YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN ISLANDER

Equal Access and Opportunity
Admission to and participation in the educational programs and activities of The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi shall be open to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability

Student Responsibility
While University personnel may assist students in progressing toward the degree that they are seeking, the final and ultimate responsibility for understanding and following the degree requirements rests with the students themselves. Each student is held responsible for knowing degree requirements, for enrolling in courses that fit into degree programs, and for taking courses in the proper sequence to ensure orderly progression of work. The student must seek advice about degree requirements and other University policies when necessary. The student is held responsible for knowing and abiding by University regulations regarding the standard of work required to continue in the University, as well as those dealing with academic integrity, scholastic probation, suspension, and dismissal. Additionally, the student is expected to comply with the rules and process in this handbook and code of conduct, which are administered by the Office of Student Affairs.

Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford you certain rights with respect to your education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review your education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. You should submit to the registrar, dean, or head of the academic department, or other appropriate official a written request that identifies the record (s) you wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify you of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise you of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of your education records that you believe is inaccurate or misleading. You should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record you want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by you, the University will notify you of the decision and advise you of your right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will Your Rights & Responsibilities as an Islander be provided to you when you are notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in your education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right to file a complaint with
the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is Family Policy Compliance Office. U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. , Washington, DC 20202-4605.

5. For more information about you rights under FERPA, contact the Office of Admissions and Records at 825-7024 or visit the University’s website at: www.tamucc.edu/catalog/Catalog07/Undergraduate/general/general.html

Reminder
It is your responsibility to inform the Office of Admissions and Records if your telephone number and/or local address change. To change your address, go to the Office of Admissions and Records in the Student Services Center ( Round Building ) or visit www.tamucc.edu/~admiss/sailweb/index.html. You also should maintain current emergency notification information on file so that we can contact a relative or friend in case of a crisis.

Demonstrations
NOTE: Approval Pending 33.01.99.C1
Proposed University Rule
1.GENERAL
1.1 This document should be read in conjunction with University Rule 33.01.99.C1, Demonstrations. This procedure explains the guidelines for engaging in organized demonstrations and provides other important information.

2.DEMONSTRATION OR RALLY
2.1 A demonstration or rally is any expressive activity which involves the use of visuals, structures, amplified sound, or other embellishments.

2.2 Permit Process
2.2.1 Application for a permit must be made through the University Center and Student Activities Scheduling office at least three (3) business days in advance of the activity. The following information will be requested:

(a) Name of the person or organization planning the activity.
(b) Name of the university entity sponsoring the activity, if applicable.
(c) Date and time of the activity.
(d) General purpose of the activity
(e) List of planned activities (i.e. speech, rally, distribution of literature, march with signs, etc.)
(f) Special equipment requested. (There may be a fee for equipment use and set up)
(g) Anticipated attendance

2.2.2 The Director of the University Center and Student Activities or his/her designee will approve the permit except in the following situations: Another activity is occurring in the requested location on the same date and time.
Appropriate security cannot be arranged. The activity causes a reasonable expectation that it will result in a breach of peace or violation of law.
The activity will interfere with the free and unimpeded flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on campus or the entry or exit to university buildings. The activity will disrupt or interfere with the normal activities of the university.
The activity advocates the deliberate violation of the law. For the purpose of this section "advocacy" means preparing the group addressed for imminent action and steering it to such action.

2.3 Procedures for Outside Groups
After obtaining an approved permit, outside individuals or groups that are not sponsored by a University administrative unit or an officially recognized student organization, must follow the procedures described in University Rule 33.04.99.C1 (Use of University Facilities). These procedures include contacting Community Outreach, completing an Ancillary Events/Meetings Facility Reservation Form, signing a liability waiver, and providing a certificate of general liability insurance in the amount specified by the form.

3.APPEALS PROCESS
3.1 If a request for a permit is denied, an individual or group may file a written appeal within five (5) business days to the Vice President for Student Affairs or authorized designee.

3.2 The results of the appeal shall be communicated to the appellate within ten (10) business days after receipt of the appeal. All decisions are final. Contact for Interpretation: Vice President for Student Affairs

Student-Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990
You have the right to know about campus crime statistics, security resources and rules and regulations. You can check out a copy of the latest report by going to our website or calling the University Police Department at 825-4444 to request a hard copy.

Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act is a federal law that provides for the tracking of convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled as students at institutions of higher education or working or volunteering on campus. The act requires sex offenders to provide notice, as required under state law, to each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. The act also requires that state procedures ensure that this registration information is promptly made available to law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction where the institutions of higher education are located and that it is entered into appropriate state records or data systems. The UPD has a crime victim's advocate available to assist victim's of crime for more information contact Sgt. Melissa Wright 825-3791/825-4444

Hurricane Evacuation Plan (www.tamucc.edu/hurricane/HURRICAN.HTM)
Hurricane Evacuation Plan www.tamucc.edu/hurricane/HURRICAN.HTM In the event a hurricane threatens the Coastal Bend area and A&M-Corpus Christi, the campus may be evacuated. The following plan outlines procedures and steps that will ensure your safety.

PRE-STORM PREPARATIONS
Are you ready for Hurricane Season?

