Student Code of Conduct

The SCoC defines a process for the efficient adjudication regarding alleged misconduct by students enrolled at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The SCoC establishes standards of behavior, both scholastic and behavioral, for the student body of TAMU-CC and their guests. The SCoC applies to all student conduct, on and off campus.

The online version of the SCoC is the official document regarding student conduct policies, procedures, rules and regulations. The online version of the SCoC supersedes all previous conduct codes, policies, or procedures regarding student conduct. TAMU-CC Student Conduct & Advocacy  is under the umbrella and oversight of the Dean of Students Office. Student Conduct & Advocacy oversees the adjudication of all cases of student misconduct governed by the SCoC. Action taken by the Student Conduct & Advocacy regarding the SCoC does not preclude actions in civil or criminal court. Similarly, actions in civil or criminal court do not preclude action by Student Conduct & Advocacy under the SCoC. In addition, the University reserves the right to exercise jurisdiction for events or actions occurring off-campus in those instances in which the University’s community interest, image, and/or the pursuit of its objectives is affected.

In addition to the SCoC, there are other areas that may have additional jurisdiction. These areas include but are not limited to the following:

1. Academic Misconduct: Academic misconduct is a violation of the SCoC and is resolved through the procedure for Student Academic Misconduct Cases (see University Rules & Procedures Section 13.02.99.C0.04).
2. Financial Disputes: Disputes over financial concerns or complaints of University rules and procedures regarding the payment of bills and loans are resolved through the office or department where the dispute originated.
3. Motor Vehicle and Parking Violations: Violations of the University parking policy regarding Motor Vehicle and Parking Regulations are handled by the Parking Division of the University Police Department.
4. Contractual Obligations: Violations of non-conduct contractual obligations between students and the University and/or its affiliates are handled by the appropriate University office.
5. Islander Housing Lease Contract: Lease violations will be addressed by Islander Housing personnel. Student Housing Agreement violations that are simultaneously violations of the SCoC will be addressed by Student Conduct & Community Standards in communication/conjunction with Islander Housing personnel, where appropriate.
6. Sexual Misconduct Violations: Alleged violations identified in the SCoC as sexual misconduct and other alleged violations when gender-based, may be processed under the Student Sexual Misconduct Process in conjunction with the Title IX Coordinator, when appropriate.
7. Student Organizations: Student organizations that violate the Student Organization Conduct Process may be addressed simultaneously through an investigation by Student Activities and adjudication by Student Conduct & Advocacy (per the outlined procedures, found in the Student Organization Code of Conduct) as well as by their National Organizations, if applicable.

For the purpose of this document, the following definitions will be utilized:

Note: For definitions relevant to the sex-based misconduct, please also refer to the Student Sexual Misconduct Process.

