HANDBOOK FOR TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
FACULTY AND STAFF 2019-20
CONTENTS
FOREWORD .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
MISSION, VISION, TCU VALUES ..................................................................................................................................... 1
OUR HERITAGE, PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS ............................................................................................................. 1
THE TCU CORE CURRICULUM ...................................................................................................................................... 2
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNIVERSITY ........................................................................................................................ 3
Board of Trustees ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Administration ................................................................................................................................................................ 3-7
Academic Organization ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Channels of Authority and Communication .................................................................................................................... 7
Non-Discrimination; Affirmative Action; Compliance; Discrimination and Harassment Information .............. 7-27
Notice of Non-Discrimination and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator ....................................................... 7
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Office ......................................................................................... 8
Compliance Officers ................................................................................................................................................ 8-10
Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Conduct Policy (Policy #1.005) ........................................ 10-27
Academic and Support Units ..................................................................................................................................... 27-39
Alcohol and Drug Education ....................................................................................................................................... 27
Campus Life-Dean’s Office ......................................................................................................................................... 28
Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion .............................................................................................................. 28
Center for Academic Services ..................................................................................................................................... 29
Center for Career and Professional Development ....................................................................................................... 29
Center for Instruction, Innovation and Engagement, William H. Koehler .................................................................. 30
Center for Instructional Services (Instructional Technology and Media Production) ................................................. 30
Center for International Studies: TCU Abroad ............................................................................................................ 30
Center for Writing, William L. Adams ........................................................................................................................ 30
Church Relations ......................................................................................................................................................... 31
Counseling Center ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
Culture, Community & International Services ............................................................................................................ 31
Extended Education, Office of .................................................................................................................................... 31
Health Center ............................................................................................................................................................... 31
Housing and Residence Life ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Information Technology .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Institutional Effectiveness, Office for .......................................................................................................................... 32
Institutional Research .................................................................................................................................................. 32
Intensive English Program ........................................................................................................................................... 33
Intercollegiate Athletics ............................................................................................................................................... 33
International Services .................................................................................................................................................. 33
Library ......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Marketing & Communication ................................................................................................................................ 34-35
Ranch Management Program ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Religious and Spiritual Life ......................................................................................................................................... 35
Robert Carr Chapel ...................................................................................................................................................... 36
Student Development Services .............................................................................................................................. 36-38
Student Media .............................................................................................................................................................. 38
TCU Police .................................................................................................................................................................. 38
TCU Press .................................................................................................................................................................... 39
University Unions ........................................................................................................................................................ 39
FACULTY SECTION .................................................................................................................................................... 40-84
Constitution of the Faculty Assembly and Faculty Senate ...................................................................................... 41-42
ByLaws of the Faculty Assembly and Faculty Senate ............................................................................................. 42-44
Faculty Senate Executive Committee .......................................................................................................................... 44
Faculty Senate Members ........................................................................................................................................ 44-45
University Council ............................................................................................................................................................ 45
Graduate Council .............................................................................................................................................................. 46
Undergraduate Council .................................................................................................................................................... 46
TCU Core Curriculum Heritage, Mission, Vision and Values Committee ................................................................. 47
Research Committees ................................................................................................................................................. 47-48
University Advisory Committee ...................................................................................................................................... 49
Terms and Conditions of Service ............................................................................................................................... 49-51
Faculty (Full-time, Part-time, Adjunct, Postdoctoral Appointees, Emeritus) ............................................................. 49
Appointments and Contracts ........................................................................................................................................ 49
Faculty Compensation Philosophy .............................................................................................................................. 49
Terms of Employment ................................................................................................................................................. 50
New to TCU Faculty Orientation ................................................................................................................................ 50
Removal ....................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Academic Freedom and Faculty Responsibility .......................................................................................................... 50
Alcohol Usage ............................................................................................................................................................. 50
Tenure Policy ............................................................................................................................................................... 51-54
Faculty Appointment, Reappointment and Promotion Policy ............................................................................... 55-57
Statement on Professional Ethics .................................................................................................................................... 57
Graduate Faculty Policy ............................................................................................................................................. 57-59
Faculty Advisory Committee Structure .................................................................................................................... 59-61
Academic Conduct Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 61-64
Conflict Resolution Policy for Faculty ............................................................................................................................ 64
Faculty Appeal Policy ................................................................................................................................................. 64-70
Chart – Overview of the Appeal Process ..................................................................................................................... 68
Student Grievance Procedures ........................................................................................................................................ 70
Public Office ...................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Work Load Policy ....................................................................................................................................................... 71-73
Merited Faculty Leave with Pay .................................................................................................................................. 72
Sick Leave - Faculty .................................................................................................................................................... 72
Academic Responsibilities and Procedures .............................................................................................................. 73-81
Teaching ...................................................................................................................................................................... 73
Student Perception of Teaching ................................................................................................................................... 73
Registration .................................................................................................................................................................. 73
Class Scheduling .......................................................................................................................................................... 73
Class Periods ................................................................................................................................................................ 73
Course Syllabus ........................................................................................................................................................... 73
Class Rosters ................................................................................................................................................................ 73
Office Hours ................................................................................................................................................................ 74
University Communication .......................................................................................................................................... 74
Independent Study Protocol ......................................................................................................................................... 74
Audit Enrollment (Course Visitor) .............................................................................................................................. 74
Student Records ........................................................................................................................................................... 74
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ................................................................................................................ 74
Withdrawals from Classes ........................................................................................................................................... 75
Attendance Expectations & Official Absence Policy .................................................................................................. 75
Disruptive Classroom Behavior and Lack of Academic Progress Policy ............................................................. 75-76
Class “Walks” .............................................................................................................................................................. 76
Grading ........................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Grade Rosters ............................................................................................................................................................... 77
Procedures for Grade Appeal ....................................................................................................................................... 77
Final Evaluative Exercise Policy ................................................................................................................................. 78
Rescheduling of Finals ................................................................................................................................................ 78
End of Semester Study Period ..................................................................................................................................... 78
Exception to Final Examination & Study Day Policies for Graduating Students ....................................................... 79
Teaching Materials Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 79
Instructional Equipment Policy ................................................................................................................................... 79
University Policy for Distance Learning & Web-Enhanced Courses ......................................................................... 79
Procedures for Ordering Textbooks and Course Packets ............................................................................................ 80
Outside Speakers ......................................................................................................................................................... 81
Discipline, Students ..................................................................................................................................................... 81
Student-Initiated Withdrawal Policy ........................................................................................................................... 81
Academic Processions and Regalia ............................................................................................................................. 81
TCU Library ................................................................................................................................................................ 82-83
Research ....................................................................................................................................................................... 83-84
STAFF SECTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 85-123
Staff Assembly ................................................................................................................................................................... 86
ByLaws for the Constitution of the TCU Staff Assembly ....................................................................................... 86-89
Staff Assembly Executive Committee ......................................................................................................................... 89
Staff Assembly Members ............................................................................................................................................ 89
Compensation Policies and Procedures .......................................................................................................................... 90
Compensation Philosophy ........................................................................................................................................... 90
Additional Jobs ............................................................................................................................................................ 90
Salary Administration .................................................................................................................................................. 90
Fair Labor Standards Act ............................................................................................................................................. 90
Overtime ...................................................................................................................................................................... 91
Premium Pay ................................................................................................................................................................ 91
Time Keeping Procedures ............................................................................................................................................ 91
Employee Relations ........................................................................................................................................................... 91
Performance Management ........................................................................................................................................... 91
Performance Counseling and Improvement Coaching ................................................................................................ 91
Conflict Resolution ...................................................................................................................................................... 91
Hiring and On/Offboarding Employees .................................................................................................................... 91-92
Position Vacancies and Recruitment ........................................................................................................................... 91
Staff Hiring Information .............................................................................................................................................. 91
Background Checks ..................................................................................................................................................... 91
New to TCU Staff Orientation ..................................................................................................................................... 91
Temporary Staff ........................................................................................................................................................... 91
Promotions, Transfers and Demotions ........................................................................................................................ 92
Resignation .................................................................................................................................................................. 92
University at Will Employment Statement .................................................................................................................. 92
Leave for Employeed ........................................................................................................................................................ 92
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 .............................................................................................................. 92
Leaves of Absence ....................................................................................................................................................... 92
Sick Leave ................................................................................................................................................................... 92
Extended Sick Leave ................................................................................................................................................... 92
Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Program ...................................................................................................................... 92
Staff Vacation .............................................................................................................................................................. 92
Electronic Reporting of Leave Time ........................................................................................................................... 92
Employment Benefits, Policies and Procedures ....................................................................................................... 92-94
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance ......................................................................................................................... 92
Continuation Medical Insurance Coverage (COBRA) ................................................................................................ 92
Medical Spending Accounts and Pre-tax Insurance Premiums ................................................................................... 92
Life Insurance .............................................................................................................................................................. 92
Long-Term Disability Insurance .................................................................................................................................. 93
Additional Insurance .................................................................................................................................................... 93
Retirement Contributions ............................................................................................................................................. 93
Supplemental Retirement Plans ................................................................................................................................... 93
Retiring with Benefits from TCU ................................................................................................................................ 93
Tuition Assistance ....................................................................................................................................................... 93
Holidays ....................................................................................................................................................................... 93
Credit Union ................................................................................................................................................................ 93
Identification Cards ..................................................................................................................................................... 93
TCU Campus Store Discount ...................................................................................................................................... 93
Employee Discounts .................................................................................................................................................... 93
Campus Recreation Facilities & Wellness Promotion ................................................................................................. 93
Workers’ Compensation and On-the-Job Accident or Injury ...................................................................................... 93
Employee Engagement & Organizational Strategy ..................................................................................................... 93
University Online Compliance Training Program ....................................................................................................... 94
Wellness and Well-being ............................................................................................................................................. 94
Human Resources Administration ............................................................................................................................ 94-95
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity .................................................................................................. 94
Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct Policies ...................................................................................................... 94
Name Change Policy ................................................................................................................................................... 94
Personal Data/Contact Changes ................................................................................................................................... 94
Outside Employment ................................................................................................................................................... 94
Human Resources Employee Files .............................................................................................................................. 95
Human Resources General Policies ................................................................................................................................. 95
Consensual Relationships ............................................................................................................................................ 95
Equal Employment Opportunity .................................................................................................................................. 95
Nepotism ...................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Human Resources Policies and Procedures ................................................................................................................. 95
Unemployment Compensation Policy ......................................................................................................................... 95
Payroll Policies and Procedures ................................................................................................................................ 95-96
Direct Deposit .............................................................................................................................................................. 95
Pay Frequency ............................................................................................................................................................. 95
Non-immigrant, Foreign Visitors and non-U.S. resident ............................................................................................ 95
Pay Periods and Salary Payments ................................................................................................................................ 96
W-2 Tax Forms ............................................................................................................................................................ 96
Withholding (W-4 Forms) ........................................................................................................................................... 96
Reimbursement Policy and Procedures for University-Related Business Expenses .......................................... 96-100
Policy Updates ............................................................................................................................................................. 96
Policy Statement .......................................................................................................................................................... 96
Advances ...................................................................................................................................................................... 96
Air Travel ..................................................................................................................................................................... 97
Airport Parking ............................................................................................................................................................ 97
Approval of Reimbursement Form .............................................................................................................................. 97
Automobile Travel (Rental, Personal, Car Services, Taxis/Ride-Sharing Services) ................................................... 97
Cash ............................................................................................................................................................................. 98
Combined Business & Personal Travel ....................................................................................................................... 98
Contributions or Donations .......................................................................................................................................... 98
Credit Cards ................................................................................................................................................................. 98
Documentation ............................................................................................................................................................. 98
Excess Baggage ........................................................................................................................................................... 98
Foreign Travel Exchange Rates ................................................................................................................................... 98
Gift Card Payments ...................................................................................................................................................... 98
Gifts, Gift Certificates, Awards or Prizes .................................................................................................................... 98
Grant Expenses ............................................................................................................................................................ 98
Gratuities ...................................................................................................................................................................... 99
Group Travel ................................................................................................................................................................ 99
Hotels and Alternative Lodging Services .................................................................................................................... 99
Meals and Incidentals .................................................................................................................................................. 99
Non-Reimbursable Travel Expenses ........................................................................................................................... 99
Payments for Services .................................................................................................................................................. 99
Sales and Occupancy Tax .......................................................................................................................................... 100
Shared Expenses ........................................................................................................................................................ 100
Tax Home .................................................................................................................................................................. 100
Travel Expenses as Income ....................................................................................................................................... 100
Traveling with Companions ...................................................................................................................................... 100
Risk Management, Safety and Hazardous Materials .................................................................................................. 101
Risk Management ...................................................................................................................................................... 101
Environmental Management and Safety Information ................................................................................................ 101
All Hazards Emergency Response Actions ........................................................................................................... 101-103
Lockdown .................................................................................................................................................................. 101
Evacuate ..................................................................................................................................................................... 102
Seek Shelter ............................................................................................................................................................... 102
TCU Department of Public Safety ......................................................................................................................... 103-105
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety ............................................................................................................. 103
Report an Emergency ................................................................................................................................................ 103
Frogshield .................................................................................................................................................................. 103
Emergency Notification ..................................................................................................................................... 103-104
TCU ALERT System ............................................................................................................................................. 103
University Closings ................................................................................................................................................ 104
Prepare for Emergencies .................................................................................................................................... 104-105
Make a Plan ............................................................................................................................................................ 104
Build an Emergency Supply Kit ............................................................................................................................ 104
Be Notified/Stay Informed ..................................................................................................................................... 104
Emergency Floor Officer Program ............................................................................................................................ 105
Preferred Emergency Storm Shelters ................................................................................................................... 105-106
GENERAL POLICIES AND SERVICES ................................................................................................................ 107-123
Abuse Information, Substance ................................................................................................................................... 108
Alcohol and Drugs ............................................................................................................................................. 108-109
Federal and Texas Alcohol & Drug Penalties Chart ......................................................................................... 108-109
Bring-Your-Own-Device Policy ........................................................................................................................ 110-111
Building Use Fees ...................................................................................................................................................... 111
Campus No Smoking Policy ...................................................................................................................................... 111
Commercial Promotions Involving TCU ................................................................................................................... 112
Computer Technology Acquisitions, Policy for ........................................................................................................ 112
Conference Services .................................................................................................................................................. 112
Contracts .................................................................................................................................................................... 113
Crime Reporting ........................................................................................................................................................ 113
Data Classification Policy .................................................................................................................................. 114-115
Dining Service ........................................................................................................................................................... 115
Energy Conservation Policy ...................................................................................................................................... 115
Facility Maintenance, Repair or Modification: Furniture, Finishes, Interior Plants, ................................................ 115
Fire Arms and Deadly Weapons Policy ..................................................................................................................... 116
Frog Prints ................................................................................................................................................................. 116
KTCU-FM Radio ....................................................................................................................................................... 116
Lost and Found .......................................................................................................................................................... 116
Mailing & Contact Lists for Alumni & Friends of the University, Procedures for Requesting, ............................... 116
Using and Updating
Network & Computer Usage Policy .................................................................................................................. 117-119
Painting, Self Help ..................................................................................................................................................... 119
Parking and Traffic Regulations ................................................................................................................................ 119
Personal Property on Campus .................................................................................................................................... 120
Post Office Services ................................................................................................................................................... 120
Recycling ................................................................................................................................................................... 120
Sales and Solicitations ............................................................................................................................................... 120
Sexual Assault Reporting .......................................................................................................................................... 120
Soliciting Gifts for TCU ............................................................................................................................................ 121
Students with Disabilities, Policy and Procedures ............................................................................................ 121-122
TCU Graphics, Guidelines for ................................................................................................................................... 122
TCU International Travel Procedures ........................................................................................................................ 122
TCU Vehicles ............................................................................................................................................................ 122
Tickets for Athletics Events ....................................................................................................................................... 122
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy (Drones) ........................................................................................................... 123
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................................. 124-148
Organizational Charts ............................................................................................................................................ 125-134
University Committees ........................................................................................................................................... 135-142
Restated Certificate of Formation of Texas Christian University ...................................................................... 142-143
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Texas Christian University ....................................................................... 143-148
INDEX ......................................................................................................................................................................... 149-153
This Handbook is for informational purposes only. The provisions of this Handbook do
not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any staff or faculty member and
Texas Christian University. The provisions of the Handbook are subject to change without
notice.
1
FOREWORD
Purpose
The Handbook for Texas Christian University Faculty and Staff is prepared annually as a ready reference for answers to
most questions concerning the organization, philosophy, policies and procedures of the University. It is not, however, meant to
be all-inclusive. More precise and detailed information may be secured from appropriate personnel and/or publications.
The provisions herein are current only at the time of publication and, with the exception of the policy relating to tenure, may
be reviewed, amended, or revoked following reasonable opportunity for consultation with the segment(s) of the University
affected by proposed changes.
Even though materials for this handbook were submitted to University officials for verification, the chance for errors
remains. If errors are found, please notify in writing the office of the Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communication.
OUR MISSION
TCU educates individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community
OUR VISION
Our vision is to create a world-class, values-centered university experience
TCU VALUES:
• Academic and personal achievement.
• Intellectual inquiry and the creation of knowledge.
• Artistic and creative expression.
• A heritage of service in pursuit of the greater good.
• Personal freedom and integrity.
• The dignity of and respect for the individual.
• Active appreciation for the array of human experience and the potential of every human being.
OUR HERITAGE, PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
Texas Christian University, founded in 1873, has grown from a small school on the cattle frontier to a major center of
independent higher education in a dynamic city. As agents of change in our time as our predecessors were in theirs, we –
faculty, staff, students and trustees – are united in striving for the constant improvements of the University.
A community dedicated to learning, the University affirms its commitment to rationality, objectivity, diversity, freedom of
inquiry, creativity and civility. TCU is committed as well to the preservation, appraisal, and transmission of knowledge and
wisdom and to the discovery of new ideas and knowledge by which the understanding of truth may be extended or corrected.
An independent and self-governing institution, TCU attests that a representative democracy provides the context within
which free inquiry may best be protected and encouraged; and the University acknowledges that independent higher education
can thrive only in an economic system which prompts and rewards individual initiative. TCU has an historical association with
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the University welcomes students, faculty and staff of all religious faiths taking
pride in the diversity of its academic community.
Much of the knowledge students seek is related to their specific career goals. The University, however, regards as essential
the advancement and communication of general knowledge which enables students to understand the past, to comprehend the
natural and social order, to search for the good and the beautiful, and to integrate knowledge into significant wholes.
Education fosters the capacity for rational decision-making, creative thinking and expression, and responsible living. Though
knowledge may be treated as ethically neutral, we believe that questions of value are vital and that the exploration of the moral
and religious dimensions of human existence is basic to the love of wisdom. At the center of the educational endeavor are
people. Affirming the incalculable worth of each individual, TCU seeks to be a caring community, encouraging close working
relationships among all members of the University and challenging students, faculty and staff alike to high achievement. In
such a setting, the enhancement of mental, physical and spiritual gifts contributes to the integration of the self and to the
enrichment of the community and humankind.
2
TCU provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in a vital and inviting residential setting for learning and living. We
intend to maintain and establish only undergraduate and graduate programs that are aimed toward excellence, the well-being of
students and the wholeness of the University. We believe there must be a general compatibility among the values and daily
practices of the University and its several units.
Among our many goals are the following:
• To conduct curricular and co-curricular activities designed to fulfill the mission, vision and values of the University.
• To foster undergraduate and graduate studies of excellent quality.
• To provide faculty and staff of high qualification and dedication.
• To expect and encourage excellent teaching and fruitful creativity and research.
• To preserve and contribute to knowledge by aiding in its organization, storage, retrieval, and dispersal; and to use
appropriate technology to this end.
• To employ admission, advising, and retention policies that will enable qualified and dedicated students to enter and to
pursue successfully their collegiate work.
• To provide a variety of support services that will enhance the educational experience of all students.
• To promote the development of mature individuals who
§ respect others
§ cherish a free and just society
§ are prepared to act as responsible, literate, informed citizens and lifelong learners
§ and are equipped for ongoing professional success.
• To support co-curricular as well as curricular opportunities for an informed understanding of religious tradition.
• To contribute to the quality of life, work and leisure of citizens in the surrounding metropolitan area through regular
instructional programs, continuing education, cultural and intellectual events, research, and through participation of
faculty and staff in civic, religious, and other affairs.
• To earn the growing support from those who share the conviction that strong, independent institutions of higher learning
are necessary to the continuation of a free society.
The TCU Core Curriculum
The educational experience offered by Texas Christian University reflects its membership in the worldwide academy of
learning. The intellectual traditions of the University, honed by the scholarship and creativity of successive generations of
faculty, are founded upon a rational and reflective examination of humanity and its natural and social environments. The
essential elements of these traditions are captured in the TCU Core Curriculum requirements.
The TCU Core Curriculum is designed to:
• embody the liberal arts ethos of Texas Christian University;
• Link curriculum requirements to TCU’s Heritage, Mission, Vision and Values;
• facilitate a focus on educational competencies, learning outcomes, and assessment;
• show sensitivity to the special needs of students in different colleges and degree programs; and
• provide intellectual challenges and opportunities for students and faculty.
The liberal arts ethos of Texas Christian University is stated clearly in the Heritage, Philosophy and Goals section:
The University . . . regards as essential the advancement and communication of general knowledge
which enables students to understand the past, to comprehend the natural and social order, to
search for the good and the beautiful, and to integrate knowledge into significant wholes.
The TCU Core Curriculum has three components: Human Experiences and Endeavors (27 hours), Heritage, Mission,
Vision, and Values (18 hours) and Essential Competencies (12 hours plus six hours writing emphasis). All courses in the TCU
Core Curriculum may overlay with other requirements of the student’s degree program. The overlay feature provides the
flexibility for core requirements to be satisfied in a range between 39 and 63 hours.
For further information about the TCU Core Curriculum Requirements, please go to the following website:
http://tcu.smartcaralogiq.com/current/Undergraduate-Catalog. Click on “TCU Core Curriculum.”
The TCU Core Curriculum Emendation and Course Information Policy may be found at the following website:
http://www.core.tcu.edu/documents/EmendationPol6-23-05.pdf.
3
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Under its charter, first issued by the State of Texas in
1874, Texas Christian University is controlled by its Board
of Trustees. The By-laws, as restated, provide that the
Board may consist of not less than 24 nor more than 50
members, at least five of whom shall be members in good
standing of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Regular meetings are held in the fall and spring and others
at the call of the chairman. The Board decides matters of
basic policy, approves budgets, elects the Chancellor and
Vice Chancellors and is the ultimate authority under the
law.
Officers of the Board are the chairman, a vice chairman,
a secretary, and a treasurer and such other officers as the
Board deems necessary. An Executive Committee acts for
the Board as authorized. Standing committees include
Academic Affairs; Audit, Risk and Compliance; Buildings
and Grounds; Development; Executive; Fiscal Affairs;
Intercollegiate Athletics; Investment; Student Relations
and Committee on Trusteeship.
The By-laws also provide for emeritus and honorary
members of the Board.
ADMINISTRATION:
Chancellor. The Chancellor is the chief executive
officer of the University. Elected to this position by the
Board of Trustees, this officer is charged with the
operation of the institution under and in accordance with
policies established by the Board. More specifically, the
Chancellor recommends policies and overall plans to the
Board and assists in developing its decisions, makes
reports and recommendations, receives recommendations
and appoints or delegates appointments of faculty and
other key personnel, represents the University in
educational and other organizations, assists in fund raising
and in representing the University to the public, and
performs such other responsibilities as the Board may,
from time to time, indicate.
The Chancellor’s senior administrative team is called the
Chancellor’s Cabinet and is composed of the vice
chancellors; Director of Intercollegiate Athletics; General
Counsel; the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board of
Trustees; Chief Investment Officer; Chief Technology
Officer; Chief University Compliance Officer; Chief
Inclusion Officer, Title IX Coordinator and Senior Advisor
to the Chancellor; Chancellor’s Intern; and Coordinator of
Special Projects. The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
reports directly to the Chancellor on all major policy
issues. The Chancellor also designates two staff members
to serve as the University’s Affirmative Action Officer and
the deputy, both reporting to the Chancellor in this
capacity. The Chancellor also appoints the University
Sexual Harassment Officer.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
is the senior member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and acts
for the Chancellor in his absence. The Provost convenes
and chairs meetings of the Provost’s Council and
undertakes special assignments at the request of the
Chancellor. This officer has primary responsibility for
coordination of planning, policy, development, assessment
and overall management of the division of academic
affairs. This officer has primary responsibility for all
academic divisions and programs including AddRan
College of Liberal Arts, Bob Schieffer College of
Communication, College of Education, College of Fine
Arts, College of Science & Engineering, Harris College of
Nursing & Health Sciences, John V. Roach Honors
College, Neeley School of Business, School of
Interdisciplinary Studies, TCU and UNTHSC School of
Medicine, Mary Couts Burnett Library, Enrollment
Management and TCU Core Curriculum.
Working with the Provost/Vice Chancellor is a Vice
Provost and Associate Provosts. They have administrative
oversight of various academic support units including:
Academic Affairs Planning; Budgeting & Operations;
Admissions; Center for Academic Services; Center for
International Studies; William L. Adams Center for
Writing; Extended Education; Institute of Behavioral
Research; IdeaFactory; Intensive English Program;
Institutional Research; Research and Graduate Studies;
Sponsored Programs; Registrar; Scholarship & Financial
Aid; and the William H. Koehler Center for Instruction,
Innovation & Engagement. In addition, the Provost/Vice
Chancellor chairs the University Council and meets
regularly with the Executive Committee of the Faculty
Senate.
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. The
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration has
responsibility for accounting reporting, budget and
financial planning, capital planning, contract
administration, endowment and treasury management,
facilities services, insurance, internal audit, mailing and
post office services, oil and gas minerals asset
management, risk management and safety, TCU Campus
Store (bookstore operations), and University lands. The
physical plant operations includes building maintenance
and non-residence custodial services, capital design and
construction, facilities planning, landscaping and grounds,
and utility services.
The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance, the Interim
Associate Vice Chancellor and Controller, the Associate
Vice Chancellor for Facilities and Campus Planning, and
the Chief Investment Officer report to this office.
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources. The Vice
Chancellor for Human Resources is the Chief Human
Resources Officer for the University and is responsible for
leading the division charged with managing:
4
• Employee Benefits programs (insurance and other
ancillary programs),
• Employee Compensation,
• Labor and Employment Law Compliance
• Employee Relations and Conflict Management,
• Talent including Recruitment and On/Offboarding
Employees,
• Retirement and Post-Retirement Programs,
• Employee Leave,
• Successful Performance and Development Planning
for Staff,
• Annual on-line Compliance Program,
• Employee Engagement, Professional and
Organizational Development,
• Time worked (Frog Time) including timekeeping,
• Payroll including deductions and withholding, and
• Coordination of Employee Wellness programs.
Reporting to the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor is a
member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. The Vice Chancellor
and the human resources leadership team work closely
with the University’s leadership to address the University’s
current and strategic human resources needs.
The Human Resources team actively works to ensure
University community members fully understand the scope
and value of their TCU experience. TCU offers generous
benefits to all full-time (.75fte+) employees including
health, dental and vision insurance plans; flexible spending
accounts; basic and supplemental life insurance; several
voluntary benefits for accident coverage; tuition
assistance; and generous leave plans. In addition, the
University offers complimentary and discounted
opportunities at a variety of campus venues including
Mary Couts Burnett Library, the University Recreation
Center, and Fine Arts and TCU Athletic events. Human
Resources hosts an annual Employee Benefits and Health
Fair that includes a variety of health-screening programs
and the annual flu shot clinic. Human Resources offers a
comprehensive menu of training opportunities for
individuals and departments. TCU Leader-Manager Cohort
is a highly competitive annual comprehensive leadership
development program for eligible employees (Faculty and
Staff).
Contact 817-257-7790 or [email protected] for detailed
information related to any human resources program,
service or concern. Human Resources information is also
available: on our website www.hr.tcu.edu or through the
TCU portal www.my.tcu.edu.
The provided within this document is accurate as of the
date of this publication. However, TCU Policies are
subject to modification at any time. The appropriate
University Leadership (Policy Owner) is charged with
interpretation of policies included in this handbook. In any
instance where details of this document conflict with plan
documents and/or legal requirements, the plan documents
or legal requirements will prevail. No part of this
document is meant to alter the at-will employment
relationship.
Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communication.
This officer reports to the Chancellor and sits on the
Chancellor’s cabinet as the chief marketing and
communication strategist. This officer is responsible for:
• Overseeing the development of integrated, strategic
marketing and communication plans and activities for
the university that serve to advance the institution in
its entirety, build the institution’s reputation, brand
and visibility, recruit students and build connections
with donors;
• Advancing the TCU brand among internal and
external audiences;
• Handling crises and other sensitive issues by
developing key messages as well as emergency
strategies in conjunction with other key administrators
and staff;
This officer also supports the development of
communication and marketing materials for student
recruiting and fund raising; is responsible for coordinating
various community and city-related projects; oversees
internal communication; and works with the Chancellor’s
staff on marketing and communications-related matters.
This officer has oversight of the offices of Strategic
Communications Management, University Marketing,
Graphic Design, Editorial Services, Community Projects,
Website and Social Media Management, University
Operators, Conference Services, Advancement
Communication, Embed Coordinators in various schools
and colleges and shares oversight of Admission Marketing.
In addition, the office of Athletics External Operations
works regularly with the Vice Chancellor for Marketing &
Communication to ensure integration of institutional
identity in athletics.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The Division of
Student Affairs at TCU provides student programs and
services that support student success and enhance the
collegiate experience. TCU offers a rich learning
environment, and through a variety of experiences,
students engage in an intensive process of intellectual,
personal, moral and social development. The division
holds a special, but not exclusive, responsibility to assure
that the co-curricular learning experiences of students are
of high quality, are directed to the development of
students, and meet both institutional and individual student
needs.
The Division of Student Affairs provides services central
to a quality student career, including residential services,
health services, leadership and recreation services, career
services, dining services, parking services and public
safety.
The following units and departments comprise the
Division of Student Affairs, which is under the leadership
of the vice chancellor for student affairs:
• Campus Activities (Brown-Lupton University Union,
Fraternity-Sorority Affairs, Student Government
Association and Yearbook);
• Campus Life (Education Discipline, Brown-Lupton
Health Center, Health Promotions, Alcohol & Drug
5
Education, Counseling, Crisis Response, Sexual
Harassment, Code of Student Conduct, Student
Handbook);
• Center for Community Involvement and Service-
Learning (Community Partners, TCU Leaps,
Volunteer Fairs, Involved Service Network,
Alternative Spring Break);
• Health Services (Health Center, Counseling Center,
Psychological Services, Health Education);
• Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services
• International Student Services
• Residential Services (Housing and Residence Life,
Dining Services);
• Student Affairs Information Services (Identification
Card Center, Card Access);
• Religious and Spiritual Life (Religious Groups and
Communities, Spiritual Health and Wellness,
Religious Literacy and Education, Worship, Prayer
and Pastoral Care and Advocacy, Activism and Relief
Work);
• Student Development Services (Transition Services,
Academic Orientation, Frog Camp, TCU Leadership
Center, Men and Women’s Programs and Student
Organizations, Parent Program);
• University Career Services (Job & Internship Search
Assistance, Career Development Programs,
Employment Preparation, Graduate School
Application Process);
• University Recreation Center (Intramurals/Sports
Clubs, Outdoor Programs, Fitness and Wellness,
Aquatics); and
• Campus Police (Security, Crime Prevention and
Parking).
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement.
This officer oversees advancement activities including
all fund raising and alumni relations programs.
Working with trustees and other volunteer leaders,
University Advancement implements programs designed
to secure philanthropic support for TCU. Activities include
those aimed at attracting the involvement and support of
alumni, parents of current and former students,
foundations, corporations, and other friends. Clearance
from this office must be obtained before any proposal is
made to off-campus individuals and organizations (except
federal and other governmental bodies) for philanthropic
support of TCU programs, departments, or projects.
University Advancement consists of five departments: 1)
Development, 2) Athletic Development, 3) Donor
Relations, 4) Alumni Relations, and 5) Advancement
Operations. Following is a brief description of each of
these departments.
Development – Within Development are seven units
responsible for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
of donors.
1. Loyalty Giving is responsible for securing unrestricted
gifts from various constituencies including alumni,
parents, faculty, staff and students through personal
visits, telemarketing and direct mail.
2. School and College Development secures gifts from
various constituencies to support the University’s
seven schools and colleges.
3. Regional Development focuses on building
philanthropic support from Texas constituents and
from other regions across the U.S.
4. Corporate and Foundation Relations focuses on gifts
from this special segment of the donor population.
5. Gift Planning assists donors who wish to support the
University with non-cash gifts or through deferred
gifts such as trusts, annuities or bequests.
6. Parent Giving focuses on gifts from this special
segment of the donor population.
7. Prospect Development – identifies and researches
current and prospective donors to TCU.
Athletic Development raises funds for TCU athletic
programs and facilities.
Donor Relations is responsible for the recognition and
stewardship of TCU’s donors.
Alumni Relations organizes and promotes activities to
inform and involve alumni.
Advancement Operations defines and administers TCU’s
policies regarding gift processing, maintains gift and
pledge data entry and reporting, and manages the
division’s technology support system.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Director of
Intercollegiate Athletics is responsible for planning and
directing the intercollegiate athletics programs for Texas
Christian University; to ensure compliance with all rules
and regulations associated with intercollegiate athletics
from both internal and conference sources; to recruit, hire,
and supervise exemplary staff; to prepare and successfully
administer the departmental budget; to promote campus,
community, and regional support for the athletic program;
and to participate in development opportunities, as
requested. The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics reports
directly to the Chancellor and serves as a member of the
Chancellor’s Cabinet.
General Counsel. Added to the leadership team in
2018, the General Counsel reports directly to the
Chancellor and serves as a member of the Chancellor’s
Cabinet. The General Counsel plays a critical role as a
senior advisor for institutional issues and works in
collaboration with essential functions of management, such
as compliance, risk management, academic and student
affairs, athletics and financial services. The General
Counsel is looked to for legal advice and advocacy as well
as judgment in pursuing the University’s mission as a
higher education professional and leader. The General
Counsel also cultivates and manages relationships with
outside law firms that have long served the University.
Chief Investment Officer.
The Chief Investment Officer (CIO) is responsible for
investing the endowment or long term assets of the
6
University; acting as a liaison for assets held in trust by
others in which the University has beneficial interests. In
doing so, the CIO works with the Investment Committee
of the Board of Trustees to develop the Investment Policy
Statement (IPS) and asset allocation necessary to
consistently achieve the payout objective, currently a real
rate of return of 5% after costs. The CIO provides
executive leadership and manages a staff of experienced
investment and operational support professionals in
implementing the investment strategy. The CIO and staff
conduct due diligence and maintain a network of
investment manager partners in the effort to achieve or
exceed performance objectives. The position is responsible
for developing and maintaining valuation systems and
assists in the development and review of the University’s
Annual Financial Report. The CIO works closely with
Development personnel to communicate endowment
stewardship and elicit philanthropic support for the
endowment. The CIO is a member of the Chancellor’s
Cabinet and reports to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and
Administration.
Chief Technology Officer.
This officer is responsible for establishing the strategic
direction of technology for the University, providing
leadership, and managing the Information Technology
unit, which is responsible for all technology for the
University including administrative and academic software
and systems, infrastructure and communication
technologies, and technology related services. Per the
University’s Computer Technology Acquisition policy, all
computer technology must be purchased through this
office.
The Information Technology unit consists of seven
departments:
Security – maintains the security of all TCU technology
systems.
Support – provides technology support to faculty, staff
and students.
Enterprise Applications – provides application
development, maintenance and SaaS integrations.
Systems – administers desktop and server-based
computing and data storage.
Telecommunications – administers cellular and local
phone systems.
Infrastructure – maintains the physical data
infrastructure and administers wired and wireless network
systems.
Finance and Procurement – provides financial planning,
budgeting and purchasing activities related to technology.
Chief University Inclusion Officer, Title IX
Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor.
Added in 2016, this position reports directly to the
Chancellor and serves as a member of the Chancellor’s
Cabinet. This position is responsible for strategic
directions, providing leadership and vision in all aspects of
diversity, inclusion, and Title IX. In conjunction with the
Office of Admission, Human Resources and the Provost’s
Office, among others, work is done to expand efforts to
recruit a diverse student body and to focus on policies and
practice, as well as issues management.
Chief University Compliance Officer. The Chief
University Compliance Officer oversees the compliance
efforts of designated University compliance officers;
coordinates collective activities of University compliance
officers to maintain awareness, accountability, and an
optimal compliance environment for the University. In
collaboration with University compliance officers, this
position serves as the principal contact for compliance
activities including government investigations and queries,
requests for consultations, and internal and external
reporting; responds to alleged violations of compliance
mandates by evaluating or recommending the initiation of
investigative procedures; develops and oversees systems
for handling alleged violations of rules, regulations,
policies, and procedures pertaining to compliance;
collaborates with University compliance officers and other
departments to direct compliance issues to appropriate
existing University channels or to legal counsel, if
appropriate, for investigation and resolution; ensures
proper reporting of violations or potential violations to
duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate
and/or required.
Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
The Chief of Staff, a member of the Chancellor’s
Cabinet, oversees operations of the Chancellor’s office and
staff, and facilitates resolution of issues for students,
faculty and staff as well as external audiences. This
position supervises the Minor House and Events
Coordinator as well as multiple support staff.
Elected to serve the Board of Trustees as its Secretary,
the Chief of Staff is the Chancellor’s liaison with Board
leadership as well as with trustees. This position oversees
the production and review of all Board documents as well
as coordination of meetings and retreats. As Secretary of
the Board, this position implements components of the By-
Laws of the Board of Trustees as well as annual reviews of
the Trustee Expectations Commitment Form, Conflict of
Interest and Code of Conduct processes.
Chancellor’s Intern for Government Affairs.
The Intern reports to the Chancellor and is a member of
the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Responsibilities include:
1. To ensure TCU is prominent among the industry
leaders helping to shape the policies and regulations
that shape the future of higher education.
2. To establish TCU as a leader in higher education.
3. To influence private higher education issues and
policy.
4. To assist, as appropriate, with providing opportunities
for high-achieving TCU journalism, strategic
communication, and political science students to take
courses, have internships, and pursue career
opportunities only available in the nation’s capital.
7
5. To secure and enhance the Tuition Equalization Grant
(TEG) and represent the interests of TCU on other
policy and regulatory issues as they appear.
The Chancellor’s Intern also works closely with the
Chancellor’s Scholars Program as well as other initiatives
as assigned by the Chancellor.
Coordinator of Special Projects. The Chancellor’s
Coordinator of Special Projects is responsible for gaining
exposure to TCU’s business practices in a value-added
experience by serving on the Chancellor’s Cabinet,
providing support at Board of Trustees meetings, and
undertaking special projects as assigned by the Chancellor
and/or his Chief of Staff. The Coordinator assists with
research as needed; Vision in Action: Lead On initiatives;
collaborates with faculty/staff on various campus efforts;
and assists the Chief Inclusion Officer with Diversity,
Inclusion and Equity initiatives.
ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION:
The Schools and Colleges. The ten major academic
divisions are the basic units of the University’s operation.
With their special programs and advisory bodies, they are
the responsibility of the Provost/Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs.
The AddRan College of Liberal Arts, the Bob Schieffer
College of Communication, the College of Education, the
College of Fine Arts, Harris College of Nursing & Health
Sciences, the Neeley School of Business, and the College
of Science & Engineering offer work at both the graduate
and undergraduate level. The School of Interdisciplinary
Studies offers degrees at the undergraduate level and
certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
The John V. Roach Honors College is a non-degree
granting school and offers courses at the undergraduate
level only. The TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine
offers programs leading to the M.D. degree. The School
has received preliminary accreditation by the program-
specific accreditor, the Liaison Committee on Medical
Education (LCME).
The Academic Deans. Each school and college is
headed by a dean who is administratively responsible for
its operation. Among their many duties are the
recommendation of faculty appointments, promotion and
tenure, preparation of proposed budgets, supervision of
curricula, use of facilities, student degree plans, and
approval of staff travel.
School Directors and Departmental Chairs. Eight of
the schools and colleges are organized along departmental
lines. There are no department chairs in the College of
Education or the Honors College. The chairs of these
departments have administrative responsibility for
planning and operations. They make recommendations to
the appropriate dean on faculty, budget, travel, curriculum,
and other matters. In addition, they assign faculty specific
courses to be taught each term.
Director of TCU Core Curriculum. The great value
that TCU places on the liberal arts and the University’s
unique Heritage, Mission, Vision and Core Values are
partly captured in the University-wide TCU Core
Curriculum requirements. The director of the TCU Core
Curriculum provides leadership for strategic planning in
the areas of program integrity, implementation, funding,
and assessment of the TCU Core Curriculum.
Channels of Authority and Communication
All schools and colleges and their departments and
divisions, all administrative and service offices and
functions, have definite lines of authority and
communication. These channels should be followed, with
matters submitted first to the department or division head,
then to the dean or appropriate administrative officer. If
necessary, certain items of major importance may then be
passed on to the vice chancellor concerned, who may
confer when necessary with the Chancellor.
This general policy is designed to conserve the time and
energy of all. However, this policy does not preclude quick
and ready access to any of the top administrative officials
in the case of major personal problems or other exceptional
matters.
NON-DISCRIMINATION; AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION; COMPLIANCE; DISCRIMINATION
AND HARASSMENT INFORMATION
Notice of Non-Discrimination and Contact
Information for Title IX Coordinator. TCU is committed
to providing a positive learning and working environment
free from discrimination and harassment. TCU prohibits
discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, race,
color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and
sexual violence), sexual orientation, gender, gender
identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin,
disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, and
any other basis protected by law, in the University’s
programs and activities as required by Title IX, Title VII,
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with
Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, and other applicable laws and regulations.
Inquiries about TCU’s policies and compliance with
Title IX and nondiscrimination policies or inquiries on
how to file a complaint of discrimination should be
directed to:
Dr. Darron Turner
Chief Inclusion Officer & Title IX Coordinator
TCU Box 297090
Jarvis Hall 228
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-8228
Inquiries about TCU’s policies and compliance with
Title VII, The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, or other
8
aspects of TCU’s equal opportunity or affirmative action
programs should be directed to:
Ms. Yohna Chambers
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
TCU Box 298200
2701 W. Berry St.
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-5103
Individuals seeking an accommodation for a
documented disability or those with inquiries or
complaints regarding campus accessibility or the
accessibility of the TCU website, as required by the
Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act and related regulations and statues
should be directed to:
Ms. Laurel Cunningham
Student Disabilities Services
TCU Box 297710
Sadler Hall 1010
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-6567
laurel.cunningham@tcu.edu
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity
Office. According to Policy 1.001, Affirmative Action and
Equal Employment Opportunity, TCU recruits, hires and
promotes qualified persons in all job classifications
without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression,
national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic
information, covered veteran status, or any other basis
protected by law.
TCU’s Affirmative Action/Equal Employment
Opportunity Officer is Yohna J. Chambers, Vice
Chancellor for Human Resources.
COMPLIANCE OFFICERS
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2019-20
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Chief University Compliance
Officer
Higher Education Act Regulations
Ms. Andrea Nordmann
Chief Inclusion Officer and Title IX
Coordinator; Deputy Affirmative
Action/Equal Employment
Opportunity Officer
Dr. Darron Turner
University Ethics Officer;
Affirmative Action/Equal
Employment Opportunity Officer;
Human Resources
Ms. Yohna Chambers
Director of Insurance and Risk
Management
Mr. Paul Fox
Conflict Resolution Facilitator;
Employee ADA Concerns; Deputy
Title IX Officer
Ms. Kristen Taylor
TCU Box 298200
Human Resources
2701 W. Berry St.
817/257-4161
Student ADA Concerns
Ms. Laurel Cunningham
TCU Box 297710
Sadler Hall, Room 1010
817/257-6567
laurel.cunningham@tcu.edu
Sr. Associate Athletics Director for
Student Services
Ms. Gretchen Bouton
9
University Sexual Harassment
Officer; Deputy Title IX Officer
Ms. Andrea Vircks
University Immigration Officer for
Student Affairs
Mr. John Singleton
University Immigration Officer for
Academic Affairs (Faculty and
Researchers)
Ms. Susan Griffin Woods
Information Security Officer
Mr. Aaron Muñoz
Research Integrity Officer;
Associate Provost for Research and
Dean of Graduate Studies
Dr. Floyd Wormley
Crime Reporting;
Clery Report
Mr. Steve McGee
Ethics & Compliance Hotline
1/877/888-0002 (anonymous if desired)
TCU and UNTHSC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Assistant Dean for Diversity and
Inclusion; Deputy Title IX Officer
Dr. Lisa McBride
Employee ADA Concerns
Ms. Kristen Taylor
TCU Box 298200
Human Resources
2701 W. Berry St.
817/257-4161
Student ADA Concerns
Ms. Laurel Cunningham
TCU Box 297710
Sadler Hall, Room 1010
817/257-6567
laurel.cunningham@tcu.edu
Ethics & Compliance Hotline
1/877/888-0002 (anonymous if desired)
BRITE DIVINITY SCHOOL
Affirmative Action/Equal
Employment Opportunity Officer;
Title IX Officer;
Sexual Harassment Officer
Dr. Michael Miller
Director of Insurance and Risk
Management
Mr. Paul Fox
10
Conflict Resolution Facilitator;
Employee ADA Concerns
Ms. Kristen Taylor
Student ADA Concerns
Ms. Laurel Cunningham
TCU Box 297710
Sadler Hall, Room 1010
817/257-6567
laurel.cunningham@tcu.edu
Ethics & Compliance Hotline
1/877/888-0002 (anonymous if desired)
Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and
Related Conduct Policy (Policy #1.005)
I. Policy Statement
Texas Christian University (TCU) is committed to
providing a positive learning, living and working
environment free from discrimination and harassment. In
support of this commitment, TCU prohibits a range of
behaviors, including unlawful discrimination and
harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression,
national origin, ethnic origin, disability, predisposing
genetic information, covered veteran status, and any other
basis protected by law, except as permitted by law. TCU
also prohibits unlawful sexual and gender-based
harassment and violence, sexual assault, intimate partner
violence, and stalking (collectively referred to herein as
“Prohibited Conduct”).
TCU also prohibits retaliation against an individual for
making a good faith report under this policy, for
participating in proceedings under this policy, or for
opposing in a reasonable manner conduct believed to be
prohibited by this policy. Any person who may have been
subject to discrimination, harassment or Prohibited
Conduct should feel comfortable reporting their concerns
without fear of retaliation. TCU will take strong responsive
action to threats or acts of retaliation.
Discrimination, harassment, Prohibited Conduct, and
retaliation are incompatible with TCU’s mission to educate
individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and
responsible citizens in the global community, and can
threaten the educational experience, careers and well-being
of members of the TCU community, including employees,
students, and visitors. Such behavior will be addressed
consistent with this policy. Reported violations of this
policy may be pursued using the grievance procedures
outlined in Sections VII, VIII, IX and X of this policy.
Any student or employee who engages in conduct
prohibited by this policy may be subject to disciplinary
action and sanctions up to and including termination or
expulsion from TCU. TCU will take steps to prevent the
recurrence of any harassment and to correct its
discriminatory effects on a complainant and, if applicable,
the TCU community.
TCU complies with Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits
discrimination on the basis of sex in the University’s
programs and activities and retaliation; the Jeanne Clery
Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime
Statistics Act (Clery Act), as amended by the Violence
Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA);
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII);
Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code; the Age
Discrimination Act of 1975, the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(Section 504), and other applicable laws.
