Student Handbook

Federal regulations require the University to release specific information to the student body. Visit the HEOA Disclosure Site for more information (https://www.tamiu.edu/StudentConsumerInformation.shtml).

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that was put in place to protect the educational records of students. TAMIU, without consent of the student, may release information designated as Directory Information. In most cases, confidential information from a student’s record cannot be released without prior written consent of the student.

Students who do not want information to be released, are responsible for notifying the Registrar in writing, or by completing the Request to Withholding information Form (Laserfiche form) during the first week of class to ensure that information is not released by the University. Students are responsible for requesting the release of their information once a request for withholding public information has been placed on record.

To learn more please visit https://www.tamiu.edu/registrar/ferpa.shtml, or call 956.326.2250 for more information. You can also visit the Office of the University Registrar located in Senator Judith Zaffirini Success Center room 121.

All official communications from the University to TAMIU students will be distributed through the student's TAMIU (@dusty.tamiu.edu) email account. It is the responsibility of each student to activate their student email account and check that email account on a regular basis. Failure to keep up with communication via TAMIU email is not an excuse for being unaware of announcements, deadlines, or other pertinent information sent to students. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to visit the University's website to keep abreast of official University news and information, important calendar items and special student engagement opportunities through the TAMIU NewsHub, located at https://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/newshub.shtml.

For email concerns, contact the Office of Information Technology, located in Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall 105, call 956.326.2310, or visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/oit/index.shtml.

TAMIU utilizes a broad spectrum of platforms and devices as part of its Emergency Notification System. Emergency Notifications will be sent to the campus community when the University learns of a threat or situation that may pose imminent danger via email, social media, mass public address system, the University website, digital signage, and the SafeZone Application.

All University faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to download, set up, and activate the SafeZone App with their TAMIU email to receive critical notifications directly to their mobile devices. In addition, SafeZone connects you directly to the TAMIU Police Department if you or someone near you ever feels threatened or in need of First Aid. The SafeZone App also relays vital information about your situation and location while on campus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are off campus and you activate a SafeZone alert, the app will direct you to local emergency services.

It's important to note that SafeZone only shares your location when you ask for help or check-in, it doesn't track you at other times, so your privacy is respected. More about SafeZone's features is here: https://www.tamiu.edu/adminis/police/safezone/index.shtml. Download the App at at https://safezoneapp.com.

The TAMIU OneCard is the official identification card for TAMIU students. The OneCard allows access to services, the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, computer labs, recreation center, other academic resources, and University athletic events. The OneCard has a declining balance option called Dusty Dollars. Dusty Dollars are a convenient, cashless way to pay for goods or services on campus, including in the campus bookstore and food service venues.

You may obtain your OneCard at Card Services located at the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 131. For more information, please visit https://www.tamiu.edu/onecard or call 956.326.2877.

Students are expected to pay all financial obligations owed to the University when due. Failure to pay such obligations may result in registration, final grade, transcript, and diploma holds or dropped classes. Financial obligations include, but are not limited to, tuition and fees, installment loans, emergency loans, unpaid third-party contracts, financial aid reversals, returned checks, returned check charges, lost or damaged library book charges, loss of or damage to instructional material or equipment, book loans, parking violations, and/or housing/meal plan charges. Delinquent accounts are sent to a collection agency, and collection fees are an additional charge incurred by the student.

All students whose Financial Aid has been suspended due to non-compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAPP) requirements may submit an appeal. The submission of an appeal is only a request for review and does not guarantee a change in status.

An Appeal can be for one or more of the following items:

1. GPA
2. PACE Percentage of Completion of Hours Earned vs Hours Attempted
3. Maximum Timeframe of Attempted Hours Exceeded or will before earning a degree

The Financial Aid Appeal Committee will only evaluate appeals for students who have a complete financial aid folder for the semester of appeal. Students should make payment arrangements with the Bursar's Office while their appeal is being reviewed to ensure that they are not dropped for non-payment. The student will be notified through the official University student email account when the results of the appeal are available. Federal regulations do not allow the decisions of the Committee to be overturned by another institutional office or official.

A vital part of every student's education is regular attendance of class meetings. Every faculty member keeps a current attendance record on all students. Absences may affect the quality of a student's work and grades.

To learn more about the Attendance Rule and specific excused absences, read Appendix A.