1. Appellate Board is any person or persons authorized by the Assistant Dean of Students or designee to consider an appeal of the outcome from a hearing body.
2. Charge is an allegation of a potential violation of the SCoC. Charges are issued after a Student Conduct Officer has determined sufficient information exists to hold a hearing to determine whether or not a student has violated the SCoC.
3. Complainant is any person(s) who submits information indicating that a student may have violated the SCoC. Information brought forth by the individual may result in an investigation. This individual may or may not be a complainant of the alleged violation.
4. Conduct Hearing is a proceeding before a hearing body in which the reporting party, the alleged complainant and/or the accused may have the opportunity to present information relevant to the incident under review.
5. Faculty Member is any person employed by the University to provide academic instruction, educational supervision and/or engage in scholarly activities.
6. JA (Failure to Comply) Hold is a restriction placed on a student’s account by the Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy which may prevent a student from registering, obtaining enrollment, and/or withdrawing from the University.
7. Good Conduct Standing is when a student does not currently have outstanding sanctions due, is not on conduct probation, suspension or expulsion resulting from academic and/or behavioral misconduct.
8. Hearing Body is any person or persons authorized to determine whether a student has violated the SCoC and to impose sanctions. Hearing Bodies may include, but are not limited to, the Student Conduct Board, the Student Organization Conduct Board, the Student Conduct Officer, the Student Hearing and Appellate Panel, and any other person or persons as deemed appropriate by the Chief Student Conduct Officer.
9. Hearing Officer is a University official authorized to initiate charge letters, articulate charges in hearings, present information to support charges, to conduct hearings, and to impose sanctions upon any student(s) found to have violated the SCoC.
10. Incident Report is a written or electronic report indicating that an individual or group may have committed a violation.
11. Investigation is a process used by a student conduct officer or designee to ascertain details and circumstances associated with an incident. Investigations may result in charges, mediation, or dismissal of the case.
12. May is a term used in the permissive sense.
13. Member of the University Community is any person who is a student, faculty member, resident, University official, guest of the University, person employed by the University or employed on University grounds or off-campus sites, including personnel employed by vendors. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee.
14. Notice/Notification is verbal communication, electronic mail, letter delivered in person or to on- campus property or correspondence sent by mail, addressed to the addressee at the location shown in University records. Student Conduct & Advocacy presumes that students are receiving all communication sent to their official University email address and/or other means of communication provided to Student Conduct & Advocacy by the student.
15. Notice of Charge(s) is a written or electronic statement identifying the accused, the specific violations(s) of the SCoC that has/have allegedly occurred, and a short summary of information leading to the charges. The primary method of disseminating information about charges is through the student’s Islander email account.
16. On-Campus - Any grounds or building under University control, when relevant to the lawful mission, processes and functions of the University, this includes but is not limited to Momentum Campus.
17. Off-Campus - Under University control: Any location not on Main Campus or at Momentum campus where the location is under the control of the University and/or a University event is occurring.
18. Premises are a building or a portion of a building. The term does not include any public or private driveways, streets, sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, parking garages, or other parking area.
19. Preponderance of Information is a standard of proof that indicates that the information provided leads the hearing body to the conclusion that “more likely than not” a violation did or did not occur.
20. Presenter is a University official who was appointed to investigate and/or present the case to the hearing body on behalf of the University.
21. Procedure is the written policy of the University as found in, but not limited to, the SCoC, Islander Housing Student Housing Agreement, and Resident Handbook, Graduate/Undergraduate Catalogs, University Rules and Procedures, and Texas A&M University System Regulations/Policies.
22. Respondent is an individual who has been alleged to have committed a violation of the SCoC or engaged in discriminatory conduct as defined in TAMUS regulation 08.01.01.
23. Sanction is an outcome imposed for the violation of the SCoC. Generally, sanctions are educational in nature and intended to modify the student’s behavior as well as build an awareness of personal responsibility and community standards.
24. “Student” means all persons admitted for enrollment at or through the University, both full-time and part-time, pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees (including those enrolled at TAMU-CC who are seeking degrees from other institutions, or those individuals who are enrolled students at the time of a violation of the SCoC, as well as individuals on University premises for any purpose relating to registration for enrollment), as well as certificate and other educational programs. Individuals are still considered students for the purpose of this SCoC between academic sessions, until such time that a student’s degree has been awarded. Once enrolled, students with interruptions in active enrollment may be subject to this SCoC until the point at which the student is required by the Office of Admissions to reapply for enrollment. In addition, persons who are living at Islander Housing (Momentum Village or Miramar), although not enrolled in this institution, may also be considered students, for the purposes of student conduct. [Note: RELLIS students must comply with the RELLIS Student Code of Conduct.]
25. Student Conduct Conference is a meeting that occurs prior to a formal conduct hearing, the respondent will have the opportunity to meet with a Student Conduct Officer in a Student Conduct Conference to review a summary of the student’s rights. The Student Conduct Officer may use this meeting to conduct further investigation of the alleged conduct violations. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the incident and respond to specific charges issued against them under the SCoC.
26. Student Organization is a group comprised of any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for University recognition, registration, or is departmentally supported.
27. Title IX Coordinator is the designated University employee who is entrusted with oversight of all Title IX compliance at the University.
28. Title IX Investigator is an administrator designated by the Title IX Coordinator to investigate Civil Rights complaints (this includes Title IX, sexual misconduct, etc.).
29. University means Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
30. University Official is any person employed or authorized by the University to perform assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
31. University Function is any activity on or off-campus that involves the University or University resources.

The following acts or omissions to act may constitute violations of the SCoC. These sections are not inclusive, and students are subject to additional rules and regulations of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Students who attempt to undermine or exploit the SCoC may be charged under the code accordingly.

Student Conduct in Relation to Federal, State and Local Law

Student Conduct & Community Standards may issue SCoC charges against a student charged with a violation of a law. (For example, one incident may result in a student being held liable in both a criminal and student conduct process/proceeding.) Proceedings under this SCoC may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings.

