Information for Parents and Family
The Office of Student Affairs understands that the judicial process may be stressful for both students and parents. Our goal is to inform you with as much information as possible to prevent nervousness or concern.
Upon registration, students automatically become members of the University community and assume full responsibility for proper conduct until their separation from the institution. Misconduct at the University is not tolerated as it diminishes the overall value of the degrees awarded by Texas A&M International University. All students at the University should be involved in assuring the honesty of all students though their won individual actions and deeds. Parents wishing to learn more about the judicial process may read the information below, or contact the Office of Student Affairs at 956.326.2280 and ask to speak with the Associate Director of Judicial Affairs. It is important to note that under Federal law, limited information may be shared with parents or guardians. For more information on student privacy law click here.
The Student Conduct Process: A Guide for Parents
The Student Conduct Process
The Office of Student Affairs is the responsible entity to adjudicate cases alleging violations of the Student Code of Conduct by students of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).
Once a complaint is filed with the Office of Student Affairs, the Associate Director of Judicial Affairs will determine whether or not the complaint brought forward by a student or student organization demonstrates sufficient evidence of misconduct to merit further investigation and/or initiate the judicial process.
Upon determining that a complaint merits further investigation, the Office of Student Affairs will contact the alleged student or student organization via their student email. The alleged student or student organization will be called to participate in an informal meeting with the Associate Director of Judicial Affairs to discuss the allegation(s) and determine whether a violation occurred. If a violation occurred, student or student organization will elect either an Administrative or Judicial Body hearing.
An Administrative hearing is usually the Director of Student Affairs that reviews the case information and determines if student or student organization violated the TAMIU Student Code of Conduct. If student or student organization is found responsible, sanctions are imposed by Director.
A Judicial Body hearing is composed of faculty, staff and students that are trained to review academic or disciplinary allegations and/or appeals. Each respective hearing body reviews the allegation and information to determine if a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred. If student or student organization is found in violation, sanctions will be recommendation to the respective entity.
For more information on the judicial process, visit the Office of Student Affairs located in Student Center 226 or call 956.326.2280. Below is a list of flow charts that may assist in the judicial process.
- Student Conduct Flow Chart
- Academic Misconduct Flow Chart
- Grievance Flow Chart
- Police Incident Report Flow Chart
The Role of Attorneys in the Student Conduct Process
It is important to disclose that University students do not surrender their individual rights as guaranteed to them by the United States Constitution. These include the RIGHT TO FAIR PROCESS. The purpose of the University disciplinary system is educationally based and is to decide if the student has abused freedoms and failed to accept responsibility for his or her actions; to communicate this failure to the student(s) involved and to permit the student(s) to respond; to determine an appropriate response by the University; and to assist the student(s) to make a constructive response of self-discipline.
A University hearing is NOT a trial or a Court of Law. Any attempt to make the hearing something else would seriously impair the educational function of the hearing which requires open discussion rather than an adversarial debate.
The alleged student or student organization is primarily responsible to conduct his or her presentation of the alleged incident.
Attorneys, counselors, and advisors are not permitted to represent any student at a University hearing. However, only one (1) advisor may be present but may not speak at a hearing. Request for advisor to be present must be done so in writing a minimum of 3 days before the scheduled hearing. Any advisor who fails to follow the rules and or requirements will be removed from the proceeding and may be barred from acting as a procedural advisor in the future. In the event that this occurs, the hearing panel may determine whether to proceed with the hearing.
How to Support Your Student
Before your son/daughter arrives at the University, it is important that you:
- Have an open discussion about the process of making good decisions, taking responsibility for his/her actions, and responding to peer-pressure.
- Make sure he/she knows clearly what you expect and what you value.
- Remember that he/she will seek for your aid in dealing with and responding to conflict.
- Be open to discuss difficult topics such as alcohol and or substance abuse, intimate relationship, and other unsafe behaviors.
If your son or daughter is accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct, remember to:
- Speak with him/her regarding the situation and make sure that you listen carefully without criticizing or judging.
- Make sure he/she understand the judicial process and reads the TAMIU Student Handbook.
- Discuss with your son/daughter about your expectations for their behavior at TAMIU, and how the behavior can be modified to meet your expectations.
- Brainstorm with your son or daughter about helpful resources for aid or support (e.g., counseling, alcohol education, substance abuse rehabilitation, etc).
- Be firm about your expectations regarding your son/daughter behavior while continuing your support.
- Brainstorm how to overcome inappropriate behavior; open communication is key.
Parent and Family Resources
Campus Resources
- Office of Student Affairs
- Office of the VP of Student Success
- Counseling Center
- Disability Services
- Student Health Services
- University Campus Safety
- Campus Housing
- Financial Aid
- Registrars
External Resources