Statement and Intent of Policy

Under Title IX, and as a standard for the Student Code of 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 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. 

In publishing these guidelines, the University is not intending to substitute or supersede related civil and/or criminal law. It should be clearly understood that there is a fundamental difference between the nature and purpose of student discipline and criminal law. Tennessee State Law considers gross sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact to be serious crimes that are punishable by imprisonment in jail and/or probation. It also involves creation of a criminal record and may include a monetary fine.

All students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the public participating in University activities have the right to an environment free from sexual or physical intimidation that would prevent a reasonable person from attaining educational goals or living and working in a safe environment.

If there is reason to believe that APSU campus regulations prohibiting sexual misconduct in any form have been violated, on or off-campus, the administration will pursue disciplinary action through the appropriate University procedures. Moreover, these guidelines do not differentiate the types of offenses based on the kind of relationship between the individuals. APSU complies with its obligation to investigate and resolve concerns of all forms of sexual misconduct regardless of whether or not a formal complaint is filed, in order to maintain a non-discriminatory and respectful educational environment.

These guidelines are intended to provide more detailed information about how APSU handles these matters and is not intended to replace the APSU Student Code of Conduct or APSU Sexual Harassment Policy.