When a student is charged by federal, state or local authorities with a violation of law, the University will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of their status as a student. However, if the alleged offense is also the subject of a SCoC proceeding the University may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the SCoC process and of how such matters will be handled by the University. The University will cooperate with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of civil and criminal law on campus. Individual students, staff and faculty members, acting in their personal capacities, may cooperate with governmental agencies representatives as they deem appropriate.

Prohibited Conduct

The following actions, or the aiding, abetting, inciting of, or attempt to commit these actions, may constitute violations of the SCoC. Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following prohibited conduct is subject to the conduct sanction(s) outlined in Article VIII of the SCoC.

Specific violations of the SCoC include, but are not limited to: 

1. Cheating: using, attempting to use, or acquiring unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices (including artificial intelligence) or materials in any academic exercise.
   
   Potential Examples: 
   • Using books, notes or other devices (e.g. calculators, cell phones,  computers, web sources or apps, or artificial intelligence software) when these are not authorized.
   • Copying from another student’s paper or receiving unauthorized assistance during a quiz, test or examination.
   • The acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff.
   • Unauthorized collaboration on assignments or exams.
   • Selling, giving or exchanging completed exams to a student who has not yet taken the test.
     
     
2. Plagiarism: presenting the work of another as one’s own without proper acknowledgement of the source, or reusing your own work without citation. An exception exists for information that is generally accepted as common knowledge. 
   
   Potential Examples: 
   • Using another’s work from print, internet, or other sources without acknowledging the source.
   • Quoting from a source without citation.
   • Using facts, figures, graphs, charts or information without acknowledgement of the source.
   • Using a past assignment(s) the student has completed as a portion of a new assignment(s), without providing citation. Please note that without instructor permission this is also considered a multiple submission violation.
     
     
3. Multiple Submissions: submission of the same work (including live/recorded presentations) for credit more than once without authorization from the current instructor for which the student submits the work. 
   
   Potential Examples: 
   • Submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without current instructor permission.
   • Making minor revisions in a credited paper or report (including verbal presentations) and submitting it again as if it were new work.
     
     
4. Collusion: Helping, attempting to help another, soliciting, or accepting assistance to commit an act of academic dishonesty. This includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized collaboration with another individual in progressing forward on academic assignments
   
   Potential Examples: 
   • Knowingly allowing another to copy from one’s paper during an examination or test.
   • Distributing test questions or substantive information about the material to be tested before a scheduled exercise.
   • Working with another student on a take home test or other academic assignments without permission from the instructor.
   • Discussing the contents of a completed exam or other assignments with a student who will take the exam or complete the assignment in the future.
   • Receiving unauthorized assistance from a source such as software or artificial intelligence.
     
     
5. Fabrication, Falsification, or Misrepresentation: Use or presentation of altered or falsely generated information, data, or citation(s) that are ultimately used in any academic exercise.
   
   Potential Examples: 
   • Inventing, counterfeiting, or omitting data and/or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.
   • Falsely citing the source of information.
   • Altering the record of or reporting false information about the practicum or clinical experiences.
   • Altering grade reports or other academic records.
   • Deliberately furnishing false information in regards to an academic integrity investigation.
   • Generation of false data by use of software or online means.
   • Failure to abide by prescribed procedures lined out in an IRB Agreement or academic guidelines.

2. Harmful, Threatening, or Endangering Conduct: Intentional or reckless behavior that harms, threatens, or endangers the physical or emotional health or safety of self or others, including but not limited to:

3. Cruelty, Mistreatment, or Neglect of Animals: Any intentional, reckless, or neglectful act that harms or could harm any animal including wildlife, pets, Emotional Support Animals (ESA), and Service Animals.

        Potential Examples:

• Failure to provide food, water, shelter, or proper care (including healthcare) to a pet, ESA, or Service Animal.
• Leaving animals unattended in housing or on balconies/patios for extended periods of time.
• Abandonement, dumping, or releasing of animals.
• Malicious abuse or mistreatment of any animal.
• Entrapment or capture of local wildlife or stray animals.
• Failure to control or leash an animal while in public.
• Bringing an animal into an unauthorized location as outlined in TAMUCC Campus Procedure 08.01.02.c0.03.

4. Harassment: Conduct including, but not limited to, physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic behavior that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to unreasonably interfere with, deny or limit someone’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s educational programs, services and/or activities. This includes, but is not limited to, behavior that is aggressive in nature and intended to hurt and/or control another individual (see University Rules 34.01.99.C1).