Scope and Applicability
a. Individuals Covered by this Policy
This policy applies to the following members of the
TCU community: students (as defined in the Code of
Student Conduct); employees, including faculty, staff,
and administrators; trustees; third-party consultants,
vendors and contractors when they are doing business
with TCU; individuals who perform services for TCU
as volunteers; and visitors, guests and other third
parties under circumstances within TCU’s control.
b. Jurisdiction
This policy applies to conduct that takes place:
• on the campus or TCU premises;
• in the context of any TCU-related or sponsored
education program or activity, regardless of
location;
• through the use of TCU-owned or provided
technology resources; or
• off-campus when the conduct is likely to have an
adverse effect on TCU and/or the pursuit of its
objectives, members of the TCU community, or is
likely to create, continue or contribute to a hostile
environment.
In determining if the conduct is likely to have an
adverse effect, TCU may consider whether:
• the reported action constitutes a criminal offense as
defined by law. This includes, but is not limited to,
single or repeat violations of any local, state or
federal law;
• it appears that the respondent may present a danger
or threat to the health or safety of self or others;
• the conduct significantly impinges upon the rights,
property or achievements of self or others or
11
significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social
disorder; and/or
• the conduct is detrimental to the educational
interests of TCU.
Bystander Engagement
The welfare of students in our community is of
paramount importance. At times, students on and off
campus may need assistance. TCU community members
are encouraged to take reasonable and prudent actions to
prevent or stop an act of Prohibited Conduct. Taking
action may include direct intervention, calling TCU police
or local law enforcement, or seeking assistance from a
person in authority. Retaliation against TCU community
members who choose to exercise this positive moral
obligation is prohibited.
Reference to Related Policies and Resources
In addition to this policy, the conduct of students,
employees and other TCU community members may be
governed by other TCU policies, including but not limited
to:
Code of Student Conduct
Conflict Resolution Policy for Faculty
Conflict Resolution Policy for Staff
Faculty/Staff Handbook
Policies and Procedures for Students with Disabilities
University Postings on Laws Prohibiting Discrimination
Student Handbook
Where conduct involves the potential violation of both
this policy and another TCU policy, TCU may
simultaneously investigate and resolve other potential
misconduct under the procedures set forth in this policy,
provided that doing so does not unduly delay a prompt or
equitable resolution. Where there is a discrepancy between
another applicable TCU policy and this policy, TCU has
discretion as to what policy to follow but in all
circumstances, intends to follow the law. Conduct which
does not violate this policy may violate another TCU
policy or standard and may lead to sanctions/corrective
action or other remedies.
II. Responsibility
The Chief Inclusion Officer & Title IX Coordinator
(“Coordinator”) oversees TCU’s centralized response to all
reports of discrimination, harassment and other conduct
that violates this policy. The Coordinator is also
responsible for overseeing the administration of this
policy. However, other TCU administrators have been
designated by TCU to coordinate its efforts to comply with
specific laws and regulations.
The Coordinator may address reported violations of this
policy or delegate responsibilities under this policy to one
of the Deputy Title IX Officers, another appropriate
University administrator or appropriate external
professionals or investigators. The Coordinator and/or
Deputy Title IX Officers may also confer with one another
or other University administrators or external professionals
when deemed appropriate. A reference in this policy to the
Coordinator may include a Deputy Title IX Officer or
another appropriate designee.
Title IX
The Coordinator is the designated University official
with primary responsibility for coordinating TCU’s
efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities
under Title IX and related provisions of the Clery Act (as
amended by VAWA), including overseeing TCU’s
response to Reports raising Title IX and VAWA issues.
The Coordinator also coordinates with representatives
from University departments including Human Resources,
the TCU Police Department, and Student Affairs, as
appropriate, for purposes of identifying and addressing
patterns or systemic concerns revealed by such Reports.
As deemed appropriate, the Coordinator and designated
staff may, among other steps:
• Communicate with members of the TCU community
regarding applicable laws and regulations and TCU’s
policy and provide information about how individuals
may access reporting and support options.
• Review applicable TCU policies for institutional
compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
• Monitor TCU’s administration of its own applicable
policies, including record keeping, adherence to
timeframes, and other procedural matters.
• Oversee and/or conduct training regarding Title IX
and related provisions of the Clery Act (as amended
by VAWA).
• Coordinate TCU’s response to any report raising Title
IX or VAWA issues so that such reports are addressed
by the appropriate TCU officials.
• Oversee the prompt and equitable investigation and
resolution of such reports raising Title IX and VAWA
issues.
• Assist the parties in receiving support services and
facilitate appropriate interim remedial and protective
measures during an investigation and/or resolution.
Inquiries about TCU’s policies and compliance with
Title IX or Clery (as amended by VAWA) should be
directed to the Coordinator or one of the Deputy Title IX
Officers:
Dr. Darron Turner
Chief Inclusion Officer & Title IX Coordinator
TCU Box 297090
Jarvis Hall 228
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-5566
The Deputy Title IX Officers are:
Ms. Glory Robinson
Associate Dean, Campus Life
Student Affairs
TCU Box 297010
Sadler Hall 2006
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-7926
g.robinson@tcu.edu
12
Ms. Andrea Vircks
Title IX Deputy Officer
TCU Box 297090
Jarvis Hall 208
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-4969
Ms. Kristen Taylor
Director, Employee Relations
Human Resources
TCU Box 298200
3100 W. Berry St.
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-4161
kristen.taylor@tcu.edu
Ms. Kim Johnson
Senior Associate Athletics Director
Senior Woman Administrator
TCU Athletics
TCU Box 297600
John Justin Athletic Complex
Fort Worth, Texas 76129
817/257-7950
k.n.johnson@tcu.edu
Additional information or inquiries regarding Title IX can
also be directed to the U.S. Department of Education or
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission office
listed below.
U.S. Department of Education
Dallas Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620
Dallas, TX 75201-6810
Tele: 214-661-9600 or 800-421-3481
Fax: 214-661-9587; TDD: 800-877-8339
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Dallas Office
207 S. Houston St., 3
rd
Floor
Dallas, TX 75202
Tele: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: 214-253-2720
TTY: 1-800-669-6820
www.eeoc.gov
ADA and Section 504
TCU complies with the ADA and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with
disabilities. TCU will provide reasonable accommodation
to a qualified individual with a disability, as defined by the
ADA or other applicable law, who has made TCU aware
of his or her disability and requested accommodation,
provided that such accommodation does not cause an
undue hardship on TCU.
The Director for the Center for Academic Services and
the Director of Employee Relations are the persons
designated by TCU to coordinate its efforts to comply with
and carry out the responsibilities under Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act. This is:
For students:
Student Disabilities Services
TCU Box 297710
Sadler Hall 1010
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-6567
academic[email protected]
For employees:
Ms. Kristen Taylor
Director, Employee Relations
TCU Box 298200
2701 W. Berry St.
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-4161
A student or applicant for admission who desires to
request an accommodation should contact the Student
Disabilities Services Office (DS Office) and clearly make
this request known. Eligible students seeking
accommodations should contact the DS Office early in the
academic term for which they are seeking accommodation.
The DS Office is located in the Center for Academic
Services, Sadler Hall Room 1010. The phone number is
817/257-6567. Students should also refer to TCU’s Policy
and Procedures for Students with Disabilities for additional
information on seeking an accommodation.
An employee or applicant for employment who desires
to request an accommodation should clearly make this
request known to the Director of Employee Relations (or
that person’s designee). An employee who requests an
accommodation should make such a request before job
performance suffers and before work related conduct
problems occur so TCU can take timely and appropriate
action.
Making a request for an accommodation known to
another employee of TCU not identified above will not
fulfill the notification obligation for seeking an
accommodation.
Title VII, Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and
Age Discrimination
TCU is an equal opportunity employer and complies
with federal and state laws concerning affirmative action
and workplace equal opportunity, including those covering
prohibited discrimination, harassment and retaliation. TCU
recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job
classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender
expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability,
genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other
legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all
employment decisions, including but not limited to,
13
decisions related to recruitment, hiring, promotion,
compensation, benefits, transfers, university sponsored
training and education, social and recreational programs,
termination, and other terms and conditions of
employment. The Vice Chancellor for Human Resources is
the person designated by TCU to coordinate its efforts to
comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title
VII, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and other Equal
Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations and laws.
Inquiries about TCU’s policies or compliance with these
laws should be directed to:
Ms. Yohna Chambers
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
TCU Box 298200
2701 W. Berry St.
817/257-6222
III. Conduct Prohibited by this Policy
The following conduct, as defined in this section, is
prohibited by this policy. These definitions will be used
by the Coordinator and during TCU’s internal grievance
processes when evaluating whether this policy has been
violated. In some instances, where conduct may constitute
a criminal offense under Texas law, the Texas statutory
definitions are provided in a footnote for educational and
awareness purposes only.
*Discrimination: The unlawful treatment of an
individual based on the individual’s age, race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity,
gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability,
predisposing genetic information, covered veteran status,
and any other basis protected by law that unreasonably
interferes with or limits: or limits:
• A student’s or applicant for admission’s ability to
participate in, access, or benefit from educational
programs, services or activities (e.g., admission,
academic standing, grades, assignment, campus
housing);
• An employee’s or applicant for employment’s access
to employment or conditions and benefits of
employment (e.g., hiring, advancement, assignment);
• An authorized volunteer’s ability to participate in a
volunteer activity; or
• A guest’s or visitor’s ability to participate in, access,
or benefit from TCU’s programs.
Discrimination includes failing to provide reasonable
accommodations, consistent with State and federal law, to
qualified persons with disabilities.
*Harassment: Unwelcome conduct based on an
individual’s age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression,
national origin, ethnic origin, disability, predisposing
genetic information, covered veteran status, and any other
basis protected by law, when (a) submitting to or enduring
such conduct is made implicitly or explicitly a term or
condition of a person’s instruction, academic standing,
1
See Texas Senate Bill 212 for the source of this definition.
employment or participation in any TCU program,
activity, or benefit, (b) submission to or rejection of such
conduct is used, implicitly or explicitly, as the basis for
decisions affecting an individual’s education (e.g.,
admission, academic standing, grades, assignment);
employment (e.g., hiring, advancement, assignment); or
participation in a TCU program, activity or benefit, (c) in
the employment context, such conduct unreasonably
interferes with a person’s work performance or creates an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, or (d)
in the education context, such conduct is sufficiently
severe, persistent, or pervasive that the conduct interferes
with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from
educational programs or activities at TCU.
A hostile environment can be created by persistent or
pervasive conduct or by a single or isolated incident, if
sufficiently severe. The more severe the conduct, the less
need there is to show a repetitive series of incidents to
prove a hostile environment, particularly if the conduct is
physical. A single incident of non-consensual sexual
contact or intercourse, for example, may be sufficiently
severe to constitute a hostile environment. In contrast, the
perceived offensiveness of a single verbal or written
expression, standing alone, is typically not sufficient to
constitute a hostile environment.
*Sexual Harassment
1
: Unwelcome sex-based verbal
or physical conduct when (a) submitting to or enduring
such conduct is made implicitly or explicitly a term or
condition of a person’s instruction, academic standing,
employment, or participation in any TCU program,
activity, or benefit, (b) submission to or rejection of such
conduct is used, implicitly or explicitly, as the basis for
decisions affecting an individual’s education (e.g.,
admission, academic standing, grades, assignment);
employment (e.g., hiring, advancement, assignment); or
participation in a TCU program, activity or benefit, (c) in
the employment context, such conduct unreasonably
interferes with a person’s work performance or creates an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, or (d)
in the education context, such conduct is sufficiently
severe, persistent, or pervasive that the conduct interferes
with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from
educational programs or activities at TCU .
*Gender-Based Harassment: Unwelcome conduct based
on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender
expression, which may include acts of aggression,
intimidation, or hostility, whether verbal or non-verbal,
graphic, physical, or otherwise, even if the acts do not
involve contact of a sexual nature, when(a) submitting to
or enduring such conduct is made implicitly or explicitly a
term or condition of a person’s instruction, academic
standing, employment, or participation in any TCU
program, activity, or benefit, (b) submission to or rejection
of such conduct is used, implicitly or explicitly, as the
basis for decisions affecting an individual’s education
(e.g., admission, academic standing, grades, assignment);
employment (e.g., hiring, advancement, assignment); or
14
participation in a TCU program, activity or benefit, (c) in
the employment context, such conduct unreasonably
interferes with a person’s work performance or creates an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, or (d)
in the education context, such conduct is sufficiently
severe, persistent, or pervasive that the conduct interferes
with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from
educational programs or activities at TCU.
Examples of conduct to be avoided include, but are not
limited to, the following:
• Making one or more unwelcome verbal statements,
slurs, epithets, suggestive or off-color jokes, or
derogatory or degrading comments, based on a
protected status as defined above;
• Repeated sexual advances or requests for sexual
favors that are unwelcome;
• Sexual assault or attempt to commit such an
assault, and unwelcome physical conduct such as
unwanted touching, impeding or blocking another
person’s movements, brushing against, leering at, or
making sexual gestures to another person;
• Implying or threatening that submission to sexual
advances or conduct prohibited by this policy is a
condition of employment, work status, salary
increase or decrease, promotion, academic
admission, grades, advancement, recommendations,
or participation in a program or activity;
• Threatening or engaging in reprisals or retaliation
after such an overture is rejected;
• Displaying unwelcome sexually suggestive
writings, pictures, magazines, cartoons, Internet
material or objections; obscene letters, notes or
invitations transmitted by electronic means or
otherwise;
• Display or circulation of material that denigrates or
shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or
group based on a legally protected characteristic.
In addition, it is important to understand that, depending
on the circumstances, Harassment:
• May be blatant and intentional and involve an overt
action, a threat or reprisal, or may be subtle and
indirect, with a coercive aspect that is unstated.
• Does NOT have to include intent to harm, be
directed at a specific target, or involve repeated
incidents.
• May be committed by anyone, regardless of gender,
age, position, or authority. While there is often a
power differential between two persons, perhaps
due to differences in age, social, educational, or
employment relationships, this is not required for
harassment to occur.
• May be committed by a stranger, an acquaintance,
or someone with whom the complainant has an
2
See 34 CFR 668.46(a) for the source of this definition.
For the definition of sexual assault under the Texas Penal
Code, see Texas Penal Code, §22.011(a).
3
See 34 CFR 668.46(a) for the source of this definition.
intimate or sexual relationship.
• May be committed by or against an individual or
may be a result of the actions of an organization or
group.
• May occur in the classroom, in the workplace, in
residential settings, or in another University-related
context.
• May be a one-time event or may be part of a pattern
of behavior.
• May be committed in the presence of others or
when the parties are alone.
• May affect the complainant and/or third parties who
witness or observe harassment.
*Sexual Assault:
2
For purposes of this policy it means
any sexual act directed against another person without
his/her consent, including instances where he/she is
incapable of giving consent. For purposes of this policy,
Sexual Assault includes Non-Consensual Sexual
Contact, Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse, Incest
and Statutory Rape as those terms are defined herein.
*Non-Consensual Sexual Contact:
3
For purposes of this
policy, it
is the touching of another person’s breasts,
buttocks, groin, genital, or other intimate parts for the
purpose of sexual gratification without consent. Touching
may be over or under clothing and may include the
respondent touching the complainant, the respondent
making the complainant touch the respondent or another
person, or the respondent making the complainant touch
the complainant’s own body. As defined below, consent
cannot be obtained through force, threat of force, or by
taking advantage of another person’s incapacitation.
*Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse:
4
For purposes of
this policy, it is the penetration, no matter how slight, of
the vagina or anus, with any body part or object, or the oral
penetration by a sex organ of another person, without
consent. This includes: vaginal or anal penetration by a
penis, tongue, finger or object, or oral copulation (mouth
to genital contact).
*Incest:
5
Sexual intercourse between persons who are
related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage
is prohibited by law.
*Statutory Rape:
6
Sexual intercourse with a person who
is under the statutory age of consent.
*Sexual Exploitation: Purposely or knowingly doing
any of the following:
• Observing and/or watching other(s) engaged in
intimate behaviors including, but not limited to,
undressing, sexual activity, using the bathroom,
bathing, or other actions usually considered to be of
a private nature, without the other person’s
knowledge or consent (often referred to as
voyeurism);
• Recording, photographing, transmitting, showing,
4
See 34 CFR 668.46(a) for the source of this definition.
5
See 34 CFR 668.46(a) for the source of this definition.
6
See 34 CFR 668.46(a) for the source of this definition.
15
viewing, streaming, or distributing pictures, video
or audio of another person in a sexual act, or in any
other intimate/private activity without the
knowledge and consent of all persons involved in
the activity;
• Exceeding the boundaries of consent (such as
allowing another person to hide in a closet and
observe sexual activity, or disseminating sexual
pictures without the photographed person’s
consent);
• Engaging in sexual activity with another person
while knowingly infected with human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a sexually
transmitted disease (STD) or infection (STI) without
informing the other person of the infection;
• Administering alcohol or drugs (such as “date rape”
drugs) to another person without their knowledge or
consent; or
• Exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual
circumstances.
*Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): For purposes of this
policy includes both Dating Violence and Domestic
Violence.
*Dating Violence:
7
For purposes of this policy, it is
violence, including but not limited to sexual or physical
abuse or threat of such abuse, which occurs between
individuals who are or has been in a social relationship of a
romantic or intimate nature. In determining the existence
of such a relationship, consideration will be given to the
length and the type of relationship and the frequency of
interaction between the persons involved in the
relationship. Dating violence does not include acts covered
under the definition of domestic violence.
*Domestic Violence:
8
For purposes of this policy, it is a
felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed:
• by a person against his/her current or former spouse
or intimate partner;
• by one person against another person when the two
individuals share a child in common;
• by one person against another person with whom
he/she is or has cohabitated with as a spouse or
intimate partner;
• by a person, similarly situated to a spouse of the
person against whom the violence was directed,
under the domestic or family violence laws of the
jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred;
• by any other person against an adult or youth victim
who is protected from that person’s acts under the
domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction
in which the crime of violence occurred.
7
See 34 CFR 668.46(a) for the source of definition. For
the definition of dating violence under the Texas Family
Code, see Texas Family Code, §71.0021.
8
See 34 CFR 668.46(a) for the source of this definition.
Texas statutes do not define domestic violence. For the
definition of family violence under the Texas Family
Code, see Texas Family Code, §71.004.
*Bullying: Any verbal, nonverbal, graphic, and/or
physical behavior that intimidates and/or intentionally
hurts, controls and/or diminishes another person
physically, emotionally and/or mentally on the basis of
their membership in a category protected above. This may
include behavior occurring in person and/or via electronic
communication.
*Stalking:
9
For purposes of this policy, it is engaging in
a course of conduct directed at a specific person which
would cause a reasonable person (under similar
circumstances and with similar identities to the
complainant) to (1) fear for his or her safety or the safety
of others or (2) suffer significant mental suffering or
anguish that may, but does not necessarily require medical
or other professional treatment or counseling. For purposes
of this definition, a “course of conduct” means two or
more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the
stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any
action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors,
observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about
a person, or interferes with a person’s property. Examples
can include, but are not limited to, threats of harm to self,
others, or property; pursuing or following a person; non-
consensual (unwanted) communication by any means;
sending unwanted gifts; trespassing; and surveillance or
other related types of observation. Stalking also includes
cyber-stalking through electronic media, like the internet,
social networks, blogs, cell phones, or text messages.
*Retaliation: Action taken against any person because
he/she opposed or made a good faith internal or external
report or complaint of conduct of the type prohibited by
this policy or because he/she has testified, assisted or
participated in an investigation of conduct of the type
prohibited by this policy or in related proceedings.
Retaliation can take many forms, including, but not limited
to, adverse action or violence, threats, acts of intimidation,
other acts of harassment or discrimination that would
discourage a reasonable person (under similar
circumstances and with similar identities to the
complainant) from engaging in a protected activity.
*Complicity: Any act that knowingly aids, facilitates,
promotes, or encourages another person to engage in
conduct that violates this policy.
Understanding Consent and Incapacitation
*Consent:
10
Consent to sexual activity is defined as
knowing, active, and voluntary permission between the
participants, clearly expressed by words or by actions, to
engage in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. Consent
cannot be compelled by force, threat of force, coercion, or
9
See 34 CFR 668.46(a) for definition of stalking. For the
definition of stalking under the Texas Penal Code, see
Texas Penal Code, §42.072.
10
When assessing whether a criminal offense of sexual
assault has been committed, see Texas Penal Code §22.011
for information on consent.
16
intimidation. Consent cannot be gained by taking
advantage of another person’s incapacitation, as defined
herein. Consent given under such circumstances does not
constitute willing and voluntary agreement.
In addition:
• Consent to one sexual act does not constitute
consent to others.
• Prior consent to a given act does not constitute
present or future consent.
• The existence of a prior or current relationship does
not, in itself, constitute consent; even in the context
of a relationship, there must be mutual consent.
• Consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual
encounter and can be revoked, modified, or
withdrawn at any time. Sexual contact must cease
immediately once consent is withdrawn.
• Consent to an act with one person does not
constitute consent to an act with any other person.
• Consent cannot be inferred from silence, passivity,
or lack of resistance and relying on nonverbal
communication alone may result in a violation of
this policy.
• Consent cannot be given if it is coerced by
supervisory or disciplinary authority.
• Under Texas law, consent cannot be given by a
person younger than 17 years of age to sexual
penetration or contact by an adult (18 years of age
or older) who is three or more years older.
In evaluating whether consent has been freely sought
and given, consideration will be given to the presence of
any force, threat of force, intimidation or coercion;
whether the complainant had the capacity to give consent;
whether the respondent or a sober reasonable person in the
same position as the respondent knew or should have
known that the complainant was incapacitated; and,
whether the communication (through words and/or
actions) between the parties would be interpreted by a
reasonable person (under similar circumstances and with
similar identities) as willingness to engage in a particular
sexual act.
*Incapacitation: The inability, temporarily or
permanently, to give consent because the individual is
mentally and/or physically helpless, either voluntarily or
involuntarily, or the individual is unconscious, asleep, or
otherwise unaware that the sexual activity is occurring. A
person is mentally incapacitated when that person lacks the
ability to make informed decisions about whether or not to
engage in sexual activity. A person may be incapacitated
as a result of the consumption of alcohol and/or other
drugs, or due to a temporary or permanent physical or
mental health condition.
When alcohol or other drug use is involved,
incapacitation is a state beyond intoxication, impairment,
or being under the influence. Alcohol and other drugs
impact each individual differently, and determining
whether an individual is incapacitated requires an
individualized determination. TCU does not expect
community members to be medical experts in assessing
incapacitation. A person’s level of intoxication is not
always demonstrated by objective signs, but individuals
should look for the common and obvious warning signs
that show that a person may be incapacitated or
approaching incapacitation. Although every individual
may manifest the impacts of alcohol or other drugs
differently, typical signs include slurred or
incomprehensible speech, unsteady gait, combativeness,
emotional volatility, vomiting, or incontinence.
An individual’s level of intoxication may change over a
period of time based on a variety of subjective factors,
including the amount of substance intake, speed of intake,
body mass, and metabolism. It is especially important,
therefore, that anyone engaging in sexual activity be aware
of their own level of intoxication and capacity to consent
as well as the other person’s level of intoxication and
capacity to consent. The use of alcohol or other drugs can
lower inhibitions, impair perceptions and create an
atmosphere of confusion about whether consent is
effectively sought and freely given. If there is any doubt
as to the level or extent of one’s own or the other
individual’s intoxication or incapacitation, the safest
course of action is to forgo or cease any sexual contact.
When evaluating consent in cases of reported
incapacitation, the following will be considered: (1) Did
the respondent know that the complainant was
incapacitated? And if not, (2) Should a sober, reasonable
person in a similar set of circumstances as the respondent
have known that the complainant was incapacitated? If the
answer to either of these questions is “yes,” there was no
consent; and the conduct is likely a violation of this policy.
A respondent’s voluntary intoxication is never an excuse
for or a defense to Prohibited Conduct, and it does not
diminish the responsibility to determine that the other
person has given consent.
IV. Confidentiality, Privacy and Employee
Reporting Responsibilities
Issues of confidentiality and privacy play important roles
in this policy. While they are closely related, the concepts
of confidentiality and privacy are distinct terms that are
defined below.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality refers to the protections provided under
Texas state law to communications occurring in the
context of a legally-protected or privileged relationship.
Information disclosed to a Confidential Resource (defined
below) is generally confidential under Texas law when the
communication takes place within the scope of the
provision of professional services, meaning the
Confidential Resource generally should not disclose the
information (including information about whether an
individual has received services) to any third party without
the individual's written permission, unless ethical or legal
obligations compel disclosure. For example, information
may be disclosed by a Confidential Resource when the
individual gives written consent for its disclosure, there is
an imminent concern that the individual will likely cause
serious physical harm to self or others, the information
17
concerns suspected abuse or neglect of a minor, or when
compelled by court order or subpoena.
Generally, a person’s medical and counseling records
are privileged and confidential documents. Medical and
related records may be protected by the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), The Texas
Medical Records Privacy Act, Title 2, Chapter 181 of the
Texas Health & Safety Code, Title 7, Chapter 611 of the
Texas Health & Safety Code, and other applicable laws,
excepting health records covered by FERPA or excluded
or excepted from protection under an applicable law.
Privacy
Privacy refers to the discretion that will be exercised by
TCU in the course of any investigation or disciplinary
processes under this policy. Generally, sharing of
information related to a complaint or report under this
policy will be limited to those individuals who need the
information to assist in the assessment, investigation, and
resolution of the report or complaint and related issues.
This may include, but is not limited to: Title IX Office,
TCU Compliance Officers, Division of Student Affairs,
Human Resources, TCU Police, and the Threat
Assessment Team.
TCU will endeavor to keep the identity of a complainant
and information learned in the investigation private, to the
extent required by law. TCU will make reasonable efforts
to investigate and address reports or complaints made
under this policy, and information may be disclosed to
participants in an investigation as necessary to facilitate
the thoroughness and integrity of the investigation. In all
such proceedings, TCU will take into consideration the
privacy of the parties to the extent reasonably possible, but
cannot guarantee anonymity for a complainant where it
would conflict with its obligation to investigate
meaningfully, take corrective action, comply with the
intent of this policy, or fulfill its legal obligations.
The privacy of student education records will be
protected in accordance with the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Employee Reporting Responsibilities: Mandatory
Reporters and Confidential Resources
TCU community members should be aware that
designated University employees have certain
responsibilities to report information about sexual and
gender-based harassment and discrimination and other
forms of prohibited conduct that relate to sexual and
gender-based violence, including sexual assault, sexual
exploitation, intimate partner violence, stalking and
retaliation, to the Coordinator.
In this policy, TCU employees who are required to
report this information to the Coordinator are called
Mandatory Reporters. Employees who are generally not
required to disclose legally-privileged communications are
called Confidential Resources.
Mandatory Reporters
All TCU employees, except Confidential Resources, are
considered Mandatory Reporters for purposes of their
11
See Texas Senate Bill 212 for information on reporting
obligations to report, to the Coordinator, conduct that
raises Title IX and/or VAWA issues.
a. Obligations to report conduct raising Title IX or
VAWA issues
Mandatory Reporters are required to immediately
report to the Coordinator information about conduct that
raises Title IX and/or VAWA issues, including any
reports, complaints or allegations of sexual harassment,
discrimination and those forms of prohibited conduct
that relate to non-consensual sexual intercourse or
contact, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence,
stalking and retaliation involving any member of the
TCU community, except as otherwise provided below.
Mandatory Reporters may receive this information in
a number of ways. For example, a complainant may
report the information directly to a Mandatory Reporter,
a witness or third-party may provide information to a
Mandatory Reporter, or a Mandatory Reporter may
personally witness such conduct. A Mandatory
Reporter’s obligation to report such information to the
Coordinator does not depend on how he/she received the
information.
Mandatory Reporters who witness or receive
information regarding the occurrence of an incident of
sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or
stalking alleged to have been committed by or against a
person who is/was a student enrolled at or an employee
of the institution at the time of the incident shall
promptly report the incident to the Coordinator,
including the identities of the parties, whether an alleged
complainant has expressed a desire for confidentiality or
anonymity in the reporting incident, the date, time and
location, and any other details. Failure of a Mandatory
Reporter to provide such information to the Coordinator
in a timely manner will subject the employee to
termination of employment and the employee could be
charged with a crime
11
.
Mandatory Reporters cannot promise to refrain from
forwarding the information to the Coordinator if it raises
Title IX or VAWA issues or withhold information about
such conduct from the Coordinator. Mandatory
Reporters may provide support and assistance to a
complainant, witness, or respondent, but they should not
conduct any investigation or notify the respondent unless
requested to do so by the Coordinator.
Mandatory Reporters cannot promise to refrain from
forwarding the information to the Coordinator if it raises
Title IX or VAWA issues or withhold information about
such conduct from the Coordinator. Mandatory
Reporters may provide support and assistance to a
complainant, witness, or respondent, but they should not
conduct any investigation or notify the respondent unless
requested to do so by the Coordinator.
Mandatory Reporters are not required to report
information disclosed (1) at public awareness events
(e.g., “Take Back the Night,” candlelight vigils, protests,
“survivor speak-outs,” or other public forums in which
requirements.
18
students may disclose such information (collectively,
public awareness events); or (2) during an individual’s
participation as a subject in an Institutional Review
Board-approved human subjects research protocol (IRB
Research). TCU may provide information about Title
IX rights and available resources and support at public
awareness events, however, and Institutional Review
Boards may, in appropriate cases, require researchers to
provide such information to all subjects of IRB
Research.
b. Obligations to report other forms of
discrimination and harassment
TCU employees are not considered Mandatory
Reporters for purposes of reporting other forms of
harassment and discrimination prohibited by this policy.
In other words, in general, TCU employees are not
required to report information to the Coordinator about
other forms of discrimination or harassment except those
raising Title IX and/or VAWA issues described above.
However, a supervisor who learns of an allegation of
conduct which would violate this policy, or who
personally observes or hears of such conduct, should
promptly report this information to the Coordinator so
that appropriate action can be taken.
Confidential Resources
Students who want information about an incident to
remain confidential may wish to speak to a Confidential
Resource. The following employees are Confidential
Resources when they receive information from students in
the context of providing professional services:
• licensed mental health-care professionals at the
Counseling Center
• licensed medical professionals at the Health Center
• the Title IX certified confidential advocates for
survivors of sexual assault (also referenced herein
as Campus Advocate), and
• ordained clergy members, including ordained
University Chaplains in TCU’s Office of Religious
and Spiritual Life.
Additionally, TCU student-athletes may wish to speak to
one of the licensed physicians on TCU’s Sports Medicine
Staff, who are also Confidential Resources when they
receive information in the context of providing
professional services. Athletic trainers, even if licensed,
are not considered a Confidential Resource.
Confidential Resources will not disclose personally
identifying information communicated to them by a
student without the student’s permission or except as set
forth in the Confidentiality section above. When
individuals who otherwise may be Confidential Resources
receive information outside of the provision of
professional services concerning allegations of policy
violations involving any member of the TCU community,
the Confidential Resource is required to share that
information with the Coordinator. Additionally, a
Confidential Resource should (and in some instances may
be required to) report non-personally identifying
information about Clery-reportable crimes to the TCU
Police Department for purposes of the anonymous
statistical reporting under the Clery Act as described
below.
Because employees do not receive professional services
from these Confidential Resources, information shared by
an employee to these individuals would likely not be
confidential.
Clery Act Reporting
Pursuant to the Clery Act, TCU includes statistics about
certain offenses in its annual security report and provides
those statistics to the United States Department of
Education in a manner that does not include any personally
identifying information about individuals involved in an
incident. The Clery Act also requires TCU to issue timely
warnings to the TCU community when certain crimes have
been reported and may continue to pose a serious or
continuing threat to campus safety. Consistent with the
Clery Act, TCU withholds the names and other personally
identifying information of complainants when issuing
timely warnings to the TCU community.
V. Resources and Reporting Options
Overview
A complainant or witness may choose to:
• Report incidents of suspected criminal conduct to
TCU Police or the appropriate law enforcement
agency.
• Report conduct which may violate this policy to the
Coordinator or another TCU employee.
• Seek assistance from a Confidential Resource. Note
that a request for assistance from a Confidential
Resource does not constitute a report to TCU.
Some behaviors prohibited by this policy may violate
federal and/or state laws, and some may involve criminal
conduct. Reports of suspected criminal conduct should be
made to law enforcement. In some circumstances, conduct
may violate this policy although it does not violate the law.
A person may choose to use external processes to resolve
their complaints, including contacting law enforcement or
other agencies, instead of, or in addition to, pursuing a
remedy under TCU’s internal grievance process. An
individual may pursue some or all of these steps at the
same time as applicable (e.g., one may simultaneously
pursue a Title IX report and file a criminal complaint).
TCU’s Title IX processes and law enforcement
investigations operate independently of one another,
although the Coordinator may communicate with the TCU
Police or other law enforcement agencies when
appropriate.
TCU recognizes that deciding among these options can
be difficult and is an intensely personal decision.
Complainants and witnesses are encouraged to seek
assistance from a Confidential Resource and to explore all
potential reporting and support options.
Seeking Emergency Medical or Law Enforcement
Assistance
Emergency medical assistance and campus safety/law
enforcement assistance are available both on and off
campus. Individuals are encouraged to contact law
enforcement and seek medical treatment as soon as
19
possible following an incident that may pose a threat to
their safety or physical well-being or following a potential
criminal offense.
A complainant may seek emergency medical assistance,
including a forensic sexual assault examination to
document and preserve any potential evidence.
Individuals are encouraged to seek prompt medical
attention following an incident of sexual assault or
intimate partner violence. As noted above, information
received by a medical professional in the context of
rendering professional services is generally confidential.
For immediate assistance, anyone who feels physically
threatened or who has been a victim of a physical or sexual
assault, including intimate partner violence, non-
consensual sexual intercourse or contact, or stalking,
should call 911. TCU Police can also be reached at
817/257-7777, 24 hours a day, seven (7) days per week.
TCU Police can also assist in contacting the Fort Worth
Police Department.
Reporting to Law Enforcement
Except in cases involving suspected child abuse or
neglect, which must be reported, a complainant has the
right to report, or decline to report, potential criminal
conduct to law enforcement, and TCU will assist a
complainant in contacting law enforcement at any time
upon request. Under limited circumstances posing a threat
to the health or safety of any TCU community member,
TCU may independently notify law enforcement.
Reporting to TCU
Any student, employee, applicant, or other member of
TCU’s community who believes they or another student,
employee, applicant or other member of TCU’s
community has been subject to conduct which violates this
policy should immediately make a report/complaint to the
Coordinator or to a Deputy Title IX Officer identified
below. Making a report/complaint to another person or
another TCU employee other than the Title IX Coordinator
or one of the Deputy Title IX Officers may cause TCU to
delay its actions or limit its ability to remedy conduct
which violates this policy. For purposes of this policy and
the procedures related to TCU’s internal grievance
processes, a “Report” is a report or complaint made to the
Coordinator of conduct prohibited by this policy.
There are several ways to report conduct which violates
this policy:
• Leave a private message for the Coordinator at
817/257-5566.
• File a written Report with the Coordinator.
• Contact the Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX
Officer by email at d.[email protected] or
• Make an appointment to see the Coordinator or one
of the Deputy Title IX Officers.
• Contact the Title IX office at 817/257-8228
• File an anonymous report online at
www.titleix.tcu.edu
The contact information for the Chief Inclusion Officer &
Title IX Coordinator is:
Dr. Darron Turner
Chief Inclusion Officer & Title IX Officer
TCU Box 297090
Jarvis Hall 228
Fort Worth TX 76129
817/257-5566
The Deputy Title IX Officers are:
Ms. Andrea Vircks
Title IX Deputy Officer
TCU Box 297090
Jarvis Hall 208
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-4969
Ms. Glory Robinson
Associate Dean, Campus Life
Student Affairs
TCU Box 297010
Sadler Hall 2006
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-7926
Ms. Kristen Taylor
Director, Employee Relations
Human Resources
TCU Box 298200
2701 W. Berry St.
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-4161
Ms. Kim Johnson
Senior Associate Athletics Director/SWA
TCU Athletics
TCU Box 297600
John Justin Athletic Complex
Fort Worth, Texas 76129
817/257-7950
Time Frame for Complainant to Make a Report
There is no time limit for a complainant to make a
Report under this policy. However, complainants are
encouraged to make a Report as soon as possible in order
to maximize TCU’s ability to respond promptly and
effectively. If the respondent is no longer a student or
employee, TCU may not be able to take disciplinary action
against the respondent. When a Report raises Title IX
issues, TCU will still seek to meet its Title IX obligations
by providing support for the complainant and taking
reasonable steps to end the prohibited behavior, prevent its
recurrence, and address its effects. TCU may also assist
the complainant in identifying and contacting law
enforcement and other external enforcement agencies.
20
Amnesty/Immunity
TCU encourages the reporting of conduct violations and
crimes by complainants and witnesses. It is in the best
interest of the TCU community that as many individuals as
possible choose to report to TCU officials, and that
witnesses come forward to share what they know. To
encourage reporting, TCU will not pursue disciplinary
action against students (complainants or witnesses) for a
conduct violation where the disclosure is made in
connection with a good faith report or investigation of
conduct prohibited by this policy and if there was any
personal alcohol or drug consumption, it did not place the
health or safety of another person at risk. TCU may,
however, initiate an assessment or educational discussion
or pursue other non-disciplinary options regarding alcohol
or other drug use.
VI. University Actions Following a
Report/Complaint: Initial Inquiry, Interim Measures,
Requests for Anonymity and Advisors
Upon receipt of a Report, TCU will take prompt,
thorough, reliable, equitable and impartial action
consistent with TCU policy, applicable laws and
regulations. Making a Report does not obligate a
complainant to pursue a resolution or disciplinary action
utilizing TCU’s internal grievance process, but TCU
encourages all complainants to do so. When the
complainant and respondent are both either a TCU student
or a TCU employee, the complainant can utilize either the
Voluntary Informal Resolution Process with the
respondent’s voluntary agreement when appropriate, (See
Section VII, below), or the Investigation and Formal
Resolution process (See Sections VIII, IX, and X, below),
as applicable.
If a Report includes a third party (e.g. non-TCU student
or employee) as either the complainant or the respondent,
the Coordinator, after receiving input from both parties
(who previously received full disclosure of the reported
misconduct and information about the Formal Resolution
process), will determine the appropriate means to address
the Report and notify the parties. Factors may include the
role of the third party, the nature of any contractual
relationship with TCU, and the ability of TCU to take
corrective action. When the respondent is a TCU student
or employee, sanctions/corrective action may be imposed.
Initial Inquiry
The Coordinator will make an Initial Inquiry to
determine whether this policy applies to the reported
conduct and whether additional action should be taken
based on the Report, including whether interim measures
are appropriate and whether an investigation is warranted.
As part of the Initial Inquiry, the Coordinator will also
assess the nature of the Report; address immediate needs
of the complainant, respondent, and the campus
community; discuss available procedural options;
determine the complainant and respondent’s preferences
for resolution, provide the complainant and respondent
with information about resources both on and off campus;
and assess for pattern evidence or other similar conduct by
the respondent. This assessment will continue until TCU
has sufficient information to determine an appropriate
course of action. In some instances, the Coordinator may
arrange for limited fact-finding to gain a better
understanding of the context of the Report or take other
appropriate steps, including consulting with TCU’s Threat
Assessment Team.
TCU has several policies and procedures which can help
resolve various types of complaints. The Coordinator will
discuss other available options or resources with the
complainant and respondent if appropriate. The
Coordinator may determine that conduct as reported, even
if true, would not constitute a violation of this policy, or
that the respondent is not a TCU community member over
whom TCU can exercise disciplinary authority. If the
conduct falls outside the scope of this policy, the
Coordinator may refer the matter to another appropriate
office or department for resolution under another relevant
policy.
If it is determined that this policy applies, the
Coordinator will determine the appropriate means to
address the Report. When a complainant requests
anonymity or does not want to participate in an internal
grievance process to resolve a Report, the Coordinator
will determine if the request can be honored and how to
proceed. In all cases, the final decision on whether, how,
and to what extent TCU will respond or conduct an
investigation and whether other interim remedial or
protective measures will be taken will be made in a
manner consistent with this policy. When the Coordinator
decides to initiate an investigation, impose interim
protective measures on the complainant’s behalf, or take
any other action that impacts a respondent, the respondent
will be notified and will receive written information on
available resources and options, including imposition of
appropriate interim measures on the respondent’s behalf.
Request for Anonymity
If the complainant requests anonymity or does not want
to participate in an internal grievance process to resolve
the Report, the Coordinator will consider this request in
the context of TCU’s responsibility to provide a safe and
non-discriminatory environment for all members of the
TCU community. In these instances, before taking any
further investigative steps, the Coordinator will discuss
any concerns with the complainant and seek to address
and remedy barriers to pursuing a resolution or
disciplinary action against the respondent based upon
concerns of retaliation or lack of clarity in understanding
procedural options and potential outcomes.
The Coordinator will balance the complainant’s request
against the following factors in reaching a determination
on whether the request can be honored:
• the totality of the known circumstances;
• the nature and scope of the reported conduct,
including whether the reported behavior involves
the use of a weapon;
• the respective ages and roles of the complainant and
respondent;
21
• the risk posed to any individual or to the TCU
community by not proceeding, including the risk of
additional violence;
• whether there have been other reports of misconduct
by the respondent;
• whether the Report reveals a pattern of misconduct
related to conduct in violation of this policy (e.g.,
via illicit use of drugs or alcohol) at a given location
or by a particular group;
• the complainant’s interest in TCU not pursuing a
resolution, investigation or disciplinary action and
the impact of such actions on the complainant;
• whether TCU possesses other means to obtain
relevant evidence;
• fairness considerations for both the complainant and
the respondent;
• TCU’s obligation to provide a safe and non-
discriminatory environment; and
• any other available and relevant information.
TCU will attempt to comply with the complainant’s
request, if it is possible to do so, based upon the facts and
circumstances, while also protecting the health and safety
of the complainant, rights of the respondent, and the TCU
community. TCU’s ability to respond fully to or
investigate a Report may be limited if the complainant
requests anonymity or declines to participate in an
investigation or resolution process. Where the
Coordinator determines that a complainant’s request(s)
can be honored, TCU may nevertheless take other
appropriate steps to eliminate the reported conduct,
prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects on the
complainant and the TCU community. Those steps may
include offering appropriate remedial measures to the
complainant and respondent, providing targeted training
and prevention programs, and/or providing or imposing
other remedies.
A complainant who initially requests anonymity or
declines to participate in TCU’s internal grievance process
can always change his/her mind and request to pursue
either the Voluntary Informal Resolution process or the
Investigation and Formal Resolution process.
Interim Measures
Upon receipt of a Report raising Title IX or VAWA
issues, TCU will provide reasonable and appropriate
interim measures designed to preserve the educational
experience of the parties; protect the parties during an
investigation; address safety concerns for the broader
TCU community; maintain the integrity of the
investigative and/or resolution process; and deter
retaliation. These measures may be remedial (measures
designed to maintain continued access to educational
programs and activities) or protective (involving a
restrictive action against either party). Under some
circumstances, TCU, in its discretion, may provide
reasonable and appropriate interim measures in response to
Reports that do not raise Title IX or VAWA issues. For
example, TCU may take interim measures to address
concerns of retaliation in response to Reports that do not
raise Title IX or VAWA issues.
The availability of remedial and protective measures
will be determined by the specific circumstances of each
Report. TCU may consider a number of factors in
determining which measures to take, including the needs
of the student or employee seeking remedial and/or
protective measures; the severity or pervasiveness of the
reported conduct; any continuing effects on the
complainant; whether the complainant and the respondent
share the same residence hall, academic course(s), or job
location(s); and whether judicial measures have been
taken to protect the complainant or respondent (e.g.,
protective orders). TCU will work in good faith to
implement the requirements of judicially-issued protective
orders and similar orders, to the extent that doing so is
within its authority.
Interim remedial measures may include, as appropriate:
• Access to counseling and medical services
• Assistance in obtaining a sexual assault forensic
examination
• Assistance in arranging rescheduling of exams and
assignments and obtaining extensions of deadlines
• Academic support
• Assistance in requesting long-term academic
accommodations through the Center for Academic
Services, if the complainant or respondent qualifies
as an individual with a disability
• Change in the complainant’s or respondent’ class
schedule, including the ability to transfer course
sections or withdraw from a course without
impacting the student’s semester or cumulative
GPA
• Change in the complainant’s or respondent’s
campus housing
• Change in the complainant’s or respondent’s
University work schedule or job assignment
• Escort and other safety planning steps
• Imposition of a "no contact directive," an
administrative remedy designed to curtail contact
and communications between two or more
individuals
• Voluntary leave of absence
• Referral to resources which can assist in obtaining a
protective order under Texas law
• Referral to resources which can assist with any
financial aid, visa, or immigration concerns
• Any other remedial measure that can be used to
achieve the goals of this policy.
Interim remedial measures are available to the
complainant and respondent regardless of whether the
complainant pursues either the Voluntary Informal
Resolution process or the Investigation and Formal
Resolution process or whether the complainant chooses to
make a report to TCU Police or local law enforcement.
Interim protective measures may include:
• Change in the complainant’s or respondent’s class
schedule without impacting the student’s semester
or cumulative GPA
22
• Change in the complainant’s or respondent’s
University work schedule or job assignment
• Change in the complainant’s or respondent’s
campus housing
• Exclusion from all or part of TCU housing
• Exclusion from specified activities or areas of
campus
• Prohibition from participating in student activities
or representing TCU in any capacity such as playing
on an official team, serving in student government,
performing in an official band, ensemble, or
production, or participating in a recognized student
organization
• Interim suspension
• Any other protective measure that can be used to
achieve the goals of this policy
• Prohibition from participating in employee related
activities or representing TCU in any capacity
• Administrative leave.
The determination of whether to impose the interim
protective measure of interim suspension for students or
administrative leave for employees will be made by the
Coordinator in consultation with the Associate Vice
Chancellor for Student Affairs & Dean of Campus Life
(for students) or the Vice Chancellor for Human
Resources (for employees) as appropriate. A respondent
may be suspended or placed on administrative leave on an
interim basis due to concerns for the safety and well-being
of members of the TCU community or preservation of
TCU property; for the individual’s own physical or
emotional safety and well-being; or if the individual poses
a threat of physical disruption of, or interference with, the
normal operations of TCU. During the interim suspension
or administrative leave, an individual’s access to TCU
housing and/or to the campus (including classes), TCU
facilities and systems as applicable, and/or all other TCU
activities or privileges for which the individual might
otherwise be eligible will be limited or denied. The
decision to impose interim suspension or administrative
leave may be made at any point in the process.
TCU will provide reasonable remedial and protective
measures to third parties as appropriate and available,
taking into account the role of the third party and the
nature of any contractual relationship with TCU.
Interim measures will not disproportionately impact
either party. Requests for interim measures may be made
by the complainant or respondent to the Title IX Office.
The Title IX Office is responsible for ensuring the
implementation of interim measures and coordinating
TCU’s response with the appropriate offices on campus.
The Title IX Office has the discretion to impose and/or
modify any interim measure based on all available
information and is available to meet with a complainant or
respondent to address any concerns about the provision of
interim measures. TCU will maintain the privacy of any
remedial and protective measures provided under this
policy to the extent practicable.
