TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME Greetings from Dr. Gaertner and Mr. Bridges ...... 3-4 INTRODUCTION Mission Statement ...... 5 University Goals ...... 5 Bearkat ...... 5 School Seal...... 5 School Logo...... 6 School Colors...... 6 Alma Mater ...... 6 Fight Song ...... 6 Motto ...... 6 ACADEMIC POLICIES/PROCEDURES Academic Grievances ...... 7 UNIVERSITY SERVICES Office of the Vice President for Student Services ...... 11 Bookstore ...... 11 Career Services ...... 11 Counseling Center and ADA Services ...... 12 Dining Services ...... 13 Health Center ...... 14 Information Resources...... 14 Bearkat OneCard ...... 15 Lowman Student Center ...... 16 Physical Plant...... 16 Public Safety Services ...... 17 Recreational Sports and Activities...... 17 Residence Life ...... 18 Sam Houston Memorial Museum ...... 18 Sam Houston Press & Copy Center...... 19 Students’ Legal and Mediation Services ...... 19 Veterans Assistance Office...... 19 CAMPUS LIFE Athletics ...... 20 Office of Alumni Relations ...... 20 Dean of Students’ Office ...... 21 Student Government Association...... 22 Department of Student Activities...... 23 Spirit Programs ...... 24 Multicultural and International Student Services ...... 25 Policy For The Use of the Bearkat Plaza and LSC Mall ...... 25 DEAN OF STUDENTS’ POLICIES Alcoholic Beverage Distribution Policy ...... 27 Policy on Bikes, Skateboards, In-line Skates, etc ...... 28 Code of Student Conduct and Discipline...... 29 Computer Use Policy ...... 38 Debts of Students ...... 38 Co-curricular Use of University Facilities...... 39 General Provisions for Campus Activities...... 42 Parades, Demonstrations, and Rallies ...... 48 Students with Disabilities ...... 49 Hazing Act ...... 49 Parking and Traffic...... 51 Posting and Distribution of Printed Materials ...... 52 Publications of Student Groups ...... 53 Student Organizations Policy...... 54 Risk Management Guidelines ...... 60 Student Absence Notification Policy ...... 63 Student Grievance Procedures ...... 64 RELATED UNIVERSITY POLICIES AIDS Policy...... 65 Drug Free Work Place Policy...... 65 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974...... 66 First Year Required Housing and Meal Plan Policy ...... 67 Racial Harassment Policy ...... 67 Sexual Assault Policy...... 68 Sexual Harassment...... 69 Student Resignations ...... 69 Tuition Rebate for Certain Undergraduates ...... 70 Emergency Procedures Quick Reference...... 71 STUDENT’S RIGHT TO KNOW AND CAMPUS SECURITY ACT OF 1990 Student Right to Know...... 73 Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics ...... 73 Drug Free Schools and Communities ...... 77 • Standards of Conduct...... 77 • Health Risks of Alcohol and Drugs ...... 77 • University Penalties ...... 80 • Available Rehabilitation and Counseling Services ...... 80 • Crime Statistics ...... 81 • Penalties Under Federal and State Law ...... 82 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER Immunization Information...... 83 Understanding and Preventing HIV/AIDS Infection...... 85
Student 2 Guidelines WELCOME
Dear Students,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome all new and returning students to Sam Houston State Univer- sity. We are pleased that you chose this university.
The year is filled with many new and exciting things for everyone. Those of you who are return- ing students are already aware of the many op- portunities for learning, recreation, and enjoyment that SHSU has to offer. If you are a new student, I urge you to become familiar with the activities available to you and to take advantage of them. It is important that you become in- volved in the University Community.
I ask that you thoroughly read this handbook and become familiar with the various rules and regulations and the rights and responsibilities of others on campus. The faculty and staff are willing to assist you whenever possible. Do not hesitate to ask questions.
We are glad to have you as a member of the Bearkat family. I wish for you a very good year.
Sincerely,
James F. Gaertner President WELCOME
Fellow Bearkats,
It is my privilege to welcome you on behalf of the student body and the Student Government Association to a new year at Sam Houston State University. It is an exciting time to be a Bearkat, with new construction, growth, and changes occurring every day all over our campus.
Sam Houston is unique in that it is very easy to become involved in the university community through different organizations and groups. With over 200 registered organizations on campus, there’s a place for everyone. This year, I challenge every student to find a way to get involved in your university and take advantage of the opportunity to truly become a part of the Bearkat family. Your college experience will be what you make it.
If you ever have any questions or concerns about the university, please feel free to visit the Student Government Association at our office in the Lowman Student Center, room 326. You can also call our office at (936) 294-1938.
Have a great and successful school year, and EAT ‘EM UP KATS!
Ryan Bridges Student Body President INTRODUCTION
University Mission from Sam Houston Normal Institute to Sam Houston State Teachers College. (Prior to Sam Houston State University is a multi- 1923, the varsity sports teams were nick- cultural institution whose mission is to pro- named “The Normals.”) vide excellence by continually improving It is doubtful those who coined the quality education, scholarship, and service to “Bearkat” nickname had a particular animal its students and to appropriate regional, state, in mind, however. More likely, the name national, and international constituencies. came from a popular local saying of the time, “tough as a Bear-kat!” The late Reed Lind- University Goals sey, who was a student/athlete in the 1920s • Promote students’ intellectual, so- and later retired as University registrar, once cial and leadership growth. said that “it was a good fighting name of the • Recruit and retain qualified, dedi- time.” Since the animal in the saying was cated faculty and support staff. thought more mythical than real, the spelling • Recruit and retain qualified, moti- settled upon was “Bearkat.” vated students. In the late 1940s, then SHSU president • Provide the necessary library and Harmon Lowman attempted to change the other facilities to support quality SHSU mascot from Bearkats to “Ravens” instruction, research, and public (afte General Sam Houston’s Cherokee service. nickname). Mrs. Vernon Schuder reported • Provide an educational environ- that the alumni were polled; she voted for ment that encourages systematic the raven but that “all those old Bearkats inquiry and research. beat us out!” • Promote and support diversity and The current Sammy Bearkat mascot char- provide equitable opportunities acter began appearing at SHSU sports events for minorities. in 1959. • Offer a wide range of academic studies in preprofessional, bac- sCHool seal calaureate, masters’, and doctoral Sam Houston State University has adopt- programs. ed as its official seal a high-contrast image • Collaborate with other universi- of the statue of General Sam Houston, which ties, institutions, and constituen- stands in front of Austin Hall on the north cies. end of the campus Quadrangle. • Provide instructional research and Around the image in the public service through distance seal are the words “Sam learning and technology. Houston State University,” two stars, and the year in BearKat which Sam Houston Nor- Sam Houston State University’s athletic mal Institute was founded teams have been nicknamed “The Bearkats” — 1879. since 1923 when the University’s name was changed by the Texas State Legislature
Student 5 Guidelines sCHool loGo Sam Houston State University has adopt- ed as its official logo an orange “SH.” Where the seal is used for more formal presentations, the logo can be used in less formal applications.
sCHool Colors The official colors for Sam Houston State University are : ORANGE and WHITE.
alMa Mater Hail to Sam Houston, School we love best, Mighty in battle, True to the test. Bearkats so loyal, Ever we’ll be. Orange and white Will lead us to victory!
Hail, Alma Mater Hats off to you, Ever you’ll find us Loyal and true; Firm and undaunted Ever we’ll be, Here’s to the school we love Here’s a toast to thee.
BearKat FiGHt sonG Fight, Fight, you Bearkats! Fight on through! We’re here in back of you! You know again we’re here to win, so fight on to the end. Fight Fight Fight Loyal we’ll ever be and true to SHSU We’ll fight and fight with all our might for Sam Houston’s Orange and White.
Motto “The Measure of a Life is its Service.”
Student 6 Guidelines ACADEMIC GRIEvANCE PROCEDURES fOR STUDENTS
1. PURPOSE of the administrators participating in hearing the grievance, the individual(s) The purpose of this academic policy state- involved in the dispute shall retain the ment is to provide for the resolution of stu- academic freedom to decline to change dent academic grievances in a prompt and the original judgment in the matter. equitable manner. 2.03 Allegations of student miscon- duct, as defined in paragraph 5.2, Chap- 2. GENERAL ter VI of the Rules and Regulations, 2.01 Under the provisions of this pol- Board of Regents, The Texas State icy, academic grievances include dis- University System, and Sam Houston putes over: State University Student Guidelines, a. Course grades published by the Dean of Students’ Of- b. Unauthorized class absences or fice will be referred to the Dean of Stu- tardiness dents’ Office for necessary action. c. Suspension for academic defi- 2.04 Allegations, questions, or appeals ciency involving academic dishonesty, i.e., d. An instructor’s alleged unpro- cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and/ fessional conduct related to aca- or abuse of resource materials, will be demic matters processed in accordance with the pro- e. Graduate comprehensive and cedures set forth in Academic Policy oral examinations Statement 810213, “Procedures in Cas- f. Theses and dissertations es of Academic Dishonesty.” 2.02 If the dispute is determined to be 2.05 If, in turn, the department/school based upon professional judgment, the chair, College Academic Review Panel, aggrieved student is entitled to have, as academic dean, Dean of Graduate Stud- appropriate and in turn, the department ies (for graduate student issues), or Pro- or school chair, College Academic Re- vost and Vice President for Academic view Panel, academic dean, Dean of Affairs finds that a disputed action con- Graduate Studies (for graduate student flicts with federal or state law, univer- issues), and Provost and Vice President sity, college, or departmental policy, or for Academic Affairs form an opinion with an instructor’s stated class policy, about the dispute and so advise the a decision should be rendered in favor individual(s) involved. After consider- of the aggrieved student. ing the advice provided by any or all Student 7 Guidelines 3. COLLEGE ACADEMIC REvIEW b. If an academic grievance is not PANEL satisfactorily resolved with the 3.01 There shall be in each college a instructor or committee chair, the Standing College Academic Review student may appeal to the chair of Panel. The members of the panel shall the academic department/school be chosen by procedures established by in which the complaint or dispute the college dean. The panel will consist is centered. The student appeal- of three faculty members and two stu- ing must provide a written sum- dent members. The chair of the panel mary of the pertinent issues of the will be selected from the panel mem- grievance. In addition, a student bers by the appointees to the panel. A may include other faculty or staff department/school chair or any party to members or any other informed the appeal being heard may not serve individual who might act as advo- on the panel. At least two faculty mem- cates in support of his/her appeal. bers and at least one student member c. If the student remains aggrieved must be present for action to be taken. after an appeal to the chair of the 3.02 The Academic Review Panel department/school, the student will be involved in an alleged griev- may forward the written appeal ance only after the normal procedures (plus any other additional mate- outlined in paragraph 4.01.a and 4.01.b rial) to the college dean in whose below have been exhausted. college the dispute arose with a 3.03 The Academic Review Panel request to have the case heard by will hear only appeals involving dis- the College Academic Review putes over those matters set forth in Panel. Within fifteen working paragraph 2.01.a through 2.01.f of this days of receiving the appeal, the policy. Appeals regarding university/ Panel will investigate the alleged college degree requirements, student grievance and present such find- misconduct, or academic dishonesty ings and recommendations as the will not be addressed by the panel. Panel finds appropriate as soon as possible to the grievant and to oth- 4. PROCEDURES er relevant parties, including the 4.01 The following steps are to be fol- department/school chair and the lowed in pursuing an academic griev- faculty member(s) against whom ance or an appeal of suspension for the grievance is directed. During academic deficiency (a grade point av- the panel hearing(s), all parties erage below 2.00): involved in the original grievance a. In the event of an academic will be invited to appear before the grievance, the student must first Panel. The grievant may request appeal to his/her instructor or either oral or written statements committee chair for a resolution from advocates. The inclusion of of the matter and must do so in these statements at the hearing(s) writing and within thirty days fol- will be at the discretion of the lowing the final course exam for Panel. Under no circumstances the semester or summer session will advocates be permitted to di- during which the dispute arises. rectly question or cross-examine (If the grievance involves a sus- any person who is involved in pension for academic deficiency, the grievance. Legal counsel, if the student appeals directly to the included by the grievant, may act appropriate academic dean.) only in an advisory capacity and Student 8 Guidelines may not be a directly active par- ticipant in the proceedings. d. If a resolution of an academic grievance by the Review Panel is not accepted, the student may re- quest in writing that the grievance be forwarded to the college dean in whose college the dispute arose for review and adjudication. The dean will receive all documents pertaining to the dispute from the academic Review Panel and the dean will inform the student, the instructor, and/or the committee chair, and the administrators par- ticipating in the appeals process of the decision and the disposition of the matter within fifteen working days of receipt of the appeal. The dean’s decision is final.
Student 9 Guidelines Student 10 Guidelines UNIvERSITy SERvICES
oFFiCe oF tHe viCe Barnes & noBle’s PresiDent For University BooKstore stUDent serviCes Located in the Lowman Student Center, The office provides administrative lead- Barnes and Noble’s University Bookstore is ership, supervision, and coordination for the the official bookstore for Sam Houston State Division of Student Services. The division University. The bookstore carries all required includes the following departments: Dean textbooks for all classes offered by the Uni- of Students’ Office; Bearkat OneCard Ser- versity, as well as provides required school vices and the Student Money Management supplies and course materials. The bookstore Center; Counseling Services and Services also offers a general reading and references for Students with Disabilities; Health Ser- section, which features such areas as cam- vices; Lowman Student Center; Recreation- pus bestsellers, faculty author, reference, and al Sports and Activities; Student Activities; study guides. There is also a wide variety of and Students’ Legal and Mediation Servic- SHSU clothing, gifts and other merchandise. es. Through leadership, program, and policy The bookstore is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 development, the division contributes to the p.m., Monday through Thursday, Friday un- overall intellectual, social, and personal de- til 4 p.m, Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during velopment of the students. the fall and spring semester, and for special The role of the Division of Student Ser- occasions such as graduation, homecoming, vices is to complement the total educational Saturdays@Sam, and home football games. mission of the university by providing op- For additional information about the goods portunities for students to develop and grow and services provided, call (936) 294-1862. in an academic environment. This is accom- plished by offering quality programs and Career serviCes services. Departments within the division embrace a student development philosophy The Sam Houston State University Career that stresses the holistic approach in co-cur- Services office assists students and alumni in riculum involvement. Studies indicate that identifying and developing their career goals learning occurs in an environment condu- and ultimately, in finding success locating cive to social, recreational, educational, and professional employment opportunities com- intellectual interaction. A variety of Student patible with their unique skills, interests, val- Services programs are designed to foster ues, temperament and academic preparation. such interaction with students, faculty, staff, Career Services offers career counseling and the university community. The goal of and advising, career testing and a compre- the division is to contribute to the learning hensive Career Library to assist you in ob- experiences of our students, helping them to taining the critical information you need to become educated, enlightened, and empow- make an informed decision regarding the ered in ways that they can achieve and con- choice of a major, and/or a career. In our Ca- tribute as productive citizens in their college, reer Library you will also find a small com- community, and country. puter lab for your convenience and a number Student 11 Guidelines of free career-related magazines, brochures, Counseling Services and employer information materials. The Counseling Center provides a range You are encouraged to register as early as of services including individual counsel- your freshman year with our online program ing, group counseling, couples counseling, “Jobs 4 Kats” to establish your student profile. and outreach/preventive education presen- With a student profile you can seek and apply tations. Staff members are also available to for part-time jobs both on and off-campus and assist students in a crisis situation. Students as a junior, senior or alumnus, locate intern- can receive help with a range of personal ships and full-time positions as well. Graduat- concerns including transition to university is- ing seniors and alumni also use “Jobs 4 Kats” sues, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, in- to sign up for on-campus interviews and ben- terpersonal problems, mood concerns, eating efit from its resume referral option. Need help disorders, concerns about their alcohol con- preparing for the job search? Our professional sumption, physical/sexual abuse, and many staff and counseling interns provide resume- other concerns. Services are also available writing assistance, give practice interviews and for international students who may seek sup- throughout the year offer a variety of career- port in adjusting to life at an American uni- related workshops and programs. versity. Groups that are commonly offered at Career Services invites hundreds of re- the Counseling Center include a Women’s cruiters representing a variety of nationally Relational Support Group, an Interpersonal recognized corporate, governmental and edu- Therapy Group, and Self-Esteem Group cational employers to visit campus and recruit among others. Please consult the Counseling our outstanding graduating seniors and alumni Center web page for more information about through one of the six Job Fairs we host each the current group offerings. The services the year and through our on-campus interview pro- Counseling Center offers are free. An initial gram conducted each fall and spring semester intake appointment can be made by calling in our in-house professional interview suites. the office or stopping by in person. All coun- Located in Academic Building IV, suite seling is confidential within the limits of le- 210, the SHSU Career Services office is gal and ethical obligations. open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. Services for Students with Disabilities to 5:00 p.m. and other times as posted. Con- The SHSU Services for Students with tact us at (936) 294-1713 by telephone or Disabilities (SSD) is located in the Counsel- by email at [email protected]. Visit ing Center, Lee Drain North Annex. SSD our office or website at www.shsu.edu/ca- provides academic accommodations and reerservices — we look forward to assisting auxiliary aids and services for otherwise- you! All our services are offered at no charge qualified students with mental or physical to SHSU students and alumni. impairments that substantially limit their academic functioning. To be considered for CoUnselinG Center accommodations, a student must submit COUNSELING SERvICES AND SERvICES documentation of his/her impairment to SSD fOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES and complete the disability intake process. The student may schedule an intake appoint- The Counseling Center provides a va- ment by contacting the Counseling Center at riety of services to enhance student learn- (936) 294-1720 (TDD: (936) 294-3786). The ing and assist students in achieving their hours of operation are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, academic and personal goals. The Center Monday through Friday. Additional informa- is staffed by professional counselors and tion on the procedure for requesting services graduate trainees who provide a confiden- and the SSD documentation requirements tial setting where students can freely dis- is available at the Counseling Center or at cuss their concerns.
Student 12 Guidelines www.shsu.edu/~counsel/sswd.html. • University Police: (936)294-3787 Decisions regarding accommodations are • Office of Undergraduate made on a case-by-case basis, as supported by Admissions: (936) 294-3788 the student’s documentation and self-report. • Registrar’s Office: (936) 294-3789 Students requesting auxiliary aids and/ or services that may require advance plan- CaMPUs DininG ning and coordination are advised to sub- serviCes mit their requests to SSD in a timely man- Food service at Sam Houston is provided ner. SSD recommends a minimum of two by ARAMARK Campus Dining Services, months advance notice for the provision of one of the largest contract food service com- sign language/oral interpreting or real-time panies in the country. ARAMARK strives to captioning for the deaf. One month notice is provide quality food service programs that recommended for alternative text formats. reflect the varied lifestyles of today’s college Adaptive technologies are available at student. various locations on the SHSU campus, including the Counseling Center, the New- What options are there to choose from? ton Gresham Library, the Reading Center, The University Meal Plan: and various Computer Labs. These tech- Choice 1 – 7-Day/20 meals: Targeted for nologies include CCTV video magnifiers, students that will spend most weekends screen magnification and reader software, on campus or just miss very few dinner scan-read software, and assistive listening bells, this option provides an opportunity devices. Comparable technologies are avail- to eat at every meal. able in the library and computer lab on the Choice 2 – 7-Day/15 meal plus Bearkat Bo- third floor of the LSC University Center in nus: Targeted for students that will miss The Woodlands. A complete listing of the most weekends, or breakfasts, this option adaptive technologies and their locations on provides the student with the opportunity to the SHSU campus is available at the above- eat at 15 of our 20 meal periods, plus gives noted web address. them an extra $55 in bonus Bearkat Express Any student who believes that he/she has for a total of $155 or about $10 per week. been discriminated against on the basis of a Choice 3 – 160 Meal Block: Targeted for stu- disability by SHSU faculty, staff, or admin- dents who want flexibility and control of istration may file a grievance by contacting when and who eats on their meal card. The the ADA Student Coordinator at the Coun- block plan can provide 10 meals per week seling Center. Additional information on the for the 16 weeks in the semester. How- grievance procedures, as well as institutional ever, students may enter multiple times in policy regarding students with disabilities, is one meal period, may bring a friend in on detailed in the Academic Policy Statement one of their block meals, and all uneaten 811006--Students with Disabilities. meals roll over to the following week. Students with disabilities may request This plan is ideal for students who can and assistance with the admissions or registra- will manage their meal block throughout tion process by contacting, respectively, the the semester. It is possible a distracted Admissions Office at (936) 294-1828 or the student could easily run out of the block Registrar’s Office at (936) 294-1040. meals weeks before the end of a semester. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) locations are as follows with The Upperclassman five Meal Commut- corresponding telephone numbers: er Plan • Dean of Students’ Office: (936) 294-3785 Available Monday through Sunday. This • Counseling Center and Services for plan is targeted to the commuters and is not Students with Disabilities: (936) 294-3786 available to on-campus freshman. Student 13 Guidelines All meal plans come with $100 of de- • Physicals clining balance Bearkat Express that can be • TB testing redeemed at Chick-Fil-A or Burger King or • Health Education any of the cash locations in the Lowman Stu- • Smoking Cessation dent Center, the South Paw (a dining facility The Health Center also serves as the on the south end of campus). campus contact for the student health insur- ARAMARK’s main office is located next ance plan offered through the university. to the entrance of Kirkley Hall, (936) 294- Coverage is available to all students cur- 1916; Cafe Belvin office (936) 294-1949. rently enrolled in six or more credit hours and is mandatory for international students. HealtH Center Students may contact the Health Center for more information about the policy. The Student Health Center, located at the Please note that the Health Center is corner of Avenue J and Bearkat Boulevard, not equipped to address medical emergen- provides routine medical services and health cies. Students experiencing such conditions education to currently enrolled students. The should summon Emergency Medical Servic- Health Center is accredited by the Accredita- es (EMS) by calling 911 or report to nearest tion Association for Ambulatory Health Care hospital emergency room. (AAAHC). This means that the standard of The Health Center exists to provide care and operations either meet and/or exceed services and programs that assist stu- rigorous nationally recognized standards. dents in minimizing disruptions resulting The Health Center is open Monday – from health-related issues. Please contact Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with extended us at (936) 294-1805 or visit our website evening hours until 6:00 p.m. Monday – at www.shsu.edu/healthcenter for more Thursday during the fall and spring semes- information ters. Only business services are available between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Appoint- inForMation ments are scheduled by phone or in person. resoUrCes There is no cost for an office visit. There are charges for laboratory tests, prescription The University has three departments to medications, and certain procedures. These support the campus information technology charges are, in most cases, well below the within the Information Resources Division: prevailing community rate. University Computer Services (UCS)-Ad- The Health Center has an in-house phar- ministrative Applications, UCS-Systems, macy that is able to fill prescriptions written and UCS-Client Support. by any healthcare provider. Many prescrip- The Administrative Applications depart- tions cost less than the deductible or co- ment provides the programming support for payment amounts of many insurance plans. all the administrative functions such as regis- Please contact the pharmacy at (936) 294- tration, admissions, grade entry, and payroll. 1803 for price and availability. Administrative Applications is also heavily The Health Center offers services in the involved with the campus-wide implementa- following categories: tion of the SunGard Banner ERP system. • Diagnosis and treatment of minor ill- The Systems department manages the nesses and injuries server and networking infrastructure, such as • Referrals the gigabit connectivity for all campus build- • Nursing care ings including residence halls. Each resident • Laboratory has his/her own high-speed Internet connec- • Pharmacy tion. Also, wireless access points are provid- • Preventative Healthcare ed throughout the main campus with SamNet.