The Student Leave of Absence (LOA) rule assists and encourages students to return and graduate after an absence of two or more consecutive long semesters from TAMIU. Eligible students are encouraged to take advantage of the benefits provided by a LOA, e.g., a returning student need not apply for readmission to the University and may participate in their regularly scheduled registration/enrollment period upon return. Please note re-admission to a college program may be required.

To learn more about the Student Leave of Absence (LOA) rule, read Appendix B.

TAMIU offers an online directory with useful information that provides phone numbers, emails and office location. Please visit https://www.tamiu.edu/directory for this information or call 956.326.2001.

The Copyright Act of 1976 grants copyright owners the exclusive right to reproduce their works and distribute copies of their work. Works that receive copyright protection include published works such as textbooks. Copying a textbook without permission from the owner of the copyright may constitute copyright infringement. Civil and criminal penalties may be assessed for copyright infringement. Civil penalties include damages up to $100,000; criminal penalties include a fine up to $250,000 and imprisonment. To learn more, please visit https://www.copyright.gov and refer to TAMIU SAP 29.01.99.L1, Information Resources.

The Texas A&M University System (System) is dedicated to adhering to the highest ethical standards and principles. If you have factual information suggestive of misconduct involving any A&M System member, employee, student, or other affiliate, we want you to report it. Examples of reportable issues include:

• Fraud, theft, misuse of A&M System resources or information,
• Violations of safety rules or environmental laws,
• Conflicts of interest,
• NCAA violations,
• Inappropriate conduct,
• Harassment or illegal discrimination,
• Non-compliance with the Texas Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Law, and
• General student and/or employee misconduct.

We encourage you to report such issues through the Risk, Fraud & Misconduct Hotline, a telephone and web-based reporting system. 1-888-501-3850 or select “file a report” at the top of the page using the following link: EthicsPoint Hotline. Reports can be submitted anonymously. The hotline is independently operated and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reports can also be made to the Texas State Auditor’s Office by calling 1.800.892.8348 or submitting an online report at https://sao.fraud.texas.gov.

If you have questions about EthicsPoint, please contact the Compliance Office at ext. 2855.

Persons interested in engaging in solicitation which may result in a sale or donation, on the TAMIU campus, whether the solicitation is personal, printed or electronic, must first receive permission from the Office of Community Relations and Special Events. It is a violation for any person to solicit or sell to students without prior approval, as outlined by this section.

Additionally, students and student groups who wish to engage in external fundraising must also follow rules established by the Division of Institutional Advancement. Upon submission of the completed forms, the Office of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement will render a decision on the request. A Request to Seek External Funds form may be found inside of Presence. Students who do not abide by the outlined process are subject to disciplinary action through the established conduct policies and procedures. The full solicitation policy is published in the TAMIU Standard Administrative Procedure (SAP) 21.99.09.L1.01.

For more information, contact Community Relations and Special Events at 956.326.2001 located in STC 271 or visit https://www.tamiu.edu/compliance/21.99.09.l0.01accesstouniversitypropertyforsalesandsolicitationpurposes.pdf.

Students are expected to comply with all applicable parking, traffic, and transportation laws, as well as System and University policies, rules, regulations, and procedures which are enforced 24 hours a day by the University Police. Parking permits are only required for designated reserved parking lots and spaces.

Non-motorized vehicles and wheeled devices: Bicycles and wheeled devices are permitted on campus; however, riders of these devices must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times. Bicycles must be parked in bicycle racks available throughout campus. No wheeled devices are permitted inside University buildings, residence halls and/or athletics courts/fields. This provision shall not be construed to exclude or limit the use of wheelchairs or other medically prescribed/necessitated accessibility devices on campus.

Wheeled devices may not be used on railings, ramps, curbs, stairs/steps, benches or any such fixtures that may be damaged by these activities, and individuals may be liable for damage to University property caused by these activities. Hover boards and similar motorized devices may not be charged anywhere on campus (indoors or outdoors).

For more information on parking regulations, visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/adminis/police/trfrgs.shtml.

Pets are not allowed in campus buildings at any time. The only exceptions are:

1. Service Animals individually trained to do work or perform tasks that are directly related to the disability of an individual with a disability and,
2. Emotional Support Animals (ESA), defined as an animal that provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person's disability but does not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities.
   • ESAs are permitted only in residential facilities for approved students with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. For requests to have an ESA in a residential facility, please contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Pets may be allowed on campus grounds (but never in campus buildings) provided they are leashed or otherwise under the control of the owner and are not disruptive to campus activities, instructional or otherwise. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, and failure to do so may result in a citation. Unattended pets will be removed from University property and will be turned over to City of Laredo animal control authorities.

All Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and pets are required to have updated vaccinations as mandated by local and state law.

Housing and Residence Life provides multiple on-campus living options at two separate on-campus housing communities. Residents are expected to comply with all TAMIU rules, policies, and procedures, including those adopted to ensure the health and welfare of those who reside in, work in, or visit TAMIU Housing & Residence Life (housing.tamiu.edu).

For more information about Housing and Residence Life rules and community standards, visit: https://housing.tamiu.edu.

Recognized Student Organizations are formed to further the common interest of their members and the University community. Organizations are open to all students to serve an essential component to the co-curricular programs at TAMIU. Recognized Student Organizations and their advisors are responsible for compliance with the Student Code of Conduct, State and federal laws. More information and guidelines concerning recognized student organizations are available in The Leader, a guidebook published by the Office of Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement (SOLE) or visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/sole/.

In accordance with Texas Education Code § 51.936, institutions of higher education must publish a summary of Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F (§§ 37.151-157), which prohibits hazing. Additionally, federal legislation further reinforces the requirement for institutions to address and prevent hazing through transparency, reporting mechanisms, and enforcement. Federal law expands institutional responsibility by requiring colleges and universities to: publish hazing incidents in a publicly available report; ensure transparency in hazing-related disciplinary actions and criminal proceedings; establish clear reporting procedures for students and staff; and implement prevention and education programs to mitigate hazing risks.

The Texas Education Code defines hazing as "any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus of an educational institution, by one person or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization" if the act:

1. is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
2. involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
3. involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance, other than as described by Paragraph (E), that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
4. is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code; or
5. involves coercing the student to consume:
   1. a drug; or
   2. an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated.

Hazing is a criminal offense under Texas law. It is also prohibited under the TAMIU Student Code of Conduct. A person may be found guilty of a crime or responsible for a conduct violation if they: engage in hazing; solicit, encourage, direct, aid, or attempt to aid another in engaging in hazing; permit hazing to occur; or have knowledge of hazing activities and fail to report them in writing to the Office of Conduct or other appropriate institutional official. Under Texas law, penalties for hazing include: Class B misdemeanor for failure to report hazing or for hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury; Class A misdemeanor for hazing that results in serious bodily injury; State jail felony for hazing that results in a death.

The Texas Education Code defines organization as "a fraternity, sorority, association, corporation, order, society, corps, club, or student government, a band or musical group or an academic, athletic, cheerleading, or dance team, including any group or team that participates in National Collegiate Athletic Association competition, or a service, social, or similar group, whose members are primarily students." Organizations found guilty of hazing may be fined up to $10,000, or if the hazing incident causes personal injury, property damage, or other loss, up to double the amount of damages or losses incurred but not less than $5,000.

It is not a defense that the person hazed consented or acquiesced to the hazing activity.

A person who reports a specific hazing incident to the Office of Student Affairs or other appropriate institutional official may be immune from civil and criminal liability unless they personally participated in the hazing or report an incident of hazing in bad faith or with malice. This protection may also apply to student conduct cases.

These laws do not limit or affect the university's ability to impose additional disciplinary penalties for hazing beyond those prescribed by the state and federal governments.

If you have knowledge of the planning or occurrence of a specific hazing incident, you must report it. Students who learn of hazing should report it via the TAMIU ReportIt form available at https://www.tamiu.edu/reportit. Incidents can also be reported by calling or visiting the following offices (although a written report will ultimately be required):

• University Police Department, University Police Department Building, 956.326.2100 or for emergencies contact 956.326.2911
• Vice President for Student Engagement, Student Center 224, 956.326.2954
• Student Affairs Office, Student Center 226, 956.326.2265
• Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement (SOLE) Office, Student Center 225, 956.326.2280.

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are expected to follow the University’s policies regarding expressive activities on campus. For complete information on your rights, responsibilities, and the University’s rules for expressive activity, please visit: TAMIU Rule 08.99.99.L1 Expressive Activity on Campus.

TAMIU is committed to ensuring that students have access to grievance and complaint processes to assist in the resolution of concerns. The University has three different procedures which students can use to lodge a complaint. These include:

• General Student Complaint Procedures (Appendix C)
• Civil Rights Complaint Procedures (Appendix E)
  • Examples of Civil Rights Complaints include reports of sex-based misconduct, discrimination based on disability status, or concerns related to any protected class.
• Disputes Over Academic Matters (Article 4)

The purpose of the Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Team (BAIT) is to review information and respond to students who may be in distress or whose conduct may be disruptive or harmful to the safety, health, and well-being of the TAMIU community. Members of the University community may report their concerns to https://www.tamiu.edu/reportit.