• It would be a good idea to make a detailed inventory of all your be- longings. A photographic record of all items is very valuable when it comes to fast settlement of claims.
• Identify with whom you will stay in the event an evacuation is necessary and tell your family your evacua- tion plans in advance. Make arrangements for transporta- tion in the event you evacuate.
• Make sure your transportation can accommodate any equipment or other supplies that need to be taken with you. If you do not have a car, make car-pooling evacuation ar- rangements with friends and/or roommates.
• Make travel arrangements and find out best evacuation routes out of Corpus Christi.
• If you do not have a car and cannot make independent evacuation ar- rangements or have special chal- lenges with regard to evacuation, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 825-2612 for arrangements. All residential students needing evacuation assistance should contact the Director of University Housing at 825-2612 as soon as possible after the beginning of the semester to discuss arrangements.
• The following is a list of some items that could be stored in advance:
  1. Extra copies of your prescript- tions in case your physician's office is damaged and not operational.
  2. At least 1 one-month supply of medications.
  3. Identification

DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME NEAR THE COAST UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

AFTER THE DISASTER
What should you do?

Should a hurricane hit Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, residents will not be allowed to return to campus until approval is given by the City of Corpus Christi and the Campus Administrative Team. Listen to local radio/TV stations to find out when you can return to campus. Students can call the hurricane information line at (361) 825-0000 or (888) 234-4887 to find out when it is safe to return to the University as well as when classes will resume. You may also check the University website (www.tamucc.edu) for more information.

• Dispose of damaged property which presents a health hazard or which may hamper local clean-up operations. Be sure to adequately document discarded items by saving your receipts, photographing the items and by compiling a room-by-room inventory of missing or dam- aged goods.
• If you perform any of the clean-up activities yourself, consider your safety and the safety of others in performing these tasks.
• Move personal property to a protected area.
• Remove the water and wet items. Try to leave it as well ventilated as possible to help in the drying out process.
• Clean and dry wood furniture as soon as possible. Be careful not to rub in abrasives such as soil or plaster that may have fallen on the surface.
• Try dry bedding and uphol- stered furniture that is saturated with water. Don't store other possessions near these items.
• Dry radios, televisions and other electric devices. Have all electrical equipment exposed to water profes- sionally serviced before using them.
• Caution! Do not attempt to start a flood-damaged car before it has been inspected as they may cause additional engine damage.

PORTABLE EMERGENCY DISASTER SUPPLY KIT:
What should you take with you?

• 7-day supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener. (can tuna, beans, granola bars, etc.)
• 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person)
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First Aid kit and manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and toilet paper)
• Matches in waterproof container.
• Whistle Extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags.
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.
• Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions, household inventory and credit cards.
• CD or photocopies of important documents (birth and marriage certificates)
• Cash and coins
• Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries.
• A good Texas map showing county roads and well as highways.
• Tire repair kit, booster/jumper cables, pump and flares.
• White Distress Flag
• List of family phone numbers and addresses outside the area.
• Don't forget to review your emergency plan information and update your communication plan; including home, work, school, and cell phone numbers as well as your "Out-Of-Town" contact person's number.

FINAL CHECKLISTS:
Actions to take when Storm is in the Gulf:

• Listen for official bulletins on local television, radio and NOAA weather radio.
• Fill your vehicle's tank with gas and check fluid levels.
• Obtain adequate supply of prescription medicines. Get Extra cash.
• Double check your Disaster Supply Kit.
• Follow instructions issued by Campus Administration or local officials.
• EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY IF ORDERED TO DO SO.

FINAL ACTIONS IF LEAVING:

• Unplug small appliances
• Completely empty your refrigerator and freezer.
• Notify family members or other contact outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.

Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) will have courtesy patrols along hurricane evacuation routes to assist motorists.

TXDOT Road Conditions 1-800-452-9292

TXDOT Corpus Christi Office 1-361-808-2300

RETURNING HOME:

• Restrict your driving to emergency only as initial road conditions may be unsafe until road debris is able to be cleared.
• Whether you live off campus or at Miramar Student Housing you are not to return to the campus until instructed to do so by the TAMUCC Vice President for Student Affairs.

HELPFUL HURRICANE INFORMATION
Hazards:
Storm Surge: Storm surge is a dome of water often 50 to 100 miles wide that sweeps across the coastline along and to the right of where the eye crosses the coast. In general, the stronger the winds in the hurricane, the higher the storm surge. If the hurricane makes landfall during high tide, the impact will be even greater.

Wind:
Hurricane force winds of 74 mph or more can destroy buildings, mobile homes, trees and power poles. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside, become flying missiles in a hurricane. The strongest winds occur in a region of the hurricane called the eye wall. Wind gusts in the right side of the eye wall are the most destructive. Hurricane force winds can be felt as far at 150 inland from the coast.

Inland Flooding:
Flooding from tropical cyclones is a major threat to people well inland from the coast. Very slow moving tropical storms and hurricane can produce tremendous rains of 20 to 30 inches or more, resulting in disastrous flooding.

Tornadoes:
Tropical cyclones can produce tornadoes adding to the storm's destructive power. Tornadoes are most like to occur in the right front quadrant of the tropical cyclone in the eye wall region or in the outer rain bands as far as 150 miles away from the center.