2024-25 Student Handbook

APSU Policies & Guidelines

Select related student policies and guidelines. All APSU Policies can be viewed here. 

The APSU Polices & Guidelines section includes the following:

Freedom of Expression and Inquiry

APSU recognizes the importance of freedom of expression and inquiry as well as academic freedom in the pursuit of educational excellence. As such, and in compliance with the Tennessee Higher Education Freedom of Expression and Transparency Act, additional information reflecting APSU’s commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom is available at this link.

Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy

 Purpose

The purposes of this policy include:

1. To articulate the rights and responsibilities of persons using information technology resources owned, leased or administered by Austin Peay State University (APSU);

2. To protect the interests of users and APSU; and

3. To facilitate the efficient operation of APSU information technology systems.

General Information

The primary purpose of Austin Peay State University’s information technology resources is to enhance and support the educational mission of the University. Access to the University’s technology resources is a privilege granted to University students, faculty, staff, contractors and approved guests. These resources include, but are not limited to: computer hardware, software, computer accounts, email accounts and local area networks, as well as connections to other computer networks via the internet. Users are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner.

Restrictions

1. All users shall comply with the APSU Policy 4:029, Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources, which may be found here. Said APSU policy and any subsequent versions thereof is hereby fully incorporated and made a part of this University policy.

2. Information Technology resources may not be used for the following:

   1. Entering, without authorization, into any account to use, read and transfer or change contents in any way;

   2. Impersonating/misrepresenting another individual’s system account or email user name;

   3. Using information technology resources to interfere with the work of other students, faculty, staff or University officials;

   4. Using information technology facilities to send obscene, abusive, threatening, defamatory or harassing messages;

   5. Using information technology resources for activities not directly related to academic or research endeavors in such a way that it causes disruption in a University lab or classroom;

   6. Using information technology resources to interfere with the normal operation of University computing systems and connected networks including, but not limited to: introducing viruses, flooding the network with messages or unfairly monopolizing resources that result in the exclusion or significant disruption of others;

   7. Using University information technology resources for personal profit or commercial purposes;

   8. Using University or state-owned equipment or resources to access obscene or illegal material via the internet; or

   9. Using University information technology resources to illegally disperse or receive copyrighted or protected software and or software resources.

   10. Using University information technology resources for any other activity not directly enhancing or supporting the educational purposes of the university.

Consequences

Intentional failure to comply with this policy will result in action that may include suspension of user privileges or other disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the University or termination of University employment. In addition, violations may result in referral for prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Privacy Considerations

The University reserves the right to view or scan any file, email or software stored on University- or state-owned systems or transmitted over University networks. All users should be aware that email messages are written records that could be subject to review with just cause and may be subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act. When required by law, court order, or subpoena, email or computer files may be disclosed to the appropriate authorities. 

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Guidelines for Use of APSU Computer Labs

Purpose

This section describes the different types of computer facilities available, defines who may use these facilities and provides guidelines for acceptable use. These guidelines are intended to cover information which all facilities hold in common. Each facility may supplement these campus wide guidelines with individual department or unit procedures or protocols to meet specific administrative or academic needs.

Violations of These Guidelines

Disciplinary actions for violating any provisions of these guidelines shall be governed by the applicable provision of the APSU Code of Student Conduct.

Sanctions for violation of these guidelines may include revocation or suspension of computer access privileges in addition to any other sanctions permitted under the Code of Student Conduct and APSU policy on Information Technology Resources (www.apsu.edu/policy).

Violations of law may also be referred for criminal or civil prosecution. Resources covered by these guidelines include host computer systems, personal computers and workstations, computer peripherals, communications networks, software, removable media and files. The use of these resources is governed by federal and state law, as well as by Austin Peay State University policies and procedures. The University may monitor access to any of these resources in order to ensure security of its systems and networks and to enforce University policies.