Student 14 Guidelines The UCS-Client Support department Obtaining a Bearkat OneCard provides the staffing for the general-access During registration, the student is required computer labs. The Helpdesk is also in the to secure (free of charge) a photo-identifica- Client Support department, and is avail- tion card, the Bearkat OneCard. The On- able to help students with their computer eCard must be activated at www.bearkatone. accounts, pins, profiles, and their residence com upon receipt in order to utilize the card hall Ethernet ports. for services on the SHSU campus. The Bear- From the University web site, students kat OneCard Office is located in the Estill can activate and begin using their SHSU Bldg., Suite 230. Office hours are Monday – computer accounts as soon as they are ac- Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students may cepted to the University. To ensure prompt also contact the office by phone at (936) communications, the University will send 293-2273 or by email at bearkatone@shsu. official statements and documents to stu- edu. dents’ SHSU e-mail addresses. The as- Requirements for Obtaining an ID card signed e-mail address is username@shsu. — Be currently registered for classes edu. The use of University e-mail and all — Have a valid and current address listed other computing resources is governed by on file with the University. the Computer Services Acceptable Use Pol- — Have a photo on file with the Bearkat icy (http://www.shsu.edu/administrative/ OneCard office at SHSU. It is mandatory that policies/finop/information_resources/docu- a valid state or government issued ID must be ments/foir01acceptuse.pdf) SHSU will nev- presented at the time that the photo is taken. er ask students to share their passwords with — An initial card will be issued to you, upon anyone. Each student will be assigned a six- request, for on-campus usage. Your perma- digit personal identification number. This nent Bearkat OneCard will be mailed to your PIN should also not be shared with anyone. address of record within 5 to 7 business days Former students who have completed at once you have met all of the above listed re- least 15 hours of course work at SHSU will quirements. be eligible to opt-in to keep an SHSU e-mail Activation and Usage account. SHSU faculty, staff, and students are re- The three Computer Services departments quired to activate their Bearkat OneCard at employ more than 100 students as lab assis- www.bearkatone.com. This card is for offi- tants, 24/7 system operators, web designers, cial university identification purposes, and is software and systems programmers, help- required to be carried at all times. It is non- desk assistants, and software/hardware tech- transferable and its use is the responsibility nicians. Students are encouraged to apply for of the named student. Bearkat OneCards are part-time employment through Jobs4Kats. required for library usage, access to resi- The website for the Division of In- dence hall perimeters, entrance to all athletic formation Resources is http://www.shsu. events and university sponsored functions, edu/~ucs_www/. Questions regarding access to the HKC/Recreational Sports fa- SHSU’s computer resources may be ad- cilities, the University Health Center, Ca- dressed to [email protected] or shiers Office, managing refund preferences, (936) 294-1950. and student payroll. Your Bearkat OneCard allows you to ac- BearKat oneCarD cess two accounts: — Bearkat Express: for on campus dining The Bearkat OneCard signifies your status only as an active member of the Sam Houston State — One Account: a free *FDIC insured University community, serving as your official checking/debit account that meets your student identification card and much more. banking needs. Student 15 Guidelines When activating the Bearkat OneCard, loWMan stUDent students may elect to open the free OneAc- Center count, an optional on-line checking/debit The Lowman Student Center (LSC) is account associated with the ID Card. The considered the university’s center for activ- OneAccount is a product offered by Higher ity. Users include students, faculty, staff, ad- One and MasterCard. The OneCard is NOT ministrators, alumni, and guests. It is more a CREDIT CARD. After graduation, stu- than a building; it is an organization and a dents may retain the Bearkat OneCard and program which together represent a well- continue to utilize the OneAccount if they considered plan for the community life of choose to do so. the university constituencies. The Lowman Misuse of the ID card may subject the Student Center provides many of the ser- student, to whom it is issued, to disciplinary vices, conveniences, and amenities mem- sanctions by the Dean of Students. Students bers of the university community require in must present their Bearkat OneCard when their daily life on campus. Dining facilities; requested by any official of the university, meeting rooms; a theater; an art gallery; a including but not limited to, University Po- recreation area which includes table tennis, lice, faculty, dining hall personnel, and resi- billiards, and electronic games; a ballroom; dence hall staff. the bookstore; a lounge, and many other fa- Lost or Stolen Bearkat OneCards cilities are found in the LSC. The Student A lost or stolen ID card must be immedi- Center provides a convenient setting for ately reported to the Bearkat OneCard Of- informal association outside the classroom fice in order to deactivate the card and its environment. privileges. The card can be deactivated by The LSC serves as a unifying force in the coming to the LSC Room 330 during normal life of the university cultivating an enduring business hours, logging on to your account regard and loyalty to the university. at www.bearkatone.com, or calling the toll For additional information or assistance free number at 1-877-BEARKAT. please call: A $25.00 fee will be assessed for re- placement cards. This fee will be charged • Information Center (936) 294-4902 through the student accounting system and a • LSC Office (936) 294-1759 new card will be issued by mail. Temporary • The Kat Klub (936) 294-3462 ID cards can be provided for access to resi- dence halls, meal plans, and on campus use General Building Operational Hours until the new card arrives. If the student is unable to locate their Bearkat OneCard but Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. unsure if it is officially lost, the student has Friday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. the option of requesting a temporary ID card Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. at a cost of $10.00 which will be active for Sunday 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. a two week period. If the student is still un- able to locate their permanent ID card after PHysiCal Plant the two week period, a permanent card will need to be ordered and a $25.00 charge will The Physical Plant Department is a sup- be placed on the students account. If a Bear- port organization dedicated to assisting kat OneCard is not functioning properly, it in the educational mission of the univer- should be brought to the Bearkat OneCard sity. The department maintains the grounds, Office for assessment or replacement. buildings, and utility systems as well as provides custodial services and design/con- struction services for major and minor reno- vation projects and new construction.
Student 16 Guidelines Students are encouraged to report prob- stitutional rights of all citizens to liberty, lems such as missing lights, plumbing equality, and justice.” In this endeavor, the problems, broken items, and elevator mal- University Police earnestly solicit the sup- functions to the nearest departmental of- port of the faculty/staff and students. Many fice or on the Physical Plant website. The officers are students thus providing a bal- departmental staff will forward the requests ance within Public Safety Services from a to the appropriate unit in the Physical Plant. student’s perspective. As many as 60 stu- Safety Office dents earn their way through the university The university Safety Office is responsible by working in the many areas of Public for administering safety programs designed Safety Services as student assistants each to assure a safe and healthful campus envi- semester and at the same time gain excel- ronment for all students, faculty, and staff. lent work experience. These programs include fire, health, and In addition to university regulations, all occupational safety; safety audits and inves- the general and criminal laws of the State and tigations of any unsafe conditions or safety the United States are declared to be in full hazards reported within the campus commu- force and effect within the properties of Sam nity. Anyone who notices a potential safety Houston State University. All persons are hazard on campus is urged to report the situ- responsible for compliance with these laws. ation to the Safety Coordinator by contacting All thefts, vehicle accidents, or other of- the Safety Office immediately. The telephone fenses that occur on campus should be re- number is (936) 294-1921 and the Safety Of- ported immediately to the university police. fice is located within the Physical Plant Ad- The University Police Office is located at ministration Building — Sam South, 2424 2424 South Sam Houston Ave. (Sam South Sam Houston Avenue. Complex), and the telephone number is If departmental offices are closed, (936) 294-1794. Police Officers are on duty please report any safety issues or emer- 24 hours every day annually. The Business gency conditions to the University Police at Office Hours are 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m, (936) 294-1794. Monday - Friday.
PUBliC saFety serviCes reCreational sPorts anD aCtivities University Police University Police Officers are licensed The Department of Recreational Sports Peace Officers as defined under the laws of and Activities offers broad-based recre- the state of Texas and thereby have author- ational programming and state of the art ity as peace officers. Their primary jurisdic- facilities for faculty/staff and students in the tion, under H.B. 391, includes all counties in areas of intramural sports, informal recre- which property is owned, leased, rented, or ation, club sports, wellness, special events, otherwise under the control of Sam Houston outdoor recreation and aquatics. Facilities State University. include 4 gymnasiums, indoor/outdoor run- The University Police Officers subscribe ning tracks, climbing wall, 2 outdoor field to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, complexes, weight training and condition- a portion of which reads, “As a law en- ing rooms, tennis courts, racquetball courts, forcement officer, my fundamental duty is an outdoor heated swimming pool and a 345 to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and acre camping and recreation facility. property; to protect the innocent against The Intramural Sports Program offers deception, the weak against oppression or traditional competitive and non-competitive intimidation, and the peaceful against vio- participation in such sports as softball, flag lence or disorder; and to respect the Con- football and soccer; as well as in non-tra-
Student 17 Guidelines ditional activities such as dodgeball, Texas for upperclassmen. A brochure is available Hold’em and X-box tournaments. which provides details of the housing pro- The Informal Recreation Program is de- gram at Sam Houston, including information signed to offer opportunities in self-directed regarding specific residence halls, applicable recreational pursuits. rates, and an application. This brochure is The Outdoor Recreational Program is de- available upon acceptance to the University. signed for those interested in the great out- The Department of Residence Life pro- doors. Canoe trips, backpacking and more vides students with leadership opportuni- are part of this dynamic area. Outdoor rec- ties through involvement in their hall/house reation equipment is also available for rental councils, or through employment as a resi- and checkout. dent advisor, resident manager, or student The Club Sports area is open to all stu- assistant. Those interested in becoming in- dents, faculty and staff who are interested in volved in their hall/house councils should developing and pursuing a specific interest. contact their building staff. Individuals Club Sports include but are not limited to seeking employment should contact the de- soccer, rugby, lacrosse, etc. partment. You may contact the Residence The Fitness Program offers opportuni- Life Office at, Sam Houston State Univer- ties for personal growth and development sity, Box 2416, Huntsville, Texas 77341- by providing personal training and nutrition 2416, or by calling (936) 294-1812. counseling services, as well as overseeing the 10,000 sq/ft conditioning room and over saM HoUston 100 group exercise classes a week. The rec- MeMorial MUseUM reational sports department also offers such The Sam Houston Memorial Museum special events as Midnight Mayhem, Spring was established in 1936 as a Texas centenni- Break Survivor, and other fun and educa- al project, funded by the Texas Legislature. tional programs. Since that time the museum has expanded to Outside of the fun and educational op- a complex of fifteen acres situated within a portunities offered, the Recreational Sports scenic park. Of special interest is the Katy & Department also provides employment op- E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, which portunities for students who are interested houses the museum store and gift shop, in part-time work. Over 300 student posi- exhibit gallery, auditorium, teaching class- tions are filled annually in the areas of intra- rooms, and offices of the museum’s educa- mural sport officiating, facility supervision, tion staff. On the site are the main museum and aquatics. composed of a rotunda and three wings, con- More detailed information can be found taining artifacts relating to Sam Houston, his in the handbooks, brochures and fliers avail- family, and early life in Texas; Woodland able in the Recreational Sports and Activi- Home, the home that Sam Houston built for ties Office. The Department of Recreational his family in Huntsville; Steamboat House, Sports and Activities is located in Office 162 where General Houston died; the Sam Hous- in the new addition of the Health and Kinesi- ton Law Office; an Exhibit Hall; and replicas ology Center, phone number (936) 294-1985 of a period kitchen and blacksmith shop. or at www.shsu.edu/~rca_www/. Unique among museums in the state of resiDenCe liFe Texas, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum features extensive collections of artifacts re- Residence Halls lating to Sam Houston’s life in Texas, plus The Department of Residence Life oper- a growing collection of documents relating ates twenty-nine residence halls or hous- to Sam Houston, politics and government in ing units, including an apartment complex the area, and pioneer families.
Student 18 Guidelines The museum offers students many chanc- mail or telephone consultations. Some areas es for both on-the-job learning experiences of legal concern are landlord/tenant, con- and employment opportunities. Both regu- sumer protection, insurance, criminal, fam- lar and work-study jobs are available, as ily law, traffic tickets, automobile accidents, well as various internship possibilities and and employee rights. special projects tailored to academic classes. The advisor often helps students with Please visit the museum offices or call (936) legal problems by guiding them through 294-1832 to talk about these programs. self-help procedures plus distributing writ- For more information, check out the ten materials concerning their legal issues. web-site at www.SamHouston.Memorial. By guiding the student through the proce- Museum. dures required in administrative and judi- cial proceedings, it is anticipated that the saM HoUston Press student will be able to effectively deal with anD CoPy Center these problems currently and in the future. Fast, convenient and economical printing However, when a problem is of such a na- and copying is available for students and ture that legal representation is immediately campus organizations at the Sam Houston needed, referral to several practicing attor- Press & Copy Center. Known as the main neys in that area of law is made. source for thesis and dissertations, the Press The advisor is also available to speak to stu- & Copy Center also provides design and dent organizations, residence halls, and class- consultation plus posters, signage, binding, es whose subject matter involves legal areas. mailing and much more. The Center is con- veniently located on the bottom floor of the veterans assistanCe Thomason Building on the west side of the oFFiCe campus quadrangle. Hours of operation are Veterans may request assistance with the 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. processing of V.A. Educational Benefits for Come by and visit with our friendly staff or the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assis- call (936) 294-1856 for more information. tance Act of 2008 (Chapter 33). Montgom- ery G.I. Bill (MGIB) Chapter 30 (for vet- stUDents’ leGal anD erans of active duty), MGIB Chapter 1606 MeDiation serviCes (for members of the reserves), MGIB Chap- It is important that students be alerted to ter 1607 (Reserve Education Assistance the need for legal counsel at an early stage Program for reservists who were called to of any controversy. Thus, the Students’ Le- active duty), V.A. Vocational Rehabilita- gal Advisor counsels currently registered tion, Chapter 31 (for veterans with service students about their legal problems thirty connected disabilities), and Dependents (30) hours each week. In addition, students Educational Assistance, Chapter 35 (for the can pick up a free list of legal resources children or spouse of a veteran who was dis- containing web sites to authoritative legal abled or killed as a result of their service in topics. The office is located on the third the Armed Forces.) floor of the Lowman Student Center (suite Students who were Texas Residents at 330), and the advisor has office hours that the time of their entry in active duty, and allow students with various schedules to who are not eligible for the MGIB educa- easily obtain an appointment by calling tional benefits, should inquire about their (936) 294-1717. All matters between the eligibility for benefits under the Texas Ha- Students’ Legal Advisor and the student zlewood Act. Veterans Assistance staff may are confidential. Therefore, due to this con- be contacted in the Registrar’s Office on the fidentiality requirement, there can be no e- third floor of the Estill Building.
Student 19 Guidelines CAMPUS LIfE
atHletiCs semesters the GPA has been 2.3 or higher. During the 2008 fall semesters, Bearkat Sam Houston State University competes athletes posted a department record 2.94 at the NCAA Division I level as a member GPA. of the Southland Conference in 16 intercol- Sam Houston State has seen more legiate sports. than nine million dollars of facility im- Men’s sports include football, bas- provements in recent years including new ketball, baseball, golf, cross country and strength and fitness building, baseball/soft- indoor and outdoor track and field. The ball complex, golf practice facility, score- Bearkats field women’s teams in basketball, boards, football stadium video board, and golf, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, football press box expansion. The athletic cross country and indoor and outdoor track. physical plant ranks as one of the finest in In the fall of 2010, Sam Houston will be- the Southland Conference. gin competition in a 17th sport -- women’s New marketing strategies have in- bowling. creased both campus and community atten- The Bearkats compete successfully on dance at all Bearkat intercollegiate athlet- both a regional and national level. Three ics events. In addition, Sam Houston State times in the first five years, Sam Houston athletic events have been televised to both State has won the Southland Conference national and regional audiences on ESPN2, Commissioner’s Cup symbolic of the men’s CSTV, Fox Sports Southwest and the new and women’s combined all-sports champi- Southland Conference TV network. onship for the league. Twice the Bearkats Sam Houston State athletic contests are have won the men’s all-sports title. an integral part of the university experience In the past decade, Sam Houston State and an entertainment experience for the stu- has won 13 Southland Conference champi- dent body. onships and six postseason tournament ti- tles. Sam Houston State teams have earned oFFiCe oF NCAA national playoff berths eight times. alUMni relations At the same time as the Bearkats have produced winning teams on the playing In the early 1920s during Harry F. Es- field and the arena, Sam Houston student- till’s presidency, an association of former athletes have achieved remarkable success students was first organized. More than in the class room. 30 years later, prompted by an expanding For four years in a row, Sam Houston student enrollment and an increasing num- has placed more student-athletes on the ber of graduates, a charter for a non-profit Southland Conference Commissioner’s Ac- corporation known as the “Alumni Asso- ademic honor roll than any of the other 11 ciation of Sam Houston State Teachers Col- SLC member institutions. To earn a spot on lege” was formally adopted on November the honor roll, a student-athlete must main- 2, 1956. tain a 3.00 grade point average. According to Article II of the Asso- The past eight semesters, Sam Houston ciation Charter, “The purpose for which athletes have produced a grade point aver- the corporation is formed shall be to sup- age higher than 2.75 and for 24 consecutive port benevolent, charitable and education
Student 20 Guidelines undertakings, whether associated with or Alumni Center. The phone number is (936) related to Sam Houston State Teachers Col- 294-1841 and website is alumni.shsu.edu. lege; to extend aid, financial or otherwise, to Sam Houston students; to encourage gener- Dean oF ally sentiments favorable to education, and stUDents’ oFFiCe to promote the union of good fellowship The office represents student needs to the among ex-students of Sam Houston State university administration, faculty and de- Teachers College.” partments and also transmits needs of these During the summer of 1992, the Asso- groups to the students. The office will as- ciation merged with the University to create sist students who have questions about any a centralized dues-paying organization that phase of campus life. offers programs and activities for alumni The professional staff is responsible for and friends regardless of college affiliation the administration of a number of policies or special interest. Furthermore, manage- and procedures found in this publication. ment of and funding for alumni affairs was These include solicitation, student conduct brought under the purview of the univer- and judicial processes, and certain provi- sity by the creation of the Office of Alumni sions of the Family Educational Rights and Relations. Also, a Board of Directors was Privacy Act. In addition, the department is created to formulate and implement cer- responsible for Who’s Who Among Stu- tain alumni events and programs, includ- dents in American Universities and Colleg- ing reunions, homecoming awards and es, the Freshman Leadership Program, Or- recognitions, and the distribution of alumni ange Keys Program, Alpha Lambda Delta, scholarships. a freshman honor society, Phi Sigma Pi Na- In addition to the numerous regional tional Honor Fraternity, Freshmen Learning alumni events hosted by the Office of Alum- About Sam Houston (F.L.A.S.H.) Mentor ni Relations, three major on-campus events Program, Bearkat Ongoing Leadership De- are supported through this office annually, velopment (B.O.L.D.), Student Government the Official University Ring Ceremony, the Association, SHSU’s Parent/Family Week- Distinguished Alumni Gala, and the Service end, advising the Parents’ Association, and Awards Luncheon. the Co-Curricular Transcript. The depart- Originated in the Fall of 2007, the Stu- ment, in an effort to promote individual and dent Alumni Association is a student orga- group development of students, co-sponsors nization which encourages and fosters loy- educational programs and leadership devel- alty to the university and supports the great opment workshops. history and traditions of Sam Houston State The Dean of Students’ Office is located University. The SAA also provides students in Suite 215 of the Lowman Student Center, the opportunity to build relationships with telephone (903) 294-1785. Office hours are successful alumni and network for positions 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Fri- in the workforce while still in school. day, evening hours by appointment. Much like Sam Houston State Univer- sity, the Alumni Association has grown from Judicial Affairs its earliest beginnings in strength, prestige, The Assistant Dean of Students is respon- influence, and member involvement. Today, sible for coordinating and administering the it remains a vibrant member of the univer- student judicial process at Sam Houston sity family. State University. This includes receiving The Office of Alumni Relations encour- reports of alleged misconduct, investigating ages students, parents, alumni, and friends the conduct, ensuring that students receive of the university to visit the office located due process and fair treatment throughout in the new John R. Ragsdale Visitor and Student 21 Guidelines the discipline process, and maintaining stu- For more information on this program you dents’ disciplinary records. Additionally, may go to the LSC Suite 215 or call (936) we are committed to informing students of 294-1785. their rights as members of the university community and educating them regarding Orange Keys Program the responsibilities they have to themselves The concept for the Orange Keys origi- and the other members of the university nated in 1959 as a service organization. The community. students who are selected to this prestigious The Dean of Students’ Office views the group serve the university as official hosts to student judicial process as a learning experi- visitors, prospective students, and dignitar- ence that can result in growth and personal ies. The program consists of 15 outstanding understanding of one’s responsibilities and upper class students. These students must privileges within both the university com- maintain a 3.0 grade point average to retain munity and society. Further, the Dean of Stu- a position in the Orange Key Program. The dents’ Office strives to address unacceptable Orange Keys work at various functions such behavior in a manner that informs students as Homecoming, Parent/Family Weekend, and guides them toward a greater sense of Career Days, The Texas State University personal responsibility and more mature and System Board of Regents meetings, “Satur- ethical standards. days @ Sam”, and other functions. For more The Dean of Students’ Office works information on this program you may go to closely with the University Police Depart- the LSC Suite 215 or call (936) 294-1785. ment and the Department of Residence Life as well as other local, state and federal law stUDent GovernMent enforcement agencies to attempt to investi- assoCiation gate and resolve allegations of student mis- The Student Government Association ex- conduct. ists for the sole purpose of serving the stu- The Dean of Students’ Office also receives dent community. It is the political voice and reports of student misconduct by other stu- liaison for the student body. The university dents. If you have witnessed a violation of recognizes the need and worthwhile contri- the SHSU Code of Student Conduct or you bution of student input in all facets of the wish to report suspicious activity involving university decision-making processes. The social or academic misconduct, please con- Student Government Association has long tact the Dean of Students’ Office at (936) been active in this regard and has worked 294-1785 or via email at [email protected]. for the betterment of student life and aca- freshman Leadership Program demic quality. The student body participates The Freshman Leadership Program is in the development and management of a offered to entering freshmen who have well-rounded program of student activities demonstrated leadership interest as well as by electing the Student Government Asso- outstanding academic performance in high ciation officers and student senators. Each school. This year long training/development college within the university elects its repre- program provides first year students with the sentatives, the number being determined by opportunity to acquire a breadth and depth the percentage of students majoring in the of knowledge and skills within the three- academic divisions/departments within the layered focus learning about Sam Houston academic division. State University, gaining leadersip skills and Open meetings are conducted each Tues- serving in community service projects. Upon day night. Students are encouraged to partic- completion of their freshman year, these stu- ipate in their student government. Copies of dents are strongly encouraged to become the constitution and other information may active leaders in the university community. Student 22 Guidelines be obtained from the Student Government B) Spirituality and Leadership C) Leader- Association website www.shsu.edu/sga or ship in a Multicultural Society. Students the Student Government Association Of- who attend these workshops will be able to fice which is located in the Lowman Student indicate this on their Co-Curricular Tran- Center, Room 326.,(936) 294-1938. script. Watch for more information on when this exciting new program will be offered freshmen Learning About Sam Houston during the academic year. (f.L.A.S.H.) This program (formerly known as the Co-Curricular Transcript Faculty-Staff/Student Mentor Program) co•cur•ric•u•lar- matches faculty, staff and administrators Pronunciation: (kO”ku-rik’yu-lur), -adj. with first-time freshman students. Students Education. related but only complementary and their mentors interact on an informal to the official curriculum, as a civic or ser- level throughout the student’s first year on vice activity outside the classroom. campus. The program is structured so that The Co-Curricular Transcript is an offi- students and their mentors may develop cial record of leadership accomplishments, friendships that will allow students to feel involvement in student organizations, com- comfortable in approaching their mentors munity service activities, and professional/ for help with academic, social and personal educational development programs. It is concerns which are to be expected during designed as a means of recognizing “out of the first year of college. Many students and class” learning, development, and contribu- mentors remain close throughout the stu- tions. Official copies of the Co-Curricular dent’s years at SHSU. Transcript can be used to supplement re- All incoming freshman students are eligi- sumes and academic transcripts when apply- ble to participate. Students and mentors are ing to graduate/professional schools and the usually matched at random, but if there are prospective employers. special interests, skills, needs, hobbies or ac- For more information go to www.shsu. ademic majors on the part of either party, an edu/cocurricular attempt will be made to find the best match possible. Mentors and students are given ba- stUDent aCtivities sic information about each other. Students Student Activities provides leadership and are expected to meet with the mentor and to advisement to the following areas: student initiate some of the contact. organizations; Multicultural and Internation- Throughout the year, the Dean of Stu- al Student Services; SHSU Spirit Programs dents’ Office plans special events that pro- including co-ed and all - girl cheerlead- vide students and mentors a chance to inter- ing, Sammy Bearkat, and the Orange Pride act and join other program participants. Dance Team; Greek Life; Program Council; and leadership and volunteer programs. The Bearkat Ongoing Leadership office offers quality programs and services Development (B.O.L.D.) that embrace a student development philos- The Bearkat Ongoing Leadership De- ophy. The office also provides an environ- velopment Program (BOLD) is a non-credit ment conducive to learning through involve- initiative created through the Dean of Stu- ment in co-curricular activities. dents’ Office. It consists of three separate There are approximately 225 registered leadership development day long conference student organizations at Sam Houston State style programs focusing on different aspects University. Professional staff members of leadership development. These leadership guide students in choosing a particular orga- development workshops center around the nization according to their needs or interests. following themes: A) The Emerging Leader Student 23 Guidelines Student Activities plans and implements the three Spirit Programs, please visit www. campus leadership training programs for shsu.edu/spirit on the internet, call the Spirit student groups, plans university-wide stu- Office at 936-294-4239, or send an e-mail to dent programs, and coordinates a master cal- [email protected]. endar of activities. Program Council The office helps students understand Uni- Program Council is the university’s stu- versity policies and procedures, provides dent programming board that creates and technical assistance in planning student sponsors many entertaining events and ac- events, and provides other information and tivities on campus. By utilizing the time and assistance to students and organizations. ideas of students, Program Council spon- For more information, contact the Depart- sors a variety of social, recreational, edu- ment of Student Activities located in Suite cational, and cultural events such as films, 328 of the Lowman Student Center, or call dances, concerts, lectures, spirit competi- (936) 294-3861. tions, and many other activities. sPirit ProGraMs Membership in Program Council is open to any student who is interested in the op- Sam Houston State University is proud portunity to develop leadership skills, plan to sponsor the nationally-ranked SHSU Co- and present campus programs, make new ed and All - Girl Cheerleading Squads, Or- friends, and have a great time! Whether ange Pride Dance Team and Sammy Bear- you are a committee member or become a kat. The student athletes comprising these member of the Programming Board, you three groups can be seen at community and will encounter situations dealing with mar- University events alike. Additionally, these keting, public relations, interpersonal rela- groups can be seen leading the rowdy Bear- tions, leadership development, advertising, kat fans at football, volleyball, and men’s and basic administration. and women’s basketball games. At each With a diverse group of members, Pro- event these groups take an active role in pro- gram Council strives to serve as a unifying moting school spirit and tradition. force in campus activities and student life. The SHSU cheerleaders are a competi- For more information, call Program tive squad bringing national recognition to Council at (936) 294-1763 or visit our the University through their performances website at www.shsu.edu/~org_pc/. through the Universal Cheerleaders Associa- tion (UCA) and National Cheerleader Asso- Student Organizations ciation (NCA). Additionally, the cheerlead- A wide variety of student organizations ers have brought home top honors at UCA’s provide university students an opportunity collegiate summer camps including most to become involved in campus life. Infor- collegiate for the past 5 consecutive years. mation regarding University-registered The Orange Pride dance team is an organizations can be obtained from the De- awarding winning, nationally recognized partment of Student Activities. University team competing annually in the National registration is renewed each fall and spring. Dance Association (NDA). Therefore, the listings are subject to change. Sammy Bearkat not only serves as an The Student Organizations policy may be embodiment of the University, but competes found in this publication or obtained from nationally through NCA. The nationally the Dean of Students’ Office or Student Ac- recognize Sammy Bearkat can be seen year tivities. round bringing an exciting style of enter- tainment to the University and community events. For more information on any of
Student 24 Guidelines MUltiCUltUral anD Students on a Quest for Unity and Diver- international sity - S.Q.U.A.D. is a group of 5-10 student stUDent serviCes leaders that function as Diversity Educa- tion Trainers that facilitate presentations The Office of Multicultural and Interna- and workshops for student organizations, tional Student Services (M.I.S.S.), estab- classrooms, conferences, and community lished in 1993, provides support for and groups. enhances the SHSU college experience for all students, although particular atten- Multicultural Awareness Certification tion is given to students from traditionally – The M.A.C. program enables students, underrepresented populations (based on faculty, and staff to learn about issues of race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, diversity and multiculturalism in weekly di- gender, and physical ability). The office versity events and programs. Attendees are also promotes the academic growth, per- eligible to earn a M.A.C. certification and to sonal development, and leadership skills become Multicultural Ambassadors. of the traditionally underrepresented stu- dent population at Sam Houston State Cultural Programming – The Office of University. M.I.S.S. sponsors many cultural programs throughout the academic semesters. Those The goals for the Office of M.I.S.S. are: programs include the Diversity Leader- I. To provide services for students from ship Conference, UniDiversity Week (Fall/ traditionally underrepresented popula- Spring), Black History Month and Hispanic tions, primarily students of color and Heritage Month programming., as well as international students, but also female, MISSconcebtions seminars. physically challenged, and sexual mi- nority students. PoliCy For tHe Use II. To educate students to understand diver- oF tHe BearKat Plaza sity in all its aspects and to train students anD lsC Mall to promote social justice in all areas of diversity including race, culture, gen- The purpose of this policy is to govern der, sexual orientation, physical ability the reservation and use of the Bearkat Plaza and religion. and the Lowman Student Center (LSC) III. To promote appreciation and celebra- Mall area. tion of diversity and multiculturalism in The Bearkat Plaza is the open, outdoor all of its forms. space situated between the Lowman Stu- For more information, please go to www. dent Center Mall area and the Lee Drain shsu.edu/diversity or call (936) 294-3588 . Academic Building. It extends to the east in the direction of the College of Business M.I.S.S. Programs Administration and to the west in the direc- SAMENTORS - The SAMENTORS pro- tion of the clock tower. The Bearkat Plaza is gram helps freshmen and transfer students designed to provide an open, peaceful, and make successful social and academic ad- aesthetically appealing environment to en- justments to college; however, ALL stu- hance the college experience at Sam Hous- dents are welcome to participate. Mentors ton State University (SHSU). Therefore, it are sophomore, junior, and senior students, may be reserved only for special University and protégés are first-year or transfer stu- programs. dents. The Office of M.I.S.S. is dedicated to Use of each facility is governed by the serving ALL students and enhancing their rules set forth in Chapter VII, “General Pro- college experiences. visions for Campus Activities,” of the Rules and Regulations of The Texas State Univer-
Student 25 Guidelines sity System, which shall be adhered to in ev- The LSC Mall is the area situated on the ery instance. The Code of Student Conduct south side of the Lowman Student Center and the SHSU Student Guidelines are also between the LSC and the Bearkat Plaza. It applicable to the Bearkat Plaza. extends in length from the east end of the All requests to utilize the Bearkat Plaza Lowman Student Center to the Alumni Gar- for special University events must be sub- den area. It is available for use by all student mitted at least three weeks in advance of the and University organizations for programs requested event date to the Director of the and activities. Reservations for use of the Lowman Student Center. The LSCDirector LSC Mall area may be made through the will forward appropriate program requests Lowman Student Center Office. to the Vice President for Student Services. This policy shall be reviewed annually The Vice President for Student Services will by the Vice President for Student Services. forward appropriate program requests to the Approved by: President’s Office Febru- President’s Office for Final consideration ary 29, 2008 and approval. Programs will not be permit- ted in the Bearkat Plaza unless approved in advance by the President’s Office.
