Policies & Guidelines Purposes

Conflict of Interest

All employees of the TBR and its constituent Institutions serve the interests of the State of Tennessee and its citizens, and have a duty to avoid activities and situations that, either actually or potentially, put personal interests before the professional obligations that they owe to the State and its citizens. This policy is intended to establish standards of integrity and objectivity that should guide the actions of all employees of the Tennessee Board of Regents System.

Debt Management

Debt management policies provide written guidance about the amount and type of debt issued by governments, the issuance process for such debt, and the management of the debt portfolio. A debt management policy tailored to the needs of the Board:

• Identifies policy goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term financial planning.
• Improves the quality of decisions concerning debt issuance; and
• Provides justification for the structure of debt issuance.

Adherence to its debt management policy signals to rating agencies and the capital markets that the Board is well-managed and should meet its obligations in a timely manner.

Debt levels and their related annual costs are important financial considerations that impact the use of current resources. An effective debt management policy provides guidelines for the Board to manage its debt programs in line with those resources.

Animals on Tennessee Board of Regents Campuses

Establishment of a consistent policy regarding the presence of animals at the TBR System Office and TBR System campuses.

Public Records Policy

In accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-503(g), this policy is adopted to provide economical and efficient access to public records as provided under the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) in T.C.A. §§ 10-7-501, et seq.

Transfer of Sick Leave Between Employees

In accordance with T.C.A. § 8-50-802, which became effective April 12, 1994, this policy establishes guidelines and procedures for transferring sick leave to members of the Sick Leave Bank who experience a continuing disability due to illness or injury.

Campus Facility Master Plans

In conjunction with the provisions of TBR Policy Nos. 4:01:02:30 and 4:02:09:00 each institution governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents shall have a campus facility master plan which should address building development for the institution's mission and enrollment growth, land acquisition and disposal, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, parking facilities, outdoor physical education, recreation and athletic facilities (where applicable), utilities and landscaping. 

Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

It is the intent of the Tennessee Board of Regents that the institutions under its jurisdiction shall fully comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 799A and 845 of the Public Health Service Act and Regulations issued pursuant thereto (45 C.F.R. Parts 83 and 86). The following policy and procedures are adopted by the Board to assist the institutions in such compliance.

Sexual Misconduct

It is the intent of the Tennessee Board of Regents that the institutions under its jurisdiction shall fully comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, §485(f) of the HEA, as amended by § 304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, the regulations implementing these Acts found at 34 CFR §668.41, §668.46, and Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 668. This policy addresses the offenses defined herein as "Sexual Misconduct." Sexual Misconduct is a subset of a broader category of sexual harassment.  Allegations of sexual harassment that do not meet the definition of Sexual Misconduct will be handled in accordance with TBR Guideline P-080 and applicable institutional policy.  

The Tennessee Board of Regents intends for each institution to provide a single, easily accessible and user-friendly document to advise students, employees, and others affected by Sexual Misconduct of each institution's rules and procedures. Institutions under the Tennessee Board of Regents system shall ensure that the sexual misconduct policy is in a format or formats that make it readily available. The following policy and procedures are adopted by the Board to assist the institutions in such compliance.

General Policies Regarding Research

It is the intention of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) that the institutions under its jurisdiction adhere to federal standards on the ethical conduct of research.  Each TBR institution is responsible for promulgating policies that serve to effectuate federal law and regulations regarding all applicable aspects of research.

This policy specifically addresses human subjects, animal subjects, and technology transfer; it is not meant to supplant federal regulations. Due to the complexity of the field of research, institutions and their faculty or staff engaged in conducting research are referred to the federal regulations, policies, and guidelines.

Sick Leave

It is the policy of the Tennessee Board of Regents to protect all regular full-time and part-time employees against loss of earnings due to illness, injury, or incapacity to work including illness or incapacity to work due to pregnancy, and to provide the time off to employees in the event of illness or death of certain family members.

Bereavement Leave

It is the policy of the Tennessee Board of Regents to provide all regular, full-time and part-time employees time off without loss of pay due to the death of an immediate family member as defined below, consistent with T.C.A. § 8-50-113.

