dustdevil parents
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement understands that the student conduct 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 own individual actions and deeds. Parents wishing to learn more about the student conduct process may read the information below, or contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement at 956.326.2265 for more information. 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 visit the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) website.
How to Support Your Student
Before your student arrives at the University, it is important that you:
- Make sure they know clearly what you expect and what you value.
- Remember that they 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 or unhealthy behaviors.
If your student is accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct, remember to:
- Speak with your student regarding the situation and make sure that you listen carefully without criticizing or judging.
- Have an open discussion about the process of making good decisions, taking responsibility for his/her actions, and responding to peer-pressure.
- Make sure they understand the student conduct process and reads the TAMIU Student Handbook.
- Discuss with your student about your expectations for their behavior at TAMIU, and how the behavior can be modified to meet your expectations.
- Brainstorm with your student about helpful resources for aid or support (e.g., counseling, alcohol education, substance abuse rehabilitation, etc).
- Be firm about your expectations regarding your student behavior while continuing your support.Brainstorm how to overcome inappropriate behavior; open communication is key.
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 their 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 is primarily responsible to conduct their 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.
For more information on the student conduct process, visit the Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement located in Student Center 226 or call 956.326.2286. Below is a list of flow charts that may assist in the student conduct process.
Related Institutional Goals/Principles
| Imperative 1: Students | 1.2 Increase enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. |
| 1.3 Prepare students for successful leadership roles. | |
| 1.4 Engage students in activities that enrich their lives. | |
| 1.5 Provide programs and services that support established student outcomes. | |
| Undergraduate Learning Principle 1: Respective and Expressive Communication Skills | |
| Undergraduate Learning Principle 3: Integration and Application of Knowledge | |