5. Stalking: engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:

For the purposes of this definition:

6. Retaliation: Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured under civil rights laws and regulations, or because the individual has opposed a discriminatory practice, files a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing.   The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute prohibited retaliation, nor does the filing of a mandatory report as required by Section 2.1 of TAMU-CC 08.01.01.c1.  In addition, a university official who files a mandatory report or charges an individual with making a materially false statement in the course of an investigation has not engaged in prohibited retaliation. Aiding another in the commission of retaliation is also prohibited. 

For the purposes of this definition:

8. Domestic Violence: A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by:

9. Sexual Harassment: A form of sex discrimination. Unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex (of a sexual nature or otherwise):

11. Sexual Assault: An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest or statutory rape as used in the FBl's Uniform Crime Reporting system. A sex offense is any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances in which the victim is incapable of giving consent. These offenses are defined as:

• Rape: The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
• Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
• Incest: Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
• Statutory Rape: Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

12. Sexual Exploitation: A situation in which an individual(s) takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his or her own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited. For example, sexual exploitation could include such actions as secretly videotaping sexual activity, voyeurism, sexually-based stalking, invasion of sexual privacy, exposing one’s genitals or causing another to expose one’s genitals, and knowingly exposing another person to a sexually transmitted infection or disease.  Sexual exploitation is a form of sex-based misconduct.

13. Hazing: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization. The term includes, but is not limited to:

a. Any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.
b. Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, and confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other 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.
c. Involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student. This may also include withholding food or water.
d. Any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Texas Education Code Sec. 37.152 and 37.153 or involves coercing as defined by Texas Penal Code 1.07, the student to consume

i. a drug; or
ii. an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated, as defined by Texas Penal Code Section 49.01.

• The intent of the act, or the consent or cooperation of the hazing recipient, will not constitute a defense. The University may charge an individual and/or the officers of a recognized organization with responsibility for the hazing act(s) both on or off-campus. Hazing is also a violation of Texas state law. For further information regarding Texas State Law on hazing , visit stophazing.org/texas/. A person may be found guilty of criminal conduct for hazing, encouraging hazing, permitting hazing, or having knowledge of the planning of hazing incidents and failing to report in writing their knowledge to the Dean of Students or other appropriate institutional official.

Note: Texas law provides any person reporting a specific hazing incident to the Dean of Students, University Police Department or other appropriate institutional official is immune from civil and criminal liability unless the report is in bad faith or malicious. Reports can also be filed online at studentconduct.tamucc.edu.

14. Concealed Handguns: Any violation of University Rule 34.06.03.C1 regarding carrying concealed handguns on campus, including, but not limited to, displaying of the handgun, carrying in a prohibited area, leaving the handgun unattended and/or possession of the handgun when its placement is not on your person.

15. Unauthorized Firearms, Weapons, and Explosives: Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possessing or using an unauthorized firearm, illegal knife or prohibited weapon on the physical premises of the University, to include any buildings or passenger transportation vehicles under the direct control of the University. Prohibited weapons include, but are not limited to, unauthorized firearms and fireworks, pellet guns, bb guns, air-soft guns, tasers, stun guns, slingshots, martial arts devices, illegal knives and clubs. For further information on prohibited weapons, please reference TAMUS Regulation 34.6.02.

16. Fire and Safety:

17. Drugs:

18. Alcohol:

19. Tobacco and Vaping Products:

21. Property:

Note: The maintenance and preservation of the resources of the University, including its grounds, academic buildings, residences, dining facilities, and other structures are obligations of all members of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi community.

23. Technology Misuse:

24. Information and Identification:

• The representation of an ESA as a Service Animal as outlined in the TAMUCC University Procedure 01.02.c0.03.

25. Failure to Comply: Activity that interferes with the teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, residential communities, academic mission or pursuits, free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on university premises, or other university missions, processes, or functions, including public service functions or other university activities.

26. Breach of Peace:

27. Accessory Responsibility:

28. Traffic Obstruction: Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or at University sponsored or supervised activities. 

29. Abuse of Student Conduct Proceedings:

30. On-Campus Housing Violations:

31. Other violations:

The Student Conduct Officer or designee shall determine the composition of the Hearing Bodies and Appellate Boards, in accordance with Article XIII and will determine which Hearing Body and Appellate Board shall be authorized to hear each case. The Student Conduct Officer or designee oversees the administration of the conduct program and procedural rules for the conduct of hearings which are consistent with the provisions of the SCoC. Decisions made by a Hearing Body and/or Student Conduct Officer shall be final, pending the normal appeal process, when applicable. A Hearing Body may be designated as mediator of disputes within the student community in cases which do not involve a violation of the SCoC. All parties must agree to mediation and to be bound by the decision with no right of appeal.