Intellectual Property

It is the policy of the Tennessee Board of Regents to: (1) encourage inventions and the production of copyrightable works by members of the TBR component Institutional communities; (2) facilitate the utilization of such inventions and works to the benefit of the public, the Institution, and the members of the Institutional community; and (3) provide for the equitable sharing of any proceeds derived from the commercial exploitation of inventions and copyrightable works in which, pursuant to this policy, the Institution is determined to have an interest.

This policy is intended to protect the interests of all concerned parties: the TBR and its constituent Institutions, members of the Institutional community, external sponsors of research, and the public.

Nonresident Enrollments

On March 3, 1978, the State Board of Regents approved the recommendations contained in the staff report entitled "A Report on Out-Of-State Enrollments" dated February 15, 1978. Pursuant to those approved recommendations, the following guideline is adopted for the institutions in the State Board of Regents System.

Faculty Promotion at Community Colleges

Promotion in rank is recognition of past achievement of the individual being considered for promotion. In addition, the advancement in rank is recognition of future potential and a sign of confidence that the individual is capable of even greater accomplishments and of assuming greater responsibilities. The policy of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) is to make promotions strictly on consideration of merit tempered by college and fiscal considerations. The purpose of this policy is to help ensure that promotions are made objectively, equitably, impartially, and as recognition of merit consistent with the following policy guidelines.

ROTC Programs

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) prepares students to become officers in the United States military. The Tennessee Board of Regents establishes this policy in support of this opportunity for leadership training and preparation for service to country as part of a student’s post-secondary education program of study.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) (formerly G-053)

TBR institutions create, collect, maintain, use, and transmit personally identifiable information relating to individuals associated with the institution including, but not limited to, students, alumni, faculty, administrators, staff, and service employees. TBR institutions are committed to protecting PII against inappropriate access and use in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in order to maximize trust and integrity.

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General Personnel Policy

The following General Personnel Policy of the Tennessee Board of Regents is hereby adopted to delegate to the presidents and Chancellor, the authority and responsibility hereinafter specified concerning personnel, which the Board finds to be necessary and appropriate for the efficient administration of the institutions, and to establish standards, guidelines, and reporting requirements for the exercise of the delegated authority.

Membership and Subscriptions

The following guideline implements the Tennessee Board of Standards policy on membership dues and subscriptions paid for from State funds. Campus libraries are exempt from the guideline in its entirety.

Nepotism

The following guidelines are designed to facilitate the consistent application of the provisions of Board policy No. 5:01:00:06 on Nepotism. These guidelines supplement Board policy and are intended to serve as a reference document for all institutions.

Disposal of Surplus Personal Property

The following policies and procedures concerning the disposal of surplus personal property shall be followed by all institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Facilities Planning & Design

The following policy is adopted by the Tennessee Board of Regents relative to the planning and design of facilities on the campuses of institutions governed by the Board.

Student Organizations

The following policy of the Tennessee Board of Regents, applicable to all institutions governed by the Board, provides minimum standards for the registration and conduct of student organizations at the institutions.

Deposit & Investment of Funds

The following policy on the deposit and investment of funds is adopted by the Board of Regents for the institutions under its jurisdiction, and shall apply to all funds, regardless of source, which are received by any institution.

All depositories which provide deposit or investment services shall agree to comply with the terms of this policy, and with the requirements of Chapter 4 of Title 9 of Tennessee Code Annotated as amended, and the latter provisions shall control in the event of conflict. Words and phrases used in this policy shall have the same definition and meaning as in Chapter 4 of Title 9 Tennessee Code Annotated.

TCAT Programs, Changes, and Modifications

The following shall serve as guidelines for submitting proposals for new programs, program modifications, Special Industry Training, inactivation of programs, termination of a program, and reporting of part-time programs at the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology.

This policy should serve as a resource for the development of all Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology proposals.

Use of Broadcast Email

The objective of this guideline is to provide guidance in the use of broadcast email messages in the TBR System Office. 

IT Acceptable Uses (formerly G-054)

The objectives of this policy include: 1) to articulate the rights and responsibilities of persons using information technology resources owned, leased, or administered by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and member institutions; 2) to protect the interests of users and the TBR and its member institutions; and 3) to facilitate the efficient operation of TBR and institutional information technology systems.

