APSU Student Rights & Responsibilities

Confidentiality of Student Records

Except as otherwise authorized by FERPA, APSU will not release personally identifiable education records (other than directory information) to outside parties without:

1. The student’s written consent specifying the records and purpose, or
2. A valid subpoena or court order, in which case the student will be notified in advance when possible.

Records may be shared with school officials who have a legitimate educational interest as defined by their professional responsibilities.

Additional Resources

• Confidentiality of Student Records Policy: www.apsu.edu/policy

• Institutional Disclosures: www.apsu.edu/about-apsu/institutional-disclosures.php

  Paper copies of these disclosures are available upon request.

Anyone enrolling at Austin Peay State University is entitled to all rights granted to them by the Constitution of the United States and is entitled to the full protection of the law. Apart from those rights and duties enjoyed by nonstudents, enrollment in the university carries with it special privileges and imposes special responsibilities. The university has established regulations and certain due process procedures essential to an atmosphere of mutual respect which is sensitive to the rights of all individuals.

The APSU policies listed below can be found at www.apsu.edu/policy.  If you have questions, please contact the Student Affairs division office at 931-221-7341.

1. 1. Students have the right to enjoy the educational opportunities afforded by the University without discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), 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.
   2. Students are entitled to the right of due process as provided and explained by the University’s Code of Student Conduct. 
   3. Students are entitled to freedom from unreasonable search and/or seizure regarding their person, their on-campus residence and their personal property. 
   4. Students have a right to privacy, including the maintenance of confidential records in accordance with the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act as amended and as qualified by the Tennessee Public Records Act. 
   5. Students have the right of access to campus crime statistics and graduation rates, as defined by the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act (The Clery Act), as amended.
   6. Students have the right to affiliate with officially registered student organizations if the membership requirements of those organizations have been met and the right to establish through official procedures additional student organizations of their choosing. 
   7. Students have the right to participate in University governance through the Student Government Association, student organizations and representation on University committees. 
   8. Students have a right to peaceably assemble in accordance with federal, state, local and Austin Peay State University regulations. 
   9. Students have the right of reasonable access to the University campus and facilities. 
   10. Students have the right to expect:
       1. A campus environment conducive to learning and working that is free of any racial, sexual or other form of harassment;
       2. A drug-free University environment;
       3. To not be required to believe or endorse a specific ideology or political viewpoint;
       4. Accurate information concerning institutional services, regulations, policies and procedures in published form;
       5. Sound and accurate academic advice, including such matters as courses required for graduation, course and program prerequisites and course sequence;
       6. Reasonable notice of any changes in academic requirements for programs and assurance that such changes will not be made in a way that unduly impedes the academic progress of a student already enrolled;
       7. Flexibility in course scheduling (by dropping and adding) or withdrawing within University guidelines;
       8. Information about the various types of financial assistance available;
       9. Freedom to evaluate courses, programs and services and provide input to appropriate segments of the campus administration; and
       10. Classes to meet in various modalities as scheduled with minimal exception, and course and program requirements clearly stated.

Austin Peay State University recognizes that students should, and do, participate in institutional decision making. Through the advice of the Student Affairs staff and through Austin Peay State University policies, the university exercises responsibility in directing student activities and student organizations. The Student Government Association (SGA) is an active and vital organization that serves as a link between the student body and the administration. The SGA (of which all students are members) addresses student issues to the administration on a regular basis and serves as a governing body through the executive officers, the SGA Senate and the Student Tribunal. The SGA president recommends student appointments for University standing committees, special committees and search and selection committees. These recommendations are made through the SGA adviser to the Provost. The student voice is an active component of the University’s decision-making process.