All individuals are encouraged to report to the Title IX
Office any concerns about the failure of another to abide
by any restrictions imposed through interim measures. In
the event of an immediate health or safety concern,
individuals should contact 911 or TCU Police
immediately (817) 257-7777. TCU will promptly address
any violation of a previously implemented measure,
which may include imposing sanctions/corrective action.
Advisors
The complainant and respondent, if they are a TCU
student or TCU employee, are each allowed to have an
advisor of their choice present with them for all meetings
and proceedings under this policy at which the party is
entitled to be present, including intake and interviews. The
advisor may generally be any person, provided the
requested advisor agrees to serve in the role, including an
attorney, who is not otherwise a party or witness involved
in the investigation, with the exception of the Confidential
Advocate and staff members from the Title IX Office,
Office of Campus Life, and the Office of Human
Resources. If a party selects an attorney as an advisor, the
party should provide at least three (3) business days’ notice
to the Coordinator or investigator before any meeting or
interview the advisor will attend.
Advisors should help their advisees prepare for each
meeting, and are expected to advise ethically, with
integrity and in good faith. While the advisor may provide
support and advice to the parties at any meeting and/or
proceeding, they may not speak on behalf of the parties,
make any type of argument or presentation during any
meeting or interview at which they are present, or
otherwise participate in, or in any manner delay, disrupt, or
interfere with meetings and/or proceedings. An advisor
should plan to make themselves reasonably available, and
TCU will not unduly delay the scheduling of meetings or
proceedings based on the advisor’s unavailability. An
advisor may be asked to meet with a TCU administrator in
advance of any proceedings to understand the expectations
of the role, privacy considerations, and appropriate
decorum, as set forth in TCU’s Expectations for Advisors
document.
VII. Procedures for Resolving Reports: Voluntary
Informal Resolution
Voluntary Informal Resolution is an internal grievance
process that may be available to resolve a Report.
Voluntary Informal Resolution is available to both
students and employees. However, it is not appropriate in
all cases. Voluntary Informal Resolution is a voluntary,
remedies-based resolution process that requires
participation by both parties. It does not involve an
investigation and may not involve taking disciplinary
action against a respondent. Voluntary Informal
Resolution is intended to eliminate the conduct at issue,
prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. It is not
necessary to pursue Voluntary Informal Resolution before
pursuing Investigation and Formal Resolution.
Request to Use Voluntary Informal Resolution
Following receipt of a Report and as part of or following
the Initial Inquiry (See Section VI. of the policy), the
Coordinator will determine how to proceed. For purposes
23
of these procedures, a reference to the Coordinator may
include a Deputy Title IX Officer, a University
administrator or another appropriate designee. The
decision of how to proceed will be made as part of or
following the Initial Inquiry when TCU has sufficient
information about the nature and scope of the reported
misconduct.
If the Coordinator determines Voluntary Informal
Resolution is appropriate, the parties will be notified of the
nature of the complaint, reminded that retaliatory behavior
will not be tolerated, and advised of any confidentiality
issues. Both the complainant and respondent will be given
a copy of the policy, the applicable procedures, an
explanation of the Voluntary Informal Resolution process,
and asked about their preferred process for resolution. If
either a complainant or respondent indicates a preference
for Voluntary Informal Resolution to resolve a Report, the
Coordinator will determine if both parties voluntarily agree
to participate to resolve the Report using this internal
grievance process.
A complainant or respondent may request that the
Voluntary Informal Resolution process be attempted to
resolve a Report at any time. For example, a complainant
who previously requested to go through the internal
grievance process of Investigation and Formal Resolution
can request to end that process and attempt Voluntary
Informal Resolution. The Coordinator will consider the
request if the other party is in agreement. Either party
participating in Voluntary Informal Resolution can end the
process at any time and request a shift to the Investigation
and Formal Resolution process. If the Voluntary Informal
Resolution process is unsuccessful or fails to address the
reported conduct, at the discretion of the Coordinator, a
complainant may be able to subsequently pursue a
resolution through Investigation and Formal Resolution.
Timeframe for Resolving Reports
Voluntary Informal Resolution will typically be
completed within 60 calendar days of the Report. If
additional time is needed, all parties will be notified.
Resolution
If both parties and the Coordinator agree that Voluntary
Informal Resolution should be attempted, the Coordinator
will determine the most appropriate method for resolution
that is agreeable to the parties. TCU will not require the
complainant or respondent to participate in any particular
form of resolution under Voluntary Informal Resolution.
TCU will not compel a complainant to confront the
respondent directly.
Voluntary Informal Resolution may include conducting
targeted or broad-based educational programming or
training, arranging a meeting where the complainant is
able to confront the respondent, indirect action by the Title
IX Office, a conflict resolution meeting in which a trained
administrator will facilitate a dialogue with the parties to
an effective resolution, if possible, and any other form of
remedy that can achieve the goals of the policy.
Additionally, in matters raising Title IX or VAWA issues
and in other matters as deemed appropriate, during the
Voluntary Informal Resolution process interim measures
may be established as appropriate. Failure to abide by the
accord can result in appropriate responsive actions,
including initiation of the Investigation and Formal
Resolution Process.
VIII. Procedures for Resolving Reports:
Investigation and Formal Resolution When Both
Parties are Students
The procedures relating to investigations, resolution and
appeals of complaints against students, including
complaints of student-on-student prohibited conduct that
relate to sexual and gender-based sexual violence,
including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate
partner violence, stalking and retaliation, are found in the
Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and
Related Conduct.
IX. Procedures for Resolving Reports: Investigation
and Formal Resolution When Both Parties are
Employees
The Investigation and Formal Resolution process is an
internal grievance process that may be used to resolve a
Report. It is not necessary to pursue Voluntary Informal
Resolution before pursuing Investigation and Formal
Resolution.
These procedures apply when the Investigation and
Formal Resolution Process is being used to address a
Report concerning conduct directed against an employee
by another employee. In applying these procedures, TCU
will take prompt, thorough, reliable, equitable and
impartial action consistent with TCU policy, applicable
laws and regulations.
Initiation of the Investigation and Formal Process
Following receipt of a Report and as part of or following
the initial Inquiry (See Section VI. of the policy), the
Coordinator will determine how to proceed. For purposes
of these procedures, a reference to the Coordinator may
include a Deputy Title IX Officer, a University
administrator or another appropriate designee. If
resolution will be through an Investigation and Formal
Resolution Process, the respondent will be notified of the
nature of the complaint, reminded that retaliatory behavior
will not be tolerated, and advised of any confidentiality
issues. Both the complainant and respondent will be given
a copy of the policy, the applicable procedures and will be
provided an explanation of the Investigation and Formal
Resolution process.
Timeframe for Resolving Reports
TCU will seek to complete the Investigation and Formal
Resolution Process within 60 calendar days, but may take
longer depending on the circumstances. If additional time
is needed, the parties will be notified.
Investigation and Formal Resolution
The Coordinator will initiate an Investigation of the
reported conduct. Investigations will be thorough, reliable,
impartial, prompt, equitable and fair. The Coordinator
may conduct the investigation or assign an impartial
investigator to conduct the investigation. TCU may also
hire an outside investigator to conduct the investigation
24
when deemed appropriate. All individuals undertaking an
investigation under these procedures will be appropriately
trained.
During an investigation, the investigator(s) will attempt
to interview both parties. The parties may each consult
with a collegial or professional support person/advisor
(Advisor), who may accompany them to their interview
with the investigator. (See Section VI. of the policy for
information on Advisors). Both parties may provide
relevant information to the investigator(s), including the
names of any witnesses to the reported conduct. The
investigator(s) will consider the information identified or
provided by the parties and witnesses and will determine
the appropriateness, relevance, and probative value of the
information developed or received during the
investigation.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigator(s)
will compile and investigative report, which will be
provided to both parties, outlining all information to be
used in the policy violation determination. Each party may
submit a written response to the investigator(s)’s report
within three (3) calendar days. After consideration of any
written submissions by the parties, the investigator(s) will
determine, based on a preponderance of the evidence,
whether a policy violation has occurred and will report the
finding(s) to the Coordinator. A finding of responsibility
means that based on all relevant evidence and reasonable
inferences from the evidence, the greater weight of
information indicates that it is more likely than not the
policy violation occurred.
If there is a finding of responsibility, appropriate
sanctions/corrective action or other remedies as
determined by the Coordinator will be imposed. Even in
the absence of a violation of this policy, if another TCU
policy or standard has been violated, sanctions/corrective
action or other remedies may be imposed. In deciding
what sanctions/corrective action or other remedies are
appropriate, the Coordinator will consult with other
appropriate administrators as deemed necessary.
Typically, within ten (10) calendar days from
completion of the investigation, both parties will be
notified of the outcome concurrently consistent with
applicable law. The respondent will also be notified in
writing of the corrective action to be taken. The
complainant will be notified in writing of the corrective
action to be taken consistent with applicable law. Both
parties will be notified concurrently of their rights to
appeal.
Appeals Process
Either party may appeal the investigative finding by
asserting that (1) there was a material procedural error that
significantly impacted the outcome or (2) there was no
rational basis, applying a preponderance of the evidence
standard, for the investigative finding. A respondent, and
in cases where a complainant has been advised of the
corrective action imposed, a complainant, may also request
that the corrective action or other remedies imposed be
reviewed and reconsidered on the grounds that the sanction
was clearly inappropriate and/or clearly disproportionate to
the conduct for which the respondent was found
responsible. Dissatisfaction with the sanction is not
grounds for appeal; the party must articulate how the
sanction was inappropriate or disproportionate.
All requests for appeal must be submitted in writing to
the Coordinator within three (3) business days of the
delivery of the final notification. The appeal must: 1) be
timely filed, and 2) consist of a plain, concise and
complete written statement outlining the grounds for
appeal. The review on appeal is narrowly tailored to the
above-stated bases. The original findings and/or corrective
action will stand if the appeal is not timely or is not based
on the grounds listed above, and such a decision is final. If
either party files a timely appeal, interim measures may be
taken or may remain in place until the appeal is resolved.
The Coordinator will refer the appeal to the Chief
Compliance Officer or designee for determination.
Appeals are confined to a review of the written
documentation pertinent to the grounds for appeal. The
decision of the Chief Compliance Officer regarding the
appeal is final. In evaluating the existence of a rational
basis for the investigative finding, the Chief Compliance
Officer will not reweigh the facts gathered or substitute
their opinion on credibility for the judgment of the
investigator(s) who saw and heard the parties and
witnesses.
Both parties will be informed of the appeal outcome.
This will typically be within three (3) business days of the
Chief Compliance Officer’s decision.
If neither party appeals, or if an appeal is filed, once a
determination is made by the Chief Compliance Officer,
the Title IX Office will notify the appropriate dean, unit
head, vice chancellor, or other appropriate University
official responsible for implementing the decision and the
corrective action to be taken.
**Except as otherwise required by the Tenure Policy,
neither party may appeal the findings or sanctions or
challenge or otherwise address the investigation,
corrective action or sanctions, or matters considered under
this policy, through any additional appeal, mediation,
panel or process under any other TCU policy (including
but not limited to the Faculty Conflict Resolution Policy –
Policy 2.016 and the Staff Conflict Resolution Policy –
Policy 2.015, both of which may be viewed on the HR
web site, and the Faculty Appeal Policy included in the
Faculty/Staff Handbook). In any matter in which a
tenured faculty member has been found in violation of this
policy and the recommended sanction and/or corrective
action is dismissal, the faculty member can exercise their
rights under the Tenure Policy to challenge the dismissal.
However, an underlying finding that this policy was
violated may only be appealed using the appeal
procedures available under this policy and will not be
revisited as part of the review process provided in the
Tenure Policy.
X. Procedures for Resolving Reports: Investigation
and Formal Resolution When Parties Include Both a
Student and an Employee
25
The Investigation and Formal Resolution process is an
internal grievance process that may be used to resolve a
Report. It is not necessary to pursue Voluntary Informal
Resolution before pursuing Investigation and Formal
Resolution.
These procedures apply when the Investigation and
Formal Process is being used to address a Report
concerning either (1) conduct directed against a student (or
applicant) by an employee or (2) conduct directed against
an employee by a student. In applying these procedures,
TCU will take prompt, thorough, reliable, equitable and
impartial action consistent with TCU policy, applicable
laws and regulations.
Initiation of the Investigation and Formal Process
Following receipt of a Report and as part of or following
the initial Inquiry (See Section VI. of the policy), the
Coordinator will determine how to proceed. For purposes
of these procedures, a reference to the Coordinator may
include a Deputy Title IX Officer, a University
administrator or another appropriate designee. If
resolution will be through an Investigation and Formal
Resolution Process, the respondent will be notified of the
nature of the complaint, reminded that retaliatory behavior
will not be tolerated, and advised of any confidentiality
issues. Both the complainant and respondent will be given
a copy of the policy, the applicable procedures and will be
provided an explanation of the Investigation and Formal
Resolution process.
Timeframe for Resolving Reports
TCU will seek to complete the Investigation and Formal
Resolution process within 60 calendar days, but may take
longer depending on the circumstances. If additional time
is needed, the parties will be notified.
Investigation and Formal Resolution
The Coordinator will initiate an investigation of the
reported conduct. Investigations will be thorough, reliable,
impartial, prompt, equitable and fair. The Coordinator
may conduct the investigation or assign an impartial
investigator(s) to conduct the investigation. TCU may also
hire an outside investigator(s) to conduct the investigation
when deemed appropriate. All individuals undertaking an
investigation under these procedures will be appropriately
trained.
During an investigation, the investigator(s) will attempt
to interview both parties. The parties may each consult
with a collegial or professional support person/advisor
(Advisor), who may accompany them to their interview
with the investigator. (See Section VI. of the policy for
information on Advisors). Both parties may provide
relevant information to the investigator(s), including the
names of any witnesses to the alleged conduct. The
investigator(s) will consider the information identified or
provided by the parties and witnesses and will determine
the appropriateness, relevance, and probative value of the
information developed or received during the
investigation.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the
investigator(s) will compile an investigative report, which
will be provided to both parties, outlining all information
to be used in the policy violation determination. Each
party may submit a written response to the
investigator(s)’s report within three (3) calendar days.
After consideration of any written submissions by the
parties, the investigator(s) will determine, based on a
preponderance of the evidence, whether a policy violation
has occurred, and will report the finding(s) to the
Coordinator. A finding of responsibility means that based
on all relevant evidence and reasonable inferences from
the evidence, the greater weight of information indicates
that it is more likely than not the policy violation occurred.
If there is a finding of responsibility, appropriate
sanctions/corrective action or other remedies as
determined by the Coordinator will be imposed. Even in
the absence of a violation of this policy, if another TCU
policy or standard is violated, sanctions/corrective action
or other remedies may be imposed. In deciding what
sanctions/corrective action or other remedies are
appropriate, the Coordinator will consult with other
appropriate administrator as deemed necessary.
Typically, within ten (10) calendar days from
completion of the investigation, both parties will be
notified of the outcome concurrently consistent with
applicable law. The respondent will also be notified in
writing of the corrective action to be taken. The
complainant will be notified in writing of the corrective
action to be taken consistent with applicable law. Both
parties will be notified concurrently of their rights to
appeal.
Appeals Process
Both parties may appeal the investigative finding by
asserting that (1) there was a material procedural error that
significantly impacted the outcome or (2) there was no
rational basis, applying a preponderance of the evidence
standard, for the investigative finding. A respondent, and,
in cases where a complainant has been advised of the
corrective action imposed, a complainant, may also request
that the corrective action or other remedies imposed be
reviewed and reconsidered on the grounds that the sanction
was clearly inappropriate and/or clearly disproportionate to
the conduct for which the respondent was found
responsible. Dissatisfaction with the sanction is not
grounds for appeal; the party must articulate how the
sanction was inappropriate or disproportionate.
All requests for appeal must be submitted in writing to
the Coordinator within three (3) business days of the
delivery of the final notification. The appeal must: 1) be
timely filed, and 2) consist of a plain, concise and
complete written statement outlining the grounds for
appeal. The review on appeal is narrowly tailored to the
above- stated bases. The original findings and/or
corrective action will stand if the appeal is not timely or is
not based on the grounds listed above, and such a decision
is final. If either party files a timely appeal, interim
measures may be taken or may remain in place until the
appeal is resolved.
The Coordinator will refer the appeal to the University
Compliance Officer or designee for determination.
Appeals are confined to a review of the written
26
documentation pertinent to the grounds for appeal. The
Chief Compliance Officer’s decision on appeal is final. In
evaluating the existence of a rational basis for the
investigative finding, the Chief Compliance Officer will
not reweigh the facts or substitute their opinion for the
judgment of the investigator(s) who saw and heard the
parties and witnesses.
Both parties will be informed of the appeal outcome.
Typically, this will be within three (3) business days of the
Chief Compliance Officer’s decision.
If neither party appeals or, if an appeal is filed, once a
determination is made by the Chief Compliance Officer,
the Title IX Office will notify the appropriate University
officials responsible for implementing the decision and the
corrective action to be taken.
**Except as otherwise required by the Tenure Policy,
neither party may appeal the findings or sanctions or
challenge or otherwise address the investigation, corrective
action or sanctions, or matters considered under this
policy, through any additional appeal, mediation, panel or
process under any other TCU policy (including but not
limited to the Faculty Conflict Resolution Policy – Policy
2.016 and the Staff Conflict Resolution Policy – Policy
2.015, both of which may be viewed on the HR web site,
and the Faculty Appeal Policy included in the
Faculty/Staff Handbook, or the Code of Student Conduct
in the Student Handbook). In any matter in which a
tenured faculty member has been found in violation of this
policy and the recommended sanction and/or corrective
action is dismissal, the faculty member can exercise his/her
rights under the Tenure Policy to challenge the dismissal.
However, an underlying finding that this policy was
violated may only be appealed using the appeal procedures
available under this policy and will not be revisited as part
of the review process provided in the Tenure Policy.
XI. Sanctions/Corrective Action
Factors considered when determining a
sanction/corrective action may include:
• The nature, severity of, and circumstances
surrounding the violation
• An individual’s disciplinary history
• Previous allegations or allegations involving similar
conduct
• Any other information deemed relevant by the
Coordinator and other designated administrators
• The need for sanction(s)/corrective action(s) to bring
an end to the discrimination, harassment and/or
retaliation
• The need for sanction(s)/corrective action(s) to
prevent the future recurrence of discrimination,
harassment and/or retaliation
• The need to remedy the effects of the discrimination,
harassment and/or retaliation on the complainant and
the community
Sanctions/Corrective Actions Imposed Upon Students or
Organizations
For the usual sanctions/correction actions that may be
imposed upon students or organizations singly or in
combination, see the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination,
Harassment, Retaliation and Related Conduct,
https://titleix.tcu.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2015/11/1250430-discrimination-
harassment-policy-7.21.17-with-changes-acc....pdf.
Sanctions/Corrective Actions Imposed Upon Staff or
Faculty
The following are the usual corrective actions that may
be imposed upon staff or faculty singly or in combination:
• Oral or written reprimand
• Required attendance at a harassment/discrimination
sensitivity program
• Oral or written warning
• Demotion, loss of salary or benefits
• Transfer or change of job, class or residential
assignment or location, including removing the person
from being in a position to retaliate or further harass
the complainant
• Suspension, probation, termination, dismissal or
expulsion
• Other action TCU deems appropriate under the
circumstances
While counseling is not considered a sanction/corrective
action, it may be required in combination with one or more
sanctions/corrective actions. Attendance at a harassment
and/or discrimination sensitivity program may also be
required. Where alcohol and/or other substances are
involved in the violation, such counseling may include a
substance abuse program. Sanctions and/or corrective
action will be implemented by the appropriate University
official.
Long-Term Remedies/Actions
Following the conclusion of the Resolution Process and
in addition to any sanctions/ corrective actions
implemented, the Coordinator may utilize long-term
remedies or actions to stop the harassment or
discrimination, remedy its effects and prevent their
reoccurrence. These remedies/actions may include, but are
not limited to:
• Referral to counseling and health services or the
Employee Assistance Program
• Education to the community or appropriate TCU
employees
• Permanently altering the housing situation of the
respondent (resident student or resident employee) or
the complainant, if desired
• Permanently altering work arrangements for
employees
• Providing campus escorts
• Providing transportation accommodations
• Implementing long-term contact limitations between
the parties
• Offering adjustments to academic or work deadlines,
course schedules, etc.
At the discretion of the Coordinator, long-term remedies
may also be provided even when the respondent is found
not responsible. The institution will maintain as
confidential any long-term remedies/actions or protective
27
measures, provided confidentiality does not impair the
institution’s ability to provide the actions or protective
measures.
Failure to Complete Sanctions, Comply with Interim and
Long-term Remedies, Corrective Actions
All responding parties are expected to comply with
conduct sanctions/ corrective actions within the timeframe
specified by the Coordinator. Failure to abide by conduct
sanctions/corrective action and/or remedies may result in
additional sanctions/corrective action and/or remedies
from TCU and may be noted on a student’s official
transcript or an employee’s employment record.
Sanction(s) and/or corrective action(s) will be
implemented by the appropriate University official. A
suspension will only be lifted when compliance is
achieved to the satisfaction of the Coordinator.
Records
The Title IX Office will maintain records of all
allegations, investigations, resolutions, and hearings for a
period of seven (7) years in the Title IX Coordinator
database.
Withdrawal While Charges Pending
Should a respondent choose to withdraw from or leave
TCU while there is a pending investigation or resolution
process for violation of this policy, the process may
proceed in the respondent’s absence to a reasonable
resolution and the respondent will not be permitted to
return to TCU unless all sanctions/ corrective actions have
been satisfied. The student will not have access to an
academic transcript and the employee will not be re-
hirable until the report has been resolved.
XII. Prevention and Awareness Programs
TCU is committed to the prevention of discrimination,
harassment, and related conduct, including sexual and
gender-based harassment and violence through regular and
ongoing education and awareness programs. Incoming
students and new employees receive primary prevention
and awareness programming, and returning students and
current employees receive ongoing training and related
programs. TCU provides coordinated programming and
training through multiple areas, including the Title IX
Office, Student Affairs, Student Government Association,
TCU Police Department, Human Resources, Wellness,
Health Services, Counseling Center and other University
departments. Any individual, department or TCU
organization that would like to schedule an additional
training session should contact the Coordinator or Human
Resource Office.
XIII. Policy Communication and Revisions
Policy Communication
This policy and these procedures are included in the
Student Handbook and the Faculty/Staff Handbook. This
policy is also available on TCU’s website and through
the TCU Compliance Officers. In the event of any
conflict between published versions of this policy, the
version posted on the website will control.
This policy and these procedures will be reviewed
annually by the Coordinator and updated as appropriate.
TCU reserves the right to make changes to this document
as necessary and once those changes are posted online,
they are in effect. The Coordinator may make minor
modifications to the policy or procedures that do not
materially jeopardize the fairness owed to any party, such
as to accommodate summer schedules, etc. The
Coordinator may also make material changes to the policy
or procedures with notice (e.g., on the institutional web
site, with appropriate date of effect identified) upon
determining that changes in the law or regulations require
policy or procedural alterations not reflected in this policy
and procedure. Procedures in effect at the time of the
resolution will apply to resolution of incidents, regardless
of when the incident occurred. Policy definitions in effect
at the time of the offense will apply even if the policy is
changed subsequently but prior to resolution, unless the
parties consent to be bound by the current policy. If
government regulations change in a way that impacts this
document, this document will be construed to comply with
government regulations in their most recent form.
This document does not create legally enforceable duties
or protections beyond the protection of the background
state and federal laws which frame such codes generally.
Effective Date: December 1, 1994; Revised: January 8,
2014; July 28, 2015; August 1, 2017; June 29, 2018; July
16, 2019.
ACADEMIC AND SUPPORT UNITS
The following section describing various academic and
support units of the University is not all inclusive. Other
units also serve TCU; however these are the ones whose
programs and services are most often needed or in which
there is general interest.
Alcohol and Drug Education. The TCU Alcohol and
Drug Education (ADE) office is based on a philosophy of
student development incorporating personal and
community wellness. ADE promotes healthy lifestyle
choices and responsible decision making through
programs, outreach, intervention and recovery support.
ADE’s goals are to:
• Enhance the academic mission of the University by
ensuring that the misuse and abuse of alcohol and
other drugs does not interfere with academic success;
• Enhance student development of leadership skills by
providing opportunities for students to positively
influence the campus and community environment;
• Enhance student responsibility to self, others and the
world by assisting individuals in making responsible
and ethical decisions regarding the use of alcohol and
other drugs;
• Clarify and enhance students sense of citizenship
through active involvement in programs designed to
educate and inform the TCU community about
substance use and recovery; and
28
• Continue to improve the efforts of the Alcohol and
Drug Education Office and demonstrate effectiveness
through needs assessment and evaluations.
The staff includes licensed professional counselors, and
health education specialists who provide confidential
assessments and solution-focused brief counseling,
motivational interviewing and expertise in programming
and training. ADE staff takes a comprehensive approach,
focusing efforts on the individual student, the campus and
the greater community. The scope of these efforts includes
prevention, education intervention and recovery support.
Educational presentations target student organizations,
fraternity and sorority groups, student-athletes, academic
classes and a variety of other members of the campus
community. ADE’s Collegiate Recovery Program provides
support, resources and service opportunities for students in
recovery and seeking recovery from addiction.
Students who are concerned about their own or others
use of substances, may self-refer to the ADE office.
Weekly peer support meetings are offered to students who
are personally in recovery from a Substance Use Disorder,
and for friends and loved ones of those who struggle with
substance use or mental illness. Students who receive an
alcohol or drug violation through the University’s conduct
process will meet with a staff person in ADE. Depending
on the severity of the incident, the student may be required
to attend an educational workshop, recommended to attend
two-three follow-up meetings or counseling or be referred
for an assessment for a higher level of care.
Those interested in services available through ADE are
encouraged to visit the office, located in the lower level of
Samuelson Hall, or call 817-257-7100. If you are a faculty
or staff who is concerned about a student, or would like
more information or a presentation for your class, please
contact ADE at ade.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7100.
Campus Life – Dean’s Office. Campus Life Deans
meet with students individually (and their families when
necessary) to assist in resolving issues that might
impede academic and/or personal success during their
TCU experience. The Campus Life Deans collaborate
with faculty and staff to work with students having
academic or personal problems or emergency situations.
There is a “Dean on Call” available by calling TCU
Campus Police (817-257-7777) if an emergency occurs
after regular office hours. The Campus Life staff is
prepared to deal with critical incidents, crisis management,
and also oversees and handles University student conduct
cases. The Campus Life Deans also work closely with the
Academic Deans and Associate Deans in each college to
resolve student concerns and assist students with their
academic programs and personal goals. The Dean’s office
processes official University absences (students who miss
class due to officially representing the University at
verified functions) and notifies faculty each week
electronically with lists of these students. Only serious
student illnesses or family emergencies are verified by
Campus Life. Faculty are responsible for determining
their own process with students who miss an occasional
class. Multiple student absences should be reported to
Campus Life if faculty determine additional professional
intervention may assist the student. A student should
always contact faculty when class is missed due to illness.
The Office of Campus Life – Dean’s Office is located in
Sadler Hall, Suite 2006, and can be reached at 817-257-
7926 or you may visit their website at
www.campuslife.tcu.edu.
Student Conduct – Students who enroll in TCU are
obliged to behave in a manner compatible with the
University’s function as an educational institution and the
TCU mission statement. Each student is expected to be
fully acquainted with all published policies, rules and
regulations of the University, and will be held responsible
for compliance on or off TCU campus. Students may be
held accountable by TCU and police agencies for the same
instance of misconduct. Reported violations of the Code
of Student Conduct are investigated and resolved by
designated staff member in the Division of Student Affairs
under the general supervision and direction of the Office of
Campus Life. Violations of the code are subject to a wide
range of disciplinary action. A complete Code of Student
Conduct, including the educational conduct process, is
available in the Student Handbook, online at
www.studenthandbook.tcu.edu. These documents guide
the student conduct and grievance processes.
Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion. Campus
Recreation & Wellness Promotion aims to promote
lifelong wellness through holistic education and quality
recreation programs, services and facilities that enhance
the University experience through participation and
leadership. The programs and facilities offered by Campus
Recreation & Wellness Promotion are available to all
students and faculty/staff (with memberships).
Facility - The 232,500 sq. ft. University Recreation
Center provides for a variety of recreational opportunities.
Activities include swimming, basketball, volleyball,
badminton, weightlifting, an indoor track for walking and
jogging, cardiovascular training equipment, a games area,
a climbing wall, computer access, and food service.
Wellness Education – Research and professional
experience at TCU verify the correlation between a
student’s good health, healthy lifestyle, and academic and
personal success. Therefore, through Wellness Education
we empower a university-wide culture of wellness for all
students. Wellness Education offers primary prevention
programming through collaboration with the University
community. Multiple programs and services provided
include suicide prevention training, meditation, stress
management workshops, healthy relationship education
and more. A group of peer educators work to aid in the
delivery of all information to the students. Any
faculty/staff member can request a specific program to be
delivered to their students.
Aquatics - The Aquatics Program offers instructional
and fitness activities in the water, in addition to
recreational swimming. There are three pools in the
29
University Recreation Center: 25 yard lap pool, 22 ft deep
diving well, and an outdoor leisure pool.
Intramurals - Structured, competitive, and recreational
sporting events are scheduled throughout the academic
year. Activities involve team sports, individual or dual
events, and special events. Only currently enrolled TCU
students and faculty/staff may participate in the Intramural
Sports Program.
Fitness Programs – Group fitness classes are designed
for beginner, intermediate and advance levels.
Individualized personal training and equipment
orientations allow individuals a more personal experience
toward their strength and conditioning goals. Educational
sessions also are offered to help members achieve healthy,
active lifestyles.
Outdoor Programs – Campus Recreation’s Outdoor
Programs are comprised of three main program areas: the
Adventure Trip Program (ATP), Climbing Wall and
Outdoor Equipment Rental. We are dedicated to providing
positive outdoor education, recreation and adventure
experiences to the TCU community. Students participate in
and experience activities that cause them to reflect and
learn about their relationship to others as well as their own
abilities and limitations.
Sport Clubs - The Sport Club program is designed to
serve individual interests in different sport and recreational
activities. Membership is open to all students and the club
must be a recognized student organization. These interests
can be competitive, recreational, or instructional in nature,
as clubs may represent TCU in intercollegiate competition
or conduct intra-club activities such as practice,
instruction, social activities, and tournament play.
Memberships - Members of the TCU faculty and staff
are required to purchase a membership to have access to
the Campus Recreation Center. The current price is $120
per year for an annual membership. Spouses and/or
dependents of currently employed Faculty/Staff members
are also eligible to purchase memberships. For more
information about any of the programs offered by the
Department of Campus Recreation, please call 817-257-
PLAY.
Center for Academic Services (CAS). The Center for
Academic Services coordinates a number of programs
serving students, faculty and staff. Located in Sadler Hall
1022, the Center is staffed by professional academic
advisors who offer study skills support and guidance in
selecting majors and/or minors for students; provide
professional development/training and consultation for
faculty advisors; and coordinate advising for all students
who attend Academic Orientation.
The Center is responsible for advising pre-major
students, declared first-year AddRan College students, and
Department of Interior Design & Fashion Merchandising
majors. In addition, academic advisors are available to
assist any student in the identification of appropriate
majors and/or minors. Advisors also instruct the ADRN
10001 Self-Assessment and Career Exploration classes
designed to assist students in making decisions related to
majors and minors. Students considering a change of major
also may be referred to the Center for assistance.
Academic advisors are available to assist students facing
academic challenges. The Center offers academic success
workshops with individual support to students in the
development of academic skills and online and printed
study skills resources. To request a workshop or to refer a
student for assistance, please contact the Center at 817-
257-7486 or Academic_Serv[email protected].
College 101 is a support program provided every spring
for first-time, first-year and transfer students who do not
achieve a 2.0 in their entering fall semester. Students are
required to participate in the program which pairs students
with faculty and staff mentors who guide students in
identifying challenges that impact their academic progress
and developing strategies to overcome them.
The Center offers support to faculty advisors.
Presentations and training on advising, academic policies,
core curriculum and changes to academic programs are
offered through the Advisor Professional Development
workshops offered each semester. The Center also
conducts individual sessions upon request. Additional
resources for faculty and faculty advisors can be found at
http://www.acs.tcu.edu/fs.asp.
Student Disabilities Services (DS) - The disabilities
office is located in Sadler Hall 1010. The office is staffed
by disabilities specialists who assist students seeking
reasonable and appropriate accommodations based on a
documented disability. Students who have or may have a
disability should be referred to this office. The disabilities
specialists are available to consult with faculty on matters
related to student disabilities or disabilities related
accommodations by contacting the office at 817-257-6567.
Faculty are required to include the University approved
statement for disabilities in the course syllabus. The
approved syllabus statement can be found on the
Undergraduate Council website at
http://www.gradcouncil.tcu.edu/.
Additional information about University policies and
procedures related to disabilities can be found under
Students with Disabilities, Policy and Procedures and at
http://www.acs.tcu.edu/disability_services.asp.
Center for Career and Professional Development. The
Center for Career and Professional Development takes
TCU student’s world class, value-centered education to the
next level with professional career advising, on campus
recruiting and a variety of networking opportunities.
Services and resources are free to both students and alumni
and include:
• Career Assessments
• Career Consulting
• Résumé and Cover Letter Assistance
• Interview Coaching
• Personal Branding Recommendations
• Job Search Assistance
• Job Listings on FrogJobs
• On Campus Interviewing
• The Intern Scholarship Program at TCU
30
• Professional Events and Career Fairs
• Graduate School Application Review
• E-portfolio Review
• Career Center website, www.careers.tcu.edu
• LinkedIn Networking Group – Faculty and staff are
encouraged to join the TCU Career Center
Networking Lounge on LinkedIn where you can
expand your network and connect with students,
alumni and community members. Visit
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tcu-career-center/
to join.
• Facebook Page – Like our Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/tcucareercenter) to get updates
about career resources and events that you can pass on
to your students or attend yourselves.
• Follow us on Twitter
(https://twitter.com/TCUCareerCenter) and Instagram
(https://www.instagram.com/tcucareercenter/).
Career Consultants are available to speak to classes or
groups on a variety of subjects including identifying career
options, implementing effective job search strategies,
writing résumés and the do’s and don’ts of interviewing.
Contact the Career Center at 817-257-2222 to schedule a
presentation with your Career Consultant.
The Center for Career and Professional Development is
located in the BNSF Railway Career Center in Jarvis Hall
and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The
Alcon Career Center is located in the Neeley School of
Business in Tandy Hall, room 380 and also is open from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information or to schedule
a consultant to speak to your class or group, please call
Center for Instruction, Innovation and Engagement,
William H. Koehler. Mission Statement – The Koehler
Center is dedicated to facilitating ongoing, reflective
discourse regarding instruction and learning, including
engaging with instructional staff, departments/units, and
administration. The Koehler Center will strive to meet the
challenges of integrating effective, innovative
instructional/learning methodologies and technologies to
promote engagement and improve learning.
Center for Instructional Services (Instructional
Technology and Media Production). The successful
integration of instructional technology and media
resources into the teaching and learning environment is
essential in today’s classroom. Both can potentially enrich
the education of students at the University. The Center for
Instructional Services supports classroom instruction and
the University by providing resources to faculty, staff and
students to meet their instructional needs. The Center is
comprised of three support areas:
• Classroom Technology Support Services maintains
and supports a complement of instructional media
equipment for classroom use; training is provided
for equipment installed in classrooms and, upon
request, equipment may be delivered, set-up and
retrieved. Technical support is provided on an on-
going basis with maintenance and repair of all
instructional technology equipment.
• Media Production Support Services provides
assistance in the planning and production of a
variety of instructional resources, including graphics
in various mediums and video-based resources, for
both classroom use and special events.
• Instructional Technology Planning Services
provides assistance in planning, purchasing and
installation of instructional media equipment.
The Center for Instructional Services is located in the
Center for Instructional Services Building. For more
detailed information, refer to the Center’s website at
www.cis.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7121.
Center for International Studies: TCU Abroad. The
Center for International Studies (CIS) fosters
internationalization of the TCU community, both on
campus and abroad, through global education and
initiatives that challenge student and faculty perspectives
and inspire global involvement. The Center serves as a
resource for all campus constituents through its
commitment to best practices in the field of international
education, program design and global risk management.
Responsibilities include:
• strategic development of campus internationalization
efforts,
• cultivation of local and global collaborations that
promote the international educational and research
mission of the institution,
• development and support of innovative global
experiences including TCU’s flagship semester
programs, as well as short-term international programs
led by faculty and staff,
• advancement of initiatives that increase accessibility
to global experiences for students with diverse
backgrounds as well as limited financial resources and
other non-financial barriers,
• design of faculty and staff development opportunities
centered on best practices in international education
and program structure, and
• implementation of best practices in global risk
management, including financial and logistical issues.
The Center for International Studies serves as catalysts
for international awareness, cross-cultural understanding
and global engagement to further advance TCU’s mission
“to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders
and responsible citizens in the global community.”
Faculty and staff traveling abroad or wishing to develop
international programs should refer to the CIS website
(https://studyabroad.tcu.edu) to understand policy and
procedures related to international travel and programs
abroad.
Center for Writing, William L. Adams. The William L.
Adams Center for Writing serves the entire TCU
community — faculty and staff as well as undergraduate
and graduate students. The Center provides one-on-one
conferences that focus on individual writing projects of all
31
types. In addition, members of the Center for Writing staff
are available for class presentations and workshops.
Professional writing consultants also can advise faculty
about designing writing assignments and responding to
students’ writing.
Located in Reed Hall 419, the Center for Writing is
open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For an
appointment, use the Center’s online scheduling system
available at www.wrt.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7221. Those
who wish to submit a paper online may do so via the
Center’s website. A consultant will read the paper and
offer feedback within two working days.
Church Relations. Texas Christian University is the
largest of 22 colleges, universities and theological
institutions associated by covenant with the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ), a denomination with a strong
commitment to higher education since its early beginnings.
In the early days of TCU, ties were built that have guided
both the University and the denomination, and still today,
as a church-related university, those ties are strong and
vibrant through a nine-point covenant between the
denomination and the university. Because of these ties and
the Disciples long-standing commitment to unity and
dialogue and inclusiveness, we support a campus where
individuals from all religious traditions and beliefs come
together to make up one united community.
The Office of Church Relations supports this ongoing
covenant between the University and the church by: 1)
educating campus and community about the nature of
TCU’s church relationship; 2) ensuring that TCU is active
in the life of the Disciples church at local, regional and
general levels; 3) creating programs and resources that
support Disciples students, faculty and staff; and 4)
building University collaborations with Disciples partners
that strengthen our shared mission. Contact us to learn
more at di[email protected] or at 817-257-7830.
Counseling Center. The Counseling & Mental Health
Center is located in the ground floor of Samuelson Hall,
near the TCU Post Office. The following services are
provided:
1) Drop-in/Crisis Response services;
2) Individual and group counseling;
3) Substance Use and Recovery counseling;
4) Referral assistance to specialized providers in the
community;
5) Third Party consultations regarding students of
concern and student mental health;
All services are covered by the costs of TCU tuition. In
accordance with state and federal laws and professional
ethics, confidentiality is maintained.
For more information visit our website at
www.counseling.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7863. Regular
office hours during fall and spring semesters are 8 a.m.-
8 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 a.m.-
5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Summer hours are 8 a.m.-
5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For the 24/7 counseling helpline,
call 817-257-7233. For emergencies, outside of office
hours, call TCU Police, 817-257-7777.
Culture, Community and International Services
(CCIS). The mission of the unit is to provide cultural
awareness throughout the TCU Community. CCIS also
provides students of diverse backgrounds with the
necessary resources to transition into college life and to
succeed on campus and beyond. The unit provides
support, guidance and encouragement to TCU students,
faculty, and staff through a variety of programs and
services. In addition to student services, we assist the
University with institutional planning and policy formation
regarding diversity and inclusiveness.
Extended Education, Office of. The mission of
Extended Education is to engage the University with the
community through high quality courses, programs,
conferences and other offerings that seek to educate,
enlighten, renew and serve. The office sponsors open
enrollment, certificate and custom classes providing both
personal and professional development for the community.
Selected classes are available to faculty and staff at a
discounted rate. The office also coordinates a variety of
summer programs as well as non-degree admissions. The
Office of Extended Education is available to work with
University departments and schools in the development of
continuing education opportunities.
Health Center. The Brown-Lupton Health Center is an
AAAHC accredited clinic located at 2825 Stadium Drive –
west of Colby Hall and north of the University Union. The
clinic provides ambulatory care for the various needs of
TCU students and services are available for students only.
Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday. Students may call a nurse triage phone service at
817-257-7940 for assistance after hours. Students are
encouraged to visit the clinic at a time that will not
interfere with class attendance. Students are seen by
appointment. They can make appointments online, by
phone or by visiting the Health Center. Detailed
information about Health Center services and staff can be
found on their website at www.healthcenter.tcu.edu.
If a student misses class due to a Health Center visit, it is
the student’s responsibility to contact their professor. The
Health Center does not provide notes for missed classes.
Faculty members should use their own judgment about
whether or not a student will be allowed to make up class
work missed when there is no verification of illness.
Texas law requires all entering (new and transfer)
students under the age of 22 years, as well as students re-
enrolling following a fall or spring semester break in TCU
enrollment, to submit evidence of having been vaccinated
against bacterial meningitis within the last five years. The
required TCU Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Form must
be submitted to the TCU Health Center prior to class
registration and before applying to TCU housing.
Additionally, students are required to have
documentation of two doses of MMR vaccination.
32
Students need to have a complete immunization record on
file in the Health Center.
In the event of an emergency or a life-threatening
situation, call 911 for ambulance service and emergency
assistance.
Housing and Residence Life. Living in a TCU
residence hall is an integral part of the TCU experience.
Residence hall students make new friends, get involved in
campus activities, and discover opportunities for personal
and intellectual growth. Residence halls are conveniently
located on the campus, and the halls provide a comfortable
room that a student can call “home” while at TCU.
Approximately half of the undergraduate students at
TCU live on campus. Through academic, cultural,
intramural and social activities, students within each hall
determine the hall’s character. Participation in these
activities assists in the student’s adjustment and
development within a residential setting.
Residence hall rooms are designed for student comfort
and are used for study as well as sleeping and socializing.
All accommodations are air conditioned, non-smoking
facilities. Most rooms are designed for double occupancy.
The standard student room contains a bed, a desk and
chair, a chest, and a closet for each student. Each room is
also equipped with a MicroFridge® and access to the
Internet and TCU cable television. Students are
encouraged to add decorative items to personalize their
surroundings.
The residence hall office is a primary resource on
campus. The hall director, a full-time, live-in professional
with a master’s degree in higher education, counseling or a
related field, administers the hall, supervises student staff
and is available to help students. Each hall has resident
assistants (RAs) who are sensitive to student needs and
alert to student concerns. The hall staff knows the many
University resources and can help students find needed
assistance.
Residence hall communities are built intentionally by
focusing on developing relationships among residents.
RAs, with direction from the hall director, get to know
residents and plan activities to help residents get to know
one another. This process leads to students developing
connections to other students and to hall community, and it
builds an environment intended to empower all residents to
be successful in their academic pursuits. All residence
halls offer a broad range of programs designed to meet the
unique interests of the student population in a particular
residence hall. As students become involved and
connected to their friends, their hall, their classes and
TCU, they are building strong Horned Frog communities.
Information Technology. Information Technology
provides a wide range of technology support for all levels
of the University. Services include maintaining and
securing the network infrastructure throughout the campus,
academic and administrative computer systems, and
providing application development and customization,
customer support, hardware repair and software training.
• IT Support provides phone and onsite support for
faculty, staff and students.
• Enterprise Application Services provides
administrative and academic application development
and customization for PeopleSoft, Banner, ImageNow,
RedDot, and other applications used across campus.
• Information Security Services maintains the security
of all TCU computing and technology systems.
• Technical Services provides network (voice and data),
infrastructure and printing services.
• Network Services maintains TCU’s wired and
wireless networks, fiber system, datacenters, and
access to the Internet and high-speed research
networks.
• Infrastructure Services maintains the physical
infrastructure for the University.
• Printing Services provides copying and printing
services for the University as well as retail customers.
• Computer Systems provides centralized administration
for TCU’s database, email, application, Web and other
servers, and maintains more than 3,000 faculty, staff
and lab client computers.
• Hardware and Purchasing provides centralized
technology purchasing and consultation for the
University as well as onsite hardware support and
repair.
• Training provides training courses in various
computer applications, including Microsoft Office and
PeopleSoft. One-on-one training sessions or custom-
designed classes are available.
To request assistance with any computer-related
problem or question, please contact the Computer Help
Desk:
Help Desk Phone: 817-257-6855
(faculty and staff)
817-257-5855
(students)
IT Department Phone: 817-257-7682
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.it.tcu.edu
Institutional Effectiveness, Office for. The Office for
Institutional Effectiveness serves to enhance student
learning and institutional effectiveness at TCU by
providing leadership and assistance to the campus
community in assessment activities, accreditation, and
ongoing quality enhancement. The Office for Institutional
Effectiveness is responsible for providing support services
to all academic units in their assessment efforts and will
serve as an assessment resource to educational and
administrative support units on an ad hoc basis. The office
also oversees and supports the WEAVE Online
Assessment Management System and the accreditation and
reaffirmation process. For assistance, faculty and staff may
contact Dr. Chris Hightower at 817-257-7156.
Institutional Research. The Office of Institutional
Research functions as the official reporting entity for the
33
University. In this capacity, the office is responsible for
collecting and disseminating quantitative data frequently
requested of the University. Much of this material is used
for decision support and is published by this office in the
Fall Fact Book. This document is available online at
www.ir.tcu.edu.
Institutional Research also responds to most external
surveys and information requests, conducts original
quantitative and qualitative research to support University
policy-making decisions, conducts annual surveys of
recent alumni, assists departments across campus with
survey and information needs, maintains databases for
trend analyses, manages the Student Perception of
Teaching (SPOT) and Faculty 180, and currently leads the
data governance initiative at TCU. Information may be
requested by contacting the Office of Institutional
Research, Mary Couts Burnett Library, suite 1160;
telephone 817-257-7475.
Intensive English Program. The mission of the
Intensive English Program (IEP) at TCU is to equip
individuals to communicate thoughtfully and actively in
English. The non-degree credit IEP helps individuals
advance rapidly towards their academic, professional, or
personal English language goals. Advanced-level IEP
students may enroll in TCU courses for degree credit while
in the non-degree credit program. (Successful completion
of the advanced-level IEP allows applicants to a TCU
degree program to waive the TOEFL admission
requirement. Undergraduate candidates should see the
admission section on “Admission of International
Students” in the current TCU catalog. Those admitted to
the undergraduate program receive three degree program
credits for each semester of IEP completed at the advanced
level with IEP grades of at least A or B. Graduate
candidates should contact the IEP office.)
An IEP student begins at his or her own level and studies
intensively at least 20 hours each week. Classes are
organized into teams of fifteen or fewer students. The IEP
sessions run during the semesters and the summer.
TCU faculty and staff members who are native speakers
of languages other than English may enroll in classes at a
substantially discounted IEP tuition rate. TCU faculty,
staff, and students who are native English speakers may
join the IEP students in Conversation and Cultural
Partners. TCU departments, schools or colleges that pay a
student’s summer or semester IEP tuition will receive a
matching IEP tuition scholarship for an additional summer
or semester for the same student.