The University may assess, refer, or recommend treatment to students, as deemed appropriate. Students assessed with disruptive behavior may be withdrawn from the University.

To learn more about the Administrative Response to Distress or Disruptive Behavior, read Appendix F.

The Clery Act requires the public reporting of the following information:

• Campus security policies and procedures
• Security services available
• Campus crime statistics
• Reporting Campus Crime - How, Where and to Whom
• Crime prevention
• Hazing incidents
• Alcohol and drug use policies, and
• Fire safety among other valuable information.

The Annual Security & Fire Report (ASFSR) is available on or before October 1 of each year to all current and prospective TAMIU students, faculty and staff. Notification of availability of the document is sent via University email and provides information on how to obtain a copy of the Crime Awareness and Campus Safety Report/ASFSR.

The ASFSR is available in hard copy from the University Police Department - Public Safety, located in the University Police Department building, online at: https://www.tamiu.edu/clery.pdf, by mail/email: clerycompliance@tamiu.edu or calling 956.326.2100.

TAMIU does not discriminate or permit harassment against any individual on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law in admissions, educational programs, or employment. Students who experience or observe alleged or suspected discrimination should report to the TAMIU Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance, Lorissa M. Cortez, 5201 University Boulevard, KLM 159B, Laredo, TX 78041, TitleIX@tamiu.edu, 956.326.2857, via the anonymous electronic reporting website, Report It, at https://www.tamiu.edu/reportit, and/or the Office of Civil Rights (Dallas Office), U.S. Department of Education, 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, TX 75201-6810, 214.661.9600.

Under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, discrimination on the basis of sex includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking; definitions for these terms can be found in found in System Regulation 08.01.01, Civil Rights Compliance at https://policies.tamus.edu/08-01-01.pdf. Further information concerning the prohibition against sex-based misconduct and TAMIU Civil Rights procedures can be found in Appendix E of this handbook and at https://www.tamiu.edu/compliance/Title%20IX.shtml.

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act is a federal law that provides for the tracking of convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled as students at institutions of higher education or working or volunteering on campus. The Act requires sex offenders to provide notice to each institution of higher education in the State in which the person is employed, carries out a vocation, or is a student. The Act also requires that State procedures ensure this registration information is promptly made available to law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction where the institution of higher education is located and entered into appropriate State records or data systems. State procedures are outlined in Article 62.051 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

In compliance with State and federal law, information about registered sex offenders may be obtained through the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Database: https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/SexOffenderRegistry/Search.

Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, harassment based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions, is prohibited. A pregnant/parenting student must be granted an absence for as long as the student's physician deems the absence medically necessary. It is a violation of Title IX to ask for documentation relative to the pregnant/parenting student's status beyond what would be required for other medical conditions. Students who experience or observe alleged or suspected discrimination due to their pregnant/parenting status, should report to the TAMIU Title IX Coordinator (Lorissa M. Cortez, 5201 University Boulevard, KLM 159B, Laredo, TX 78041, TitleIX@tamiu.edu, 956.326.2857) and/or the Office of Civil Rights (Dallas Office, U.S. Department of Education, 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, TX 75201-6810, 214.661.9600). You can also report it on TAMIU's anonymous electronic reporting site, Report It, at https://www.tamiu.edu/reportit.

TAMIU advises a pregnant/parenting student to notify their professor once the student is aware that accommodations for such will be necessary. It is recommended that the student and professor develop a reasonable plan for the student's completion of missed coursework or assignments. The Office of Compliance (Lorissa M. Cortez, lorissam.cortez@tamiu.edu) can assist the student and professor in working out the reasonable accommodation. For other questions or concerns regarding Title IX compliance related to pregnant/parenting students, contact the Title IX Coordinator. In the event that a student needs a leave of absence for a substantial period of time, TAMIU urges the student to consider a Leave of Absence (LOA) as outlined in the TAMIU Student Handbook.  As part of our efforts to assist and encourage all students towards graduation, TAMIU provides LOAs for students, including pregnant/parenting students, in accordance with the Attendance Rule and the Student LOA Rule.  Both rules can be found in the TAMIU Student Handbook.

Parenting-related rights, accommodations, and resources:

Contact the Parenting Liaison, Mayra Hernandez, at mghernandez@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2265, or visit Student Center 226.

