East Texas A&M University is committed to complying with local, state, and federal civil rights laws and regulations. These regulations apply to complaints and/or appeals of employment or disciplinary actions made by faculty, administrators, staff, students and/or third parties alleging illegal discrimination, sexual harassment and/or related retaliation. The University Ethics and Compliance office is dedicated to overseeing a discrimination-free workplace and learning environment where every person knows they are valued as an individual and are treated with respect and dignity. The Civil Rights Administrator/Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing Civil Rights at East Texas A&M. All employees are responsible for completing training on equal opportunity and non-discrimination within thirty days of hire and every two years thereafter, as required by state law. Sexual Harassment Training (face-to-face) is required and separate from New Employee Orientation. You can sign up here for the Employee Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention training.
Visit the University Ethics and Compliance Office online, in person in McDowell Administration Suite 113, or call 903.886.5998
Click here for information about Title IX and Civil Rights.
Click here for a printable Comprehensive Resource Guide for Students and Employees from the Title IX Office.
If you feel you have experienced or witnessed any form of discrimination, Click here to access the Civil Rights / Title IX Reporting Form. You can also contact TitleIX@tamuc.edu or call 903.886.5991 with questions.
For a complete list of policies, rules and procedures, visit the Internal Resources page of the University Ethics and Compliance website.
ETAMU is committed to helping all employees and students in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Sections 503 / 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Faculty with a documented disability are encouraged to contact HR.accommodations@tamuc.edu, visit the Accommodations page of the Human Resources website, and to complete an ADA Accommodations Request Form.
Faculty who have a student with a documented disability enrolled in a class will receive information and instructions from the Student Disability Services office.
General Guidance:
If a student comes to you claiming to have a disability and requests an accommodation or alteration, refer the student to the Student Disability Services office. Faculty are welcome to consider all accommodation requests, but are not required to accommodate an undocumented or self-identified diagnosis.
If you suspect that a student in your class may have a learning disability, cognitive disorder or other impairment that is not accommodated through SDS, it is not the role of the faculty to ask the student if s/he has been tested and/or to suggest to the student that s/he may have a learning disability. In situations such as these, contact studentdisabilityservices@tamuc.edu or call 903.886.5150 for guidance.
All information pertaining to disabilities, even the fact that a student has a documented disability or requires an accommodation is confidential and protected by FERPA. Faculty may not discuss disabilities or accommodations with parents/guardians unless the student has a FERPA waiver on file with the SDS office. Nor should FERPA-protected information be shared with other students, or with faculty or administrators that do have an academic interest in the student. If you are contacted by a parent, guardian, or family member regarding a student’s disability or accommodation, refer the person to the SDS office.
If a situation occurs during the course of a semester that requires an accommodation where one did not previously exist, do not attempt to modify a lesson or accommodate a learner on your own. Ensure the student documents the new disability with the Student Disability Services office and that you follow the modifications / accommodations as directed by the SDS office. If at any time you have questions or concerns regarding a student, their disability, perceived disability, or approved accommodations, do not hesitate to reach out to the SDS Director at 903-886-5835.
East Texas A&M University provides non-discriminatory working, learning, and living environments for all members of the University community. East Texas A&M will promptly, thoroughly, and fairly investigate all complaints of discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), and related retaliation based on a protected class in accordance with Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) Policy 08.01.01 Civil Rights Compliance, East Texas A&M rules and/or procedures and applicable federal and state laws. All current and prospective students and employees of East Texas A&M who have questions regarding equal opportunity or disability (related to employment) should contact Tammi Thompson, Director of Human Resources at 903.468.3021 or by email at HR.AffirmativeAction@tamuc.edu.
Click here to review ETAMU Procedure 08.01.01.R2.01 Civil Rights Process for Employee and Third Party
Texas A&M System policy provides, with certain restrictions, for faculty as citizens to hold elective and non-elective offices. The restrictions apply to conflict of interest, interference with the faculty member’s duties or the duties of others, and the manner in which the faculty member's activities reflect on the university.
Faculty members have the right to participate in political activities, so long as such participation does not interfere with the discharge of duties and responsibilities to the university or involve the university in partisan politics. Employment with the university is incompatible with holding some public offices (see System Policy 07.03, Section 3.3 Employees as Candidates and Officeholders for more information).
East Texas A&M University may not endorse, recommend, or otherwise indicate political support for any candidate for an elected office, or for any current officeholder of such an office. The university will not discriminate against any organization or individual on the basis of political affiliation or doctrine, nor will it favor any political organization or doctrine over another.
Click here to review ETAMU Rule 07.03.01.R1 Political Campaign Events in University Facilities.
The Texas A&M University System has established a code of ethics to ensure that ensure all employees of the A&M System are held to the highest ethical standards. System Policy 07.01, Ethics, describes principles of conduct that highlight the essential elements of an ethical and responsible learning, teaching, and scholarly environment: (a) honesty, accountability, transparency, respect, and trust; (b) integrity of the highest caliber; (c) conduct that is indisputable and beyond reproach; (d) openness and fairness; and (e) commitment to compliance. These principles guide minimal behavior expected of all university employees. Faculty members are expected to uphold these principles by incorporating them into their daily activities as members of the university community. Failure to uphold the ethical principles and code of ethical conduct outlined in System Policy 07.01 may result in disciplinary action up to, and including, dismissal.
