Other University Policies

The University of Tampa is committed to providing a work and educational environment that is free from unlawful harassment and discrimination. The University maintains a strict policy prohibiting any kind of harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, military or veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic. Likewise, ethnic, religious, age-related, disability, gender or sexual orientation considerations will not be used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting any student, faculty member or employee.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that states (a) that a written, institutional policy must be established, and (b) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of students be made available. The law provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of student education records. See the University catalog for the complete Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Dean of Students in PH 124, or the Registrar’s Office in PH 90.

In some cases, when there is significant concern about individual or community health, the director of Student Care and Advocacy or designee may place a hold on a student’s account. This hold will require students to obtain health clearance for removal. This hold is most frequently applied as a result of a withdrawal with medical justifications but may be used in other circumstances.

Please note that while the Spartan Support hold is in effect the student will not be able to register for classes. We hope the student will be able to return to studies at The University of Tampa after a health clearance form has been completed by a healthcare professional treating the student’s condition and approved by the health clearance committee. To complete the health clearance process, the student must complete the following four steps:

1. Contact the chair of the Spartan Support Office at least three weeks prior to the first day of classes for the semester the student wishes to attend, indicating the desire to re-enroll at The University of Tampa.

2. Have the practitioner in charge of treatment submit a completed Health Clearance Form. You may obtain a Health Clearance Form by downloading it.

3. Sign a form authorizing the release of information so that a representative from the UT Health and Wellness Center can speak to the practitioner in charge of treatment. This release may be obtained from the practitioner or by calling UT Health and Wellness Center at (813) 253-6250 if needed. 

4. Contact the Spartan Support Office to verify that the Health Clearance Form and Release of Information Form have been received and answer any remaining questions. The University retains the right to grant final clearance. Therefore, it may be necessary for a representative of the UT Health and Wellness Center to conduct an evaluation interview prior to re-enrollment.

If there are any questions about the implementation or removal of holds placed by Spartan Support or designee, please do not hesitate to call the Office of Student Care and Advocacy at (813) 257-3901 or email at ssp@ut.edu.

In order to ensure a healthy working, living and learning community, The University of Tampa is smoke, vape, tobacco and THC-free. Questions about this policy can be directed to wellness@ut.edu or (813) 257-1877.

The University of Tampa (the “University”) is committed to maintaining a learning environment where all persons feel safe and secure on campus. The University values the safety and well-being of each individual in its community. To ensure the safe operation of the University’s services, programs and activities, the University may determine that it is necessary to place a student on an involuntary withdrawal. If a student is exhibiting concerning behaviors or is in crisis or distress, the University remains committed to supporting the student while maintaining the safety and good order of the University community.

Process for Involuntary Withdrawal

The process for Involuntary Withdrawal may be deemed necessary by the chair of the Spartan Support program, vice president for Student Affairs, or designee, or director of Counseling Services. Absent exigent circumstances concerning a potential safety threat or emergency, the University will conduct an individualized assessment of the student prior to placing the student on an involuntary withdrawal, giving careful consideration to the opinions and recommendations of the student’s treating physician or mental health professional, if available, along with any opinions and recommendations of healthcare professionals consulted by the University. The student will be encouraged to provide any other additional information that the student believes is relevant to the determination.

In cases where there is concern that a student poses a direct or substantial threat to the health or safety of others, the individualized assessment will be based on reasonable judgment that relies on current medical knowledge or on the best available objective evidence, to ascertain:

• the nature, duration and severity of the risk;
• the probability that the potential injury will actually occur; and
• whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures or the provision of auxiliary aids or services will mitigate the risk. 

Based on the results of the individualized assessment, the University will determine whether there are reasonable modifications that can be made to University polices, practices or procedures, that would be effective to allow the student to continue to safely participate in the student’s essential academic duties and the University’s educational programs, while seeking treatment for, or recovering from, any related medical or mental health conditions. 

The University may require the student to provide medical releases for access to the student’s medical and mental health records as reasonably necessary to complete the individualized assessment. If the student refuses to provide medical releases, the University will base its decision on the best available medical evidence.

The University will ensure that any assessment or other actions taken by the University are based on legitimate safety concerns and appropriate factual records and not on speculation, stereotypes or generalizations about persons with disabilities.