Student 26 Guidelines DEAN Of STUDENTS’ POLICIES
alCoHoliC BeveraGe SHSU Alcoholic Beverage Distribution DistriBUtion PoliCy Policy A permit to serve alcoholic beverages on General University Policy the campus of Sam Houston State University The possession and consumption of al- is a privilege granted to registered groups. coholic beverages on any property owned Failing to adhere to university regulations and/or controlled by Sam Houston State may result in the denial of future permits. University are prohibited except where permitted explicitly by published policies. 1. A permit DOES NOT The legal age for the purchase, consump- A. Give the sponsoring organization tion and/or possession of alcoholic bever- the right to sell alcoholic beverages. ages in the state of Texas is 21. Violators of Selling includes, but is not limited to this state law and university policy will be the following: subject to university penalties and criminal 1. The price of beverages being charges. included in the admission price. Students who are 21 years of age or older 2. The price of beverage being in- may be permitted to have alcoholic bever- cluded in the food ticket. Only ages in their residence hall rooms, but not in existing licensed catering ser- common areas of residence halls as speci- vices on the Sam Houston State fied in other published alcoholic beverages University campus can sell al- policies. coholic beverages. The sale or service of alcoholic bever- B. Give the sponsor the right to pur- ages on the campus of Sam Houston State chase beverages at a discount. University is not permitted except in “spe- C. Give the sponsor the right to the cial use” buildings or facilities designated space for the event. Space and facili- and approved by the university president. ties for the event must be reserved Sponsoring organizations of events with the specific facilities manager where alcoholic beverages are to be served through the normal university proce- in special use buildings or other designated dures. facilities are required to complete a “Re- 2. Once a permit is granted, the organiza- quest to Serve Alcoholic Beverages” Form. tion is responsible for obeying all university, The completed form will authorize the ser- state, city, and federal laws governing the vice of alcoholic beverages in conjunction distribution and consumption of alcoholic with a scheduled special event. The form beverages. requires the approval signature of several 3. The legal age for drinking in Texas is 21. university administrators including the Giving alcoholic beverages to a minor can re- university president; therefore, the request sult in a fine of $500 plus university disciplin- should be initiated at least fifteen (15) busi- ary action. A minor producing false identifi- ness days in advance of the event. cation to secure alcoholic beverages carries a fine of $25 to $500 plus disciplinary action.
Student 27 Guidelines 4. At all events where alcoholic bever- be ridden inside campus buildings or on ages are distributed, there must be a sign any common pedestrian walking areas clearly stating that individuals under 21 on campus. (e.g., mall areas, sidewalks, years of age are not permitted to drink the pathways, planted areas, or handicap alcoholic beverages being distributed. ramps, etc. However, bicycles may be 5. At all events where alcoholic beverages walked through these areas.) Bicycles are distributed, a check must be made for are not to be secured to handrails, light age. poles, trees or any other campus fixture 6. Non-alcoholic beverages must be avail- not provided for that purpose. Bicycles able in equally attractive variety to the al- should be parked in designated parking coholic beverage and must be displayed in areas and/or secured in bicycle racks. equal prominence as the alcoholic beverage. Section 2. Roller-skates/In-line Skates: Also, if the alcoholic beverage is free, all Roller-skates and/or in-line skates shall other beverages must be free. not be used on properties owned, leased, 7. The amount of alcoholic beverages at or otherwise controlled by Sam Houston an event is to be relative to the number of State University, except in areas where guests attending the function. bicycles may be ridden. Members of an 8. Food items must be available in suffi- authorized university skating club may cient amounts for the number of persons at- use roller-skates or in-line skates un- tending the function. der conditions approved in advance, in 9. It is required that all advertisement note writing, in accordance with published the availability of non-alcoholic beverages university policy (Co-Curricular Use of and food, as prominently as alcohol. If al- University Facilities). cohol is to be advertised, it may not be the Section 3. Skateboards: Skateboards shall main emphasis of the notice. not be ridden or operated on properties 10. Questions regarding the distribution of owned, leased, or otherwise controlled alcoholic beverages should be directed to by Sam Houston State University, in- the Dean of Students’ Office, Suite 215 in cluding but not limited to buildings, the LSC, (936) 294-1785. mall areas, sidewalks, streets, alleys, and parking facilities. PoliCy reGUlatinG Use oF BiCyCles, Article II: Safety roller-sKates/ in-line sKates anD Section 1. Required Conduct: All bicycling, sKateBoarDs on roller-skating/in-line skating shall be tHe CaMPUs oF done in a reasonable, prudent and careful saM HoUston manner with due regard for the safety of state University the user/operator and all other persons. Article I: Prohibitions Article III: violations Section 1. Bicycles: Bicycles shall not be Section 1. Penalty: Any person who operates ridden or operated on properties owned, or uses a bicycle, roller-skates/in-line leased, or otherwise controlled by Sam skates, or skateboard in violation of this Houston State University, except on policy is subject to all appropriate uni- streets, parking lots or bike lanes where versity penalties and actions pursuant to provided. Bicycles are not to be taken V.T.C.A. Education Code. inside campus buildings without specific Section 2. Citation/Impoundment: Any Tex- permission from building manager, su- as Peace Officer who is a member of or pervisor or director. Bicycles are not to represents the University Police Depart- Student 28 Guidelines ment, who observes a person violating CoDe oF stUDent this policy, is authorized to issue a cita- ConDUCt anD tion. Fees are determined by the number DisCiPline of citations incurred each semester. 5. STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCI- 1st Citation $ 5.00 PLINE. 2nd Citation $15.00 5.1 Acquaintance with Policies, Rules, 3rd/Subsequent Citations $25.00 and Regulations. Each student is ex- Section 3. Violators’ Obligation and Appeal pected to be fully acquainted and com- Procedure: ply with all published policies, rules, and A. Citations for violations may regulations of the component, copies of be paid at the Cashier’s Office or which shall be available to each student the University Police Office or by for review online and/or at various loca- mail to the University Police Of- tions on each campus. Students are also fice. expected to comply with all federal and B. Citations are subject to appeal state laws. and appeals must be filed within 5.2 Student Misconduct. Each student three (3) class days after the is- is expected to act in a manner consistent suance of the citation. All appeals with the component’s functions as an ed- must be on the official appeal ucational institution, including off cam- form secured from the Univer- pus conduct that is likely to have an ad- sity Police Office. The Dean of verse effect on the component or on the Students’ Office will set the date, educational process. No person or group time, and place for appeals. of persons acting in concert may will- C. All citations appealed shall be fully violate the following rules. Spe- adjudicated through the universi- cific examples of misconduct for which ty’s Parking Appeals Committee. students may be subject to disciplinary The Parking Appeals Committee action include, but are not limited to, the shall be comprised of a pool of following: students, faculty and administra- (1) Commission of an act that tive staff appointed by the presi- would constitute an offense under dent. Any two or three members appropriate federal, state, or mu- of the pool will constitute an ap- nicipal law. propriate hearing committee. The (2) Violation of any Regents’ rule, Parking Appeals Committee shall regulation, or order or component hear all appeals filed by faculty, policy, rule, or regulation, includ- staff, and students. ing any rule or regulation govern- D. Students who fail to resolve ing residential living in compo- citations are subject to disciplin- nent-owned facilities or breach ary action. of a residential living contract. E. Any person receiving three or (3) Failure to comply with the more unresolved citations shall be direction of a component official considered to be in flagrant vio- acting in the performance of his lation of this policy and their bi- or her duties; or, failure to heed cycle, roller-skates/in-line skates, an official summons to the office or skateboard may be impounded of a component official within the and held at the University Police designated time. Department pending final action (4) Giving false testimony or by the Dean of Students. other evidence at a campus dis-
Student 29 Guidelines ciplinary or other administrative (11) Gambling in any form on proceeding. component property. (5) Failure to meet financial obli- (12) Illegal possession, use, gations to the component. sale, or distribution of any quan- (6) Unauthorized use or posses- tity, whether usable or not, of sion of ammunition, firearms, il- any drug, narcotic, or controlled legal knives (knives with blades substance. longer than five and one-half (13) Advocating or recommend- inches, hand instruments designed ing, either orally or in writing, the to cut or stab another by being conscious and deliberate violation thrown, stilettos, poniards, Bowie of any federal, state, or local law. knives, swords, and/or spears), or Advocacy means addressing an other illegal weapons on compo- individual or group for imminent nent property. action and steeling it to such ac- (7) Conduct that significantly tion as opposed to the abstract es- endangers the health or safety of pousal of the moral propriety of a other persons, including members course of action. of the component community or (14) Forgery, alteration, or mis- visitors on the campus, including, use of component documents, by way of example, unauthorized forms, records, or identification throwing of any objects in or from cards; or issuance of a check to component facilities. the component or its contractors (8) Stealing, destroying, defac- without sufficient funds. ing, damaging, or misusing com- (15) All students must carry and ponent property (including misuse when requested by a University of fire or life-safety equipment or Official furnish their Bearkat One property) or property belonging to ID card. Any falsification, misrep- another. resentation or other misuse of the (9) Engaging in hazing or vol- Bearkat OneCard is prohibited. untarily submitting to hazing, (16) Unauthorized possession, including an initiation by an orga- ignition, or detonation, on com- nization that involves any danger- ponent property, of any explosive ous, harmful, or degrading act to device, fireworks, liquid, or object a student. Violation of this policy that is flammable or capable of renders the student(s) involved causing damage by fire or explo- and the organization subject to sion to persons or property. discipline. (17) Unauthorized entry into or (10) Possessing and/or using, use of component buildings, fa- without authorization according cilities, equipment, or resources, to the component policy, intoxi- or possession or use of component cating beverages in a classroom keys for unauthorized purposes. building, laboratory, auditorium, (18) Failure to maintain a cur- library building, faculty or ad- rent official mailing address in the ministrative office, residence hall Registrar’s office and/or giving or apartment, intercollegiate and a false or fictitious address to a intramural athletic facility, or any component office or official. other public campus area, or being (19) Making false alarms or re- intoxicated in any public area of ports where the person knowingly the campus. initiates, communicates, or circu- Student 30 Guidelines lates a report of a present, past, or (23) Using authority granted by future bombing, fire, offense, or state law, System rule, or compo- other emergency that is known as nent policy to deprive any person false or baseless and that would of his or her civil rights. ordinarily cause action by an offi- (24) Violation of component pol- cial or volunteer agency organized icy relating to electronic network to deal with emergencies; place a facilities such as local area net- person in fear of imminent serious works and the Internet. bodily injury; or prevent or inter- (25) Any attempt to commit these rupt the occupation of a building, prohibited acts. room, aircraft, automobile, or oth- 5.3 Academic Honesty. The compo- er mode of conveyance. nent expects all students to engage in (20) Harassment where the in- all academic pursuits in a manner that dividual intentionally threatens, is above reproach and to maintain com- in person, by telephone, elec- plete honesty and integrity in the aca- tronically, in writing, or by other demic experiences both in and out of means, to take unlawful action the classroom. The component may ini- against any person and by this ac- tiate disciplinary proceedings against a tion intentionally, knowingly, or student accused of any form of academ- recklessly annoys or alarms the ic dishonesty, including but not limited recipient or intends to annoy or to, cheating on an examination or other alarm the recipient. academic work, plagiarism, collusion, (21) Academic dishonesty (see and the abuse of resource materials. subparagraph 5.3). 5.31 “Cheating” includes, but is (22) Campus disruptive activi- not limited to: ties (see subparagraph 5.4) or (1) Copying from another disorderly conduct on component- student’s test paper, a labora- owned or controlled property tory report, other report, or or at a component-sponsored or computer files, data listings, supervised function that inhibit and/or programs. or interfere with the educational (2) Using, during a test, ma- responsibility of the component terials not authorized by the community or the component’s person giving the test. social-educational activities shall (3) Collaborating, with- include but not be limited to: us- out authorization, with ing abusive, indecent, profane or another person during an vulgar language; making offen- examination or in pre- sive gestures or displays that tend paring academic work. to incite a breach of the peace; per- (4) Knowingly, and without petrating fights, assaults, acts of authorization, using, buying, sexual violence, abuse, or threats; selling, stealing, transport- or evincing some obviously offen- ing, soliciting, copying, or sive manner or committing an act possessing, in whole or in that causes a person to feel threat- part, the contents of an unad- ened. Such prohibition includes ministered test. disorderly classroom conduct that (5) Substituting for another obstructs, interferes with, inhibits student; permitting any other and/or disrupts teaching and/or re- person; or otherwise as- lated classroom activities. sisting any other person to Student 31 Guidelines substitute for oneself or for penalty is necessary, he/she another student in the taking may assign a penalty but of an examination or test or must notify the student of the preparation of academic his/her right to appeal to the work to be submitted for aca- department chair, the dean demic credit. and, eventually, to the vice (6) Bribing another person president for academic af- to obtain an unadministered fairs (whose decision shall test or information about an be final) before imposition unadministered test. of the penalty. At each step in (7) Purchasing, or other the process, the student shall wise acquiring and submit- be entitled to written notice ting as one’s own work any of the offense and/or of the research paper or other writ- administrative decision, an ing assignment prepared by opportunity to respond, and an individual or firm. This an impartial disposition as section does not apply to the to the merits of his/her case. typing of the rough and/or fi- After completion of the aca- nal versions of an assignment demic process, the academic by a professional typist. officer making final disposi- 5.32 “Plagiarism” means the ap- tion of the case may refer the propriation and the unacknowl- matter to the chief student edged incorporation of another’s affairs officer for any addi- work or idea into one’s own work tional discipline that may be offered for credit. appropriate. 5.33 “Collusion” means the un- (2) Disciplinary Process. authorized collaboration with In the case of flagrant or re- another person in preparing work peated violations, the chief offered for credit. student affairs officer may 5.34 “Abuse of resource mate- take such additional disci- rials” means the mutilation, de- plinary action. No disciplin- struction, concealment, theft or ary action shall become ef- alteration of materials provided fective against the student to assist students in the mastery of until the student has received course materials. procedural due process under 5.35 Academic work means the Subsection 5.6 and follow- preparation of an essay, disserta- ing except as provided under tion, thesis, report, problem, as- Subsection 5 (15). signment, or other project that (3) Honor Code. If a com- the student submits as a course ponent has adopted an Honor requirement or for a grade. Code which includes an 5.36 Disciplinary Procedures for Honor Council that makes Academic Dishonesty: decisions on appeals of pen- (1) Academic Process. All alty grades issued by a fac- academic dishonesty cases ulty member and disciplinary may be first considered and action on cases of flagrant or reviewed by the faculty repeated violations, the hear- member. If the faculty mem- ings which consider disci- ber believes that an academic plinary action must afford Student 32 Guidelines the students procedural due ing in the assembly due to process under Subsection the use of force or violence 5.6. Appeals of academic de- or a reasonable fear of force cisions rendered by an Honor or violence. Council shall be heard by the 5.42 Any person who is convict- Vice President for Academic ed the third time of violating this Affairs and appeals of disci- statute shall not thereafter be eli- plinary decisions rendered gible to attend any school, college, by an Honor Council shall be or university receiving funds from heard by the Chief Student the state of Texas for a period of Affairs Officer. In the event two years from such third convic- of conflicts, these Rules and tion. Regulations shall govern. 5.43 Nothing herein shall be con- 5.4 Campus Disruptive Activities. strued to infringe upon any right Pursuant to Education Code, Subsec- of free speech or expression guar- tion 51.935 (Disruptive Activities), the anteed by the Constitution of the components shall adhere to the follow- United States or the state of Texas. ing rules and regulations: 5.5 Suspended, Expelled, and Dis- 5.41 No person or group of per- missed Student Restriction. No student sons acting in concert may inten- who has been suspended, expelled, or tionally engage in disruptive ac- dismissed for disciplinary reasons from tivity or disrupt a lawful assembly a component of the System shall, dur- on a component campus. Disrup- ing the applicable period of discipline, tive activity means: be eligible to enroll at any other System (1) Obstructing or restrain- component. The registrar of a compo- ing the passage of persons nent is authorized to make an appropri- to the campus or an area of ate notation on the student’s transcript the campus or to an exit, to accomplish this objective and to re- entrance, or hallway of any move the notation when the student’s building without the autho- disciplinary record had been cleared. rization of the administration 5.6 Procedure for Administration of of the component; Discipline. The chief student affairs of- (2) Seizing control of an area ficer shall have primary authority and of a campus or any building responsibility for the administration of or portion of a building for student discipline at the component and the purpose of interfering for investigating allegations that a stu- with any administrative, edu- dent has violated System and/or com- cational, research, or other ponent rules and regulations, or specific authorized activity; or orders and instructions issued by an ad- (3) Disrupting and/or pre- ministrative official of the component. venting or attempting to 5.61 The chief student affairs of- prevent by force or violence ficer or his/her appointee, hereto or the threat of force or vio- referred to as officer, will investi- lence any lawful assembly gate the alleged violations. During authorized by the component the investigation, if the student is administration. A lawful as- available, the officer will give the sembly is disrupted when a student an opportunity to explain person in attendance is ren- the incident. If the officer con- dered incapable of participat- cludes that the student has violat- Student 33 Guidelines ed a System or component policy, If the involved parties (the accused[s] and the officer will determine (but not complainant[s]) agree the matter will be assess) an appropriate disciplinary submitted to mediation before the mediator penalty. acceptable to all parties. (1) The officer will discuss The goal of the mediation is the execu- his or her findings and his tion of a “Contract of Resolution” which or her determination of an will specify the terms of the parties’ settle- appropriate penalty with the ment of their dispute. The Contract of student if the student is avail- Resolution will be placed in each involved able and will give the student student’s disciplinary file. Any violation of an opportunity either to ac- the terms of the Contract of Resolution shall cept or reject the officer’s be grounds for formal disciplinary action. decision. If the involved parties are unable to (2) If the student accepts the agree upon a resolution, the matter will officer’s decision, the stu- proceed to formal disciplinary proceed- dent will so indicate in writ- ings. The Mediator shall at all times retain ing and waive his or her right discretion to terminate the mediation and to a hearing. The officer may proceed to formal disciplinary proceedings then assess the disciplinary where he/she determines that the media- penalty. tion process is not making adequate prog- (3) If the student does not ress toward an appropriate resolution. All accept the officer’s decision Contracts of Resolution must be approved or does not waive his or her by the Chief Judicial Officer. Whenever right to a hearing, a disciplin- mediation is unsuccessful and the matter ary hearing will be scheduled proceeds to formal disciplinary hearings. in accordance with Subsec- 5.7 Student Disciplinary Hearings. In tions 5.7 and 5.10. those cases in which the accused stu- 5.62 If the student does not ex- dent disputes the facts upon which the ecute a written waiver of the hear- charges are based, such charges shall ing process, then the officer shall be heard and determined by a fair and prepare a written statement of impartial person or committee, herein- charges and of the evidence sup- after called the hearing officer or hear- porting such charges, including a ing committee, selected in accordance list of witnesses and a brief sum- with procedures adopted by the compo- mary of the testimony to be given nent. Except in those cases where im- by each, and shall send a notifica- mediate interim disciplinary action has tion of such charges and statement been taken under authority of Subsec- to the accused student by certified tion 5.(14), the accused student shall be mail, return receipt requested, ad- given at least five (5) class days written dressed to the address appearing notice by the chief student affairs of- in the Registrar’s records, or shall ficer, or a designated appointee, of the hand deliver said document with date, time, and place for such hearings the student signing a receipt. and the name or names of the hearing officer or hearing committee. Hear- Sam Houston State University — formal ings held under Subsection 5.(14) will Mediation be held under the same procedures set In matters involving interpersonal dis- forth below, but will be held as soon putes, the Hearing Officer may suggest as practicable within twelve (12) class that the matter be submitted to mediation. days after the disciplinary action has Student 34 Guidelines been taken unless otherwise agreed to challenge the impartiality of the hear- by the student. ing officer or a member of the hearing Upon a hearing of the charges, the committee at any time prior to the in- component representative has the bur- troduction of any evidence. The hear- den of going forward with the evidence ing officer or member of the commit- and the burden of proving the charges tee shall be the sole judge of whether by the greater weight of the credible ev- he or she can serve with fairness and idence. The hearing shall be conducted objectivity. In the event the challenged in accordance with procedures adopted hearing officer or member of the hear- by the component that assure both par- ing committee chooses not to serve, ties (component representative and ac- a substitute will be chosen in accor- cused student) the following minimal dance with procedures adopted by the rights: component. 5.71 Both parties will exchange 5.9 Determination of Hearing. The lists of witnesses, expected testi- hearing officer or hearing committee mony, copies of documents to be shall render a decision to both parties introduced, and notice of intent to as soon as practicable as to the guilt or use legal counsel, at a reasonable innocence of the accused student and time prior to the hearing. shall, if necessary, assess a penalty or 5.72 Each party shall have the penalties including, but not necessarily right to appear and present evi- limited to: dence in person and to be advised (1) Verbal or written warn- during the hearing by a desig- ing. nated representative or counsel of (2) Requirement that the choice. Each party shall limit its student complete a special presentation to relevant evidence. project that may be, but is The accused student must attend not limited to, writing an es- the hearing if the student desires say, attending a special class to present evidence. The hearing or lecture, or attending coun- may proceed notwithstanding the seling sessions. The special accused student’s failure to appear. project may be imposed only 5.73 Both the component repre- for a definite term. sentative and the accused student (3) Cancellation of resi- shall have the right to question dence hall or apartment con- witnesses. The accused student tract. may question witnesses with the (4) Disciplinary probation advice of a designated representa- imposed for a definite period tive or counsel. All questions shall of time which stipulates that be limited to relevant evidence. future violations may result 5.74 The hearing will be re- in disciplinary suspension. corded. If either party desires to (5) Ineligibility for election appeal the finding, a copy of the to student office for a speci- recording will be produced at the fied period of time. expense of the party appealing the (6) Removal from student finding, and both parties will be or organization office for a furnished a copy for appeals pur- specified period of time. poses only. (7) Prohibition from repre- 5.8 Student’s Right to Challenge Im- senting the component in any partiality. The accused student may special honorary role. Student 35 Guidelines (8) Withholding of official ponent may maintain con- transcript or degree. fidential records of all other (9) Bar against readmission. sanctions and may consider (10) Restitution whether any prior sanction received monetary or by specific du- by a student in assessing a ties or reimbursement for subsequent sanction. The damage to or misappropria- component shall develop tion of component, student, a procedure for expunging or employee property. those records not transcribed (11) Denial or non-recogni- on a student’s permanent tion of a degree. transcript within a reason- (12) Suspension of rights able time not to exceed five and privileges for a specific (5) years after the student period of time, including ac- ceases to be enrolled. cess to electronic network (20) A student who, by a facilities and participation in preponderance of the evi- athletic, extracurricular, or dence, under these Rules and other student activities. Regulations, is found to have (13) Failing or reduction of illegally possessed, used, a grade in test or course, and/ sold or distributed any drug, or retaking of test or course, narcotic, or controlled sub- and/or performing additional stance, whether the infraction academic work not required is found to have occurred on of other students in the or off campus, shall be sub- course. ject to discipline, ranging (14) Suspension from the from mandatory, university component for a specified or college approved counsel- period of time. During sus- ing to expulsion. Mitigating pension, a student shall not or aggravating factors in as- attend classes or participate sessing the proper level of in any component campus discipline shall include, but activities. not necessarily be limited (15) Loss of or ineligibility to, the student’s motive for for student grant or loan. engaging in the behavior; (16) Expulsion from the disciplinary history; effect component. A student who is of the behavior on safety and expelled from the component security of the university or is not eligible for readmis- college community; and the sion to the component. likelihood that the behavior (17) Dismissal from the will recur. A student who has component. A student, who been suspended, dismissed, is dismissed, is separated probated or expelled from from the component for an any system component shall indefinite period of time. be ineligible to enroll at any (18) Recording sanctions other system component dur- in Subsections 5.9(9), (11), ing the applicable period of (13), (14), (15), and (18) may discipline. The registrar of be made on a student’s per- each component is autho- manent transcript. The com- rized to make an appropri- Student 36 Guidelines ate notation on the student’s the time of the hearing. Both parties, transcript to accomplish this at the discretion of the appeal officer, objective and to remove the may submit oral or written arguments, notation when the student’s to support their positions. In order for disciplinary record has been the appeal to be considered, the ap- cleared. A second infraction pealing party must submit all neces- for a drug-related offense sary documentation, including written shall result in permanent ex- arguments, when appropriate, to the pulsion from the component appeal officer within five (5) business and from all other institu- days after giving notice of appeal. The tions in The Texas State Uni- appeal officer may approve, reject, versity System. modify the decision, or remand the (21) The levying of a mon- matter to the original hearing officer etary fine. or hearing committee for reconsidera- 5.10 Appeal. Neither party may ap- tion. The appeal officer shall respond peal if the hearing officer or hearing to the appeal within ten (10) business committee determines that the allega- days after all the documentation was tions against the accused student are received and all testimony was heard, true but the only punishment assessed or he or she may postpone a decision is verbal or written warning. In those for good cause. cases, the determination of the hear- 5.11 Review by the Vice President ing officer or hearing committee is fi- in charge of Student Affairs. The vice nal. However, in all other cases, either president may review any disciplinary party may appeal to the chief student case and may approve, reject, modify affairs officer. If the hearing officer the decision or remand the matter to the has been an appointee designated by original hearing officer or committee the chief student affairs officer or if for reconsideration. the determination has been made by 5.12 President’s Right to Review. The a hearing committee, the appeal will president may review any disciplinary be made to the chief student affairs case, and approve, reject, or modify the officer or designated appointee. If the decision or remand the matter to the chief student affairs officer has served original hearing officer or hearing com- as the hearing officer, the appeal will mittee for reconsideration. be made to the vice president in charge 5.13 Board of Regents’ Right to Re- of student affairs. Written notice of ap- view. The Board of Regents retains the peal must be received by the appeal of- right to review, any disciplinary action ficer within five (5) business days after and approve, reject, modify the deci- the decision. An appeal is not simply sion, or remand the matter to the origi- a rehearing of the original case. An nal hearing officer or hearing commit- appeal must be based on: 1) whether tee for reconsideration. or not a fair hearing was afforded. A 5.14 Interim Disciplinary Action. The fair hearing includes notice of the al- chief student affairs officer, the vice leged misconduct, and an opportunity president in charge of student affairs, to present evidence; 2) whether or not or the president of the component may the sanctions levied were appropriate take immediate interim disciplinary ac- to the offense; 3) whether or not the tion, including suspension, pending a finding was supported by the evidence; hearing against a student for violation and/or 4) whether or not new evidence of a rule and regulation of the System is introduced that was not available at or of the component at which the ac- Student 37 Guidelines cused is a student when the continuing grams are proprietary and may, therefore, presence of the student poses a danger be subject to copyright or patent restric- to persons or property or an ongoing tions as defined in the license agreements. threat of disrupting the academic pro- Students must not copy, disclose, transfer, cess. In the event that the interim dis- or remove any proprietary programs from ciplinary action includes suspension, the media on which this software resides. the component official involved shall, Students must not use Sam Houston State as soon as possible, notify the President University equipment or software to violate and the Vice Chancellor and General the terms of any software license agree- Counsel of such action. ment. Information on specific software li- 5.15 Civil Proceedings. Every student censes on all public computer systems can is expected to obey all federal, state, be obtained from the university Computer and local laws and is expected to be Services Department or other appropriate familiar with the requirements of such department. laws. Any student who violates any Students must not use Sam Houston State provision of those laws is subject to University’s computer systems, including disciplinary action, including expul- any of its communications facilities and sion, notwithstanding any action taken services, in any way which deliberately di- by civil authorities on account of the minishes or interferes with the reasonable violation. and private use of any computer systems, or which is intended to do same. Sam Houston stUDent CoMPUter State University retains the right to inspect Use PoliCy and/or remove, when necessary, as a func- tion of responsible system management, all All students, full or part-time, are grant- disk files stored on the university computing ed permission to use the computing re- facilities. sources of the university. The use of these Upon violation or misuse of the comput- systems is governed by the following rules ing facilities at Sam Houston State Univer- and any violation of these rules may result sity, the university retains the right to deny in disciplinary actions as well as possible future computing privileges at all university- legal actions. owned computing facilities. In addition any The permission for use is granted to each student found in violation may also be sub- student by Sam Houston State University ject to further disciplinary action, as well as for non-commercial use of the computing legal action under Section 1, Title 7, Chapter and communications facilities and services 33 of the Texas Penal Code, as well as legal of the university, including its computer sys- action by the owners and licensors of pro- tems, associated peripherals and files, tele- prietary software for violation of copyright phone and network access, and all university laws and licenser agreements. microcomputers, according to the terms de- scribed herein. DeBts oF stUDents This permission extends to the use of licensed software according to the regula- Debts of Students or Organizations tions set forth herein by Sam Houston State Neither the system nor any component University for the use of such software. The university is responsible for debts contract- student use of such software is governed by ed by individual students or by student or- the terms of licensing agreements between ganizations. On the other hand, all students the university and the software licensors, and student organizations are expected to and the student must abide by the terms conduct themselves honorably in all com- of those agreements. These software pro- mercial transactions. Neither the system nor
