Governor’s School Student Handbook

 Sunday, May 24th - Registration Day

10:00 am to 11:45 pm	Check in at Dorm (Location TBD)
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm	Welcome meeting with GSTHES faculty and Staff (Location TBD)

• Due to restrictions on housing, students must check out of the dorm during this time. If this check-out time will cause difficulty for you, you need to notify the administrative staff as soon as possible.
• A temporary parking pass for Friday 20th is required, as Campus security will ticket cars without passes. (Weekends are free parking.) Please follow the instructions for obtaining a temporary parking pass at ETSU’s Department of Public Safety or call  423-439-4480for further information.

Residance Hall

Rooms will be double occupancy.  Residential program counselors will be living in the dorms.

• Additional information about ETSU Housing is available at ETSU Housing - Live the Buccaneer Life!

Keys

• 
  You will be issued a room key; but exterior doors will be accessed with your ID card. Your IDs are currently being made and will be passed out when you arrive on May 24th.
• Students must notify a staff member immediately regarding a lost or stolen key or ID card.

Lost ID cards can be replaced through ID Services - Lost or Stolen IDs, but the student will incur an additional $25 fee per card replacement.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are located in the residence hall. Machines are free for student use, but you will need to bring laundry detergent and supplies.

Meals

Your meals will be provided by the Governor's School beginning with dinner beginning on May 24th and ending with breakfast on June 19th. Most meals will be served in the Culp Center cafeteria, but we will take packed lunches on fieldtrips, and some breakfasts will be in the dorm.

PLEASE MAKE ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS KNOWN TO THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL STAFF PRIOR TO MAY 15, 2026.

Students will be issued an identification card that permits access to the dorm, university recreation facilities, and allows you to check out books from the library.  You should keep your identification card with you at all times and must show it to university personnel requesting identification. One of the first things you learn when you enter college is to memorize your student identification number and to keep your student ID card with you at all times. 

• Students must notify a staff member immediately regarding a lost or stolen key or ID card.
• Lost ID cards can be replaced through ID Services - Lost or Stolen IDs, but the student will incur an additional $25 fee per card replacement.

Mail and packages can be sent to the following address:

STUDENT’S  NAME
Governor’s School for Tennessee History and Environmental Studies
ETSU, Center for Appalachian Studies 
PO Box 70556
Johnson City, TN 37614

• Letters and cards to students are encouraged and welcomed, but we ask you not to send large packages or multiple packages per week.
• UPS and FEDEX deliveries are routed through the university’s central receiving office, which can delay delivery as much as a week.  

We also ask that students refrain from online ordering and delivery while at the Governor’s School. 
Keep in mind that you will be here for four weeks; so please review the Personal Supplies List and plan to bring everything you think you might need.

The Governor's School for Tennessee History and Environmental Studies uses the classrooms, residence halls, library, recreation, and other facilities of East Tennessee State University. We are bound by several sets of rules.  

• The first are federal, state, and city laws regulating everything from major crimes to parking violations and jaywalking.  
• The second set of regulations is based on university policies established by the University president, authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the University’s Board of Trustees. These rules concern the administration of the residence halls and the use of campus facilities.
• The final set of rules was developed by the Tennessee Governor's Schools' Directors and deals with class attendance, curfew, physical boundaries, as well as social and personal norms. 

Disruptive Behavior

Students who are disruptive will receive a verbal warning from staff.  If the behavior continues, students will be called to talk with an administrator. Parents / guardians may be called as situations warrant. Disruptive behavior, use of foul or derogatory language, obscene gesturing, and disrespect of others has no place in Governor’s School and will be grounds for dismissal.

Serious Violations

A serious violation, as determined by GSTHES faculty and staff, shall result in disciplinary action administered by the program’s administrative staff. Such action may include, but is not limited to, notification of the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) to discuss the matter. A second serious violation shall result in the student’s immediate dismissal from the program. The Director of the Governor’s School for Tennessee History and Environmental Studies reserves the right to dismiss any student, with or without prior warning, when, in the Director’s sole discretion, circumstances warrant such action. Due to the limited duration of the Governor’s School program, which spans four weeks, the program does not permit or accommodate ongoing behavioral issues.

Curfew

Students must be in your residence hall by 10:00 pm and in your room, lights out, by 11:00 pm. The only exception is the rare case an official activity runs late and extends beyond curfew.  Counselors must always know your whereabouts in case of emergencies. Students must sign in and out if you wish to leave the residence hall during free time/evening activities. Students may not leave the dorm without permission from the counselors on duty and must be in a group of three (3) or more when they do.  Students are restricted to campus unless accompanied by staff. Counselors may take student groups to approved, off-campus areas within walking distance at their discretion (e.g. Kroger).