The TCU TESOL Certificate, an undergraduate
interdisciplinary credential to teach English to speakers of
other languages, is administered by the IEP. It is available
to TCU students, faculty and staff members of any first
language background.
The Program director reports to the Associate Vice
Provost and Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary
Studies. The IEP at TCU meets all of the requirements of
the Accreditation of English Language Training Programs
Act and is an active member of the following academic
standards and professional development organizations:
American Association of Intensive English Programs (or
EnglishUSA), University and College Intensive English
Programs, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other
Languages, NAFSA: Association of International
Educators, and Institute of International Education.
Please visit www.iep.tcu.edu for more information.
Intercollegiate Athletics. The Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics at TCU is administered through
the Office of the Chancellor in accordance with the
constitutions, bylaws and other policies of the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big 12
Conference. The Athletics Director is charged with the
operation of the department. (Physical education comes
under the College of Education, and intramural athletics is
regulated by the Student Activities Office.)
Faculty and staff provide a sounding board to the
department through service on the University Athletics
Committee. One faculty member maintains the position of
Faculty Athletics Representative. The Faculty Athletics
Representative serves as liaison to the department from the
faculty, provides oversight on matters of academic issues
related to student-athletes, and represents the institution in
NCAA and Big 12 business.
Faculty and staff members are provided tickets of
admission for a nominal fee. For information regarding
faculty and staff and retired faculty and staff tickets see
“Tickets for Athletics Events.”
International Services. The office of International
Services provides compliance, legal support and
intercultural programs to TCU, focusing largely on
international students and visitors from outside the United
States. With a student population approaching 700, and
representing almost 80 nations, International Services
ensures a smooth transition into TCU’s culture and works
to integrate students and visitors into the institutional
fabric.
Library. Our mission is organizing and providing
access to quality information resources that inspire
curiosity, creativity and innovation throughout the TCU
community while offering exceptional services and
surroundings that nurture our students.
Students and faculty have access to more than 2 million
books, CDs, DVDs, videos and over 140,000 unique
journals, electronically and in paper housed in the TCU
library and library annex offsite. More than 500 databases,
many which include the full text of journal articles are
available 24 hours a day via the library’s website
(http://library.tcu.edu), and the “FrogScholar” search box
provides a single search of more than 700 million records.
Materials at the library are arranged according to the
Library of Congress system in open stacks for convenient
access. Librarians and staff select, maintain, and interpret
the collections for library users. A music/media library
and audio center are also located in the Library. Particular
collections include Texas, United States, and European
34
Union documents; the Archives of the Van Cliburn
International Piano Competition; the papers of former
Speaker of the House, James C. Wright, Jr.; the papers of
Amon G. Carter, Sr.; the University’s archives, and the
special collections of rare books and manuscripts such as
the William Luther Lewis Collection of English and
American Literature.
Research librarians
(https://library.tcu.edu/reference.asp#tab_staff) providing
library and research assistance are available and can be
contacted in person, by phone, by email or online chat as
described at: http://library.tcu.edu/askalibrarian.asp.
Research librarians are also subject liaisons for various
subjects taught at the University. The research librarians
regularly teach courses on using the library’s resources and
are willing to schedule individual consultation
appointments for more in-depth research assistance. In
addition, the research librarians are responsible for
purchasing materials for the library’s collections (both
print & electronic) for their assigned subject disciplines.
The Library is open 24 hours, five days a week during
the fall and spring terms. Operating hours are available
from the library’s website (http://library.tcu.edu).
Environments for studying include group study rooms and
various “quiet zones” throughout the building. Scholarly
materials are supplemented by a popular reading
collection.
Through active membership in local, regional and
national library consortia, the library is able to secure for
TCU faculty and students the advantages that come with
library resource sharing. TCU’s membership in TexShare
enables TCU faculty and students to obtain borrowing
privileges from more than 150 academic libraries
throughout Texas.
Marketing & Communication. The Marketing &
Communication division develops strategic plans and
initiatives to help build the University’s overall brand. It
seeks to communicate a better understanding of TCU’s
strengths, character, mission and goals. It analyzes
audiences, designs messages and selects appropriate media
to support strategic objectives. The division operates much
as an internal agency, utilizing a creative team approach to
marketing and communication problem-solving.
It also offers a Brand Ambassador Program to ensure a
coordinated brand approach across the university.
The Marketing and Communication division consists of
the following offices:
Admission Marketing. The admission marketing director
reports both to the assistant vice chancellor for marketing
and the dean of admission. Responsibilities include (1)
preparation, testing and evaluation of all admissions
marketing materials; (2) recruitment communication
process planning and management; and (3) planning and
implementation of special initiatives to meet specific
admission goals.
Advancement Communications. The senior director of
advancement communications leads the team responsible
for strategic marketing and communication efforts that
advance divisional goals in fundraising, alumni
engagement, participation, volunteerism and pride in TCU.
This group serves as advisers and consultants to
Advancement leadership, providing editorial creation,
oversight, management and evaluation for Advancement’s
multi-channel communication efforts.
Office of Community Projects. The executive director of
community projects handles all official university events
such as Commencements, Symposiums, Convocation, the
annual Opening Luncheon for all faculty and staff, and
other special community relations marketing and
communication projects. The executive director also
oversees Conference Services, the street banner program
and chairs the TCU Events Committee.
University schools, colleges and departments may
request planning assistance on a time-available basis.
Conference Services. The use of TCU facilities by
outside groups or by TCU groups holding events open to
the entire campus or community must be approved by
Conference Services. By policy, the needs of the university
come first. Outside groups receiving preference are those
that share the educational goals of TCU. Regularly
scheduled college and departmental programs do not
require use of facilities application and approval.
Faculty or student membership in an organization does
not necessarily make a meeting of such a group an integral
part of the TCU program.
In order to ensure facility availability and university
authorization, groups must submit an application to
Conference Services. Written approval from Conference
Services is required before a group publicizes the event
and facilities.
Application for use of a facility should be made at least
30 days before a proposed event. Application forms are
available from Conference Services, 3015 Merida Street,
TCU Box 298310, (817) 257-7641 or online at
www.tcuconferenceservices.com/forms.asp.
Conference Services will assist the project sponsor in
working out details with the TCU representatives
responsible for different facilities and services.
The use of Robert Carr Chapel for weddings is governed
by a separate policy. Information regarding use of the
chapel for weddings is available from the Office of
Religious and Spiritual Life.
Editorial Services. The senior director and staff edit and
produce the quarterly TCU Magazine, along with the
magazine’s website and other digital assets. This group
drives the long-term vision surrounding increasing
readership and utilizing new media. They also edit and
produce Endeavors, TCU’s faculty research magazine,
while providing university-level content development and
editing support as appropriate.
Office of Graphic Design. The creative director and
staff handle the design and production of official
university publications and digital projects. They also help
units inside the university with their digital and print
design needs, oversee the institution’s visual identity
standards and assist with requests for uses of the university
logo and other official marks.
35
Although there is no charge for graphic design
assistance, ordering departments must pay for printing, if
needed. If ordering departments have not provided enough
lead-time for the creative team to meet required deadlines,
other options, including finding a freelancer, will be
recommended to complete the project. External creative
services will be hired at the requesting department’s
expense.
Stationery, business cards and mailing labels are ordered
directly from TCU Printing Services.
Office of Project Management. This office manages the
day-to-day workflow for all projects within the Marketing
& Communication division, which include advertising,
print collateral, Web and video production. The project
manager is responsible for job intake, creating and
maintaining project schedules, identifying priority projects
for campus Marketing & Communication jobs and serving
as the main point of contact for the status of projects. This
office also oversees a digital asset management
coordinator.
Office of Strategic Communications Management. This
office oversees the following:
1. Media relations on behalf of the university - On
matters related to official university business, faculty
and staff should work directly with the associate
director of strategic communications management and
assistant vice chancellor for communications. Any
media contact should be coordinated with the strategic
communications office so that the communications
staff can help maximize exposure and be fully aware
of news media activities. Please note it is TCU’s
practice that external media must be escorted while on
campus; therefore, advance notice of at least three
days prior to their presence is required for the staff to
coordinate schedules. Notification may be made at
2. Crisis communications - The strategic
communications management team drives the crisis
communications plan that outlines roles,
responsibilities and protocols that will guide the
university in promptly and accurately sharing
information with all audiences during an emergency
situation. The plan’s guiding principle is to
communicate facts as quickly and transparently as
possible to ensure the safety of the TCU community
and the continued operation of essential services.
3. Internal communications - The senior manager
develops strategies and compelling communications
content channels to engage employees and drive
understanding of TCU’s strategic direction. The senior
manager works directly with key administrators and
staff to develop messaging and supporting schedules
and maintains the university’s writing style guide,
accessible at www.brand.tcu.edu. This office
publishes TCU This Week, the university’s primary
internal communications channel to reach
faculty/staff/graduate students. News and information
should be submitted to the senior manager for internal
strategic communications or [email protected].
Additionally, this department serves as the
university’s communication liaison with
neighborhood/homeowner associations adjacent to
TCU.
University Marketing. This office is responsible for
planning and executing institutional advertising campaigns
and supporting administrative and academic units by
helping to formulate marketing strategies that align with
both university-level and unit-level positioning, banding
and strategic priorities. It also provides oversight for
marketing and communication coordinators assigned to
certain schools and colleges.
University Operators. TCU’s PBX Operators at TCU
facilitate communications by operating the
telecommunications system for the university. They serve
as first point of contact for the greater TCU community,
providing helpful customer service to support TCU’s
branding efforts.
Website & Social Media Management. This office
coordinates the design and development of TCU websites,
assists with rebuilding and maintaining current sites, and
coordinates the development and implementation of Web
policy, procedures and design standards. The office also
oversees the university’s social media presence and
establishes related guidelines, as well as manages
www.maps.tcu.edu and the central events calendar.
Ranch Management Program. Established in 1956,
the Ranch Management Program provides professional
training to meet the challenges of the dynamic and rapidly
changing careers associated with agricultural resource
management. This program provides intensive classroom
instruction in basic principles of ranch management
combined with extensive field study of all phases of the
ranching industry. Students are selected by interview for
the limited-enrollment program. Students may earn a
Certificate of Ranch Management by completing the
program during one academic year or a Bachelor of
Science degree in Ranch Management by completing all of
the requirements as set out in the Undergraduate Studies
Catalog. A Graduate Certificate in Ranch Management is
available to students who have previously earned a
bachelor’s degree with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Please visit
www.ranch.tcu.edu for more information.
Ranch Management also has an active alumni program
with a quarterly newsletter, two annual reunions called
“Roundups,” counseling/consulting service, and up-to-date
biographical information on former students. An active
placement service provides job opportunities for alumni
and current graduates from worldwide sources. The
Program Director reports to the Dean of the College of
Science & Engineering.
Religious and Spiritual Life. The Office of Religious
and Spiritual Life (RSL) offers resources, programs and
staff dedicated to supporting faith communities, religious
expression and spiritual exploration throughout TCU. The
University is affiliated with the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ), a denomination that values “true
36
community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for
justice.” In light of that, TCU is committed to respecting
the dignity and beliefs of every individual and welcoming
all of God’s people. RSL supports a vibrant religious life,
including over 21 student religious organizations. Among
our work, the following may be particularly helpful to
faculty and staff:
Pastoral & Spiritual Care – The RSL team provides
pastoral and spiritual care for students as well as the entire
campus community that respects the beliefs of each
person. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and safe space
for individuals during times of trauma, crisis and grief or
simply to discuss any number of life’s transitions.
Chaplains are available for individual pastoral or spiritual
care and small group programs are done in collaboration
with the Counseling and Mental Health Center. To request
an appointment or make a referral, please contact us at
[email protected] or 817-257-7830.
Religious Accommodation and Support – whether
students need assistance in connecting to one of our 21
student religious communities, finding a place of worship
in the community, finding resources to practice their faith
or with advocacy in learning how to make religious
practices possible while on campus, RSL provides support,
resources and information not only to students, but to the
faculty and staff who support them. For questions about
how to assist students in navigating religious
accommodation requests on campus, please contact our
office.
Resources and Programs – RSL provides programs,
resources and opportunities to explore where matters of
faith and belief intersect with college life particularly
around these areas: 1) interfaith engagement and dialogue,
2) discerning values, beliefs and vocation, and 3)
supporting spiritual wellness and health. In addition to
speaking with classrooms, departments and workshops,
ongoing programs such as This I Believe at TCU, Know
Your Neighbor Nights, Better Together and the Annual
Crossroads Lecture are just a few ways we engage these
throughout the year.
Learn more online at www.faith.tcu.edu or visit us in
Jarvis Hall. Contact us at [email protected] or 817-257-7830.
Robert Carr Chapel. Open to the entire campus
community, Robert Carr Chapel was built and dedicated in
1952 thanks to a gift from the Carr family of San Angelo
and the architectural design of Joseph R. Pelich. Recently
renovated to be fully accessible and updated, the chapel
continues to be a beloved place for worship, study and
reflection as well as countless campus and community
events.
The chapel is open to all students, faculty, staff and
friends of the University except when previously
scheduled services are held. Special university worship
services throughout the academic year include Frogs First
Chapel, Blessing of the Animals, Carols by Candlelight
and Ash Wednesday among others. The chapel also is
available for special services and occasions on campus
such as ceremonies, concerts, lectures and student
organization events.
Weddings at the chapel are also a long-standing,
beautiful tradition for over 65 years and can be scheduled
by students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the
community. To reserve the chapel, contact chapel staff at
Student Development Services. Student Development
Services (SDS) maximizes students’ potential through
individual and community development. SDS houses the
TCU Leadership Center, TCU Student Organizations,
TCU Transitions, Leaders for Life, Transfer Center, Model
United Nations, Office for Community Engagement, and
Parent and Family Programs. Visit www.sds.tcu.edu or the
BLUU 2003 for more information.
TCU Leadership Center – The TCU Leadership Center
offers a wide variety of leadership programs to meet the
diverse needs of today’s students while being
comprehensive enough to ensure a thorough exposure to
leadership development, concepts and experiences. As
TCU’s premier resource for leadership development, the
TCU Leadership Center seeks to connect students with
learning and opportunities to grow in their own leadership
style and skill sets. Students may take advantage of the
following programs through the TCU Leadership Center:
Connections, Chancellor’s Leadership Program,
Leadership Scholars Program, Lead NOW (Network of
Women), Emerging Leaders, LeaderKids, Leadership
Adventures, Global Leadership Experiences, LeaderShape,
the StrengthsQuest assessment, and Celebration of
University Leadership.
The objectives of the programs and opportunities we
offer are to help students:
• identify and describe multiple leadership techniques,
theories and models;
• articulate a coherent leadership style and philosophy;
• understand ethical decision-making processes and
effective ways of working within teams;
• explore their competence with regards to the
dimensions of difference and its impact on leadership
processes;
• demonstrate application of leadership knowledge,
skills and talents in diverse settings; and
• describe strategies to apply personal leadership style
to facilitate positive change.
TCU Student Organizations – The mission of the
office of TCU Student Organizations is to promote
involvement that offers leadership development, social,
cultural and educational programming. With more than
200 student organizations including academic and
honorary societies, religious and service organizations, and
national fraternities and sororities, students are offered a
wide range of opportunities to expand their interests,
enhance their academic experience, develop leadership
skills and meet new friends.
Community Engagement - TCU students, faculty and
staff are involved in community service on an organi-
zational and individual basis. Community Engagement
37
works to foster social responsibility and lifelong learning
through community-based partnerships, and provides
curricular and co-curricular opportunities that prepare
students to be engaged citizens and global leaders working
toward social justice.
Information and materials are available to guide
groups and individuals in planning, implementing and
reflecting upon service experiences. Community
Engagement also provides assistance in identifying
appropriate community agencies for service-learning and
volunteer opportunities.
Students are invited to participate in structured
community service programs, sign up for service-learning
courses or join student service organizations.
Leadership positions are available for programs such
as the GO Center and TCU Day of Service. Other
opportunities for leadership engagement include a cohort
program that prepares students to become agents of change
(Fort Worth Fellows) and internships at local non-profits
(Public Service Consulting Corps). To get involved in
service, call 817-257-7855.
TCU Transitions - TCU Transitions is an
interdisciplinary and collaborative venture aimed at
addressing dimensions and developmental growth of
students throughout the college experience, from
admission to graduation.
TCU Transitions identifies and coordinates activities,
resources, and programs that address one of three periods
during the undergraduate experience (the first year
experience, the sophomore and junior year experience and
the senior year experience), TCU Transitions aims to:
• Foster identity and vocational development
• Cultivate autonomy and decision making congruent
with one’s values
• Promote class year identity
• Create the understanding that community is built and
sustained through developing of a sense of personal
and social responsibility
In addition, each class designated by its graduation year is
assigned a Class Dean who remains with the class through
the four years of the traditional college experience. The
Class Dean serves as a point of contact for all members of
the class. When a student does not know where to go or
who to contact about anything in the TCU experience, the
Class Dean is ready to help.
First Year Experience Programs:
The First Year Experience at TCU believes that every
student comes to TCU with high potential. Who they meet,
what they do and how they think determines what they
become. The First Year Experience office connects
students with the people, programs and resources they
need to be successful at TCU and beyond. First Year
Experience signature programs are Orientation, Frog
Camp, Frogs First and Connections.
• Orientation is designed to assist new students and
families with the transition to University life by
providing essential information and helping students
meet new and continuing students, faculty, and staff.
While at Orientation, students meet with an academic
advisor and register for the first semester of classes.
• Frog Camp is a three-to-eight day experiential retreat
that immerses new students in TCU history and
traditions, helps them establish new friendships, and
guides them to acquiring the skills they need to be
successful in college. Along with upper division
students and members of the faculty or staff, Frog
Campers find out what it means to be Horned Frogs,
and along the way forge lasting bonds and friendships.
• Frogs First is a four-day event prior to the start of
classes and serves as the official non-campus welcome
for new students. Frogs First is comprised of the
Chancellor’s Assembly, Common Reading, Need 2
Know, and a student organizations fair where students
can learn more about the 200+ clubs and organizations
on campus. Students will also have the opportunity to
have dinner with a faculty/staff member over the
weekend. New Horned Frogs are led through the
weekend by Frogs First Leaders. Frogs First welcomes
students to their new home.
• Connections is a joint First Year Experience and
Leadership Center leadership program in the fall
designed to help new students transition successfully
to college life while beginning to understand their
leadership style.
Sophomore & Junior Year Experience
Programs - The sophomore and junior year of college
mean profound change. While the first year of college is a
time of newness, excitement and exploring all the college
environment has to offer, years two and three brings a need
to begin focusing on a smaller set of concerns:
• deepening relationships with selected peers, staff and
faculty;
• discovering and naming what’s important and how
that fits into one’s emerging identity;
• wrestling with questions of major and career;
• developing personal competence, a sense of
autonomy, and tools and strategies for resilience
TCU participates in continual research and development of
efforts to increase student success, retention and
persistence towards graduation including learning
assistance, financial literacy and mentoring, based on
appropriate student development theories and models.
TCU supports students during their transition in and
through college via a variety of programs and services,
including the Sophomore Pinning Ceremony, Mission
Statement Scholarships, the Sophomore Getaway weekend
retreat, and various other opportunities throughout the
year.
Student Success - TCU supports students through
various initiatives to holistically increase success and
persistence through their time at TCU. Team members
collaborate across campus to perform research, create and
maintain data, develop efforts on campus, examine policies
and procedures and provide one-on-one support to students
through Student Success Coaching, the Advance
Registration Campaign and exit surveys and interviews.
38
Senior Year Experience Programs - Seniors are
learning to cope with personal adjustments associated with
transition from college to post college life. They are
working towards achieving meaningful closure of their
college experiences, reflecting on all they have done,
recognizing their successes, celebrating accomplishments,
and preparing to enter their lives beyond TCU as ethical
leaders and responsible citizens.
The Senior Year Experience (SYE) assists in this
process by coordinating programs such as the fall semester
welcome-back event Senior Splash, the post-college prep
workshops of Senior Launch, the Last Lecture Series that
honors the class’ favorite professors, Senior Send-Off, an
off-campus retreat full of fun and reflection on the
undergrad experience, and Senior Speak-Up in which five
exceptional members of the class reflect on the most
significant moments of their TCU experience. SYE also
collaborates with key stakeholders for seniors, including
TCU Career Center, Alumni Relations, and Advancement
to support programs such as the Ring Ceremony in the fall,
Senior Legacy and the Senior Toast.
Leaders for Life – Leaders for Life (L4L) is a four-year
co-hort based program designed to provide
underrepresented students with the tools to be successful
both in and out of the classroom. Leaders for Life is
comprised of several components, including mentorship
from faculty, staff and current students, leadership
programming, retreats, and the opportunity to chronicle the
student experience through a FrogFolio.
Transfer Center – Located in the BLUU, suite 2003,
the Transfer Center provides resources, a study space and
student mentors to help with a successful transition into
TCU. Additionally, the Transfer Connection Space in the
GrandMarc allows transfers and veterans to enjoy study
space and computer access on the east side of campus.
Model United Nations - The award-winning Model
United Nations program at TCU is a joint program of
Student Development Services and the Department of
Political Science. It provides students the opportunity to
simulate the workings of the United Nations as
representatives of the U.N. member-states. In their
capacity as delegates to model U.N. conferences, students
research the policies of their designated country on a
variety of topics, including international trade and
development, terrorism, international conflict, weapons of
mass destruction, human rights and the environment.
Participation in conferences also helps students improve
their negotiating, public speaking and writing skills.
TCU Parent and Family Programs – TCU Parent and
Family Programs benefit parents and guardians in
numerous ways:
• Assist parents in the transitional experiences related to
beginning college;
• Provide resource information to keep parents informed
about and involved with the University;
• Provide support for University programs and
activities; and
• Create a partnership between families and the
University
These goals are met through presentations to prospective
parents, parents attending Orientation, a website, a
Facebook page, and personal contact through emails and
phone calls.
TCU Parent Council - Started in 1986, the TCU Parent
Council, involves approximately 50 families who meet
on campus once per semester or twice annually to
discuss issues surrounding the academic and co-
curricular activities at TCU. In addition to receiving
information, these parents provide feedback to
University administrators, serve as ambassadors to
parents within their own communities and assist with
University initiatives.
TCU Parents Association - The TCU Parents
Association is open to parents and guardians of all TCU
students. It acts as a resource to inform, connect,
engage, and empower parents to support the successful
development of all TCU students and to affirm the
mission of the University. Parents are encouraged to join
the parent-run Parents Association either through a
donation and/or getting involved. Parents may also
“talk” with other TCU parents by joining the TCU
Parents Association Facebook page. Information about
these programs and other resources may be found at
www.sds.tcu.edu/parent-family/.
Student Media. TCU student media covers the TCU
campus and community and serves as a digital-first
teaching laboratory newspaper effort for the Department of
Journalism. Students work across platforms to produce
several news products: the flagship website tcu360.com;
The Skiff weekly newspaper; the weekly television
programs TCU News Now and TCU Sports Now; Image
magazine; and 109.org, a hyperlocal news website that
covers the 76109 zip code (which surrounds the TCU
campus). Politifrog.com, a website that examines politics
and policy from the student perspective; The Leap,
Unscripted and Young Voices are webcasts housed on
tcu360.com; Image is a student magazine.
If you desire campus awareness for some project,
program or personality, email the editor-in-chief at
[email protected] or the news editors at
[email protected]. Professor Jean Marie Brown is the
director of student media. She can be reached at ext. 4241
TCU Police. TCU Police Department provides police
service on property owned or controlled by Texas
Christian University. All officers are licensed and certified
as peace officers by the State of Texas. The TCU Police
Department has full investigative responsibility and arrest
authority for offenses occurring within their jurisdiction.
The department assists other police agencies on request
and performs other safety and security related services to
students on and immediately surrounding the TCU
campus. The department conducts foot, bicycle, and
vehicle patrols 24 hours a day throughout the year. The
department’s civilian security provide additional
surveillance on campus. The Student Escort Service
39
(Froggie Five-0) provides security escorts for campus
community members between the hours of 8 p.m. and
1 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Police officers
may provide escorts at any time. Contact police dispatch at
7777 to arrange an escort.
TCU Press. An academic publisher housed under the
Mary Couts Burnett Library and located on campus, TCU
Press publishes 15-20 books a year and the journals
descant and The Boller Review: A TCU Journal of
Undergraduate Research and Creativity. The first book to
carry the TCU Press imprint, Dean Colby Hall’s History of
Texas Christian University, was published in 1947. Two
decades later, in 1966, the Board of Trustees formally
established TCU Press for the purpose of publishing
scholarly and creative work. As an academic publisher, its
primary purpose is to contribute to the University’s core
mission of discovering, developing and disseminating
knowledge. As a vibrant state and regional publisher, TCU
Press primarily focuses on the history, literature and
culture of Texas and the American West. A number of its
books have won major awards and have often been
featured at the Texas Book Festival. It is a member of the
Association of University Presses and the Texas Book
Consortium, whose membership includes several other
university and commercial presses.
University Unions (www.union.tcu.edu). The Brown-
Lupton University Union (BLUU) is at the heart of the
Campus Commons. Entertainment, educational, and
conference events take place in the Union throughout the
year. The BLUU is home to 14 meeting rooms, the Horned
Frog Ballroom, a 300-seat auditorium, the TCU post
office, the Spirit Store and food service venues – Market
Square, Chick-fil-A @ 1873 and Union Grounds Coffee
Shop. The BLUU also houses the Heritage Center, a
student activities area, the Chancellor’s Dining Room and
the Governance Chamber. The information desk, located
within the Heritage Center, offers notary service and the
campus lost and found. For more information, call 817-
257-7927.
The King Family Commons, located in the Worth Hills
residential area, offers students and other University
community members a place to relax, eat and study with
inside and outside seating. Second-floor conference rooms
may be used by all members of the campus community for
meals and meetings. Four food venues provide for a variety
of dining options – The Press, a coffee shop featuring panini
sandwiches; O’Brien’s, a hamburger and grilled sandwich
shop; Caliente, a fresh Mexican food stand; and Magnolia’s
bistro featuring allergen-free food for seven of the most
common food allergies. The King Family Commons
building also houses the off of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
The information desk hosts a print station. For more
information, call 817-257-4021.
40
FACULTY SECTION
41
CONSTITUTION OF THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY AND FACULTY SENATE
ARTICLE I. THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY
Section 1. Function of the Faculty Assembly
A. The Faculty Assembly is the organization of the
whole faculty. Its major function is to facilitate and
encourage communication in three areas: within the
University; among the several schools and colleges; and
among the faculty, students, administrative officials and
the Board of Trustees.
B. The Faculty Assembly may be convened to hear
reports on the state of the University from the Chancellor
or other administrative officials.
C. The Faculty Assembly may be convened to permit
members to direct questions to the Chancellor or other
administrative officials or to the Chair of the Faculty
Senate.
D. The Faculty Assembly may discuss any University
policy or practice and express its opinion thereon to the
Chancellor or other appropriate administrative officials or
under unusual circumstances to the Board of Trustees.
Section 2. Composition and Voting Rights
A. Composition. The Faculty Assembly consists of
members and associate members.
B. Members. Full-time faculty are members of the
Faculty Assembly with the right both to participate in
deliberations and to vote.
C. Associate Members. Part-time faculty are associate
members of the Faculty Assembly with the right to
participate in deliberations but without the right to vote.
Section 3. Officers
A. The Chair of the Faculty Senate shall serve as Chair
of regular meetings of the Faculty Assembly and special
meetings except those called at the request of the
Chancellor or Provost/Vice Chancellor responsible for
academic programs.
B. The Chancellor or someone designated by him/her
shall preside at special meetings of the Faculty Assembly
called by the Chancellor.
C. The Provost shall preside at meetings called by
him/her.
D. The Secretary of the Faculty Senate shall serve as
Secretary of the Faculty Assembly.
ARTICLE II. THE FACULTY SENATE
Section 1. Functions and Duties
A. The Faculty Senate is the representative body of the
Faculty Assembly designed primarily to express the views
of the teaching and research members of the faculty.
Actions of the Faculty Senate shall be subject to review by
the Faculty Assembly, and may be revoked at a meeting of
the Faculty Assembly by a majority vote of the members
present and voting.
B. The Faculty Senate may discuss and express its views
upon any matter affecting the University.
1. The Faculty Senate shall have the power to review
and evaluate the educational policies, degree requirements,
and curricula, questions with regard to academic freedom,
student-faculty relations, faculty-administration relations,
and practices of the University and may make
recommendations concerning these issues through
appropriate channels.
2. The Faculty Senate may review admissions policies,
research contracts policy, student behaviors policies,
athletic policies, and broad financial policies and make
recommendations to the Administration, University
Council, House of Student Representatives, and under
unusual circumstances, to the Board of Trustees.
C. The Faculty Senate adjudicates and forwards
honorary degree recommendations to the Chancellor. (See
Faculty Senate Handbook, Appendix 1.0 for criteria and
guidelines.)
D. The Faculty Senate may establish such committees
and subcommittees as it chooses to aid in the performance
of its duties and may invite persons who are not members
of the Senate to serve on these committees and
subcommittees.
Section 2. Membership
A. Elected Members.
1. Membership shall be by general election of the
faculty.
2. Only full-time faculty members with the academic
rank of Instructor or higher and whose duties include more
than half-time teaching and/or research shall be eligible for
election to the Faculty Senate.
3. There shall be members representing all schools
and colleges.
B. The immediate past Chair of the Faculty Senate (if
not otherwise an elected member of the Senate) shall be an
ex officio member of the Faculty Senate with the right to
participate fully in the deliberations and to vote.
C. The Chancellor of the University and the Provost
shall be invited to attend meetings of the Faculty Senate at
the discretion of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.
D. Election of members to the Faculty Senate, in
consultation with the Governance Committee, shall be
administered by a Faculty Election Committee, composed
of the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate.
Section 3. Officers
A. The Officers of the Senate shall be the Chair, Chair-
elect, Past-chair, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and
Information Officer. As a general guideline, officers shall
be from different colleges or schools.
B. The Chair-elect, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary
and Information Officer shall be elected by the Senate at
the last meeting of the academic year and the term of
office shall be one year. The incumbent Chair-elect shall
become Chair. The Governance Committee, in
consultation with the Faculty Election Committee, shall
serve as the nominating committee for all officer elections.
42
Section 4. Committees
A. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee of
the Faculty Senate shall consist of the Chair, the Secretary,
the Chair-elect, the Assistant Secretary, Information
Officer and the immediate Past-chair.
B. Consultative function of the Faculty Senate Executive
Committee. Among regular duties, the Faculty Senate
Executive Committee will, as appropriate, consult with the
Chancellor and other administrative officers and, under
unusual circumstances, the Board of Trustees on matters of
general University concern, including faculty grievance
appeals or conflict resolution requests. The Faculty Senate
Executive Committee shall meet with the Chancellor at
his/her request, or upon request of a majority of the
members of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, or
by direction of the Senate. No formal votes shall be taken
at such consultations, nor shall any action occur that might
commit the Senate against its will.
C. Committee on University Committees. A Committee
on University-wide Committees shall be appointed by the
Executive Committee in session. It shall consist of one
Senator from each of the schools, colleges and divisions
that elect Senators. This committee shall nominate to the
proper appointing authorities faculty members of
committees established by the Senate, the Administration,
or the Student Body. Faculty members so nominated are
not required to be elected members of the Senate.
D. Other Committees of the Faculty Senate shall be
appointed by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, as
it deems necessary.
Section 5. Bylaws
Unless otherwise herein provided, the Senate may adopt
its own regulations, bylaws, and rules of order.
ARTICLE III. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by
the Faculty Senate or by any member of the Faculty
Assembly. Whether voting is done by e-ballot or a
convened meeting, twenty percent (20%) of full-time
faculty shall constitute a quorum. Amendments shall
become effective when approved by a two-thirds majority
of the Faculty Assembly voting thereon by e-ballot, mail
ballot, or paper ballot, and upon ratification by the Board
of Trustees. Adequate written notice of the proposed
amendments shall be given to the members of the Faculty
Assembly.
ARTICLE IV. RATIFICATION
The provisions of the Constitution shall become
effective upon adoption by a majority of the Faculty
Assembly voting thereon by e-ballot or mail ballot, and
upon approval by the Board of Trustees of Texas Christian
University.
BYLAWS OF THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY AND FACULTY SENATE
ARTICLE I. THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY
Section 1. Meetings
A. Regular Meetings. The Faculty Assembly shall meet
as necessary.
B. Special Meetings. The Chair of the Faculty Senate
shall call a Special Meeting of the Faculty Assembly at
any time upon the request of the Chancellor, the Provost,
the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, a majority
of the Faculty Senate, or the written request of thirty
members of the Faculty Assembly.
C. Twenty percent (20%) of full-time faculty shall
constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE II. THE FACULTY SENATE
Section 1. Meetings
A. Regular Meetings. The Faculty Senate shall hold a
minimum of four regular meetings each year.
B. Special Meetings. The Chair of the Senate may call
special meetings of the Senate and shall do so upon the
written request of the elected members of the Senate. The
Senate may hold an executive session when matters of a
confidential nature are being considered; only regularly
elected Faculty members may attend unless the Senate
votes to invite others.
C. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the
membership.
D. The Senate may vote on motions per electronic vote
(e-ballot) if a face-to-face Senate discussion has been held
but final details on an issue need to be clarified and
communicated to Senators. E-balloting may also occur if
special circumstances exist.
43
E. Visitors. Members of the faculty may attend Faculty
Senate meetings; the Chair of the Senate may invite others
to attend.
Section 2. Functions and Duties
A. The agenda for each meeting of the Faculty Senate
shall be distributed by email to all members of the Faculty
Assembly one week prior to each Senate meeting.
B. Summary of Faculty Senate meetings shall be
distributed by email to all members of the Faculty
Assembly within a week after each Senate meeting.
Section 3. Membership and Elections
A. Members represent the academic units that constitute
TCU: AddRan College of Liberal Arts, M.J. Neeley
School of Business, Bob Schieffer College of
Communication, College of Education, College of Fine
Arts, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences,
College of Science & Engineering, John V. Roach Honors
College, School of Interdisciplinary Studies and the TCU
& UNTHSC School of Medicine.
B.1. For the purpose of determining Senate
representation, faculty members will be counted only in
the academic units of their primary appointments. One
Senator will be allocated for every nine-full time faculty in
each academic unit, with a minimum of one Senator per
unit. An additional Senator will be allocated for five or
more full-time faculty beyond multiples of nine.
2. When an academic unit has fewer than five full-
time faculty members, the unit’s full-time faculty members
may choose to elect a full-time faculty member from
outside their unit to represent them. The faculty member
must meet all standard criteria for serving as a Senator. A
faculty member may not serve simultaneously as a Senator
from his/her unit of appointment and another unit.
C. Term of Office and Elections
1. The Faculty Election Committee (Constitution
II.2.D) shall have the following duties:
a. determine who is eligible to vote for and to serve
on the Faculty Senate;
b. oversee the election process;
c. determine, every three years, the apportionment
of Senators to colleges based on the official
faculty list received from the Office of the
Provost;
d. appoint Senators for academic units unable to fill
their allocated seats or which have Senators have
resigned.
e. appoint Senators to serve temporarily while
elected Senators are on leave or otherwise unable
to fulfill their duties.
f. strive to maintain proportional distribution among
academic units.
2. The term of office of elected senators shall be three
years; appointed Senators shall complete the term to which
they were appointed.
3. It is recommended that the elections shall proceed
as follows:
a. By the seventh week of spring semester, the
Faculty Election Committee shall contact by
email all eligible faculty requesting their response
concerning willingness to serve on the Senate.
b. By the ninth week, a list of candidates for each
academic unit from all the names of that unit’s
willing faculty will be created and electronically
sent to that unit. Voting instructions shall specify
that a valid ballot will contain votes up to the
number of open positions in the unit.
c. The Faculty Election Committee resolves any
inconclusive election in an academic unit by
conducting a second election. The second ballot
shall consist of at least one more candidate than
the number of seats to be filled. These candidates
shall be those who previously received the most
votes. Any inconclusive results of a second
election shall be resolved by the Faculty Election
Committee.
d. Election results will be announced by email to the
faculty by the twelfth week of the spring
semester.
Section 4. Officers
A. Eligibility. Any Senator who has served during the
current academic year is eligible for nomination.
B. Officers of the Senate shall be the Chair, Chair-Elect,
Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Information Officer and
immediate Past-chair.
C. A preliminary slate of officers for election shall be
presented at the next to last Senate meeting of the spring
semester to allow for additional nominations.
D. Election by secret ballot shall take place at the last
meeting of the academic year.
E. Vacancies. In the event of a vacancy in the office of
Chair, the Chair-elect becomes Chair, and a new Chair-
elect is elected by the Senate. In the event of a vacancy in
the offices of Chair-elect, Secretary, Information Officer or
Assistant Secretary, a replacement is elected by the Senate.
Election of officers to fill these vacancies shall be
administered by the Faculty Election Committee through
email ballot within 30 days of the occurrence of the
vacancy.
Section 5. Faculty Senate Executive Committee (FSEC)
A. The FSEC shall serve as the Election Committee of
the Faculty Senate.
B. The FSEC shall appoint and notify the membership
of Senate Standing Committees, prior to the first meeting
of the academic year, giving due consideration to Senators’
preferences and the needs of the Senate.
C. In consultation with committee chairpersons, the
FSEC shall develop any specific charges given to Faculty
Standing Committees each year prior to the first meeting
of the academic year or as necessary.
D. The FSEC shall serve as the screening committee in
bringing forward names of nominees for honorary degrees
to the Senate for a vote. The FSEC shall then forward any
approved recommendations to the Chancellor (see
Constitution, Art. II, sec. 1C and Faculty Senate
Handbook, Appendix 1.0 for criteria and guidelines).
E. The FSEC, in consultation with the Provost, shall
plan the agenda of any Faculty Assembly meetings.
44
F. The FSEC may act on behalf of the Senate on matters
which in its opinion cannot be deferred until the next
regular Senate meeting.
G. The FSEC and the Senate Chair shall circulate to the
Faculty an end-of-year summary of Senate activity in the
month of May.
Section 6. Standing Committees
The Faculty Senate shall have the following Standing
Committees:
A. The Academic Excellence Committee shall propose
and monitor solutions to issues of rigor, innovations and
creativity in order to sustain academic excellence in the
University.
B. The Committee on University Committees shall
solicit faculty preferences and nominate faculty for
membership on all University committees, review
committee charges and memberships, and provide
orientation to, assessment and oversight of University
committees.
C. The Educational Evaluation Committee shall
represent faculty interests on issues of 1. Evaluating
teaching quality, and 2. Teaching support, including
instructional technology, training and classroom and online
environments.
D. The Faculty Relations Committee shall monitor the
effectiveness of University policies on faculty conditions
of employment and work environment, tenure, promotion,
and grievance, and serve as liaison with Human Relations
on faculty benefits and compensation.
E. The Governance Committee shall monitor and revise
when needed the Faculty Senate and Faculty-Staff
Handbooks, work jointly with the Executive Committee on
Senate elections, and monitor the function of the Faculty
Senate by recommending changes to improve its
governance and effectiveness.
F. The Student Relations Committee shall represent the
Faculty Senate on matters involving student concerns,
consult with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, and
review strategies to maintain student participation in
shared governance.
Section 7. Other Senate Responsibilities
Faculty Senate representation to other bodies shall
include the following:
A. The University Budget Advisory Committee
(UBAC) shall have three Senate representatives elected by,
and from, the Senate. The Senate Chair-elect, who will
serve a one-year term, shall automatically fill one position.
The other two positions shall be elected, by written ballot,
at the May Senate meeting, to serve three-year terms.
B. Faculty Senate representation on the Heritage,
Mission, Vision, and Values Committee (HMVV) serving
the TCU Core Curriculum will have Senate representation
in accordance with the HMVV Charter, shall consist of
two members elected by, and from, the Senate. The two
elected representatives shall be elected, by written ballot,
at the last meeting of the academic year. The Committee
on University Committees shall nominate the remaining
faculty.
C. When Senate representation is needed in groups not
under the responsibility of the Committee on University
Committees, the FSEC may appoint such representatives.
FACULTY SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2019-20
Chair – Clark Jones Biology
Past Chair – Greg Stephens Mgmt & Leadership
Chair Elect – Sean Atkinson Music
Secretary – Jan Quesada Religion
Asst. Secretary – Greg Friedman Mathematics
Information Officer – Krista Scott Theatre
MEMBERSHIP LIST 2019-20
AddRan - Humanities & Social Sciences
David Bedford (SPAN, 2021)
Kendra Bowen (CRJU, 2020)
J. Sage Elwell (RELI, 2020)
Dan Gil (ENGL, 2020)
Hanan Hammad (HIST, 2020)
Jill Havens (ENGL, 2022)
Hadi Hosainy (HIST, 2022)
Alex Lemon (ENGL, 2020)
John Lovett (ECON, 2021)
Michele Meitl (CRJU, 2021)
Joddy Murray (ENGL, 2022)
Johnny Nhan (CRJU, 2020)
Santiago Piñon (RELI, 2020)
Jan Quesada (RELI, 2022)
Marie Schein (MOLA, 2021)
Adam Schiffer (POSC, 2020)
Business
Suzanne Carter (MANA, 2022)
Stacy Grau (ENTR, 2021)
Ted Legatski (ENTR, 2021)
Thomas Moeller (FINA, 2022)
Jeff Moore (FINA, 2020)
Karen Nelson (ACCT, 2020)
Ranga Ramasesh (INSC, 2021)
Gregory Stephens (MANA, 2022)
Patricia Walters (ACCT, 2020)
Barbara Wood (FINA, 2021)
Communication
Joshua Bentley (STCO, 2022)
Andrew Ledbetter (COMM, 2021)
Joan McGettigan (FTDM, 2020)
Chris Sawyer (COMM, 2021)
Qinghua Yang (COMM, 2022)
Education
Hayat Hokayem (EDUC, 2022)
45
Steve Palko (EDUC, 2021)
Brandy Quinn (EDUC, 2020)
Fine Arts
Sean Atkinson (MUSI, 2021)
Jessica Fripp (ARHI, 2021)
San-ky Kim (MUSI, 2022)
Albert Marichal (ARGD, 2020)
Till Meyn (MUSI, 2020)
Krista Scott (THEA, 2020)
Laura Singletary (MUSI, 2022)
Alyssa Stewart (FAME, 2020)
Amy Stewart (MUSI, 2022)
Timothy Watkins (MUSI, 2021)
Honors
Dan Williams (HOCO, 2022)
Nursing & Health Sciences
Lisa Bashore (NURS, 2022)
Phil Esposito (KINE, 2020)
Pam Frable (NURS, 2022)
Diane Hawley (NURS, 2021)
D. Lynn Jackson (SOWO, 2020)
Katie Lauve-Moon (SOWO, 2022)
Laurel Lynch (COSD, 2021)
Hylda Nugent (NRAN, 2022)
Tee Tyler (SOWO, 2022)
School of Medicine
Eric Gonzales (Medical Education, 2022)
Science & Engineering
Kat Barger (PHYS, 2020)
Art Busbey (SGEE, 2021)
José Carrión (MATH, 2019)
Greg Friedman (MATH, 2020)
Omar Harvey (SGEE, 2021)
Emily Herzig (MATH, 2020)
Marlo Jeffries (BIOL, 2022)
Kevin Johnson (RAMA, 2020)
Clark Jones (BIOL, 2022)
Morgan Kiani (ENGR, 2020)
Dennis Ledis, (MATH, 2020)
Michael Sawey (BIOL, 2020)
Michael Scherger (COSC, 2020)
Eric Simanek (CHEM, 2022)
UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
In general, all major academic matters involving policy,
development of programs, degree offerings, calendar and
some aspects of student life fall within the purview of the
University Council. Matters that cannot be resolved by
other committees and recommendations of the Graduate
Council and Undergraduate Council may be submitted to
the Council for review and decision. Responsibilities
include, but are not limited to, the following:
• academic calendar including final examination
scheduling, class recesses, registration periods, and
related issues;
● graduation requirements for all degrees including
grading policies and computation of GPA, residency
requirements, semester-hour credit requirements,
transfer credit, and thesis/dissertation requirements;
● academic policies governing all students such as Final
Examination Policy, Academic Conduct Policy,
Student-Initiated Withdrawal Policy, Academic
Probation & Suspension Policy, and use of the Q
symbol;
• policies governing retention and progression of
students in academic programs;
• curriculum requirements including proposed changes
in the TCU Core Curriculum Requirements and
related school/college requirements, proposed
addition or deletion of degree programs, and proposed
(significant) programmatic changes;
• annual review of all international consortia
relationships and education contractual agreements;
• such matters as brought to the Council by the
Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Faculty membership on University Council is normally
restricted to full-time faculty, excluding lecturers.
Council Membership for 2019-20
Chair: Susan Mace Weeks, Vice Provost
Secretary: Shelia Williams, Executive Assistant to
the Provost
Elected Members: Term Exp.
Ariane Balizet (AddRan-Humanities) 2021
Sean Crotty (AddRan-Social Sciences) 2020
Audra Boone (Business) 2021
Tricia Jenkins (Communication) 2021
Michael Faggella-Luby (Education) 2022
David Begnoche (Fine Arts) 2020
James Petrovich (HCN & Health Sciences) 2022
Bob Bittle (Science & Engineering) 2022
Jesús Castro-Balbi (At-Large Member) 2020
Chris Sawyer (At-Large Member) 2020
Ex Officio Members:
Andrew Schoolmaster (AddRan)
Daniel Pullin (Business)
Kristie Bunton (Communication)
Jan Lacina (Education)
Richard Gipson (Fine Arts)
Chris Watts (Nursing & Health Sciences)
Phil Hartman (Science & Engineering)
46
Karen Steele (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Floyd Wormley (Graduate Studies)
Stuart Flynn (School of Medicine)
Diane Snow (Honors)
Mary Kincannon (Registrar)
Kathy Cavins-Tull (Student Affairs)
June Koelker (Library)
Chris Hightower (Institutional Effectiveness)
Student Members:
President of the Student Government Association –
Josh Witkop
Vice President of the Student Government Association –
Ryan Chandler
Graduate Student Member – Tim Ballingall
GRADUATE COUNCIL
In general, the Graduate Council reviews and recom-
mends policies and practices pertain to graduate academic
affairs; reviews and acts on all graduate curricula changes
(courses and programs) emanating from the
school/colleges or the Office of Graduate Studies and
Research; periodically reviews graduate programs for
consistency within the University's mission and individual
program integrity. Recommendations of the Graduate
Council will be forwarded to the Provost/Vice Chancellor
for Academic Affairs for review and approval or referral to
the University Council as appropriate.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the review
and recommendation as appropriate of the following:
• unit course offerings (including additions/deletions)
applicable to degree and certificate programs: note
that 5000-level courses are considered both graduate
and undergraduate;
• addition or deletion of majors;
• addition or deletion of degree programs;
• requirements for masters and doctoral degrees;
• policies governing program admission and
continued matriculation;
• graduate grading policies and practices;
• criteria for graduate financial aid;
• criteria and procedures for appointment to the
Graduate faculty;
• such matters as brought to the Council by the
Provost/ Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Faculty membership on Graduate Council is normally
restricted to full-time faculty, excluding lecturers. In order
to serve on the Graduate Council, an individual must be a
member of the Graduate Faculty.
Council Membership for 2019-20
Chair: Floyd Wormley, Associate Provost for Research &
Dean of Graduate Studies
Elected Members: Term Exp.
