RULES & REGULATIONS

You are expected to comply with the rules and regulations of the University. The following section provides information on nonacademic rules affecting students. The primary source of information on academic rules is the University Catalog. For information on academic matters not discussed below, please see the catalog.

The University also has a code of conduct that defines what student behaviors are acceptable and how unacceptable behaviors will be investigated and adjudicated. It is your responsibility to become familiar with the code of conduct. For more information, see falcon.tamucc.edu/~students.

Alcohol @ Illicit Drugs
www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/safety/3402C1.htm
Alcohol is not allowed on the A&MCorpus Christi campus, except in the University residential facilities. If you are at least 21 years old, you may possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of your room in the University residential facilities. However, you and your guests must comply with state and local statutes concerning possession, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Please be aware that even if you are 21, possessing or consuming alcohol in the same room with any roommate or guest under the age of 21 is a violation of state law. You will be considered to be providing alcohol to a minor and they will be considered a minor in possession.

Any use of alcoholic beverages should be in moderation. Therefore, bulk quantities of alcohol (kegs, cases, party balls, etc.) are not allowed on campus or in residence facilities. Loud or disruptive behavior or drinking habits that are harmful to the health or education of an individual or those around him/her are reasons for disciplinary action.

You are also expected to abide by all state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and illicit drugs. Standards of conduct strictly prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia on University property or at University sponsored activities. Please be aware that any person who distributes, possesses with intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private college, junior college, or university is subject to twice the maximum punishment, at least twice any term of supervised release, and a fine up to twice of that authorized may be imposed. Individuals may use prescription medications that are medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed physician. Improper or illegal use, possession or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances may result in immediate expulsion from University residence facilities. If you are expelled from housing, you are still responsible for your rent under your Rules & Regulations lease agreement. For more information regarding the alcohol and drug policy, go the following web site:
www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/safety/3402C1.htm

Bikes/Skateboards/Vehicle/Pedestrian Sidewalk Traffice
www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/safety/99C2.htm
To protect the safety of pedestrians and prevent damage to campus walkways and other facilities, A&M-Corpus Christi has developed the following rules concerning the use of campus sidewalks:

34.06.99.C2

1 Vehicle/Pedestrian Sidewalk Traffic

1.1 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has developed the following rules to protect the safety of pedestrians, prevent damage to campus walkways and other facilities, and promote the safe operation of non-motorized transportation devices on campus. The safe operation of utility carts is governed by University Rule 24.02.02.C2.

1.2 TAMU-CC safety procedures apply to all University employees, state/federal agency tenants, contractors, vendors, visitors, volunteers, student employees, and/or students.

1.3 Unauthorized vehicles will not be allowed on campus sidewalks. Authorization to use a vehicle on campus sidewalks must be obtained from the University Police or the Director of Physical Plant. Offices that need to transport items to or from vehicles on a regular basis should purchase dollies or request Physical Plant to move the items.

2. NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION DEVICES
The following rules apply to roller skates, rollerblades, bicycles, skateboards, and all other non-motorized transportation devices excluding disability-related devices (i.e., wheel chairs).

2.1 Non-motorized transportation devices will not be used inside any building.

2.2 Non-motorized transportation devices will not exceed the speed of normal pedestrian traffic at any time.

2.3 Non-motorized transportation devices will not be operated in a reckless or negligent manner anywhere on campus. Reckless or negligent behavior with non-motorized transportation devices may be a cause for disciplinary action.

2.4 Helmets and other personal safety equipment are strongly recommended for those using non-motorized transportation devices on campus. Bicycles may be parked only in designated bicycle racks. Bicycles may be stored within the student apartments.

2.5 Operators of all non-motorized transportation devices do so at their own risk and liability.

3. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENFORCEMENT
The departments responsible for enforcement of the above rules are the University Police, the Physical Plant, and the Environmental, Health and Safety Department. Additionally, the Environmental, Health and Safety Department is responsible for development of other measures related to sidewalk safety. Contact for Interpretation: Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

International Travel

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
A s early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 8,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.

You'll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen. For more information concerning updates and information on International travel please visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html

Classroom Conduct
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Faculty has the professional responsibility to treat students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which students express opinions. Disruptive students in the academic setting hinder the educational process. Disruption, as applied to the academic setting, means behavior that a reasonable faculty member would view as interfering with normal academic functions. Examples include, but are not limited to, persistently speaking without being recognized or interrupting other speakers, behavior which distracts the class from the subject matter or discussion, or in extreme cases, physical threats, harassing behavior or personal insults, or refusal to comply with faculty direction. Students are expected to refrain from disruptive behavior at all times. Students who fail to adhere to behavioral standards may be subject to disciplinary action.