Automobiles

Students may not use automobiles during the Governor’s School, and they should not leave a car on campus. No student, including the owner or driver of a vehicle, may leave the Governor’s School in a student-driven vehicle.  All vehicles are subject to ETSU parking regulations.

Safety & Security 

East Tennessee State University campus is generally a safe place, and the areas where you are authorized to be during the evening hours are in close proximity to each other in active and well-lighted areas of campus. The campus is, however, close to an urban center and access to the campus is open.  It is, therefore, the policy of the School that students walking on campus must be in groups of three or more.  

• Residential staff must be informed of students’ whereabouts at all times.
• Students may NOT leave campus without permission, and then only in groups and accompanied by a staff member with them.
• Students should report any unknown or suspicious individuals to the residential counselors.

Campus Emergencies

Immeadatly notify a residential counselor in any emergency situation.  In addition to the Governor’s School counselor on duty, Campus Security, and residential assistants of university housing are also on duty at all times and may be contacted in case of an emergency.  

• Campus Security can be reached by dialing 911 from any university phone, and will have local emergency phone numbers and be able to contact the other Governor's School staff.  

RESIDENCE HALL POLICIES

The following rules governing the conduct of students in the residence halls are designed to assure university compliance with health and safety regulations, ensure the efficient operation of the residence halls, and meet the requirements of the university’s insurance underwriter.

• Room assignments can be changed only with the permission of the Governor's School Residential Staff.
• Students are expected to show courtesy to others and avoid excessive noise.
• Students are responsible for keeping their rooms clean and orderly. Rooms must be cleaned before checking out.
• Window screens may not be unfastened or removed. The residence hall is air-conditioned, so windows should not be opened.
• Students are not permitted to use nails, tacks, or screws in the walls or woodwork.
• Pets are not permitted in the residence hall.
• Flammable items may not be stored in residence hall rooms. Items which require an open flame to operate, or which produce heat (such as hot plates, popcorn poppers, and lighted candles) are not allowed in dorm rooms.
• Extension cords are not permitted in the residence hall, but surge protectors are allowed.

This list highlights common issues but is not exhaustive. Additional residence rules may be reviewed through the ETSU Housing Office Residence Hall Regulations

STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Students enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions are citizens of their civic communities and the academic community. As such they are expected to conduct themselves as law-abiding members of each community at all times. Admission to an institution of postsecondary education carries with it special privileges and imposes special responsibilities apart from those rights and duties enjoyed by non-students. In recognition of the special relationship that exists between the institution and the academic community which it seeks to serve, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) have authorized the presidents of the institutions and directors of the technology centers under its jurisdiction to take such action as may be necessary to maintain campus conditions and preserve the integrity of the institution and its educational environment. Pursuant to this authorization and in fulfillment of its duties to provide a secure and stimulating atmosphere in which individual and academic pursuits may flourish, THEC and TBR have developed rules, which are intended to govern student conduct on the several campuses under its jurisdiction. Accordingly, the President of East Tennessee State University has established policies and rules to govern the conduct of all students on our campus.

ETSU has adopted the following non-exclusive list providing notice of offenses for which both individuals and organizations may be subject to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from Governor’s School. A full list of which is available at ETSU Student Handbook.