Monitoring and Inspection of Electronic Records

Electronic records sent, received or stored on computers or systems owned, leased, or administered by APSU are the property of Austin Peay. As the property of APSU, the content of such records, including electronic mail, is subject to inspection by APSU personnel. While APSU does not routinely do so, APSU is able and reserves the right to monitor and/or log all network activity of users without notice, including all email and internet communications. Users should have no reasonable expectation of privacy in the use of these resources.

Description of Facilities

The locations of computer facilities, as well as each facility’s guidelines, procedures, equipment and hours may be found here. In addition, this information shall be clearly posted inside and/or outside each facility.

Different types of computer facilities exist on this campus. Some APSU computer facilities are designated as open access, while some are specialized departmental facilities used for classes and, occasionally, function as open access. Some facilities have posted hours and are staffed by attendants, while others have no posted hours and are only opened as needed. Open labs include campus network and internet connections, which require a sign-in or identification procedure to ensure that only currently enrolled APSU students use the facility. Users should check each individual facility’s procedures or protocols for specific information.

Users and Their Responsibilities

Access to APSU’s computer labs is limited to currently enrolled APSU students. Exceptions are made for APSU academic pursuits and approved workshops, seminars or other special events. Users are responsible for ethical use of APSU computer and technology resources, including both honesty in their academic pursuits and respect for others who share these resources. If requested, users should be prepared to sign in and/or may be requested to present a valid APSU picture ID when they enter a computing facility.

Guidelines for Use

1. Access to resources in computing facilities

   Computers for individual use are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. APSU computing and networking resources are limited; therefore, the first priority should be the fulfillment of academic instructional objectives for students using the computer facilities. Users may be asked to justify the academic legitimacy of their activities to lab management. Users should be aware of state and federal laws governing the distribution and display of obscene materials (APSU Policy 4:029).

   Students engaged in non-academic pursuits may be asked by attendants to relinquish machines for students who need to do work for their classes. Some computers are reserved for specific purposes because of special features such as an attached plotter or specialized software. These computers are clearly identified in each facility, and students needing those resources shall have priority on those machines.

2. Care of computing and technology resources

   Malfunctioning equipment should be reported immediately to the attendant or manager in charge of the facility. The consumption of foods and beverages, including bottled water, is prohibited except in designated areas. Computers are configured according to the needs of students and faculty/staff. Users must not change hardware or software configuration settings. Users who have suggestions for a hardware or software configuration change should speak to the person who manages the facility.

   Users are expected to exercise good judgment when submitting printing tasks and take proper care of the computers, printers and all other equipment found in the facilities (see section C, below).

3. Reducing wasteful use of paper and printing supplies

   Users are expected to be conservative in their use of paper and to exercise discretion when printing documents to prevent waste of expensive printing materials. Because color cartridges are costly, users must be prudent when sending print jobs to color printers.

   Users should submit the print command only once to avoid printing multiple copies of a document. Users should allow adequate time to ensure a successful print job before resending a print command.

   Users who need multiple copies of a document must use a photocopying machine for duplication of documents. Coin-operated photocopiers are available in the Woodward Library (during library hours) as well as in the Printing Services center at APSU on the first floor of the Woodward Library.

   Users are urged to use the “print preview” command before submitting a print job. Blank pages that appear in the “print preview” result should be deleted before the print job is sent. Users should make sure they have sent their printing job to the correct printer. To do this, instead of immediately clicking on the printer icon, users should click the “File” command in the main menu toolbar and then select “Print,” which will open the Print dialog box where settings can be checked and adjusted before sending a print command.

   Users must only print materials of academic relevance or co-curricular significance. Users should notify the lab attendant if the printer has failed to respond correctly after the first print command. If users have submitted an incorrect print job, they should notify the lab attendant so that the attendant can attempt to cancel the job. Users should save personal email, webpages and any kind of academically irrelevant materials to removable media, such as jump/thumb drives, external hard drives, CD-R or CD-RW disks.