Concealed Firearms and Explosives
Possession or use of firearms, any type of ammunition, and other dangerous weapons are prohibited on all University property and in residence facilities. This includes BB guns. The sale, use, or possession of fireworks, explosives, noxious materials, incendiary devices or other similar dangerous items are also prohibited on University premises.

Grievance Procedures
If you have a legitimate and sincere grievance involving allegations of University related conflicts, you may file a complaint against a student or recognized student organization. You must submit a written or verbal harassment complaint addressing the actions or behavior that has occurred to the Office of Student Affairs (UC 318). Any charge should be submitted within 90 days after the event takes place or becomes known, and 365 days for harassment.

Harassment
Harassment is verbal, physical, written, or other conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion to an individual on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veterans status, marital status, or any basis prohibited by law when from the objective standpoint of a reasonable person such conduct substantially interferes with an individual's work or school performance, creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment even if the person engaging in the conduct does not intend to interfere, intimidate, or be hostile or offensive. Examples include unwanted sexual advances, damage/attack to personal property or self, and verbal threats in person or via phone, e-mail or mail.

Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes but is not limited to rape, sexual assault, sex offenses, and other physical assaults; threats of violence; or conduct that threatens the health and safety of any person. Sexual assault or rape is the use of physical force or emotional coercion to force sex. Sex without conscious and total consent is rape. Taking sexual advantage of a person who is mentally or physically incapable of giving consent (e.g., is intoxicated) is rape.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature, submission to which is made a condition of a person's exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power, or immunity, either explicitly or implicitly. Sexual harassment may range from unthinking and unintentional verbal denigration of a person on the basis of his/her gender to actual physical assault. Some behaviors that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, offensive sexual flirtations, advances, or pressure for sexual activity; unwanted touching, pinching, or unnecessary brushes; unwanted exposure to sexual graffiti, photographs or suggestive objects; signed or anonymously sent sexually explicit electronic messages or displayed screens; sexual innuendoes or statements made at inappropriate times or disguised as humor; obscene gestures; disparaging remarks about one's gender; or any offensive or abusive physical contact. Conduct, whether on- or off- University and/or System property or at University sponsored activities will constitute sexual harassment when: (1) submission to, or toleration of, such conduct is made (either explicitly or implicitly) a term or condition of employment or participation in other University activities; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions or academically-related decisions affecting such individual; or, (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's ability to function normally, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work and/or learning environment.

Reporting a Complaint
Please report any incidences of harassment, physical abuse, and sexual harassment to the University Police at 825-4444 and the Office of Student Affairs, UC 318, or call 825-2612. The following website provides more information about the procedure to report any type of harassment: www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/afety/340199C101.html.

Hazing
Hazing is any intentional, knowing or reckless act occurring on- or off-campus, by one person alone or acting with others, which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization. Although hazing is commonly associated with fraternities and sororities, it can occur in any type of organization or group. Hazing not only violates University rules, but also Texas law. It does not matter if someone agrees to participate in a hazing activity-it is hazing whether someone agrees to it or not. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activities;
• Any type of physical activity that subjects the individual to an unreasonable risk or harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of an individual, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics or similar activity;
• Any activity involving the consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, drug, or other substance which subjects the individual to unreasonable risk of harm or which adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the person;
• Any activity that intimidates or threatens the person with ostracism, subjects the individual to extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation, or adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the individual;
• Any activity that induces or requires the student to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the Penal Code.

Please be aware that the following activities are considered to be hazing by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: wearing clothes that one would not normally wear, collecting signatures of members, drinking excessively, cleaning another member's house, apartment or car in order to achieve or maintain membership in the organization, etc.

If you have firsthand knowledge of the planning or occurrence of a specific hazing incident, you must report it or you have committed a hazing offense. Please report any incidence of hazing to the Office of Student Affairs, UC 318, or call 825-2612.

Pets
www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/mployment/499C1.htm
Pets are not allowed in any campus building or on campus grounds at any time. Registered service animals assisting the visually, hearing or mobility impaired are the only exceptions.