Policies & Regulations in Co-Curricular Matters

Foreword

Information concerning academic issues is provided in the catalogs of all of the Vanderbilt University colleges and schools. The Student Handbook is designed to acquaint Vanderbilt students with the standards expected of them as members of University community and what students may expect from the University. The Statement of Principles, set forth in the Faculty Manual and comprising the first chapter of this handbook, forms the foundation for these rights and responsibilities.The regulations in this handbook apply to all students enrolled at Vanderbilt whether they are full-time or part-time students, undergraduate, graduate, or professional students, transient students, students cross-registered from another institution, or students enrolled only in summer programs.

The University makes the handbook available to students via the World Wide Web (http://www.vanderbilt.edu/student_handbook). It is the student's responsibility to become aware of its contents. Ignorance of a policy or regulation will not be considered an excuse for failure to observe it.

Members of the University enjoy the rights and privileges associated with their status and are bound by the laws of the surrounding community. Student status does not protect a Vanderbilt student from arrest or prosecution for violation of local, state, or federal laws. A student who violates certain regulations can be held accountable by the public courts as well as by the University. A student's standing before the courts in and of itself, however, does not necessarily affect his or her standing within the University at any time.

The information provided and the regulations and policies outlined in this handbook are not intended to be all-inclusive and do not constitute a contract. The University reserves the right at any time to add to, modify, or revoke any of the regulations and policies contained in this handbook without notice.

Mission, Goals, and Values:
Vanderbilt University is a center for scholarly research, informed and creative teaching, and service to the community and society at large. Vanderbilt will uphold the highest standards and be a leader in the

• quest for new knowledge through scholarship,
• dissemination of knowledge through teaching and outreach,
• creative experimentation of ideas and concepts.

In pursuit of these goals, Vanderbilt values most highly

• intellectual freedom that supports open inquiry,
• equality, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors.

Adopted by the Vanderbilt Board of Trust, November, 2005.

Equal Opportunity:
In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Vanderbilt University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its administration of education policies, programs, or activities; its admission policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment.

Statement on Sexual Orientation:
Vanderbilt University is committed to the principle of nondiscrimination on the basis of being or being perceived as homosexual, heterosexual, or bisexual. In affirming its commitment to this principle, the University does not limit freedom of religious association, does not require adherence to this principle by government agencies or external organizations that associate with, but are not controlled by, the University, and does not extend benefits beyond those provided under other policies of the University. (See "Same-Sex Domestic Partner Policy in Chapter 5.")

Inquiries or complaints should be directed to:
Opportunity Development Officer, Baker Building
VU #351809
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, Tennessee 37235
Telephone (615) 322-4705 (V/TDD)
fax (615) 421-6871.