution. The President of the Student Government is invited to attend Board of Trustees’ meetings, which are held quarterly, as well as participate in various Board committees.
The Student Government Executive Board appoints students to regular committees of the University (e.g. judicial affairs selection, student code review, biennial review of alcohol and other drug issues, orientation, commencement) as well as to ad hoc committees (e.g. selection committees and groups assembled for selected issues).
Hurricane or Other Severe Weather When the Tampa Bay area is threatened with severe weather, it is sometimes possible to forecast its arrival in sufficient time to implement precautionary measures. If forecasts indicate that threatening weather will affect the University, all students and staff should take timely and necessary planned actions to minimize the possibility of harm.
As soon as possible, every student should:
- Review all safety brochures.
- Keep a full tank of gas in his/her vehicle whenever there is warning that a severe storm may come into the area.
- Use battery-powered radios to obtain emergency information and keep posted on storm progress.
- Be certain radios and flashlights have fresh batteries.
- If asked to evacuate, report intended destination to a resident assistant or area coordinator.
- Collect water in suitable containers upon notification that a major storm is approaching.
- Try to car pool, if possible, to a spot inland or an emergency Red Cross shelter.
- If a resident, go to Smiley Hall Lobby for transportation to a shelter.
- Take only bedding and personal hygiene items, special medications, non-perishable food items and water if going to a shelter. No alcoholic beverages or pets may be taken to shelters.
- Stay off campus after an evacuation until an announcement is made through the media that the campus is open.
The University of South Florida is UT’s designated Red Cross emergency shelter. From UT, head east on Kennedy Boulevard to Ashley Street (just over the bridge to downtown). Head north on Ashley to the “Interstate 275 north” ramp. Take I-275 north 6.8 miles to Fowler Avenue. Exit to the right. Take Fowler east 2.4 miles to the main entrance of USF. Turn left into the main entrance, then right into the visitor’s center.
OR
From UT, take Kennedy Boulevard east to Florida Avenue. Turn left onto Florida. Head north to Hillsborough Avenue. Turn right onto Hillsborough and proceed east to 56th Street, then north (left) on 56th to Fowler. Turn left onto Fowler. Head west to the main entrance of USF. Turn right into the main entrance, then right into the visitor’s center.
Click here for other hurricane or severe weather information. Infection Control Policy Safety Precautions The University subscribes to safety guidelines of the United States Public Health Services for the handling of blood and body fluids of all persons, not just those previously known to have HIV/HBV infection. These procedures are followed for the handling of blood or body fluids of any student or employee, and they constitute the Infection Control Policy for the University. For a copy of the complete policy, please stop by PH 124.
Student Responsibility Students at The University of Tampa are held responsible for knowledge of the University rules and regulations as stated in this student handbook), as well as the University catalog and any rules and regulations which may be posted from time to time. Ignorance of the University’s rules and regulations will not be considered an excuse for violation.
Addressing Student Complaints It is the policy of the University to respond in a timely and appropriate fashion to written student complaints. Students may submit written complaints for many reasons, therefore, the first step in responding is to ascertain the appropriate channel for addressing the concern. This information is then communicated to the student. This communication may take written or verbal form, based on the nature of the situation.
Students may also report suggestions, concerns or complaints by completing the
Online Comment Card, which is submitted to the President's office. The online card includes the option of requesting a written response.
For a complete copy of the University¹s complaint policy, students may email
planning@ut.edu or contact the Vice President for Operations and Planning in Plant Hall 106.