TAMIU Student Handbook 2021-2022

Page 37 of 91 entry, smoke and tobacco-free campus rule, and use of University facilities and dining hall conduct. Violations of Law and University Discipline . The focus of inquiry in student conduct proceedings shall be the determination of whether a violation of University rules occurred. Student conduct proceedings shall be informal in nature and need not comply with the formal processes associated with the criminal and civil courts, nor shall deviations from prescribed process necessarily invalidate a decision or proceeding unless significant prejudice to the student or University may result. Standards outlined by the University for students may be higher than those standards set for the general population. As each person is subject to multiple layers of expectations through the Federal, State, County and local governments, students are further expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior as members of the University community. Students failing to adhere to those standards may be subject to a University conduct process in addition to civil or criminal litigation should the behavior also be a potential violation of the law. The attempted analogy of student discipline to criminal proceedings against adults and juveniles is not sound. Students may be charged with conduct that potentially violates both the criminal law and this Student Conduct Code (that is, if both possible violations result from the same factual situation) without regard to the pendency of civil or criminal litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Conduct Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus at the discretion of Vice President for Student Affairs or designee. Determinations made or sanctions imposed under this Student Conduct Code shall not be subject to change because criminal charges were dismissed, reduced, or resolved in favor of or against the criminal law defendant. When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the University will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of that individual’s status as a student . If the alleged offense is also being processed under the Student Conduct Code, the University may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the Student Conduct Code and of how matters are typically handled within the University community. The University will attempt to cooperate with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus. Weapons and Explosives. Possession or use of weapons, fireworks, or explosives on University-owned or controlled grounds and property is prohibited. The term weapon is