Student Conduct & Community Standards may notify parents/legal guardians of students who, during the time of the incident in question, were under the age of 21 and have been found in violation of the SCoC. This notification is only applicable if their violation(s) involved alcohol or illegal substances. This notification is permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, (as amended).

1. 911 Lifeline Law: In 2011 the Texas Legislature passed a law providing a partial amnesty program for individuals who are under the age of 21 and call 911 or 361-825-4444 on campus because someone might have alcohol poisoning. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi holds student safety as the number one priority. In order to ensure that students are able to call for help when needed, Student Conduct & Community Standards may not issue charges under the  SCoC for alcohol possession or consumption by a minor in certain circumstances. This amnesty may be applied when a student is the first person to contact emergency personnel (911 or 361-825-4444 on campus), remains on the scene until medical personnel arrives and fully cooperates with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and law enforcement. Charges may still be filed if other code allegations and/or violations of law occurred. For more information on the 911 Lifeline Law and the signs of alcohol poisoning, please visit our website at studentconduct.tamucc.edu.
   
   
2.  Amnesty for Students Reporting Sexual Misconduct: In 2017 the Texas Legislature passed a law providing an amnesty program for students who report incidents of sexual misconduct. Students who, in good faith, report to the institution being the complainant  of, or a witness to, an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking may be provided amnesty regarding other potential code violations, including, but not limited to, underage alcohol consumption and use of illegal drugs. Amnesty does not apply to a student who reports their own commission or assistance in the commission of sexual misconduct. For additional information please review the Student Sexual Misconduct Process at studentconduct.tamucc.edu.

Unless stated otherwise, the student conduct proceedings will govern alleged violations of the  SCoC. If the alleged Code violations include sex-based misconduct, then the student conduct proceedings will defer to the Student Sexual Misconduct Process. Additionally, allegations of academic misconduct will be adjudicated through the proceedings described in University Procedure 13.02.99.C0.04: Procedure for Student Academic Misconduct Cases. The Student Sexual Misconduct Process and the procedure for Student Academic Misconduct Cases, as well as flow charts for all student conduct processes, can be found online at studentconduct.tamucc.edu.
1. Process:
Below is a summary of the steps contained within the Student Conduct Process
2. Charges:

3. Student Conduct Conference: Prior to a formal conduct hearing, the respondent may have the opportunity to meet with a Student Conduct Officer in an Student Conduct Conference to review a summary of the student’s rights. The Student Conduct Officer may use this meeting to conduct further investigation of the alleged conduct violations. During this meeting, the student will be afforded the opportunity to respond to all charges and may participate in an informal resolution. In cases where a threat to the safety of the campus community is concerned a Student Conduct Conference may not be available. If the option of an Student Conduct Conference is available, the Student Conduct Officer will serve as the hearing body and will discuss the events of the alleged incident with the student to make a determination regarding the outcome of the case. The student will be sent an outcome letter within five business days. 

The student may accept the outcome of the Student Conduct Conference process and comply with the assigned sanction(s). Alternatively, the student may deny the outcome and complete the necessary paperwork attached to the letter to request a formal hearing. Students will have five business days from the date of the outcome notification to deny the outcome of the Student Conduct Conference . For students who do not attend the Student Conduct Conference  a decision will be made in their absence. The student will still have the option of denying the outcome of the Student Conduct Conference . When a formal hearing is scheduled, the hearing may occur not less than three days, but not more than 15 business days after hearing notification has been sent to the student.  The Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy presumes that students are receiving all communications sent to their official University email address and/or other means of communication provided to Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy by the student. Students may request to waive the three-day waiting period for formal hearing, when available, at the discretion of the Student Conduct Officer. Time limits for scheduling of hearings and outcome notifications may be extended at the discretion of the Student Conduct Officer.

4. Student Conduct Hearing: Every student in the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi community has the right to a hearing. Sanctions may not be imposed upon any student without a Student Conduct Conference or a hearing. Hearings shall be conducted by a Hearing Body according to the following guidelines:

Students should select an advisor who’s schedule will not conflict with the scheduled date and time of the Student Conduct Hearing. Student Conduct Hearings will not typically be delayed due to scheduling conflicts of an advisor.

An advisor, witness, or other participating party who is verbally abusive, disruptive to the process, or persists in trying to inappropriately and substantively participate in the process after being warned to cease and desist may be asked to leave and may be precluded from attendance at future meetings. The University has the right at all times to determine what constitutes appropriate behavior on the part of an advisor.