Brad Lucas (AddRan-Humanities) 2020
John Harvey (AddRan-Social Sciences) 2021
Steve Mann (Business) 2022
Lindsay Ma (Communication) 2022
Hayat Alhokayem (Education) 2020
Nick Bontrager (Fine Arts) 2021
Nada Elias-Lambert (Nursing & Health Sciences) 2021
John Horner (Science & Engineering) 2020
Appointed Members:
Darren Middleton (AddRan-Humanities) 2020
Kendra Bowen (AddRan-Social Sciences) 2020
Pat Walters (Business) 2022
Catherine Coleman (Communication) 2021
Taryn Allen (Education) 2022
Ann Gipaon (Fine Arts) 2022
Emily Lund (Nursing & Health Sciences) 2021
Eric Hanson (Science & Engineering) 2021
Ex Officio Members:
Peter Worthing (AddRan)
David Allen (Business)
Julie O’Neil (Communication)
Robin Griffith (Education)
Joseph Butler (Fine Arts)
Debbie Rhea (Nursing & Health Sciences)
Magnus Rittby (Science & Engineering)
Mary Kincannon (Registrar)
Graduate Student Member: Tim Ballingall
UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL
In general, the Undergraduate Council reviews and
recommends policies and practices pertaining to under-
graduate academic affairs; reviews and acts on all under-
graduate curricula changer (courses and programs)
emanating from the schools/colleges; periodically reviews
under-graduate programs for consistency within the
University’s mission and individual program integrity.
Recommendations of the Undergraduate Council will be
forwarded to the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs for review and approval or referral to the
University Council as appropriate.
47
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the review
and recommendation as appropriate of the following:
• unit course offerings (including additions/deletions)
applicable to degree and certificate programs; note
that 5000-level courses are considered both
undergraduate and graduate;
• addition or deletion of majors and minors;
• addition or deletion of degree and certificate
programs;
• requirements for bachelor's degrees;
● policies governing program admission and
continued matriculation;
● undergraduate grading policies and practices;
● policies involving credit by examination,
experiential learning and other nontraditional course
credit experiences;
● such matters as brought to the Council by the
Provost/Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
Eligibility for membership on Undergraduate Council is
normally restricted to full-time faculty, excluding
lecturers.
Council Membership for 2019-20
Chair: Mike Butler, Associate Dean of AddRan College
of Liberal Arts
Elected Members: Term Exp.
Joseph Darda (AddRan-Humanities) 2020
Brie Diamond (AddRan-Social Sciences) 2022
Laura Meade (Business) 2020
Melita Garza (Communication) 2020
Cynthia Savage (Education) 2022
Lydia Mackay (Fine Arts) 2022
Lynn Flahive (Nursing & Health Sciences) 2021
Doug Ingram (Science & Engineering) 2021
Appointed Members:
Mark Dennis (AddRan-Humanities) 2022
Lisa Vanderlinden (AddRan-Social Sciences) 2020
Tracey Rockett (Business) 2022
Jada Stevenson (Science & Engineering) 2021
TCU CORE CURRICULUM
HERITAGE, MISSION, VISION AND VALUES COMMITTEE
The Heritage, Mission, Vision and Values Committee is a
Faculty Senate Committee that vets courses for the Heritage,
Mission, Vision and Values (HMVV) Curriculum and that
works with other constituencies to develop assessment
procedures for the HMVV Curriculum. Committee
membership is a combination of Faculty Senators and the
faculty at large. For further information about the Committee,
including its Charter, please consult the Committee’s Web
page at the following address: www.hmvv.tcu.edu.
Committee Membership for 2019-20
From the Faculty Senate:
Jan Quesada, Past Chair (AddRan)
José Carrión (Science & Engineering)
From the Faculty at Large:
Layne Craig (AddRan)
Claire Sanders (AddRan)
Suzy Lockwood (Nursing & Health Sciences)
Blaise Ferrandino (Fine Arts)
Eric Simanek (Science & Engineering)
Ex Officio:
Ed McNertney (Director, TCU Core
Curriculum)
RESEARCH COMMITTEES
INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE
(IACUC) - The IACUC oversees TCU’s animal care and use
program, which includes the review and approval of animal
use activities and inspections of animal facilities.
Committee Membership for 2019-20
Dean Williams, Chair (BIOL) 2021
Ken Leising, vice chair (PSYC) 2021
Brent Cooper (PSYC) 2021
Amanda Hale (BIOL) 2020
Britt Luby (REL & SPIRITUAL LIFE) 2022
Bo Soderbergh (NON-TCU MEMBER) 2023
Kim Rainwater (VETERINARIAN), 2024
Alternates:
Kim Rainwater (VETERINARIAN) 2021
Mike Chumley (BIOL) 2021
Marlo Jeffries (BIOL) 2021
Mauricio Papini (PSYC) 2021
Lorrie Branson (RESEARCH COMPLIANCE), liaison
Administrative Oversight: Associate Provost for
Research Floyd Wormley
48
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
INSTITUTIONAL BIOSAFETY COMMITTEE (IBC).
The IBC oversees TCU’s Biosafety in Research program,
which includes helping to ensure compliance for all research
and teaching activities that involve the use of recombinant or
synthetically derived nucleic acid molecules or other
biohazardous materials.
Committee Membership for 2019-20
Michael Bernas, chair (MED) 2021
Dennis Cheek, vice chair (NURS) 2021
Giridhar R. Akkaraju, past chair (BIOL) 2020
Rich Adickes (RISK MGMT) 2021
Eric B. Gonzalez (MED) 2023
John Horner (BIOL) 2022
Jada Stevenson (NTDT) 2023
Laura Gillis (NON-TCU-MEMBER) 2023
Nancy Lasater 2024
Alternate: Mitzi Glover (MED) 2024
Lorrie Branson (RESEARCH COMPLIANCE), liaison
Administrative Oversight: Associate Provost for
Research Floyd Wormley
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD FOR HUMAN
SUBJECTS RESEARCH (IRB). The IRB develops standards
and reviews proposed projects to help ensure compliance with
University policy related to provisions for health, welfare,
privacy, dignity and human concerns in research involving
human subjects.
Committee Membership for 2019-20
Dru Riddle, chair (NRAN) 2021
Kristen Carr, vice chair (COMM) 2021
Kylo-Patrick Hart (FTDM) 2020
Uma Tauber (PSYC) 2023
Matthew Johnson (TCU COUNSELING CTR) 2022
Rodney Thompson (NON-TCU PRISONER ADV) 2023
Courtney Cross (MED) 2024
Brie Diamond (CRJC) 2024
Lindy Crawford (EDUC) 2024
Alternates:
Stacy Pickett (PRISONER ADVOCATE) 2023
Brad Lucas (ENGL) 2021
Debbie Rhea (KINE) 2021
Adam Richards (COMM) 2021
Jada Stevenson (NTDT) 2021
Michael Faggella-Luby (EDUC) 2020
Lorrie Branson (RESEARCH COMPLIANCE), liaison
Administrative Oversight: Associate Provost for
Research Floyd Wormley
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE
(IPRC). The IPRC reviews disclosures related to intellectual
property and recommends to the Provost regarding actions to
be taken including, but not limited to, copyright, patent,
trademarks and related legal protections. The committee is
responsible for maintaining a published process for review and
contact with creators/inventors.
Committee Membership for 2019-20
Antonio Sanchez-Aguilar, chair (COSC) 2021
Michael Sherrod, vice chair, (MANA) 2022
Joel Timmer, past chair (FTDM) 2020
Kevin Kunkler (MED) 2023
Rob Rhodes (MANA) 2021
Tristan Tayag (ENGR) 2020
Lorrie Branson (RESEARCH COMPLIANCE), liaison
Administrative Oversight: Associate Provost for
Research Floyd Wormley
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LASER SAFETY COMMITTEE (LSC) – serves as a
resource for development and review of laser safety policies
and procedures, and, in conjunction with the Laser Safety
Officer (“LSO”), addresses laser safety problems, and reviews
and recommends use of lasers based upon the American
National Standards Institute standard, where applicable.
Committee Membership for 2019-20
Anton Naumov, chair, LSO (PHYS) ex officio
Rich Adickes (RISK MGMT) 2021
Onofrio Annunziata (CHEM) 2023
Jeff Coffer (CHEM) 2022
Tristan Decker (THEA) 2024
Mike Harville (ENGR) 2023
Lorrie Branson (RESEARCH COMPLIANCE) liaison 2021
Administrative Oversight: Associate Provost for
Research Floyd Wormley
49
UNIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The University Advisory Committee advises the
Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on his/her
actions concerning promotion and tenure in accordance
with the policy and procedures of the Faculty Advisory
Committee Structure.
Committee Membership for 2019-20
Joddy Murray (AddRan-Humanities) 2020
David Sandell (AddRan-Social Sciences) 2022
Tyson Browning (Business) 2020
Tricia Jenkins (Communication) 2021
Michelle Bauml (Education) 2022
Cameron Schoepp (Fine Arts) 2020
Glenda Daniels (Nursing & Health Sciences) 2022
Efton Park (Science & Engineering) 2021
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Full-time Faculty. The official TCU faculty is
composed of all those engaged in full-time, continuing
service to the University regardless of rank.
Appointment to the faculty is confirmed by a letter and
annual contract (except for faculty who hold tenure).
Unless prior arrangements have been made with the dean
of the college, faculty are expected to be on campus at the
beginning of their contract period. Faculty appointed for a
specified period of service (usually
one year or one semester) are appointed as a lecturer.
Appointment as a lecturer is by special contract for a fixed
service period with no obligation on the part of the
University to extend or renew.
Part-time Faculty. Individuals not employed full-time
that are responsible for instructional activities in one of the
academic divisions of the University are part-time faculty.
Part-time faculty may hold a continuing appointment, a
specified period appointment, or be appointed on a course-
by-course basis. Faculty holding the latter type of
appointment are referred to as adjunct faculty.
Adjunct Faculty. The adjunct faculty title may be
conferred on those persons with appropriate academic
credentials and/or experience who serve as resource
persons or teach courses in various departments and
programs. Adjunct faculty appointment carries with it
certain privileges and may or may not involve
compensation.
Postdoctoral Appointees. Individuals who hold either a
research or professional doctorate and who are awarded
appointments of a temporary nature for continued
education and research experience are appointed as a
Postdoctoral Fellow or Postdoctoral Researcher.
Appointees should normally be no more than one to three
years beyond the receipt of the doctoral degree. Funds for
these appointments are usually from external sources in the
form of a grant or contract. It should be noted that these
are not faculty appointments, nor are these positions on
any academic or staff tracks for promotion and
advancement. Postdoctoral appointees are appointed by the
Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on the
recommendation of the dean of the school or college.
Emeritus Faculty. Emeritus rank is indicated by adding
the term “Emeritus” before the rank held by the faculty at
the time of retirement. Candidates for emeritus status
usually will have held permanent tenure, have been
associated with TCU for at least 10 years and have
contributed meritorious service to the University.
Candidates for Emeritus status will have met the criteria
governing either teaching, research, professional service,
advising, or continued professional development
appropriate to their rank at the time of retirement.
With the retiree’s (candidate’s) consent, the tenured
faculty of each department shall meet and review retiring
faculty for the purpose of recommending emeritus status.
The subsequent procedures for nomination and
appointment to emeritus status are the same as those for
promotion in rank. Emeritus status does not entitle the
holder to a stipend from the University, but persons
holding this title are accorded full faculty status with
regard to faculty social activities and faculty benefits, in
the attendance at athletic events, fine arts performances,
and other cultural activities on campus. Names and titles
of all emeritus faculty and staff members are included in
the Undergraduate Studies Catalog.
Appointments and Contracts. Appointment to the
faculty is made by the Provost/Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs. Official notification is given by letter.
TCU has pledged itself to a program of equal employment
opportunity and all appointments to all divisions and
departments of the University will be made without regard
to gender, color, religion, disability, race, national origin,
or veteran status.
Normally, faculty appointments are for an academic year
unless otherwise indicated. Reappointment of faculty is
made by contract on a year-to-year basis until such time as
the faculty member may be elected to “permanent tenure”
by the Board of Trustees. Faculty members holding
“permanent tenure” receive an annual electronic
notification concerning salary at my.tcu.edu (employee
self-service link).
Faculty Compensation Philosophy. TCU’s faculty
compensation philosophy is driven by its mission: To
50
educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and
responsible citizens in the global community. The
University strives to recruit and retain the best faculty it
can by being committed to providing competitive wages
and benefits. In order to attract, motivate and retain a
highly qualified and diverse faculty, the University’s
compensation must reflect appropriate market value and be
continually re-evaluated. Faculty can anticipate wage
adjustments and opportunities for growth throughout their
career.
Faculty salary increases at TCU reflect merit-based
performance evaluation and/or performance-related
promotional adjustments. Across the board (cost of living)
increases are not part of the University’s compensation
policy. There currently is no obligation or contractual
requirement of the University to provide for annual
increases. The size of the merit pool is determined by the
Cabinet and approved by the Board of Trustees as part of
the annual budgeting process.
Promotional increases for faculty are a flat dollar
amount that is awarded at the time of change in rank and
become effective with the next academic year. These
amounts are reviewed and adjusted periodically.
Individuals who hold full-time or part-time TCU budgeted
positions are eligible for merit increases, assuming
employment on or before January 1 and acceptable
performance evaluation. Merit increases, if awarded,
become effective September 1.
Faculty who hold grant-funded positions are eligible for
salary increases as dictated by the terms of the grant.
Lecturers, one-year temporary appointments, are not
eligible for merit increases; however, individuals may be
reappointed at a higher salary provided the dollars are
available within the position. Adjunct faculty salaries
increase are based on the number of years of teaching at
TCU, degree held and type of class taught.
Terms of Employment. Members of the faculty, with a
few specific exceptions, are employed on the basis of a
nine-month academic year, for which they receive 12
monthly paychecks. If a faculty member resigns from
TCU effective at the end of any nine-month academic
year, the faculty member may elect to (1) continue to
receive any remaining monthly paychecks due according
to his/her contract or until August 31, or (2) have any
remaining monthly paychecks accelerated and paid in full
at the date of termination (usually May 31). Assignments
for summer work, which are not guaranteed, will be made
by the appropriate dean on recommendation of the
department chair. Twelve-month faculty do not accrue
vacation time and may refer to the policy online in the
Academic Affairs Administrative Handbook.
New to TCU Faculty Orientation. New faculty
members attend an orientation program provided by the
Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs through the
Koehler Center for Instruction, Innovation, and
Engagement prior to the beginning of classes in the fall
and spring (as appropriate). You can find out more
information at www.cte.tcu.edu.
Removal. Except as provided for in university policy
described in the tenure statement (q.v.), University bylaws
state that any employee may be removed, discharged,
and/or suspended at anytime by the chief executive officer
when, in his or her judgment, the interest of the University
shall require it, all without liability for damages or for
future compensation resulting there from. However,
employees who hold “permanent tenure” may be removed,
discharged, and/or suspended only in accordance with
provisions shown in the tenure policy.
Academic Freedom and Faculty Responsibility. TCU
recognizes the principles advanced in the American
Association of University Professors (AAUP) 1940
Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure
and embraces the following:
(a) Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and
in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate
performance of their other academic duties; but research
for pecuniary return should be based upon an
understanding with the authorities of the institution.
(b) Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in
discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to
introduce into their teaching controversial matter which
has no relation to their subject. Limitations of academic
freedom because of religious or other aims of the
institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of
the appointment.
(c) College and university teachers are citizens,
members of a learned profession, and officers of an
educational institution. When they speak or write as
citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship
or discipline, but their special position in the community
imposes special obligations. As scholars and educational
officers, they should remember that the public may judge
their profession and their institution by their utterances.
Hence they should at all times be accurate, should exercise
appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions
of others, and should make every effort to indicate that
they are not speaking for the institution.
One of the bulwarks of academic freedom, permanent
tenure, has been available at TCU for decades. A revised
statement on the subject, developed by a joint committee
and recommended by the Faculty Senate and the
administration, was approved by the Board of Trustees in
the spring of 1999.
Alcohol Usage
Serving Alcohol on Campus - The consumption, sale or
use of alcoholic beverages is generally prohibited on
campus. However, under certain conditions, alcoholic
beverages may be served at campus events. Use of alcohol
at events on campus must be approved by the Vice
Chancellor for Student Affairs. All alcohol must be
purchased and served under the auspices and policies of
the food service contractor at TCU. Approval will be
granted if:
• participation at the event is primarily for those who
meet the legal drinking age standard.
• arrangements are made to serve appropriate
alternative beverages.
51
• arrangements are made to serve appropriate food at
the event.
• a process to prevent serving underage drinkers is in
place.
No TCU student organization may sponsor any on-
campus event that involves the use of alcohol.
Serving Alcohol off Campus - The University
prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages in
instructional settings, including those remote to the
campus. There may arise occasions when a faculty/staff
member may wish to have alcohol served at certain
functions off campus. Examples include events
commemorating the completion of an academic or general
University program. It is expected that participants will be
of legal drinking age in the country where the event
occurs. Prior approval must be received from the Vice
Chancellor under whose auspices the program occurs.
Except in those cases approved by the Vice Chancellor,
social activities with alcohol that involve both students and
faculty that are sponsored or paid by the University or a
University employee are prohibited.
Tenure Policy
(Revised by Board of Trustees, Spring, 1999)
Preamble
A University faculty must have academic freedom in
teaching and research and freedom for extramural
activities consistent with responsible citizenship.
Academic freedom through permanent tenure is
indispensable to the success of Texas Christian University
in accomplishing its charter purposes and in fulfilling its
obligation to society as a responsible institution of higher
learning. Information is posted on individual college
websites regarding criteria. The following principles,
definitions and procedures shall constitute the tenure
policy for the faculty of Texas Christian University.
Section I - Principles and Definitions
A. The faculty of Texas Christian University shall be
defined as personnel holding full-time academic-year
appointments regardless of rank. Adjunct and part-time
faculty and faculty who are employed for special projects
with specified time limits are not covered by this
document.
Section II - Permanent Tenure
A. All permanent tenure designations granted prior to
the effective date of this document shall be honored.
B. Probationary periods of service.
1. Any full-time faculty member as defined in Section
I.A., who has not been elected by the Board of Trustees
to permanent tenure, shall be considered as being on
probationary service. The duration of the period of
probationary service will be determined by the
conditions set forth in this document.
2. Permanent tenure at Texas Christian University
shall normally be conferred upon a member of the
faculty only after he or she has served a probationary
period. Professors and associate professors who come to
the University with prior tenure status at a fully
accredited institution of higher learning may have the
probationary provision waived upon the
recommendation of the department in which the faculty
member shall have tenure. The recommendation for
waiver shall be reviewed in parallel with
recommendation for initial appointment.
3. Every non-tenured, full-time member of the faculty
must have a written contract with the University.
Appointments may be for one year or for other stated
periods, subject to renewal. For faculty who devote more
than three-fourths of their time to teaching and research,
the total period of full-time service in a tenure-track
appointment prior to acquisition of tenure shall not
exceed seven years, including all previous full-time
service in a tenure-track appointment with the rank of
instructor or higher at other accredited institutions of
higher learning, subsequent to completing terminal
qualifications in his or her field. The probationary period
for a person granted credit for prior service may extend
to as much as four years even if the total full-time
service in the profession thereby exceeds seven years. In
calculating the length of the probationary period the
following rules will apply:
a. Prior full-time service with faculty rank at other
accredited institutions must be counted toward the
probationary period if the service was:
(1) subsequent to completing terminal
qualifications, and
(2) more than three-fourths time teaching and
research, and
(3) in a tenure-track appointment at such
institutions.
b. Prior full-time service with faculty rank at other
accredited institutions may be counted, may not be
counted, or may be counted less than year-for-year if
the service was:
(1) prior to completing terminal qualifications, or
(2) three-fourths time or less teaching and
research, or
(3) in a non-tenure-track appointment at such
institutions. The faculty member, at his or her
sole option, may elect to count such service, not
to count such service or to count it less than year-
for-year.
c. Prior to a prospective faculty member’s choice of
whether or not to exercise the option provided in
B.3.b. above, the University shall undertake to
disclose to the prospective faculty member its criteria
for promotion and tenure generally and particularly in
the college and/or department in which the
appointment is to be made, so that the prospective
faculty member can make an informed decision on
whether or not to exercise the option provided in
B.3.b. above.
52
d. The option of a prospective faculty member to
count or not to count prior service, or to count it less
than year-for-year, set out in B.3.b. above, shall be a
one-time option to be exercised at the time of the
prospective faculty member’s initial tenure-track
appointment at TCU. The number of prior years
service to be counted and the length of the maximum
probationary period shall be explicitly set forth in the
prospective faculty member’s initial letter of
appointment.
e. Prior service at TCU must be counted toward the
probationary period if it was in a tenure-track
appointment. Such service must be counted even if
rendered prior to completing terminal qualifications.
f. If prior full-time service with faculty rank at TCU
was in a non-tenure track appointment, the faculty
member, at his or her sole option, may elect to count
such service, not to count such service, or to count it
less than year-for-year.
g. The option provided in B.3.f. shall be a one-time
option to be exercised at the time of the prospective
faculty member’s initial letter of appointment to a
tenure-track position at TCU. The number of prior
years service to be counted and the length of the
maximum probationary period shall be explicitly set
forth in the prospective faculty member’s initial letter
of appointment.
h. Time spent on leave of absence from TCU will
count as part of the probationary period of service.
Exceptions must be approved by the Provost/Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs and stated in writing
at the time of granting the leave.
i. In the case of an extraordinary experience or event
beyond the individual’s control that affects a non-
tenured faculty member’s performance, which may or
may not include a leave covered by the Family
Medical Leave Act, the faculty member may request
an extension of the probationary period. Additionally,
a female faculty member may request an extension of
the probationary period in the case of uncomplicated
pregnancy and subsequent childbirth. Such a request
should be timely, but no later than one year after the
event of consequence, the date of delivery, and in no
case after the tenure materials have been submitted. In
making request for an extension of the probationary
period, the faculty member relinquishes any and all
claims to de facto tenure. A faculty member may
address such a request directly to the Provost/Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs or to the Dean or
Department Chair who will forward such request to
the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for
decision. Prior to rendering a decision, the
Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will
consult with the Academic Dean.
4. Except for faculty members who have tenure status,
persons with full-time teaching or research appointment
of any kind will be informed in writing each year of their
appointment and the terms and conditions thereof as
follows:
a. The institution will normally notify faculty
members in writing of the terms and conditions of
their renewals by March 15, but in no case will such
information be given later than April 15.
b. After the first year the chairperson and tenured
faculty members will review annually the progress of
the non-tenured faculty within their department. The
non-tenured faculty member and the appropriate dean
will be informed in writing of the results of this
review. If the faculty member wishes to challenge the
findings of the review, he or she may file a dissenting
report and request a conference with the chairperson
and the tenured faculty, the dean and the Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
c. A decision on tenure, favorable or unfavorable,
shall be made by the institution at least twelve months
prior to the completion of the probationary period.
5. Written notice from the chief academic officer that
a probationary appointment is not to be renewed must be
given to the faculty member in advance of the expiration
of his or her appointment as follows:
a. no later than March 1 of the first year of service if
the appointment expires at the end of that academic
year; or, if a probationary appointment terminates
during an academic year, at least three months in
advance of its termination;
b. no later than December 15 of the second year of
service if the appointment expires at the end of that
academic year; or, if an appointment terminates during
an academic year, at least six months in advance of its
termination;
c. at least 12 months before the expiration of an
appointment after two years of service at the
institution.
6. Faculty whose appointments assign one fourth or
more of their time to duties other than teaching and
research may be granted tenure according to the proce-
dure in Section II.B.3.d. Since the granting of tenure
depends primarily upon demonstrated teaching and
research ability, a department must necessarily have
sufficient data before making a tenure decision;
therefore, until an appointment of more than three-
fourths time teaching and/or research is made, there shall
be no limit to the probationary period. Only periods of
service involving more than three-fourths time in
teaching and/or research shall count as part of the
probationary period.
C. Eligibility for tenure.
Tenure ordinarily shall not be given to instructors, unless
specifically employed in a tenure-track instructor position,
nor to assistant professors. Eligible faculty who are not
U.S. citizens must have obtained permanent residency in
order to be considered for tenure.
D. Procedure for granting of tenure.
1. Any eligible person may be nominated for tenure by
the tenured members of the faculty in the department
involved. They shall nominate to the department
chairperson, who shall in turn, if he or she concurs,
nominate to the dean of the college, the Vice
53
Chancellor(s) involved, and the Chancellor, who will
decide whether to forward the nomination to the Board
of Trustees. All candidates for tenure must be mindful of
the critical importance of their college requirements and
should be aware that each department has its own
separate criteria. External review letters will be required
and will only be accessible to the candidate upon legal
request. Consult your college’s criteria. If the
nomination is not accepted at any point in this
procedure, the reasons for the veto will be sent back to
the department chairperson. The chair-person will
discuss the decision and reasons with the nominee.
2. Appropriate consultation will be made in accor-
dance with procedures outlined in the Faculty Advisory
Committee Structure and printed in the current Faculty
and Staff Handbook. A procedural guideline is also
available on the Academic Affairs Administrative
website.
3. An associate or full professor may apply for tenure
through his or her department chairperson in any year. If
the application is denied, he or she may appeal first to
the dean of the college and then to the appropriate Vice
Chancellor.
Official tenure and faculty promotion files submitted to
the Provost’s Office are to be in electronic form.
Section III - Resignations
A. A faculty member may terminate his or her
appointment effective at the end of an academic year,
provided that he or she gives notice in writing at the
earliest possible opportunity, but normally not later than 30
days prior to the end of the academic year. The faculty
member may properly request a waiver of this requirement
of notice in case of hardship or in a situation where he or
she would otherwise be denied substantial professional
advancement. In this case, the faculty member shall act as
early as possible so as to provide maximum time for
replacement.
Section IV - Dismissal Procedures
A. Cause for dismissal or reduction in rank of tenured
faculty shall be stated in writing and shall be related
directly and substantially to the fitness of the faculty
member in his or her professional capacity as a teacher or
researcher. Threat of dismissal or reduction in rank will
not be used to restrain faculty members in their exercise of
academic freedom or other rights of American citizens.
B. Dismissal or reduction in rank of a faculty member
with tenure, or in the case of a faculty member with a
probationary appointment, before the end of his or her
term (contract period) as specified in II.B.5, will be
preceded by discussion between the faculty member and
appropriate administrative officers, looking toward a
mutually acceptable conclusion.
1. Should the above fail, cause for dismissal or
reduction in rank of a faculty member shall be stated in
writing by the Chancellor in a letter of terminal
appointment (a) received at least twelve months prior to
the end of the terminal academic year in the case of a
tenured faculty member, or (b) received at least five
months prior to the termination date in other cases.
2. After receipt of the Chancellor’s letter, the faculty
member shall have 30 days to request a hearing before
the Faculty Tenure Hearing Committee by a letter to the
chairperson of the Faculty Senate.
3. The Faculty Tenure Hearing Committee shall
consist of five employees of Texas Christian University,
one selected by the faculty member in question, one
selected by the Chancellor and three selected from a list
of 10 in accord with the following plan. As needed, the
Committee on Committees of the Faculty Senate will
nominate and the Senate shall approve the names of 10
faculty members as potential members and six additional
faculty members as potential replacement members of
Hearing Committees. When a Hearing Committee must
be formed, the chairperson of the Faculty Senate, or
designated representative thereof, shall present a list of
10 names approved by the Senate to the two parties for
ranking according to their preferences for membership
on the Hearing Committee. The chairperson of the
Senate, or designated representative, shall then select the
three names most preferred by both parties, breaking any
tied rankings by a method he or she deems appropriate.
These three persons shall then designate one among
themselves to serve as Chair of the Hearing Committee.
Ideally, members of a Hearing Committee should not be
selected as advocates but rather because they are
impartial, knowledgeable concerning the issues and
skillful in eliciting pertinent information.
C. Once the Hearing Committee is organized, the
procedures below shall apply:
1. The Faculty Tenure Hearing Committee shall obtain
a copy of the terminal appointment letter with a
statement of cause from the Chancellor. The hearing
shall begin no later than 30 days after receipt of the
faculty member’s written request. Written notice of the
date of the hearing shall be forwarded by the chairperson
of the Faculty Tenure Hearing Committee to the
committee members, the Chancellor, and the faculty
member.
2. The Hearing Committee, in consultation with the
Chancellor and the faculty member, shall exercise its
judgment as to whether the hearing should be public or
private.
3. The burden of proof that adequate cause exists rests
with the institution and shall be established by
substantial evidence.
4. During the proceedings the faculty member shall be
permitted to have an academic advisor and/or legal
counsel of his or her own choice. If the faculty member
elects to have legal counsel present, the University also
shall be permitted to have legal counsel present.
5. At the request of either party or the Hearing
Committee, a representative of a responsible educational
association shall be permitted to attend the proceedings
as an observer upon nomination by and at the cost of the
nominating party.
54
6. The faculty member shall be afforded an
opportunity to obtain necessary witnesses and
documentary or other evidence, and the administration
of the institution shall, insofar as it is possible, secure
the cooperation of such witnesses and make available to
the faculty member necessary documents and other
evidence.
7. The faculty member and the administration shall
have the right to confront and cross-examine all
witnesses. Where the witness cannot appear, but the
Hearing Committee determines that the interests of
justice require admission of his or her statement, the
committee shall identify the witness, disclose his or her
statement, and if possible provide for interrogatories.
8. A verbatim record of the hearing or hearings shall
be taken and a typewritten copy shall be made available
to the faculty member and the Chancellor.
9. The faculty member and the Chancellor shall be
notified in writing of the Hearing Committee’s findings.
10. Prior to and during the hearings, except for such
simple announcements as may be required for
assembling the interested parties, the faculty member,
administrators and the committee members should avoid
public statements and publicity about the case.
11. If the Faculty Tenure Hearing Committee finds
that adequate cause for dismissal or reduction in rank
has not been established by the evidence in the record, it
shall so report to the Chancellor no later than 15 days
following the conclusion of the hearings. If the Faculty
Tenure Hearing Committee concludes that adequate
cause for dismissal or reduction in rank has been
established, but that an action less than dismissal or
reduction in rank would be appropriate, it shall so
recommend with supporting reasons. The Chancellor
shall either accept or reject the report within 30 days
after receipt. If the Chancellor rejects the report, he or
she shall state his or her reasons for doing so in writing
to the Faculty Tenure Hearing Committee and to the
faculty member and shall provide an opportunity for
response.
D. Action by the Board of Trustees.
1. The Chancellor shall, upon request of the faculty
member, transmit to the Faculty Relations Committee of
the Board of Trustees the record of the case. That
committee shall review the findings, recommendations,
and material evidence, making further investigation or
additional comments as it deems proper, and shall refer
the record and its recommendations to the Board of
Trustees at its next regular or special meeting or to the
Executive Committee if no Board Meeting is imminent.
Should the Board of Trustees not accept the
recommendations of the Faculty Tenure Hearing
Committee, then the Board must return to the Hearing
Committee their reasons. These reasons shall be
considered and final recommendations shall be sent
forward by the Hearing Committee. The Board of
Trustees, or the Executive Committee acting for it, shall
consider the final recommendations of the Hearing
Committee and make the final decision.
E. Suspensions and Reassignments.
The faculty member shall normally continue in his or her
assigned duties until the date of termination stated in the
Chancellor’s letter (Section IV. B.l.), or the date of
termination stated in the employment contract, whichever
is earlier. Should there be circumstances or evidence to
suggest a suspension or reassignment, the administration
shall consult with the Faculty Tenure Hearing Committee,
or, if it has not been formed, with the Faculty Senate
Executive Committee, before deciding whether the faculty
member in question shall be allowed to continue his or her
duties.
F. Terminal salary or notice.
As noted above, if the appointment of a tenured faculty
member is terminated, the faculty member shall receive his
or her written notice at least 12 months prior to the end of
the terminal academic year. Should there be a finding that
the conduct which justified dismissal involved moral
turpitude, this provision for terminal notice or salary need
not apply. Moral turpitude shall be interpreted in the
framework of values accepted by the academic community
at large. On the recommendation of the Faculty Tenure
Hearing Committee or the Chancellor, the Board of
Trustees, in determining what payments will be made
beyond the effective date of dismissal, may take into
account the length and quality of service of the faculty
member.
Section V - Termination Procedures in the Event of
Elimination or Severe Reduction of an Academic
Program
A. When, in the judgment of the administration,
financial circumstances mandate serious consideration of
the elimination or reduction of a program with an
accompanying dismissal or reassignment of tenured
faculty, an ad hoc committee shall be formed to participate
in the deliberations and to advise the administration with
regard to appropriate actions. The committee shall be
comprised of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, the
chief academic officer, the dean of the school or college
and the departmental chairperson concerned. The tenured
faculty members whose appointments may be directly
affected, shall have the opportunity to meet with the
committee in order to provide information which the
tenured faculty members consider to be relevant. The chief
academic officer of the University shall serve as
chairperson of the ad hoc committee. Should the decision
be made that the concern is bonafide and that the
termination or reassignment of one or more tenured faculty
members is necessary, the ad hoc committee shall assist
the administration in its efforts to work out the most
equitable arrangement possible for the tenured faculty
members concerned and for the University. In these
circumstances, the procedures in Section IV do not apply.
If the appointment of a tenured faculty member is
terminated under these circumstances, the faculty member
shall receive his or her written notice at least twelve
months prior to the end of the terminal academic year.
55
Faculty Appointment, Reappointment and
Promotion Policy
(Revised by Faculty Senate, October 1, 1998)
Advancement in rank is made by the Board on
recommendation of the Chancellor.
I. General Criteria
The following general criteria shall apply in
consideration of recommendation for reappointment and
promotion. Departmental and/or college documents
identify specific criteria and emphases used to determine if
faculty have met these general criteria. They are readily
available to the University community and specifically
reported to each non-tenured, tenure track faculty member
on an annual basis. These criteria are:
A. Teaching
B. Scholarship, creativity and its equivalents
C. Service to the University and the profession
D. Advising and related activities
E. Professional development
F. Conduct in accord with the Statement on
Professional Ethics
Teaching and scholarship are the central considerations
in reappointment and promotion. Service to the University
and the profession, advising, professional development,
and professional ethics are also important considerations
but will not serve as substitutes for teaching and
scholarship.
A. Teaching
The instruction of students is the first purpose of the
University and the prime responsibility of every faculty
member. Therefore, Texas Christian University expects
each member of the faculty to have knowledge of his or
her subject commensurate with the teaching assignment, to
maintain awareness of developments in his or her
discipline, and to communicate to students both knowledge
of and interest in his or her discipline. The faculty member
should encourage students in responsible and careful
inquiry, in appreciation of the interrelation of various
disciplines, and in recognition of the uses of learning and
the value of the educated mind. The University affirms
that teaching effectiveness can be assessed; the procedures
and results of such assessment to be a part of
considerations for reappointment and promotion.
B. Scholarship, Creativity and Their Equivalents
Texas Christian University expects that each member of
the faculty will provide evidence of his or her professional
competence through scholarship, research and other
creative activities appropriate to the discipline, with such
activities presented in the proper professional forums and
reflected in the classes conducted by the faculty member.
Such activities must be measured by quality, not merely by
quantity, and, at the time of consideration for
reappointment and promotion, the criteria expressed in
Section II of this document shall be applied.
C. Service to the University and the Profession
Service to the University and to the Profession are
integral aspects of faculty responsibility.
1. University service. The faculty member should
perform well in committee and other non-teaching
University assignments.
2. Professional service. The faculty member should
participate in professional and community
organizations related to his or her discipline.
D. Advising and Related Activities
Advising is an important faculty function which
encompasses academic as well as other activities such as
career counseling which may be considered appropriately
related to advising by academic units.
E. Professional Development
Faculty members are expected to actively maintain
professional knowledge and skills, and be aware of
developments within their discipline and fields of
specialization. They should pursue programs of study and
self-development related to their academic discipline and
should continue to cultivate their academic interests and
professional competencies throughout their careers.
F. Conduct in accord with the Statement on Professional
Ethics
Faculty members are expected to comply with the
Statement on Professional Ethics adopted by the Faculty
Senate on February 4, 1993.
II. Guidelines for Appointment, Reappointment and
Promotion
The following should be regarded as firm but not
absolute criteria because unusual circumstances and
qualifications may justify special procedures. Professional
credentials of the faculty holding the rank of Assistant
Professor or higher are understood to include the
appropriate terminal academic degree or the earned
professional equivalents. For such degrees and equivalents,
teaching experience is not an allowable substitute. The
terms of appointment to any academic rank will be stated
in writing by the appropriate administrative officer of the
University at the time appointment is made and in
accordance with procedures described in the Faculty and
Staff Handbook.
The criteria here stated are not to affect adversely the
ranks held by members of the faculty of Texas Christian
University at the time of the adoption of this policy, but
following its adoption the policy will apply to all decisions
regarding reappointment and promotion.
Faculty Ranks
A. Non-tenure track appointments
1. Lecturer. This title is reserved for individuals
holding specified period appointments, generally of
one year or less.
2. Instructor (various ranks).
This appointment is renewable and continuation
in the position is contingent upon successful
performance in the areas of teaching, professional
service, advising and related activities, and
continuing professional development. Details
56
concerning the nature of these appointments can be
obtained from the college concerned.
3. Professor of Professional Practice (various
ranks).
These appointments are renewable and
continuation in the position is contingent upon
successful performance in the areas of teaching,
professional service, advising and related activities,
and continuing professional development. Details
concerning the nature of these appointments can be
obtained from the college concerned.
B. Tenure-track appointments.
Assistant Professor. The candidate for an assistant
professorship is expected to demonstrate an increasing
knowledge of his or her discipline, and growing
competency in teaching and scholarship. As a general
rule, five years of service in this rank is expected
before consideration for promotion to an associate
professorship. This time framework may be modified
if the candidate has prior experience elsewhere in a
tenure-track position.
C. Tenured appointments
The faculty member appointed, reappointed, or
promoted to either of the tenured ranks is so assigned
with the expectation that he or she will continue to
contribute significantly to his or her profession. Such
assignment should be made only after careful
consideration of the professional abilities and
prospects of the candidate. The criteria for
appointment, reappointment, and promotion to an
associate professorship differ from those of a
professorship in degree rather than in kind.
1. Associate Professor. It is expected that the
candidate for this rank will demonstrate his or her
professional competence through teaching,
scholarship, research, publication, and/or other
creative activities appropriate to the discipline, with
such activities presented in the proper professional
forum. The candidate for associate professor should
demonstrate his or her general understanding of a
large part of the discipline, willingness to continue
study in his or her subject, and concern to improve
teaching. As a general rule, more than five years of
service in this rank are expected before consideration
for promotion to a full professorship.
2. Professor. The candidates for this rank will, by
their reputation within the University and beyond,
manifest teaching, scholarship, creative activities and
professional achievements compatible with the highest
aspirations of the University faculty community. In
addition, such faculty should provide leadership in the
University and by their activities should define the
best character of Texas Christian University.
III. Professional Review and Development of Tenured
Faculty
The purpose of a professional peer review of tenured
faculty is to provide effective evaluation, beneficial
counsel, and timely and positive assistance to ensure that
each faculty member has every opportunity, consistent
with departmental, college and university goals, to
experience healthy professional development and
productivity throughout the faculty member’s entire career.
This policy is intended to be consistent with the AAUP
report guidelines for post-tenure review (“On Post-Tenure
Review,” prepared by a sub-committee of Committee A on
Academic Freedom and Tenure, and approved by
Committee A in May 1997).
1. The review process must not subvert the rights of
academic freedom and tenure, nor reduce the faculty
member’s prerogatives of appeal as specified by the
Handbook for Faculty and Staff (Faculty Grievance
Policy). The faculty member always has the prerogative
to provide a written response to an action at any stage of
the post tenure review process.
2. Each tenured faculty member shall be reviewed and
evaluated at least every five years by a faculty review
committee established in accordance with departmental
policies and procedures for review of tenured faculty.
Faculty members with administrative appointments at
the level of Dean and above shall be exempt from this
process.
3. The criteria used in the evaluation shall be
established by departmental policies and procedures for
review of tenured faculty. These criteria should clearly
state departmental expectations, consistent with
departmental, college and university goals, for all areas
of evaluation; and should be differentiated by rank and
level of seniority as relevant.
4. The initial year for the review of a tenured faculty
member shall be established by departmental policies
and procedures for review of tenured faculty. Special
situations (e.g., approved leave) may justify an
adjustment in the evaluation cycle. Approval for an
adjustment in the evaluation cycle is required by the
Dean for the department involved.
5. A written report shall be provided to each faculty
member undergoing review with a copy to the
Department Chair. The Department Chair shall transmit
the report to the Dean with additional comments as
appropriate. The faculty member under review must
have the opportunity to see these comments and to offer
a rebuttal, if desired. Areas of exceptional contribution,
if any, should be noted along with recommendations to
the administration for appropriate recognition. The
written report must include a faculty development plan
that specifies the goals and objectives established by the
faculty member in consultation with the review
committee prior to the next review. The goals and
objectives in the faculty development plan must be
consistent with department and university goals, and the
plan must specify methods for assessing the achievement
of these goals and objectives at the time of the next
review.
6. If significant areas of deficiency are identified, the
faculty development plan must include a performance
improvement plan that addresses the areas of deficiency.
This plan, developed in consultation with the faculty
57
member, shall include specific guidance and
recommendations to assist the faculty member more
fully to meet individual, departmental, college, and
university goals. The performance improvement plan
must include specific information on a timetable,
methods of assessing achievement of objectives, and
description of a process for monitoring progress and
identification of completion. The Department Chair must
provide a written report to the faculty member and to the
Dean upon completion of the performance improvement
plan.
IV. Access to Records
All documents related to the appointment, reappointment
and promotion process are part of the faculty member's
personnel file. TCU policy is in accordance with a federal
law which allows employee access to their personnel file
with the exception of external review letters which are
only available upon legal request..
V. Nondiscrimination
A. All appointments, promotions, renewals, and non-
renewals of appointments shall be made without
discrimination with regard to gender, sexual orientation,
religion, handicap, race, national origin, political
affiliation, or veteran status.
B. All departmental committees and administrative
officials will adhere to the Affirmative Action program of
the University.
Statement on Professional Ethics
On February 4, 1993, the TCU Faculty Senate adopted
as its policy on professional ethics the AAUP Statement on
Professional Ethics. The statement is reproduced from the
AAUP, American Association of University Professors,
Policy Documents & Reports, 2009 Revised Edition.
The Statement
1. Professors, guided by a deep conviction of the worth
and dignity of the advancement of knowledge, recognize
the special responsibilities placed upon them. Their
primary responsibility to their subject is to seek and to
state the truth as they see it. To this end professors devote
their energies to developing and improving their scholarly
competence. They accept the obligation to exercise critical
self-discipline and judgment in using, extending, and
transmitting knowledge. They practice intellectual
honesty. Although professors may follow subsidiary
interests, these interests must never seriously hamper or
compromise their freedom of inquiry.
2. As teachers, professors encourage the free pursuit of
learning in their students. They hold before them the best
scholarly and ethical standards of their discipline.
Professors demonstrate respect for students as individuals
and adhere to their proper roles as intellectual guides and
counselors. Professors make every reasonable effort to
foster honest academic conduct and to ensure that their
evaluations of students reflect each student’s true merit.
They respect the confidential nature of the relationship
between professor and student. They avoid any
exploitation, harassment, or discriminatory treatment of
students. They acknowledge significant academic or
scholarly assistance from them. They protect their
academic freedom.
3. As colleagues, professors have obligations that derive
from common membership in the community of scholars.
Professors do not discriminate against or harass
colleagues. They respect and defend the free inquiry of
associates, even when it leads to findings and conclusions
that differ from their own. Professors acknowledge
academic debt and strive to be objective in their
professional judgment of colleagues. Professors accept
their share of faculty responsibilities for the governance of
their institution.
4. As members of an academic institution, professors
seek above all to be effective teachers and scholars.
Although professors observe the stated regulations of the
institution, provided the regulations do not contravene
academic freedom, they maintain their right to criticize and
seek revision. Professors give due regard to their
paramount responsibilities within their institution in
determining the amount and character of work done
outside it. When considering the interruption or
termination of their service, professors recognize the effect
of their decision upon the program of the institution and
give due notice of their intentions.
5. As members of their community, professors have the
rights and obligations of other citizens. Professors
measure the urgency of these obligations in the light of
their responsibilities to their subject, to their students, to
their profession, and to their institution. When they speak
or act as private persons they avoid creating the impression
of speaking or acting for their college or university. As
citizens engaged in a profession that depends upon
freedom for its health and integrity, professors have a
particular obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry
and to further public understanding of academic freedom.
Graduate Faculty Policy
(Approved by Graduate Council, May 17, 2012)
Preamble
The existence of a Graduate Faculty at TCU is consistent
with the mission and goals of the university, reflects the
highest ideals of teaching and scholarship, and has the
distinct value of representing to students the high caliber of
faculty who sustain the institution’s commitment to
excellence throughout its graduate enterprise. It also
contributes to the institution’s reputation as assessed by the
regional accrediting association and signaled through
national categorical descriptors of colleges and
58
universities. The following principles and procedures shall
constitute the Graduate Faculty Policy at TCU.
I. Principles
The primary role of Graduate Faculty members at TCU
is the academic and scholarly instruction of graduate
students. Members of the Graduate Faculty are expected to
transmit an advanced/specialized body of knowledge
effectively and to mentor graduate students in the
systematic development of skills of inquiry and creativity
that result in a meaningful contribution to the discipline.
By engaging in service to the university and the discipline
as well as recurring professional development activities,
members of the Graduate Faculty also serve as role models
for their students. Graduate Faculty membership, therefore,
is a distinction that is earned and maintained.
II. Criteria for Membership
Appointment/reappointment to a membership category
of the Graduate Faculty requires that the individual meet
the applicable minimum, general, and unit criteria.
Consideration of the degree to which a faculty member has
met all applicable criteria must be based primarily on
issues of quality, not merely quantity.
A. Minimum Criteria
1. Appropriate terminal degree or equivalent
Individuals must hold a terminal degree appropriate
to the discipline or present evidence of exceptional
competence for the responsibilities assigned. For those
individuals awaiting the awarding of their terminal
degree, certification by the degree-granting institution
that they have met all requirements for the degree is
acceptable.
2. Faculty Status
Full-time, tenure-track faculty members with
professorial rank at TCU are eligible for appointment as
Graduate Faculty. Full-time faculty holding professional
(non-tenure track) positions at TCU may be considered
for appointment as Graduate Faculty when demonstrated
scholarly achievements are distinctive or professional
achievements are significant contributions to the
discipline. All other faculty (non-professorial, full or
part-time; professorial, part-time and/or non-tenure
track) are eligible for appointment as Associate Graduate
Faculty.
B. General Criteria
1. Teaching and mentoring of graduate students
TCU expects each faculty member to have a
knowledge of the subject area commensurate with
graduate-level teaching, to engage regularly in the
development of his/her teaching skills, and to evidence
consistently a record of effective teaching.
Recognizing the unique distinctions that
characterize master’s and doctoral-level teaching and
mentoring, faculty must demonstrate teaching abilities
appropriate to the level of graduate instruction to which
they are assigned.
2. Scholarship and its equivalents
TCU’s intention is to assure graduate students that
the development of their skills of scholarship and
creativity is directed by faculty members who are
recognized scholars/artists continually engaged in the
production of significant contributions to their
disciplines. To that end, faculty members are expected to
demonstrate a sustained record of scholarship/creative
activities that is appropriate to the discipline.