Student 38 Guidelines any component university will assume the Co-CUrriCUlar Use oF role of a collection agency except for mon- University FaCilities ies owed to the system or one of its com- 1. Purpose and Application ponent universities, nor will the system or 1.1 The physical facilities of the uni- any of its component universities adjudicate versity are an integral part of the total disputes between students and creditors over structure and must be utilized to give the existence or the amounts of debts except the greatest support to the total program with the prior approval of the president of of the university. Primary consideration the university or his designated appointee in in the use of facilities must be the ful- those cases where the interests of the univer- fillment of the educational needs of the sity may be a factor. university community. The administra- Students’ financial Obligations tion does not desire to deny an autho- Students are expected to meet their finan- rized individual or organization the use cial obligations to the university within the of any facility so long as this use does designated time allowed. Registration fees, not impede the university’s educational or the first payment of the installment fee function. It is, therefore, necessary for plan, are payable at the time of registration, all functions on campus, except for and students are not entitled to enter class or those using recreational and/or athletic laboratory until their fees and deposits have facilities, academic buildings, or those been paid. Other charges are due at registra- facilities managed by the President’s tion or within ten days after a bill is rendered Office which require the use of institu- by the university or according to the special tional facilities to receive the approval payment instructions that may be printed on of the director of the Lowman Student the bill: Center and for the appropriate facility to Sanctions for failure to Pay be scheduled and reserved through the Failure of any student to resolve his/her fi- LSC Office in accordance with the pro- nancial obligation to the university or failure visions of paragraph 3.1 of this policy. to pay in the allotted time the amount owed 1.2 The purpose of this policy is to de- to the university for tuition, fees, or charges lineate policy relating to the co-curric- permitted by law may result in any or all of ular use of university facilities. the following: 1.3 As a general rule, parents and 1. Assessment of late fees and rein- spouses of students and members of the statement fees. faculty, persons who visit and consult 2. Dismissal from the university or with members of the administration or other disciplinary action. faculty, and others who have a legiti- 3. Withholding of future registration mate interest in the university and who privileges. desire to occasionally visit the univer- 4. Withholding the issuance of grades sity campus are welcome. The facilities or a transcript. and campus of the university are, how- 5. Withholding the conferring of a de- ever, reserved for and dedicated to edu- gree. cational use and no use may be made of 6. Bar against readmission for the stu- the same which is inconsistent with that dent. primary use. 7. Denial of credit for work done dur- 1.4 The university, acting on its own ing the semester in which tuition and or at the request of an officially recog- fees are owed. nized campus organization, may invite speakers, performers, or entertainers to appear before audiences on the univer-
Student 39 Guidelines sity campus. For further information b. The organization shall not en- see Sec. 4.3 Time, Place and Manner gage in activities which interfere Restrictions. with the ongoing activities of 1.5 No person or persons who sub- the university or of any other ap- stantially interfere with or who threat- proved organization. en with the apparent ability to carry c. The organization shall be re- out such threat to substantially inter- sponsible for its members’ behav- fere with the normal activities of the ior when: university or to substantially interfere (1) they are acting as mem- with or deny the lawful rights of others bers of the organizations to use the facilities of the university (with or without official ap- shall enter or remain upon the univer- proval) rather than as indi- sity campus. viduals. 2. Permission to Use (2) an event is held (offi- 2.1 The following groups are welcome cially or unofficially) in the to use the university facilities upon re- name of the organization. ceipt and confirmation of their request (3) they act in a manner for use. which indicates such action a. Student organizations as recog- is motivated by mutual mem- nized by the university and appro- bership in the organization. priately sponsored. (4) the association between, b. Academic organizations, fac- and the action of the indi- ulty and university staff groups. viduals under circumstances c. Participants in short courses which draw attention to the or specialized programs adminis- organization rather than to tered by the university. themselves as individuals. d. Professional societies or busi- (5) Organizations are re- ness organizations participating sponsible for damages, inju- in programs related to academic ries, etc., that occur during activities of the university. use. e. Groups sponsored by a univer- 3. Conditions and Limitations on Use of sity department. facilities f. Groups or individuals spon- 3.1 Requests for approval of functions sored or invited by the univer- and for facilities must be made on the sity president or his designated appropriate form provided and avail- official(s). able in the Lowman Student Center 2.2 In addition to the specific regu- (LSC) office, and on the LSC website lations contained in this document, www.shsu.edu/~lsc. All signatures certain general responsibilities are in- must be obtained, questions answered, cumbent upon organizations using the and the request presented a minimum facilities and each organization is ac- of two (2) business days prior to the countable for its activities in the con- desired date of use. For the Room Res- text of these general responsibilities. ervation Request Form and Semester a. The activities shall be conso- Meeting Room Reservation Request nant with the purpose of the or- Form, the final acknowledgment of a ganization and the university and reservation should come from the di- with established university regula- rector of the LSC within two (2) busi- tions and public laws. ness days after submission. For the Facilities Reservation Form, the final Student 40 Guidelines confirmation of the reservation will be off-campus facilities, that portion that is held made via e-mail to the e-mail address on campus must be cleared and approved provided on the reservation form. through the usual arrangement procedures. 3.2 Sponsoring organizations assume 6. Legal Considerations and Disruptions full responsibility for any financial ob- 6.1 Non-members of the university ligations, damage to facilities or equip- community are required, while on the ment, actions of participants, and for campus, to observe and comply with having read and understood the uni- the rules and regulations adopted by versity Code of Student Conduct and the university or the Board of Regents: Discipline and the university Policy on copies of the same to be found in the Speech and Assembly. A faculty/staff Dean of Students’ Office as well as advisor may be required to be in atten- those specific statutes of the state of dance during the scheduled use of any Texas relating to university property. university facility by an organization. Non-members of the university com- 3.3 Whenever non-university groups munity are also required, while on share with university groups in the use campus, to identify themselves upon of university facilities, it must be upon the request of a university official or the invitation of the university and with University Police or other law enforce- the understanding that the sponsoring ment officer in the performance of his organization assumes full responsibil- or her duty. ity for the activity. 6.2 The university campus is not a 3.4 The university is no way obligated sanctuary and any person who violates for functions in which an organization any local, state, or federal law shall not has contracted an outside individual or be protected nor given any preferred group (such as a speaker, entertainment status in the eyes of the law by reason group, dance band, etc.) and there is an of the fact that the violation occurred honorarium or fee involved unless a con- on the university campus or by reason tract is signed by an official representa- of the fact that the violator is a member tive of the university specifically autho- of the university community. rized by the president of the university. 6.3 When it appears to the president, 3.5 Admission charges may be made or any university official or an officer or an offering may be received if uni- of the University Police authorized versity approval is given at the time the and designated by him to maintain or- reservation is completed for the use of der, that any non-member of the uni- its facilities. versity community has violated on the 4. Arrangements campus, any local, state, or federal law Any representative authorized by a cam- or any university rule or regulation, pus recognized organization may pick up the such person or persons may be ordered appropriate reservation request form from by such official or officer of the Uni- the LSC Office, located in Room 311. The versity Police to leave the university request form must be completed, signed by campus, and should the university see the organizational representative making the fit, charges filed against such person or reservation and the faculty/staff sponsor, and persons. then returned to the director of the LSC for 6.4 The president may make due ap- final approval. plication to any court for injunctive 5. Off-Campus Activities or other judicial relief in regard to the Any wholly off-campus activity will not threatened or actual violation of any of require university approval. If any activity is the above-mentioned rules or regula- planned that involves university facilities and tions. Student 41 Guidelines 7. Review or distribution stand in an 7.1 The responsibility of review and to area designated by the presi- recommend the revision or cancellation dent or an appointee. of this Policy Statement resides with (2) The sale or offer for sale the vice president for student services. of food, drink and other items 7.2 This policy shall be reviewed an- through vending machines nually. operated by the university or 8. Appeal its subcontractor in an area Students or university-recognized student designated by the president organizations may follow the student affairs or an appointee. grievance procedure in any appeal of this (3) The sale or offer for sale policy. of any university publication, book, or other material used General Provisions in the academic work of the For CaMPUs aCtivities university by the university or its subcontractor in an area 1. Campus Disruptive Activities designated by the president Pursuant to V.T.C.A. Education Code, or an appointee. Section 4.30 (Disruptive Activities) all uni- (4) The operation by the versity personnel, students, and others shall university or its subcontrac- follow the RULES AND REGULATIONS tor of a bookstore, specialty as specified in Chapter VI, Subsection 5.4, store, laundry, cafeteria, or et seq., while in university facilities or on other service maintained for university property. the convenience of the uni- 2. Notice to Chancellor and Board versity’s students, faculty, or When dealing with disruptive activities at staff. a System university, the president shall take (5) The sale or offer for immediate action to utilize all lawful mea- sale by the university or its sures to halt and eliminate any and all such subcontractor of food, and disruptive activities and shall immediately drinks, souvenirs, and pro- notify the Chancellor and the Chairman of grams at athletic contests or the Board of Regents. other events sponsored or 3. Solicitation, Demonstrations, Use of authorized by the university. University facilities, Motor Driven ve- (6) The advertisement of hicles and Equipment any activity, item, or product 3.1 Solicitation. The term “solicita- sponsored or authorized by tion” means: (1) the sale or offer for the university and approved sale of any property or service, or (2) by the president or an ap- the receipt of or request for any gift or pointee. contribution. The term “solicit” means (7) The collection of tuition to engage in solicitation. and fees in connection with 3.11 No person may solicit on the enrollment of students in campus of any component univer- courses and programs. sity. However, the following ac- (8) The collection of fees or tivities are not solicitation: dues by registered student, (1) The sale or offer for sale faculty, or staff organizations. of any newspaper, maga- (9) The collection of fees zine, or other publication by or contributions for the ex- means of a vending machine hibition of movies or other Student 42 Guidelines programs, including fine arts (1) preserves an academic and athletic events sponsored atmosphere and does not dis- by the university or by regis- rupt classes, university pro- tered student, faculty, or staff grams, or other activities. organizations. (2) maintains security and (10) Activities sponsored safety for persons and prop- by registered student, fac- erty; ulty, or staff organizations (3) protects the privacy of on behalf of charitable or- students, faculty, and staff; ganizations, provided they (4) permits the free flow are conducted in accor- of pedestrian and vehicular dance with nondiscrimina- traffic; tory policies approved by the (5) protects persons on cam- president or an appointee. pus from crime and avoids (11) Events sponsored by a unlawful activities; registered student, faculty, (6) preserves the beauty or staff organization or the of the university’s campus, university that are authorized buildings, and facilities; and scheduled in accordance (7) maintains the campus, with the facilities-use regu- buildings, and facilities in a lations of the university. All clean, orderly, and appealing signs, tickets, and literature appearance, and avoids un- advertising the event must necessary wear and tear on identify the sponsoring or- buildings, grounds, or facili- ganization. The university ties; may require that members (8) protects students, fac- of the sponsoring organiza- ulty, and staff from decep- tion solicit directly, and may tion, fraud, and commercial prevent organizations from exploitation; and using nonmembers to solicit (9) eliminates unnecessary for the organization. costs and waste of university (12) Activities of agents of resources. companies authorized by the 3.121 The president university to provide instru- may prohibit persons ments, equipment, supplies, or organizations from health insurance, optional soliciting on campus if retirement programs, tax- they fail to follow these sheltered annuities, or other rules. services to the university or 3.122 The president its employees. may require that the (13) Advertisements appear- student government ing in any university publica- and each registered stu- tion. dent organization file (14) Advertisements sent a sworn statement dis- through the United States closing: (1) the sources Postal Service. and amounts of money 3.12 Solicitation. The provisions received from solicita- listed in Sections 3.11(1)-3.11(14) tion during the preced- must take place in a manner that: ing or current semester Student 43 Guidelines or summer session, action and steeling it to such ac- and (2) the payees and tion as opposed to the abstract es- amounts of expendi- pousal of the moral propriety of a tures of funds received course of action. from solicitations. Any 3.23 Any group or person, student government or whether or not a student or em- registered student or- ployee, demonstrating on campus ganization failing to shall adhere to the provisions of comply with the request V.T.C.A. Education Code, Section of the president shall 4.30, as cited in Chapter VI, Sub- be prohibited from so- section 5.4, of these RULES AND licitation on the campus REGULATIONS. until such organization 3.3 Use of System Facilities by Uni- comes into compliance. versity Organizations. Registered stu- 3.2 Demonstrations, Publications, Pos- dent, faculty, and/or staff organizations ters, etc. Reasonable and nondiscrimi- may use the university’s buildings and/ natory rules and regulations as to time, or grounds in compliance with reason- place, and manner may be promulgated able and nondiscriminatory univer- by the president of the university to au- sity rules and regulations approved thorize student, faculty, staff, and their by the university president that shall registered organizations to petition, specify the policies and procedures distribute publications, post signs, set under which such organizations may up booths, and/or peacefully demon- reserve the university’s buildings and/ strate on the university campus. Such or grounds for their use. Extracurricu- regulations shall prohibit any activity lar student, faculty, or staff activities that would interfere with academic or involving the use of System-owned institutional programs. buildings and grounds shall be con- 3.21 No group or person, whether ducted in accordance with local, state, or not a student or employee, shall and national law and in accordance publicly display, distribute, or dis- with the applicable System and univer- seminate on the university campus sity regulations. Such activities shall any petition, handbill, or piece of not disrupt or disturb the academic and literature, work, or material that university program and shall not result is obscene, vulgar, or libelous, in damage to or defacement of proper- or that advocates the deliberate ty. Registered student, faculty, or staff violation of any federal, state, or organizations may not enter into joint local law (see Subsection 3.22). sponsorship of any on-campus project Literature may not be distributed or program which involves financial where the manner or form of said commitments or the scheduling or use distribution constitutes disorderly of facilities with individuals, groups, or conduct, disrupts classroom dis- students that are not registered without cussion, impedes the maintenance prior written approval of the university of public order, or constitutes a president or his designee through nor- danger to the person distributing mal administrative channels. or disseminating the material or to 3.4 Use of System Facilities by Out- any group or individual. side Groups. Use of grounds and physi- 3.22 For the purposes of Subsec- cal facilities of the System, especially tion 3.21, advocacy means ad- auditoriums, gymnasiums, and large dressing the group for imminent rooms, by outside individuals, groups, Student 44 Guidelines or associations shall be subject to poli- sorship are to be set by the Sys- cies approved by the university presi- tem. dent. The university policies covering 3.46 The System, when entering the use of facilities shall be subject to into joint sponsorship of any pro- the following rules in which the “Sys- gram or activity, reserves the right tem” shall mean any component uni- to approve advertising as well as versity. news releases. 3.41 The System will not permit 3.47 The authorization for use of the unrestricted use by non-Sys- the System’s facilities for func- tem groups of any of its facilities. tions other than the university’s 3.42 The System will not enter own activities shall be at the sole into joint sponsorship of any proj- discretion of the president and ect or program that is to result in subject to the needs and the con- private gain for the cooperating venience of the System which individuals, group, or associations are always to have priority in the unless the president has reviewed scheduling of facilities. the project or program and has 3.48 In the case of programs for determined that such joint spon- which the System is a joint spon- sorship serves a public purpose sor with some other individual, and adequate contractual or other group, or organization, the fee to controls ensure its realization as be paid by the co-sponsor will be required by Article 3, Section 51, a matter for negotiation in each of the Texas Constitution. case, subject to final approval by 3.43 The System will not enter the university president or a desig- into joint sponsorship of any pro- nated appointee, and will be speci- gram or activity in which the edu- fied in the agreement providing cational implications or benefits for the joint sponsorship. are not self-evident and which 3.5 Use of Motor-driven Vehicles does not directly supplement the or Equipment. The president of each educational purposes of the Sys- university shall promulgate a policy, tem. specifying conditions for operation or 3.44 The System, established as use by students of university owned, a public university without regard controlled or leased motor-driven ve- to political affiliation or religious hicles or motor-driven equipment. The faith, cannot be a joint sponsor policy shall include, but not necessarily with any non-campus organiza- be limited to, requirements that users tion for political or sectarian gath- of such vehicles or equipment operate erings. However, the appearance the same only during specified hours; by or on behalf of a candidate for document proof of current medical in- public office may be authorized surance coverage; signed medical treat- under conditions prescribed by the ment authorization forms; and signed Board in Section 4 of this Chapter. liability waivers in favor of the univer- 3.45 Whenever non-System sity, the Board of Regents, the System, groups share in the use of System and their respective officers, employ- buildings, it must be upon the in- ees, or agents. vitation of the System and under 4. Speech and Assembly its joint sponsorship, and with the 4.1 Definition. Freedom of inquiry further understanding that all the and discussion is basic and essential conditions governing such spon- to intellectual development. However, Student 45 Guidelines these freedoms must be exercised in a vited by a registered student, manner that does not illegally derogate faculty, or staff organization or the rights of others or interfere with the by the component administration academic programs and administrative shall be prohibited from speak- processes of a component. ing to groups in campus facilities 4.2 Off-Campus Speakers in Compo- and buildings unless the speaker is nent Facilities. The freedoms of speech speaking to an off-campus organi- and assembly guaranteed by the First zation that has been authorized to and Fourteenth Amendments to the meet on the campus. United States Constitution shall be en- 4.25 With the prior written ap- joyed by the students, faculty, and staff proval of the component presi- of the components of The Texas State dent, the component may, at its University System with respect to the sole discretion, lease or rent space opportunity to hear off-campus or out- in the student center or other ap- side, speakers. propriate buildings or grounds for 4.21 If a registered campus orga- political rallies and meetings pro- nization is sponsoring a campus vided that space is made available speaker, it has the responsibil- to legitimate political candidates ity of making clear the fact that in a nondiscriminatory fashion the organization, not the com- and the rent for such space is ponent, is extending the invita- based on a fair market value. tion to speak and that any views 4.3 Time, Place and Manner Restric- the speaker may express are the tions. While freedom of speech and speaker’s own and not necessar- assembly is encouraged, the law recog- ily those of the System or of the nizes that there is no absolute right to component. assembly or to make or hear a speech at 4.22 Students, faculty, staff, and any time or place regardless of the cir- registered organizations cam- cumstances, content of speech, purpose paigning for public office on be- of assembly, or probable consequences half of candidates for public office of such meeting or speech. The issu- must abide by the provisions of ance of invitations to outside speakers this section. shall be limited as follows: 4.23 Speakers to be paid from 4.31 A request to invite an outside state funds to speak on a compo- speaker will be considered by the nent campus shall speak in a fa- component only when made by a cility that is open to the public. registered student, faculty, or staff This subsection does not apply to organization. No invitation shall classes, seminars, symposia, and be issued to an outside speaker conferences intended for the use without prior written concur- and benefit of students, faculty, rence of the component president staff, and invited guests. No per- or a designee for scheduling of son may obstruct or lessen in any speaker dates and assignment of way the opportunity for the audi- campus facilities. ence to. The number of students, 4.32 Any speaker request shall be faculty, staff, and guests may be made in writing to the president limited to prevent a hazard to the or a designee by an officer of a safety of the audience. registered student, faculty, or staff 4.24 Off-campus speakers who organization, or by an adminis- have not been sponsored or in- trative officer of the component, Student 46 Guidelines desiring to sponsor the proposed shall inform the president or a speaker not later than six (6) busi- designee, immediately in writing ness days prior to the date of the of such acceptance. The president proposed speaking engagement. or a designee, may, at his or her This request shall contain the discretion, require that the meet- name of the sponsoring organi- ing be chaired by a member of the zation; the proposed date, time, administration or faculty and that and location of the meeting; the a statement be made at the meet- expected size of the audience; and ing that the views presented are the topic of speech. Any request not necessarily those of the com- not acted upon by the component ponent or of the sponsoring orga- president or a designee within five nization. By acceptance of the in- (5) business days after submission vitation to speak, the speaker shall shall be deemed granted. assume full responsibility for any 4.33 A request made by a regis- violation of law committed by the tered organization may be denied speaker while on campus. only if the component president, 4.4 Assembly on Component Grounds. or the authorized designee, deter- Any group or person, whether or not mines, after proper inquiry, that a student or employee, and whether the proposed speech will consti- or not invited by a registered student, tute a clear and present danger to faculty, or staff organization, may as- the component’s orderly operation semble and engage in free speech ac- as defined in Subsection 2.5. tivities on the grounds of the campus. 4.34 Where the request for an out- However, the component president or a side speaker is denied, the spon- designee may adopt reasonable nondis- soring organization may appeal criminatory rules and regulations as to to the president or a authorized time, place, and manner of such activi- designee in writing within three ties and may prohibit such activities if (3) business days of the denial. A it is determined, after proper inquiry, hearing within will be held within that the proposed speech constitutes a four (4) business days following clear and present danger as defined in the filing of its appeal before an Subsection 4.5 below. impartial board or administrator 4.5 Clear and Present Danger. Pro- appointed by the president for a de posed speech which constitutes a clear novo consideration of the request. and present danger to the component’s Such board or administrator shall orderly operation by the speaker’s ad- make a recommendation to the vocacy (i.e., preparing the group ad- component president, whose deci- dressed and steeling it to such action sion shall be final. If the president as opposed to the abstract espousal of fails to decide the matter within the propriety of resort to force) may seven (7) business days following be prohibited. In determining the ex- the filing of the appeal, it shall be istence of a clear and present danger, deemed granted, and the speaker’s the component president, may consider invitation may be issued by the or- all relevant factors, including whether, ganization. within the past five years such speaker 4.35 Where the request for an has incited violence resulting in the de- outside speaker is granted and struction of property at any public insti- the speaker accepts the invita- tution or has willfully caused the forc- tion, the sponsoring organization ible disruption of regularly scheduled Student 47 Guidelines classes or other educational functions 3.21 No group or person, whether at any such institution. There must be or not a student or employee, shall not only advocacy to action but also a publicly display, distribute, or dis- reasonable apprehension of imminent seminate on the component cam- danger to the essential functions and pus any petition, handbill, or piece purposes of the component. of literature, work, or material that is obscene, vulgar, or libelous, ParaDes, or that advocates the deliberate PUBliCations, violation of any federal, state, or DeMonstrations local law. Literature may not be anD rallies distributed where the manner or form of said distribution consti- 1. Purpose tutes disorderly conduct, disrupts The purpose of this policy is to govern classroom discussion, impedes the the conduct of all parades, demonstra- maintenance of public order, or tions, rallies, and use of the Free Ex- constitutes a danger to the person pression Area on university property or distributing or disseminating the at university sponsored events. material or to any group or indi- 2. Review vidual. This policy shall be reviewed annually 3.22 For the purposes of Subsec- by the chief student affairs officer. tion 2.21, advocacy means ad- 3. Policy dressing the group for imminent 3.1 Parades, demonstrations, and ral- action and steeling, bolstering, or lies must comply with these rules and bracing it to such action as op- university policy and must not: posed to the abstract espousal of a. Result in a breach of peace or the moral propriety of a course of violation of any law. action. b. Interfere with the free and un- 3.23 Any group or person, wheth- restricted flow of pedestrian and er or not a student or employee, vehicular traffic on campus or the demonstrating on campus shall entry or the exit to any university adhere to the provisions of Educa- building, structure, or facility. tion Code, Section 4.30, as cited c. Materially disrupt or interfere in Chapter VI, Subsection 3.4, of with normal activities of the uni- these Rules and Regulations. versity. 3.3 Disruptive Activities. Disruptive 3.2 Demonstrations, Publications, activities are prohibited on a compo- Pos-ters. Reasonable and nondiscrimi- nent campus. See Education Code, Sec- natory Rules and Regulations as to tion 51.935 and Chapter VI, Subsec- time, place, and manner may be pro- tion 5.4. The president shall promptly mulgated by the president or a designee utilize all lawful measures to halt and of the component to authorize students, eliminate any and all such disruptive faculty, staff, and their registered com- activities and shall immediately notify ponent organizations to petition, dis- the Chancellor and the Chairman of the tribute publications, post signs, set up Board of Regents. booths and/or peacefully demonstrate on the component campus. Such regu- lation shall prohibit any activity that would interfere with academic or com- ponent programs.