The student will be notified in writing of the determination. If the student is placed on an involuntary withdrawal, the student will be provided with a letter outlining the terms and conditions of the involuntary withdrawal, as well as any conditions or requirements that must be satisfied before the student will be approved to return to the University. The conditions or requirements will be determined on an individualized basis.

Appeal of Decision

If a student is placed on an involuntary withdrawal, the student will be advised of the appeal procedures available to challenge the University’s decision. If a student wishes to appeal a decision regarding an involuntary withdrawal, the student may do so by submitting an appeal in writing to the vice president for Operations and Planning, who will act as the appeal officer. The appeal must be submitted within five business days of the decision and must clearly state the basis for the appeal. The basis for appeal is to determine if the assessment was conducted fairly and according with procedures prescribed in this policy. The appeal will be reviewed in a timely manner, and the decision of the appeal officer will be final.

Immediate Temporary Withdrawal

If a student’s behavior poses an immediate and significant risk to the health or safety of the student or others, the vice president for Student Affairs or the chair of the Spartan Support Committee or designee may implement an immediate temporary withdrawal for the student from the University. An immediate temporary withdrawal may be a complete withdrawal from the University or restriction from particular areas and/or programs until an individualized assessment can be made using the procedures outlined above or until it is determined that the immediate risk has been mitigated. The student will be provided notice of the immediate temporary withdrawal and the terms of any restrictions.  

In addition to satisfying any stated conditions or requirements, the student must also provide evidence that the student can safely participate in the University’s educational programs as a student, with or without reasonable accommodations, before the student will be approved to return to the University.

Returning to the University

When the student believes that the stated conditions and requirements for return have been satisfied, and that the student can provide evidence of ability to return safely, the student should contact the chair of the Student Clearance Committee or designee to request to return. When making the request to return, the student must provide the chair of the Student Clearance Committee or designee with proof that the student is able to safely participate in the University’s educational programs as a student and has satisfied all conditions and requirements necessary for return. The chair of the Student Clearance Committee will consult with the Student Clearance Committee, University staff, including University health and/or counseling services, as well as the student’s treating physician or other healthcare professionals, as necessary, prior to making a final determination as to whether the student may return.

The University subscribes to safety guidelines of the United States Public Health Services for the handling of blood and body fluids of all persons, not just those previously known to have HIV/HBV infection. These procedures are followed for the handling of blood or body fluids of any student or employee.

It is the policy of the University to respond in a timely and appropriate fashion to written student complaints. Students may submit written complaints for many reasons, therefore, the first step in responding is to ascertain the appropriate channel for addressing the concern. This information is then communicated to the student. This communication may take written or verbal form, based on the nature of the situation.

Students may also report suggestions, concerns or complaints by completing the Online Comment Card, which is submitted to the President's office. The online card includes the option of requesting a written response.

View the University policy (PDF) for responding to written student complaints. Students may contact the Vice President for Operations at operations@ut.edu with questions about the policy.

The University of Tampa reserves the right to photograph and/or videotape students, faculty, staff and guests while on University property, during University-sponsored events or during activities where they are representing the University. This includes, without limitation, the right to publish such images in the University website, alumni magazine and PR/promotional materials, such as marketing and admissions publications, advertisements, fund-raising materials and any other University-related publication. These images may appear in any of the wide variety of formats and media now available to the University and that may be available in the future, including but not limited to print, broadcast, videotape, CD-ROM, DVD and electronic/online media.

The University is committed to maintaining a safe and nonthreatening campus environment, which reflects the University’s commitment to adhere to its mission, policies, and all relevant federal, state, and local laws. As a result, the University has implemented the following policy on the use and operation of certain aircraft. View UT Drone Policy

Persons with the intention of soliciting, selling or distributing who are not affiliated with or do not have permission from the University are forbidden to be on University property or enter any University building. Additionally, posting on campus bulletin boards by people not affiliated with UT is prohibited. Any member of the UT community who is approached by a non-UT solicitor should call Campus Safety immediately at (813) 257-7777.

Pets are not allowed on the UT campus or University-controlled properties. This prohibition does not apply to individuals with service animals or individuals with a disability for which an emotional support animal has been approved. For more information on whether your animal is permitted to be on campus, please contact the University prior to your visit. View UT's Pet Policy