Faculty expected to direct doctoral dissertations
independently must have attained distinction in their
scholarly/creative endeavors and demonstrated their
ability to direct students in the pursuit of original and
substantive scholarship.
C. Unit Criteria
Department (or equivalent unit) and school/college
documents provide specific standards and emphases which
(a) further interpret the General Criteria, (b) are
appropriate to the responsibilities to which the individual
is to be assigned, and (c) in the Ph.D.-granting
departments, make distinctions between master’s and
doctoral level program assignments. Unit documents,
including future changes, must be approved by the
Graduate Council.
III. Membership Categories and Responsibilities
A. Graduate Faculty
Individuals appointed/reappointed to the category,
Graduate Faculty, may
1. teach courses earning graduate credit
2. independently direct doctoral dissertations or
master’s theses
3. serve as a member of advisory, thesis, or
dissertation committees
4. serve as a member of the Graduate Council
Except as described in Section VI, individuals are
appointed/reappointed as Graduate Faculty for a six-year
term. Appointment/reappointment as Graduate Faculty
may be terminated by action of the appropriate academic
dean.
B. Associate Graduate Faculty
Individuals appointed/reappointed to the category,
Associate Graduate Faculty may
1. teach courses earning graduate credit
2. serve as a member of advisory, thesis, or
dissertation committees
Individuals are appointed/reappointed as Associate
Graduate Faculty for a specified term not to exceed six
years. Appointment/reappointment as Associate Graduate
Faculty may be terminated by action of the appropriate
academic dean.
IV. Appointment/Reappointment and Appeal Procedures
Nominations for appointment/reappointment to either
category of Graduate Faculty membership must originate
in the department or equivalent unit. Departmental
nomination procedures are established by the department
faculty, subject to approval by the school/college dean, but
must include an endorsement by the chair. In the event that
59
the nominee is the department chair or unit director,
departmental procedures will specify responsibility for
submitting the letter of endorsement.
Nominations from the department or equivalent unit will
be forwarded to the school/college dean who will approve
and make the appointment or will disapprove.
A negative recommendation or decision for
appointment/reappointment to Graduate Faculty or to
Associate Graduate Faculty must include a written
statement noting the reason(s) for the denial. A negative
recommendation by the department chair or unit director
may be appealed to the Academic Dean. A negative
decision or a decision to terminate an appointment to
Graduate Faculty or Associate Graduate Faculty (See
Section VII) by the Academic Dean may be appealed to
the Graduate Council. Decisions of the Graduate Council
may be appealed to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs, whose decision shall be final.
A. Procedure to Appeal Denial/Termination of
Graduate Faculty or Associate Graduate Faculty
Status to the Graduate Council.
Notice to appeal should be sent in writing within 30
days of notice of denial or termination, along with
appropriate documents, to the Chair of the Graduate
Council. Within five long-semester business days of
receiving written notification of an appeal request, the
Chair will appoint a panel of three Graduate Council
members (members not from the same college as the
appellant) to review written statements from the appellant
and academic dean. The panel will render a written
decision to either uphold or reverse the dean’s decision
within 10 business days of the panel being appointed. All
parties may agree to an extension, particularly to
accommodate summer term delay of process.
V. Nomination Materials
Individuals nominated for either Graduate Faculty or
Associate Graduate Faculty must submit (1) the standard
cover form with signatures, (2) a letter of nomination by
the department chair of designee addressing all applicable
criterion statements, and (3) a current vita in TCU format.
VI. Provisional Appointments
Faculty considered for reappointment as Graduate
Faculty who do not meet the applicable criteria in
existence at the time of the nomination may be
recommended for a provisional appointment by the
department or equivalent unit to the school/college dean.
Provisional appointments are normally for a two-year
period and may not be renewed. Members of the Graduate
Faculty who fail to qualify for re-appointment following a
provisional appointment will be dropped from membership
on the Graduate Faculty and normally are not eligible for
re-nomination for three years.
Individuals being considered for initial appointment as
Graduate Faculty or those who hold an Associate Graduate
Faculty appointment may not be recommended for a
provisional appointment.
VII. Termination of Appointment
When personnel actions are imposed on a faculty
member under any of the University’s policies, that action
may include a recommendation to the school/college dean
that the individual’s appointment/reappointment as
Graduate Faculty or Associate Graduate Faculty be
terminated.
Faculty Advisory Committee Structure
(Revised by Faculty Senate, 1991,
edited, 2000 and 2005)
I. Purpose
The welfare of faculty members and the quality of
University programs as they are affected by promotion and
tenure are a major concern to the faculty and administra-
tion of Texas Christian University. Because both faculty
and administration have an interest in assuring that
equitable and reasonable judgments are rendered in these
matters, Faculty Advisory Committees are created at the
department, college and University levels.
Each committee shall advise the appropriate adminis-
trator on the fairness of his or her individual recommen-
dations concerning promotion and tenure. While the
Advisory Committee does not relieve any administrator of
his or her fundamental responsibility for those recommen-
dations, it is the conviction of administration and faculty
that the interests of the University and the morale of the
faculty are best supported if duly constituted faculty
committees are consulted about such recommendations
and if structures exist by which these committees of the
faculty may consult with the appropriate administrator on
any private or confidential matter related to promotion and
tenure.
Committee members shall hold in confidence all
information they examine or discuss. Any violation of this
trust by a member shall be grounds for his or her removal
from the committee by the appropriate administrative
officer, after consultation with other members of the
committee.
II. Name
The committees established are the Department
Advisory Committee (where the department is a separate
budget unit), the College (School) Advisory Committee,
and the University Advisory Committee. These
committees advise and on occasion meet respectively with
the departmental chair, the dean of the college (school),
and the chief academic officer.
III. Functions and Procedures
In the interest of efficiency and equity, each year,
sometime prior to the commencement of regular work, an
orientation to the purpose and procedures of the Advisory
Committee shall be conducted by the appropriate
administrator.
60
At the time when recommendations concerning tenure
and promotion are to be considered, the administrator shall
present in writing to his or her advisory committee a list of
proposed recommendations along with the proper
documentation to support these recommendations.
The advisory committee shall then meet separately from
the administrator to consider the recommendations with
regard to individual faculty rights; to quality and needs of
programs; and to equity in the department, college, or
University. Unless invited for the specific purpose of
answering questions about the written evidence, the
administrator shall not be present at the deliberations of the
advisory committee. The Faculty Appointment,
Reappointment, and Promotion Policy, as well as the
official statements of criteria developed by the several
departments or other administrative units, shall serve as a
guide for recommendations on promotion and tenure.
When the advisory committee has completed its
deliberations, it shall meet with the administrator to
discuss the proposed recommendations. The committee
shall then advise the administrator whether or not the
evidence provided, in its judgment, supports the
recommendations.
In each case and at every level the judgment of the
advisory committee shall be in writing, but shall not
include the specific vote count, which shall remain
confidential. The administrator's final recommendation
shall include the judgment of the appropriate advisory
committee. If a majority of the committee disagrees with
an administrator’s recommendation, the committee may
file with the next appropriate administrator a report stating
its reasons for dissent.
A department chair shall discuss his or her proposed
action concerning promotion and/or tenure with the faculty
member before forwarding or declining to forward such
recommendation to the dean. If the dean declines to
endorse and forward a chair’s recommendation concerning
promotion and/or tenure, the dean shall discuss the reasons
for the denial with the chair and the candidate before
submitting the college recommendation to the chief
academic officer. If the chief academic officer declines to
endorse and forward a dean’s recommendation concerning
promotion and/or tenure, the chief academic officer shall
discuss the reasons for the denial with the dean, the chair
and the candidate before submitting the University
recommendations to the Chancellor. All recommendations
and documentation shall become part of the candidate's
personnel file and as such, are accessible to the candidate.
If a department chair chooses to appeal the dean’s
decision not to endorse and forward a departmental
recommendation, the chair’s recommendation will be
forwarded to the chief academic officer together with a
statement of the dean’s reasons for denial.
If the dean chooses to appeal a decision of the chief
academic officer not to endorse and forward a college
(school) recommendation, the dean’s recommendation will
be forwarded to the Chancellor together with a statement
of the chief academic officer’s reasons for denial.
If the chair does not submit a recommendation and the
Department Advisory Committee files a dissenting report,
the dean, if he or she supports the committee, shall allow
the chair the privilege of consultation and appeal before
forwarding the college recommendations to the chief
academic officer.
If the dean does not endorse and forward a favorable
recommendation and the College (School) Advisory
Committee files a dissenting report, the chief academic
officer, if in support of the committee, shall give the dean
the privilege of consultation and appeal before forwarding
the University recommendations to the Chancellor.
An administrator may, at his or her discretion, refer a
reappointment to his or her advisory committee. In such a
case, the same procedures shall be followed as are
followed for tenure and promotion.
IV. Structure
No faculty member shall serve on more than one
advisory committee although the Provost has the power to
make exceptions as deemed necessary. Members of the
Faculty Senate Executive Committee may not serve on the
University or College Advisory Committee, and ordinarily
will not serve on the Department Advisory Committee.
A. Department Advisory Committee
Given the wide differences in departmental size, it is
not feasible to describe here the precise composition of a
departmental advisory committee. The number of
members for each departmental advisory committee
shall be determined by the dean of the appropriate
school or college. The process of selection shall involve
both election by full-time faculty within the department
and appointment by the chairman of the department. The
number of elected members and of appointed members
shall be equal if the total membership is an even
number; if the total membership is an odd number, the
number of elected members shall exceed the number of
appointed members by one. The department chairman is
not eligible to serve on the departmental advisory
committee. Insofar as possible, junior faculty with
limited experience will serve only under unusual
circumstances. The term of service of committee
members shall be determined by the separate
departments. The committee shall elect a committee
chair at a meeting held before the end of the spring
semester; that chair shall serve for the ensuing year.
B. College (School) Advisory Committee
Section 1. Each College (School) Advisory
Committee shall consist of four faculty members. Two
shall be elected by the faculty of the college (school).
Two shall be appointed by the dean. When possible no
department shall be represented by more than one
member of the committee.
Any school or college may apply to both the Provost
and the Faculty Senate proposing an alternate structure
for the college of school’s advisory structure. The
grounds for proposing an alternate structure may
include, but are not limited to, (i) a structure that is more
fully representative of the school or college, and (ii) a
61
response to a situation wherein the number of full-time
faculty is insufficient to conform with the prescribed
structure. In any situation where the college or school
advisory committee consists of an odd number of
faculty, the elected representatives shall be in the
majority. If both the Provost and the Faculty Senate
approve the change, the school or college will continue
operating under this revised structure, as articulated,
until such time as they might seek further action.
Section 2. To be eligible to serve on a College
(School) Advisory Committee, a faculty member must
have tenure. A faculty member who devotes one half or
more of his or her time to administrative duties is not
eligible, nor are departmental chairs.
Section 3. All full-time faculty members shall have
voting rights.
Section 4. Nominations and election
a. The procedure for filling all Advisory Committee
vacancies shall involve two stages: a nominating
ballot and an election ballot. Both ballots shall be
conducted by mail.
b. Nominating ballot
(1) A nominating ballot shall be prepared for the
college (school). Each nominating ballot shall
contain the names of all persons in the college
(school) or division eligible for the office to be
filled. Voters may indicate three choices for each
vacancy.
(2) The candidates for college (school) commit-
tees receiving the four highest number of votes shall
be placed in order by lot on the election ballot.
(3) Before placing a nominee’s name on the final
ballot the chairman of the College (School)
Advisory Committee shall confirm the nominee’s
willingness to serve if elected. If the nominee
declines, his or her name shall be replaced by the
next highest nominee on the ballot who consents to
serve.
c. Election ballot
(1) The election ballots for the committee shall be
distributed to all full-time faculty members
according to college (school) or division. Voters
may indicate one choice for the vacancy. The
candidate or candidates receiving plurality will be
declared elected.
(2) Nominations and elections shall be supervised
by the college (school) or division. Voters may
indicate one choice for the vacancy the committee
shall designate first and second alternates in
conformity with the results of the election. The first
alternate shall serve if the person elected is unable
to at any time before the next regular election. The
second alternate shall serve if both the principal and
the first alternate are unable to serve.
d. All ties in any balloting shall be broken by lot.
Section 5. The term of service shall be three years so
staggered that the terms of no more than two members
expire in the same year.
Section 6. Any member who has served a full term
shall not be eligible for appointment or reelection for
three years.
Section 7. The annual election of the Advisory
Committee shall be held no later than three weeks before
the close of the academic year in the spring semester.
The dean shall announce his or her appointees within
one week after the results are tabulated. The committee
shall elect a chair for the ensuing year at a meeting to be
held before the end of the spring semester.
C. University Advisory Committee
Section 1. The University Advisory Committee shall
consist of eight faculty members. Four shall be elected
by the Faculty Senate from among the total tenured
University faculty. Four shall be appointed by the chief
academic officer after consultation with the Executive
Committee of the Faculty Senate. The elected members
and appointed members shall represent the schools and
colleges as follows: AddRan College, two members
representing each of the major divisions of the College;
and one member representing the School of Business,
the Bob Schieffer College of Communication, College
of Education, College of Fine Arts, Harris College of
Nursing & Health Sciences, and the College of Science
& Engineering respectively.
Section 2. To be eligible to serve on the University
Advisory Committee, a faculty member must have
tenure. A faculty member who devotes one half or more
of his or her time to administrative duties is not eligible,
nor are departmental chairs.
Section 3. The term of service shall be three years so
staggered that the terms of no more than three members
expire in the same year.
Section 4. Any member who has served a full term
shall not be eligible for appointment or reelection for
three years.
Section 5. The Faculty Senate and the chief academic
officer shall announce their selections no later than six
weeks before the close of the academic year in the
spring semester. The committee shall elect a chair for
the ensuing year at a meeting held before the end of the
spring semester.
Academic Conduct Policy
(Adopted by University Council, December 6, 1995)
If it is to fulfill its missions, an academic community
requires that all of its participants maintain the highest
standards of honor and integrity. The purpose of the
Academic Conduct Policy is to make all aware of these
expectations. Additionally, the policy outlines some, but
not all, of the situations that violate these standards.
Further, the policy sets forth a set or procedures that will
be used when these standards are violated. In this spirit,
this policy outlines below: (1) Academic Misconduct; (2)
62
Procedures for Dealing with Academic Misconduct, and
(3) Sanctions. These are not meant to be exhaustive.
I. Academic Misconduct
Any act that violates the spirit of the academic conduct
policy is considered academic misconduct. Specific
examples include, but are not limited to:
A. Cheating. Examples of cheating include:
1. Copying from another student’s test paper,
laboratory report, other report, essay, or computer files and
listings.
2. Using in any academic exercise or academic setting,
material and/or devices not authorized by the person in
charge of the exercise or setting.
3. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another
student during an academic exercise without the
permission of the person in charge of the exercise.
4. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing,
transporting, or soliciting in entirety or in part, the contents
of a test or other assignment unauthorized for release.
5. Substituting for another student, or permitting
another student to substitute for oneself, in a manner that
leads to misrepresentation of either or both students’ work.
B. Plagiarism
The appropriation, theft, purchase, or obtaining by any
means another’s work, and the unacknowledged
submission or incorporation of that work as one’s own
offered for credit. Appropriation includes the quoting or
paraphrasing of another’s work without giving proper
credit.
C. Collusion
The unauthorized collaboration with another in
prepared work offered for credit.
D. Abuse of Resource Materials
Mutilating, destroying, concealing, or stealing such
materials.
E. Computer Misuse
Unauthorized or illegal use of computer software or
hardware through the TCU Computer Center or through
any programs, terminals, or freestanding computers
owned, leased, or operated by TCU or any of its academic
units for the purpose of affecting the academic standing of
a student.
F. Fabrication and Falsification
Unauthorized alteration or invention of any
information or citation in an academic exercise or
academic setting. Falsification involves inventing or
counterfeiting information or citation for use in any
academic exercise or academic setting.
G. Multiple Submission
The submission by the same individual of substantial
portions of the same academic work (including oral
reports) for credit more than once in the same or another
class without authorization.
H. Complicity in Academic Misconduct
Helping another to commit an act of academic
misconduct.
I. Bearing False Witness
Knowingly and falsely accusing another student of
academic misconduct.
II. Procedures for Dealing with Academic Misconduct
A. Definitions
1. Day refers to a school day on which classes are
meeting.
2. Academic dean refers to the dean of the college or
school offering the course in which the academic
misconduct is alleged to have taken place.
3. Department chair refers to the academic
administrator responsible for the unit providing the
instruction in which the alleged academic misconduct
occurred.
4. Faculty refers to the instructor of the course in
which the suspected academic misconduct occurred.
5. Advisor refers to any person selected by the student
who accompanies the student during formal hearings. The
advisor may speak with the student but may not actively
participate in the hearings.
6. The Academic Appeals Committee is a standing
University Committee. The charge and membership of the
Committee may be found in the current Handbook for
Faculty and Staff.
B. Investigation and Initiation
1. Students who know of an act of academic
misconduct should report the incident to the faculty
member teaching the course. The faculty member will
obtain the basic facts of the allegation and ask the student
reporting the misconduct to write and sign a statement of
facts. The name(s) of the student(s) reporting suspected
academic misconduct will remain confidential during the
informal faculty/student meeting, but must be revealed to
the accused student if the resolution proceeds beyond the
faculty member and the accused student.
2. Faculty who suspect academic misconduct or who
have academic misconduct reported to them must initiate
an investigation and meet with the accused student within
five (5) days of becoming aware of the incident. A faculty
member who is made aware by another person of an act of
academic misconduct has the responsibility to investigate
the allegation, and, if warranted, pursue the issue as
outlined below (C.1).
3. In instances where the suspected academic
misconduct is discovered during an academic exercise, the
faculty member has the right to suspend immediately the
student involved in the alleged activity from further work
on the academic exercise.
4. A student accused of academic misconduct, will
proceed in the course without restriction until resolution of
the issue or until the academic dean has taken an action as
specified in III.B that removes the student from the course.
5. An “I” grade should be given by the instructor if the
alleged misconduct occurs near the end of a semester, for
example, during finals, and a sanction outlined in section
III has not been applied by the instructor or the dean.
6. If more than one student is accused of the same act
of misconduct (e.g., giving and receiving aid), each
individual student is guaranteed the right to have his/her
63
case heard separately. With each student’s permission, the
cases can be combined. The faculty/student conference
(C.1) is expected from this requirement.
C. Resolution
1. Meeting Between Faculty Member and Student.
This is the first step to be taken in resolving an incident of
suspected academic misconduct.
a. Within five (5) days of suspecting misconduct, the
faculty member will hold a meeting with the student. At
this meeting, the faculty member will inform the student
of all allegations against him or her and present any
information supporting the allegations.
b. The student will be given the opportunity to
respond to the allegations. The student has the right not
to respond.
c. The faculty member will decide whether or not
academic misconduct has occurred and, if warranted,
apply any combination of sanctions in III.A below, or
refer the matter to the dean for more severe sanctions
(probation, suspension, or expulsion). Findings of
academic misconduct are based on the preponderance of
the evidence.
d. The faculty member will notify the student in
writing of his or her decision and may send copies to the
academic dean, the dean of the college in which the
student is enrolled, the department chair, and the Dean
of Campus Life. Any such copies of the findings will be
kept on file in the college and department offices and in
the student discipline files maintained by the Dean of
Campus Life.
2. Meeting with Department Chair. This meeting takes
place when the student wishes to appeal either the findings
of the faculty member or the severity of the sanction(s).
a. Within five (5) days of being notified by the faculty
member of the disposition of the incident of academic
misconduct, the student may request a meeting with the
department chair.
b. The department chair will become acquainted with
the facts and meet with the parties involved in the case.
The student has the right to meet with the department
chair without the faculty member being present.
c. The department chair may either support or reverse
the findings of the faculty member, and may lessen the
sanction(s) imposed by the faculty member even while
supporting its findings. The chair may not increase the
severity of the sanction(s).
d. The department chair will notify the student and
faculty member of his or her decision in writing and may
send copies to the faculty member, the academic dean
and the Dean of Campus Life. Any such copies of the
findings will be kept on file in the college and
department offices and in the student discipline files
maintained by the Dean of Campus Life.
3. Meeting with Academic Dean. This meeting takes
place if the student wishes to appeal either the findings of
the department chair or the severity of the sanction(s), if
the faculty member recommends sanctions in addition to
those listed in III.A.3 and 4 or if the student has been
found guilty of academic misconduct previously.
a. Within five (5) days of being notified by the chair of
the disposition of the incident of academic misconduct, the
student may request a meeting with the academic dean.
b. The academic dean will hear the facts of the case
and make a decision about the alleged act of academic
misconduct or the appropriateness of the sanctions
administered by the faculty member. The academic dean
can issue any combination of sanctions listed in III.
c. The academic dean will notify the student of his or
her decision in writing with copies to the department
chair and the faculty member. Copies of the findings
will be kept on file in the college office and may be sent
to the Dean of Campus Life.
4. Academic Appeals Committee. Should the student
wish to appeal the decision of the academic dean, he or she
has the right to request a hearing before the Academic
Appeals Committee.
a. The student must request this hearing by submitting
an appeal letter to the chair of the university Academic
Appeals Committee no later than seven (7) days from
the date of receiving written notification of the dean's
finding.
b. Upon receipt of the appeal letter, the chair of the
Academic Appeals Committee may request materials
from the student, the faculty member, the department
chair, and/or the dean.
c. The appealing student has the right to appear before
the Academic Appeals Committee. The student may
bring one person with him or her as an advisor. The
advisor may not speak for the student or to the
committee. The advisor may only speak with the student.
The student must inform the University five (5) class
days in advance if his or her advisor is an attorney in
order for the University to also have an attorney present.
Each party shall bear the expense of his/her legal
counsel. Legal counsel is to provide counsel only and
may not participate directly in the meeting. The meeting
is an administrative hearing, not a court proceeding, and
is not subject to the procedures or practices of a court of
law.
III. Sanctions
A. By the faculty member:
1. Grant no credit for the examination or assignment
in question (treated as a missed assignment).
2. Assign a grade of “F” (or a zero) for the
examination or assignment in question.
3. Recommend to the academic dean that the student
be dropped immediately from the course with a grade of
“F”.
4. Recommend to the academic dean that the student
be placed on probation, suspended or expelled from the
University.
B. By the academic dean or Academic Appeals
Committee:
(Previous academic misconduct will be taken into
account when either the academic dean or the Academic
Appeals Committee considers sanctions for academic
misconduct.)
64
1. Apply sanctions in III.A.
2. Drop student from the course with a grade of “F”.
This grade cannot be changed by student-initiated
withdrawal and the grade will be included in the
computation of the GPA even if the course is repeated.
3. Place the student on suspension from the University
for a specified period of time.
4. Expel the student from the University.
5. In a case where the academic dean as defined above
is not the dean of the college in which the student is
enrolled, he or she shall recommend to the Provost/Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs that the student be placed
on probation, suspended or expelled.
Conflict Resolution Policy for Faculty
(Approved by Faculty Senate and Chancellor, May 2005)
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to afford TCU faculty a
prompt and fair method for the resolution of work-related
problems or disputes and to encourage informal dispute
resolution through discussion and mediation.
II. Definitions
Dispute or grievance is a complaint or concern voiced
by any faculty member regarding a condition of
employment or the application, meaning, or interpretation
of policies or procedures as they affect work activity.
Issues related to faculty tenure, promotion and/or
reappointment are not considered for tenure track faculty
under this policy. Step 4 of this policy applies only to non-
tenure track faculty members.
III. Administrative Responsibility
Academic Affairs is responsible for administering and
interpreting this policy.
IV. Summary of Faculty Conflict Resolution Process
Step 1: Informal Discussion
• The faculty member and supervisor discuss the
conflict and attempt to resolve the issues
informally.
• Conflict Resolution Facilitator (CRF) schedules
appointment within 1 day of contact by the
disputant.
• CRF has 5 days from the initial appointment to
resolve the conflict before proceeding to
mediation.
Step 2: Mediation
• CRF assigns mediators to case within 3 days of
request.
• Mediators have 10 days, once notified, to conduct
mediation.
• Mediators may request an extension of time to
complete mediation.
• If settled, mediator submits agreement to CRF for
safekeeping.
• If impasse results, CRF is notified in writing.
Step 3: Peer Review Panel/Provost Review
• CRF has 5 days from date of impasse notification
to appoint a three-person peer review panel and
designate one member to Chair the Panel.
• Panel Chair schedules and conducts the hearing
within 10 days of the date of the appointment of
the Panel by the CRF.
• Chair has 3 days after Panel hearing to submit the
final, written decision to the Provost for review.
• The Provost has 3 days upon notification by the
Chair to review, concur and/or modify and
finalize the Panel decision.
• The Chair, within 2 days of written notification
from the Provost, issues a final, written decision
to all parties to the dispute.
Step 4: Chancellor Review (Dismissal disputes only)
• Parties may appeal the Peer Review Panel and
Provost decision to the Chancellor by notifying
the CRF within 5 days of receipt of the decision.
• The CRF has 3 days to notify the Chancellor and
forward the written Peer Review Panel decision
for review by the Chancellor.
• The Chancellor issues a final decision within 10
days of the CRF notification.
For complete information, see Personnel Policies and
Procedures Manual: Policy Number2.016.
Faculty Appeal Policy
(Approved by the Faculty Senate, spring 2014. Information
regarding this policy can be obtained from the Provost. FAP
facilitator and alternate are appointed by the Provost.)
This Faculty Appeal Policy (FAP) applies exclusively to
faculty for whom a promotional track exists, who in a non-
adversarial forum wish to appeal reappointment,
promotion and/or tenure denial decisions. Appeal
processes for the dismissal of a tenured faculty member are
found in Section IV of the Tenure Policy in the Handbook
for Faculty and Staff. All other types of appeals are to be
addressed by the Conflict Resolution Policy for Faculty in
the Handbook for Faculty & Staff. Disputes that may
occur during the tenure probation period, for example,
those that relate to the annual review, are also handled
through the Conflict Resolution Policy for Faculty.
The main sections of this policy are: I. Purpose, II.
Administrative Responsibility, III. Faculty Duties and
Responsibilities, IV. Appeal Process, V. Summary of
Review Steps Based on Appeal Origination, Figure 1:
Overview Map of the Appeal Process, VI. Sequence and
Timing for all Review Levels, VII. Definitions, VIII. FAP
65
Facilitator Consultation & Informal Facilitated Discussion,
and IX. Listing of Resource Exhibit Documents.
I. Purpose
This policy provides faculty with a reconsideration or
appeal of reappointment, tenure and/or promotion denial
decisions. This policy applies to termination of faculty, to
tenure and/or promotion decisions that result in the
termination of faculty, or to promotion denial decisions of
tenured or ranked professors (e.g., assistant professors,
professors of professional practice, ranked instructors).
II. Administrative Responsibility
The Provost and the Faculty Appeal Policy (FAP)
Facilitator are responsible for administering this policy.
Appellants shall not suffer reprisal or prejudice from
exercising their rights under this appeal policy. The FAP
Facilitator shall ensure that the appeal process timeline is
followed as stated or as altered by mutual consent of the
parties.
III. Faculty Duties & Responsibilities
The initial decisions regarding the awarding of tenure
and promotion are made by faculty in the home department
of the candidate. Subsequently, these decisions either are
affirmed or denied sequentially at the Department Chair,
College Dean, and University levels before presentation to
the Board of Trustees. If a faculty member formally
questions either the process and/or the outcome of tenure
and promotion decisions, then this faculty appeal process
is intended to provide notice, an opportunity to be heard,
and feedback regarding these decisions. The granting of
tenure is a right vested exclusively with the Board of
Trustees. Therefore, all decisions involving promotion
and/or tenure appointments made under the Tenure and
Promotion Policy shall constitute recommendations to
appropriate administrative bodies. The burden of proof in
the presentation of a tenure appeal at all stages rests with
the Appellant (i.e., faculty member who is appealing; see
section VI. Definitions).
IV. Appeal Process
An Appellant may initiate an appeal at any step of the
tenure and/or promotion process; see
http://www.provost.tcu.edu/Tenure_and_Promotion/tenure
promotion.html for a description of the normal tenure
and/or promotion process and the appropriate employment
policy for other promotional ranked faculty. The appeal
begins at the level at which the denial decision has
occurred (i.e., Department, School, College, or University)
using the procedures described here.
The appeal must begin within 20 days (one month) of
the faculty member’s receipt of written formal notification
of denial. The Appellant contacts the University FAP
Facilitator who will meet with and advise the Appellant.
The Appellant begins the formal appeal process of a tenure
and/or promotion decision though a written request to the
FAP Facilitator. See Figure 1 for a summary of the appeal
process, section VII for the sequence and timing of
specific events, and section VIII for specifics of the FAP
Facilitator consultation.
The appeal/reconsideration will originate at the level at
which the denial took place and the appeal shall move
from lower levels to higher levels within the university.
That is, the appeal case will move forward from the
Department to the College Level and finally to the Faculty
Appeal Hearing Committee (FAHC) and Provost. For
example, a request for a reconsideration of a
promotion/tenure denial that originates in the Department
may not bypass the College Level Review. Substantive
appeals, however, may only be considered in the academic
unit or home (e.g., department) of the appellant. The
Appellant may terminate the appeal process at any time.
If the denial is upheld (that is, the denial is not
overturned) at all levels through the final appeal step
which is the FAHC and Provost, the appeal process ends.
If the denial is overturned at the Department Level or at
the College Level, the appeal process ends and the case
resumes under the normal tenure policy or the relevant
policy on employment of ranked professors of professional
practice, instructors, or the like. If the denial is overturned
at the University Level by the FAHC, the recommendation
is forwarded to the Provost; otherwise the appeal ends.
The appeal process may include Informal Facilitated
Discussions. An Informal Facilitated Discussion can be
requested by any appropriate party at any point in the
appeal process to promote communication and clarification
of relevant issues. Appellants are permitted to be
accompanied by a colleague or professional support
person/advisor during any scheduled meeting.
V. Summary of Review Steps Based on Appeal
Origination
Departmental Level Review
If a promotion and/or tenure denial decision was made
at the Departmental Level, the faculty member requests
a departmental reconsideration in writing to the
Department Chair. Next, the Department Chair and the
Department Advisory Committee shall conduct a review
of the Appellant’s Appeal File composed of the faculty
member’s original promotion and/or tenure application
packet and the written request. The Departmental Level
Review includes requests for reconsideration for any
reason given by the faculty member. Note: substantive
appeals of tenure or promotion denials may only be
made in the academic unit of the Appellant where
subject matter expertise exists.
College Level Review
If a promotion and/or tenure denial decision was made
at the College Level, or if the appeal proceeds to the
College Level, the Appellant requests a reconsideration
in writing to the Dean. The Dean, in consultation with
the College Advisory Committee (if relevant), shall
conduct the review of the Appellant’s Appeal File. Any
member of a College Advisory Committee who also is a
member of the Appellant’s home department will recuse
himself or herself from serving as a committee member
at any levels above the departmental level. The Dean,
66
upon review, may exercise the option of remanding the
case back to the Department for review. If a remand
occurs, the Department Chair and Advisory committee
will give the original decision an additional review and
make a recommendation to the Dean and the College
Advisory Committee. The College Level Review
includes appeals for any reason given by the Appellant.
If a substantive issue is raised, the College shall defer to
the department or academic unit where the subject
matter expertise exists to judge the fairness of the denial.
While deferring to the departmental expertise, the
college may still comment on the substantive issues.
University Level Review
Appeals originate at the University level only when
the Provost declines to recommend tenure and/or
promotion.
The faculty member initiates an appeal by submitting
a written request for appeal to the FAHC. The FAHC
will consider the case and make a recommendation to
the Provost.
The FAHC decision is forwarded to the Provost and
the Provost’s decision is final. The Provost may consult
with the University Advisory Committee. If this occurs,
any member of the University Advisory Committee who
also is a member of the Appellant’s home department or
is a member of the Appellant’s College Advisory
Committee will recuse himself or herself from serving as
a committee member at any levels above the
departmental level.
Faculty Appeal Hearing Committee (FAHC) Review
The last step of any faculty appeal is a review by and
recommendation of the FAHC. The FAHC is used only
once for any given faculty appeal and after lower level
reviews are exhausted. Appeals arrive at the FAHC
because of denial decisions originating at any one of
three levels of the process: 1) a departmental level
denial, 2) a college level denial, or 3) a University level
denial. The FAHC is created on an ad hoc basis for each
appeal case and will disband upon the completion of the
case. The members will hear the case, review the
Appeal File, and when or if necessary, request an
Informal Facilitated Discussion and/or consult with
the relevant parties to the case. Regardless of how an
appeal originates, when the appeal appears before the
FAHC, the FAHC may consult with the Departmental
and/or College Advisory Committee members, as well
as the Department Chair and/or College Dean, before
rendering a recommendation. Where substantive issues
are raised in the appeal, the FAHC, Provost, Dean, and
College Advisory Committee shall always defer to the
judgments of the qualified faculty members of the
Appellant’s academic unit or home.
The FAHC final report will be written and sent to the
Appellant, FAP Facilitator, and Provost within 10 days
of receiving the Appeal File from the FAP Facilitator. A
faculty appeal ends once the FAHC either recommends
to the Provost that the denial be overturned or decides
that the denial shall not be overturned but rather upheld.
FAHC recommendations require an affirmative vote of a
simple majority of the members. The sequence and
timing of each of these steps in the process are further
described in section VI.
VI. Sequence and Timing for all Review Levels
Once the Appellant requests a reconsideration of a
denial decision in written form, the FAP Facilitator will
guide the sequence of events according to the below steps.
After step 1, the timing of subsequent events may be
reasonably adjusted due to special circumstances for either
party, based on mutual consent.
1. The Appellant contacts the University FAP
Facilitator who will meet informally with and advise
the Appellant. The FAP Facilitator will schedule an
appointment with the Appellant within 2 days and
will meet with the Appellant within 10 days of the
Appellant’s initial contact. The Appellant begins the
formal appeal process within 20 days (one calendar
month; see section VI Definitions) of receipt of the
written notice of a promotion or tenure denial by
written request to the FAP Facilitator (email is
sufficient). This written notice begins the procedure
clock.
2. Within 10 days of the written request of appeal to the
Facilitator, the Appellant forwards to the Facilitator a
copy of the promotion or tenure application packet
and a letter of request for a reconsideration (i.e., the
Appeal File; see section VI Definitions) written to
the appropriate administrator and committee
members.
3. Within 2 days of formal written notification by the
Appellant, the FAC Facilitator notifies the
appropriate (level of the original denial decision)
administrator and corresponding advisory committee
members and within 2 days of receiving materials for
the Appeal File from the Appellant, forwards this file
to them.
In the case of a Review by the Faculty Appeal
Hearing Committee (FAHC), the appropriate
administrators are the College Dean and the Chair of
the Faculty Senate. The selection process for the
FAHC shall occur within 10 days and the steps as
shown below will apply.
4. The administrator, advisory committee members, or
FAHC members may request an Informal Facilitated
Discussion for communication and clarification at
any time. This request is made of the FAP
Facilitator. The Review process is temporarily
stopped and the sequence and timing steps of the
Informal Facilitated Discussion (see section VIII.)
are followed.
5. The administrator or appropriate committee members
have 10 days from the receipt of the Appeal File to
review the Appellant’s case and issue a written
response to the Appellant and FAP Facilitator. This
document becomes part of the Appeal File. In the
case of a Review by the FAHC, their written
response is the final decision and the response and
decisions are forwarded to the Appellant, FAP
67
Facilitator and Provost (along with
recommendations); the appeal ends at this step. In
the case of a Review by the Department, College, or
University, the following steps of this process will
apply.
6. Within 3 days of the receipt of the Department
Chair’s, Dean’s or Provost’s written response, the
Appellant will notify the FAP Facilitator of the
decision either to: a) end the appeal process; b)
request an Informal Facilitated Discussion or c)
continue the appeal through the next step.
7. Within 1 day of the Appellant’s notification, the FAP
Facilitator will report the decision to the Department
Chair.
8. If the Appellant has chosen to continue the appeal,
s/he must generate a written response to the Review
which had been completed. This response is to be
provided to the FAP Facilitator within 2 days of the
Appellant’s notification to continue the appeal. This
document becomes part of the Appeal File.
9. Within 1 day of receipt of the Appellant’s written
response, the FAP Facilitator shall send in writing a
request of the appropriate Level for either an
Informal Facilitated Discussion or a Review.
10. Appellants who request a Review at the Department
Level may not bypass College Level Review. Before
a faculty member who originates a Review at the
Department Level requests an appeal to the FAHC,
the written request for reconsideration by the
Department must be filed with the Provost. An
appeal case stops with the decision and/or
recommendation that is forwarded to the Provost by
the FAHC, by earlier resolution at the Department or
College Level, or by the decision of the Appellant.
VII. FAP Definitions
Appeal/Reconsideration: A reconsideration of a
promotion and/or appeal denial always occurs at the
department level. Because the faculty member is
requesting a second look, the Faculty Appeal Policy
provides for the original decision making body to take a
second look or reconsideration of the original
tenure/promotion denial decision. Reconsideration or
substantive appeals of tenure and/or promotion denials
must always be made in the academic unit (usually at the
department level) of the appellant where subject matter
expertise exists. An appeal/reconsideration is a written
request for a review by the faculty member regarding the
failure to recommend the faculty member for tenure and/or
promotion or the denial of tenure and/or promotion.
Appeals, rather than reconsideration requests, are made to
the next level decision making bodies (e.g., the Dean or
College Advisory Committee). If a faculty member is
denied tenure and/or promotion by their respective
department, they may request in writing a reconsideration
of that decision. If the faculty member wishes to appeal the
decision after a reconsideration of the decision, then the
appeal may proceed to the Dean, the College Advisory
Committee, or the Faculty Appeal Hearing Committee.
Appeal File: A file containing the Appellant’s original
tenure and promotion application packet and all relevant
documents needed for a formal review of the promotion or
tenure denial decision. The file consists of a brief written
statement by the Appellant, written recommendations of
the Department Chair, Dean, and/or Advisory Committees,
and any other documents produced during the appeal
process. Consistent with the University Tenure and
Promotion Policy, all documents that were kept
confidential during the original application process (e.g.,
external letters of review) shall remain confidential during
the appeal process.
Appellant: An Appellant is any promotional track
faculty (e.g., professor of professional practice or clinical
professor) or tenure-track or tenured faculty who seeks to
appeal a tenure and/or promotion denial decision using the
procedures available under this FAP process.
Advisor/Attorney/colleague or professional support
person: At any time that a faculty member meets for an
appeal or reconsideration of the tenure and/or promotion
denial with any University official, the faculty member
may consult with a colleague or professional support
person/advisor. If either party selects an attorney as the
advisor, the party shall provide the other party with at least
a one week’s notice before any meeting which the parties
will jointly attend. The faculty appellant’s advisor may
attend these meetings. The advisor does not participate
directly or make any type of representation.
Day: A day refers to normal business days during the
academic year (i.e., fall and spring academic semesters).
The parties and/or FAP Facilitator may, after mutual
agreement, extend the time limits of the process.
Faculty Appeal Hearing Committee (FAHC): The
Faculty Appeal Hearing Committee shall consist of five
employees of Texas Christian University, one selected by
the Appellant in question, one selected by the Dean of the
Appellant’s college and the remaining three selected from
a list of 10 in accord with the following plan. The
members of the FAHC should be unfamiliar with the
details of case. The FAHC member chosen by the
Appellant may be from any department or college. The
FAHC member chosen by the Dean is from the home
college. The Faculty Senate Executive Committee will
identify the names of 10 additional faculty as potential
members to complete the group of five. These 10 faculty
must be chosen from outside the Appellant’s department
and college. The Faculty Senate Chair shall then present
this list of 10 names to the two parties for ranking
according to their preferences for membership on the
Hearing Committee. The chairperson of the Senate, or
designated representative, shall then select the three names
most preferred by both parties, breaking any tied rankings
by a method s/he deems appropriate. These three persons
shall then designate one among themselves to serve as
Chair of the five-person Faculty Appeal Hearing
Committee. The committee is named on an ad hoc basis
for each appeal case and will disband upon the completion
of the case. The members will hear the case, review the
Appeal File, and when or if necessary, request an Informal
68
OVERVIEW OF THE APPEAL PROCESS
Department
University
College
or School
FAHC
Dean & AC
Chair & AC
Provost
Normal
Process
FAHC
Normal
Process
Normal
Process
Dean &
AC
Normal
Process
FAHC
Legend
T = Type
N = Next
U = Denial Upheld
O = Denial Overturned
R = Recommend
RM = Remand Option
AC = Advisory Committee
N
O, R
N
N
U
O
O
U
O
U
O, R
O, R
Figure 1
Appeals begin at the level at which the denial
of reappointment, tenure or promotion has
occurred.
T
T
T
U
Provost
Appeal
ends
U
Appeal
ends
U
Provost
Appeal
ends
RM
RM
RM
69
Facilitated Discussion and/or consult with the relevant
parties to the case. FAHC recommendations require an
affirmative vote of a simple majority of its members. A
final report will be written and sent to the Appellant, FAP
Facilitator, and Provost within 10 days of receiving the
Appeal File from the FAP Facilitator. Faculty Appeal
Hearing Committee decisions are final and end the appeal
process.
Faculty Mediator: A faculty mediator serves as a
neutral third party who listens to both sides of a dispute. A
mediator does not make decisions for the parties. Rather, a
mediator facilitates dialogue among the parties and assists
them in reaching resolution to their dispute. The FAP
Facilitator will typically appoint two faculty mediators
from the Mediators Committee when mediation is
requested. All appointed faculty mediators (either TCU-
employed or non TCU-employed mediators) will have
received 40 hours of training in compliance with Title 7,
Chapter 154, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (see
Exhibit A), and consistent with the Texas Mediation
Trainer Roundtable Annotated Standards (see Exhibit B).
The mediators must abide by the Standards of Practice
established by the Texas Association of Mediators (see
Exhibit C) and the Ethical Guidelines for Mediators
established by the State Bar of Texas Alternative Dispute
Resolution Section (see Exhibit D).
Informal Facilitated Discussion: An Informal
Facilitated Discussion is designed to promote open
dialogue between parties as they inquire, clarify, or
explore relevant issues and concerns. These mediated
sessions are voluntary and based on agreement by each
party that confidentiality of the information shared in the
discussion will be maintained. The discussions are
informal in that the format is conversational. The
discussion is facilitated by two Faculty Mediators who are
professionally trained to guide others’ dialogue impartially
(see Faculty Mediator above). The sessions are
discussions, thus more than one meeting may be needed as
questions are raised and solutions sought. This process
allows Appellants, Department Chairs, Deans, and the
Provost to meet informally and talk about the elements of
the case and is an opportunity for all parties to seek win-
win outcomes in their dispute. Informal facilitated
discussions are an aid to the process and are not intended
to substitute for the decision making process described in
the Tenure Policy of the Faculty and Staff Handbook.
Faculty Appeal Policy (FAP) Facilitator: The FAP
Facilitator will be a current TCU faculty member who is
familiar with tenure and promotion procedures. The
Facilitator will represent and assist the parties engaged in
the Faculty Appeal Policy (FAP) but will not make
decisions for the parties. The FAP Facilitator is neither a
representative of the Appellant, the faculty, nor the
administration. Similar to the mediators, the FAP
Facilitator will be a trained mediator of will receive 40
hours of training in compliance with Title 7, Chapter 154,
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. FAP Facilitators
may also receive additional training related to dispute
resolution. The Provost, in consultation with the Faculty
Senate Executive Committee, will appoint: a) an FAP
Facilitator for a term of five years, and b) an FAP
Facilitator Alternate, for a five year period, who serves as
both an apprentice to the FAP Facilitator, and where
necessary (e.g., a conflict of interest situation) as a
substitute for the FAP Facilitator. Normally, the FAP
Facilitator Alternate will succeed the FAP Facilitator upon
completion of the five year appointment. The FAP
Facilitator and FAP Facilitator Alternate will report to the
Faculty Senate Chair and administer the policy with the
Provost. The FAP Facilitators will serve terms with a two
year overlap.
Parties: Under the policy, parties to the appeal may
include any of the following: the Appellant, Department
Chair, Dean, Provost, Department, College, Faculty
Appeal Hearing Committee, or Department, College, or
University Advisory Committees.
Remands: Under the FAP: a) the Dean may remand a
promotion and tenure decision back to the Department
Chair and Advisory Committee or b) the Provost may do
the same by remand a decision to the Dean and the College
Advisory Committee. The intent of a one-time-only use of
a remand is to give the decision a second look. If upon
remand, a decision is changed, then normal procedures
will be followed. If no change in the decision is made,
then the decision will ultimately be resolved by a FAHC or
Provost decision as per the FAP process.
Time limits: A day refers to normal business days
during the academic year (i.e., fall and spring academic
semesters). The parties and/or FAP Facilitator may, after
mutual agreement, extend the time limits of the process.
VIII. FAP Facilitator Consultation & Informal
Facilitated Discussion
The FAP Facilitator is a third-party facilitator who is
available to assist the Appellant in determining the basis
and procedures for the appeal; the Facilitator consults with
all parties to answer questions or to provide clarification.
The FAP Facilitator will continue to serve and will consult
with all the parties throughout the appeal process and is
responsible for ensuring the timelines of the policy or to
obtain mutual consent from all parties to alter the
timelines.
The Appellant begins the appeal of a tenure and/or
promotion denial by contacting the FAP Facilitator to
discuss his or her case. The FAP Facilitator will schedule
an appointment with the Appellant within 2 days and will
meet with the Appellant within 10 days of the Appellant’s
initial contact. The FAP Facilitator will meet with and
advise the Appellant. The Appellant then will formally
initiate the appeal of a denial of tenure and/or promotion
by notifying the FAP Facilitator in writing (email
notification satisfies this requirement). The procedure
clock starts at this written notification and is to be started
within 20 days of the written notification of the denial of
promotion or tenure.
Within 10 days after the formal notification of the
appeal, the Appellant will provide the FAP Facilitator with
a set of materials and documents in support of the appeal
70
case. These materials will constitute the Appeal File. Only
written responses at each appeal step may be added to this
Appeal File. If the Appellant is on a tenure track, the
supporting materials will include a copy of the Tenure and
Promotion Application Packet along with a written
statement and supporting recommendations or other
relevant documents. If the Appellant is on a promotional
ranked track (e.g., professors of clinical practice) the
supporting materials will include copies of relevant
materials or documents along with a written statement and
supporting recommendations for the appeal case. The
supporting materials and documents become the original
documents of the Appeal File. Also see above, section VI
Sequence and Timing for all Review Levels.
Informal Facilitated Discussion An Informal
Facilitated Discussion is a mediation that occurs during the
appeal process between the Appellant and appropriate
level administrators (e.g., if the appeal is at the Department
Level, the appropriate level administrator is the
Department Chair and/or the Department Advisory
Committee). This meeting will include two trained
mediators to facilitate conversation. The purpose of the
Informal Facilitated Discussion is to promote open,
confidential dialogue and to further explore and discuss
reasons for the decision to deny tenure and/or promotion.
The Informal Facilitated Discussion is a voluntary process
and all parties involved in the discussion must agree to
confidentiality concerning the content of these discussions.
If the appeal case moves forward, additional Informal
Facilitated Discussions may be requested by the Appellant,
administrators, or advisory committee members.
