Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct (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 & Community Standards is under the umbrella and oversight of the Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy. Student Conduct & Community Standards oversees the adjudication of all cases of student misconduct governed by the SCoC. Action taken by the Student Conduct & Community Standards 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 & Community Standards 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 regulations 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 (American Campus Communities) Lease Contract: Lease violations will be addressed by Miramar or Momentum Village personnel. Lease violations that are simultaneously violations of the SCoC will be addressed by Student Conduct & Community Standards in communication/conjunction with Miramar or Momentum Village 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 & Community Standards (per the outlined procedures) 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 Associate 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. Consent is a clear, voluntary and ongoing agreement to engage in a specific sexual act. Persons need not verbalize their consent to engage in a sexual act for there to be permission. Permission to engage in a sexual act may be indicated through physical actions rather than words. A person who is asleep or mentally or physically incapacitated, either through the effect of drugs or alcohol or for any other reason, or whose agreement was made by threat, coercion, or force, cannot give consent. Consent may be revoked by any party at any time.
6. Faculty Member is any person employed by the University to provide academic instruction, educational supervision and/or engage in scholarly activities.
7. 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, withdrawing and/or receiving an official transcript.
8. Gender Based Discrimination is violence, harassment or other unfavorable behavior which, absent the individual’s gender, would likely not occur.
9. Good Conduct Standing is when a student does not currently have outstanding sanctions due, is not on conduct probate.
10. 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.
11. Incident Report is a written or electronic report indicating that an individual or group may have committed a violation. 
12. 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.
13. The term May is used in the permissive sense. 
14. 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.
15. 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. The Office of 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 Office of Student Conduct & Advocacy by the student.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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. 
20. 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.
21. Presenter is a University official who was appointed to investigate and/or present the case to the hearing body on behalf of the University. 
22. Procedure is the written policy of the University as found in, but not limited to, the SCoC, Miramar and Momentum Village (American Campus Communities) Lease Contracts and Resident Handbook, Graduate/Undergraduate Catalogs, University Rules and Procedures, and Texas A&M University System Regulations/Policies.
23. 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 system regulation 08.01.01.
24. 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.
25. The term “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 Code, 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 Code 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 Code 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: Texas A&M-RELLIS students must comply with the RELLIS campus Student Code of Conduct.]
26. Student Conduct Conference is a meeting that occurs prior to a formal conduct hearing, the respondent student 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.
27. Student Conduct 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.
28. 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. 
29. Title IX Coordinator is the designated University Employee who is entrusted with oversight of all Title IX compliance at the University. 
30. Title IX Investigator is an administrator designated by the Title IX Coordinator to investigate Civil Rights complaints (this includes Title IX, sexual misconduct, etc.). 
31. University means Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
32. University Official is any person employed or authorized by the University to perform assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
33. 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. Academic Misconduct: engaging in an act that violates the standards of the academic integrity policy as described in the SCoC and Student Academic Misconduct Cases. Any behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus or class discussion may be considered as academic misconduct. Additionally, possessing, using, buying, stealing, transporting, selling or soliciting in whole or in part items including, but not limited to the contents of an unadministered test, test key, homework solutions or possession at any time of current or previous test materials without the instructor’s permission will be considered academic misconduct. The following charges are specific violations of Academic Misconduct under the SCoC:

 

1. Cheating: using, attempting to use, or acquiring unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices or materials in any academic exercise.
   • Copying from another student’s paper or receiving unauthorized assistance during a quiz, test or examination.
   • Using books, notes or other devices (e.g. calculators, cell phones, or computers) when these are not authorized.
   • 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. 
   • Using another’s work from print, web 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 oral reports) for credit more than once without authorization from the current instructor for which the student submits the work. 
   • Submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without current instructor permission.
   • Making minor revisions in a credited paper or report (including oral presentations) and submitting it again as if it were new work.
4. Collusion: Helping or attempting to help another 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. 
   • 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.
5. Fabrication, Falsification, or Misrepresentation: Altering or inventing of any information or citation that is used in assessing academic work. 
   • 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.

3. Endangerment:
   1. Committing or threatening to commit any act of violence or bodily harm.
   2. Negligent, unintentional, or indirect action(s) that endanger the health, safety, or well-being of one’s self or others.
4. Brawling: Individuals willfully participating in, or contributing to, an incident of physical attack.
   
   
5. 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 and Procedures 34.01.99.C1).
   
   
6. Stalking: engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
   1. fear for the person's safety or the safety of others; or
   2. suffer substantial emotional distress.