Student 48 Guidelines stUDents WitH • Dean of Students’ Office: (936) 294-3785 DisaBilities • Counseling Center and Services for Students Services to Students with Disabilities with Disabilities: (936) 294-3786 It is the policy of Sam Houston State Uni- • University Police: (936) 294-3787 versity that no otherwise qualified disabled • Office of Undergraduate individual shall, solely by reason of his/her Admissions: (936) 294-3788 disability, be excluded from the participation • Registrar’s Office: (936) 294-3789 in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected Services for Students with Disabilities to discrimination under any academic pro- is located in the Counseling Center (936) gram or activity. 294-1720. Hours of operation are Monday Students seeking academic accommoda- through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tions under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabil- HazinG aCt ities Act (ADA) of 1990 should register with (The following is excerpted from state Sam Houston State University Services for of Texas statutes and is binding on this uni- Students with Disabilities (SSD). In order versity.) for students with disabilities to be eligible for academic accommodations and adjust- SUBCHAPTER f. HAZING ments, they need to provide documentation that shows evidence of a “substantially lim- Texas Education Code § 37.151 - § 37.157 iting” disability as defined by federal legis- 37.151. Definitions lation noted above. Service and documen- tation guidelines are available in the SSD In this subchapter: office. Students needing interpreter services (1) “Educational institution” includes should notify SSD at least two months in ad- a public or private high school. vance of the semester. (2) “Pledge” means any person who Adaptive technology is located in the has been accepted by or is considering SSD, the Newton Gresham Library (NGL), an offer of membership from, or is in and computer labs around campus. SSD and the process of qualifying for member- NGL have CCTVs, screen readers, and scan- ship in an organization. ners. Each computer lab has a large monitor (3) “Pledging” means any action or ac- and Zoom Text - level 2. tivity related to becoming a member of If you feel that you have been discrimi- an organization. nated against, you may file a grievance. (4) “Student” means any person who: Prior to filing a formal grievance, students (A) is registered in or in atten- are encouraged to resolve the issue directly dance at an educational institution; with the individual involved. Procedures for (B) has been accepted for admis- filing academic grievances are provided in sion at the educational institution this document. If you are not satisfied, you where the hazing incident occurs; or may appeal to the ADA Compliance and (C) intends to attend an educa- Oversight Committee. tional institution during any of its Students with disabilities may request ad- regular sessions after a period of missions or registration assistance by calling scheduled vacation. the Undergraduate Admissions Office (936) (5) “Organization” means a fraternity, 294-1828 or Registrar’s Office (936) 294-1040. sorority, association, corporation, or- Telecommunication Device for the Deaf der, society, corps, club, or service, so- (TDD) locations are as follows with corre- cial, or similar group, whose members sponding telephone numbers: are primarily students.
Student 49 Guidelines (6) “Hazing” means any intentional, causes, or requires the student to knowing, or reckless act, occurring on perform a duty or task that involves or off the campus of an educational in- a violation of the Penal Code. stitution, by one person alone or acting 37.152. Personal Hazing Offense with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical (a) A person commits an offense if the health or safety of a student for the pur- person: pose of pledging, being initiated into, (1) engages in hazing; affiliating with, holding office in, or (2) solicits, encourages, directs, maintaining membership in an organi- aids, or attempts to aid another in zation. The term includes: engaging in hazing; (A) any type of physical brutal- (3) recklessly permits hazing to ity, such as whipping, beating, occur; or striking, branding, electronic (4) has firsthand knowledge of shocking, placing of a harmful the planning of a specific hazing substance on the body, or similar incident involving a student in activity; an educational institution, or has (B) any type of physical activity, firsthand knowledge that a spe- such as sleep deprivation, expo- cific hazing incident has occurred, sure to the elements, confinement and knowingly fails to report that in a small space, calisthenics, or knowledge in writing to the dean other activity that subjects the of students or other appropriate student to an unreasonable risk of official of the institution. harm or that adversely affects the (b) The offense of failing to report is a mental or physical health or safety Class B misdemeanor. of the student; (c) Any other offense under this sec- (C) any activity involving con- tion that does not cause serious bodily sumption of a food, liquid, alco- injury to another is a Class B misde- holic beverage, liquor, drug, or meanor. other substance that subjects the (d) Any other offense under this sec- student to an unreasonable risk of tion that causes serious bodily injury to harm or that adversely affects the another is a Class A misdemeanor. mental or physical health or safety (e) Any other offense under this sec- of the student; tion that causes the death of another is a (D) any activity that intimidates state jail felony. or threatens the student with os- (f) Except if an offense causes the tracism, that subjects the student death of a student, in sentencing a to extreme mental stress, shame, person convicted of an offense under or humiliation, that adversely af- this section, the court may require the fects the mental health or dignity person to perform community ser- of the student or discourages the vice, subject to the same conditions student from entering or remain- imposed on a person placed on com- ing registered in an educational munity supervision under Section 11, institution, or that may reasonably Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Pro- be expected to cause a student to cedure, for an appropriate period of leave the organization or the in- time in lieu of confinement in county stitution rather than submit to acts jail or in lieu of a part of the time the described in this subdivision; and person is sentenced to confinement in (E) any activity that induces, county jail. Student 50 Guidelines 37.153. Organization Hazing Offense does not limit or affect the right of an educa- tional institution to enforce its own penalties (a) An organization commits an of- against hazing. fense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an offi- 37.157. Reporting by Medical Authorities cer or any combination of members, A doctor or other medical practitioner pledges, or alumni of the organization who treats a student who may have been commits or assists in the commission subjected to hazing activities: of hazing. (1) may report the suspected hazing (b) An offense under this section is a activities to police or other law enforce- misdemeanor punishable by: ment officials; and (1) a fine of not less than $ 5,000 (2) is immune from civil or other li- nor more than $ 10,000; or ability that might otherwise be imposed (2) if the court finds that the of- or incurred as a result of the report, un- fense caused personal injury, less the report is made in bad faith or property damage, or other loss, a with malice. fine of not less than $ 5,000 nor more than double the amount lost or expenses incurred because of ParKinG anD traFFiC the injury, damage, or loss. All students, full or part-time, who oper- ate a motor vehicle on university property, 37.154. Consent Not a Defense regularly or occasionally, are required to It is not a defense to prosecution of an of- register those vehicles with the Depart- fense under this subchapter that the person ment of Public Safety Services and obtain against whom the hazing was directed con- a parking decal assigning a designated area sented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity. or areas for parking. Students at the time of regular registration, will obtain their park- 37.155. Immunity from Prosecution ing decal for the vehicle to be operated on Available campus. During preregistration, students In the prosecution of an offense under this will indicate if a parking permit is request- subchapter, the court may grant immunity ed. When registration payment is made, the from prosecution for the offense to each per- students will take their paid receipt to the son who is subpoenaed to testify for the pros- Public Safety Services Building (or other ecution and who does testify for the prosecu- location posted) and their parking permit tion. Any person reporting a specific hazing will be issued. At all other times, any vehicle incident involving a student in an educational registration or change of vehicles will be institution to the dean of students or other ap- accomplished at the Department of Public propriate official of the institution is immune Safety Services located at 2424 South Sam from civil or criminal liability that might oth- Houston Avenue. Students are expected to erwise be incurred or imposed as a result of become familiar with and obey the Parking the report. Immunity extends to participation and Traffic Regulations. A copy of the regu- in any judicial proceeding resulting from the lations is issued with each parking decal. As report. A person reporting in bad faith or with in any community, a system of fines is estab- malice is not protected by this section. lished for various violations. All University Police citations are subject to a hearing, but 37.156. Offenses in Addition to Other a request for a hearing must be filed within Penal Provisions three (3) days of issuance through the Park- This subchapter does not affect or repeal ing Appeals Committee. An official form re- any penal law of this state. This subchapter questing such a hearing must be secured in
Student 51 Guidelines person from the Department of Public Safety Department of Student Activities. Services Office, located at 2424 South Sam 2.2 This policy shall be reviewed an- Houston Avenue. nually. The Parking Appeals Committee shall be 3. Eligibility made up of faculty, students, and staff. 3.1 Students and officially registered Any person receiving 3 or more unresolved campus organizations may post and/ citations shall be considered to be in flagrant or distribute printed materials on the violation of university parking regulations. university campus in compliance with The university reserves the right to im- university policy. pound or have impounded any vehicle which 3.2 Private Enterprise and/or Off- is parked in a manner dangerous to vehicular Campus Organizations will be permit- or pedestrian traffic, or in flagrant violation ted to post and/or distribute printed ma- of university parking regulations. The ve- terials on the university campus only hicle owner shall bear all costs involved in during Bearkat Mania. Posting and/ such vehicle removal. or distribution of printed materials at Students’ records, transcripts, and grades times other than Bearkat Mania will be may be tagged and held for failure to re- subject to approval by the Director of solve their parking citations. Moving viola- Student Activities. tions are issued on Justice of Peace Court 4. Posting Summons and are adjudicated in the Justice 4.1 No signs, posters, or advertise- of Peace Court, Walker County, Texas, and ments shall be nailed, tied, hung, writ- the City of Huntsville Municipal Court. ten or otherwise affixed to any trees, Some flagrant parking violations may bushes, buildings, walkways, posts, be assigned to the Justice of Peace Court fences or any university fixture. ALSO, (handicapped space violation would be an NO HANDBILLS MAY BE PLACED example). ON CARS PARKED ON UNIVER- AVOID parking citations by reading and SITY PROPERTY. obeying university parking regulations. 4.2 Students and officially registered campus organizations may post printed PostinG anD material on designated campus bulletin DistriBUtion oF boards with stamped approval of the PrinteD Materials Department of Student Activities. The building liaison or their designate is 1. Purpose responsible for monitoring their build- 1.1 The purpose of this statement is to ing’s bulletin boards. delineate policy and procedure relat- 4.3 Printed materials may be posted on ing to the posting and/or distribution the bulletin boards in the Lowman Stu- of printed materials on the university dent Center with the stamped approval campus. of the Department of Student Activities 1.2 The specific objective is to estab- and in accordance with the posted poli- lish policies and practices pertaining to cy next to each bulletin board. the distribution of printed materials on 4.4 All printed materials must conform the university campus so as to provide to the general rules as follow: an atmosphere conducive to the educa- 1. Printed materials may not ex- tional purposes of the university. ceed an overall size of 14” x 22”. 2. Review 2. Posted materials must not cov- 2.1 The responsibility to review and to er prior posted materials and must recommend the revision or cancellation not extend beyond the edges of the of this policy statement resides with the bulletin board. Student 52 Guidelines 3. Defaced material is subject to a. Non-alcoholic beverages and/ removal. or food must be advertised equal 4. Posted materials must identify to the advertising for alcoholic campus affiliate, sponsoring orga- drinks (same size print, etc.). nization, or individual student. b. Any printed advertise- 5. Materials may be posted for a ment for an activity involv- period not to exceed two weeks or ing alcohol must be stamped until the conclusion of the event or printed with: “Responsible (whichever applies first). Prompt Use of Alcohol is Expected.” removal of expired postings is the c. The activity must be portrayed responsibility of the sponsoring as a social activity, having a pur- student or organization. pose other than the consumption 6. Materials posted in violation of alcohol. of printed policies are subject to d. The overall advertisement must removal and sanction by the uni- be in “good taste,” as determined versity (Dean of Students’ Office). by the Office of Student Activi- 5. Distribution ties (no “Drink and Drown,” etc.). 5.1 Students and officially registered e. The advertising material must campus organizations may distribute clearly indicate sponsorship by an printed materials on the university officially registered campus orga- campus in compliance with univer- nization. sity policy. Approval for distribution of f. All policies and procedures as printed materials, except in recreation- published in the solicitation policy al and/or athletic facilities, residence in this publication must be fol- halls, and academic buildings, requires lowed. completion and approval of a Campus 7. Organization Letters, Signs and Logos Reservation Form available from the 7.1 Organization letters, signs and lo- LSC Staff Office, located in Room 311. gos may be placed on campus. All let- 5.2 Distribution in residence halls will ters, signs and logos are limited to a not be permitted. Residence hall mail maximum height of four feet. boxes are not to be used for distributing 8. Appeals printed materials by campus organiza- 8.1 Appeals of this policy by students tions, private enterprise, or individuals or university registered student organi- unless the appropriate bulk rate or stan- zations will be reviewed by the Dean of dard postal rates have been paid. Door to Students’ Office. door distribution will not be permitted. 6. Special Printed Materials PUBliCations oF 6.1 Advertisement of co-sponsored ac- stUDent GroUPs tivities should give equal billing to the The university affirms its position that sponsoring campus organization. The freedom of expression, as well as inquiry, is organization’s name and/or logo should essential to a student’s educational develop- be prominent and visible on all printed ment. Vigorous intellectual explorations by materials. students may sometimes result in questioning 6.2 Guidelines for Advertising Alco- of popular conceptions, and this in turn, may hol-Related Functions on campus. Pur- elicit the concern of society at large. One of pose: To encourage the responsible use the axioms upon which our nation was built, of alcohol, and to insure that advertising however, is that truth needs no protection, for alcohol-related functions convey the but is vital by vigorous debate in a market basic principles of responsible hosting. Student 53 Guidelines place where all ideas can be presented and 1. Statement of Purpose then tested by the reason of free people. Sam Houston State University recognizes Publications of student groups are encour- both the right of students to form into orga- aged on the campus of Sam Houston State nizations and the benefits which can result University. However, freedom of inquiry and from membership in groups having similar expression does not confer an absolute right or common interests or purposes. that would give immunity to every possible It is the purpose of this document to set use of language. Sam Houston State Univer- forth the procedures by which student or- sity expects its students to observe the stan- ganizations can be officially registered, to dards of propriety and good judgement in establish the rights and responsibilities of the exercise of such freedom. Students may students acting in a group capacity, and to publish and distribute free material that is not establish policies and regulations governing libelous or obscene or that does not promote all group activities. In addition, administra- or encourage the violation of law of the state tive and judicial procedures are set forth of Texas or the United States or the disrup- whereby those registered student organiza- tion of the university’s academic process. tions and groups accused of violating the Literature may not be distributed where policies will be afforded due process, and the manner or form of said distribution con- if appropriate, fair and just penalties. The stitutes disorderly conduct, disrupts class- university may issue regulations governing room discussion, impedes the maintenance the eligibility of students for participation in of public order, or constitutes a danger to the student organizations. person disseminating the material or to any 2. Definition of a Student Organization other group or individual. A student organization consists of at least In order to promote and protect the right five students joined together for a common of privacy, the distribution of literature or lawful purpose and formally registered with circulation of petitions will not be allowed to the university. captive audiences such as in the classroom 3. Rights and Responsibilities of Student buildings, in study areas, or in residential Organizations units of the university. General rights of student organizations are the same as those granted to every citizen stUDent of the United States of America under the orGanizations PoliCy Bill of Rights. Individuals are subject to the penal and civil statutes of the city, state and Sam Houston State University is guided federal government; regulations of the Board by the precept that in no aspect of its pro- of Regents; and regulations of the university. gram shall there be differences in the treat- The university may suspend recognition of ment of persons because of race, creed, a student organization for violating the Stu- color, sex or national origin. It is reflected dent Organization Policy. The following are in policies governing programs of extracur- the general rights and responsibilities of rec- ricular life and activities. In accordance with ognized student organizations. this principle along with other published stu- 3.1 General Rights dent policies, all organizations will refrain a. Right to use university facilities from conducting any pledging, initiation, or under conditions established by the other extracurricular activities that will in university Facilities Use Policy. any way be detrimental, defamatory, ridicul- b. Right to seek faculty and ad- ing or embarrassing to any race, color, creed ministrative advisement including or national origin. All organizations should a faculty/staff advisor. be well aware of the state of Texas Statute c. Right to freedom of choice in on Hazing. the selection of members, provid- Student 54 Guidelines ing there is no discrimination on d. The responsibility for any the basis of race, creed, color, reli- damages or injuries that occur gion, ethnic origin, or sex. during their events. d. Right to use campus news and 3.3 Specific Limitations on Rights and publicity media including the Responsibilities of Student Organiza- right of public recognition in uni- tions. versity catalogs, newspapers and a. While recognizing rights of other publications. student organizations, the univer- e. Right to indicate that the or- sity does not grant to organiza- ganization is officially registered tions the right, expressed or im- with the university. plied, to speak for the university. f. Right to invite off-campus b. The activity of student organi- guests to appear for regularly zations or their individual mem- scheduled meetings and assem- bers, taking place off university- blies. Meetings and speakers must owned or controlled property, are be scheduled in accordance with entirely the responsibility of the the Speech and Assembly Policy as student organization. The univer- approved by the Board of Regents. sity accepts no responsibility for g. Right to distribute organiza- off-campus activities by allowing tional literature under conditions advertising of such activities on specified by the policy for the the campus. However, the univer- Distribution of Printed Materials sity will not ignore any activity and Subsection 6 (in the Student off-campus that reflects adversely Guidelines) of the Student Orga- on the university or the commu- nizations Policy. nity. h. Right to hold profit-making c. Activities of student organiza- activities and to solicit funds for tions are subject to the provision organizational activities in accor- of the university Facilities Use dance with university regulations. Policy. 3.2 General Responsibilities. d. Membership in an organiza- a. The responsibility to manage it- tion is limited to Sam Houston self and carry out its activities in ac- State University students, spouses cordance with its own constitution: of students, faculty and staff. The local, state, and federal laws, and holding of offices is limited to university regulations and policies. registered SHSU students except b. The responsibility to conduct when national regulations require its business and fiscal operations in that an office be held by a faculty accordance with normal standards member. Student membership in of good business management and an organization must be no fewer practice, including, but not limited than five. Membership is not de- to, prompt discharge of all obliga- nied to anyone on the basis of tions. race, color, religion, creed, sex, or c. The responsibility to be cogni- national origin. zant of the special role it enjoys as e. Officers or student leaders an integral part of the academic representing the university in an community of Sam Houston State official capacity (e.g., university University, and to act accordingly committees, Board of Regents’ in the best interest of its members Advisory Committees, off-cam- and the university. pus conferences or programs, etc.) Student 55 Guidelines must be current students; or they university campus and may be must be members of the faculty or withdrawn by the Student Orga- university staff. To be eligible to nizations Board according to the serve as an officer in a registered specifications of this document. student organization a student b. The group will file the Sam must be enrolled full-time (12 Houston State University Student hours undergraduate or 9 hours Organization Registration Appli- graduate), have and maintain a 2.0 cation with the coordinator of the SHSU grade point average (GPA) student organizations as designat- cumulatively, and must not be ed by the vice president of student on disciplinary probation. When services. The application shall in- an election is held in a registered clude the organization’s name, the student organization, the names of constitution or statement of pur- the new officers must be transmit- pose, name of officers or contact ted to the Department of Student persons, number of members, and Activities within three days after intent to affiliate with off-campus the election. organizations. f. Students who do not meet the c. If formation of the organiza- minimum GPA requirements at tion is not complete at the time of the time of elections may not filing of the Sam Houston State serve in a leadership capacity. In University Student Organization the event a student is elected to of- Registration Application, the co- fice without the minimum GPA re- ordinator of student organizations quirements, the organization must will assist in making arrange- hold a re-election immediately. ments for the organization to use Organizations not meeting the university facilities for a limited above requirements will be placed amount of time for organizational on probation and may have their purposes on a meeting-to-meeting registered status revoked. basis until the organizational pro- g. Each registered organization cess is completed and the required is expected to include within its information can be filed. constitution and/or bylaws offi- d. At the time of filing, the presi- cer eligibility requirements which dent or contact person for the or- must at least match those required ganization will sign a statement by the university. An organization indicating that he or she is famil- may require additional academic iar with and will uphold the afore- requirements it deems appropriate mentioned Rights and Responsi- to hold office or membership. bilities of Student Organizations 4. Procedure for formation and Regis- (Section 3, Student Organizations tration of New Organizations Policy) 4.1 Permanent Organizations e. When the required application a. Any group of students having a forms have been filed with the co- purpose which is within the poli- ordinator of student organizations, cies of this document may be reg- the coordinator will contact the istered with the university. Regis- Student Organizations Board to tration of a campus organization review the application. does not constitute endorsement After review, the coordinator of its program or purpose, but is will notify the president and fac- simply a charter to exist on the ulty/staff advisor whether their Student 56 Guidelines application has been approved or cated on the registration form. It is an- denied. ticipated that few ad hoc registrations (1) Upon approval of regis- will be granted. The board’s decision tration, the application will will be contingent upon the extenuating be signed by the coordina- circumstances of the application. tor of student organizations, 4.3 Maintenance of Registered Status. the chairman of the Student a. At the beginning of each fall, Organizations Board, The spring, and summer semesters, Director of Student Activi- all student organizations wishing ties, the Vice President for to maintain their registered status Student Services, the Presi- for that semester will submit to dent of the University or the coordinator of student organi- his appointed designee, and zations (no later than the twelfth returned to the organization class day) a list of the new offi- within 10 days as formal cers, number of members, and the notification of registration. faculty/staff advisor on the semes- A copy of the approved ap- ter update form provided for that plication will be filed in the purpose. Once the information has office of the coordinator of been processed, registration may student organizations that the be automatic. group is eligible for all of the b. It is only necessary for an orga- rights of registered student nization to resubmit information organizations. such as an organization’s tax ID (2) Should the Student Orga- number, copies of the 501 C tax nizations Board feel that the forms or the organization’s con- petitioning organization does stitution or statement of purpose not meet the requirements for when it has been requested by registration, the coordinator the coordinator of organizations of student organizations will or the Director of Student Activi- notify the pending organiza- ties. Both a National and an SHSU tion with the board’s recom- constitution may be requested. mendations and its decision The organization has 2 business regarding their status. This days to submit the most recent notification will be stored on addition of their constitution and/ file in the coordinator’s of- or bylaws to the coordinator of fice. The organization may organizations. Any documents then work with the organiza- requested by a university official tions’ coordinator to review must be provided within the given the requirements for registra- deadline. tion established herein. c. Should the Organizations 4.2 Registration for a Limited Purpose Board feel that the organization (Ad Hoc Registration). does not meet the requirements Registration for a limited purpose for continued registration, the (ad hoc registration) is available for coordinator of organizations will those groups which want to organize provide the necessary information with some short-term goal in mind, to the student representatives and that is, one which can be accomplished the organization advisor. Cop- in less than one academic year. Their ies of this information will also registration will expire on the date indi- be filed in the coordinator’s of- Student 57 Guidelines fice. The organization may then charges, defenses, rebuttal evi- request through the coordinator dence, and arguments. The disci- a meeting with the Organizations pline committee shall consist of Board to appeal the decision. The the organizations board and the coordinator will assist in making Director of Student Activities. At provision for the group to contin- the conclusion of the hearing, the ue to use university facilities for a committee shall deliberate in pri- designated period of time. vate to determine if the group is 4.4 Administrative Discipline. responsible for any violation(s) of a. Any member of the university the Rights and Responsibilities of community may file a complaint Student Organizations, and may against a registered student orga- dismiss the charges or take any nization when he or she feels that of the action outlined in Section the organization has failed to com- 5.2e. The organization shall be in- ply with the Rights and Responsi- formed in writing, within 3 class bilities of Student Organizations. days, of the decision by the orga- The complaint may be registered nizations coordinator, and a copy with the coordinator of organiza- of the decision shall be made a tions, the Dean of Students or his/ part of the organization’s file in her designate the vice president the office of the coordinator. The for student services or designated decision of the board is final. appointee. If the vice president 4.5 Organization Changes. for student services or designated Registered organizations are re- appointee investigates the com- quired to submit to the coordinator of plaint, the results will be reported student organizations any changes in to the Dean of Students’ Office. officers, advisers, and/or purposes of The Dean of Students’ may hear the organization within three class days the case or refer it to the coordina- of such a change. Failure to do so may tor of organizations. If the incident result in withdrawal of registration. is referred the coordinator of orga- 5. The Student Organizations Board nizations will convene the Student 5.1 Composition. Organizations Board who will a. The Student Organizations determine the validity of the com- Board shall consist of five stu- plaint by a two-thirds vote with all dents, four faculty, and one mem- members voting. In the event that ber of the administration, who such a complaint is deemed valid, shall be selected as follows: the coordinator will notify the or- (1) The six student mem- ganization in writing of the charge bers, one representative from against it and will set up a hearing each of the five colleges and before the board. one representative at-large, b. The organization’s hearing shall be selected by the presi- before the Student Organizations dent of