Disaster Relief Service Leave

The purpose for this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding disaster relief service leave for employees at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property

The purpose of the following guideline is to outline provisions for consistent 
procedures for complying with Tennessee’s Uniform Disposition of Property Act, 
T.C.A. § 66-21-101 et seq. and Regulations 1700-2-1-.01 through 1700-2-1-37, at the institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. The Guideline is intended to serve as a reference document for institutional staff responsible for processing and disposing of unclaimed property, abandoned property, and lost & found property.

Fixed Assets and Sensitive Minor Equipment

The purpose of the following guideline is to outline significant provisions for consistent capitalization procedures for fixed assets at the institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Fees, Charges, Refunds, and Payments - Community Colleges

The purpose of the following policy is to outline significant provisions for consistent administration of fees, charges, refunds, payment of fees and enrollment of students for the community colleges governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. The policy largely represents a consolidation of existing statements and practices. The policy contents include general and specific provisions for: in-state tuition (sometimes referred to as maintenance fees); out-of-state tuition; other fees; deposits; refunds; payment of fees and enrollment of students.

The policy supersedes all previous fee and refund policies and may be revised by action of the Tennessee Board of Regents or the Chancellor. Exceptions to the policy may be made by the Chancellor.

Employee Service Award Program

The purpose of this guideline is to establish a TCAT Employee Service Award Program designed to recognize and express appreciation to regular employees for their total length of state service. This program shall be implemented at all Colleges of Applied Technology.

Campus Communication of Board Actions and Policies

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the criteria and process for communicating Board actions and policies to the institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Contracts Guideline

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the criteria and processes for contracts as applied to the Institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. It is not intended to cover all of the Tennessee Board of Regents policies and guidelines or all possible issues that may arise while reviewing contracts; rather, it is intended to give you a general guideline for how to address contract issues. You are responsible for complying with all other relevant policies. This Guideline is subject to regular update, revision and improvement.

Benefit in the Event of an Employee Death

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the operational guidelines for Benefit in the Event of an Employee Death by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Expenditures on System-Owned Residences

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the operational guidelines for expenditures on system-owned residencies furnished to TBR Presidents at institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Teaching Quality Initiative Program (TQI) Operational Guidelines

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the operational guidelines for the Teaching Quality Initiative Program (TQI) for teacher preparation programs at institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Faculty Compensation for Teaching Credit Courses as an Overload

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the procedure for setting faculty compensation for teaching credit courses as an overload at institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Formation & Operation of Staff Sick Leave Bank

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the procedure for the formation and operation of Staff Sick Leave Banks at institutions or the System Office governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Educational Assistance (State Employees & Dependents of State Employees and Teachers)

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the process and procedures for educational assistance to state employees and their dependents and the dependents of public school teachers by institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Other Educational Assistance Programs

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the process and procedures for other educational assistance programs by institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Sustainable Campus Fee Program

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the process and procedures for sustainable campus fee (SCF) programs at institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Educational Assistance for TBR System Employees

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the process and procedures regarding educational assistance for TBR System employees. 

Collection of Accounts Receivable

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the process regarding collection of accounts receivable at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Longevity Pay

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the process regarding longevity pay for employees of institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Support Staff Grievance

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the process regarding support staff grievances and/or complaints at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Process for Filing Title VI Complaints

The purpose of this guideline is to establish the time frame and process for filing internal complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Uniform Procedures for Grievances/Complaints by Students at TCAT's

The purpose of this guideline is to provide a procedure through which students of the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology may submit a complaint if the student has a concern regarding a situation or condition at the TCAT and the student believes they have been treated unfairly or inequitably.

Discrimination & Harassment - Complaint & Investigation Procedure

The purpose of this Guideline is to supplement Board Policies 6.02.00.00 and 5.01.02.00 relative to the orderly resolution of complaints of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal or state civil rights law, as well as claims of retaliation, related to the institutions, and office of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Institutional Student Life Policies & Procedures

The purpose of this policy is the establishment of policy and procedures governing campus life at Tennessee Board of Regents institutions.

Property Acquisition

The purpose of this policy is the establishment of procedures for the acquisition of property by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Student Rights and Freedoms

The purpose of this policy is the establishment of Tennessee Board of Regents policy regarding the Rights and Freedoms of students enrolled at TBR institutions.