For the purposes of this definition: 

1. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person's property.
2. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the complainant.
3. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. [34 CFR 668.46(a)]

Note: Stalking is also explicitly prohibited under the TAMUS 08.01.01 regulation. Aiding another in the commission of stalking is also prohibited and may result in that student being charged separately. Stalking based on sex is a form of sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct.

6. Use of Force (physical or non-physical): Behaviors used by any means to obtain a desired outcome or behavior from another individual and/or group. May include, but are not limited to: physical violence, the threat of violence, intimidation, implied threats, coercion and/or blackmail. 

7. Retaliation: Any behavior and/or adverse action taken against a person and/or group because of participation, or perceived participation, in a report, complaint, investigation, proceeding, or hearing. The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute prohibited retaliation.

Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, 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. 

Note: Retaliation is also explicitly prohibited under the TAMUS 08.01.01 regulation.  Aiding another in the commission of retaliation is also prohibited and may result in that student being charged separately.

8. Dating Violence: violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the complainant .

1. The existence of such a relationship will be determined based on the reporting party's statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
2. For the purposes of this definition:

Note: Dating violence is also explicitly prohibited under the TAMUS 08.01.01 regulation. Aiding another in the commission of dating violence is also prohibited and may result in that student being charged separately. Dating violence is a form of sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct. 

9. Domestic Violence: A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by:
   1. a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;
   2. a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
   3. a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
   4. a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; or
   5. any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred. [34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8)]

Note: Domestic violence is explicitly prohibited under the TAMUS 08.01.01. Aiding another in the commission of domestic violence is also prohibited and may result in that student being charged separately. Domestic violence is a form of sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct.

10. Sexual Harassment: A form of sex discrimination. Unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex (of a sexual nature or otherwise): (1) by an employee of the member who conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the member on an individual’s participation in that unwelcome sexual conduct; (2) determined by a reasonable person to be so severe and pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the member’s education program or activity; or (3) sexual assault or dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking based on sex.
11. Sex-based Misconduct: Unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex that is severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create a work, educational, or campus living environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating abusive, or offensive. Sex-based misconduct is explicitly prohibited under the SCoC and TAMUS 08.01.01. Aiding another in the commission of sex-based misconduct is also prohibited under this regulation. Sex-based includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking based on sex.
12. Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse/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.
    • Sexual assault is explicitly prohibited under this regulation. Aiding another in the commission of sexual assault is also prohibited under this regulation. Sexual assault is a form of sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct.

*Note: Any student who is found to be in violation of Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse will automatically be assigned a sanction of suspension or expulsion. Other sanctions may be issued in addition. Additional information can be found in the “Sanctions” section of this document.

13. 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:

• invasion of sexual privacy, regardless of medium,
• electronically recording and/or transmitting images or sound of another person or person(s) engaging in sexual activity without knowledge or consent,
• taking, possessing, and/or transmitting non-consensual photography or images,
• engaging in voyeurism,
• sexually-based stalking and/or bullying,
• prostituting another individual,
• exposing one’s genitals or causing another to expose one’s genitals,
• and/or knowingly exposing another person to a sexually transmitted infection or disease.

Note: Sexual exploitation is also explicitly prohibited under the TAMUS 08.01.01. Sexual exploitation is a form of sex-based misconduct.

14. 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:
    1. 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, 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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
       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, 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.

15. Concealed Handguns: Any violation of University Rule 34.06.03.C1 regarding carrying concealed handguns on campus, including, but not limited to, display 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.
16. Unauthorized Firearms, Weapons, and Explosives: Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possessing 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.
17. Fire and Safety:
    1. Improper use or possession of hazardous substances.
    2. Knowingly, recklessly, or negligently setting or attempting to set an unauthorized fire on University property.
    3. Creating a fire hazard or endangering the safety of persons or property.
    4. False reporting of a fire.
    5. Intentionally activating a fire alarm when no emergency exists.
    6. Interfering with the response of University or city officials to emergency calls.
    7. Misuse or removal of, damage to or tampering with fire prevention or other emergency equipment and/or signage.
    8. Use or possession of any electrical appliance which is not authorized.
    9. Refusing to comply with fire alarm and fire drill procedures.

18. Drugs:
    1. Any of the following: possession, purchase, use, manufacture, sale, distribution, being in the proximity or being under the influence of any illegal drug(s).
    2. Improper or illegal use, possession, distribution, sale, transfer, or manufacture of controlled substances; to include, but not limited to, prescription drugs.
    3. Possession or being in the proximity of any paraphernalia associated with the use and/or possession of any illegal drug(s).

Note: The presence of any prohibited item in a location which is under your control, such as an apartment, residence hall space, backpack, purse or vehicle is also defined as possession.