Sanction(s) may be assigned to a student after being found in violation of the SCoC. Failure to comply with assigned sanctions may result in Code violations, additional sanctions, and a registration hold may be placed on the student’s account. The hold will remain on the student’s account until sanction(s) are completed. (NOTE: Registration holds prevent students from registering for or dropping classes). Students found in violation of the SCoC may still be held accountable for financial obligations including, but not limited to: tuition, fees, and housing.

The following considerations will be made in determining appropriate sanctions:

• The nature of the violation
• The student’s role in the incident
• The impact on the University community
• Previous history of misconduct
• The student’s current conduct status
• Prior sanction outcomes in similar cases

The sanctions listed below are not exhaustive, but merely serve as guidelines and may be levied in any combination.

1. Education: Involvement in educational activities designed to increase self-awareness such as self-directed research, online courses, referrals to campus resources, and any other assignments deemed appropriate.
2. Conduct Warning: A letter of reprimand stating the student violated the SCoC and indicating that any future violation of the SCoC will subject the student to further conduct proceedings, in which the original violation will be considered when determining the sanctions to be imposed.
3. Community Service: The location of the service must be approved by the Student Conduct Officer prior to any hours being completed.
4. Restitution/Monetary Fine: Payment for damage to University and/or campus housing property or fees imposed for continued behavior (repeat incidents) which violates the SCoC. Monetary fines will be used for prevention programing and student leadership development. Restitution amounts are determined by the cost of materials to repair the item(s) damaged, including any labor needed to replace or restore the item(s).
5. Restricted Access: Restriction from entering certain designated areas and/or use of specific equipment or services as defined by the Student Conduct Officer for a specified period of time. Restriction may include, but is not limited to, access to a University owned, controlled or operated facility and/or services, academic related programs and/or opportunities, internships, access to on campus housing, participation in University-sponsored activities, or contact with a specified University community member(s).
6. Conduct Probation: A written reprimand that defines a student as “not in good conduct standing” for a specific period of time as a result of academic and/or behavioral misconduct. If a student is found in violation of the SCoC while under Conduct Probation, that student may be subject to additional sanctions than what would normally be imposed for the new offense alone.
7. No Contact Order: Directive in which a student may be temporarily or permanently prohibited from contacting another student, students, or other members of the campus community by an means (written, verbal, electronic, etc.). This includes attempts to make contact through a third party.
8. Housing Eviction: Permanent separation of the student from University on-campus residence facilities. A student who is removed from on-campus housing as the result of this sanction may be required to pay charges and fees that are owed as stipulated in the lease contract by Miramar and Momentum Village.
9. Suspension: Temporary loss of the privilege of being enrolled as a student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, for a definite period of time. Once the student is eligible to return, conditions for readmission may apply. Suspended students may not reside in on-campus housing and will be considered “not in good conduct standing”. Suspension will commence immediately following the denial of an appeal or failure to request an appeal by the communicated deadline, unless otherwise noted by the Hearing Body.
10. Expulsion from the University: Permanent loss of the privilege of being enrolled as a student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The student will be considered “not in good conduct standing”. Expulsion will commence immediately following the denial of an appeal or failure to request an appeal by the communicated deadline, unless otherwise noted by the Hearing Body.
11. Banned from Campus: Prohibition from entering the grounds and/or facilities owned and maintained by the University, including on-campus housing facilities. Individuals who violate this sanction may be issued a criminal trespass warning, arrested, and/or have additional charges filed against them under the SCoC.
12. Interim Suspension: Refer to Article X for definition and procedural guidelines.

All students who engage in activity with any student organization are expected to abide by the governing documents as applicable. Texas State Law contains additional regulations within the Texas Education Code, sections 37.151 and 51.936, which should be reviewed as well.

Allegations of misconduct regarding student organizations will be addressed through the Student Activities Office. More information regarding this process can be found in the Student Organization Conduct Process online at studentconduct.tamucc.edu. For questions regarding this process, please contact the Director of Student Activities.

Should a student organization violate any of the listed prohibited behaviors in the SCoC, the Recognized Student Organization Handbook, the Sport Club Handbook, the Intramural Handbook, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Policy Handbook, and the Scheduling & Reservations Handbook, the appropriate University official or Hearing Body may apply one or more conduct measures within the restrictions provided in the Student Organization Conduct Process, the Student Sexual Misconduct Process or the procedure for Student Academic Misconduct Cases as determined by the Chief Student Conduct Officer.  Past misconduct is heavily considered when determining appropriate action.

