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University Policies

Sam Houston State University’s policies provide the framework for consistent, transparent, and effective operations across all areas of campus life. Explore the official guidelines that support our academic, administrative, and operational excellence.
SHSU Motto

University policies are essential to maintaining a safe, equitable, and well-functioning environment for students, faculty, staff, and partners. These procedures ensure that decisions are made with clarity and accountability, and that SHSU continues to operate in alignment with its mission and values. Whether you're reviewing academic standards, administrative protocols, or operational procedures, this resource is here to guide you.

Sections Contacts

For questions or updates related to specific policy areas, please contact the designated liaison:

Forms & Policy Updates

To request additions or changes to a policy:

  • Prepare the desired text changes in Word format.
  • Forward the document and request to the President's Office, Box 2026.
  • Approval by the President's Cabinet is required before further action.

Once approved:

  • Notify the contact person for your section to update the online file.
  • If no changes are needed after review, email the section liaison to update the review date.

For questions or comments regarding Administrative Policies and Procedures, email the contact for the relevant section.

Policy Template: Policy Template: Pre-25

Texas State University System maintains policies and guidance documents to support systemwide operations and compliance. 
TSUS Policies: https://www.tsus.edu/about-tsus/policies.html

Administrative

Policy Name Policy ID Link to Policy
Delegation of Authority PRE-05 PDF
Campus Closures Policy PRE-07 PDF
Granting of the Honorary Doctorate Policy PRE-09 PDF
Signatures for Internal Transactions Policy PRE-18 PDF
Tobacco Policy PRE-19 PDF
Open Records Policy PRE-20 PDF
Summer Camp Policy PRE-21 PDF
Public Art Policy PRE-23 PDF
Gift Card Policy PRE-24 PDF
University Policies PRE-25 PDF
Concealed Carry Policy PRE-26 PDF
Drone or UAS Operational Guidelines PRE-27 PDF
Service and Emotional Support Animals Policy PRE-28 PDF
Non-Discrimination Policy PRE-29 PDF
SHSU Physicians Policy - Patient Privacy and HIPAA PRE-30 PDF
Pregnant & Parenting Students PRE-31 PDF
Prohibited Initiatives - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion PRE-32 PDF
Data Governance Policy PRE-33 PDF
Expressive Activity Policy PRE-34 PDF
Records Retention Schedule N/A PDF

Academic Affairs

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Research & Sponsored Programs

Policy Name Policy ID Link to Policy
IACUC General Policy 140212 PDF
IACUC - Approval of Animal Use Protocols 140214 PDF
IACUC - Euhanasia of Research Animals 140215 PDF
IACUC - Standard Procedures for Rodent Surgery 140216 PDF
IACUC - Post-Approval Monitoring 140217 PDF
IRB Submission and Pre-Review 140422 PDF
Exempt Review Procedures 140423 PDF
Expedited Review Procedures 140424 PDF
Review of Research by the Convened IRB 140425 PDF
IRB Actions and Communications 140426 PDF
Event Reporting - Unanticipated Problems Involving Risks 140427 PDF
Suspension and Termination of IRB-Approved Research 140428 PDF
Course Projects Guidelines/Faculty Assurance 140429 PDF
Conflicts of Interests in Research 950809 PDF

Finance & Operations

Policy Name Policy ID Link to Policy
Risk Management RM-1 PDF
Sexual Misconduct - PDF
TSUS Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures - PDF
Food Service FO-20 PDF
Alcohol FO-70 PDF
Mail Service FO-AUX-0 PDF
Book Store FO-AUX-02 PDF
Banking Procedures FO-03 PDF
Funds Acceptance Deposit FO-10 PDF
Use of Restrooms, Changing Rooms, Shower Rooms, and Locker Rooms FO-76 PDF
Checking Accounts FO-14 PDF
Check Printing Disbursement FO-54 PDF
Identity Theft Prevention Program FO-57 PDF
Ach Wire FO-67 PDF
Budget Procedures Guidelines FO-05 PDF
Legislative Appropriations Request FO-25 PDF
Clery Campus Security Authorities FO-64 PDF
Business Continuity FO-68 PDF
Foreign Advisories FO-71 PDF
Slow Moving Vehicle Procedures - PDF
Annual Reports FO-02 PDF
Change Fund FO-12 PDF
Sales Tax FO-40 PDF
Resale Items Purchased FO-51 PDF
Agency Funds FO-59 PDF
Property Department Scrap Metal Sales FO-73 PDF
Transfer & Disposal of Surplus Property FO-74 PDF
How to Sell Live Animals FO-75 PDF
Budget and Budget Revisions FO-ORA-04 PDF
Budget and Expenditure Monitoring Policy FO-ORA-08 PDF
Building Maintenance & Repair FO-FM-06 PDF
Building Modifications FO-FM-07 PDF
Building, Office and Room Security FO-FM-09 PDF
Keys FO-FM-24 PDF
Vehicle Fleet Management FO-FM-45 PDF
Space Management FO-FM-60 PDF
Building Liaison FO-FM-61 PDF
Fleet Vehicle Rental Program FO-FM-65 PDF
Check Cashing and Returned Payments FO-13 PDF
Fiscal Year FO-18 PDF
Moving Expenses FO-29 PDF
Non-Business Use of Telephones & Fax Machines FO-30 PDF
Distance Learning Fee FO-55 PDF
Endowment Spending Policy FO-66 PDF
Certification Pricing Authorization Policy FO-69 PDF
Communication Device FO-50 PDF
Personnel Action Forms FO-PAY-01 PDF
Employee Miscellaneous Deduction from Payroll FO-PAY-02 PDF
Payroll Direct Deposit FO-PAY-06 PDF
Retroactive Payroll FO-PAY-11 PDF
Social Security Number FO-PAY-16 PDF
Student FICA FO-PAY-21 PDF
Timesheets and Leave Reports FO-PAY-26 PDF
Special Manual Check FO-PAY-30 PDF
Essential Personnel Reporting Requirements FO-PAY-35 PDF
Patient Collection Policies FO-PC-01 PDF
Financial Management of Patient Accounts FO-PC-02 PDF
Patient Refunds FO-PC-03 PDF
Collecting & Posting Time of Service Payments FO-PC-04 PDF
Video Surveillance FO-62 PDF
Micro-Mobility Devices FO-72 PDF
Disposition of Equipment Acquired by Federal Funds FO-52 PDF
Policies for Property FO-PRO-23 PDF
Risk Management RM-1 PDF
Student Charges and Fee Payments FO-SFS-01 PDF
Collection of Past Due Receivables FO-SFS-02 PDF
Fiscal Responsibility of Student Accounts FO-SFS-03 PDF