19. Alcohol:
    1. Any of the following: possession, purchase, use, consumption, manufacture, sale, distribution, being under the influence or in the proximity of alcohol and/or empty alcohol containers by anyone under 21 years of age.
    2. Providing alcoholic beverages to an individual who is under the age of 21.
    3. Unauthorized possession, use, consumption, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol in any building, facility, or property under University control or in violation of any applicable law and/or University policy or procedure.
    4. Any use or possession of alcohol and/or empty alcohol containers in a common area of on-campus housing if the student, roommate, or any guests are under 21 years of age.
    5. Behavior that may pose a health or safety risk or that causes a public or private disturbance. Indicators of this may include slurred speech, loud and/or inappropriate behavior, loss of coordination, and/or glassy or bloodshot eyes.
    6. Unauthorized possession of keg(s) in any building, facility or property under University control.

Note 1: The presence of any prohibited item in a location which is under your control, such as an apartment, residence hall space, backpack, purse or vehicle is also defined as possession.  

Note 2: For information regarding the 911 Lifeline Law please see Article VI.

20. Tobacco and Vaping Products:
    1. Any of the following: possession, purchase, use, manufacture, sale, and/or distribution, of cigarettes or tobacco related products by anyone under 21 years of age*.
    2. Possession of any paraphernalia associated with the use and/or possession of any tobacco products by anyone under 21 years of age*.
    3. Any of the following: possession, use, manufacture, sale, and/or distribution, being in the proximity of vape devices, e-cigarettes or related devices and/or paraphernalia. 

Note 1: The presence of any prohibited item in a location which is under your control, such as an apartment, residence hall space, backpack, purse or vehicle is also defined as possession.

*Note 2: Any individual aged 18 and above with a valid active military identification card from the U.S. or state military forces is exempt from sections a. and b. above.

21. Throwing Objects: Throwing objects out of windows, roofs, stairwells, balconies, etc. of any building on University property where there is a reasonable threat of injury involved.
22. Property:
    1. Unauthorized use, possession or removal of property from a designated area under the control of the University and/or its community members, guests or vendors.
    2. Unauthorized entry to property under University control. Additionally, no student shall remain in a University facility beyond its normal operating hours unless duly authorized by a University official.
    3. Damage, destruction, or defacement of property, including unauthorized painting or staining, that is under the control of the University, residences and/or any of its community members, guests or vendors.
    4. Unauthorized possession, duplication of or use of key, student ID cards, parking permits, etc.
    5. Posting of announcements which do not comply with University rules, procedures, or guidelines.
    6. Unauthorized use of University property, facilities (including on campus housing), and resources to conduct business.

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. Theft:
    1. Failure to provide payment for services, products and/or food.
    2. Removal or possession of property without permission or keeping items beyond permitted timelines. 

24. Technology Misuse:
    1. Unauthorized access or use, misuse and/or abuse of computer equipment, technology, programs or data belonging to, or under the control of the University or any of its members or guests.
    2. Any attempted or successful transport, access or copy of programs, records and/or data belonging to, or under the control of the University or any of its members or guests without authorization.
    3. Any attempted or successful breach of the security of an account belonging to, or under the control of the University or any of its members or guests or to deprive anyone of authorized access to the University’s computing resources.
    4. Using the University’s computer resources for personal or financial gain.
    5. Any unauthorized attempted or successful destruction or modification of programs, records and/or data belonging to, or under the control of the University or any of its members or guests.
    6. Copy, installation and/or use of any copyright material (e.g., books, software or data files) in violation of applicable copyrights or license agreements including, but not limited to, downloading and/or distributing music, movies, or any media using the University’s information resources.
    7. Use of any University information resources that constitutes or results in a violation of the SCoC, University rule or procedure, or law.

 

25. Information and Identification:
    1. Personal Misrepresentation: Representing oneself and/or another in person, verbally, in writing or through means of electronic communication, to obtain a benefit, to injure, or defraud.
    2. Unauthorized Representation: Alleging to represent the University or any of its organizations without specific prior consent of the respective officials to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud.
    3. Inaccuracy of Records and Information: Falsifying, altering, forging, or misusing any University record or official document or knowingly supplying false or misleading information to University officials.
    4. Registration Tampering: Tampering with the registration or records of another student or one’s own including, but not limited to, dropping and/or adding courses.
    5. Election and Referendum Tampering: Altering election or referendum information by tampering with the process or data conducted and/or collected by any University entity or recognized student organization.
    6. Fabrication, Falsification or Misrepresentation Before a University Official: Intentionally misleading a University Official regarding the nature of events, information and/or the identity of any individual.
    7. False reports: Falsely reporting a crime, a conduct violation, and/or safety threat. 