Foundations

The purpose of this policy is to assure that, with regard to any foundation established to support any TBR institution or its programs, the relationship of the foundation to the institutions is clearly defined and is set forth in a formal, written manner that (1) defines the legal authority and operating control of the institution with respect to the foundation; (2) describes the relationship of the foundation to the institution and the extent of any liability arising out of that relationship; and (3) demonstrates that the fund‐raising activities of the foundation further the mission of the institution.

Limitations on Enrollments

The purpose of this policy is to authorize Tennessee Board of Regents institutions to establish reasonable limitations on enrollment for academic programs, courses or college activities.

Diversity and Equity

The purpose of this policy is to define and promote diversity and equity throughout the Tennessee Board of Regents System.

Conflict of Interest Policy for Regents

The purpose of this policy is to ensure objectivity and integrity on the part of the  Regents by identifying and avoiding conflicts of interest, both real and perceived.

Community College Resource Allocation Plan

The purpose of this policy is to establish a plan for allocation of resources among community colleges as required by T.C.A. § 49-7-202 (c) (4) (D)):

For fiscal years ending on and after June 30, 2013, the commission shall have no authority for recommending individual community colleges operating budgets or in approving or disapproving the transfer of any funds between community colleges as may be determined necessary by the board of regents.

The intent of this policy is to:

Reinforce the performance incentives present in the higher education funding formula adopted by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission; and

Support development of a unified system of community colleges as dictated by the Complete College Tennessee Act of 2010, including providing financial incentives for cooperative action among institutions.

This policy provides for the pooling of community college resources to be used for system level investments, provision of funding for certain new program start-up expenses, expenses shared among all community colleges, to reward collaboration, and to allocate remaining resources among all community colleges.

Code of Ethics for Members of Tennessee Board of Regents

The purpose of this policy is to establish ethical standards for members of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Awarding Posthumous Academic Credentials

The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for awarding an academic credential posthumously, for institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Outside Employment and Extra Compensation for Additional Assignments

The purpose of this policy is to establish standards for permissible outside employment and the payment of extra compensation for additional assignments for employees throughout the TBR system.

Prohibitions on Smoking and Use of Smokeless Tobacco Products

The purpose of this policy is to establish system-wide polices on smoking and the use of tobacco products on property owned or controlled by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This policy applies to all Colleges and System Office, students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Inventory Method for TBR Libraries

The purpose of this policy is to establish Tennessee Board of Regents policy regarding inventory methods for libraries in the TBR System.

Articulation and Transfer

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process for articulation agreements for technical college and community colleges between one another and between any other institution of higher learning. Furthermore, the purpose is to establish the expectations for transfer between technical colleges and community colleges and for transfer from these colleges to baccalaureate granting institutions following system-wide or state-wide articulation programs.

Nepotism

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process for employment of relatives at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Academic Freedom and Responsibility

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding academic freedom and responsibility at community colleges and technical colleges governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Academic Tenure for Community Colleges

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding academic tenure at community colleges governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Civil Leave

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding civil leave for employees at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Educational Leave

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding educational leave for employees at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Faculty Appointments at Community Colleges

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding faculty appointments at community colleges governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Faculty Rank & Promotion at Technical Colleges

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding faculty rank and promotion at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Holidays

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding holiday observance at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Leave of Absence

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding leaves of absence for employees at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Personnel Records

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process regarding personnel records at the System Office and institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Naming Buildings and Facilities & Building Plaques

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria, process, and procedures for naming of buildings and facilities, and affixing plaques to new or renovated buildings and facilities at institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Motor Vehicles

The purpose of this policy is to establish the minimum regulations and procedures concerning the maintenance and operation of motor vehicles by institutions and employees of the institutions within the Tennessee Board of Regents System. Procedures provide for the assignment of an institutional motor vehicle to certain persons for their official use. Positions included within this procedure are the Presidents of institutions, the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, and Legal Counsel. The purpose of this procedure is to provide structure to the assignment of vehicles under this policy.

Approval of Academic Programs, Units, and Modifications

The purpose of this policy is to establish the procedures and processes for the submission and approval of academic action requests for academic programs seeking to be developed and existing programs for institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. 

