TAMIU Student Handbook 2022-2023

Page 37 of 92 Unauthorized Representation. Unauthorized representation of the University or any recognized entity of the University. Violation of Law. Any act that violates federal, state, or local laws is a violation of this Code. Violation of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Regulations. Violations of any NCAA regulations. Violation of Published University or System Rules. Violation of any University or System policy, rule, or regulation, including, but not limited to University Housing contracts and rules, University motor vehicle rules, rules relating to the use of student identification cards, 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.