Students' Rights, Privileges, and Expectations

Texas State is committed to the value of a racial and ethnic diversity and believes that the primary purpose of higher education is to promote learning for all and to stimulate inquiry for truth in an atmosphere of freedom. Accordingly, Texas State encourages students to exercise the rights of citizenship. However, these rights are subject to reasonable limitations necessary for the orderly operation of the university. Texas State expects students to accept their responsibilities as citizens and members of a scholarly community. Paramount among these responsibilities is respect for the rights of others, academic and personal integrity, and adherence to federal, state, and local law as well as university regulations.

The faculty and administration are genuinely concerned with the physical and ethical welfare of students. To that end, Texas State has established rules of conduct and has published these in a Code of Student Conduct and Honor Code. These regulations guide students in achieving personal and academic goals and help the university function in an orderly way. Since students voluntarily associate themselves with Texas State, they should know that these rules are honestly and faithfully enforced. The rules include clear prohibitions against sexual or discrimination and racial harassment.

Texas State has established a grievance procedure for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints related to illegal discrimination or harassment. Texas State, to the extent not in conflict with federal or state law, prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, veterans' status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. This grievance procedure is described in University Policy and Procedure Statement 04.04.46, Prohibition of Discrimination. The Texas State University System Sexual Misconduct Policy outlines our policy and procedure related to Title IX (sexual misconduct). Students should follow the procedures for reporting instances of discrimination or harassment.

The administration and faculty encourage students to participate in managing Texas State through its system of advisory councils and committees. Students are invited to serve as voting members on many of these groups, and are expected to contribute actively to their success. Students may submit recommendations for changes in policy, not only through the committee structure, but also through their own student government.