University Policies
Relevant Policies
The university policies referenced below are to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, clarify institutional expectations, promote operational efficiencies, reduce institutional risk, and enhance the mission of Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Each student should be fully acquainted with all published university policies. The university will hold each student responsible for compliance with these published policies. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of policies, and compliance to all SHSU and Texas State University System (TSUS) policies is a requirement.
The University expects students to engage in all academic experiences, both in and out of the classroom, with honesty. The University may initiate disciplinary proceedings in response to a student’s alleged actions upon an instructor’s finding of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, abuse of resource materials on an exam, quiz, or other academic work, or the falsification of data. Any student engaging in academic dishonesty may be subject to academic penalties and may be referred to the Dean of Students' office for additional disciplinary action.
Sam Houston State University is a student-centered, community-engaged institution whose mission is to offer accessible, quality higher education. In support of providing educational and other opportunities in a climate conducive to personal and professional development, the university has developed procedures for students to pursue grievances within the university community. Different types of complaints or grievances are handled by various offices across SHSU.
SHSU administrative policies cover a wide range of topics, from general university rules to specific departmental procedures. Administrative policies include official university policies, such as human resources, IT, student affairs, and academic matters.
The Be a Good SAM program means that current SHSU students may be granted amnesty and avoid formal disciplinary action when they call for help during a suspected medical emergency related to illegal consumption of alcohol or drugs.
To be considered for amnesty, you must:
- Be the first person to call for help.
- Remain with the person and provide help as able until medical assistance arrives.
- Cooperate with emergency and/or law enforcement personnel on the scene.
A student who has followed the above protocol will be referred to the Dean of Students' Office to investigate the reported situation and determine if amnesty from disciplinary action will be granted. Students granted amnesty will still be required to participate in an educational component and will be referred to the Student Wellness office for this. If the student does not complete the required educational component, they will be referred back to the Dean of Students' Office for formal disciplinary action.
The Be a Good SAM policy only refers to on-campus disciplinary sanctions, not criminal penalties from law enforcement. For more information, see the Texas 911 Lifeline legislation below.
Texas 911 Lifeline legislation allows for amnesty consideration for criminal citations for those seeking lifesaving medical attention in relation to the result of illegal action of possessing or consuming alcohol as a minor.
Effective August 1st, 2016, a license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education. Sam Houston State University recognizes the right of individuals licensed to carry concealed handguns to do so on campus.
Who can carry: Individuals who are 21 years of age and who currently possess a handgun license from the State of Texas or an approved reciprocating state may legally carry a concealed handgun on or about their person.
Storing a handgun: The handgun must be stored as outlined in your licensing requirements and the SHSU Policy.
Student Wellness utilizes a multi-faceted approach to accomplish the goal of reducing irresponsible alcohol and drug use. Through our programs, we strive to educate students about the basics of alcohol and drug use and advocate for responsible use. We also manage programs that make it easier for students who choose to drink to be more responsible. Additionally, through collaboration with a variety of other departments on campus, we offer programs that address the various contextual issues that play a role in alcohol and drug use.
SHSU's finance and operation policies include procedures and guidelines concerning agency funds, wire payments, advertising, banking processes, and more.
It is the policy of Sam Houston State University (University) that any employee who has a problem, complaint, or dissatisfaction with the institution as an employer, has a conflict with a supervisor, or dispute with a coworker may file a grievance when there has been a violation of policy, procedure, regulation, or law. The grievance process is available to address issues related to wages, hours of employment, or conditions of work, including work performance-related issues. Employees are assured of timely and thorough consideration of any grievance filed. Each employee is assured freedom from interference, coercion, discrimination, and reprisal in filing grievances. All personnel actions are reviewed to ensure Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance.
Fine HR Dispute Resolution & Formal Grievance forms and more
Sam Houston State University encourages addressing issues arising from the employment relationship in a prompt, efficient, and equitable manner, compliant with the requirements of federal and state law. All personnel actions are reviewed to ensure Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance.
SHSU's Integrated Marketing & Communications (IMC) policy focuses on creating a unified and strategic approach to marketing the university both internally and externally. Key elements include developing an annual marketing plan, ensuring consistent and positive messaging across all channels to build a strong brand and image, and using a human-centered approach to communicate the university's story to various stakeholders, like prospective students, alumni, faculty, and media.
Read the full Integrated Marketing & Communications policies
This policy provides definitions, rules, residential compliance, and educational awareness related to micro-mobility devices. This policy will be maintained by the Division of Finance and Operations with coordinated enforcement by the Dean of Students’ Office, Residence Life, and the Division of Student Affairs.
For a non-academic grievance, please contact the department with the faculty or staff person involved in the grievance, and if the grievance cannot be resolved at that level, then contact the next highest level on the organizational chart.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU or University) is committed to an educational and work environment that provides equal opportunity and access to all qualified persons. SHSU in accordance with applicable federal and state law (including Title VII and Title IX) and institutional values, prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in employment, educational programs, activities, and admissions.
SHSU's Research & Sponsored Programs policy is primarily managed by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), which oversees the entire grant proposal lifecycle from development to post-award management. Key aspects include a mandatory approval process for all grant submissions, with the ORSP handling compliance, intellectual property, and post-award procedures like financial reporting and close-out. The policy aims to ensure compliance with laws, promote efficiency, and reduce risk, with the ORSP providing support throughout the process.
The Residence Life Student Handbook has all the information students need to safely and responsibly navigate on-campus living.
The SHSU Honor Code applies to students, faculty, and administrators. In adopting this honor code, the students, faculty, and administrators of Sam Houston State University recognize that academic honesty and integrity are fundamental values of the university community. Students commit to holding themselves and their peers to the standard of academic honesty and integrity consistent with the Student Honor Pledge in in-person, online, and hybrid courses. Faculty and administrators are also expected to uphold the ideals of academic honesty and integrity. Any individual who becomes aware of a violation of the honor code is bound by honor to take corrective action. The quality of a Sam Houston State University education is dependent upon community acceptance and enforcement of the honor code.
Pursuant to the TSUS Rules and Regulations Chapter III §19.2, TSUS IT Policies are adopted as official SHSU policy. TSUS IT Policies are authoritative and establish the minimum requirements for SHSU. Additional SHSU IT and information security policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines are enhancements and adaptations specific to SHSU.
The Student Affairs Policies at SHSU can cover a range of situations and topics, such as international student affairs, insurance coverage, and more.
Find all the Student Affairs Policies
SHSU has policies concerning all charges to student accounts and payments collected for the university.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) acknowledges that student organizations contribute
richly to student success and persistence. The university further recognizes that students
seeking to establish and participate in these organizations must comply with local, state, and
federal law, university policies, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Texas State University System
(TSUS) Rules and Regulations. To receive and retain official recognition, student organizations
must annually meet the requirements listed in this handbook.
The Texas State University System (TSUS), its colleges, and universities (collectively referred to as “System” and/or “Components” and used interchangeably herein) are committed to creating and maintaining educational communities in which each individual is respected, appreciated, and valued. The System’s focus on tolerance, openness, and respect is key in providing every member of the TSUS community with basic human dignity free from all forms of Sexual Misconduct, including Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking. Any report of behavior that threatens our institutional values and breaches this Policy shall be promptly investigated and remediated in accordance with principles of law, fairness, and equity to all Parties involved.
Download the complete TSUS Sexual Misconduct Policy & Procedures
SHSU abides by all the Texas State University System Rules and Regulations, which include data management policies, sexual misconduct policies, investment policies, and more.
The University Advancement Policies encompass a wide range of standards, from policies governing private organizations and the guidelines for alumni boards.