The FAP Facilitator will guide and be responsible for
the sequence of events of the Informal Facilitated
Discussion according to the following:
1. If the Appellant or an appropriate-level
administrator requests an Informal Facilitated
Discussion, the FAP Facilitator will contact the
appropriate parties, determine their agreement to the
session and then notify all parties that the discussion
will occur. If one party does not agree to this
discussion, it will not occur. The FAP Facilitator
will work with TCU Human Relations Department
personnel to assign 2 faculty mediators from a list
of trained mediators.
2. The informal discussion will take place within 10
days and may be extended by mutual consent of
parties involved in the session.
3. Within 3 days of the conclusion of the Informal
Facilitated Discussion, the mediators will notify the
FAP Facilitator of the session outcome. Within that
same 3 days, parties other than the Appellant who
are involved in the Discussion and in subsequent
decisions from the Discussion will notify the FAP
Facilitator in writing (email satisfies this
requirement) concerning any decisions. For
example, if the Informal Facilitated Discussion has
occurred during a Review at the Departmental
Level, the Department Chair or Department
Advisory Committee Members will have 3 days
after that discussion to issue a written response.
The Facilitator subsequently will report all
outcomes to all parties within 1 day.
4. Within an additional 3 days, the Appellant will
notify the FAP Facilitator of his or her decision
regarding the continuance of the appeal. That is, if
the denial is overturned, the appeal case is ended; if
the denial is upheld and the Appellant chooses not
to continue the appeal, the appeal case is ended. Or,
if the denial is upheld and the Appellant so chooses,
the appeal will continue to the next level and will
end with decisions made by the Faculty Appeal
Hearing Committee.
5. The FAP Facilitator will report the Appellant’s
decision to all concerned parties within 1 day of
notification by the Appellant; if the appeal will
continue, this includes parties at the next level. If
the Appellant has chosen to continue the appeal,
s/he must generate a written response to the Review
which had been completed for consideration at the
next level. This response is to be provided to the
FAP Facilitator within 2 days of the Appellant’s
notification to continue the appeal. This document
becomes part of the Appeal File.
6. Within 2 days after the receipt of the Appellant’s
written response, the FAP Facilitator shall assemble
and/or forward the Appeal File for review to the
appropriate Level.
IX. Listing of Resource Exhibit Documents
These documents are available upon request of the FAP
facilitator:
Exhibit A: Title 7, Chapter 154, Texas Civil
Practices and Remedies Code
Exhibit B: Texas Mediation Trainers Roundtable
40 Hour Basic Mediation Training Standards
Exhibit C: Standards of Practice established by
Texas Association of Mediators
Exhibit D: Ethical Guidelines for Mediators, State
Bar of Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution
Section
Student Grievance Procedures. The University has
both informal and formal procedures which a student may
follow when presenting grievances. A grievance is defined
as any dispute or difference concerning the interpretation
or enforcement of any provision of University regulations,
policies, or procedures or state or federal laws applicable
on the campus. Administrators, faculty, and students are
encouraged in all instances to resolve grievances
informally, and as promptly as possible. However, formal
procedures may be followed when needed. These assure all
parties to the dispute “fair play” rights and set certain time
limitations. Information about the student grievance
procedure policy is available from the office of the Dean
of Campus Life.
71
Public Office. Recognizing the rights of faculty and
staff members to engage in responsible political activity,
the Board of Trustees adopted the following policy in
March 1973:
The university faculty member is a citizen and, like
other citizens, is free to engage in political activities
consistent with his or her obligation as a teacher and a
scholar at Texas Christian University.
Many kinds of political activity (e.g., holding part-time
office in a political party, seeking election to an office
under circumstances that do not require extensive
campaigning, or serving by appointment or election in a
part-time political office) do not interfere significantly
with academic duties and responsibilities; where such is
the case, this activity is consistent with effective service as
a member of the faculty. Other kinds of political activity
(e.g., intensive campaigning for elective office, serving in
a state legislature, or serving a limited term in a full-time
position) do interfere significantly with academic duties
and responsibilities; for such activity, a faculty member
will seek a leave of absence from the university.
In recognition of the legitimacy of political activity by
faculty members, the university will provide institutional
arrangements to permit it, similar to those applicable to
other public or private extramural service. Generally
speaking, the equivalent of no more than one day a week
should be devoted to the duties of the office. Some
extramural offices may require reduction of the faculty
member’s workload or a leave of absence for the duration
of an election campaign or term of office, accompanied by
equitable adjustment of compensation when appropriate. A
faculty member may take an approved leave of absence
without pay up to two years with such further extensions
as the Chancellor, after consultation with appropriate
divisional heads, may grant.
A faculty member, planning to undertake public office
or seeking a leave for that purpose, should recognize that
he/she has a primary obligation to the institution and to
his/her growth as an educator and scholar. Mindful of
problems which political activities may create for the
administration, colleagues, and students, he/she shall
consult with his/her administrative superior to determine
the feasibility of pursuing such activities. The results of
this consultation, if favorable, will be put in a written
proposal and submitted through channels for concurrence
or other decision by the Chancellor. If approved, an
agreement shall be signed in duplicate by both the
Chancellor and the faculty member.
WORK LOAD POLICY
(Approved by the Provost’s Council,
September 2004)
Workload - Faculty. Faculty workload at TCU includes
teaching, research and creative activities, professional
service including administrative tasks, advising and
counseling students, and other assignments requested by
University officials. In general, assignment of a teaching
load involves consideration of variables, which include but
are not limited to number of sections, number of
preparations, class enrollments (i.e., credit hours
generated), course level, contact hours, and similar factors.
Work load, including teaching load, for any specific
faculty member is highly variable and depends on specific
assignments by appropriate University officials. Normal
teaching load is defined as equivalent to 12 semester credit
hours during each semester of the academic year.
Emergency Situations. In emergency situations a full-
time faculty member may be approved to teach a
maximum overload of four semester hours with the
approval of the Chair, Dean, and the Provost/Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Requests for overload
assignments must be accompanied by (1) documentation
that an emergency situation exists, (2) explanation as to
why the assignment would be considered an overload, and
(3) a plan to rectify the situation during the semester the
emergency exists. Should some type of overload
compensation to the faculty member be deemed
appropriate by the Dean, a load reduction in the following
semester is the preferred accommodation. In some cases,
the faculty member may receive remuneration at the
adjunct rate in the unit.
MLA Teaching Assignments. Full-time faculty may
also teach in the Master of Liberal Arts program, provided
that they teach no more than two courses within three
successive years. Teaching MLA courses during the
summer session does not count against the maximum
number.
Exempt Staff/Academic Administrator Teaching
Assignments. Professional personnel employed by TCU
are a valuable resource who can serve an important role by
teaching on an adjunct faculty basis; likewise, periodic
teaching provides exempt staff members a varied and
expanded dimension to their professional activities.
However, exempt staff are employed to provide expertise
and skills in support areas; their primary responsibility is
in these areas. The following guidelines govern non-
instructional exempt staff teaching assignments: (1) Full-
time exempt staff will not be approved to teach during
their normal working hours without express written
agreement for each course from the appropriate supervisor
and hiring unit. (2) Full-time exempt staff normally will
not be approved to teach more than one section (usually 3
semester hours) in a given semester. (3) Full-time exempt
staff will not be approved to teach more than one section
during the three summer sessions (i.e., one section in one
of the sessions). (4) Part-time exempt staff will not be
approved to teach more than two sections during a given
semester and may not teach more than two sections during
the three summer sessions. Part-time exempt staff will not
be approved to teach sections scheduled at times which
conflict with their primary responsibilities. (5) No
72
compensation will be paid to individuals for teaching
during their normal working hours for whom teaching is
part of their job descriptions. (6) All exempt staff (full and
part time) must obtain the written approval of his/her
supervisor each time he/she teaches as an adjunct faculty.
Compensation will be on the basis of adjunct faculty rates.
No compensation will be based on a percentage of salary
or on a commission basis.
Academic administrative personnel normally are not
compensated for teaching assignments. In order for an
academic administrator to receive additional compensation
for teaching, each of the following criteria must be met:
(1) The administrator should not hold an academic
appointment in the department in which the course is to be
offered. (2) The course must be offered in the evening or at
a time beyond the administrator’s normal work schedule.
In other words, teaching the course must be viewed as
above the normal responsibilities of the administrator. (3)
Generally the course must be a specialized offering of the
department or program. This means that few, if any,
faculty members in the department are qualified to teach
the course. (4) An administrator cannot teach more than
one course per year at additional compensation. (5)
Compensation will be based on adjunct faculty rates. Any
exception to these guidelines must be approved by the
Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Individuals employed in positions classified as
nonexempt staff will not be approved for teaching
assignments.
Merited Faculty Leave with Pay. The University
supports the concept of merited leaves with pay for full-
time faculty. Faculty merited leaves are a privilege, not a
right. Normally, leaves are awarded only to tenured faculty
and are awarded to faculty whose leaves enhance the
academic profile of their college or the University. The
term of such leaves will be either one semester or two
semesters. Remuneration will be full salary for a leave of
one semester or 55.75 percent salary for a leave of two
semesters. Normally, seven academic years at TCU must
pass between applications for leave of absence. Hence, one
applies for a leave in the fall of the seventh academic year
since the previous leave with the award taken in the eighth
year of service. Unless previously agreed to by the Dean
and the Provost, a faculty member coming to TCU with
prior years of service is expected to be employed at TCU
for a full seven years before receiving a leave to be taken
in the eighth year. Faculty who receive leaves with pay
assume a contractual obligation to return to the University
for at least one year. A full written report of the
achievements of the faculty member must be delivered to
the Provost within two months of the completion of the
leave. Leave outcomes should be clearly summarized in
that year’s Faculty Annual Report and will be assessed for
merit. The faculty member should request his/her leave to
the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs through
the department chairman and dean, each of who are
required to submit covering letters. The application should
give a clear statement of objectives and plans for the
period requested. A full up-to-date curriculum vita should
accompany the request. Applications must be received by
the Provost/Vice Chancellor no later than November 15 of
the academic year preceding the leave. Announcements
will be made on or around December 15. Priority will be
given those requests that will serve the teaching and
research competence and productivity of faculty in their
positions at TCU. It is expected that applicants will make
every effort to obtain outside financial assistance. If the
leave plan or project changes significantly, it must be
resubmitted and approved by the unit Chair, Dean and
Provost. The number of leaves per year will be determined
by the appropriate dean (within an academic unit), with
priority given to assuring sufficient high quality course
coverage within the department. Faculty on leave are
expected to reduce their teaching and service obligations to
a minimum. If leaves involve one semester, the faculty
member may not have a zero teaching load the other
semester and should expect to teach at least one-half of the
entire year’s teaching load.
Leaves of absence without pay for the purpose of further
study, military duty and other appropriate reasons may be
granted by the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs on the recommendation of the appropriate dean or
administrative official. They will be granted for good
cause for the period requested. Where possible, such
absence should be planned so as to interfere with work of
the University as little as possible. Requests should be
filed at the earliest possible date. Faculty members’
insurance and other benefits may be kept in force,
provided prior arrangements and the necessary changes
have been made with the Human Resources Department.
Tuition remission for spouse, dependents or domestic
partners will not continue. The University, upon approval
by the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, will
make available an interest-bearing note in the amount of
the tuition charges. If the faculty member returns for at
least one full academic year of employment, the principal
and interest will be cancelled.
The University, in compliance with the Family and
Medical Leave Act of 1993, provides up to twelve weeks
of leave to eligible faculty and staff in the following
situations: (1) childbirth, adoption or acceptance of a foster
child; (2) to care for a seriously ill spouse, domestic
partner, child, or parent; (3) for the person’s own serious
illness. Leave is granted provided certain conditions are
met. See University policies 6.015 (Sick Leave) and 6.025
(Leaves of Absence) for more information or contact the
human resources department.
Sick Leave. Faculty with fewer than six years of
employment at TCU are eligible for up to three months of
paid sick leave plus an additional three months of unpaid
sick leave. After six years of employment, these
allowances double. It is the policy of TCU to provide
faculty with paid time off for personal or family illness or
injury, disability due to pregnancy and childbirth, and the
birth or adoption of a child to the extent of accrued sick
leave. In order to take leave upon the initial date of birth
73
or adoption of a child, the child does not have to be ill.
Sick leave can be used for this purpose so that faculty,
male and female, may have an opportunity to balance
career and family. If both parents are employed by the
University, only one parent may take sick leave to care for
the child upon the initial date of birth or adoption.
For complete information, see University Policies and
Procedures Manual: Policy 6.015 Sick Leave and
accompanying Guidelines for Leave to Care for a Child at
Time of Birth or Adoption.
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND
PROCEDURES
Teaching. The instruction of students is the first
purpose of the University and the prime responsibility of
every faculty member.
Faculty members must maintain professional
competency. The University encourages all faculty and
staff members to continue their formal education, where
applicable, and to belong to the important learned and
professional societies in their fields. Contributions to
professional and other publications are not only
encouraged, but are considered important to the
maintenance of professional competency. Faculty
members are expected to contribute their expertise to
various university committees. Chairs and deans should
make a special effort not to allow such work to consume
an unreasonable amount of the faculty member’s time.
Faculty members are urged to accept invitations to
events given by student organizations. The University
encourages the involvement of the faculty in the out-of-
class activities of students.
Student Perception of Teaching. Affirming that the
instruction of students is the first purpose of the University
and the prime responsibility of every faculty member, the
University requires that all faculty members provide
students in their classes with the opportunity to formally
evaluate instruction in accordance with established
procedures.
Such evaluation provides beneficial information to the
faculty member for the continued improvement of
instruction and provides one measure of a faculty
member’s performance for decisions concerning
promotion, tenure and merit salary increases. The
evaluation of all part-time and full-time faculty will occur
each semester. Requests for formal course evaluations to
be conducted outside of the normal course evaluation
period and which are to be used for the evaluation of
faculty job performance and continuation must be
approved by the Chief Academic Officer.
Registration. Faculty and university staff members are
expected to serve as needed during the periods of
registration under the supervision of the dean or
department head. It is imperative that this important
process go as smoothly and rapidly as possible.
Class Scheduling. The compilation of class schedules
in such a large university is necessarily complex and
difficult.
Classes will be scheduled from 8 a.m. - throughout the
day. So far as possible, classroom assignments and hours
will be drawn up with every consideration for convenience
and need, but the teacher’s assignment may be distributed
throughout the available hours. Many factors, such as size
of class, equipment needed, etc., must be considered.
Consequently, any requests for changes should be
carefully considered and discussed with the department
chairman and dean. To avoid conflicts, all changes in the
published schedule must be cleared by the Registrar’s
Office.
Class Periods. All classes and laboratories should begin
promptly at the scheduled hour and every effort should be
made to close the periods on time.
Classes which run beyond the regular time and prevent
students from reaching their next class have been a cause
of complaint. Every effort must be made to avoid this
situation.
Course Syllabus. Students in each course will be given
a syllabus very early in the term, preferably on the first
meeting of a course. A file copy of the syllabus should be
submitted to the department chair or analogous supervisor.
A syllabus should include the following:
* the goals of the course;
* a clear statement of course
expectations - essentially, what students shall be
expected to do in order to satisfactorily complete the
course at different performance levels (generally
speaking, what does it take to get an A, B, C, etc.?);
* a statement of the faculty member's policies on
attendance, make-up work, missed exams and the like;
* information concerning major projects or papers and
when these assignments must be completed by the
students;
* if course is a 50000/55000 course, distinct grading
arrangements and extra assignment expectations for
students receiving graduate credit;
* information about the number and dates of the
exams;
* a statement reflecting TCU policy regarding
accommodations under Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA).
* a statement indicating how the instructor can be
reached and how office hour requirements will be met.
Class Rosters. Departmental class rosters can be
produced in each department. Faculty can also access class
rosters on the Web. New rosters should be produced before
the first day of class, at the end of the first week of classes,
and periodically to inform faculty of changes that have
taken place.
74
In all instances, a careful check should be made as soon
as possible to make sure that the students attending the
class appear on the class roster. If a student is attending but
the name is not on the roster, he or she should be instructed
to contact the Office of the Registrar immediately. If a
name is listed on the roster, and the student has not
attended, contact the Office of the Registrar. If, after
contact with the Office of the Registrar, a name continues
to appear on the class roster and the student is not in
attendance, please notify the Office of the Dean of Campus
Life. Students enrolled for the course for non-credit (or
audit) are indicated by the symbol “AU” on the roll.
Office Hours. In addition to regular classroom and
laboratory hours, all faculty members should be available
for consultation at regularly scheduled office hours. This
schedule should be arranged after consultation with dean
or department head, and the office hours clearly posted for
the aid of students.
University Communication. TCU makes every attempt
to communicate in a timely and effective manner. The
University utilizes U.S. mail, campus mail, telephone calls,
and/or TCU-provided email to communicate official
University business. Information communicated by TCU
email (tcu.edu account) is considered an official
communication from the University. In the event of an
emergency, the University will communicate through the
TCU Alert System. Most offices use TCU email
exclusively to communicate important information;
therefore, it is important to access the TCU email account
regularly or forward that account to an email account that
is accessed regularly. It is also imperative to keep address
and telephone information current. These are maintained
via FrogNet.
Independent Study Protocol. Credit bearing courses at
TCU must be approved by the appropriate school or
college curriculum committee and, as appropriate, the
Undergraduate and/or Graduate Council. Following
approval at these levels, courses must also be approved by
the University Council. This is a critical dimension of
faculty governance. On occasion, a credit bearing course
may be offered on an experimental basis to allow faculty
to refine the course content and approach before
submitting it for formal approval. In these cases, approval
from the Academic Dean is required and may not be given
for more than two semesters. Courses taught as Special
Problems, Special Projects, Independent Study or Directed
Study may be offered without Curriculum Committee and
Council approval if no more than three students are
enrolled.
Audit Enrollment (Course visitor). Occasional
visitation of classes by students is allowed with the consent
of the instructor. Any extended attendance requires
enrollment as an auditor. Auditors are admitted to classes
on a space-available basis only. A non-refundable audit fee
is charged. TCU Scholars are given the opportunity to
audit one class (for which auditing is permitted) without
fee within 12 months after notification of eligibility. TCU
Scholars will be expected to follow established regulations
for auditors. The following regulations are applicable:
l. Certain classes — laboratory and clinical classes,
Ranch Management classes, laboratory sections of
lecture classes, activity and performance classes (e.g.,
various studio art courses, music performance courses
and ballet classes) — may not be audited.
2. The only period during which students may register
for an audit or change a credit class to audit is from the
second day of late registration to the last day of late
registration as published in the University calendar. It is
recommended that prospective students consult the
instructors of courses in which they are interested before
they register. Students wishing to audit graduate courses
must be admitted for graduate studies and have written
approval of either the instructor of the course for which
they wish to register or the Dean of the college in which
the course is taught.
3. Classroom recitation and participation may be
restricted at the discretion of the instructor; no grade is
assigned and no credit is awarded.
4. If credit is desired, the student must register for and
repeat the regular course after paying regular tuition.
5. The auditor's name will appear on the instructor's
class roster. In order for “AU” to appear on the student's
transcript, the instructor must certify at the end of the
semester that the student has attended as an auditor by
entering an AU. Auditors who are not approved by the
instructor should have a final grade NAU recorded on
the roster. Enrollments with NAU will be omitted from
the student's record.
Student Records. All permanent academic records of
students are kept in the Registrar’s Office. No disciplinary
actions are ever recorded on a transcript.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. TCU
abides by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974, a federal law which provides that the University
will maintain confidentiality of student records. Faculty
should be aware of the requirements of The Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act as the University
accords all the rights under the law to its students. No one
outside the institution shall have access to, nor will the
institution disclose, any information from students’
educational records without the written consent of the
student except to personnel with a need to know within the
institution, to officials of other institutions in which
students seek to enroll, to persons or organizations
providing students’ financial aid, to accrediting agencies
carrying out their accreditation function, to persons in
compliance with a judicial order, and to persons in an
emergency in order to protect the health or safety of
students or other persons.
In addition, the parents of a student who have
established the student’s status as a dependent according to
the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, Section 152, may have
75
access to student records (student is claimed as a
dependent on the parents’ most recent tax return). If a
question arises as to the dependency status of a student,
please contact the office of the Registrar for clarification.
All the exceptions to the law outlined above are permitted
under the Act.
Within the TCU community, only those members,
individually or collectively, acting in the students’
educational interest are allowed access to student
educational records. Those members include personnel in
the administrative offices of the University and academic
personnel within the limitations of their need to know.
At the discretion of the University, TCU may provide
directory information in accordance with the provision of
the Act to include student’s name, address, telephone
number, email, image, names of parents of dependent
students, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates
of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most
recent previous educational agency or institution attended
by the student, participation in officially recognized
activities and sports, and weight and height of members of
athletic teams. Students may withhold directory
information by notifying the Registrar in writing. Request
for non-disclosure will be honored by the institution for
only one year and authorization to withhold directory
information must be filed annually in the Registrar’s
Office.
The law also provides students with the right to inspect
and review information contained in the educational
records, to challenge the content of those records, to have a
hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory,
and to submit explanatory statements for inclusion in their
files if they feel the decisions of the hearing panels are not
acceptable. Local policy explaining in detail the proce-
dures to be used by TCU for compliance with the
provisions of the Act is available in the following offices:
Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Vice
Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dean of Campus Life,
Registrar, Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Withdrawals from Classes. After a student has been
duly enrolled in a class, he or she is considered to be
officially in that class and responsible for a grade until he
or she has formally dropped from the class or withdrawn
from school. Merely discontinuing class attendance does
not constitute a drop or withdrawal. A student who desires
to drop a course or withdraw from the University should
follow the established procedure originating in the
Registrar’s Office. The date of withdrawal for purposes of
tuition adjustment shall be the date of official withdrawal.
The Registrar’s Office should be consulted for details
concerning current university withdrawal policy.
Attendance Expectations and Official Absence Policy.
Regular and punctual class attendance is essential, and no
assigned work is summarily excused because of absence,
no matter what the cause. Records of class attendance are
the responsibility of the faculty, and every course’s
syllabus should clearly state the instructor’s policy on class
attendance and how attendance affects a student’s final
evaluation in the course. Students who miss an
instructional experience are expected to meet with faculty
to discuss their absence as soon as possible.
When a student is absent to represent the University (as
in athletics, chorus, band, national or state meetings of
organizations represented at TCU), then an Official
University Absence may be granted by the Campus Life
Office. Faculty/staff who wish to have an activity
sanctioned for Official University Absence status, must
submit the names of all students, including date and hours
absent from campus, to the Campus Life Office no later
than one week prior to the date of the activity. The Dean of
Campus Life reviews and approves the request as
appropriate and distributes the names to all faculty through
a weekly email to department heads and administrative
personnel. Faculty are required to permit students to make
up work missed because of Official University Absences.
When a student misses class for any reason other than an
Official University Absence, the student is expected to
follow the instructor’s policy as stated in the course
syllabus. The student should contact his/her instructor as
soon as possible after he/she knows the absence will occur
or has occurred. If the cause of the absence is a serious
illness, catastrophic accident, or family emergency, each
instructor should assist the student to make up any missed
work. Time lost through such absences should not
prejudice class standing. Faculty members should specify
the appropriate time frame for making up missed work. If
the cause of the absence is less compelling (choosing to
miss class, oversleeping), instructors may or may not
permit the student to make up missed work, and may or
may not assess a penalty for class absence.
If any of the following conditions are true, the faculty
member should contact the Campus Life Office:
• The faculty member is concerned for the student’s
health or well being, or thinks the student needs
additional help.
• The student has had excessive absences in the class.
(An instructor should not assume that continued
absence from class indicates an official withdrawal
unless confirmed by the Registrar.)
• The faculty member believes the student has been
untruthful about the cause of his/her absence.
If the Campus Life Office is working with a student
regarding an emergency or ongoing personal concerns
affecting the student’s academic performance, the
student’s faculty will be notified by email or telephone.
Students are encouraged to use the resources of the
Campus Life Office if an emergency situation occurs, or if
assistance is needed to resolve individual concerns.
Disruptive Classroom Behavior and Lack of Academic
Progress Policy. Disruptive behavior is prohibited.
Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to conduct
that substantially interferes with or obstructs the teaching
or learning process. Civil expression of disagreement with
the course instructor, during times when the instructor
76
permits discussion, is not itself disruptive behavior and is
not prohibited.
When any student, acting individually or in concert with
others, obstructs or disrupts, or attempts to obstruct or
disrupt any teaching, research, administrative, disciplinary,
or public service activity, or any other activity authorized
to be discharged on behalf of the University or held on the
University’s premises, the student may be asked to stop the
disruptive behavior by an instructor or staff of the
University. If the student continues, an instructor/staff
member is authorized to tell the student to leave the area or
classroom and, if the student will not leave, to call campus
police.
The instructor/staff may immediately call campus police,
without prior request to the student, if presented with an
unsafe situation, threatening behavior, violence, or in other
appropriate circumstances.
1. Withdrawal of Student from Class or Other
Educational Experience
When a student disrupts a class or other educational
experience, acts in a threatening manner, is not making
acceptable academic progress, or if the student’s behavior
or lack of preparation is detrimental to the educational
experience of others or could create an unsafe condition, or
if the student is compromising the learning environment,
the instructor may take action to withdraw the student from
the class or educational experience.
To do this, the instructor shall provide the student
written notice of intent to withdraw the student from the
class or educational experience, with an explanation of the
instructor’s reason(s), and with a copy to the instructor’s
department chair (or, when there is no department chair, to
the associate dean of the instructor’s college or school).
The notice should schedule a meeting with the student and
the department chair (or, when there is no department
chair, with the associate dean or dean of the instructor’s
college or school) to occur within 7 days of the notice.
The instructor may bar the student from the class or
educational experience pending the result of the meeting,
and the written notice should advise the student if there is
such a bar. At the meeting, the student may have one
advisor. Following the meeting, the instructor shall decide
whether to withdraw the student from the class or
educational experience. If a student is withdrawn, his or
her grade will be recommended by the instructor to the
dean of the instructor’s college or school as either a “Q” or
an “F.” The student may appeal this decision within 7
days in writing to the academic dean or designee. During
the student’s appeal, the student remains withdrawn from
and is barred from attending the class. The dean’s decision
may be appealed in writing to the Academic Appeals
Committee within ten (10) academic days of the dean’s
decision. The Academic Appeals Committee will follow
the appeals procedures in the Academic Appeals
Committee Policy which may be obtained in full from the
chair of the committee or the Provost’s office.
2. Denying Enrollment, Suspension, Expulsion,
and Other Appropriate Action
When a student disrupts a class or other educational
experience, acts in a threatening manner, is not making
acceptable academic progress, or if the student’s behavior
or lack of preparation is detrimental to the educational
experience of others or could create an unsafe condition, or
if the student is compromising the learning environment,
or if the student has acted contrary to the professional or
ethical standards of the University, a department thereof,
or a particular field, an academic dean, or the dean’s
designee, may additionally:
A. deny class enrollment to the student; or
B. suspend or expel the student from the University
or from one or more of its programs;
C. take other appropriate action.
The student affected by such a decision by an
academic dean, or the dean’s designee, may appeal in
writing to the Academic Appeals Committee within ten
(10) academic days of the dean’s decision. The Academic
Appeals Committee will follow the appeals procedures in
the Academic Appeals Committee Policy which may be
obtained in full from the chair of the committee or the
Provost’s office. The decision of the academic dean (or
designee) remains in place during the pendency of the
appeal.
A student so suspended or expelled shall have a grade
of “Q” or “F” recorded for each course in progress as
determined appropriate by the academic dean. The
transcript will not record suspension or expulsion.
3. Non-students and Non-enrolled Students
Non-students and students not enrolled in class may
be permanently removed by an instructor of the class,
without formal review. Non-students who disrupt
University activities may be removed from campus and
banned from returning.
4. Other
Although some disruptive behavior may be due to a
mental or physical disorder, as it relates to violence,
disruptive or threatening behavior, students with such
disorders will be held to the same standards as others.
Nothing in this policy limits a person including but not
limited to an instructor, academic dean, associate dean, or
department chair from referring a matter to the Office of
the Dean of Campus Life or pursuing disciplinary action
against a student or person through a complaint filed in the
Office of the Dean of Campus Life.
This policy is not intended to limit any authorized
University employee, staff member, official, vice
chancellor, chancellor, members of the Board of Trustees,
or a member of the Office of Dean of Campus Life, from
appropriately addressing behaviors covered by the policy.
Approved by University Council, May 2005
Class “Walks.” The granting of “walks” or early
dismissal of classes and laboratories is viewed as a grave
breach of professional and academic integrity by the
University. This is especially true on days preceding
holidays. “Walks” will not be granted at any time unless
circumstances beyond the control of the faculty member,
such as sudden illness or emergency, should occur.
77
Grading. The University’s system of grading and a
discussion of the grade-point system will be found in the
Undergraduate Studies Catalog in the bachelor’s degree
section under Definitions and Regulations, in the Graduate
Studies Catalog under Academic Rating System, and in the
Brite Divinity School Catalog under Grading and point
system. All faculty members should familiarize themselves
with this section, especially that area dealing with “I”
grades and drops.
A “Q” grade is assigned for a course which is dropped
with permission of the dean of the school or college of the
student’s major (and dean of the school or college in which
the course is offered, if different) in consultation with the
instructor of the course when reasonably possible.
The University’s course numbering system will also be
found in the Catalog.
Grade Rosters. Faculty members are expected to report
“Unsatisfactory Progress Reports” for students at mid-
semester. A distinctive set of Web-based grade rosters is
produced for unsatisfactory grades.
At the end of each semester (or session), final Web-
based class rosters for semester grade reporting are
produced. For most classes, two separate rosters are
produced, one for students who are graduating that
semester and one for all other students. For students who
are on the graduation grade roster, grades are due before
5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday of exam week. (See final
exam policy for guidance in giving finals to these
students.) For all other student grades, the rosters must be
submitted within 72 hours of the final exam. Information
related to the deadlines, grades, and submission of the
rosters will also be emailed.
Grades will be available to students online at the end of
each semester. At mid-semester, students are provided
notices by email of the courses in which their progress has
been reported as unsatisfactory.
Procedures for Grade Appeal.
The following procedures are specified for filing a
formal grade appeal. Appeals of program dismissals,
sanctions for academic misconduct or other appeals of an
academic nature shall follow analogous procedures
beginning at the appropriate level. For example, the appeal
of a program dismissal by an academic dean would begin
with a discussion with the academic dean, followed
directly by an appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee.
For the purposes of this policy, “academic dean”
refers either to the dean of a college or to an associate
dean of that same college designated by the dean to handle
the relevant academic matters.
Preconditions for a Formal Grade Appeal: In the
event a student questions the appropriateness of a grade
assigned for a course or the results of another critical
component of a degree requirement (e.g. oral exam, juried
exhibition, thesis, etc.), the student must first discuss the
matter with the faculty member(s). These discussions
between the faculty member and student should be
initiated by the student as soon as possible after the grade
is assigned, but no later than six (6) academic days
following the disclosure of the grade to the student. The
faculty member is expected to respond within five (5)
academic days of the initiation. If there is no response
from the faculty member, the student may present the issue
directly to the department chair. In the event that the
faculty member(s) agrees to change the grade/decision, the
normal process for changing a grade shall be followed. If
the student wishes to appeal the faculty’s decision after
these discussions, he or she must follow the formal grade
appeals process outlined below.
NOTE: An academic day is defined as a school day on
which TCU classes are meeting. Initiation of the
discussion is any attempt to contact the faculty of record,
or chair of examination committee in the case of a
candidacy exam or thesis/dissertation defense, about the
grade, including email or other written correspondence
(recommended), personal meeting and telephone call or
message.
Formal Grade Appeal:
1. Appeal to the Department Chair or appropriate
Administrator (see Dean’s office for appropriate
administrator).
The student may appeal the faculty decision in
writing to the department chair of appropriate
administrator within fifteen (15) academic days of the
first day of the next long semester if a satisfactory
resolution is not reached in the initial discussion with
the faculty. Exceptions to deadlines set forth herein
for students in unusual circumstances (for example,
studying abroad) may be granted in writing by the
dean of the college/school in which the course (or
critical component) was offered. An exception may
also be granted by the Provost/Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs.
The department chair or appropriate administrator
will become familiar with the facts of the case by
communicating with the student and the faculty
member(s). The parties have a right to meet with the
chair without the other party present. The faculty
member or examination committee chair will respond
in writing to the department chair concerning the
student’s appeal. At any point in the appeals process,
the appealing student has the right to request and
obtain copies of any materials relating to the student
that have been shared with others to justify the grade
or other issue under appeal.
The department chair or appropriate administrator
may either accept or deny the student’s appeal. The
chair will notify the student and faculty member(s) of
his/her decision in writing within ten (10) academic
days of receiving the appeal. In the event that the
department chair accepts the student’s appeal, and no
further appeals occur, he/she will initiate a grade
change through the dean of the college.
EXCEPTIONS - If the department chair is
involved in the appeal as the faculty member (or as
one of the faculty members), the chair of the
78
department advisory committee will assume the
department chair’s role in the appeal process. If the
department does not have a department advisory
committee, the chair of the school/college advisory
committee will assume the department chair’s role in
the appeal process.
2. Appeal to the Academic Dean.
The chair’s position may be appealed in writing by
the student or faculty member(s) to the appropriate
dean within ten (10) academic days of the department
chair’s decision.
The dean will become familiar with the facts of the
case by reading the prior appeal documents and by
communicating with the student, faculty member(s)
and the department chair. The parties have the right to
meet with the dean without the other party present.
The academic dean will notify the student, faculty
member(s) and the department chair of his/her
decision in writing within ten (10) academic days of
receiving the appeal. In the event the dean upholds the
student’s appeal and no further appeals occur, the
change of grade shall be reported by the dean to the
registrar’s office.
EXCEPTIONS - If the dean of the college/school
is involved in the appeal as the faculty member, the
appropriate associate dean will assume the dean’s role
in the appeal process.
3. Appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee.
The dean’s decision may be appealed in writing by
the student, the faculty member(s) or the department
chair to the Academic Appeals Committee within ten
(10) academic days of the dean’s decision. The
Academic Appeals Committee will follow the appeals
procedures in the Academic Appeals Committee
Policy which may be obtained in full from the chair of
the committee or the Provost’s office.
The appeal by the student, the faculty member(s) or
the department chair will be sent to the Academic
Appeals Committee chair in writing. The material
corresponding to the appeal should include a letter to
the committee discussing the reason for the appeal and
all pertinent documents that support the appeal. When
the appeal is received, the committee chair will ask the
appropriate dean for all written documents pertaining
to the appeal. Once the committee chair receives the
documents, he or she will convene a hearing panel and
distribute the documents to the hearing panel members
for review. During the review of the material, the
chair may request other documents pertaining to the
appeal. The chair will set a date for a hearing that will
include the appropriate committee members, the
student and the faculty member(s). The chair will
request that the dean or a designee be present to
represent the college or school.
A hearing will take place at which time all parties
will have an opportunity to discuss their case and
committee members will ask questions to better
understand the appeal.
The committee will confer and come to a decision
on whether to support the appeal or not. All parties
will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision
within ten (10) academic days of the hearing. In the
event the committee upholds the student’s appeal and
no further appeals occur, the chair will advise the
appropriate dean to report the change of grade to the
registrar’s office.
4. Appeal to the Provost.
The student, dean, faculty member(s) or the
department chair may appeal the Academic Appeals
Committee’s decision to the Provost of the University
in writing within ten (10) academic days of the
committee’s decision.
All questions pertaining to the appeals policy and
procedures should be addressed to the chair of the
Academic Appeals Committee or the Provost’s office.
Final Evaluative Exercise Policy. Faculty members are
to administer an appropriate final evaluative exercise in all
classes. The form of the evaluative exercise may vary
according to the course level, objective(s) and instructional
methodology. Prior agreement with the appropriate next
level administrator is required before omitting a final
exercise or scheduling a final evaluative exercise outside
the published schedule.
The five-day periods for final examinations at the close
of the fall and spring semester are published in the
University Calendar. Final examinations for evening
classes are conducted in the regular classrooms during the
week of final examinations. If necessary, the final
examination for evening classes meeting twice a week may
be scheduled for both of those nights. The schedule for
final examinations is to be followed; no final examination
may be given before the beginning of the final examination
period (see exception for graduating students and prior
agreement with appropriate next-level administrator noted
above).
Rescheduling of Finals: If the published final
examination schedule would require a student to take more
than two final examinations in a 24-hour period, the
student can arrange to take one of the exams at another
time. The student shall determine which final examination
is to be rescheduled. The rescheduled exam shall be given
at a time mutually agreeable to the student and the faculty
member. A final exam may not be rescheduled so as to
violate the 24-hour rule. Rescheduling arrangements must
be made one week prior to the last day of classes. Unless
the student is graduating, the exam must be taken during
final examination week. Rescheduling of final
examinations is permitted only for graduating seniors
and to meet the 24-hour rule.
End of Semester Study Period. The academic calendar
provides for a study period between the last day of classes
and the beginning of final examination week. This study
period is intended to provide maximum, uninterrupted
study time. No classes, laboratories, or examinations of
79
any kind will be scheduled during this period (see
exception for graduating students).
Exception to Final Examination and Study Day
Policies for Graduating Students. As grades for
graduating students must be submitted to the Registrar at
least 72 hours prior to Commencement, graduating
students who have exams beginning at 3:00 p.m. or later
on the Wednesday of Finals Week must reschedule to an
earlier time. Study days and the Saturday prior to Finals
Week are available for faculty to reschedule graduating
students.
Teaching Materials Policy. Instructional materials
authored, created, produced or supplied by the course
instructor may be assigned to be purchased by students for
a course taught by the author. If such materials are simply
reproduced for class distribution, the cost charged to
students may not exceed the cost of reproduction and
distribution. If the instructor receives direct financial
benefit, the instructor must disclose the financial benefit
and the department chair or dean may ask for justification
before rendering a decision about the appropriateness of
the materials. The chair or dean must provide an explicit
rationale if the instructional materials are judged
inappropriate.
Instructional Equipment Policy. Equipment approved
for purchase by the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs for the instructional setting will be inventoried and
maintained through the Center for Instructional Services.
Requests and approvals for purchases will come to deans
through department chairpersons and faculty. Equipment
housed permanently in an academic building will be
available for all classes taught in the building. Scheduling
of the equipment will be handled by the department that
initially requested the purchase of the equipment, and
requests will be granted on a first-come/first-served basis.
Individuals who use equipment in the instructional setting
are expected to be trained adequately and are responsible
for contacting the Center for Instructional Services to
obtain this training. The instructor is responsible for the
safeguarding of the equipment, and his/her department
may be held financially responsible if equipment is
damaged.
University Policy for Distance Learning and Web-
Enhanced Courses.
TCU Distance Learning is any for-credit instruction
provided to a TCU student outside the state of Texas. This
includes internships, clinicals, practicums, video
conferencing, online or any other delivery format. Distance
Learning is centralized in the Koehler Center.
Standards for Online Courses:
Departments that do not follow the University policy
will be required to pay all distance learning fees for their
program or course taught online for a given semester.
1. All distance learning courses taught at TCU must be
approved through department/School/College University
curriculum committees and/or appropriate accreditation
body or bodies. See the accompanying note at the end of
this section.
2. All online courses must use TCUs officially
adopted Learning Management System.
3. All online courses will use at least three methods to
evaluate student learning.
4. Faculty members will develop syllabi for distance
education courses which include:
• learning outcomes;
• course policies, pre-requisites and required
materials;
• grading information;
• getting help with TCU Online;
• TCU Mission Statement
• the current official statement on disability
services at TCU;
• other TCU resources for students, including Title
IX policy and resources;
• academic misconduct; and netiquette.
Use of the TCU Syllabus template is strongly
encouraged (https://cte.tcu.edu/syllabus-templates/).
5. All TCU faculty teaching an online course will have
completed training in effective online pedagogies and in
how to use TCUs Learning Management System prior to
the official start date of their course.
• Required: TCU Online Boot Camp Workshop
• Required: Preparing To Teach Online Training or
copy of certificate from other institution
• Recommended: Outcomes-Based Teaching and
Learning Training
• Recommended: TCU Online Competencies
Training
• Optional: TCU Online ePortfolio Training
6. All online courses must be accessible as defined by
Section 508 of the United States Access Board and all
content in the course must meet the standards set forth in
Section 508, https://www.section508.gov/.
7. All online courses will be assessed by Koehler
Center staff using the TCU Online Structure Assessment
Tool (OSAT). Results from the OSAT and other reporting
from TCU Online will be shared with the faculty member
and the appropriate department chair or program director.
8. Online programs must meet TCU requirements for
faculty and student engagement and course activity.
Reports from TCU Online will be created to provide data
about engagement. Reporting will be shared with the
faculty member and the appropriate department chair or
program director.
9. All online courses will use the TCU SPOT
evaluation tool issued by the Office of Institutional
Research.
10. All graduate online courses will have a distance
learning fee assessed for each student taking an online
course. Students in graduate online courses will be billed
for this distance learning fee. Graduate courses are defined
as courses with course numbers of 50000 or greater.
80
11. All graduate online courses must have all distance
learning fees approved by the appropriate program director
and/or dean before the official start date of the course.
12. All online credit courses will:
• Follow the start and end dates listed on class
search unless otherwise approved by the
Registrar
• Have a section number that begins with 4
• Be flagged with the attribute TCUO
13. All online programs, courses and distance learning
offerings (including internships/clinicals) must meet state
compliance/state authorization regulations as defined by
specific state legislation and the State Authorization
Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
Note:
All new programs and courses must follow the New
Course/Program Approval Process.
All online programs, courses and distance learning
offerings must meet state compliance/state authorization
regulations as defined by specific state legislation and the
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
TCU Distance Learning is defined as any for-credit
instruction provided to a TCU student outside the State of
Texas. This includes internships, clinicals, practicums,
video conferencing, online, or any other delivery format.
Distance Learning is centralized in the Koehler Center.
Requirements for Teaching Online Courses:
1. Training must be completed before the official start
of the online course;
• Required: TCU Online Boot Camp Workshop
• Required: Preparing To Teach Online Training or
copy of certificate from other institution
• Recommended: Outcomes-Based Teaching and
Learning Training
• Recommended: TCU Online Competencies
Training
• Optional: TCU ePortfolio Training
2. Create online course in TCU Online; course to be
fully built well by the date specified in the schedule
published by the Koehler Center on the Distance Learning
website in order to allow Koehler Center staff to insure the
course meets all applicable standards.
3. Course learning goals and learning outcomes must
be identified and mapped to coursework.
4. The competencies tool within the learning
management system will be used to meet accreditation
requirements.
5. To go live, a course must:
• earn an Online Structure Assessment Tool
(OSAT) score of 70% or greater (Required)
• implement all improvements identified as short-
term/critical fixes before the official start date of
the course
These requirements apply to both the initial offering
of the online course and for any subsequent offerings of
the course.
(Updated June 2017)
Requirements for Online Courses
1. Online Structure Assessment Tool (OSAT) score of
70% or greater (Required) in post-instruction review of
the course delivered to students. Based on OSAT findings,
the instructor and the Koehler Center will create a plan for
the ongoing improvement of the course and the instructor
will implement identified items on an annual basis.
(Updated June 2017)
2. Faculty engagement in course must total a
minimum of 30 hours (based on the benchmark of a three
credit course)
3. Student activity/engagement in a three hour course
should equal or exceed 45 hours (based on the benchmark
of a three credit course)
4. Class completion rate (based on student census date
as compared with student enrollment at the end of term)
should be 88% or greater, barring any exceptional events
(Required)
5. Recommended: data within the course reflect that
the instructor has measured student learning outcomes in
the course separate from course grades. Based on the data,
the instructor will create a plan for the ongoing
improvement of the learning outcomes in the course and
implement identified items on an annual basis.
Standards for Web Component Courses
1. Web component courses must meet for at least 2/3
rd
of the assigned classroom time in a face-to-face setting.
For example, a 3-credit, 16-week course must meet for at
least 30 hours of face-to-face classroom time. The
remaining 15 hours may be comprised of online work or
class sessions. If online sessions will replace some class
meetings, notice of this should be provided to students as
far in advance as possible, ideally at the start of the class.
2. All web component courses must be accessible as
defined by Section 508 of the United States Access Board,
and all content on web component courses needs to meet
the standards set forth in Section 508. These standards are
available online at https://www.section508.gov/.
3. Programs or departments may not charge students
additional fees for web component courses.
Procedures for Ordering Textbooks and Course
Packets. Textbook orders can be placed using the Follett
Discover link with the LMS allowing faculty to research
and adopt course materials in one convenient place.
Discover can be used to adopt textbooks, check format
availability, non-course materials, order desk copies, and
research new titles in addition to providing three years of
prior book and course information. Please contact the
Campus Store Textbook Department for more information
on ordering or to request a copy of the departmental
textbook list.
To best meet the needs of the student body, all textbook
and course materials information must be made available
to the TCU Campus Store and should not be released
elsewhere. The TCU Campus Store will order and make
available for sale any and all textbooks required for each
course at TCU. The TCU Campus Store will make all
textbook and course material information available
81
through their website www.tcucampusstore.com. In the
event of a delayed delivery for any required title being
used for a course, the TCU Campus Store will be glad to
take special orders in store, by student request, for books
not in stock. Every effort will be taken to secure the books
and provide them in a timely manner.
NOTICE: The sale of textbooks and supplies directly to
students by individuals employed at TCU or through
departments is strictly prohibited.
Book and supply information is due for each class and
instructor on the following dates:
Term
Due Date to TCU
Campus Store
For the upcoming spring
semester
October 17**
For the upcoming summer
semester
March 20**
For the upcoming fall
semester
March 30**
Any questions or concerns in regards to textbook
ordering should be directed to the Store Director or the
Course Materials Manager of the TCU Campus Store.
**These dates are adjusted each semester to coincide
with class start date.
Campus Store Contact Information: Jason Smith,
director, [email protected]; Jason Manriquez, course
materials manager, [email protected]. Visit us online at
www.bookstore.tcu.edu.
Outside Speakers. TCU welcomes the presentation and
discussion of diverse points of view through speakers
sponsored by recognized campus organizations.
There is no absolute right on the part of any organization
to assemble and hear a speech at any particular time or
place and under any and all circumstances. However, the
fact that speaker may be provocative or strike at prejudices
and hold views contrary to those held on campus is not in
itself a basis for the denial of the right of an organization
to hear him or her.
No prior approval is needed for departmental or faculty
invitations to speakers before classes or seminars or for
guest speakers off campus. If there is a question
concerning the wisdom of inviting a speaker by a student
organization, it should be referred to the Provost & Vice
Chancellor of Academic Affairs. If there is a question
concerning the wisdom of inviting a speaker presented or
sponsored by an academic department it should be referred
through academic channels.
Discipline, Students. When discipline problems occur,
every effort is made to deal with each case individually
and to protect the interests of the student, as well as the
interests of the University. Professional student affairs
personnel attempt to assist individual students with any
problem that might impede successful educational
progress.
All members of the university community share
responsibility for the way that it functions, and each
student, staff and faculty member has not only the right but
also the obligation to submit significant rules infractions to
the appropriate university office.
A complete statement of TCU policy concerning student
conduct can be found in the Undergraduate Studies
Catalog and in the Student Handbook.
Student-Initiated Withdrawal Policy. The purpose of
student-initiated withdrawal from courses is to enhance the
learning opportunity in a program of study. On recognition
that a student may lack the back-ground needed for the
mastery of course content, the subject matter in a course
does not match student need or interest as anticipated, or
that course requirements will limit effective appropriation
of learning in a semester’s overall program of study, a
student may officially withdraw from any course until five
(5) academic days following the published date that mid-
semester reports of unsatisfactory work are due to the
Registrar. The date of withdrawal for all purposes,
including tuition adjustment, shall be the date of official
withdrawal.