4. Respect for others using the facilities

   Those using the facilities should work quietly. Loud conversations and disruptive behavior disturb others who are trying to do academic work. Users may not encroach on others’ use of computing and technology resources. Such activities include, but are not limited to, sending harassing messages, introducing viruses or anything else which damages software or hardware and misrepresenting one’s identity in electronic communication. Persons who are disruptive in computer lab facilities will be asked to leave immediately. The lab attendant may summon the lab supervisor or the faculty advisor if a student refuses to leave. Campus security may be summoned to the facility if a user poses a threat to the safety of the facility. Repeated incidents of disruptive or harassing behavior will result in loss of computer use privileges.

5. Skills needed to use APSU facilities

   Campus computer labs are primarily self-service facilities. Users are responsible for learning the skills necessary to use the computer applications. Software documentation and manuals may be made available to users in some facilities. The lab attendant’s responsibilities include (a) insuring that users properly sign in and sign out when applicable; (b) troubleshooting hardware; (c) correcting printer malfunctions; and (d) enforcing these lab guidelines. In addition to these primary responsibilities, attendants may be able to provide limited assistance to users based on the attendant’s knowledge of specific software.

6. Software and data on APSU computer lab facilities

   Only software owned by or licensed to Austin Peay State University shall reside on campus lab computers. All applicable copyright laws and licenses must be observed. No software or “freeware” shall be installed on any APSU lab computer without express permission from the facility manager. Users should save personal emails, webpages, and any academically irrelevant materials to OneDrive rather than using removable media like jump/thumb drives, external hard drives or CDs. Saving to OneDrive ensures your file are securely backed up, easily accessible from any device, and protected against loss or damage associated with physical media.

7. Obscene materials

   The distribution and display of obscene materials is prohibited by the laws of Tennessee (see Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-902). Obscene materials are defined under Tennessee law (see T.C.A. § 39-17-901(10)) as those materials which: a) The average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; b) The average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct; and (c) the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. Federal law (18 U.S.C. 2252) prohibits the distribution across state lines of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

8. Students with disabilities

   Computers on campus are open for student use on a first-come, first-served basis. Some facilities provide stations for users with disabilities. When users identify themselves as disabled and request immediate access, they shall be given access to a designated station only if a vacant computer is available for the student who is being relocated.

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Illegal Downloading

All Austin Peay State University students, faculty and staff should be aware that it is illegal to acquire (via digital or other form of transfer) any copyrighted material unless you have legally purchased or have otherwise obtained the express permission of the copyright holder. Copyrighted material includes, but is not limited to, music, videos, books, images and software. With the advancement in technology and easy access via the internet to music, videos, books, images and software programs, and programs with which to copy the material, you may not be aware whether certain material may be legally copied or not. A helpful list of types of copyright-protected material and copyright laws can be found at www.copyright.gov.

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Smoking Policy

All smoking, vaping, and tobacco usage is prohibited on the APSU campus, except in designated locations. APSU promotes a healthy, sanitary environment free from tobacco smoke in University facilities, grounds and state-owned vehicles. Regardless of whether classes are in session, this policy prohibits smoking, vaping, and tobacco usage in all buildings, grounds and state-owned vehicles 24 hours a day, year round. People who want to use smoke-free tobacco products may do so 30 feet from each building exit and entrance. Smoke- free tobacco product use is prohibited in University buildings and state-owned vehicles. Employee violations of this policy should be reported to the appropriate supervisor. Student violations of this policy should be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. There shall be no reprisals against anyone reporting violations of this policy. (See APSU Policy 5:002 and campus smoking map here.)

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Inclement Weather Policy

During severe inclement weather, the University will remain open, classes will be held, and the faculty and staff will be expected to perform their normal duties. Unless a modified schedule or an official closing due to catastrophic conditions (such as loss of heat, power outage, etc.) is announced over RAVE Alert, the APSU website, radio or TV broadcasts, employees are expected to report for work and students are expected to attend class. In cases of severe inclement weather or hazardous roads, students are to exercise their own judgment in making decisions about class attendance. For more information, please visit the APSU Emergency Management website.