• Conduct Dangerous to Self or Others. Any conduct, or attempted conduct, which constitutes a danger to any person’s health, safety, or personal well-being, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Physical and/or verbal abuse, (2) Threats and/or intimidation, (3) Harm inflicted on self;
• Hazing. Hazing, as defined in T.C.A. § 49-7-123(a)(1), means any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property, of any higher education institution by an individual acting alone, or with others, which is directed against any other person(s) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person(s), or which induces or coerces a person(s) to endanger such person(s) mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
• Disorderly Conduct. Any individual or group behavior which is abusive, obscene, lewd, indecent, violent, excessively noisy, disorderly, or which unreasonably disturbs institutional functions, operations, classrooms, other groups or individuals.
• Obstruction of or Interference with institutional activities or facilities. Any intentional interference with or obstruction of any institutional, program, event, or facility including the following: (1) Any unauthorized occupancy of institution or institutionally controlled facilities or blockage of access to or from such facilities, (2) Interference with the right of any institution member or other authorized person to gain access to any activity, program, event or facilities sponsored or controlled by an institution, (3) Any obstruction or delay of a campus security officer, public safety officer, police officer, firefighter, EMT, or any official of an institution, or failure to comply with any emergency directive issued by such person in the performance of his or her duty;
• Misuse of or Damage to Property. Any act of misuse, vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction, defacing, disfiguring or unauthorized use of property belonging to another including, but not limited to, any personal property, fire alarms, fire equipment, elevators, telephones, institution keys, library materials and/or safety devices.
• Theft, Misappropriation, or Unauthorized Sale of Property.
• Misuse of Documents or Identification Cards. Any forgery, alteration of or unauthorized use of institutional documents, forms, records or identification cards, including the giving of any false information, or withholding of necessary information, in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment or status in the institution.
• Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons. Any possession of or use of firearms, dangerous weapons of any kind, or replica/toy guns, e.g. BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, water guns, cap guns, toy knives or other items that simulate firearms or dangerous weapons;
• Explosives, Fireworks, and Flammable Materials.
• Alcoholic Beverages. The use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages on institution owned or controlled property. This offense includes the violation of any local ordinance, state, or federal law concerning alcoholic beverages, on or off institution owned or controlled property, including but not limited to where an affiliated group or organization has alcoholic beverages present and available for consumption;
• Drugs. The unlawful possession or use of any drug or controlled substance (including, but not limited to, any stimulant, depressant, narcotic or hallucinogenic drug, or marijuana), sale or distribution of any such drug or controlled substance. This offense includes the violation of any local ordinance, state, or federal law concerning the unlawful possession or use of drugs and the misuse of legally prescribed or “over the counter” drugs on or off institution owned or controlled property;
• Drug Paraphernalia. The use or possession of equipment, products or materials that are used or intended for use in manufacturing, growing, using or distributing any drug or controlled substance. This offense includes the violation of any local ordinance, state, or federal law concerning the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, on or off institution owned or controlled property;
• Public Intoxication. Appearing on institution owned or controlled property or at an institutional sponsored event while under the influence of a controlled substance or of any other intoxicating substance;
• Gambling. Unlawful gambling in any form;
• Financial Irresponsibility. Failure to meet financial responsibilities to the institution promptly including, but not limited to, knowingly passing a worthless check or money order in payment to the institution or to a member of the institution community acting in an official capacity;
• Unacceptable Conduct in Disciplinary Proceedings. Any conduct at any stage of an institutional disciplinary proceeding or investigation that is contemptuous, disrespectful, threatening, or disorderly, including false complaints, testimony or other evidence, and attempts to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body, verbal or physical harassment or intimidation of a judicial board member, complainant, respondent or witness;
• Failure to Cooperate with Institutional Officials. Failure to comply with directions of institutional officials acting in the performance of their duties;
• Violation of General Rules and Regulations. Any violation of the general rules and regulations of the institution as published in an official institutional publication, including the intentional failure to perform any required action or the intentional performance of any prohibited action;
  Attempts, Aiding and Abetting. Any attempt to commit any of the offenses listed under this section or the aiding or abetting of the commission of any of the offenses listed under this section (an attempt to commit an offense is defined as the intention to commit the offense coupled with the taking of some action toward its commission). Being present during the planning or commission of any offense listed under this section will be considered as aiding and abetting. Students who anticipate or observe an offense must remove themselves from the situation and are required to report the offense to the institution;
• Violations of State or Federal Laws. Any violation of state or federal laws or regulations proscribing conduct or establishing offenses, which laws and regulations are incorporated herein by reference;
• Violation of Imposed Disciplinary Sanctions. Intentional or unintentional violation of a disciplinary sanction officially imposed by an institution official or a constituted body of the institution;
• Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Battery or Rape. Committing any act of sexual battery or rape as defined by state law; May include any sexual act or penetration which is accompanied by threat, coercion, use of restraint or force, or any sexual act where the respondent knows, or should have known, that the victim was unable or incapable of giving consent.
• Harassment or Retaliation. Any act by an individual or group against another person or group in violation of TBR policies, as well as federal and/or state laws prohibiting discrimination, including, but not limited to, TBR policies 5:01:02:00,(F), 5:01:02:00, 2:02:10:01 and TBR Guideline P-080;
• Academic Misconduct. Plagiarism, cheating, fabrication. For purposes of this section the following definitions apply: (1) Plagiarism. The adoption or reproduction of ideas, words, statements, images, or works of another person as one’s own without proper attribution, (2) Cheating. Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or aids in any academic exercise or test/examination. The term academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit or hours, (3) Fabrication. Unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.
• Unauthorized Duplication or Possession of Keys. Making, causing to be made or the possession of any key for an institutional facility without proper authorization;
  Litter. Dispersing litter in any form onto the grounds or facilities of the campus;
  Pornography. Public display of literature, films, pictures or other materials which an average person applying contemporary community standards would find, (1) taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest, (2) depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and (3) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value;
  • Abuse of Computer Resources and Facilities. Misusing and/or abusing campus computer resources including, but not limited to the following:Use of another person’s identification to gain access to institutional computer resources,
  • Use of institutional computer resources and facilities to violate copyright laws, including, but not limited to, the act of unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using institutional information technology systems,
  • Unauthorized access to a computer or network file, including but not limited to, altering, using, reading, copying, or deleting the file,
  • Unauthorized transfer of a computer or network file,
  • Use of computing resources and facilities to send abusive or obscene correspondence,
  • Use of computing resources and facilities in a manner that interferes with normal operation of the institutional computing system,
  • Use of computing resources and facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or institutional official,
  • Violation of any published information technology resources policy,
  • Unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing;
• Unauthorized Access to Institutional Facilities and/or Grounds. Any unauthorized access and/or occupancy of institutional facilities and grounds is prohibited, including, but not limited to, gaining access to facilities and grounds that are closed to the public, being present in areas of campus that are open to limited guests only, being present in academic buildings after hours without permission, and being present in buildings when the student has no legitimate reason to be present;
• Providing False Information. Giving any false information to, or withholding necessary information from, any institutional official acting in the performance of his/her duties in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment, or status in the institution;
• Unauthorized Surveillance. Making or causing to be made unauthorized video or photographic images of a person in a location in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the prior effective consent of the individual, or in the case of a minor, without the prior effective consent of the minor’s parent or guardian. This includes, but is not limited to, taking video or photographic images in shower/locker rooms, residence hall rooms, and men’s or women’s restrooms, and storing, sharing, and/or distributing of such unauthorized images by any means;
• Smoking Violations. Violation of any TBR and/or institutional smoking or other tobacco (including vaping) use rules or policies.