the Student Govern- Board is informal and within fair ment Association with the and properly established proce- approval of the senate. Each dures of due process. It provides student member shall serve a a hearing for the organization’s term of one year. president, the faculty/staff ad- (2) The four faculty mem- visor, persons who committed bers shall be appointed by the alleged violation, witnesses, the president of the univer- Student 58 Guidelines sity from a list of eight rec- (4) Noncompliance with the ommended by the Faculty organization’s stated pur- Senate. Each faculty member poses and goals or disruption shall serve for a two-year of the educational process of term and shall be eligible for the university. reappointment. The terms (5) Violations of the laws of shall be arranged to permit the State of Texas or of poli- the expiration of the terms cies and regulations of the of two faculty members each university and the Board of year. Regents. (3) The administration c. The board reserves the right to member shall be the coor- refuse registration of an organi- dinator of student organiza- zation if the purposes and goals tions. This member shall of the organization do not aid in serve as a resource person providing a social and intellectual and shall not vote. climate conducive to the fullest b. The board chairman shall be development of the student. appointed by the president of the d. The board may grant registra- university, and may be selected tion to an organization for a lim- from either student appointees or ited time pending the compliance faculty appointees. The secretary of the group with the purposes shall be the coordinator of student and goals as stated in their consti- organizations. tution. c. The board shall hold open e. The Student Organizations meetings, except that by a ma- Board may impose the following jority vote the board may close a penalties: meeting. (1) Suspensions of the rights d. A quorum shall consist of five of the organization to: members, including a minimum (a) Use university fa- of two faculty. cilities; 5.2 Responsibilities. (b) Sponsor any activ- a. The board shall review appli- ity; cations for registration and main- (c) Participate in cam- tenance of registration by student pus affairs; organizations. (2) Suspension of Registra- b. The board shall review actions tion – This penalty shall be of student organizations. Actions for a stated period of time for which all student organiza- but in no case less than the tions are subject to review by the remainder of the academic board shall be: year in which the offense (1) Noncompliance with is committed. An organiza- the provisions of the univer- tion placed on Suspension of sity Student Organization Registration may not func- Policy. tion on campus in any man- (2) Noncompliance with the ner and the general rights of provisions of the university registered student organiza- Facilities Use Policy. tions are withdrawn. (3) Noncompliance with the (3) Revoke the action that university Speakers Policy. prompted the complaint and Student 59 Guidelines instruct the organization to 7. Procedure for Amendment either present an acceptable Amendments to the Student Organiza- solution or implement a so- tions Policy may be initiated by any mem- lution that has been dictated ber of the university community through by the Student Organiza- the coordinator of student organizations. tions Board. The coordinator will forward the amend- 6. Solicitation ments through the appropriate channels The term “solicitation” as used herein with final approval granted by the univer- means the sale or offer for sale of any prop- sity president. erty or service, whether for immediate or fu- ture delivery, and the receipt of or request for risK ManaGeMent any gift or contribution. GUiDelines 6.1 Organizational Solicitation. Or- 1. Purpose ganizations soliciting on campus must Every student organization no matter comply with the guidelines below. how large or small inherently possesses ex- a. Organizations may solicit with posure to risk and safety concerns. There- approval of the director of the fore the purpose of this policy is to assist in Lowman Student Center for their creating a safe environment where students, own projects or charitable activi- faculty and staff members can enjoy the ben- ties. A Campus Reservation Form efits of membership, affiliation and partici- must be completed by the organi- pation in the activities and events of regis- zation and approved by the direc- tered Sam Houston State University student tor of the Lowman Student Center. organizations. b. Any organizations collecting fi- 2. Review nancial donations for which there These guidelines shall be reviewed an- is no exchange of merchandise or nually by the Department of Student Activi- services shall be accountable for ties and Dean of Students’ Office. funds received to the coordinator 3. Guidelines of student organizations within These guidelines shall apply to all stu- five class days of the completion dent organizations and their members at of the drive. Sam Houston State University. All student c. Any organization failing to organization members, officers, advisors, comply with Section 6.1(1a) and and affiliated persons should emphasize Section 6.1(1b) above may be de- safety during all club/organization related nied future solicitation privileges. activities. 6.2 Distribution of Printed Materials. 4. Social Events Officially registered campus organi- 4.1 A social event is defined as any zations may distribute materials on event or activity sponsored by any campus provided they adhere to the organization whose primary purpose Procedures for Distribution of Printed is social or to provide entertainment Materials Policy as printed in this to their members, alumni, university handbook. Failure to comply with the community, or other guests. This in- policy and procedures may result in the cludes but is not limited to concerts, lip cancellation of this privilege and/or the syncs, step shows, and parties/dances. suspension of the organization. Distrib- 4.2 All social events are categorized by uting students and campus organiza- event level/type. Student organizations tions will be responsible for cleaning hosting social events must follow the up any litter that may result from such requirements for the designated event distributions. level/type: Student 60 Guidelines Event Event Type Examples Event Location Requirements Level Closed Events/ Parties Banquets Any On- Campus -Registration encouraged, 1 No Alcohol Involved Picnics or but not required (Event participants Social Off-Campus venue limited to members Gatherings hosting the event, invited guests of organization members or alumni members) Closed Events/ Parties Date Parties Third Party Vendor -Registration required 2 Alcohol Involved Mixers -Guest List (Event participants Formals -Security as required by limited to members event venue and/or hosting the event, national organization invited guests of -Venue Contract organization members or alumni members) Open Events Concerts Any On- Campus -Registration encouraged, 3 No Alcohol Involved Step Shows or but not required (unless (Event open to the Off-Campus venue est. attendance over 500) university community -Security as determined and public) by law enforcement assessment of event
Open Events Fight Nights Third Party Vendor -Registration required 4 Alcohol Involved Lip Syncs - Security as determined (Event open to the Concerts by law enforcement university community assessment of event (no and public) less than 2) -Venue Contract
Open Parties Dances/ * Any On- Campus -Registration required No Alcohol Involved Parties or - Security as determined (Event open to the Off-Campus venue by law enforcement 5 university community assessment of event (no and public) less than 2)
Student 61 Guidelines 4.3 Event Registration sponsoring organization (depending All student organizations are strongly on severity). All members of the spon- encouraged to register all social events soring organization and guests at the with the Department of Student Activ- event must adhere to all policies set ities. Any student organization hosting forth in the SHSU Student Guidelines a major event (estimated attendance and Code of Conduct as well as abide over 500) or an event where alcohol by state law, local codes, and inter/na- will be present must complete the tional requirements. “Event Notification Form” and submit 5. Alcohol and Drugs it to the Department of Student Activi- 5.1 The possession, use, sale or ties at least 14 business days prior to con¬sumption of Alcoholic Beverages the event. Student organizations host- dur¬ing formal or informal organiza- ing events categorized as Event Lev- tion events, or any activity (it is consid- els 3 or 4 held at an off-campus venue ered a Sam Houston State University must submit an “Off-Campus Event event or activity if an observer would Request Form” to the Dean of Stu- reason¬ably associate the event or ac- dents’ Office at least 30 days prior to tivity with the organization) or situa- the event. Authorization is required to tion sponsored, coordinated, endorsed, proceed with event and all off-campus or associated by or with the organiza- approvals will be at the discretion of tion must be in compliance with any the Dean of Students’ Office. and all applicable laws and policies of 4.4 No student organization shall host/ the State of Texas, Walker County, City sponsor ANY open party where alco- of Huntsville, Sam Houston State Uni- hol is present. versity and The Texas State University 4.5 All damages to any premises as a System. result of an event are the responsibility 5.2 The purchase or use of a bulk quan- of the sponsoring organization. tity or common source containers of 4.6 Security alcoholic beverages, (e.g. kegs, cas¬es Student organizations are required to of beer, beer balls, party balls, bars, or ensure the safety of their members alcoholic punch) is prohibited at all and guests. University Police will events or activities. provide security at social events/ par- 5.3 All social events where alcohol is ties on campus. Huntsville Police involved must be served by a licensed Department, a Walker County law en- insured Third Party Vendor, and have forcement department or some other appropriate security on the premises. bonded agency (must be approved by 5.4 Purchasing alcohol with organiza- the Dean of Students’ Office) will be tion funds is prohibited. required for security at any off-campus 5.5 No organization members, venue. Determination of number offi- col¬lectively or individually, shall cers at the events is based on the size, serve to, purchase for, or sell alcoholic nature, location, and past history of the bev¬erages to any persons under 21 event. years of age. 4.7 Inappropriate behavior, including 5.6 Open parties (not located at a third but not limited to, fighting, illegal con- party vendor or those events with sumption of drugs/alcohol, weapons, un¬restricted access to the public with- or property damage will not be toler- out specific invitation) where alcohol is ated and the continuation of the event present, are strictly prohibited. will be at the discretion of the univer- 5.7 No organization may co-sponsor an sity police, staff, facility manager, or event with an alcohol distributor, chari- Student 62 Guidelines table organization or tavern (tavern student organizations, its members and defined as an establishment generating affiliates more than half of its annual gross sales 8. Travel from alcohol) where alcohol is given All members of student organiza- away, sold or otherwise provided to tions traveling in representation of those present. SHSU should follow all safety and 5.8 No organization may co-sponsor emergency procedures as established or co-finance an event where alcohol by the club/organizations advisor and is purchased by either of the host orga- university officials. Any accidents or nizations or groups. incidents should be reported to the ap- 5.9 No organization or its members propriate university official within 24 shall permit, encourage, tolerate, or hours after the occurrence. Emergen- participate in drinking games involv- cies should be reported to the Univer- ing alcoholic beverages. sity Police Department at (936) 294- 5.10 The possession, use, or sale of 1794. This number is monitored 24 any ILLEGAL DRUGS OR CON- hours a day. TROLLED SUBSTANCES at any or- 9. Education and Review ganization event or any activity that an Each student organization should an- observer would reasonably associate nually educate and review with its with the organization is strictly pro- officers, members and affiliates the hibited. Student Organization Risk Manage- 6. Hazing ment Guidelines of Sam Houston State 6.1 No student organization, its mem- University. These Risk Management bers or affiliates shall conduct or con- Guidelines are made available in the done hazing activities. Dean of Students’ Office and the De- 6.2 All organizations and their leaders partment of Student Ac¬tivities and shall review annually the Hazing Act reprinted in “Student Guidelines.” passed by the State Legislature, 1987. Copies should be obtained and distrib- This Act is fully enumerated in the uted to all advisors, officers, members “Student Guidelines” of Sam Houston and affiliates before the start of classes State University and binding on all each semester. student organizations, their members 10. violations and affiliates. The Student Organizations Board and/ 7. Sexual Abuse and Harassment or the Dean of Students Office may 7.1 No student organization should review, investigate and adjudicate pos- condone or tolerate any form of sexu- sible violations of the Risk Manage- ally abusive behavior on the part of ment Guidelines or Code of Student its members or affiliates, whether Conduct by any organization, its mem- physical, mental or emotional. This bers or affiliates. The procedures and includes any actions that are demean- sanctions for violations may be found ing to women or men including but not in the SHSU Student Guidelines. limited to date rape, gang rape, sexual assault, verbal harassment or threats. stUDent aBsenCe 7.2 All organizations and their leaders notiFiCation PoliCy shall review annually the University’s The student is responsible for communi- policy on Sexual Harassment and Sex- cating directly with his or her instructor(s) ual Assault. These policies are found when he or she is going to miss or has in “Student Guidelines” of Sam Hous- missed class. If possible, students should ton State University and binding on all Student 63 Guidelines notify instructors and make arrangements administration, or student of Sam Houston for missed assignments before the absence State University. A grievable action is de- occurs. Official notification by the Dean of fined below. The purpose of the grievance Students’ Office to instructors when absence procedures is to provide a process for an im- from classes is for a period of fewer than partial review and to ensure that the rights three (3) consecutive class days is generally of students are properly recognized and pro- not made. The Dean of Students’ Office will tected. not provide verification for an absence for Students with academic grievances are non-critical or non-emergency situations. directed to the Academic Grievance Pro- When a student misses class for le- cedures located in the Sam Houston State gitimate reasons/ emergency situations and University Undergraduate Catalog. when the absence from classes is likely to Retaliation for filing a grievance will not be for an extended period (generally three be tolerated. class days or more), students may contact Definitions of Grievable Actions the Dean of Students’ Office by completing A grievable action is an action that: the “Absence Notification Request Form” a. Is in violation of written cam- (available in person or online at www.shsu. pus policies or procedures, or edu/deanofstudents) to request notification b. Constitutes arbitrary, capri- be sent to their instructors. If the student cious, or unequal application of is physically unable to contact the office, a written campus policies or proce- family member may submit the notification dures. request. The Dean of Students’ Office provides Absence notices will not be granted after Student Grievance Services to address con- ten (10) business days from the last date of cerns of currently enrolled SHSU students. absence. The Dean of Students’ Office re- The function of this service is to person- serves the right to grant or reject notification ally assist students in achieving satisfactory requests at any time for any student. Excus- resolutions to university related challenges ing the student is at the sole discretion of listed above. Additionally, the Dean of Stu- the faculty member. dents Office makes referrals to appropriate campus departments/offices when neces- stUDent GrievanCe sary www.shsu.edu/~slo_www. ProCeDUres A grievance may arise out of a decision or action reached or taken in the course of of- ficial duty by a member of the faculty, staff,
Student 64 Guidelines RELATED UNIvERSITy POLICIES
aiDs PoliCy the extensive medical research currently un- der way on AIDS and the additional medical Sam Houston State University seeks to evidence which may become available with minimize the HIV/AIDS health risk on regard to AIDS, this policy statement is sub- campus. To prevent the spread of AIDS, ject to change. Nothing herein shall be con- Sam Houston State University has adopted strued as an assumption of risk or of other an educational program aimed at increasing legal responsibility by Sam Houston State faculty, staff, and student awareness. The University for the health or welfare of any university will respond to each AIDS case individual beyond the limits of previously on an individual basis subject to prevailing existing university policy or State law. medical research and current legal opin- ion, using as a guide the American College DrUG-Free Health Association’s General Statements WorKPlaCe PoliCy on Institutional Response to AIDS. The University Health Center is the designated The Board of Regents and the administra- central source for AIDS educational mate- tion of SHSU support the national policy of rials, information regarding AIDS testing, the United States of America to stop the il- counseling, and referral for medical care. In licit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol in the event that a student, or a faculty or staff our society. In keeping with The Drug-Free member, is known to have AIDS or is medi- Schools and Communities Act, SHSU has cally diagnosed as a carrier of the HIV virus, adopted a Drug-Free Workplace Policy and the university physician will make appropri- implemented a Drug Awareness Program to ate recommendations as may be medically prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse necessary. The welfare of the student and the of alcohol by students and employees. prevention of transmission of the disease are The SHSU Drug-Free Workplace Policy of primary concern in such cases. Students prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or who fail to abide by such conditions and are distribution of drugs and alcohol by employ- found to endanger themselves or the campus ees on university property or as any part of community by such noncompliance, may the university activity. be referred to the university Crisis Team. The unlawful use, possession, or distribu- University employees who fail to abide by tion of drugs or alcohol will result in a dis- such recommendations will be subject to ciplinary penalty of disciplinary probation, disciplinary actions on the same basis as demotion, suspension without pay, or termi- any other work rule violation. The patient’s nation, depending upon the circumstances. rights of nondiscrimination, privacy and The SHSU Drug Awareness program is confidentiality shall be honored as provided a three part program to inform employees for under State and Federal law. Because of about:
Student 65 Guidelines 1. Health risk involved in the use of wish to inspect. The university official illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol will make arrangements for access and which often result in poor health and notify the student of the time and place premature death. where the records may be inspected. If 2. Help available for drug and alcohol the records are not maintained by the counseling, treatment, and rehabilita- university official to whom the request tion that is offered to all SHSU em- was submitted, that official shall advise ployees. the student of the correct official to 3. Local sanctions which include fines whom the request should be addressed. and/or imprisonment for violation of (2) The right to request amendment local, state, or federal drug laws. of the student’s education records that SHSU is obligated to uphold laws which the student believes are inaccurate or prohibit the possession, use, or distribution misleading. of controlled substances. Any employee Students may ask the university to who is found to be in violation of these laws amend a record that they believe is will be dismissed and referred to the appro- inaccurate or misleading. They should priate legal authority for prosecution. The write the university official responsible SHSU Human Resources Department is the for the record, clearly identify the part source of information and confidential as- of the record they want changed, and sistance for any employee who is seeking specify why it is inaccurate or mislead- help for a drug or alcohol related problem. ing. Please contact the Human Resources De- If the university decides not to partment, located in the College of Humani- amend the record as requested by the ties & Social Sciences Building, Suite 410, student, the university will notify the phone number (936) 294-1070 if you need student of the decision and advise the additional information about this program. student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. FaMily eDUCational Additional information regarding the riGHts anD PrivaCy hearing procedure will be provided to aCt oF 1974 the student when notified of the right to a hearing. 1. Access to Records (3) The right to consent to disclosures Compliance with the Family Educa- of personally identifiable information tion Rights and Privacy Act requires that contained in the student’s education re- a university policy be provided to eligible cords, except to the extent that FERPA students upon request. (Subpart A Section authorizes disclosure without consent. 99.5) The following information complies One exception which permits dis- with this act. The Family Educational closure without consent is disclosure Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords to school officials with legitimate edu- students certain rights with respect to their cational interests. A school official is education records. They are: a person employed by the university (1) The right to inspect and review the in an administrative, supervisory, aca- students’ education records within 45 demic or research, or support staff po- days of the day the university receives sition (including law enforcement unit a request for access. personnel and health staff); a person or Students should submit to the regis- company with whom the university has trar, dean, head of the department, or contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, other appropriate official, written re- or collection agent); a person serving quests that identify the record(s) they on the Board of Trustees; or a student Student 66 Guidelines serving on an official committee, such State University will honor the student’s as a disciplinary or grievance commit- request to restrict the release of “Directory tee, or assisting another school official Information” as listed above, but cannot as- in performing his or her tasks. sume responsibility to contact the student A school official has a legitimate ed- for subsequent permission to release the ucational interest if the official needs to information. Regardless of the effect upon review an educational record in order the student, the institution assumes no li- to fulfill his or her professional respon- ability for honoring the student’s instruc- sibility. tions to restrict the release of “Directory Upon request, the university disclos- Information.” A student may restrict the re- es education records without consent lease of directory information by either us- to officials of another school, in which ing the “SAMINFO” or submitting written a student seeks or intends to enroll. notification to the Registrar’s Office, in the [Note: FERPA requires an institution Administration Building. Notification must to make a reasonable attempt to notify be given prior to the twelfth class day of the student of the records request un- the Fall and Spring semesters and the fourth less the institution states in its annual class day of each summer term. A student notification that it intends to forward who has restricted the release of personal records on request. The right to file a information (FERPA) will not have his or complaint with the U.S. Department of her name listed in the Dean’s List of Aca- Education concerning alleged failures demic Honors or the President’s Honor by State University to comply with the Roll, the Commencement Program, and/or requirements of FERPA. The name and Honors List. address of the office that administers FERPA is: First year reQUireD Family Policy Compliance Office HoUsinG anD Meal U.S. Department of Education Plan PoliCy 400 Maryland Ave., SW All first year students are required to re- Washington, DC 20202-4605. side in university housing and to purchase a 2. Directory Information 7, 20, or 15 day meal plan during their fresh- Under the terms of the Family Educa- man year, which will normally include the tional Rights and Privacy Act, Sam Hous- fall and spring semesters. Anyone signing an ton State University has established the academic year housing/meal plan contract following as directory information: (1) will be required to fulfill the terms of that Name, (2) Local/Home Address, (3) Major, contract. Exceptions to the First Year Re- (4) Minor, (5) Local/Home Telephone Num- quired Housing and Meal Plan Policy may ber, (6) Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates be made by the Department of Residence and Date of Award, (7) Honors and Awards, Life. Please refer to the current Residence (8) Classification, (9) Extracurricular Ac- Life policies on line for complete informa- tivities, (10) Birthdate and Place of Birth, tion on Residence Life policies. You may (11) Names and Addresses of Parents/Legal also contact the Department of Residence Guardians, (12) Weight, Height, and Relat- Life at (936) 294-1812. ed Information of Athletic Team Member. The above directory information will be available for release to the general public. raCial HarassMent However, the act states that each student PoliCy has the right to inform Sam Houston State Policy on Prohibition of Racial Harassment University that any or all of the above infor- System universities shall provide equal mation is not to be released. Sam Houston educational opportunities for all students Student 67 Guidelines and equal employment opportunities for all lished procedures established by the com- applicants and employees, and otherwise ponent universities. All complaints shall be foster an environment free of racial intimi- considered informal until they are filed in dation, humiliation, and harassment. Racial writing. harassment, as defined herein, is expressly Once a disciplinary penalty is imposed, prohibited. the accused, whether a student or a faculty or 1. Definition of Racial Harassment staff employee, shall have his/her full right “Racial Harassment” is defined as ex- to invoke applicable appeal procedures ac- treme or outrageous acts or communications cording to existing university policies. that are intended to harass, intimidate, or hu- miliate students, faculty, staff, or visitors on seXUal assaUlt PoliCy account of race, color, or national origin and Statement of Policy that reasonably cause them to suffer severe Sam Houston State University is commit- emotional distress. ted to creating and maintaining an environ- a. It is a violation of the Texas State ment that discourages sexual assault. Sexual University System’s (TSUS) RULES assault is defined with in the context of this AND REGULATIONS for any student, policy as sexual intercourse or other sexual faculty, or staff employee to engage in act committed against another without their racial harassment of any person on the consent. campuses of the component universi- What to do if you are sexually assaulted: ties or in connection with a university A. If you believe that you are still in sponsored activity. danger, you should call the University b. It is a violation of the RULES AND Police Department at 936-294-1000. REGULATIONS for any student, fac- B. Seek medical attention as soon ulty, or staff person to use authority as possible. You can call the campus granted by state law, by system rule, or Health Center at 936-294-1805 dur- by university policy to deprive any per- ing regular business hours or go to the son of his or her civil rights on a com- Emergency Room at the Huntsville ponent campus or in connection with a Memorial Hospital. Be sure to tell the university sponsored activity. examining physician or nurse that you c. If a violation of a TSUS’s rule and/ were sexually assaulted. or of a university regulation or policy Making a complaint of sexual assault: is committed on campus and/or in con- A. Sexual assault is a crime. If you nection with a university sponsored have been sexually assaulted, SHSU activity because of the race, color, or strongly recommends that you make a national origin of any person directly report to the police who, where war- harmed by such violation, the viola- ranted, will pursue criminal charges. tor’s discriminatory purpose shall be However, the decision to make a re- treated as an aggravating factor for the port to the police must be made by the purpose of determining the appropri- victim. Except where the university ate penalty. believes there is a threat of imminent 2. Disciplinary Rules harm to the university, the university Students, faculty, and staff employee of- will not make a report of an alleged fenders are subject to disciplinary action as sexual assault to the police without the appropriate under the circumstances for vio- victim’s consent. lation of this policy. B. Sexual assault also violates SHSU’s Procedures for Redressing Racial Harass- rules and regulations governing student ment Complaints of Students, Faculty, Staff, conduct. The university has instituted or Visitors shall be in accordance with pub- Student 68 Guidelines this policy to protect the accused, and (as stated above) is made either explicitly to maintain the confidentiality of the or implicitly a term or condition of an indi- identity of those involved to the extent vidual’s education or employment, or when possible. submission to or rejection of such conduct 1. How to report sexual assault at by an individual is used as a basis for aca- SHSU: demic or employment decisions affecting A student who chooses to make the individual’s education or employment. a complaint through the Universi- Quid pro quo harassment is equally unlaw- ty’s internal disciplinary proceed- ful whether the student resists and suffers the ings must make a report to the threatened harm or submits and thus avoids Dean of Students’ Office. the threatened harm. 2. What happens once a com- Hostile environment sexual harassment plaint is made occurs when sexually harassing conduct (as The Dean of Students’ Office stated above) by an employee, by another will investigate the allegation. student, or by a third party is sufficiently This will require interviews with severe, persistent, or pervasive to limit a the victim and the alleged assail- student’s ability to participate in or benefit ant. In some circumstances, in- from an education program or activity, or terviews with other persons who creates an intimidating, hostile, offensive or have knowledge of the circum- demeaning education or work environment. stances surrounding the alleged Each supervisor has a responsibility to incident may also be conducted. maintain the workplace free of all sex dis- Whenever possible the identity crimination, including sexual harassment. of the victim will not be revealed This duty includes discussing this policy during the investigative process or with all employees plus assuring students without the victim’s consent. that they are not to endure sexual harassment What to do if you are accused of sexual from university employees or other students. assault: Allegations of sex discrimination will be A. Take the allegation seriously. given immediate attention, and the person B. You may wish to consult an attor- charging harassment may do so without fear ney, especially if a criminal complaint of retaliation or reprisal. However, false ac- has or may be filed with the local police. cusations may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. seXUal HarassMent Students wishing information and/or con- sultation concerning sexual harassment are It is the policy of Sam Houston State Uni- encouraged to contact the Dean of Students’ versity to review and resolve complaints of Office. sexual harassment by any member of the university community, including faculty, stUDent resiGnation staff, students, or visitors. Sexual harass- PoliCy ment is a form of sex discrimination and will be treated as such by the university. Sexual 1. PURPOSE harassment occurs when any person, regard- To establish a standard procedure for the less of gender, is the recipient of unwelcome processing of student resignations from the sexual advances, unwelcome requests of University. sexual favors, or other unwelcome verbal, 2. DEFINITION visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Resignation refers to a situation in which Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a student withdraws from all classes in submission to sexually harassing conduct which he/she is enrolled at the University.
