University Student Rules

Each year the official rules and regulations, known as the University Student Rules, are published on the web. The Student Rules cover both academic and student life regulations. Student Rights and Responsibilities are also included.

The rules may be viewed at student-rules.tamu.edu. If you need to view the rules in an alternate format, please contact the Offices of the Dean of Student Life at 979-845-3111. Rules and procedures pertaining to issues of discrimination, which include, but are not limited to, sexual harassment and sexual assault, may be found at rules-saps.tamu.edu/TAMURulesAndSAPs.aspx under 08.01.01.M1 and 08.01.01.M1.01.

It is each student’s responsibility to know, be aware of, and abide by these rules and regulations. The following address only a few of the student rules.

Hazing

Texas A&M University strictly prohibits hazing. A summary of the definition of hazing as defined in the Texas A&M University Student Rules is, “Any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property; and/or assisting, directing, or in any way causing others to participate in degrading behavior and/or behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, or embarrassment; and/or engaging in conduct which tends to bring the reputation of the organization, group, or University into disrepute for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization; or as part of any activity of a recognized student organization, student group, Corps of Cadets, Corps outfit, Corps unit, or Corps Special Activities. Previously relied upon ‘traditions,’ (including Corps, fraternity/sorority, or any other group or organization activity, practice or tradition) intent of such acts, or coercion by current or former student leaders of such groups, or former students will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question.”

Students have a responsibility to uphold the Texas A&M University Student Rules. As such, the Texas A&M Student Rule on hazing also states, “Having firsthand knowledge of the planning of such activities or firsthand knowledge that an incident of this type has occurred and failing to report it to appropriate University officials (the Dean of Student Life and/or the University Police Department) is also a violation under this section. Students who are recipients and/or victims of hazing (and who have not perpetrated hazing behavior on others involved in the fact pattern for which they are reporting) and who report the activities to the Dean of Student Life and/or the University Police Department, will not be charged with a violation of the hazing rule.” Hazing is also a violation of Texas state law.

Texas A&M University posts information identifying organizations that have been found responsible for hazing. This information may be found online.

Scholastic Probation

Scholastic probation is a conditional permission for an undergraduate student to continue in the University after they has become scholastically deficient. Undergraduate students are scholastically deficient when their semester or cumulative grade point ratio is less than 2.00 or when grade point requirements in a student’s major field of study are not met. The department and/or dean of the student’s college can grant conditional permission when analysis of the deficiency indicates that a continuation is in the best interest of the student and the University. The record made by a student while on probation determines whether they shall regain good academic standing, granted a continuation on probation, or suspended from the University for scholastic deficiency.

Excused Absences

As outlined in Texas A&M University Student Rule 7, the university views class attendance as an individual student responsibility. Students are expected to attend class and to complete all assignments. Instructors are expected to give adequate notice of the dates on which major tests will be given and assignments will be due. This information should be provided on the course syllabus, which should be distributed at the first class meeting.

Students who are requesting an excused absence are expected to uphold the Aggie Honor Code and Student Conduct Code (See Rule 24). Students may be excused from attending class on the day of a graded activity or when attendance contributes to a student’s grade, for the reasons stated in Section 7.1, or other reason deemed appropriate by the student’s instructor. To be excused students must notify their instructor in writing (acknowledged e-mail message is acceptable) prior to the date of absence if such notification is feasible. In cases where advance notification is not feasible (e.g. accident or emergency) students must provide notification by the end of the second working day after the absence. This notification should include an explanation of why notice could not be sent prior to the class.

If needed, the student must provide additional documentation substantiating the reason for the absence that is satisfactory to the instructor within one week of the last date of the absence. If the absence is excused, the instructor must either provide the student an opportunity to make up any quiz, exam or other graded activities or provide a satisfactory alternative to be completed within 30 calendar days from the last day of the absence.

Harassment and Discrimination

Texas A&M is committed to the fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity. To fulfill its multiple missions as an institution of higher learning, Texas A&M encourages a climate that values and nurtures collegiality, diversity, pluralism, and the uniqueness of the individual within our state, nation and world. All decisions and actions involving students and employees should be based on applicable law and individual merit. Texas A&M University, in accordance with applicable federal and state law, prohibits discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Individuals who believe they have experienced harassment or discrimination prohibited by this statement are encouraged to contact the appropriate offices within their respective units. Students should contact the Department of Civil Rights and Equity Investigations at 979-458-8407 or [email protected].

Alcohol

Individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. Texas A&M University is an educational institution dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, the promotion of academic achievement, and the advancement of knowledge. Because of the University’s interest in the intellectual, physical, and psychological well-being of the campus community, it is important that the University take steps to curtail the abusive or illegal use of alcoholic beverages. Educating students about the effects of misuse and use of alcohol will help accomplish these goals.