GENERAL CONDUCT GUIDELINES
FOR
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY STUDENT-ATHLETES
It is important that student-athletes have an understanding of the additional responsibilities they accept when they become members of an athletic team. Such responsibilities include: performing to the best of your ability academically and athletically; contributing your best efforts toward successful team performance; contributing on and off the field in a manner that reflects credit to you, your team, the athletics department and Clemson. Because participating in athletics is a privilege, not a right, there may be times when these responsibilities involve sacrifice, which might not be necessary for other Clemson students. Student-athletes are members of a highly visible community within the larger university community. The success of our athletic programs depends on the confidence and support of the public. Student-athletes, coaches and staff gain this confidence through exemplary performance both on and off the playing field.
Student-athletes are held accountable to the same policies and procedures as other university students outlined in the Clemson University Student Handbook
Additionally: • Student-athletes are subject to the rules and regulations of the NCAA governing unsportsmanlike conduct, non-therapeutic drug use, gambling and bribery, and the acceptance of non-permissible awards, benefits and expenses. • Student-athletes are subject to all athletics department rules and policies, as stated in the Student-Athlete Handbook and in other department publications including, but not limited to, those regarding academics, medical services, strength and conditioning and the equipment room. • Each sport’s head coach establishes team rules for student-athletes and his/her staff within the parameters set by the director of athletics, the athletic council and the university. The head coach informs team members of the established team and training rules at the beginning of the academic year. • Failure to comply with team, athletics department, or university policies may result in suspension, probation or dismissal from the squad and non-renewal of athletic financial aid, as outlined under university, ACC, and NCAA rules.
From Clemson University’s Student Handbook:
Acceptance of admission to the university carries with it the obligation of responsibility for the welfare of the community. Freedom to learn can be preserved only through respect for the rights of others, for the free expression of ideas and for the law.
When students violate the standards of conduct established by the University, they are subject to the University disciplinary process.
It is clear that in a community of learning, willful disruption of the educational process, dishonesty, violation of the laws of the state and interference with the rights of others cannot be tolerated…the University community has established the following rules, regulations and policies which apply to all students and student organizations. These actions (among others) are prohibited by university or state and federal laws. • Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating, plagiarism and fabrication in the process of completing academic work. • Discrimination on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, creed, age, sex, marital status, status as a Vietnam veteran, sexual orientation or disability. • Sexual offenses of any kind, including acquaintance rape, indecent liberties and assault of a sexual nature. • Actual or attempted abuse of any person or conduct which threatens or endangers the health and safety of a person or which intentionally causes a reasonable apprehension of harm to any person. • Hazing. Hazing is defined as intentionally or recklessly engaging in acts that have a foreseeable potential for causing physical or emotional harm to any person for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any chartered student, fraternal or sorority organization. Depending on the circumstances, such actions may include, but are not limited to, paddling, consumption of alcohol or gross mixtures, causing excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shock, blindfolding, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, causing the wearing of apparel which is insufficient or excessive for weather conditions, buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games or events, and work sessions which interfere with scholastic requirements. • Sexual or racial harassment or harassment of any sort. • Illegal use, possession or sale of intoxicating beverages. • Consumption or possession of alcohol by students in public areas of any University owned or controlled property except for students of legal age at University approved events. • Consumption or possession of alcohol at or in line for University sponsored or supervised events. • Illegal use, possession, manufacture, sale or distribution of any narcotic or dangerous drug. • Illegal possession, carrying or discharge of any explosive, firearm or other weapon. • Computer abuses as defined in the Clemson University Student Handbook.
Students are expected to comply with local, state and federal laws. The University may take action, whether the violation occurs on or off campus. Aiding, assisting in or serving as an accomplice in the commission of any illegal act or any act prohibited by the University conduct regulations is prohibited.
In addition to the sanctions that may be imposed for misconduct as stated in the Clemson University Student Handbook, student-athletes may be suspended by the athletics department from further participation.
Violation of any term of any disciplinary sanction is prohibited. “A Clemson student is expected at all times to show a respect for order, morality and the rights of others and to exemplify in daily living in a high sense of personal honor and integrity. Clemson believes students are the product of their own experiences, and they should assume certain responsibilities for their own conduct and that of their fellow students.” — Clemson University Student Handbook
April 16, 2024