Student 69 Guidelines 3. GUIDELINES 4.05 The student may appeal the dean’s 3.01 If a student resigns from the 1st decision to the Office of the Provost and class day through the 12th class day (4th Vice President for Academic Affairs. class day in the summer), no record of the resignation will appear on the stu- tUition reBates dent’s academic record. For Certain 3.02 If a student resigns after the 12th UnDerGraDUates class day (4th class day in the summer) (a) A qualified student is eligible for a re- and prior to taking any final examination, bate of a portion of the undergraduate tuition a record of the resignation will appear the student has paid if the student: on the student’s academic record with a (1) is awarded a baccalaureate degree mark of “W.” from a general academic teaching institu- 3.03 To resign (officially withdraw) tion within the period prescribed by Sec- from the University, a student must either tion 56.462(1)(A) or (B), as applicable, report to the Registrar’s Office to com- to qualify for forgiveness of a Texas B- plete a Resignation Request or use the On-time loan; and online resignation form. (2) has attempted no more than three 3.04 The resignation becomes effective hours in excess of the minimum number on the date the form is received by the of semester credit hours required to com- Registrar’s Office. This date will be used plete the degree, including: for determining any eligible refund. (A) transfer credits; and 3.05 The Refund Policy of the Univer- (B) course credit earned exclu- sity is directed by the Texas Education sively by examination, except Code, Section 54.006. that, for purposes of this subsec- 4. REQUEST TO WITHDRAW AFTER tion, only the number of semester DEADLINE BASED ON EXTENUATING credit hours earned exclusively CIRCUMSTANCES by examination in excess of nine 4.01 A resignation request after the semester credit hours is treated as deadline will be considered where, in the hours attempted. University’s judgment, the student has (b) The amount of tuition to be rebated to a demonstrated extenuating circumstances student under this section is $1,000, unless such as incapacity due to a significant the total amount of undergraduate tuition personal injury or to an injury and/or paid by the student to the institution of high- illness requiring an extensive period er education awarding the degree was less of recuperation; a significant personal than $1,000, in which event the amount of emergency; or inability to contact the tuition to be rebated is an amount equal to University by the deadline because of a the amount of undergraduate tuition paid by medical or personal emergency. the student to the institution. 4.02 The student will need to make this However, a student who paid the institution request in writing to the academic dean awarding the degree an amount of under- of the major field of study. graduate tuition less than $1,000 may qual- 4.03 Written verification of emergency ify for an increase in the amount of the re- must be provided by a physician, hospi- bate, not to exceed a total rebate of $1,000, tal, etc. Death in the immediate family for any amount of undergraduate tuition the may be verified by an obituary notice or student paid to other institutions of higher a memorial folder. education by providing the institution with 4.04 The student will be notified of the proof of the total amount of that tuition paid dean’s decision. to other institutions of higher education.
Student 70 Guidelines (c) A student who has transferred from an- (i) The coordinating board, in consultation other institution of higher education shall with the institutions of higher education, provide the institution awarding the degree shall adopt rules for the administration of an official transcript from each institution at- this section, including a rule to allow an tended by the student in order that the period otherwise eligible student to receive a rebate during which the student has been enrolled under this section if the student is not award- in a general academic teaching institution ed a baccalaureate degree within the period and the total number of hours attempted by required by Subsection (a)(1) solely as a re- the student can be verified. sult of a hardship or other good cause. The (d) To qualify for a rebate under this sec- performance of active duty military service tion, the student must have been a resident by a student shall be recognized as “good of this state and entitled to pay tuition at the cause” for purposes of this section. rate provided by this chapter for a resident student at all times while pursuing the de- Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1073, gree. § 1.09, eff. Aug. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts (e) All institutions of higher education shall 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 611, § 1, eff. June 20, notify each first-time freshman student of 2003; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 292, § 3, eff. the tuition rebate program. June 17, 2005. (f) The institution awarding the degree shall pay the rebate under this section from local eMerGenCy funds. ProCeDUres (g) If a student entitled to a rebate under QUiCK reFerenCe this section has an outstanding student loan, FIRE – In case of fire or when the fire alarm including an emergency loan, owed or guar- sounds: anteed by this state, including the Texas • Evacuate the building immediately Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, the • Do not use the elevators institution shall apply the amount of the re- • Assist those with mobility problems bate to the student’s loan. If a student has • Contact University Police at 936-294- more than one outstanding loan, the institu- 1000 (4-1000 on campus) tion shall apply the amount of the rebate to • Report to supervisor at the designated site the loans as directed by the student or, if the • Do not re-enter the building until instruct- student fails to provide timely instructions ed on the application of the amount, the institu- tion shall apply the amount of the rebate to SEVERE WEATHER: the loans according to priorities established • Stay away from windows by the coordinating board. If the amount of • Take immediate shelter the rebate exceeds the amount of the loan • Monitor local radio and television stations indebtedness, the institution shall pay the • Today @ Sam for University closings student the excess amount. • Contact University Police at 936-294- (h) The legislature shall account in the 1000 (4-1000 on campus) General Appropriations Act for the rebates authorized by this section in a way that pro- MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: vides a corresponding increase in the gen- • Contact University Police at 936-294- eral revenue funds appropriated to the insti- 1000 (4-1000 on campus) tution. It is the intent of the legislature that • Provide your name, location, number in- rebates authorized by this section shall be fi- jured and description of injuries nanced by savings to the state resulting from • Stay on the phone for instructions on what reductions in the number of courses taken by to do undergraduate students. Student 71 Guidelines DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS: • Contact University Police at 936-294- • Contact University Police at 936-294- 1000 (4-1000 on campus) 1000 (4-1000 on campus) • Give your name, location, what is happen- • Provide information on type and size of ing and number of people involved (shoot- spill (if known) ers/victims) if known • Evacuate the immediate area and building • If possible, exit the building or area im- as directed mediately • Get decontamination instructions from • If exit is impossible, get to a room, lock authorities or barricade the door, keep quiet, remain in • Do not re-enter area until all clear is given place until all clear is given by law enforce- ment officials Sam Houston State University provides this report to comply with the Students Right BOMB THREATS/SUSPICIOUS ITEMS: To Know and Campus Security Act of 1990. • Pay close attention to the exact words the Sam Houston State University is a state-as- caller is using, document the call sisted institution of higher education located • Contact University Police at 936-294- in Huntsville, Texas. The campus, including 1000 (4-1000 on campus) its agriculture facilities, consists of approxi- • Do not touch or handle suspicious items mately 225 acres in and outside the city of or packages Huntsville, Texas, which has a population • Keep others away from area of approximately 35,000. The university • Notify your supervisor enrolls approximately 15,000 students sup- ported by 1,500 faculty and staff.
Student 72 Guidelines STUDENT RIGHT TO KNOW AND CAMPUS SECURITy ACT Of 1990 stUDent riGHt to KnoW The Sam Houston State University Police is operational twenty-four hours a day, The Student Right to Know and Campus year around. University Police is housed Security Act, in Section 103, Title I requires on campus. You have easy access either by institutions to provide information about telephone, (936) 294-1794, or by going to the completion or graduation rate of degree the University Police Building, Sam South, seeking, full time undergraduate students en- located at 843 South Sam Houston Avenue. tering the institution. In place of completion This location is clearly marked on universi- or graduation rates, institutions may elect to ty campus maps. University Police officers publish the percentage of students in each are licensed police officers and are trained entering class who re-enroll each successive to respond to criminal actions or other emer- year until completion or graduation. These gencies that may occur on campus. All Uni- are called persistence rates. SHSU has elect- versity Police reports are entered into com- ed to provide both forms of information. puters and are printed on approved standard The persistence rates for first time fresh- forms for criminal offense. A copy of every men who entered Sam Houston State Uni- University Police offense report is forward- versity in summer or fall semester and also ed to the Dean of Students’ Office. who were enrolled for 12 or more hours of credit during their first fall semester. Emergency Call Boxes and Telephones The annual security report may be ac- The university currently has sixteen cessed on the University Police Department emergency free standing call boxes located website http://www.shsu.edu/~upd_www/ at strategic locations on campus. In addi-
DisClosUre oF CaMPUs tion, most residence halls have emergency seCUrity PoliCy anD telephone boxes outside the main entrance CaMPUs CriMe to the halls. The call boxes allow direct com- statistiCs munication with the police department and provide a rapid means for reporting emer- Title II, § 204(A-I), Crime Awareness and gencies and crimes, in addition to request- Campus Security Act, provides for disclo- ing police assistance. University telephones, sure of the following: after punching “9” for an outside line, may be used to dial 911 (i.e., 9,911). Reporting Crimes and Emergencies [§ 204(A)] All criminal offenses that Access to Campus facilities occur on campus should be reported to the [§ 204(B)] Section 51.209 of the Texas University Police Department immediately. Educational Code states “The governing
Student 73 Guidelines board of a state institution of higher educa- tems to be directed by the University Police tion or it’s authorized representatives may Department, with assistance from the Uni- refuse to allow persons having no legiti- versity community. Signs will be posted in mate business to enter on property under the all public areas covered by the surveillance board’s control, and may eject any unauthor- system. These signs are intended to provide ized person from the property on his refusal persons notification that their activity is be- to leave peaceably on request. Identifica- ing recorded. Access to live video feeds and tion may be required of any person on the archival data will be regulated by the Univer- property.” It is advised that members of the sity Police Department. Copies of the video university community should have their uni- archives shall not be disclosed to persons versity issued identification card with them outside of the University Police Department at all times. The Sam Houston State Univer- without the Police Department’s prior writ- sity Police have been vested with the above ten approval. The Univeristy Police Depart- authority by the Board of Regents. ment retains control over any device used to monitor or record locations on the University Patrol of Campus, Student Patrol, & Hall Campus. Any unauthorized recording devic- Safety Personnel es can be considered a violation to a person’s Uniformed University Police officers pa- right to privacy, and may be confiscated by trol the campus area 24 hours each day in the University Police Department and appro- marked police units with a superior police priate disciplinary action taken. radio system. In addition, during the day, uniformed student parking control person- Electronic Alarm System nel are on patrol in the parking areas; each The University Police monitor a compre- person is issued a two-way radio for con- hensive system of intrusion and fire alarms. tact within the university police system. In the evening and early morning hours there Operation Identification are uniformed student foot patrol personnel The University Police may provide, on patrolling the main campus who will pro- loan, engravers for engraving driver’s license vide escort service to anyone whom may numbers onto high-value items to deter theft. be concerned with their safety. The univer- sity assigns housing safety personnel to each Surveys housing facility to unlock the entry for the The University Police conduct surveys of residents. The housing units are locked from security and safety of buildings throughout 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m., except on Saturday the year, an annual lighting survey of the when the buildings are locked at 1:00 a.m. campus, and an annual survey to see that Residents must have a key or be admitted by shrubbery, trees and vegetation are properly the housing safety personnel on duty. Hous- trimmed. ing managers and residents assistants are on duty in the Housing Units. Crime victims Assistance The SHSU Crisis Team is available to as- Security Camera System sist crime victims and family members in In an effort to reduce unwanted activity dealing with the emotional and psychological and provide a safe environment, SHSU has aftermath of violent crime. The SHSU Crisis chosen to implement a closed circuit video Team may be reached by contacting the Uni- surveillance system. The primary function of versity Police Department at (936) 294-1794. these surveillance systems will be to assist the University Police Department in crime Emergency Physical Plant Services deterrence and investigations. This requires The Physical Plant has an emergency af- the ownership and operation of these sys- ter normal hours call out policy for main- Student 74 Guidelines tenance and repair for educational and otherwise under the control of the institution non-residence buildings on campus. These of higher education or technical institute that calls are received and processed through the employs the peace officer or otherwise in the University Police dispatcher. In residence performance of their duties.” halls, the hall director will determine if the The University Police enjoy a good work- physical plant personnel should handle the ing relationship with federal, state, local, emergency. The responding physical plant city and county law enforcement authorities. personnel shall sign in at the University Po- The University Police Department’s work- lice Department. In most cases this should ing relationship with other area law enforce- be before responding to the emergency call. ment agencies ensures that crimes and alco- However, if this would cause an unneces- hol violations at these off-campus sites may sary delay resulting in further damages, be reported to the University Police. injuries, losses, etc., the craftsmen may log in at the University Police upon completion Code of Conduct Requirement of the emergency work. Every craftsman [§ 204(C)(ii)] Sam Houston State Uni- who is called out will log his or her arrival versity’s Code of Student Conduct and and exit times with the University Police. A Discipline 5.1, Acquaintance with Policies, call-out sheet is provided to the University Rules, and Regulations, states the follow- Police for the purpose of logging all infor- ing: Each student is expected to be fully ac- mation regarding an emergency call-out. quainted with all published policies, rules, Physical Plant personnel will at all times, and regulations of the university, copies of while on duty wear their photo identifica- which shall be available to each student for tion badge in a manner that it is plainly vis- review in a specific place on each campus. ible to others. The university will hold each student re- sponsible for compliance with these poli- Law Enforcement Authority cies, rules, and regulations. Students are [§ 204(C)(i)] University Police officers also expected to comply with all federal and have full law enforcement authority on prop- state laws. THIS PRINCIPLE EXTENDS erty owned and controlled by the university, TO CONDUCT OFF CAMPUS WHICH including streets contiguous to and running IS LIKELY TO HAVE AN ADVERSE EF- through the campus. University Police of- FECT ON THE UNIVERSITY OR ON ficers are licensed “Peace Officers” by the THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS. state of Texas. University Police officers are authorized by State statute to enforce federal Rights and Responsibilities on Campus and state laws within their jurisdiction, in Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are addition to rules and regulations issued by expected to maintain standards of personal the Board of Regents of Sam Houston State discipline that are in harmony with the edu- University on property under the control and cational goals of Sam Houston State Uni- jurisdiction of Sam Houston State Univer- versity, to observe federal, state, and local sity. Under Section 51.203, Texas Education laws, university rules and regulations, and Code; Campus Peace Officers, states in part, to respect the rights, privileges, and proper- “The governing boards of each state institu- ty of others. Students, staff, and faculty are tion of higher education and public technical encouraged to give accurate information institute may employ and commission peace to the University Police when reporting officers for the purpose of carrying out the crimes, as The Texas Penal Code, Chapter provisions of this subchapter. The primary 37., Section 37.08. False Report to Peace jurisdiction of a peace officer commissioned Officer, states: (a) A person commits an under this section includes all counties in offense if he: (1) reports to a peace officer which property is owned, leased, rented, or an offense or incident within the officer’s Student 75 Guidelines concern, knowing that the offense or inci- 3. Engrave your driver’s license num- dent did not occur; or (2) makes a report to ber on all valuable property. a peace officer relating to an offense or in- 4. Record the serial numbers and brand cident within the officer’s concern knowing names of all property of value. that he has no information relating to the Protect Yourself: offense or incident. An offense under this 1. Lock your doors when you take a section is a Class B misdemeanor. nap or retire for the evening. Do not Filing a false report to the University Po- block open entry doors to residence lice could place a student in violation of the halls after hours. Code of Student Conduct and Discipline, 2. Require identification before admit- under section 5.2, (1). The University Po- ting someone unfamiliar into your resi- lice may request a copy of an offense report dence or your vehicle. from any law enforcement agency, if such 3. Avoid walking alone at night, if pos- report reflects conduct of a student which sible, and stay on lighted routes. is deemed to have an adverse effect on Sam 4. Report suspicious persons or cir- Houston State University or the educational cumstances. This could stop a crime process. The University Police may forward before it happens. You may offer con- a report regarding such incident to the Dean fidential assistance to the University of Students’ Office. Police directly or through the Dean of Students’ Office. Security Awareness and Presentations Crime prevention is important to the cam- [§ 204(D)] An example of the type of in- pus community and you can help by report- formation given to students during each se- ing any crime or suspected crime to your mester is provided below. This information University Police immediately. By doing so, is presented by the Residence Life Depart- you may be preventing someone from be- ment during their housing unit group meet- coming a victim of a serious crime. ings with residents. Officers meeting with Crime Prevention Programs and Other students on campus supply this information Law Enforcement Interaction also. This type information is also published [§ 204(E)] Throughout the academic year in the campus newspaper. Dean of Students there will be group programs and individual personnel also discuss this information at all counseling on crime prevention presented orientation sessions for new students. by the University Police, Huntsville Police, Crime Prevention on Campus the local Sheriff’s Department, Residence If a crime is to be committed, the offender Life, and the Dean of Students’ Office. There must have the desire, ability, and opportu- are also programs given by the College of nity to commit the crime. Law enforcement Criminal Justice. can do little to remove the offender’s desire and ability to commit crimes, but together Disseminating Information on Campus WE can remove the element of opportunity. Crime THIS IS CRIME PREVENTION. Together The university has taken measures to ensure we can remove the temptation of opportu- that the university community is fully aware nity by taking a few simple precautions. of campus crime. These measures include: Protect Your Property: Media Relations: Public Information pre- 1. Lock your residence every time you pares news release on crimes for distribution to leave, even for a short time. This in- campus and Huntsville news media or U.P.D. cludes your motor vehicle. web page at www.shsu.edu/~upd_www/. 2. Do not leave valuables lying out in University Newspaper: The Houstonian car- the open or in unlocked vehicles. ries stories on serious criminal offenses.