Organization conduct sanctions shall not be made part of the individual student’s record, but may become part of the student organization’s record. However, students may be charged individually based upon their involvement in a Student Organization Conduct incident when an alleged violation of the SCoC or another applicable policy occurred. Those students may also be found in violation of the SCoC and subject to the appropriate sanctions. 

Student organizations may face additional conduct actions from their national organizations, if applicable, which could include removal of recognition and/or charter revocation.

The University may utilize either one of the following procedures to insure the safety of members of the campus community and University property. The discretion as to which procedure to utilize rests solely with the University.

1. Interim Suspensions: Disciplinary sanctions or other actions that are not supportive measures may not be imposed on respondents prior to a determination of responsibility except in cases meeting the requirements for removal on an emergency basis. Removal of a student on an emergency basis will be determined by the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success or designee through an individualized safety and risk analysis and consultation with Title IX Coordinator, University Police Department, and other departments as appropriate. If a student is removed, the student respondent must be granted a hearing within five (5) business days. The hearing authority for this purpose is the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success or designee.

2. Maintaining Campus Order During Periods of Disruption: The Texas Education Code (TEC §§ 51.231-.244) permits the president of a state University to suspend a student for up to 14 days during periods of disruption whenever the president believes there is reasonable cause to demonstrate the student has willfully disrupted the orderly operation of the campus and the student’s presence on the campus will constitute a substantial and material threat to the orderly operation of the campus. The statute defines a period of disruption as “any period in which it reasonably appears that there is a threat of destruction to institutional property, injury to human life on the campus or facility, or a threat of willful disruption of the orderly operation of the campus of facility”. If invoked the statutory process will govern.

1. Cases which result in sanctions of restricted access, housing eviction, suspension, expulsion and/or banned from campus are eligible for appeal. Assigned sanctions will go in effect at the expiration of the appeal period.
2. A request for appeal must be made within five business days of the dated, written notification (hard copy or electronic) of the decision rendered during the student conduct proceeding. Any decision that does not receive a request for appeal within the designated timeline will be considered final and binding upon all involved.
3. Request for appeals must be in writing, addressed and delivered to the Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy. Students must follow the appeal procedures including completion of necessary forms found online at http://studentconduct.tamucc.edu/studentresources.html.
4. Except as required to explain the basis of new information, an appeal shall be limited to a review of the verbatim record of the hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:

5. Once a request for appeal is received, appropriate parties will be notified of receipt of the appeal and provided a description of the next steps in the process. The Appellate Board will review all appeal requests along with all relevant materials regarding the case. Appeals may be heard within 10 business days from notification of the hearing outcome.
6. If an appeal request has been received before the communicated deadline, all assigned sanctions will be placed on hold until the outcome of the appeal has been decided by the appellate body.
7. If an appeal is upheld by the Appellate Board, the matter shall be returned to the original Hearing Body for re-opening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination. Upon rehearing, the outcome of the case may be overturned and/or if applicable a lesser, or a greater sanction may be assigned. If an appeal is not upheld, the matter shall be considered final and binding upon all involved. The Appellate Board may also chose to modify the sanctions imposed by the original Hearing Body. Appellate Boards may not impose sanctions that are greater than those previously assigned.

Conduct records are maintained by the Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy in the following manner:

NOTE: The records may be retained permanently if the student was expelled, suspended, or blocked from reenrollment and/or in situations that may result in future litigation.

These retention periods may change based on the Texas A&M University System, federal and/or state mandated requirements.

Disclosure of Records: Student Conduct Records fall under the federal regulations described in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (as amended). Accordingly, Student Conduct & Community Standards may only release conduct records if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• The student has given written consent to the release of privacy (e.g. FERPA waiver on file to Registrar’s Office, background check waiver, condition of employment waiver, educational record release, etc.).
• An imminent concern for health and/or safety exists.
• The student involved was under 21 years of age and was found in violation of an alcohol or drug policy. (See Article V for more information).
• A faculty or staff member of the University has an educational need to know in order to complete their job duties.
• TAMU-CC reserves the right to notify other colleges and universities on a need-to-know basis as allowed by state and federal regulations.

Transcript Notation: Transcripts of students with pending conduct investigations that could result in expulsion or suspension of one (1) semester or greater, will be held until the conduct process is complete.

