Student Handbook - Tougaloo College

Off Campus Freedom of Students
As citizens, students have the same freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and right of petition
that other citizens enjoy and are subject to the same civil and criminal laws as other citizens.
Students apprehended for off-campus violations of the law are clearly within the jurisdiction of
civil authorities. Students found guilty of off-campus violations and punished by civil authorities
may be subject to judicial action on campus. In addition, for counseling purposes, the College
reserves the right to review such cases and make recommendations regarding the student and his
relationship to the College.
If students or outsiders are engaged in acts which violate the law, the student may be subject to
judicial procedures on campus, but, at the same time, it may be necessary to initiate action by the
civil authorities against the outsider. The student may also be subject to judicial procedures in
civil or criminal court depending on the offense.
Method of Amending
Amendments to the statement on Student Freedom, Rights and Responsibilities must be
presented to the Dean of Students in typewritten form. The proposed amendment must be
supported by not less than 50 students and not less than 10 faculty members. Approval by the
Board of Trustees, President, Student Government Association, and Administrative Council will
be necessary for the approval of the amendment. Final adoption of the amendments is subject to
the approval of the President and the Board of Trustees of Tougaloo College.
Student Complaint
The Office of Student Affairs serves as a vehicle for all students who wish to lodge complaints
or seek assistance regarding matters as they relate to the institution. Students must first register
their complaints by filing a Student Complaint Form in the Office of Student Affairs. All
matters which fall under the purview of Student Affairs will be forwarded to the immediate
supervisor in that area for resolution. If the complaint is not resolved, students may use the
following process:
a. Complaints which are not resolved at the first level of contact will be referred to the next
supervisor until it reaches the vice president of that area.
b. If complaints are still not resolved, it could be forward to the President of the College for
resolution. This may entail forwarding all relevant documents to the President of the
College.
If the nature of a complaint is not directly related to an area under the administrative
responsibility of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the complaint will be referred to the staff
or administrative supervisor who has responsibility that area of complaint.
Student Grievances (Faculty/Staff)
If a student has a grievance against a faculty member, the student must attempt to resolve the
problem with the teacher. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved, the student contacts the
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