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL RULES

In addition to the rules governing all students at the university, the following rules shall apply to students in the Governor's School:

• The Governor's Schools are educational programs for the benefit of the students in the schools of Tennessee. Students in these programs are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the goals of the programs and in a way that does credit to the program as a whole.
• The Director of the School shall have the authority to dismiss any student from the Governor’s School immediately for violation of the rules of the university or of the Governor's School or for inappropriate conduct, or for safety or medical reasons. In such cases, parents/guardians will be required to pick up their Student as soon as possible and within 24 hours in such cases.
• Students in the Governor's School shall use only those university facilities authorized for their use. The following areas are off limits to students in the Governor's School: (a) all fraternity or sorority houses, (b) residence halls other than Stone Hall, (c) classrooms or facilities being used by other programs on campus, (d) the CPA, unless accompanied by a counselor.
• Governor's School students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, activities, and events. All unexcused absences will be reported to the Director, and repeated unexcused absences or tardies shall be cause for dismissal from the Governor’s School.
• Students cannot be excused from the Governor’s School to visit relatives, to go on family vacations, take ACT or other exams, etc. In the event of an emergency, students will be released with prior permission. The parent or guardian must contact the Governor’s School office to authorize the release of the student from the Governor’s School and to discuss transportation arrangements.  During university business hours (8:00am to 4:30pm EST), parents should call the Governor’s School number, 423-439-7995. Outside of normal office hours in the event of an emergency, parents can call East Tennessee State University Campus Security at 423-439-4480.
• Smoking and other forms of tobacco use, including vaping, are prohibited during the Governor’s School.
• Public displays of affection are not allowed.
• Visitors to the Governor’s School are expected to abide by all applicable rules of conduct.

All these rules will be strictly enforced by the Governor's School staff.  Please see additional regulations specified on the following pages.  
If you have any questions, call the Governor's School for Tennessee History and Environmental Studies office at 423-439-7995.

Recreational Facilities

The Governor’s School residential staff coordinates a full program of recreational activities.  Governor’s School Scholars will have access to equipment for lawn sports as well as the Center for Physical Activity (because of age restrictions you must be accompanied by a counselor). The Governor’s School will arrange for the loan of equipment for group sports and other recreational activities.

• For more information see Facilities Department of Campus Recreation 

Bookstore

Governor’s School provides text books for you, so you will not be asked to purchase those. The University Bookstore carries a full line of textbooks, supplies, and a selection of magazines and paperback books, as well as souvenir items. The on-campus bookstore is open Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm. Group trips may be arranged with staff.  