Human Resources

Policy Name Policy ID Link to Policy
Equal Opportunity Employer HR-22 PDF
Child Abuse Reporting and Training HR-18 PDF
Classification, Evaluation and Salary Administration of Non-Faculty Jobs HR-02 PDF
Conflict of Interest HR-01 PDF
Contract Labor and Independent Contractors HR-03 PDF
Criminal Background Checks HR-19 PDF
Dependent Scholarship Program HR-15 PDF
Dispute Resolution and Formal Grievance HR-06 PDF
Drug and Alcohol Testing for Positions Requiring Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) HR-24 PDF
Drug Free Work Place HR-23 PDF
Employee Development HR-12 PDF
Employee Leaves HR-04 PDF
Employee Relations and Discipline HR-07 PDF
Employee Resource Groups HR-09 PDF
Hiring International Workers HR-11 PDF
Holiday and Skeleton Crew Days HR-08 PDF
Multiple State Employment HR-25 PDF
New Employee Benefits Orientation HR-14 PDF
Retirement Benefit Programs HR-10 PDF
Separation of Employment HR-26 PDF
Student Employment Policy HR-27 PDF
Talent Acquisition HR-20 PDF
Telework Arrangements for Faculty & Staff HR-17 PDF
Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Return to Work Program HR-13 PDF
Workplace Accommodations HR-05 PDF
Work Schedules & Employee Compensation HR-16 PDF
Workplace Violence HR-21 PDF
Workplace Violence – Threat Assessment Form HR-21 PDF
Workplace Violence – Threat Assessment Flowchart HR-21 PDF
Employee Merit HR-28 PDF

Procurement

Policy Name Policy ID Link to Policy
Expenditures FO-15 PDF
Fees for Professional Licenses FO-16 PDF
Purchase of Food, Flowers, Promotional Items and Gifts FO-19 PDF
Merchandise Purchased by Employees FO-27 PDF
Membership Fees FO-36 PDF
Direct Pay FO-63 PDF
P-Card FO-PUR-08 PDF
Purchases with Higher Education Assistance Funds FO-PUR-17 PDF
General Travel FO-TR-01 PDF
Lodging FO-TR-02 PDF
Overnight Travel Meal Reimbursement FO-TR-03 PDF
Mileage FO-TR-04 PDF
Non-Overnight Travel Meal Expenses FO-TR-05 PDF
Spousal Travel FO-TR-06 PDF
Student Travel with Faculty/Staff FO-TR-07 PDF
Student Travel FO-TR-08 PDF
Travel Advance FO-TR-09 PDF
Travel Card FO-TR-10 PDF
Foreign Travel FO-TR-11 PDF
Travel Authorization FO-TR-12 PDF
Expense Certification Policy FO-TR-13 PDF

Information Technology

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Integrated Marketing Communications

Policy Name Policy ID Link to Policy
Media Relations IMC-01 PDF
Digital Advertising Policy IMC-02 PDF
Social Media Policy IMC-03 PDF
Mass Email Policy IMC-04 PDF
Stationary Policy IMC-05 PDF
Print Policy FO-PUR-25 PDF
University Publications & Marketing Communications UA-05 PDF
University Licensing Trademark Policy PRE-11 PDF

Student Affairs

Policy Name Policy ID Link to Policy
Student Health Insurance Coverage for International Students SA-01 PDF
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University Advancement

Policy Name Policy ID Link to Policy
Donated Livestock - Accepting Donated Livestock N/A PDF
Gifts and Donations (Non-Cash) to the University Policy N/A PDF
Planting Trees on Campus in Honor or Memory of Individuals Policy N/A PDF
Policy Governing Private Support Organizations N/A PDF
Guidelines and Standards for Decentralized Advisory & Alumni Boards N/A PDF
Naming Policy UA-02 PDF
Prospect Management Policy UA-03 PDF