Access to and Use of Campus Property and Facilities

The purpose of this policy is to provide a uniform basis upon which the institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents (“TBR” or “the Board”) can regulate and facilitate the use of campus property and facilities.  It is intended to operate consistent with each institution’s educational purpose and mission, through the implementation of reasonable, content/viewpoint neutral regulations.  This policy, and all campus policies developed in compliance with the policy, shall be implemented and construed so as to ensure no undue disruption of that mission, promote an educational atmosphere on campus; prevent commercial exploitation of students; preserve residential tranquility; and prevent use of campus property and facilities contrary to federal, state or local law, regulation, or the rules and policies of the TBR, and its institutions.

In establishing this policy, and the related institutional policies, the TBR recognizes the importance to the educational process and environment for persons affiliated with the respective institutions including officially recognized student organizations and other groups to have reasonable access to, and use of, the educational facilities on their respective campuses, to hear various views.  Simultaneously, the TBR also makes clear that its facilities and that of its constituent institutions are not open public forums, but are instead intended solely for use consistent with the advancement and orderly administration of its educational mission for the benefit of its students, staff, and affiliated entities.  As such, TBR Institutions do not ordinarily make its buildings or other facilities available to outside individuals or outside groups.  Exceptions may be made only if the proposed use is consistent with this policy and institutional policy and mission.

All TBR Institutions shall implement policies governing access to and/or use of their specific property and facilities consistent with the provisions of the policy set forth here, and below, subject to prior review and approval by the TBR.

Delegation of Authority/Signature Authorization

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to the institutions in developing a campus policy for delegation of authority and signature authorization.

Reverse Transfer

The purpose of this policy is to serve as the framework for Reverse Transfer across the State of Tennessee and among the three systems of higher education (Tennessee Board of Regents, University of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities) including the six Locally Governed Institutions (LGI).

Requests to Address the Board

The purpose of this policy is to set the conditions and procedures for appearances before the Board by students, employees and members of the public.

Retirement

The purpose of this policy is to set the standards for a consistent process and treatment of employees regarding retirement across the TBR system.

Duties of the Institutional Presidents

The purpose of this policy is to set out the duties of the institutional Presidents.

General Education Requirements and Degree Requirements

The purpose of this policy is to specify the common general education requirements at the lower-division, for institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Procurement Card Policy

The purpose of this procurement card policy and procedure is to provide parameters for proper procurement card usage, to provide parameters in the areas of program administration, file management, proper procurement card usage,  and to promote compliance with Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Policies.

Definition of Faculty

The purpose of this statement is to provide a definition of the term "faculty" for Tennessee Board of Regents policies which do not otherwise define that term, and to relate faculty status and academic rank. Campuses may further develop this definition as needed for decisions on matters not covered by nor in conflict with Board policies, such as faculty meeting attendance, voting on recommendations of campus policies and procedures, and representation on campus committees.

Awarding Honorary Degrees

The Tennessee Board of Regents authorizes the awarding of honorary degrees to recognize individuals whose extraordinary achievements have set a standard that distinguishes them and benefits Tennessee Board of Regents’ institutions and the communities they serve as well as society.

The purpose for awarding honorary degrees is threefold:

To honor persons whose careers reflect sustained and superlative achievement in the arts and professions, research, scholarship, public service, leadership, volunteerism, and/or cultural affairs as well as new frontiers of human endeavor.

To advance the educational missions, goals, and programs of the Tennessee Board of Regents’ institutions by developing associations with persons who embody the same ideals, values, and aspirations.

To inspire students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and members of the local, national, and world communities to emulate such standards of excellence, integrity, and commitment to enhance the public good.

Preventing and Reporting Fraud, Waste or Abuse

The Tennessee Board of Regents is committed to the responsible stewardship of its resources. Management of each TBR institution is responsible for maintaining a work environment that promotes ethical and honest behavior. Additionally, it is the responsibility of management of each TBR institution to establish and implement internal control systems and procedures to prevent and detect irregularities, including fraud, waste and abuse. Management at all levels should be aware of the risks and exposures inherent in their areas of responsibility, and should establish and maintain proper internal controls to provide for the security and accountability of all resources entrusted to them.