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Student Medical Emergencies

If you have a medical emergency on campus, call 911 immediately. Campus police will arrive, along with Clarksville Fire and Rescue and the Ambulance Service, and assist you in obtaining appropriate medical care.

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Discrimination, Harassment and Affirmative Action

Austin Peay State University is committed to a nondiscriminatory philosophy that extends to all constituents. To ensure the realization of this goal and be supportive of its educational philosophy, the University has developed a plan for providing equal employment opportunities, as well as affirmative action for protected classes. In order for this plan to be effective, management at all levels must make positive contributions to implementing it. This affirmative action plan commits the University to comply with all pertinent legislation, regulations, and executive orders in providing affirmative action, as well as equal employment opportunities.

Austin Peay State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. Austin Peay State University prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: LaNeeça Williams, Chief of Institutional Culture and Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Culture, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044, williamslr@apsu.edu.

The following person has been designated to serve as the institution’s Title IX Coordinator to monitor and oversee Title IX complaints: LaNeeça Williams, Chief of Institutional Culture and Title IX Coordinator at 931-221-7690. Students may also contact the Office of Institutional Culture for assistance at 931-221-7267.

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Reporting of Rape Allegations

In compliance with the Robert “Robbie” Nottingham Campus Crime Scene Investigation Act of 2004, all APSU staff and faculty are required by law to report to APSU Campus Police, for investigation, any information they receive that any degree of rape or sexual assault has occurred on property owned or controlled by the University. The only persons granted an exception to this requirement to report allegations of rape to the police are licensed counselors and licensed medical professionals who have received a report of such allegations while performing their official duties as an employee of the University. Details of this act may be accessed via the APSU Campus Police website at www.apsu.edu/police.

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The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act

The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act and the Tennessee College and University Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2002 require that whenever a sex offender becomes employed, enrolls as a student or volunteers at an institution of higher education in the state of Tennessee, he or she must complete or update the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) sexual offender registration/monitoring form and deliver it to TBI headquarters in Nashville.

As defined in section 40-39-202 of the Tennessee Code, a “sexual offender” means a person who has been convicted in this state of committing a sexual offense or has another qualifying conviction. A “sexual offense” means the commission of acts including but not limited to aggravated and statutory rape, sexual battery, sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated prostitution and kidnapping.

Both acts designate certain information concerning a registered sexual offender as public information and therefore amend and supersede the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other federal and state laws that previously prohibited the disclosure of such personal information. Because the laws require the publication of information pertaining to sexual offenders employed, enrolled or volunteering at an educational institution, said publication does not constitute grounds for a grievance or complaint under institutional policies or procedures.

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Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence/Dating Violence/Stalking

Under Title IX, and as a standard for the Code of Student Conduct, Austin Peay State University is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment. In compliance with federal law, specifically the Jeanne Clery Act (Clery Act) and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act), Austin Peay State University has adopted policies and procedures to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. These guidelines apply to all members of the APSU community (students, faculty and staff) as well as contractors and visitors.

Austin Peay State University will not tolerate sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking in any form. Such acts of violence are prohibited by APSU policy, as well as state and federal laws. Individuals who the University determines more likely than not have engaged in these types of behaviors are subject to penalties up to and including dismissal or separation from APSU, regardless of whether they are also facing criminal or civil charges in a court of law.

For more information on Sexual Harassment and Title IX Guidelines, visit www.apsu.edu/equity-access/titleix.

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Title IX Federal Law

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, or denies participation in any federally funded education program or activity. In conjunction with Title IX, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against sex discrimination (as well as discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin and religion) in employment.

Sex discrimination is defined as unequal treatment of individuals based on gender, and has many forms. Sexual violence is a form of sex discrimination, and is defined as any physical sexual act committed upon a person against the person’s will or where/when the person is incapable of giving consent due to use of drugs or alcohol or for other reasons. Sexual violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault (non-consensual sexual intercourse and non-consensual sexual contact), dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and retaliation.

