Student Conduct
Reporting Incidents
Students witnessing a violation of policy must notify hall staff and complete an information report. The Residence Director (RD) will take action and may call for a disciplinary hearing. Certain violations, such as possession of weapons, illegal drugs, or assault, will be referred to Student Conduct and Community Standards in the Dean of Students Office. It is a violation of Texas State policy to knowingly assist an individual in violating a policy or to provide false information.
Judicial Process
Texas State students and residents are responsible for knowing and following the information in the Student Handbook, Housing Handbook and housing contract. Housing and Residential Life (HRL) works with Student Conduct and Community Standards to address possible violations in a fair manner. The judicial process is based on an educational philosophy. Students suspected of violating a policy receive notification of the possible violations and instructions on scheduling judicial meetings to discuss the charges. A judicial meeting will occur with a university administrator who will determine if the student is responsible for violating policy, and, if applicable, assign a sanction. A decision is made in the absence of a student who does not schedule and attend the judicial meeting.
Judicial Sanctions
Sanctions may include suspension of rights and privileges for a specific period of time, including access to electronic network facilities and participation in athletic, extracurricular, or other student activities, reassignment within the residence facilities, community service, damage reimbursement, or other appropriate educational sanctions. In all cases, students who are accused of violations are afforded due process, which includes the right to appeal (for just cause) any ruling made where a judicial meeting occurred. If a student fails to attend that meeting, the right to appeal is forfeited. If the student's actions threaten the safety of themselves or someone else, the student may be required to move from their current room to another room on-campus, or they may be temporarily or permanently removed from on-campus housing. If the student is required to move off-campus due to the alleged actions, all costs incurred will be the responsibility of the student. Refunds will not be distributed for the paid residence facilities costs and the student will be responsible for payment of the remainder of the housing contract for the full academic year. If a student fails to meet the summons of a university official in regard to a judicial or police matter, they may be denied access to residence facilities until such time that the matter is resolved. A decision will be made on the case in the student's absence. If the student fails to complete judicial responsibilities, a hold will be placed on their record until the responsibilities are completed. This may mean the student is unable to register, receive transcripts, or receive a diploma.
Judicial Appeals
Students found responsible for violating policy may appeal the decision and sanctions of their judicial conference so long as the student attended said conference. Appeals are typically required to be submitted within five working days of the initial written decision of the corresponding judicial conference. New evidence, unsupported conclusion, disproportionate sanction, and procedural error are the only reasons for judicial appeals. The details of the appeal process are provided in the initial written decision of the judicial conference.