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General Provisions

Pursuant to the authority granted within Texas Education Code § 96.61 enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas, April 27, 1967, in addition to, Sections 51.201 et seq., 54.005, 54.505, and 95.21 of Title 3 of the Texas Education Code, the governing board of Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the safety and welfare of students, employees and property. These regulations and procedures apply to any person who walks, drives, or parks a motor vehicle or bicycle on the campuses of SHSU. In addition to university regulations, all of the general and criminal laws of the State of Texas are declared to be in full force and effect within the areas under the jurisdiction of SHSU, and all persons are responsible for compliance with these laws. The governing board of SHSU is authorized to employ campus police personnel for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Texas Education Code § 96.61 and has commissioned such officers as peace officers vested with all the powers, privileges and immunities of peace officers in the performance of their duties. It shall be unlawful for any person to trespass upon the grounds of SHSU, or to damage or deface any of the buildings, trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, or other property on the grounds. The University Police shall be vested with the authority to refuse to allow persons having no legitimate business to enter upon any property under the control and jurisdiction of SHSU and to eject any unauthorized persons from said property upon their refusal to leave peaceably upon request. Authority is given to the SHSU Police Department to require identification of any person upon the property of the university. Failure to produce identification upon request of an officer may result in arrest and appearance before a magistrate.

  1. These rules and regulations are supplementary to the statutes of the State of Texas that govern pedestrians and the use of motor vehicles and bicycles. The Office of Parking and Transportation (P&T) within the Department of Public Safety Services (DPSS) is charged with governing the Parking and Traffic Regulations. The operation of a motor vehicle or bicycle on any Sam Houston State University campus is a privilege granted by the university and is not an inherent right of any faculty, staff, student, or visitor. All faculty, staff, students, and visitors who have vehicles in their possession or control — for use, operation, or parking on the university campus — must apply for a parking permit/permission with P&T.

Purchasing a parking permit/permission signifies that an individual has been granted the privilege of parking a vehicle on university property and does not guarantee a parking place on campus. All faculty, staff and students must present or have registered a valid SHSU Identification Card prior to any internet sale or direct sale of an permit. All visitors must provide a valid, government-issued identification at the time of direct, in-office registration to receive an permit to park on campus. These rules and regulations are subject to change at the discretion of the Associate Director of P&T or Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police. Notice of any changes will be published to the DPSS website at www.shsu.edu/police and the P&T website at www.shsu.edu/parking.

  1. The university is not responsible for fire, theft, damage, or loss to vehicles parked or operated on the university campus. No bailment is created by granting any parking or operating privileges regarding a vehicle on any property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the University. All thefts, accidents or other offenses that occur on campus should be reported to the University Police Department immediately. Motor vehicle accidents should be reported prior to moving the vehicles. Single vehicle accidents should also be reported. Keys or valuables should not be left in a vehicle. Always keep your vehicle locked