Faculty are also encouraged to read and abide by the Statement on Professional Ethics published by the American Association of University Professors and to familiarize themselves with all related ETAMU and System rules, policies, procedures and guidelines outlined in this Faculty Handbook.
Faculty members are encouraged to make their expertise available to business, industry, government, professional societies, and other appropriate entities. Such professional employment serves to strengthen the individual faculty member, improve the educational status of the department, and enhance the image of the university.
Request for approval of consulting and/or external professional employment must be submitted using the System Faculty Consulting and External Professional Employment Application and Approval Form 60 days in advance, or as soon as possible.
For more information, visit ETAMU Rule 31.05.01.R1 Faculty Consulting and/or External Professional Employment.
University property is an asset that must be accounted for and safeguarded. Faculty members may use books from the library and recreational facilities for personal benefit or pleasure. However, personal use of university property does not extend to such items as computers (including, but not limited to the internet and email) and computer equipment, telephones, fax machines, or photocopiers, except for incidental use (e.g., in time periods comparable to reasonable coffee breaks during the day). Incidental use must not unduly interfere with a faculty member's assigned responsibilities or the normal functioning of an office. University owned vehicles may be used for official business only. System credit cards, procurement cards, petty cash, working funds, or centrally billed accounts may be used for official business only.
Certain items qualify to be inventoried. Each department has been assigned a property officer who is responsible for his or her area's assets. Property should not be moved from offices or rooms (including classrooms) without proper authority. Faculty members have a legal obligation to make good any loss sustained as a result of negligence or wrongful act where property is lost, damaged, or destroyed.
The Texas A&M University System Equipment Management Manual sets forth policies and regulations governing property management for all system members. Visit the East Texas A&M Property Management website for a link to this manual and for additional information on property management rules specific to East Texas A&M.
Visit East Texas A&M Procedure 33.04.02.R0.01 for more information on permissible use and prohibited use of university telecommunication services and equipment (desk and cell phones, fax, email, and internet connections).
Faculty members are entitled to use campus facilities such as the library and recreational facilities, including the tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. They must show their ETAMU ID Cards (Lion Card) to take advantage of these facilities. Use of university facilities depends upon availability and scheduling, with students receiving priority. Faculty can purchase a membership for use of the Morris Recreation Center and participate in wellness, fitness, outdoor adventure, and other programs.
For more information about faculty use of campus facilities, visit the About ETAMU section of this Handbook.
In an effort to collaborate with campus partners, the following departments have focused on efforts to implement programs to promote a healthy environment for the university community and enforce regulations for the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse.
The focus of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee is to collaborate in a joint effort to review the effectiveness of the university’s alcohol and drug abuse programs and initiatives while ensuring compliance with the U.S. Department of Education, The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations [EDGAR Part 86], reporting requirements
The Biennial Report (Alcohol and Other Drug Biennial Review) in compliance with The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations can be found online through the President’s Office within the Resources section.
Administrators or supervisors seeking advice on appropriate responses to possible violations of alcohol or drug rules by staff or faculty members may consult with the Human Resources Office and/or System General Counsel.
Visit ETAMU Rule 34.02.01.R1 Drug Free Workplace and Campus for more information, especially if you suspect possible violations of this rule.
Alcoholic Beverages on University Property: Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in facilities under the control of East Texas A&M will not be permitted except in special use buildings and facilities as may be designated by the president, approved by the chancellor, and subsequently reported to the Board of Regents on an annual basis. The president or designee must approve each request to serve alcoholic beverages at university-sanctioned events.
For more information, visit ETAMU Procedures:
34.03.99.R0.01 Alcoholic Beverages on University Property [and]
34.03.99.R0.02 Alcoholic Beverages at University-Sanctioned Tailgate Events
To protect the health and well-being of people on campus and to protect the physical condition of university owned property, smoking, vapor, and tobacco use is prohibited inside and adjacent to any building owned, leased, or operated by East Texas A&M. Maintaining a smoke, vapor, and tobacco-free environment is the responsibility of all members of the campus community, including visitors; and relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of tobacco and vapor users.
For more information, see university Rule 34.05.99.R1 Smoke, Vapor and Tobacco-Free Environment.
Texas Government Code 411.2031, et al., authorizes the carrying of a concealed handgun in East Texas A&M University buildings only by persons who have been issued and are in possession of a Texas License to Carry a Handgun, unless otherwise prohibited by federal or state law or East Texas A&M Rule 34.06.02.R1. Qualified law enforcement officers or those who are otherwise authorized to carry a concealed handgun in the State of Texas are also permitted to do so. Pursuant to Texas Penal Code (PC) 46.035 and East Texas A&M Rule 34.06.02.R1, license holders may not carry a concealed handgun in restricted locations. For a list of locations, refer to East A&M Rule 34.06.02.R1 and/or consult your event organizer.
Pursuant to PC 46.035, the open carry of handguns is prohibited on all East Texas A&M campuses. Report violations to the University Police Department at 903-886-5868 or 9-1-1.
All contracts, including those initiated to procure the services of corporate or individual consultants must be negotiated and managed through the Procurement Services Office. Procurement Services secures goods and services for the university community, ensures compliance with The Texas A&M University System and the State of Texas procurement codes, administers contracts, and manages the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program implementation.
ETAMU is also committed to creating and fostering substantive relationships with Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). Visit the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Initiative webpage for more information.
To learn more about ETAMU Rules and Procedures, visit the Procurement Services Internal Resources page.