Selection and Retention of the Chancellor

The Tennessee Board of Regents is responsible for the selection and employment of the chief executive officer of the system. In an effort to recruit and retain the most qualified higher education administrator as Chancellor, the following policy of the Board is established.

Faculty Compensation During Summer Session

The Tennessee Board of Regents recognizes and considers summer session assignments for faculty as separate assignments from academic year appointments. Summer session includes any mini-term that is academically attached to summer semester (e.g., a Maymester session).  It is further recognized that compensation for faculty assignments during summer sessions should be a factor of the regular academic year salary which takes into account the nature and extent of the duties and responsibilities involved in these separate appointments. To provide for such appropriate levels of compensation for faculty service during summer sessions, the Board hereby adopts the following compensation provisions.

Faculty Development

The Tennessee Board of Regents recognizes the need for the continued professional growth and development of all faculty at institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The continued professional growth and development of faculty is necessary for institutions of higher education to continue to provide educational programs which (a) include new developments and knowledge in academic disciplines; (b) reflect new instructional, research, and public service techniques and strategies; (c) enhance skill development, (d) provide technical information, (e) improve instructional or teaching ability, and (f) meet changing needs and expectations of students. While all faculty are responsible for their own continued professional development, it is essential that the System and its institutions provide planned, organized faculty development programs to encourage professional growth in accordance with their missions and goals.

English Language Learners (Formerly A-105)

The Tennessee Board of Regents will provide institutions with a course pathway for ELL students who qualify for co-requisite remediation to ensure those students have the support needed to be successful in credit-bearing course work. This policy supports TBR Policy 2.03.00.00 (Admissions) and Policy 2.03.00.02 (formerly A-100 Learning Support).

Development & Operation of Off-Campus International Educational Programs

The Tennessee Board of Regents will provide students with opportunities to earn postsecondary credit and non-credit service and internship experiences at off-campus international sites.

TBR System Faculty & Academic Staff Abroad

The Tennessee Board of Regents will support faculty and academic staff in developing global competence and engagement in international education programs or courses.

Identity Theft Prevention

The Tennessee Board of Regents, on behalf of its Institutions, adopts this Identity Theft Prevention Policy and enacts this program in an effort to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft, and to help protect the Institutions, their faculty, staff, students and other applicable constituents from damages related to the loss or misuse of identifying information due to identity theft.

Confidentiality of Student Records

These procedures are issued to aid TBR institutions in implementing TBR Policy No. 3:02:03:00 Confidentiality of Student Records. Each institution shall develop policies and procedures consistent with these procedures and TBR Policy No. 3:02:03:00.

Student Advisor Guideline

This guideline addresses the importance of advisors to student organizations, as provided in the Tennessee Board of Regents Policy No. 3:01:01:00. Developed by the Student Affairs Sub-Council, the guideline identifies minimal standards for an institution to further develop a comprehensive and well-rounded system of advising student organizations.

Publications

This guideline describes a system for campus-based approval and numbering of publications of community colleges, and colleges of applied technology as required by T.C.A. § 12-7-106 et seq., and rules of the Higher Education Publications Committee. The cited authorities set forth criteria against which each campus will review the appropriateness of each publication, require that descriptive information be maintained in a central location and provide for affixing an identifying number to each covered publication.

Safeguarding Nonpublic Financial Information

This guideline explains the procedure by which Tennessee Board of Regents institutions must develop a comprehensive written Information Security Program (the “Program”) as mandated by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”) Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information Rule. An institution’s Program must include the components described below pursuant to which the institution intends to:

1. Protect the security and confidentiality of customers’ nonpublic financial information;

2. Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; and

3. Protect against unauthorized access or use of such records or information in ways that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to customers.

The Program may consist of existing institutional policies and procedures that are incorporated by reference into the Program, including but not limited to policies such as computer/electronic records confidentiality policies, Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act policies, employee/personnel records confidentiality policies, etc.

Optional Retirement Program

This guideline supplements Tennessee Board of Regents Optional Retirement Program Policy 5:01:03:03 and applies to eligible employees of all institutions governed by the Board.

Internal Audit

This policy addresses staffing, responsibilities of the internal audit function, audit planning and reporting on internal audit activities.

In addition to this policy, the Office of System-wide Internal Audit maintains an audit manual. The purpose of the audit manual is to provide for consistency, continuity, and standards of acceptable performance.