Title IX Coordinator

In accordance with Title IX guidance and regulations, Austin Peay State University has appointed LaNeeça Williams as the Title IX Coordinator. If you have experienced or have witnessed any form of sexual discrimination, including sexual violence, we encourage you to report the incident(s) to APSU Campus Police or the Title IX Coordinator at williamslr@apsu.edu or by phone at 931-221-7690.

The Title IX Coordinator is charged with the oversight and monitoring of APSU’s compliance efforts. Austin Peay State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU.

For more information, or inquiries or complaints regarding the non-discrimination policies, including Title IX complaints, please visit www.apsu.edu/equity-access/titleix.

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Drug and Alcohol Policy

Policy on Alcohol and Other Illicit Drugs

Austin Peay State University strictly prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of alcohol and other illicit drugs. See APSU Policy: 7:005, 3:006 and Code of Student Conduct.

Philosophy

Austin Peay State University’s fundamental purpose is to produce educated men and women equipped to use their abilities productively and wisely. The curricula and extra-curricular activities of the University are routes to intellectual maturity and means to the development of ideas, insights, values and competencies which form a permanent, personal capacity for thought and action. The University strives to provide an environment for students to construct their own education and to acquire the means of making self-education the rewarding enterprise of a lifetime, enabling them to become effective agents of social change. An environment free of the illegal or abusive use of alcohol or other drugs by members of the academic community encourages this educational development. Therefore, Austin Peay State University is committed to having a campus that is free of alcohol with limited exception and other drug use.

In keeping with its primary purpose, Austin Peay will utilize educational strategies as its major approach to the problem of alcohol and other drug use. It is important, however, that everyone be aware that any member of the University community who uses illegal drugs or abuses any drug including alcohol may be subject to prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities and to disciplinary proceedings by the University. Austin Peay’s interest in punishing offenders is not punitive but rather to establish clear limits of conduct for all members of the campus community. This policy is NOT intended to punish people who seek rehabilitation. All information provided by people who voluntarily avail themselves of alcohol or other drug counseling or rehabilitation services will be confidential. It will NOT be used against the individual seeking assistance.

Policy on Substance Abuse

It is the policy of this institution that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, acquisition, possession, or use of alcohol and illegal drugs on the APSU campus, on property owned or controlled by APSU, or as part of any activity of APSU is strictly prohibited.

Austin Peay is dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and, as such, expects all members of the academic community to behave in a manner conducive to that end. The highest standards of personal and professional conduct must be maintained by faculty, staff, and students. Illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs by members of the University community adversely affects the mission of the University and is prohibited. Accordingly, Austin Peay State University adopts the following policy, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. The policy is intended to accomplish the following

1. Prevent substance abuse through strong educational efforts;

2. Encourage and facilitate the use of counseling services and rehabilitation programs by those members of the University community who require assistance in stopping substance abuse; and,

3. Discipline appropriately those members of the University community who engage in illegal substance-related behaviors.

Educational Efforts to Prevent Substance Abuse

In keeping with its primary mission of education, Austin Peay will conduct a strong educational program aimed at preventing drug abuse and illegal drug or alcohol use. Educational efforts shall be directed toward all members of the University community and will include information about the incompatibility of the use or sale of illegal substances with the goals of APSU, the health hazards associated with illegal drugs or alcohol use, the incompatibility of substance abuse with the maximum achievement of education, career and other personal goals and the potential legal consequences of involvement with illegal drugs or alcohol.

Services to Prevent Substance Abuse

Those students, faculty and staff who seek assistance with a substance abuse-related problem shall be provided with information about alcohol and other drug counseling and rehabilitation services through APSU and also through community organizations. Those who voluntarily avail themselves of University services shall be assured that applicable professional standards of confidentiality will be observed.