• For more information visit the ETSU Bookstore

Library

The Sherrod Library holdings include more than 500,000 volumes, 360,000 microforms, 2,900 current periodical subscriptions, a large collection of federal documents, the holdings of the University Archives, the Archives of Appalachia, and the Instructional Media Center.  Sherrod Library has open stacks to facilitate access and browsing, but archival collections are available only by request. Governor's School students will have full access to these collections in developing projects, presentations, and research skills.  Students are reminded to return materials promptly and certainly before the end of the term.  Students are responsible for any late fees.

• For more information see Sherrod Library.

Remember, you are sharing a room with another student, so think carefully about space sharing!

Insurance card

Proof of Health Insurance—very important, either an original or photocopy of card

Cell Phones

Texting and using phones for personal reasons may only be used during approved designated times.

• Students will not be allowed to use cell phones during class, guest speaker talks or most activities.
• Cell phones may be carried to classes or other scheduled activities but cannot be used in class and can only be used for pictures during activities.
• Use may be limited on fieldtrips, and cell signal is poor in many outdoor spaces.
• Cell phones used inappropriately will be confiscated.

Computers

Computers and printers are available on campus, but most students prefer to bring their own laptops because computer labs have specific hours of operation which may not be compatible with students’ free time. Residence Halls are equipped with Wi-Fi, and each room will have two Internet connections.

Bedding

University residence hall rooms are fitted with two twin beds per room. You will need to bring pillow, blankets, and sheets for a long twin-size bed.  Because evenings can be cool, we recommend that you bring two light blankets. Mattresses in the dorm are very firm, you may want to consider bringing a memory foam mattress pad.

Personal Items

Personal hygiene items, including soap, towels, wash cloths, laundry detergent, shampoo, cosmetics, prescription medications, and other personal expendables.

• Many students also bring bathroom organizers or caddies for toiletries

School Supplies

Basic school supplies such as of pen, pencil, writing paper

Misc Equipment

Students may bring their own alarm clocks, desk lamps, personal entertainment devices, etc., but televisions, large stereos, or refrigerators are NOT permitted.

Clothing

June is warm in Johnson City, but evenings in the mountains, where some of our activities will take place, can be cool.  All students will need proper lightweight, loose-fitting outdoor clothes for most days. Clothing should allow for ease of movement in activities such as hiking, pioneer experience building and digging, and fossil site work. We recommend a combination of long outdoor pants, shorts, tee shirts, light jacket / hoodie. Jeans or thick pants are required for caving. Hiking boots / shoes are required, and you will definitely want comfortable walking shoes too. Bring water shoes or sandals and swimsuits (and beach towel, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen) for creek and boating activities. (See suggested packing list.) If clothing is not appropriate for activities, students may be asked to change.

• You should also bring an outfit suitable to wear for a presentation that is professional and consistent with a college-level setting.
• Swimsuit (suitable for swimming and canoeing), cover up, and beach towel.
• Rain jacket and hoodie or light jacket for cool evenings (expect to be out in rain at some point)
• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots; running shoes ans water shoes also recommended.
• Hiking socks (or mole skin) to help prevent blisters on hikes
• Comfortable clothes that work for both classroom and outdoor fieldtrips.

Don’t bring expensive clothes or clothing you don’t want to get stained (East Tennessee red clay is hard to remove from fabric!)

Personal Money

• All student expenses, including room, meals, admission to cultural and social events, recreation fees, transportation to off-campus activities, tuition, and required books, are paid for by the Governor's School.  However, students usally bring some money for souvenirs and snacks, we discourage bringing large amounts of cash.
• Credit cards and debit or check cards are the safest and easiest way to bring money to the school.
• Students will be issued a photo ID card. This card gives them access to their residence hall, but it can also be used as a debit card for on-campus expenses such as: photocopying, bookstore, vending machines, and the food court. Several off-campus merchants also accept ID Bucs. Money can be deposited in a student’s account at the ID office in the Culp Center by check or cash or online by credit card. You will need your student ID or “E” number to make a deposit. See Id Services for additional information about ID Bucs.
• ATMs are within walking distance but may only be accessed during approved times.
• Students will be unable to cash personal checks from parents.

Outing Supplies

Backpack, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and bug spray, reusable water bottle(s), flashlight (head lamp is a good option)

Optional items

 You may consider bringing these items, though they are not necessary:

• Sports equipment
• Musical instruments
• Reading lamp
• Work gloves—you will get dirty
• Hammock
• Binoculars
• Snacks

DO NOT BRING

• 
  Large amounts of cash
• Cars to leave on campus
• Valuables (e.g., jewelry)
• Extension cords
• Flammable items (candles, popcorn poppers, hot plates, etc.)
• Alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products of any kind
• Firearms or weapons of any kind (or toys that look like weapons)

*See  Housing Handbook and  Student Handbook for additional prohibited items.