Pregnancy-related rights, accommodations, and resources:

Contact the TIX Coordinator, Lorissa Cortez, at lorissaM.cortez@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2857, or visit Killam Library 159.

Accommodations or assistance for students with disabilities:

Contact the Disability Coordinator, Karla Pedraza, at karla.pedraza@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2763, or visit Student Center 124.

TAMIU will not use a person's HIV status to make employment or admission decisions nor to determine how services are delivered, except as allowed by state or federal law. The University will not ask students if they are HIV positive. HIV positive students are allowed to attend class without restriction as long as the student is physically and mentally able to participate and perform assigned work and reasonably poses no health risk to others. Educational pamphlets are available, upon request, at Student Health Services located in Student Center 125 or call 956.326.2236.

TAMIU encourages and trains students to respond to others in a moment of need. Green Dot is a movement, a program, and an action. The aim of Green Dot is to prevent and reduce power-based violence at TAMIU by engaging students as active bystanders who step in, speak up, and interrupt potential acts of violence. The Green Dot movement is about gaining a critical mass of students, staff and faculty who are willing to do their small part of actively and visibly reduce power-based personal violence.

The best way to get involved with Green Dot and maximize your impact as an active bystander is to attend Green Dot Bystander Training. The training is free. At this training you will learn the skills of being an active bystander, examine your own barriers to taking action, and ultimately gain the ability to intervene early on in situations that could lead to violence. Visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/compliance/TitleIX/greendot.shtml for more information.

Student travel that includes both student organization(s) and non-student organization(s) traveling internationally or domestic, must submit paperwork via the Presence webpage: https://tamiu.presence.io/forms. Proper documentation must be submitted prior to travel taking place for approval. Please visit the TAMIU Rule 13.04.99.L1 to learn more about student travel. For international travel, students must contact the Office of International Experiences for further information.

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement at 956.326.2280, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 956.326.2194, or the Office of International Experiences at 956.326.2282.

All TAMIU Rules and SAPs are accessible from the Office of Compliance webpage under the tab called TAMIU Rules & SAP’s. For more information, please contact the Office of Compliance at 956.326.2855.

The provisions of the TAMIU Academic Catalog do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student, faculty, or staff member of the Texas A&M International University or Texas A&M University System. This catalog is for informational purposes only. The University reserves the right to change or alter any statement herein without prior notice. This Catalog should not be interpreted to allow a student that begins their education under the Catalog to continue the program under the provisions in the Catalog. For more information, please visit https://www.tamiu.edu/catalog/.

Minimum Grade Point Average for Good Standing

The institutional grade point average accumulated on the permanent record of a student at TAMIU will be based on course hours and grade points earned by a student on work taken only at this university. Standards for good standing are based on an institutional 2.0 GPA.

The grade point average for a semester is computed by dividing the total grade points earned by the number of semester hours of courses with “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “F”, and "FN" grades.

Academic Probation

Students will be placed on academic probation at the conclusion of any long semester (fall or spring) when their institutional cumulative grade point average at TAMIU falls below 2.0. Such students are encouraged to participate to the fullest in academic support programs and to seek academic advising. Students who have been placed on academic probation will be allowed to enroll for one additional semester in an attempt to achieve the required institutional cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better.

Academic Suspension

Students who have been placed on academic probation and fail to achieve the minimum institutional cumulative grade point average during the next long semester will be placed on academic suspension. Students on academic suspension will be required to sit out one long semester and may re-enroll after such absence under academic probation. Prior to enrolling, the returning student must meet with an academic advisor to develop an academic improvement plan. The advisor will then meet with the student throughout the semester to monitor the student’s progress in meeting established goals and determine appropriate subsequent actions.

The student may appeal the academic suspension to the dean of the college/school or the dean’s designate, in which they are pursuing a degree.  If the petition is approved, the student will be permitted to enroll under continued suspension. Prior to enrolling, the returning student must meet with the academic advisor to develop an academic improvement plan. The academic advisor will meet with the student throughout the semester to monitor the student’s progress in meeting established goals and determining appropriate subsequent actions.

Removal of Academic Probation or Suspension Status by Wintermester, Maymester, or Summer Study

Students placed on academic probation or suspension at the end of the fall or spring semesters are eligible to attend the subsequent wintermester, maymester, or summer sessions at TAMIU. If the student achieves an institutional cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better at the conclusion of the wintermester, maymester, or summer terms the academic probation or suspension status will be removed.