Student Scholarships, Grants, Loans & Financial Aid Programs

This policy covers the establishment of and participation in student scholarship and financial aid programs by TBR community colleges. (TCATs are covered by separate policy.)

Warranty of Competency of Graduates of Technical Programs

This policy demonstrates the confidence of the Tennessee Board of Regents in the quality of our technical programs and assures our graduates and their employers that graduation reflects competency in the A.A.S. Degree, Diploma and Technical Certificate of Credit program in which they were trained.

Admission at the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology

This policy establishes admission standards for colleges of applied technology by Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR).

Tennessee State School Bond Appropriation Intercept Program

This policy establishes Board of Regents procedures for the operation of the Tennessee State School Bond Authority appropriation intercept program in the instance of payment default.

Athletic and Other Student Group Travel

This policy is established by the Tennessee Board of Regents in recognition of the unique characteristics associated with travel by athletic personnel and teams and other groups at the institutions governed by the Board. The purpose of the policy is to address practical considerations for travel related specifically to the performance of intercollegiate athletic recruiting, athletic team travel, and other student group travel. The policy shall apply only to these functions; travel for other purposes by athletic personnel and other non-student groups shall be subject to Tennessee Board of Regents General Travel Policies and Procedures (No. 4:03:03:00) and institutional policies and guidelines. All travel will be reimbursed subject to TBR Policy No. 4:03:03:00 unless a specific exception is provided below. In addition, each institution shall comply with all pertinent regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association or the National Junior College Athletic Association and the athletic conference of which the institution is a member.

Each institution shall develop and enforce guidelines for athletic and other group travel consistent with the provisions of this policy. Institutional guidelines should include working procedures and be presented in such detail as to ensure thorough understanding of the provisions by all affected personnel.

Infectious Disease

This Policy is intended to provide guidance to Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions seeking to implement policies, procedures, and/or plans designed to prevent the spread or outbreak of infectious and/or communicable diseases and will be interpreted and administered in order to protect the health, safety and well-being of the College community.

Learning Support

This policy reflects the commitment of The College System of Tennessee and its institutions to enhance access to and success in post-secondary education for all students. The policy presents the parameters for the delivery of academic support made available for students who may require additional assistance for developing competency in reading, writing, and/or math needed for success in college level courses. This policy supports TBR Policy 2.03.00.00 (Admission at the Community Colleges) and 2.03.00.03 (English Language Learners).

Contested Cases Subject to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act

This policy sets forth the procedures that the Tennessee Board of Regents (the TBR) and institutions under the authority of the TBR shall use to conduct hearings in contested cases under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 4-5-101 et seq (the UAPA). Contested cases are proceedings in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a student, employee, student organization, or other person (collectively referred to as a “person”) are required by any statute or constitutional provision to be determined only after that individual or entity has been provided an opportunity for a hearing.

College System of Tennessee Institution Catalogs

This policy establishes minimum standards for publication and contents of catalogs for institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR).

TBR Branding Policy

To enhance, maintain and protect the brand identity for the Tennessee Board of Regents, the System Office, operational units and institutions, this policy governs the use of all words, logos or symbols used to identify or distinguish services affiliated with the TBR for any purpose. It provides that all appropriate applicable guidelines pertaining to the words, logos, symbols or other brand identifiers must be followed.

Traffic and Parking

To facilitate and regulate the safety and orderly operation of motor vehicles on TBR institution property or institution-controlled property and to provide parking facilities for their operation within the limits of available space.

Firearms and Other Weapons

To maintain a safe educational and working environment for students and employees by establishing rules for possessing and carrying firearms and other weapons on TBR institution property.

Prevention of Workplace Violence

To provide all employees with a workplace environment free from physical violence, threats, and intimidation.

Gift Cards

To provide policies and procedures on the purchase, distribution, tracking and accounting for gift cards using Institutional student activity fees, unrestricted, restricted, agency, Foundation or grant funds.  As a cash-equivalent instrument, gift cards are governed by tax rules and internal control requirements. This policy states the circumstances when gift cards may be allowable, the tax implications to the recipient (students or volunteers). Any non-student Institutional employees or a student who is employed by the institution in a regular-part or full-time benefitted position are not eligible to receive gift cards.