Code of Student Life
Introduction
Disciplinary Procedures and Sanctions
All violations of federal, state, local or University regulations, rules or laws shall be reported to the University Police Department (UPD). Each violation is considered one offense. Once a criminal report is filed with UPD, it is investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division. When a suspect is identified, the case is referred to the Randall County district attorney's office for prosecution. Aside from the criminal charges, the vice president for student services (VPSS) refers the suspect for University disciplinary action.
The VPSS may choose to hear cases that involve charges of a sexual nature, hazing, cases involving temporary suspension or other cases in which the law may grant authority. If the VPSS chooses not to hear a case, a judicial officer or judicial board will be appointed to pursue the case. All disciplinary hearings will adhere to the procedures for notification, evidence, counsel/advisers, burdens of proof, records, findings and appeals as outlined in the current edition of the Code of Student Life. University actions may include but are not limited to monetary fines, work hours, probation, mandatory participation in specific awareness/rehabilitation programs and/or suspension or expulsion from WTAMU.
In all hearings, both the accused and accuser will have the opportunity to present their versions of the facts, to present other evidence in support of the case including witnesses and to question evidence presented. In cases of alleged sexual assault, both the accuser and accused will be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary hearing.
For complete procedures and information involving discipline hearings, sanctions, penalties and appeals, please refer to the appropriate sections of the Code of Student Life. The current edition of the Code of Student Life is available in the Office of Student Services and on the University web site at www.wtamu.edu/administrative/ss/code.
Student Education Records and Federal Privacy Law
Annually, West Texas A&M University informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings, and to submit an explanatory statement for inclusion in the education record if the outcome of the hearing is unsatisfactory. Students have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the act. Written complaints should be directed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920
Local policy explains in detail the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with provisions of the act. Copies of the policy may be obtained at the Office of the Registrar, located in Old Main, Room 103, on the West Texas A&M University campus. Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Office of the Registrar. Directory information includes student's name, gender, local and permanent address, telephone number, date and place of birth, marital status, major field of study, classification, enrollment status (full-time, part-time, undergraduate, graduate), participation in recognized activities and sports, height and weight if a member of an athletic team, date of attendance, degrees, awards and honors received, the most recent educational institution attended and other information which would make the student's identity easily traceable. Directory information may be disclosed unless students or parents request, in writing, that specific information not be divulged. Requests must be filed with the Office of the Registrar by the 12th class day of each semester. For more information, go to http://www.ed.gov/print/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/students.html.
Photography and Recording of Students and Employees
West Texas A&M University reserves the right to photograph and record (through the use of still, video, audio or other medium) students and employees on campus and at University-sponsored functions and events. The University reserves the right to use, broadcast, distribute and/or publish any part of such images, likenesses, voices, appearances and/or performances for promotional, advertising, educational or other honorable purposes.
West Texas A&M University serves people of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, gender, religion, disability, or national origin. WTAMU is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity institution.
Published by:
West Texas A&M University Student Services
(806) 651-2050
August 2007
West Texas A&M University
Reference Number 13.02.99.W1