26. Failure to Comply:
    1. Failure to follow the reasonable instructions given by any properly identified University official including residence life personnel and other partners of the University.
    2. Failure to present a student ID, state ID or other official photo identification to a properly identified University official including residence life personnel upon request.
    3. Failure to comply with any published University rules or procedures not otherwise addressed in the

27. Breach of Peace:
    1. Disruptive Behavior: Any action that impacts and/or interferes with operations, processes and/or functions of the University or any of its members. This may include, but not limited to, disruption of learning, instruction, study, sleep or work.
    2. Obstruction of University Activities: Obstructing classes, research, administration, conduct proceedings, or authorized activities under the control of the University or inciting others to do the same.
    3. Expressive Activity: Any action that unduly interferes with an individual or organization’s right to engage in expressive activities. For more information, please see University Rule 08.99.99.C1 on Expressive Activity on Campus.   

28. Accessory Responsibility:
    1. Accessory to a Violation: Aiding or abetting another individual in the commission of an offense as defined by the A person may be charged under this section even if the individual originally accused is not charged or is found ‘not in violation’.
    2. Guest Responsibility: Failure to ensure that a student’s guest(s) know and behave consistently with this Code while on campus. Students should accompany their guests at all times.

Note: Students are also responsible for the activities that occur in their rooms and the shared living space in their on-campus housing. Students are expected to properly secure their living area(s) at all times. All assigned occupants of a room or suite may be subject to the same sanctions under this Code as the actual violators.

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

30. Abuse of Student Conduct Proceedings:
    1. Falsification, distortion and/or misrepresentation of information before a Hearing Body.
    2. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of any student conduct proceeding.
    3. Attempting to discourage or influence an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, reporting options and/or conduct proceedings.
    4. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Hearing Body.
    5. Harassment and/or intimidation of a member of a Hearing Body.
    6. Breaching the FERPA rights of any student involved in a conduct proceeding.

31. On-Campus Housing Violations:
    1. Restricted Behavior: Behavior that is prohibited in the Miramar or Momentum Village Lease Contract and Resident Handbook.
    2. Restricted Possession: Possession of an item that is prohibited in the Miramar or Momentum Village Lease Contract and Resident Handbook.
    3. Violation of Agreement: Failure to adhere to the Miramar or Momentum Village Lease Contract and Resident Handbook, which includes but is not limited to violating the substance-free housing addendum.

32. Other violations:
33. Arrest or citation for violation of federal, state or local law, occurring on or off campus.

The Student Conduct Officer 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 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 Protective Behaviors web page.
   
   
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.

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 here.

1. Process:
   Below is a summary of the steps contained within the Student Conduct Process

1. Charges:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. May be an attorney, friend, family member, faculty member, etc.
2. Is restricted to an advisory role and is not permitted to participate directly in any hearing, directly address an involved university official, or advocate on behalf of the student Advisors may communicate ONLY with the student they are assisting This communication may be written or verbal. Advisors may not communicate with any other participant in the hearing.
3. Is required to maintain privacy regarding information provided at the conduct proceedings. 
4. The advisor may not be a witness, involved party, or have any other conflicting role in the incident in question.
   
   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 programming 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 any 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.

a. Interim suspension may be imposed only:To ensure the safety or well-being of members of the University community or preservation of University property, and/or
If the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the University.
b. During the interim suspension, a student shall be denied access to University Housing and/or the campus and/or all other University activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the Student Conduct Officer may determine to be appropriate.
c. The University may impose an interim suspension without notice or hearing, as long as the notice and hearing follow as soon as practicable (but not less than three business days unless extenuating circumstances exist). The interim suspension does not replace the Student Conduct Process, which shall proceed on the normal schedule, up to and through a hearing, if required. After imposing an interim suspension, the student should be notified in writing (hard copy or electronic) of this action and the reasons for the suspension. The notice should include the time, date, and place of a subsequent hearing at which the student may show cause why the suspension should be lifted (and at which they may contest whether a campus rule was violated.) An interim suspension shall not typically last longer than 10 class days.

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:

a. Procedure: To determine whether the hearing was conducted in conformity with the prescribed process. Deviations from the designated procedure will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless substantial prejudice to the alleged violator or complainant can be shown.
b. New Information: To consider new information sufficient to alter a decision, not brought out in the original hearing because such information could not have been known to the alleged violator and/or complainant at the time of the original hearing.

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:

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:

1. The student is eligible to reenroll in the institution (i.e., suspensions and dismissals only); and
2. The institution determines that good cause exists to remove the notation.

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.

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 accused student and if applicable, the victim.

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.