Disciplinary Actions to Prevent Substance Abuse

Students, faculty and staff are responsible, as citizens, for knowing about and complying with the provisions of Tennessee Code Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 4 that make it a crime to possess, sell, deliver or manufacture those drugs designated collectively as “controlled substances” in T.C.A. § 39-17-402 -- § 39-17-416.  Any member of the University community who violates those laws is subject both to prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities and to disciplinary proceedings by the University.

It is not “double jeopardy” for both the civil authorities and the University to proceed against and punish a person for the same specified conduct. The University will initiate its own disciplinary proceeding against a student or employee when the alleged conduct is deemed to affect the interests of the University. Sanctions will be imposed by the University in accordance with this policy, Staff Handbook, Faculty Handbook, Code of Student Conduct and other appropriate University policies.

Students, faculty, and staff members of APSU with substance abuse problems are encouraged to take advantage of available diagnostic, referral, counseling and prevention services. However, employees and students availing themselves of these services will not be granted special privileges and exemptions from standard academic and student conduct requirements. Austin Peay will not excuse acts of misconduct committed by employees and students whose judgment is impaired due to substance use.

Employees

(This includes regular and temporary employees, student employees and employees working at the University under the guidelines of federal contract or grant. Compliance with the policy is considered a condition of employment under the terms of the employment.)

As a condition of employment, each employee must abide by the terms of this statement and must notify the director of Human Resources of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction. Failure to provide this notification within five days after conviction will result in termination of employment. A conviction includes a finding of guilt, a plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of a sentence by any state or federal judicial body. Possible disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with this statement, other than notification, may include one or more of the following: 1. termination; 2. suspension; 3. mandatory participation in, and satisfactory completion of, a substance abuse program or rehabilitation program; and 4. recommendation for professional counseling.

Students

(This shall mean any person who is registered for study at Austin Peay State University for any academic period. A person shall be considered a student during any period that follows the end of an academic period which the student has completed until the last day for registration for the next succeeding regular academic period and during any period while the student is under suspension from the University.)

Possible disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with the terms of this statement may include one or more of the following:

1. expulsion;
2. suspension;
3. probation; and
4. mandatory educational program.

In addition to the above, students may be required to participate in, and satisfactorily complete, a substance abuse program or rehabilitation program. Finally, in addition to imposed University sanctions, a student may be referred for criminal prosecution. As a condition for receiving federal Title IV financial aid, each student must certify that he/she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance and must notify the director of Student Financial Aid of any conviction within five days after such conviction. A student convicted of violating the regulation may lose his/her federally funded financial aid and may be subject to disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct.

For more information on APSU’s alcohol and other drug philosophy visit: https://www.apsu.edu/student-affairs/dean-of-students/alcohol-and-other-drug-philsophy/index.php

Parental Notification

Austin Peay State University recognizes that students, parents, and the University are in a partnership in which each has the responsibility of promoting a healthy and productive educational experience. The University disciplinary process exists to provide corrective action that is educational and developmental, to protect the campus community, and to maintain an environment conducive to learning. Violations of the APSU alcohol and drug policy can detract from that learning environment. We believe parents can assist students in fulfilling their educational goals through the use of open dialogue.

T.C.A. § 49-7-146 requires Austin Peay State University to notify the parents or guardians of students under the age of 21 when those students are found responsible for alcohol- and drug-related offenses. In addition, the parent/guardian may be contacted in any instance in which the health or safety of the student has been threatened either through the student’s own acts or the acts of others.

Legal Sanctions in Tennessee in Accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Various federal and state statutes make it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver or sell, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, or sell controlled substances. The penalty imposed depends upon many factors which include the type and amount of controlled substance involved, the number of prior offenses, if any, and whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of the controlled substance. Possible sanctions include incarceration up to and including life imprisonment and imposition of substantial monetary fines.

