Within the framework of Northeast State's Values, the College asserts that students have specific rights and, likewise, have specific responsibilities. Northeast State's statements of student rights and freedoms (NeSCC Policy 03:05:01) are in accordance with  TBR Policy 03:02:04:00.

Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of the academic community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. Institutional procedures for achieving these purposes may vary from campus to campus, but the minimal standards of academic freedom of students outlined below are essential to any community of scholars.

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.

The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the academic community. Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions have developed policies and procedures, which provide and safeguard this freedom. Northeast State enumerates the essential provisions for students' freedom of access to higher education and of protections in the classroom in NeSCC Policy 03:05:01.

Students who feel their rights and/or freedoms are not being considered or protected are provided the opportunity to submit a written complaint via the Student Complaint Online Submission Form in accordance with NeSCC Policy 03:05:10.

In order to foster and promote an educational environment conducive to the College’s Mission, students at Northeast State are expected to:

• Commit themselves to learning and the pursuit of higher education;
• Prepare for, attend and actively participate in scheduled classes;
• Conduct themselves with personal and academic integrity;
• Respect the rights and dignity of all members of the College Community;
• Discourage bigotry and encourage tolerance while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas, and opinions;
• Refrain from and discourage behaviors that threaten the freedom, respect, and safety that every individual deserves;
• Participate in the broad educational experience available to all members of the College Community through College-sponsored cultural events and other educational activities;
• Observe prescribed procedures and schedules for academic advisement, registration, and advancement in a chosen program of study;
• Observe all rules and regulations, including those designed to ensure and promote safety and security on the Northeast State campus;
• Use, as necessary, various College services available to students for assistance with academic, health, career, financial, emotional, and other concerns; and
• Assist the College in evaluation of its programs and services and conscientiously participate in evaluations, surveys, and periodic comprehensive examinations.

Northeast State Community College is committed to preserving students’ fundamental constitutional right to free speech in accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Policy 1.03.02.60 Freedom of Speech and Expression and with TCA § 49-7-2401 The Campus Free Speech Protection Act (2018).

Tennessee ( TCA § 49-7-2406) defines student-on-student harassment as unwelcome conduct directed toward a person that is discriminatory on a basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law and that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively bars the victim's access to an educational opportunity or benefit. 

Northeast State Community College employees and students are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use, or being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol on the College campus, at off-campus facilities owned or controlled by the College, or as a part of College-sponsored activities. All categories of employees and students are subject to this policy and to applicable federal, state, and local laws related to this matter. (NeSCC Policy 05:04:02) For more information, click here.

Northeast State Community College strives to maintain an environment that is free of intimidation and encourages education of students to their fullest extent. Therefore, the College will not tolerate acts or threats of acts of sexual assault, physical assault, or any type of violence. (NeSCC Policy 03:01:08)