When a sanction of suspension or expulsion is levied as a result of a violation of the SCoC, a notation will be made on the student’s academic transcript. The notation will differentiate between academic and conduct violations that led to the assigned sanction. The notation will also include the department responsible for issuing the separation. Finally, the notation will include the dates of separation from the University (if applicable). 

Request for Transcript Notation Removal: Notations for expulsion, dismissal, and suspension of one (1) semester or greater will remain on student transcripts and may only be removed upon request by the student, if:

Requests for removal must be in writing and addressed and delivered to the Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy. Students must follow the process found on the Student Conduct & Community Standards webpage.

NOTE:  For additional information see System Rule http://policies.tamus.edu/11-99-02.pdf and TAMU-CC Conduct Requirements for Admissions Applications and Transcripts (11.99.02.CO.01) procedure. 

Access to conduct records is provided in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended and the Confidentiality of Student Records policy. A student may request their individual student conduct records via written request to the Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy.

The following are possible individuals or groups who may be assigned to adjudicate conduct hearings.

1. Chief Student Conduct Officer: The University Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee(s) shall have responsibility for the administration, implementation, and efficient coordination of the SCoC and will determine, on an individual basis, which appointee or group will adjudicate each case.
2. Student Conduct Officer: Student Conduct Officer(s) shall have the responsibility of overseeing Student Conduct Conferences, including the investigation and adjudication that may result from them. Student Conduct Officers also have administrative responsibilities for assembling panels.
3. The Student Conduct Board (SCB) Composition: A hearing body composed of currently enrolled students of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. A minimum of three individuals constitutes a quorum.

a. Chair: From the SCB a chair is appointed by the Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee to preside over the hearing and ensure that the prescribed procedures are followed.
b. Scope of Authority: The SCB will be utilized, at the discretion of the Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee, in hearing SCoC cases and Student Organization conduct cases. The SCB provides a decision and recommendation for sanction(s) to the Student Conduct Officer who then notifies the respondent and if applicable, the complainant of the final outcome, pending appeal.

Information regarding hearing bodies for adjudication of Student Organization conduct cases can be found in the Student Organization Handbook, Fraternity and Sorority Life Handbook, Intramural Handbook, Sport Club Handbook and/or Scheduling and Reservations Handbook, as appropriate.

4. Student Misconduct Hearing Panel (SMHP): A hearing body composed of currently enrolled students, faculty and/or staff of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. A minimum of three individuals constitutes a quorum.

a. Chair: From the SMHP a chair is appointed by the Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee to preside over the hearing and ensure that the prescribed procedures are followed.
b. Scope of Authority: The SMHP will be utilized, at the discretion of the Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee, in hearing SCoC cases, Student Sexual Misconduct Process cases and appeals. The SMHP provides a decision to the Student Conduct Officer who then notifies the respondent and if applicable, the complainant.

The Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee has the authority to appoint other bodies to hear cases when deemed appropriate.

Any student with a disability has the right to request reasonable accommodations in order to ensure  full and equal participation in the conduct process.  Students wishing to request reasonable accommodations should make those requests in advance (3 business days prior to the date that the request is needed) directly to the Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy. Students are not required to be registered with the Disability Services (DS) office in order to request accommodations for the conduct process; however, review of supporting documentation of the disability may be required.  The Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy will consult with the DS office, as needed, though the nature of the conduct issue will not be disclosed to the DS office, except to the extent that disclosure may assist in the determination of reasonable accommodations. Accommodations are determined on an individual, case‐by‐case basis by the Chief Student Conduct Officer in consultation with the DS staff.

Students who do not reside in Corpus Christi during their conduct proceedings may request that meetings and/or hearings be held by alternative modes (e.g., telephonic, video conferencing). Requests must be made 3 business days in advance to be considered by the Student Conduct Officer. Determinations shall take into consideration benefits and burdens to the parties and the University.

At any time, the University may deem it necessary to host one or all of a students proceedings remotely via web or phone.

1. Any questions of interpretation regarding the SCoC shall be referred to the Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy for final determination.
2. The SCoC shall be reviewed annually under the direction of the Chief Student Conduct Officer. It is then reviewed by TAMU-CC’s President’s Cabinet and the Office of the General Counsel at TAMUS. In keeping with normal University policy approval processes, the SCoC may, at the sole discretion of the University, be amended at any time. Any approved changes that would have an impact on the current 2021-2022 SCoC will be published online at studentconduct.tamucc.edu. The online version of the SCoC will always reflect the most updated rules and procedures for students.