Tennessee statutes provide that it is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) to buy, possess, transport (unless in the course of employment), or consume alcoholic beverages, wine, or beer, such offense being classified a Class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 11 months, 29 days, or a fine of not more than $2500, or both. The receipt, possession, or transportation of alcoholic beverages without the required revenue stamp is also a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days or a fine of not more than $50, or both.

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Drugs, Alcohol and Their Risks

The DEA categorizes drugs, substances, and chemicals in drug production into five schedules based on their potential for abuse or dependency and their acceptable medical use. The level of abuse associated with a drug plays a significant role in determining its classification. Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse and can cause severe psychological and physical dependence. As we move down the schedule, the potential for abuse decreases, and Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse. These lists are intended as general references and are not comprehensive listings of all controlled substances.

Types of Drugs and Health Risks

• Schedule I:

  Heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), peyote, mescaline, psilocybin (shrooms), other hallucinogens, methaqualone (quaaludes), MDA, 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), and bath salts.

  Health Risks: Psychologically and physically addictive; depression, withdrawal symptoms, convulsions, death, unpredictable behavior with hallucinogens; possible damage to unborn fetus.

• Schedule II:

  Morphine, Demerol, codeine, Percodan, Percocet, fentanyl, Dilaudid, Seconal (secobarbital), Vicodin Nembutal, cocaine, amphetamines (Dexedrine, Adderall, and Obertrol), other opium, opium extracts and narcotics, methadone, methamphetaminehydrocodone, Adderall, Ritalin, PCP, and codeine-containing cough syrups such as Hycomine, and Tussionex.

  Health Risks: Psychologically and physically addictive; withdrawal symptoms, convulsions, respiratory failure, frequent accidents; possible damage to unborn fetus; death; cocaine and amphetamines increase blood pressure which can lead to irregular heartbeat and death; amphetamines can cause agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death.

• Schedule III:

  Codeine containing medicine such as Fiorinal #3, Tylenol #3, Empirin #3, all anabolic steroids, ketamine, testosterone, and suboxone.

  Health Risks: psychologically and physically addictive; potential liver damage, nausea and vomiting; dizziness, disorientation, shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, coma, possible death; withdrawal symptoms — anxiety, tremors, insomnia, convulsion; possible damage to unborn fetus.

• Schedule IV:

  barbiturates and stimulants, Valium, Talwin, Librium Equanil, Darvon, Darvocet, Placidyl, Tranzene, Serax, Ionamin (yellow jackets), Xanax, Soma, Ativan, Ambien and Tramadol.

  Health Risks: Psychologically and physically addictive; drowsiness, withdrawal symptoms — tremors, abdominal and muscle cramps, insomnia, anxiety, convulsions, possible death; possible damage to unborn fetus.

• Schedule V:

  compounds that contain very limited amounts of codeine, dihdrocodeine, Motofen, Lyrica, Parepectolin, ethlmorphine and atropine, such as Terpine Hydrate with codeine and Robitussin ACand Lomotil.

  Health Risks: Psychologically and physically addictive; nausea, gastrointestinal symptoms,drowsiness, withdrawal symptoms– runny nose, watery eyes, panic, chills, cramps, irritability, nausea; possible damage to unborn fetus.

  Controlled substances and analogs need not be listed as such to be treated as a Schedule I substance for criminal prosecution.

• Types of Alcohol:

  Unfortified wine is wine not more than 17% alcohol. Malt beer, 2 of 1% to malt beverage is beer, 2 of 1% to 6% alcohol. Fortified wine is wine not more than 24% alcohol. Spirituous liquor is distilled spirits or ethylalcohol, including spirits of wine, whiskey, rum, brandy, gin, etc. Mixed beverage is a drink composed in whole or part of spirituous liquor.

  Health Risks: psychologically and physically addictive; respiratory depression; depression of the immune system; increase risk of heart disease, cancer, accidents, hypertension; brain damage; liver damage; damage to the unborn fetus; impotence at high dosage levels.

  
  
  

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Alcohol and Other Drug Resources

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