Student 76 Guidelines Crime Stoppers: Huntsville Police, working ing from mandatory, university or college with the University Police, develop Crime approved counseling to expulsion. Mitigat- Stopper information for local news media. ing or aggravating factors in assessing the proper level of discipline shall include, but Monitoring of Criminal Activity not necessarily be limited to, the student’s [§ 204(G)] The Dean of Students’ Office motive for engaging in the behavior; dis- attempts to monitor any criminal activity ciplinary history; effect of the behavior on of off-campus student organizations which safety and security of the university or col- are recognized by the institution and that lege community; and the likelihood that the are engaged in by students attending the behavior will recur. A student who has been institution, including those student orga- suspended, dismissed, probated or expelled nizations with off-campus housing facili- from any system component shall be ineligi- ties. Refer to university’s Code of Student ble to enroll at any other system component Conduct and Discipline 5.1, which states in during the applicable period of discipline. part, Students are also expected to comply The registrar of each component is autho- with all federal and state laws. THIS PRIN- rized to make an appropriate notation on the CIPLE EXTENDS TO CONDUCT OFF student’s transcript to accomplish this objec- CAMPUS WHICH IS LIKELY TO HAVE tive and to remove the notation when the stu- AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE UNI- dent’s disciplinary record has been cleared. A VERSITY OR ON THE EDUCATIONAL second infraction for a drug-related offense PROCESS. shall result in permanent expulsion from the component and from all other institutions in Nonviolent Crimes Reported, Sam Hous- The Texas State University System. ton State University Campus The Sam Houston State University Drug- Under Texas Penal Code § 46.03 “Places Free Work Place Policy (ER-10), which be- Weapons Prohibited,” it is a FELONY OF- came effective March 1989, prohibits the FENSE to go on a school or educational in- unlawful use, possession, or distribution of stitution with a firearm. illicit drugs and alcohol by employees. Uni- versity employees who violate this prohibi- DrUG Free sCHools tion are subject to the sanctions set out in the anD CoMMUnities policy, including possible discharge. stanDarDs oF ConDUCt HealtH risKs oF Section 5.9 (20) of Chapter VI of the alCoHol anD DrUGs Rules and Regulations of the Board of Re- Alcohol gents, Texas State University System pro- Alcohol consumption causes a number vides for disciplinary action against any of marked changes in behavior. Even low student who engages in conduct that is pro- amounts significantly impair the judgment hibited by state, federal, or local law and for and coordination required to drive a car safe- illegal use and for unauthorized use of in- ly. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also toxicating beverages, and illegal use of any increase the incidence of a variety of aggres- drug, narcotic or controlled substance. sive acts. Moderate to high levels of alcohol A student who, by a preponderance of the cause marked impairments in higher mental evidence, under these Rules and Regula- functions, severely altering a person’s abil- tions, is found to have illegally possessed, ity to learn and remember information. Very used, sold or distributed any drug, narcotic, high levels cause respiratory depression and or controlled substance, whether the infrac- death. If combined with other depressants of tion is found to have occurred on or off the central nervous system, much lower lev- campus, shall be subject to discipline, rang- Student 77 Guidelines els of alcohol use can lead to dependence on legal restrictions, underground chemists alcohol. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake modify the molecular structure of certain is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, illegal drugs to produce analogs known including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucina- as designer drugs. These drugs can be tions, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal several hundred times stronger than the can be life threatening. Long term consump- drugs they are designed to imitate. Many tion of large quantities of alcohol can lead of the so-called designer drugs are relat- to permanent damage to vital organs such ed to amphetamines (MDMA, X, speed). as the brain and the liver. Prolonged alcohol Bootleg manufacture creates overdose and abuse causes bleeding from the intestinal contamination risks. These substances can tract, damage to nerves and the brain, psy- produce severe neurochemical damage to chotic behavior, loss of memory and coor- the brain. The narcotic analogs (fentanyl, dination, damage to the liver often resulting china white) can cause symptoms such in cirrhosis, impotence, severe inflammation as those seen in Parkinson’s disease: un- of the pancreas, and damage to the bone controllable tremors, drooling, impaired marrow, heart, testes, ovaries, and muscles. speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain Damage to the nerves and organs is usually damage. Analogs of amphetamines and irreversible. Cancer is the second leading methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred cause of death in alcoholics and is 10 times vision, chills or sweating, and faintness. more frequent than in non-alcoholics. Fe- Psychological effects include anxiety, de- males who drink during pregnancy may give pression and paranoia. As little as one dose birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. can cause brain damage. The analogs of These infants have irreversible physical ab- phencyclidine cause illusions, hallucina- normalities and mental retardation. In addi- tions, and impaired perception. tion, research indicates that children of alco- holic parents are at a greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics. Cocaine Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. The use of cocaine can cause death Tobacco (Nicotine) by cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Its The smoking of tobacco products is the immediate effects include dilated pupils and chief avoidable cause of death in our soci- elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respira- ety. Smokers are more likely than nonsmok- tory rate, and body temperature. Occasional ers to contract heart disease. Some 30 per- use can cause a stuffy or runny nose, while cent of cancer deaths are linked to smoking. chronic use can ulcerate the mucous mem- Chronic obstructive lung diseases such as brane of the nose. Injecting cocaine with emphysema and chronic bronchitis are 10 contaminated equipment can increase the times more likely to occur among smokers risk of AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases. than among nonsmokers. Smoking during Cocaine can produce psychological and pregnancy poses serious risks such as spon- physical dependency, a feeling that the user taneous abortion, preterm birth, low birth cannot function without the drug. In addi- weights, and fetal and infant deaths. Be- tion, tolerance develops rapidly. Crack or cause nicotine is highly addictive, addicts freebase rock is extremely addictive, and find it very difficult to stop smoking. Fewer its effects are felt within ten seconds. The than 20 percent of typical smokers succeed physical effects include dilated pupils, in- in stopping on the first try. creases pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucina- Designer Drugs tions, paranoia, and seizures. Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. To circumvent these Student 78 Guidelines Other Stimulants cal effects may include dilated pupils, el- Stimulants can cause increased heart evated body temperatures, increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pres- rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite. sleeplessness, and tremors. It is common to In addition, users may experience sweat- have bad psychological reactions to LSD, ing, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness mescaline, and psilocybin. The user may sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high experience panic, persistent memory prob- doses can cause a rapid or irregular heart- lems, and speech difficulties. Users who beat, tremors, loss of coordination, and discontinue use experience “flashback” even physical collapse. An amphetamine consisting of distortions of virtually any injection creates a sudden increase in blood sensation for long periods after discontin- pressure that can result in stroke, very high ued use. Mood disorders, such as depres- fever, or heart failure. In addition to the sion, anxiety and violent behavior, also physical effects, users report feeling rest- occur. In later stages of chronic use, users less, anxious and moody. Higher doses in- often exhibit paranoid and violent behav- tensify the effects. Persons who use large ior. Large doses may produce convulsions amounts of amphetamines over a long pe- and coma, as well as heart and lung fail- riod of time can develop an amphetamine ure. Withdrawal may require psychiatric psychosis that includes hallucinations, delu- treatment for the accompanying persistent sions and paranoia. psychotic states. Suicide is not uncommon.
Anabolic Steroids Anabolic steroids are a group of powerful Solvent Inhalants, e.g., Glue, Lacquers, compounds closely related to the male sex Plastic Cement hormone testosterone. Steroid users sub- The immediate negative effects of inhal- ject themselves to more than 70 side effects ants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, ranging in severity from liver cancer to acne, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, as well as psychological as well as physical and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol reactions. The liver and cardiovascular and sprays also decrease the heart and respira- reproductive systems are most seriously af- tory rates and impair judgement. Amyl and fected by steroid use. In males, use can cause butyl nitrite cause rapid pulse, headaches, withered testicles, sterility, and impotence. and involuntary passing of urine and fe- In females, irreversible masculine traits can ces. Long term use may result in hepatitis develop along with breast reduction and ste- or brain damage. Deeply inhaling the va- rility. Psychological effects include very ag- pors, or using large amounts over a short gressive behavior known as “roid rage” and time, may result in disorientation, violent depression. While some side effects appear behavior, unconsciousness, or death. High quickly, others, such as heart attacks and concentrations of inhalants can cause suffo- strokes, may not show up for years. cation by displacing the oxygen in the lungs or by depressing the central nervous system Hallucinogens or Psychedelics to the point that breathing stops. Long term Lysergic Acid (LSD), mescaline, pey- use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electro- ote, and phencyclidine (PCP or “angel lyte imbalance, and muscle fatigue. Repeat- dust”) cause illusions and hallucinations, ing sniffing of concentrated vapors over and their use impairs and distorts one’s time can permanently damage the nervous perception of surroundings, causes bizarre system. Fumes from these substances cause mood changes and results in visual hal- problems similar to alcohol. Incidents of lucinations that involve geometric forms, hallucinations and permanent brain damage colors, and persons or objects. The physi- are more frequent. Student 79 Guidelines Marijuana (Cannabis) imposed for conduct related to the unlawful All forms of cannabis have negative phys- use, possession, or distribution of drugs or ical and mental effects. Use of cannabis may alcohol include disciplinary probation, pay- impair or reduce short-term memory and ment for damage to or misappropriation of comprehension, alter sense of time and re- property, suspension of rights and privileges, duce ability to perform tasks requiring con- suspension for a specified period of time, centration and coordination, such as driving expulsion, or such other penalty as may be a car. Research also shows that students do deemed appropriate under the circumstances. not retain knowledge when they are “high.” Employees Motivation and cognition may be altered, The unlawful use, possession, or distribu- making the acquisition of new information tion of drugs or alcohol will result in a dis- difficult. Marijuana can also produce para- ciplinary penalty of disciplinary probation, noia and psychosis. Because users often demotion, suspension without pay, or termi- inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then nation, depending upon the circumstances. hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pul- monary system. Marijuana smoke contains availaBle DrUG more cancer causing agents than tobacco CoUnselinG or smoke. Long term users of cannabis may de- reHaBilitation velop psychological dependence and require serviCes more of the drug to get the same effect. The CAMPUS SERvICES drug can become the center of their lives. Students Narcotics The university Counseling Center is Narcotics initially produce a feeling of eu- available to assist students in dealing with phoria that often is followed by drowsiness, alcohol and substance abuse problems. Con- nausea, and vomiting. Users may experience fidential treatment, education, and referrals constricted pupils, watery eyes, and itching. are available to students at no cost. The An overdose may produce slow and shallow Counseling Center may be reached by dial- breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, ing (936) 294-1720. and possible death. Tolerance to narcotics Employees develops rapidly and dependence is likely. The Texas State University System group The use of contaminated syringes may in- health insurance program provides for treat- crease the risk of such diseases as AIDS, en- ment of drug and alcohol abuse for all ben- docarditis, and hepatitis. Addiction in preg- efits eligible employees. Human Resources nant women can lead to premature, stillborn, Department will provide assistance to em- or addicted infants who experience severe ployees seeking treatment for drug or alco- withdrawal symptoms. hol abuse. University Penalties COMMUNITy SERvICES
Students • Alcoholics Anonymous, 1214 12th Street, The university will impose a minimum Huntsville, Texas; (936) 291-3376 disciplinary penalty of suspension for a • Montgomery-Walker County Council on specified period of time or suspension of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 724 Thomason, rights and privileges, or both, for conduct Huntsville, Texas; (936) 291-7433 related to the use, possession, or distribution of drugs that are prohibited by state, federal, or local law. Other penalties that may be
Student 80 Guidelines CriMe statistiCs
The following crime statistics are recorded from January 1, 2009 to July 9, 2009. University Police Department Criminal Offenses 2008-2009
Residential Non-Campus Public On-Campus Halls Buildings Property Hate Crimes Murder 0 0 0 0 0 Manslaughter 0 0 0 0 0 Sexual Assault/Forcible 0 0 0 0 0 Sexual Assault/Non Forcible 0 1 0 0 0 Robbery 3 0 0 0 0 Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 0 0 Simple Assault 7 4 0 1 0 Burglary 0 3 0 0 0 Larceny/Theft 42 0 0 45 0 Vandalism 16 0 0 0 0’ Arson 0 0 0 0 0 Intimidation 1 0 0 0 0 Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 0 0
University Police Department 2008-2009 Arrest- On-campus*
On-Campus/ Disciplinary Actions/ On-Campus Residence Halls Judicial Referrals Liquor-Law Violations 5 35 40 Drug Abuse Violations 4 12 15 Weapons Possessions 0 0 0
University Police Department 2008-2009 Arrest-Non-campus*
Non-Campus/ Disciplinary Actions/ Building Public Property Judicial Referrals Liquor-Law Violations 0 11 6 Drug Abuse Violations 0 39 14 Weapon Possessions 0 3 0
*Statistics Do Not Include The Following: Public Intoxication; Driving Under The Influence/Minor; Driving While Intoxicated
Previous Academic years University Police Department Criminal Offenses 2003-04 2004-05 2 0 0 5 - 0 6 2006-07 2007-08 Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter0 0 0 0 0 0 Negligent Manslaughter 0 0 0 0 0 Sexual Assault/Forcible 0 0 0 1 2 Sexual Assault/ Non Forcible 0 0 0 0 0 Robbery 0 0 0 1 1 Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 1 1 Burglary 6 10 7 4 3 Motor Vehicle Theft 1 1 1 0 2 Arson 0 0 1 0 0
University Police Department Arrest for: 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 Liquor-Law Violations 33 172 95 94 45 Drug Abuse Violations 20 40 38 39 28 Weapons Violations 1 3 0 0 0
Student 81 Guidelines PENALTIES UNDER STATE AND fEDERAL LAW I. Texas Law Offense/Authority Minimum Punishment Maximum Punishment Manufacture or delivery of con- Confinement in the Texas Depart- Confinement in TDCJ for life or for trolled substances (drugs) ment of Corrections (TDCJ) for a a term of not more than 99 years or Health & Safety Code § 481.113 term of not more than 10 years or less than 20 years, and a fine not to less than 2 years, or confinement in exceed $500,000. a community correctional facility for not more than 1 year, and a fine not to exceed $10,000. Possession of controlled substances Confinement in jail for a term of not Confinement in TDCJ for life or for (drugs) more than 180 days, and a fine not to a term of not more than 99 years or Health & Safety Code § 481.115 exceed $1,000. less than 10 years, and a fine not to exceed $100,000. Delivery of Marijuana Confinement in jail for a term of not Confinement in TDCJ for life or for Health & Safety Code § 481.120 more than 180 days, and a fine not to a term of not more than 99 years or exceed $1,000. less than 15 years, and a fine not to exceed 250,000. Possession of Marijuana Confinement in jail for a term not to Confinement in TDCJ for life or for Health & Safety Code § 481.120 exceed 180 days, and a fine notto ex- a term of not more than 99 years or ceed $1,000. less than 15 years, and a fine not to exceed $250,000. Driving While Intoxicated Confinement in jail for a term of not Confinement in jail for a term of not (Includes intoxication from alcohol, more than two years or less than 72 more than two years or less than 30 drugs, or both) hours, and a fine of not more than days, or confinement in TDCJ for a Penal Code § 49.04, 49.09, and $2,000 or less than $100. term of not more than 5 years or less 12.34, TABC § 106.041 than 60 days, and a fine of not more than $2,000 or less than $500. Public Intoxication A fine not to exceed $200. Purchase of alcohol by a minor Fine of not less than $25 nor more For a subsequent offense, a fine of not than $200. less than $100 nor more than $500. Consumption of alcohol by a minor Fine of not less than $25 nor more For a subsequent offense, a fine of than $200. not less than $100 nor more than $500. Possession of alcohol by a minor Fine of not less than $25 nor more For a subsequent offense, a fine of not than $200. less than $100 nor more than $500. Alcoholic Beverage Purchase of alcohol by a minor Fine not less than $100 nor more For a subsequent offense, a fine of Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.06 than $500 or confinement in jail for not less than $500 nor more than not more than 1 year, or both. $1000 or confinement in jail for not more than 1 year, or both. II. federal Law Offense/Authority Minimum Punishment Maximum Punishment Manufacture, distribution or dis- A term of imprisonment not more A term of life imprisonment without pensing drugs (includes marijuana) than 1 years, and a minimum fine release (no eligibility for parole) and 21USCS § 841 of $1000. a fine not to exceed $800,000 (for an individual) or $20,000,000 (it other than an individual). Possession of drugs (including Imprisonment for not less than Imprisonment for not more than 20 marijuana) 1 year or a fine of not more than years or less than 5 years, and a fine 21USCS § 844 $1000. of not less than $5000 plus costs of investigation and prosecution. Operation of a Common Carrier Imprisonment for not less than 1 Imprisonment for up to 15 years, and under the influence of alcohol or year. a fine not to exceed $250,000. drugs 18USCS Appx. 2D2.3 and 18 USCS Appx. 5A Student 82 Guidelines iMPortant inForMation FroM yoUR University HealtH Center
IMMUNIZATION IS AN INTEGRAL PART Of yOUR HEALTH CARE
Although Sam Houston State University does not Hepatitis B have mandatory immunization requirements at this time, Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. we encourage all students entering the university to check It is spread by exposure to contaminated blood or body immunization records to ensure that they have met all of fluids. This virus (HBV) can cause lifelong infection, cir- the minimum requirements for these immunizations. rhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. HBV is spread when blood from an infected person en- Measles (Rubella, Red Measles, Hard Measles, 10- ters the body of a person who is not infected. Hepatitis B Day Measles) vaccine is available for all age groups to prevent Hepati- Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Antibiot- tis B virus infection. ics are not available to treat persons infected with this organism. Recent outbreaks of this illness have resulted Meningitis in hospitalization and some deaths among college-aged Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s persons. For these reasons it is strongly recommended spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People that students in Texas have two doses of the vaccine prior sometimes refer to it as spinal meningitis. Meningitis is to entering college. Most young adults have had only one caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningi- dose. The measles vaccine is most often given in combi- tis is generally less severe and resolves without specific nation with the vaccines for mumps and rubella, which treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe are also caused by viruses. This combination vaccine is and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning referred to as MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). disability, or even death. Bacterial meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions Tetanus (Lockjaw) (i.e., coughing, kissing). The illness caused by tetanus results from the poison produced by bacteria. Again, this is a very difficult ill- Symptoms may include high fever, headache, and ness to treat once it occurs and prevention is the most stiff neck, causea, vomiting, discomfort looking into appropriate choice. The vaccine is effective for about 10 bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. Early diagnosis years and needs to be boosted at that interval. The tetanus and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the vaccine should be given in combination with the diph- patient should see a doctor immediately. There are vac- theria vaccine. cines against some types of meningitis. The vaccine is recommended for college students, particularly freshmen Poliomyelitis (Polio) residing in residence halls. In the United States, polio immunization is not rou- tinely recommended for people 8 years of age or older. Influenza However, if travel to other parts of the world is planned, The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a physician should be contacted for specific recommen- influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and dations. at times can lead to death. Symptoms of flu include fever, Tuberculosis (TB) headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, run- Due to the reappearance of tuberculosis as a major ny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. The best way to pre- public health issue in the United States and particularly vent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall. Texas, it is recommended that all students have a yearly vaccine Availability Mantoux skin test to assure that they are free of the dis- The Health Center can provide most of these immuni- ease. Main symptoms are persistent heavy cough, cough zations and tests at a reduced rate. For more information with sputum or blood, fatigue, distressed breathing, fe- on immunizations contact the University Health Center at ver, or weight loss. Students doing observation, volunteer 294-1805. work, field placement, student teaching, or employment in a Texas school district, correctional facility or medical The absence of mandatory immunization require- facility will be required to have a negative TB test before ments at Sam Houston State University is, by no means, entering some placement sites. an indication of their importance. On the contrary, immu- varicella (Chickenpox) nization can mean the difference between life and death. Varicella is a highly contagious virus of the herpes Students are strongly encouraged to review their immuni- family that is spread by coughing and sneezing. The symp- zation records to ensure they have received the following toms include a skin rash of blister-like lesions, usually on vaccines recommended by the American College Health the face, scalp, or trunk with an increased potential for Association (ACHA). serious complications in children 13 or older and adults.
Student 83 Guidelines vaccine Age Indicated Major Indications Measles, mumps and 1st dose at age 12-15 months or later, 2nd All entering college student born rubella (MMR) dose at age 4-6 years or later. after 1956.
Tetanus, Diptheria, Primary series in childhood with DTaP or DTP All college students. Pertussis (DTP) (Td) booster at age 11-12 years with Td, then every 10 years. varicella Childhood, adolescence, young adulthood. All students without history of the Two doses at least one month apart, if over disease or without age appropriate age 13. immunization or with a negative antibody titer.
Hepatitis B Series of three doses given at All college students. 0, 1-2 months, and 6-12 months.
Meningococcal Single vaccination. Recommended for college students particularly freshmen living in dormitories.
Influenza Each fall for college students. Encouraged for all students.
The table below is the Texas Board of Health immunization requirement for any student doing an internship in a health care facility of any kind as part of their educational program. These Allied Health students must have the following immu- nizations prior to their entering the health care facility. These immunizations are not required at this time for the general student population of Sam Houston State University. However, each student at Sam Houston State University is urged to use this table to determine their individual immunity to the diseases below. If you do not meet each of the criteria in the “Schedule for Immunization,” we recommend that you update your immunizations immediately.
Student Classification Immunization Needed Schedule for Immunization Medical Interns and Residents, Fellows Tetanus/Diptheria Must have had one dose within past 10 years. and students enrolled in health-related courses who have or will have any direct Measles Those born since January 1, 1957 must have patient contact. two doses since 12 months of age. The two doses must be at least 30 days apart.
Mumps Those born since January 1, 1957 must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.
Rubella At least one dose since 12 months of age is required.
Dental students and medical students, Hepatitis B A primary series must be begun or, preferably interns, residents, and fellows completed prior to beginning direct patient care (if not already immune).
All students enrolled in health-related Hepatitis B A complete series of proof of immunity is courses which have or will have direct encouraged prior to beginning direct patient contact, especially contact with patient care. patient’s blood.
Student enrolled in school of veterinary Rabies A primary series is required prior to contact medicine. with animals or their remains. Also a booster dose is needed every two years (or documentation of protective antibodies).
For more information see the amended Sections 2.09 and 2.09a of the Texas Education Code and the Texas Board of Health rules including the revision adopted July 20, 1991, or call the Texas Department of Health, Immunization Division, 1-800-252-9152.
Student 84 Guidelines UnDerstanDinG anD PreventinG Hiv/aiDs inFeCtion
ABCs of STDs two uninfected people reduces the risk of A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a contracting an STD. However, protection disease caused by a virus or bacteria spread should still be used. through direct sexual contact (vaginal, oral, 3. Do not pressure someone into having or anal sex) from person to person. STDs sex and do not allow someone to pressure can affect both males and females of all you. Having sex with someone that has not ages, backgrounds, and races. or cannot give consent is a criminal offense. There are many STDs, but some of the 4. Avoid all drugs. Alcohol and other more common forms include Gonorrhea, drugs affect your judgment and reduce your Syphilis, Chlamydia, HIV, HPV, and Geni- inhibitions making it more likely that one tal Herpes. These diseases are transmitted will make unwise choices. through body fluids such as blood, semen, 5. THINK OF THE CONSEQUENCES and vaginal secretions or contact with an in- OF YOUR ACTIONS! A bad decision re- fected lesion. STDs may be transmitted from garding sexual activity could leave you male to male, female to male, female to fe- dealing with an STD, unplanned pregnancy, male, and male to female during any type of legal problems, and/or regrets. sexual activity. Get Tested STDs can cause permanent health prob- It is important to know your status. STD lems such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, testing is recommended for those who have ectopic or tubal pregnancies, chronic pain- engaged in ANY form of sexual activity. In ful sores and blisters on the genitals, genital addition to getting tested, talk to your part- warts, cancer and even death. A person’s be- ner about STDs before you make a decision havior determines the probability of risk that regarding sexual activity. Learn about your they will become infected. partner’s past behaviors (sex and drug use), Your behavior-Your responsibility and consider the consequences and risks to Sexual abstinence is the only 100% effec- your health if you choose to engage in sexual tive way of avoiding STDs and unplanned activity. Ask your partner if they have re- pregnancies. Abstinence until marriage is an cently been tested for STDs including HIV; acceptable practice among college students. if not encourage them to do so. Again, if you In fact, we strongly promote this choice. choose to engage in sexual behavior, use a However, some students will not choose latex condom every time. It is important that abstinence and will engage in sexual activ- you seek treatment if you believe that you ity. For these students, we encourage them may have been exposed to a STD. STDs can to take certain steps to reduce the probability increase your risk of contracting HIV. of STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and other Remember that abstaining from sexual possible consequences of sexual activity. activity is the only 100% effective way to These steps include: avoid STDs and unplanned pregnancies. 1. Use protection - Always use protec- However, if you make the decision to have tion if you are sexually active. Proper use sex, take control of your health, get tested of LATEX condoms containing spermicidal and know your status. lubricant reduces the risk for STDs and un- For further information on STD testing, planned pregnancies. Please note that con- contact the Health Center at 936-294-1805. doms reduce, but do not eliminate the risk. 2. Limit the number of sexual partners. A mutually monogamous relationship between
Student 85 Guidelines Student 86 Guidelines The Texas sTaTe UniversiTy sysTem Board of regenTs
Ron Blatchley Chairman Bryan/College Station
Trisha S. Pollard Vice Chairman Bellaire
Charlie Amato San Antonio
Kevin J. Lilly Houston
Ron Mitchell Horsehoe Bay
David Montagne Beaumont
Michael Truncale Beaumont
Greg Wilkinson Dallas
Donna N. Williams Arlington
William Patterson Student Regent San Marcos
Charles R. Matthews Chancellor Austin
Student 87 Guidelines Student 88 Guidelines