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3.2.6 There is a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making functions of the governing board and the responsibility of the administration and faculty to administer and implement policy.

NARRATIVE/JUSTIFICATION FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

There is a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making functions of the governing board and the responsibility of the administration and faculty to administer and implement policy. The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents governs the organization, administration, and development of policies of The Texas A&M University System. (The Texas A&M University System Policy 01.01: Scope and Authority of Policies) These System Policies create administrative structures, set priorities, delegate authority, assign responsibility, ensure accountability, and define reporting requirements. They also authorize the establishment of System Regulations which must be consistent with and are subordinate to System Policies, as approved by the Board. System Regulations are used to communicate uniform rules, procedures, and reporting requirements established by the Chancellor on matters of overall System concern that are not specifically addressed in System Policies and to provide uniform compliance with fiscal, academic, research, human resources, and other management requirements. (The Texas A&M University System Regulation 01.01.01: Development and Publication of Regulations and Rules) The Texas A&M University System Policy Manual is available online.

The Chancellor is responsible for implementation of Policy adopted by the Board through System Regulations.  All employees and students of the System are required to be in compliance with all System Policies at all times.  Periodic review of policies is the responsibility of the Chancellor.

Likewise, System Regulations authorize the President of Texas A&M International University to establish University Rules. Procedures for establishing University rules have been delegated to the Office of Human Resources (University Rule 01.01.01.L1, Development and Approval of Texas A&M International University Rules) and are as follows:

2.1 New University Rules or changes to existing Rules may originate with any standing or ad hoc committee of the University. Rules or changes may also originate from any office delegated responsibility for compliance with such rules.

2.2 Drafts of University Rules will be submitted to the appropriate Vice President for review and approval.

2.3 If the Vice President concurs with the recommendation, the proposed University Rule will be forwarded to the Office of Human Resources for comparison to System Policies and Regulations and proper formatting. At this time the proposed rule will be submitted to the Office of General Counsel for review.

2.4 The Office of Human Resources will forward the proposed rule to each Vice President for a (30) day comment period. The submitting Vice President will resolve any recommendations. Following the comment period, the Office of Human Resources will forward the proposed rule to the President for approval.

2.5 The Office of Human Resources will update electronic databases to reflect the approved rules and distribute them campus-wide.

University Rules must be consistent with and subordinate to System Policies and System Regulations. Texas A&M International University Rules consist of requirements related to compliance with System Policies and Regulations, as well as matters unique to the Institution that are not specifically addressed in System Policies and Regulations. University Rules are available online.

In the Faculty Handbook, under the Faculty Constitution, Article II, Section 1. Authority of the Faculty, the faculty have authority for developing rules, establishing and acting upon procedures, and recommending policies in all matters of educational concern for the welfare of the University. The following are indicative:

1. Standards for admission, selection and retention of students.
2. Requirements for granting degrees and compliance with the certification requirements in teacher education programs.
3. Curricular requirements and the structure of the University with reference to academic matters.
4. Instructional standards and standards for the evaluation of faculty.
5. Promotion and facilitation of academic and instructional research.
6. Procedures for faculty participation in the selection and retention of chairpersons of Departments/Schools and the Deans.
7. Standards for public information programs dealing with educational matters.
8. Standards for academic freedom and the protection of faculty interests.
9. Standards for students’ affairs, conduct and discipline.
10. Appointment, promotion, tenure and dismissal of faculty members.
11. Standards for faculty affairs, conduct, and discipline.

As illustrated above and exemplified in The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Meetings Minutes, the University has a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making functions of the governing board and the responsibility of the administration and faculty to administer and implement policy.

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