There will be no withdrawals after this date during the
fall and spring semesters, or a comparable period during a
shorter session.
Any student who experiences unusual hardship may seek
special consideration through a written petition to the dean
of the college of his or her major. Petitions should, where
possible, be documented with supporting statements from
a doctor, counselor, or family member. That a student is
doing unsatisfactory work in a course will not be taken as
sufficient reason for special consideration. If, in the
opinion of the dean, the request is justified, a grade of “Q”
(dropped by the dean’s permission) may be assigned by the
dean after consultation with (1) the instructor of the
course, (2) the chair of the department, and (3) the dean of
the college in which the course is offered. Any dean
assigning a “Q” will notify the Registrar’s Office.
Academic Processions and Regalia. All faculty and
those staff with advanced degrees and employed on at least
a three-quarter time basis are expected to participate in
academic processions held in conjunction with
convocations, commencements and other formal
ceremonies. Reimbursement for one half of the rental fee
for academic regalia for commencements may be obtained
through the Office of the Provost/Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs.
82
TCU LIBRARY
Our mission is organizing and providing access to
quality information resources that inspire curiosity,
creativity and innovation throughout the TCU community
while offering exceptional services and surroundings that
nurture our students.
Collections Print/Electronic. Students and faculty have
access to over 2 million books, CDs, DVDs, videos, and
over 140,000 unique journals, electronically and in paper
housed in thee TCU library and library annex offsite. Over
500 databases, many of which include the full text of
journal articles are available through the library’s website
(http://library.tcu.edu). Examples of popular databases are
Academic Search Complete, Business Source Complete,
PsycINFO and Science Direct.
Materials at the library are arranged according to the
Library of Congress system in open stacks for convenient
access. Librarians and staff select, maintain and interpret
the collections for library users. A music/media library and
audio center are also located in the Library. Particular
collections include Texas, United States, and European
Union documents; the Archives of the Van Cliburn
International Piano Competition; the papers of former
Speaker of the House, James C. Wright, Jr.; the papers of
Amon G. Carter, Sr.; the University's archives; and special
collections of rare books and manuscripts such as the
William Luther Lewis Collection of English and American
Literature.
Reference/Research Services. Research Librarians
(http://library.tcu.edu/reference.asp#tab_staff) providing
library and research assistance are available and can be
contacted in person, by phone, by email or online chat as
described at: http://library.tcu.edu/askalibrarian.asp.
Research Librarians are also subject liaisons for various
subjects taught at the University. The research librarians
regularly teach courses on using the library’s resources and
are willing to schedule individual consultation
appointments for more in-depth research assistance. In
addition, the research librarians are responsible for
purchasing materials for the library’s collections (both
print & electronic) for their assigned subject disciplines.
Borrowing. Faculty and staff may borrow items for up
to four months, with the exception of certain materials,
such as videotapes and DVD’s, which have shorter loan
periods. The book limit is 200. All items are subject to
recall after two weeks (one week during the summer), and
borrowers may incur fines for failure to respond to recalls.
Payment for lost library materials is the responsibility of
the borrower. Items become “assumed lost” at 22 days
past the due date and are charged to your account through
TCU Financial Services. Items may be renewed by phone,
through the Library’s website (http://library.tcu.edu), or in
person.
Family members of faculty/staff should get an Affiliate
ID Card. To get this card please first visit TCU Human
Resources to establish an ID number. The TCU ID Card
Center will create the ID that the Library Circulation
department will register to be used as a borrower card.
This card allows family members to check out up to 5
books for a period of four weeks. Fines and charges for
lost books are ultimately the responsibility of the TCU
employee.
Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery. Library
materials needed for research that are not in the TCU
Library collections often may be secured through
Interlibrary Loan. This service does not generally incur
costs to the borrower, but when an item exceeds $19.00 the
patron is asked to pay one-half of fees. Interlibrary Loan
request forms can be found on the library website
(http://illiad.tcu.edu).
Additional document delivery services are available.
Faculty may request that the Library arrange for document
delivery accounts, so journal articles can be ordered and
received by fax or down-loading without library
mediation. The Library provides these accounts in lieu of
subscribing to some journals.
Reciprocal Faculty Borrower Cards. TCU Participates
in two programs that extend borrowing privileges.
TexShare enables borrowing privileges at most academic
libraries in Texas. Please see the Circulation Staff to issue
the TexShare Borrowing Card. Borrowers should be ready
to abide by whatever conditions or rules are set by the
lending institution. Faculty seeking to use libraries out of
the region or state can see if the Reciprocal Faculty
Borrowing Program would suit their needs. This is a
program developed by the Research Libraries Advisory
Committee of OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) to
give faculty at RFBP institutions borrowing privileges and
on-site access to the collections of other participating
academic research libraries. It is not a part of WorldCat
Resource Sharing. Program participation is restricted to
those academic research institutions that meet specific
measurable requirements. More information about this
program can be found on the library website
(http://library.tcu.edu/interlibrary-loan.asp#tab_orfbp).
Library Acquisitions. A book approval plan, delineated
by academic departments, to assist in the selection of
current publications is supplied by the Library. The
Library invites the participation of the University
community in recommending materials for purchase.
Faculty requests are generally charged to the Library’s
departmental allocations in the books account.
The Acquisitions Department furnishes request slips for
book orders, and book orders may be placed through an
online order form available from the library’s website
(http://library.tcu.edu/suggest-new-materials.asp).
Complete information, including priority rating, should be
filled in on all order forms. Please note that the RUSH
designation is only for items that are urgently needed.
83
Questions concerning acquisition of new databases or
periodical subscriptions should be directed to the
departmental library liaison.
Placing Materials on Reserve. Instructors should bring
their reserve lists to the circulation department at least two
weeks before assignments are made in class. Standard
reserve forms may be obtained from the circulation
department and online forms for print and electronic
reserves are available at http://library.tcu.edu/print-
reserves-request.asp . Electronic reserve is also an option.
For further information call the Circulation department at
817-257-7226.
Class Visits to the Library. The library offers both
introductory sessions for TCU freshmen, sophomores and
transfer students needing to learn the fundamentals of
library research and advanced library instruction providing
more in-depth resource demonstrations related to course
topics. The latter sessions are provided by the subject
liaisons assigned to your department. Both types of
instruction may be scheduled via the online request form at
http://library.tcu.edu/library-instruction.asp.
Computing. The library provides a computer lab that
includes Windows and Macintosh desktop computers,
printers and scanners. Wireless laptops can be checked out
for use within the library.
The GIGA Lab provides both Windows and Macintosh
computers with additional processing power and memory
to handle specialty programs such as Adobe Creative
Cloud, ArcGIS, Autocad, Tableau and other modeling and
statistical programs. The Fab Lab offers multiple 3-D
printers, a high definition 3-D scanner, a laser
cutter/engraver and a large scale plotter.
Reserve Rooms. Collaborative group study spaces in the
library and Rees-Jones Hall can be reserved by students,
faculty and staff using the online reservation system at
http://libreservations.tcu.edu. Additionally, graduate
students and faculty have access to graduate reading rooms
located on the third floor that are accessible using your
TCU ID. The Lizard Lounge is a social academic space for
faculty and graduate students that is accessible using your
TCU ID when not reserved for events and is available 24
hours a day. Event reservations can be made by application
on the library’s website (http://library.tcu.edu/lizard-
lounge-request.asp).
RESEARCH
Texas Christian University recognizes the importance of
research, including creative scholarship, as a necessary
function of the university. Research is a valuable ingredient
complementing teaching and enabling creativity, initiative
and enterprise. Scholarly contributions bring honor and
prestige to the faculty and the University, as well as attract
additional resources, faculty, and students, particularly
graduate students. Research is, therefore, actively
encouraged by the University.
The University expects all members of the faculty to
engage in such research and creative endeavor as is
necessarily concomitant with their role in instruction. In
addition, it expects all graduate faculty and instructors to
engage in research projects or other productive and creative
scholarship as befits a community of scholars and is in
keeping with the responsibilities inherent in the direction of
theses and dissertations.
The Office of Research provides guidance, central
administrative support and resources to TCU researchers
in their pursuit of new knowledge. Led by the Associate
Provost for Research, the Office consists of several
dedicated units that work with individual researchers,
departments and divisions to provide expertise, resources
and services to help smooth the path of discovery and
scholarship, and help ensure safe and responsible conduct
of research. The Office intends to support the conduct and
expansion of responsible research and creative activity at
TCU, developing external funding opportunities,
advocating for best practice and policy, and monitoring
activities and results. Our vision is to create a
comprehensive support system for TCU researchers so to
ease their administrative burden and allow them to focus on
scholarship and teaching.
Research Compliance and Integrity. The University
expects all members of the TCU community to engage in
scholarly endeavors in compliance with applicable law and
TCU Research policies and procedures, with integrity and
intellectual honesty at all times, and with appropriate regard
for human and animal subjects. TCU Research Committees
are charged with overseeing the campus activities related to
these specific compliance areas. Research committees are
overseen by the Director of Research Compliance and
Integrity who reports to the Associate Provost for Research,
who serves as TCU’s Institutional Official.
Research Training and Workshops. The TCU Office of
Research offers comprehensive training and educational
opportunities to meet the needs of faculty, staff, postdocs
and students involved in research and scholarly activities.
Responsible Conduct of Research Workshops and Faculty
Orientation to Research are two examples. Other training
and workshops are scheduled as needed, with the goals of
providing a better understanding of the requirements,
policies and administrative processes that impact the
research enterprise and increasing competitiveness of
proposals for external resources.
Sponsored Programs. The Office of Sponsored
Programs (OSP) is primarily engaged in providing
information on specific funding sources available to
faculty, assisting faculty in the preparation of grant
proposals/budgets and facilitating effective communication
84
and interaction between faculty and potential sponsors.
The OSP maintains electronic sources of support for
research and creative activities and provides sponsored
programs information, as well as reports on sponsored
programs at TCU.
All proposals and contracts submitted for extramural
funding are reviewed, approved and submitted through the
office. OSP is responsible for ensuring submissions have
proper institutional approvals documented. The OSP is led
by a Director of Sponsored Programs who works with the
Associate Provost for Research in formulation of
University policies pertaining to grants, contracts and other
extramurally funded activities, and supports the Associate
Provost for Research in administration and conduct of
internally and externally funded research programs of the
University.
85
STAFF SECTION
86
Staff Assembly
The TCU Staff Assembly was established in 1999 to provide an opportunity to discuss issues and address concerns of all
staff. The Assembly consists of both exempt and nonexempt staff, representing all areas of the University. Meetings are held
monthly from September to May. Elections are conducted in the spring and delegates are selected by their peers for two-year,
renewable terms. Directed by an Executive Committee of officers, the Staff Assembly carries out most of its work through
committees. Those committees include: elections, professional development, policy and advocacy, community service,
committee on committees, media and communications, college resources and constituency.
BYLAWS FOR THE CONSTITUTION OF THE TCU STAFF ASSEMBLY
I. MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
The mission of the Staff Assembly is to initiate
communication among staff by providing a forum for
expression and exchange of ideas and serve as an advocate
for staff with administration.
The vision of the Staff Assembly is to foster a superior
work environment with highly-motivated staff.
II. JURISDICTION, DUTIES, AND POWERS
The Staff Assembly shall study, consider, and exchange
ideas concerning issues affecting Staff.
The Staff Assembly shall seek, devise, and propose to
the Administration, as appropriate, new programs,
modifications of current programs, or solutions to
problems.
The Staff Assembly shall review proposed policies
and/or programs referred by the Administration.
The Staff Assembly shall provide a communication
channel between Staff and the University Administration.
III. REPRESENTATION AND COMPOSITION
A. Representation - The Staff Assembly represents all
non-faculty staff employed in a regular-budgeted/grant-
funded position of at least 3/4 time.
B. Composition - One Representative shall be elected
for every 20 staff members in each Chancellor’s/Vice
Chancellor’s division. The Executive Committee has the
authority to appoint, at their discretion, up to three
members-at-large to the Assembly for a 2-year term of
office. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Human
Resources shall serve as a resource for the Staff Assembly.
C. Terms of Office - Terms of office shall begin June
1. The term of office of all Representatives shall be two
years, with half of the members elected in each year. In the
initial election, one-half of the Representatives shall be
elected to a one-year term.
D. Vacancies - In the event of a vacancy, the Elections
Committee shall appoint a representative from the list of
divisional alternates identified during the most recent
election. Appointments shall be made in order of total
votes received. This appointment will correspond to the
elected term of the originally elected staff member. Should
an alternate not be available, the Elections Committee will
confirm that the level of divisional representation is equal
to or greater than 80% of those originally elected. If the
level of divisional representation is equal to or greater than
80%, no special election will be held. If the level of
divisional representation is less than 80%, a special
election will be held. This election will be administered by
the Elections Committee and led by the Chair of the
Elections Committee.
E. Division Change - In the event that a representative
should change Chancellor’s/Vice Chancellor’s divisions,
they will remain on the Staff Assembly through the
remainder of their elected term.
IV. STRUCTURE OF THE STAFF ASSEMBLY
A. Officers
1) The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the
Officers of the Assembly: the Chair, Chair-elect,
Immediate Past Chair, Historian, Parliamentarian,
Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Standing
Committee Chairs.
2) The Chair-elect, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary
shall be elected by the Assembly at the last meeting of the
year, and the term of office shall be one year. The
incumbent Chair-elect shall become Chair.
a) Eligibility for Office
Any Representative who is currently serving on
Staff Assembly is eligible for nomination to any office,
providing there is at least one year remaining in an existing
term or if he or she has been re-elected. If there is a break
in service, at least one year must be served before the
member is eligible for election to any office. If the
Assembly term of the Chair-elect shall expire before the
conclusion of the Chair-elect’s term of office as Chair, he
or she shall assume the office of Chair as an ex-officio
member of the Assembly.
b) Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Chair,
the Chair-elect becomes Chair, and the Assembly elects a
new Chair-elect. In the event of a vacancy in the offices of
Chair-elect, Secretary, or Assistant Secretary, a new Chair-
elect, Secretary, or Assistant Secretary, shall be elected by
the Assembly. Election of officers to fill these vacancies
87
shall be administered by the Staff Election Committee
within 30 working days of the occurrence of the vacancy.
3) Appointed Positions
a) Parliamentarian
By the first meeting the Chair shall, with the
approval of the Executive Committee, appoint a
Parliamentarian for the following year from among the
elected members. No member may serve more than three
consecutive terms in this office.
b) Historian
By the first meeting the Chair shall, with the
approval of the Executive Committee, appoint a Historian
for the following year from among the elected members.
No member may serve more than three consecutive terms
in this office.
c) Treasurer
By the first meeting of each year, the Chair shall,
with the approval of the Executive Committee, appoint a
Treasurer from among the elected members. No member
may serve more than three consecutive terms in this office.
d) Standing Committee Chairs
By the first meeting of each year, the Chair
shall, with the approval of the Executive Committee,
appoint the chairs of each Standing Committee from
among the elected members. No member may serve more
than three consecutive terms as the chair of a Standing
Committee. At the discretion of the Chair, two qualified
members may serve as co-chairs of a Standing Committee.
B. Standing Committees
1) The Standing Committees of the Staff Assembly
shall be as follows:
College Resource Committee
Committee on Committees
Community Service Committee
Election Committee
Policy and Advocacy Committee
Professional Development Committee
Media and Communications Committee
Constituency Committee
2) Staff Assembly Committees shall meet as needed
during the year at 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise scheduled.
3) Committees shall meet as needed with the Chair
of the Staff Assembly.
C. Meetings of the Staff Assembly
1) The Staff Assembly shall meet on the first
Tuesday of each month from September to May, with the
exception of January, at 3:30 p.m. Special meetings may
be called by the Executive Committee.
2) The Chancellor or his or her designee will be
invited to provide reports of an appropriate interest at the
regular meetings of the Staff Assembly.
3) The Staff Assembly shall conduct its meetings
according to the current edition of Robert’s Rules of
Order.
4) No business shall be transacted at a meeting
unless a quorum is present and continues to be present at
the meeting. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority
of the membership.
5) The Staff Assembly shall be granted released
time to attend Staff Assembly Meetings, including Staff
Assembly committee meetings and Executive Committee
meetings as required. Work schedules shall be adjusted as
necessary.
6) Staff Assembly members must discuss the
Representatives’ responsibilities with their immediate
supervisor.
V. RESPONSIBILITIES OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND OFFICERS
A. Representatives’ Responsibilities
1) Communicate with their constituencies both
formally and informally.
2) Serve on Assembly committees and attend
committee meetings.
3) Attendance Policy - If a Representative misses
two meetings during the year, the Assembly secretary shall
notify the incumbent and inquire as to the Representative’s
intentions. Should the Representative wish to vacate the
seat, the person receiving the second highest number of
votes will assume the seat. If a third absence occurs, it will
be assumed that the incumbent has vacated the seat.
Within three (3) weeks of the third absence, a written
appeal for reinstatement outlining the extenuating
circumstances can be made to the Executive Committee of
the Staff Assembly. Prior to the next Staff Assembly
meeting, the Executive Committee will inform the
Representative of its decision regarding reinstatement or
replacement by the first alternate.
B. Executive Committee Responsibilities
1) Serve as members of the Staff Assembly
Executive Committee.
2) Fulfill responsibilities as listed in the Assembly
Bylaws.
3) Meet with the Chancellor as needed.
4) Attend meetings.
a) Meets as an executive committee on the third
Tuesday of each month.
b) Executive Committee members may meet as
deemed necessary and shall act on behalf of the Assembly
on matters that, in their judgment, cannot be deferred.
C. Chair’s Responsibilities
1) Schedule meetings of the Executive Committee
and Committee Chairs during the summer to plan
upcoming year’s agenda items and committee charges.
These meetings shall include an orientation meeting for the
Executive Committee and Committee Chairs.
2) Plan agenda for all regularly scheduled Assembly
meetings in consultation with the Executive Committee
and committee chairs.
3) Meet with the Chair of the Faculty Senate at least
once a semester and other University committees as
deemed necessary.
4) Invite TCU360 reporter to cover all the regularly
scheduled Assembly meetings during the year.
5) Oversee an annual review of the bylaws by the
Executive Committee.
88
6) Prepare an annual report for the final Assembly
meeting of the year outlining those charges that have been
successfully completed and those that are pending.
7) Distribute the Annual Report to the Chancellor
and all of the membership.
8) Discuss and submit budget to the Chancellor for
the upcoming year with assistance from the Treasurer.
9) Represent the Staff Assembly at the opening day
Faculty/Staff luncheon and other University events as
deemed necessary.
10) Represent the Staff Assembly within University
Committees as appointed by the Chancellor.
D. Chair-elect’s Responsibilities
1) Assist the Chair in planning the agenda for Staff
Assembly meetings.
2) Serve as Chair of the Staff Assembly in the
absence of the Chair.
3) Represent the Staff Assembly within University
Committees as appointed by the Chancellor.
E. Immediate Past-Chairs Responsibilities
1) Assist in the transition of new Chair of Staff
Assembly.
2) Complete the reassignment of all electronic and
budget access to the new Chair and Treasurer.
3) Represent the Staff Assembly within University
Committees as appointed by the Chancellor.
F. Secretary’s Responsibilities
1) Take minutes at all formal Assembly meetings.
2) At least one week before the next meeting,
distribute the minutes of the previous meeting to all
Representatives.
3) Take attendance and record it in the minutes.
4) Notify representatives that have missed two
meetings during the year and inquire as to the
Representatives intentions per the Attendance Policy
5) Receive and present to the Executive Committee
any member appeal to remain on the Staff Assembly after
three or more absences.
6) Distribute the agenda for any Assembly meeting
or special meeting.
G. Assistant Secretary’s Responsibilities
1) The principal duty of the Assistant Secretary is to
conduct the annual Staff Assembly elections in
coordination with the Staff Elections Committee.
a) Obtain an official staff list from Human
Resources.
b) Determine the number of Representatives
allocated from each unit of the University.
c) Canvas eligible staff members as to their
willingness to serve on the Staff Assembly.
d) Conduct a survey to gather staff nominations.
e) Conduct an election for each division and, if
necessary, a final, runoff ballot.
f) Fill vacancies which may occur between
elections.
2) Conduct any other elections required by the Staff
Assembly.
H. Historian Responsibilities
1) Collect, organize and update information
pertaining to all Staff Assembly business throughout the
year. This information should be kept in a designated
common file directory accessible by all Staff Assembly
Executive Committee members.
2) Assist the Assistant Secretary/Election
Committee Chair with the annual Staff Assembly elections
as needed.
3) Assist the Chair to administer any vote brought
before the Staff Assembly.
4) Serve as the technical resource to Staff Assembly
as needed.
I. Parliamentarian Responsibilities
1) Advise the Chair on matters of parliamentary
procedure during any meeting as needed.
2) Provide direction and assistance during any
meeting by informing all members of appropriate
parliamentary procedure.
3) Assist the Chair to administer any vote brought
before the Staff Assembly.
J. Treasurer Responsibilities
1) Maintain all financial records and pay all bills as
authorized by the Staff Assembly Chair.
2) Present a report of the finances at any Staff
Assembly meeting as requested by the Staff Assembly
Chair.
3) Review and approve all purchase requests as
submitted by members of the Executive Committee,
Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs.
4) Process all invoices for payment with Staff
Assembly funds. Following established business practices,
forward copies of all processed invoices to the
Chancellor’s office under which the Staff Assembly
budget falls and is monitored.
5) Maintain appropriate documentation regarding
use of Staff Assembly funds.
K. Standing Committee Chair’s Responsibilities
1) Lead the standing committee in accomplishing its
charge.
2) Convene regular meetings of the standing
committee, and report actions back to the Executive
Committee.
3) Promptly submit all purchase requests and
invoices to the Treasurer.
4) Recommend to the Chair members who are ready
for leadership roles.
VI. STANDING COMMITTEE CHARGES
The College Resource Committee shall be responsible
for coordinating programs to educate TCU employees and
their dependents concerning their benefits and the
processes entailed in becoming a college student.
The Committee on Committees represents the interests
of the Staff in the structure, functions, and membership of
the University Committees, and through the Executive
Committee to nominate members for all University
Committees. The committee also recommends to the Chair
candidates for appointed Assembly Offices.
89
The Community Service Committee shall be
responsible for identifying, coordinating, and promoting
community outreach projects.
The Election Committee shall assist with the initiating,
publicizing, conducting and tabulating of nominations and
results for all necessary elections. The committee will
solicit nominations for elected Assembly Offices. The
chair of the Election Committee shall be the Assistant
Secretary.
The Policy and Advocacy Committee shall review and
make recommendations to the Assembly concerning
University policies, procedures, directives, etc. especially
as they relate to advocacy for TCU Staff. The committee
will also be responsible for identifying and addressing
additional ways to advocate for the needs of staff at TCU.
The Professional Development Committee shall be
responsible for at least one workshop a semester.
The Media and Communications Committee shall be
responsible for creating and maintaining the Staff
Assembly website and any other media that promotes or
communicates Staff Assembly activities.
The Constituency Committee shall be responsible for
maintaining a list of current employees, assigning
constituencies for each member, planning events that
foster a sense of community for TCU staff and Staff
Assembly, and for welcoming newly hired staff members.
The Staff Assembly may establish such standing and ad
hoc committees as it deems appropriate. The Executive
Committee shall appoint the members and the Chair shall
designate the chair of any such committee. Such members
and chairs shall serve during the Staff Assembly Chair’s
term of office unless the committee is earlier dissolved or
the Chair acts to remove a member or a committee Chair.
VII. AMENDMENTS AND RATIFICATION
Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed by any
member of the Staff Assembly. The Staff Assembly
Executive Committee shall review and present for
consideration the proposed changes, with
recommendations, to the Staff Assembly. At least 30 days
before such vote the members of the Staff Assembly shall
be notified of the proposed amendments. Proposed
amendments shall become effective when approved by a
two-thirds majority vote of the Staff Assembly voting
thereon by ballot and upon ratification by the
Administration.
Approved by TCU Staff Assembly on 2/6/2018 and
Ratified by Chancellor’s Cabinet on 2/13/2018.
STAFF ASSEMBLY EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
2019-20
Chair – Chris Hightower Institutional
Effectiveness
Chair Elect – Angie Taylor Student Affairs
Past Chair – Walter Betts Library
Secretary – Wendy Bell Office of the Vice
Provost
Asst. Secretary & Elections Committee Chair -
Philip Dodd Student Development Services
Treasurer – Vanessa Roberts Bryan
Student Development Services
Historian – Robyn Reid Library
Parliamentarian – Ashley Edwards Center for Academic
Services
College Resource – Aaron Muñoz IT Systems
Committee on Committees – Cheryl Cobb
Alumni Relations
Community Service – Maleta Hill Office of the
Chancellor
Constituency – Melissa Garza Harris College
Academic Resource Ctr
Policy & Advocacy – Jennifer Pearson Advancement
Professional Development – Sara Liles Athletic
Academic Service Ctr
Media & Communications – Shelley Hulme
Market & Communication
STAFF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS 2019-20
Kim Adams (Financial Services, 2020)
Roxana Aguirre (Inclusiveness & Intercultural Srvcs,
2020)
Adrian Andrews (Student Affairs, 2021)
Natasha Antonetty (Human Resources, 2021)
Andrew Arvay (Campus Life, 2021)
Ana Auer-Crossman (Athletics, 2020)
Kristen Barnes (Library, 2021)
Sandi Barr (Harris College Academic Resource Ctr, 2021)
Wendy Bell (Office of the Vice Provost, 2020)
Walter Betts (Library, 2020)
Mica Bibb (Institutional Research, 2021)
Diana Boerner (Library, 2020)
Kathy Brandon (Financial Services, 2021)
Toni Broussard (Social Work, 2020)
Drew Brown (Physical Plant, 2020)
Vanessa Roberts Bryan (Student Development, 2021)
Matt Burckhalter (College Advising, 2021)
Leah Carnahan (Affirmative Action, 2020)
Trish Cassaday (School of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2021)
Stephen Chaffee (Facility Services, 2020)
Jerri Chatman (Admissions, 2020)
Cheryl Cobb (Alumni Relations, 2021)
Diana Combs-Selman (Center for Career Srvcs, 2021)
Carrie Conditt (College of Fine Arts, 2020)
Cathy Cox (Neeley Acad Advising Ctr, 2020)
Alicia Craff-Eder (Medical School, 2021)
Shelda Dean (Library, 2020)
Charles Dewar (IT/HCNHS, 2020)
Ken Do (IT Support, 2020)
Philip Dodd (Student Development, 2021)
90
Amanda Duvall (Center for Career Services, 2021)
Ashley Edwards (Center for Academic Services, 2020)
Cedric Garron (Residential Life, 2020)
Melissa Garza (Harris College Academic Resource
Ctr, 2020)
Amanda Gonzales (Assistant Provost Office, 2021)
Dalton Goodier (Admissions, 2021)
Heather Hale (Medical School, 2021)
Terry Haney (Finance & Administration, 2021)
Laurie Heidemann (Sponsored Research, 2021)
Chris Hightower (Institutional Effectiveness, 2020)
Maleta Hill (Office of the Chancellor, 2021)
Erin Houchin (Brite Divinity School, 2021)
Darlene Housewright (Communication System Specialist,
2020)
Shelley Hulme (Marketing & Communication, 2020)
Jay Iorizzo (Campus Recreation, 2021)
Reggie Jennings (Student Development, 2021)
DeAnn Jones (TCU Police, 2020)
Zoranna Jones (Harris College Academic Resource
Ctr, 2020)
Mary Kaszynski (Financial Services, 2021)
Jill Kendle (Library, 2021)
Chris Lawler (Financial Services, 2021)
Sarah Liles (Athletics Academics, 2021)
Linda Lopez (Development, 2020)
Joanne Lott (Risk Management, 2020)
James Lutz (Library, 2021)
Yesenia Madrigal (Athletics, 2020)
Lindsey Millns (Institutional Research, 2021)
Matt Millns (Human Resources, 2020)
Meredith Montgomery (Men’s Baseball, 2021)
Megan Munce (Athletics, 2021)
Aaron Muñoz (Information Security, 2020)
David Muzzy (Physical Plant, 2020)
Liz O’Keefe (Neeley, 2020)
Chad Pearce (Physical Plant, 2020)
Jennifer Pearson (Development, 2020)
Glenn Putnam (Mechanical Systems, 2021)
Miki Rayburne (Development Operations, 2021)
Robyn Reid (Library, 2020)
Evie Richardson (Budget Office, 2021)
Armando Rios (Physical Plant, 2020)
Jocelyn Rust (Financial Services, 2021)
Samuel Schlup (Facility Services, 2020)
Taylor Schwarz (Marketing & Communication, 2021)
Tom Serratore (Women’s Soccer, 2021)
John Singleton (Intl Student Srvcs, 2020)
Drew Solomon (Risk Management, 2021)
Lori Stowe (Center for Instructional Services, 2021)
Angie Taylor (VC Student Affairs, 2020)
Cheryl Taylor (Human Resources, 2020)
Leah Unger (Facility Planning, 2021)
Melissa Villegas (Development, 2021)
Rudy Weiser (Athletics, 2020)
Marva Wood (Admissions, 2020)
Compensation Policies and
Procedures
Compensation Philosophy. The University’s mission
drives TCU’s compensation philosophy:
To educate individuals to think and act as ethical
leaders and responsible citizens in the global community.
TCU Employees (faculty and staff) are integral to the
fulfillment of this mission and the University’s
compensation plan, programs, and system reflects this
commitment.
Basic to TCU’s compensation philosophy is the
recognition of hiring and retaining excellent employees is
paramount to the University’s future achievement. To
remain a nationally-ranked institution, TCU must be
committed to providing competitive salaries and benefits
for its employees. In order to attract, motivate and retain a
highly competent, inclusive, and diverse workforce, the
University’s pay and benefits must reflect appropriate
competitive market value and must be subject to
continuous assessment.
Additional Jobs. Current University Staff may work for
other departments at the University and must receive
compensation for any additional job. The following
guidelines apply:
1. Work performed for another TCU department shall
not conflict with or occur during the work schedule of
the employee’s primary job. The
supervisor/department chair shall approve an
additional job PRIOR to commencement of the second
job.
2. No schedule conflicts shall exist between the primary
and additional job. If a conflict arises, the supervisors
must resolve the issue without causing disruption to
the employee’s primary job.
3. Additional pay for non-exempt employees must
comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Employees who work more than 40 hours in a
workweek will receive overtime for those hours
worked. Non-exempt employees must report all hours
worked to their supervisor using the timekeeping
system in the department in which the work occurs.
Salary Administration. TCU Human Resources Salary
Administration page provides information about:
• Job Descriptions,
• Job Classifications,
• Independent Contractor clarification,
• Salary Planning Manual (most current version), and
• More
Fair Labor Standards Act. TCU Human Resources
Policy 5.010 – Fair Labor Standards Act.
Compliance with the FLSA applies to all employees.
91
Overtime. For non-exempt employees, overtime
occurs when an employee works more than 40 hours
in a workweek, which is seven consecutive 24-hour
periods. TCU’s workweek begins at 12:01 a.m. on
Saturday and ends at midnight on Friday. FLSA
FAQ’S
Premium Pay. TCU Human Resources Policy 5.001 –
Premium Pay. Premium pay applies when a regular non-
exempt employee is required to work during extenuating
circumstances such as University closings, inclement
weather, holidays, etc.
Time Keeping Procedures. Recording Hours worked
and attendance. Employees and supervisors are required to
record and account for all hours worked. All non-exempt
employees including temporary, student and full-time must
record their time worked for TCU. Hours worked are
recorded either electronically through the University’s
timekeeping system, Frog Time, or other authorized
timekeeping process.
Employee Relations
Performance Management. TCU Human Resources
Policy 2.010 – Performance Evaluations
The University’s performance management yearly
program provides staff members and supervisors with the
opportunity to discuss job-related objectives and set goals
for the future.
Performance Counseling and Improvement Coaching.
Employee Relations Counseling and Improvement. The
University has established policies and practices to
establish mutual understanding of expectations and ensure
efficient business operations. All employees are expected
to meet the performance and behavior expectations of their
jobs.
Conflict Resolution. Conflict Resolution FAQs. Early
conflict resolution is encouraged at the University. If
employees are unable to reach resolution at the
departmental level, TCU Human Resources is available to
assist employees through the steps of Conflict Resolution.
Contact [email protected].
Hiring and On/Offboarding
Employees
Position Vacancies and Recruitment. The opportunity
to fill a vacant position occurs throughout the year.
Positions become available through the budget process,
reallocation of existing positions, retirement, separations,
and other reasons. This is an excellent opportunity to
evaluate the job description, assess the current structure of
your organization, and/or consider opportunities for
internal promotion through an internal TCU job posting.
Human Resources team members are available to assist
you with these processes.
Staff Hiring Information. Hiring TCU staff. The
Human Resources Talent Acquisition team is ready to
assist departments with Posting, advertising, recruiting,
interviewing and selecting exceptional individuals to
become TCU staff members.
Background Checks. TCU conducts criminal
background checks on individuals who may become
employees of TCU. Generally initiated by the hiring
official’s contingent offer of employment, the process
background check may include one or more of the
following:
• County Criminal Investigation
• Social Security Number Verification
• Educational History
• Credit Check
• Federal Student Loan Default
Other members of the TCU Community who may also
be required to complete a background check include, but
are not limited to:
• Volunteers;
• Individuals on campus volunteering/working in camps
or special programs;
• Individuals working with unaccompanied minors as
required by the State of Texas.
New to TCU (Staff) Orientation. N2TCU – New to
TCU Employee Orientation for Staff. All new staff
employees attend a full-day orientation facilitated by
Human Resources - Employee Engagement. This session
provides foundational information to acquaint new staff
with University business operations and campus culture.
An overview of Employee Benefits, University Policies,
the University’s On-line Compliance Program, LESS
(Lockdown, Evacuate, Seek Shelter), Risk Management,
Information Technology, and Computer Use are also
provided. Individual departments continue the onboarding
process to familiarize new employees with their job and
unique internal business practices. New to TCU
Orientation serves as the initial platform of learning and
development as it relates to the first-year employee
experience.
Attendees must be released from their duties to
attend orientation, and be compensated as “hours
worked” for their participation.
Temporary Staff. TCU Human Resources Policy 2.004
Temporary Staff Policy. Human Resources facilitates the
engagement of a temporary staff service. Temporary staff
employees, whose appointments are expected to exceed six
92
months, may not work more than an average of 29 hours
per week.
Promotions, Transfers and Demotions. TCU Human
Resources Policy 2.005 Promotions and Transfer Policy.
TCU Human Resources team members are ready to assist
you with questions about these employee transactions.
Resignation. The education of our students and
continuation of operations supporting students is our most
critical mission. As such, employees resigning from TCU
must make every effort to communicate their intent to
resign. The best practice is for TCU employees to provide
adequate notice prior to their last day of employment as
follows:
• Staff – a minimum notice of two weeks for most non-
exempt staff positions; a minimum notice for most
exempt positions is 30 days.
• Faculty – a minimum notice for teaching faculty is at
least one semester notification.
University At-Will Employment Statement. The State
of Texas is an “employment at will” state. As such, absent
a statute or an express agreement to the contrary, either
party in an employment relationship may modify the terms
or conditions of employment, or terminate the relationship
altogether, for any reason or no particular reason, with or
without advance notice.
Leave for Employees
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993. TCU
Human Resources Policy 6.020 Family and Medical Leave
Act. This Act provides unpaid, job-protected leave for
eligible employees with qualifying events for themselves
or an eligible family member for up to 12 weeks per
twelve-month period.
As a best practice, if an employee is absent from work
due to a personal or family-member’s illness for three or
more days, contact Human Resources [email protected] or
[email protected]. The Department of Labor, Wage and
Hour Division, provides comprehensive information about
FMLA on their website.
Leaves of Absence. TCU Human Resources Policy
6.025 Leaves of Absence. TCU employees have access to
leave with and without pay for a number of eligible events.
This policy provides more information.
Sick Leave. TCU Human Resources Policy 6.015 Sick
Leave. Eligible employees accrue sick leave, which is used
for minor illness, injury and/or routine health visits for
themselves as well as their immediate family members.
Extended Sick Leave: TCU Human Resources Policy
6.015 Sick Leave. Extended sick leave is available for
eligible employees. Staff employees are eligible for
extended medical leave once within a five-year period.
Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Program. TCU Human
Resources Policy 6.070 Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank
Program. The Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank is a voluntary
program providing staff an opportunity to support co-
workers by donating accrued leave.
Staff Vacation. TCU Human Resources Policy 6.001
Staff Vacation Policy. Exempt and non-exempt staff who
work in a regular position 100% full-time accrue vacation
at the rate of 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year).
Staff employees who work at least 50% time (.50 fte) in a
regular position, but less than 100% (1 fte), accrue
vacation on a prorated basis according to the percentage of
time worked.
Electronic Reporting of Leave Time. Requests for
leave and use of leave are submitted through my.tcu.edu,
the Employee Self-Service portal.
Employment Benefits, Policies
and Procedures
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance. TCU
Employee Benefits Program. Employees (faculty and staff)
employed in benefits-eligible positions working at least
75% (.75 fte) or more are eligible for coverage in the TCU
Employee Health Insurance Program.
Continuation Medical Insurance Coverage (COBRA).
Under eligible, qualifying events, faculty and staff and/or
their covered dependents may continue medical insurance
coverage through COBRA. Terminating employees and/or
dependents who become ineligible for coverage will
receive notification from Human Resources upon
notification. For more information about COBRA, contact
Medical Spending Accounts and Pre-tax Insurance
Premiums. TCU Human Resources Employee Flexible
Spending Accounts. This program allows eligible
employees the opportunity to set aside pre-tax funds for
reimbursement of eligible medical, medical supplies, or
dependent childcare expenses.
Life Insurance. TCU employees in benefits-eligible
positions whose full-time equivalent is at least 75% (.75
fte) are eligible for coverage immediately upon
employment to enroll in the University’s life insurance
plan. TCU offers Basic Life Insurance, and Supplemental
and Dependent Life Insurance.
93
Long-Term Disability Insurance. TCU Employee
Long-term Disability Insurance. TCU employees in
benefits-eligible positions whose full-time equivalent is at
least 75% (.75 fte) are eligible for enrollment in the
University’s long-term disability (LTD) plan. Enrollment
must occur within the first 30 days of eligibility or
evidence of insurability will be required.
Additional Insurance. TCU offers additional voluntary
Employee Benefits Programs through AFLAC.
Retirement Contributions. TCU provides employees
options when planning for retirement. Retirement plans are
offered through the following providers:
1. Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College
Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA)
2. Pension Fund of the Christian Church (PFCC)
Eligible TCU employees with two years of continuous
service with TCU and work at least 1,000 hours per year
are eligible for participation in one of the retirement plans.
Please see the plans for the most current information.
Supplemental Retirement Plans. TCU 403(B) Defined
Contribution Plans. All TCU employees are eligible to
enroll in a supplemental retirement plan. There is no
waiting period to enroll.
Retiring with Benefits from TCU. TCU Human
Resources Policy 2.030 Retirement Policy. TCU
employees who meet the – Rule of 75 – minimum age + 10
years of continuous service in a benefits-eligible position
may be eligible to retire with benefits. Contact Human
Resources to assist you with Preparing for Retirement. The
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, as
amended, prohibits mandatory retirement of any
employees at any age.
Tuition Assistance. TCU Human Resources Policy
6.005 Tuition Assistance. Eligible employees and/or their
dependents are eligible for the TCU Tuition Assistance
Program. Assistance applies to academic credit tuition
only and does not include books, fees or any other
charges. Tuition reimbursement does not cover the
educational costs of certificates, vocational or trade
programs.
Tuition assistance funds may not be combined with any
other grant or scholarship awards designated as tuition
awards. This includes, but is not limited to, academic
scholarships, need-based grants (with the exception of the
Federal Pell Grant) and TCU activity awards.
Holidays. TCU Human Resources Policy 6.050 Holiday
and Christmas Week. TCU recognizes the following
holidays:
New Year’s Day Independence Day
Martin Luther King Day Labor Day
Good Friday Thanksgiving
Memorial Day Christmas Day
Holidays and paydays are available on the HR Calendars
page. The Chancellor may designate additional days when
the University is closed.
Credit Union. Faculty and staff are eligible for
membership in the Educational Employees Credit Union,
www.eecu.org.
Identification Cards. The TCU ID Center issues the
official University ID Card for all employees. The TCU ID
Center is located in the BLUU (Brown-Lupton University
Union), Room 2033. TCU ID Cards:
• may be replaced for a fee;
• are the property of Texas Christian University;
• must be carried at all times; and,
• must be surrendered upon request at the time of
separation from the University.
TCU Campus Store Discount. The TCU Campus Store
offers a 10% discount to TCU employees who present a
valid TCU ID card prior to purchase.
Employee Discounts. TCU employees are eligible for a
variety of discounts to on and off campus events. TCU
Information Technology offers discounts through the
Employee Purchase for employees purchasing technology
for personal use. These events and programs are generally
communicated through email and TCU This Week.
Campus Recreation Facilities and Wellness Promotion.
TCU Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion
provides many opportunities for members of the campus
community to improve their health and well-being.
Memberships for TCU employees and their dependents are
available – a valid TCU ID is required. For more
information, call 817-257-PLAY (7529) or email
Workers’ Compensation and On-the-Job Accident or
Injury. In accordance with the laws and regulations of the
State of Texas, TCU provides Workers’ Compensation
insurance coverage for its employees. Workers’ Comp is
managed by the TCU Risk Management department;
Work-related injury or accident forms must be timely
submitted to the Risk Management department. For
additional information contact Risk Management, 817-
257-7778.
Employee Engagement & Organizational Strategy. TCU
Human Resources Learning & Organizational
Development. Human Resources is committed to taking
the lead on strengthening the workforce and academic
profile by cultivating a positive, engaged and professional
workplace with learning and development (L&D)
opportunities. Programming intentionally targets all
employees in all roles and at all levels. By design, TCU’s
standards of professional development offerings and
94
expectations sets a clear, positive and strategic direction
whether required or optional.
EEOS areas of expertise, consultation and coaching are:
• Developing and executing services, programming and
sessions related to campus-wide organizational
improvement, change management, inclusive
leadership development
• Key support for TCU leadership, departments, project
teams and individual contributors by providing
guidance through periods of change
• Maximize team performance aligned with TCU
mission, values and strategic plan
• Needs assessment(s) to assist with organizational
design initiatives associated with structures, processes,
reporting relationships, skillset alignment and skill
gap analysis
• Coaching support for front-line managers and
supervisors to align, keep pace, inspire and achieve
best practices for organizational effectiveness to
achieve high performing teams
• Assist with job design, programming to address
succession and career path needs for employees and
L&D needs to develop professionals in-place
• Other special projects and priority focused areas as
needed
All programs and professional development are listed on
the departmental calendar.
University On-line Compliance Training Program.
TCU Human Resources On-line Compliance Training
Program. TCU Employees play a key role in helping
maintain the highest ethical and professional standards of
conduct in an environment free from discrimination and
harassment. All employees are required to complete annual
on-line compliance training related to workplace conduct,
Title IX, FERPA, and the Protection of Youth on-campus.
Wellness and Well-being. Human Resources partners
with Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion to
provide programs and services that meet the varied needs
of our campus community. Annually, in the fall, Human
Resources hosts a Wellness and Benefits Fair and Flu Shot
Clinic. Additional programming is offered throughout the
year and is communicated through email and TCU This
Week.
Human Resources
Administration
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity.
The University’s Affirmative Action/Equal Employment
Opportunity Officer, the Vice Chancellor and Chief
Human Resources Officer, reports to the Chancellor. The
AA/EEO officer directs the University’s affirmative action
plan and provides guidance to the University on
compliance and affirmative action. The AA/EEO officer is
available to assist individuals and unit heads on matters
pertaining to Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and
Title VII matters.
The Affirmative Action Program (AAP) for qualified
individuals with disabilities and qualified protected
veterans is available for inspection by employees or
applicants for employment upon request in the Human
Resources Office.
Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct Policies. TCU
Human Resources Policy 2.070 Code of Conduct Policy
and TCU Human Resources Policy 2.071 Conflict of
Interest. The University’s Code of Conduct applies to all
members of the University community, including but not
limited to:
1) individuals who are working for and are paid by the
University, including officers, faculty and staff;
2) consultants, vendors, and contractors when they are
doing business with the University;
3) trustees; and
4) individuals who perform services for the University
as volunteers.
The code of conduct refers to all these persons collectively
as “members of the University community” or
“community members.”
How to Report a Violation or Discuss a Concern:
Violations or concerns may be reported:
• to your immediate supervisor, department head;
• University Ethics Officer at 817-257-6222; or
• Ethics & Compliance Hotline at 1-877-888-0002 –
reports to this hotline are anonymous or the caller may
identify.
Name Change Policy. TCU Human Resources Policy
3.000 Name Change. Texas Christian University Human
Resources utilizes the name on the Social Security Card as
the official Name of Record for employees. A Social
Security Card that reflects the name to which the employee
is requesting to change must accompany requests for name
changes.
Personal Data/Contact Changes. The employee
through Employee Self-Service, my.tcu.edu, initiates
changes to address, phone numbers, emergency contacts
and personal email accounts.
Outside Employment. TCU Human Resources Policy
2.071 Conflict of Interest. TCU employees may request to
engage in secondary, external employment or professional
activities provided these activities comply with University
policy. TCU employees’ primary work-related obligation
is to the University and it is imperative there is a mutual
understanding regarding the conditions under which
secondary, external (outside) employment is approved.
95
Human Resources Employee Files. TCU Employees
may view their employee file, by appointment, in the
Human Resources Office. Academic employees, faculty
and some academic administrators, may view their
employee files in the Office of the Provost and Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Employee Personnel files are confidential and
information is protected. In situations involving
promotions or transfers, prospective supervisors may
review current and past performance appraisal forms.
Human Resources General
Policies
Consensual Relationships. TCU Human Resources
Policy 1.006 Consensual Relationships. TCU employees
are prohibited from entering into, or continuing, a
consensual romantic or intimate relationship with a student
or employee over whom they have organizational and/or
supervisory assignment (e.g., academic, administrative,
supervisory, evaluative, counseling).
Equal Employment Opportunity. TCU Human
Resources Policy 1.001 Affirmative Action and Equal
Opportunity. Texas Christian University complies with
federal and state laws concerning affirmative action and
workplace equal opportunity. TCU recruits, hires, and
promotes qualified persons in all job classifications
without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression,
national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic
information, covered veteran status, or any other basis
protected by law. TCU utilizes valid criteria in making
workplace decisions, including but not limited to,
decisions related to recruitment, hiring, promotion,
compensation, benefits, transfer, and university-sponsored
training and education, social and recreational programs.
Nepotism. TCU Human Resources Policy 2.050
Nepotism. TCU is committed to maintaining a workplace
free from conflicts or the appearance of conflicts often
associated with the employment of relatives with same or
related departments (i.e., nepotism, favoritism, bias).
Human Resources Policies and Procedures. TCU
Human Resources Policies and Procedures. TCU reserves
the right to modify, edit, delete, add, enhance, or otherwise
revise policies and procedures as necessary, either with or
without notice. In the event of a conflict between the
policies on the Human Resources webpages and this
handbook, the policies on the webpage take precedence.
Interpretation of Human Resources policies rests with the
Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer. No
part or section of the information provided in the handbook
is designed to alter the at-will employment relationship.
For questions, call TCU Human Resources 817-257-7790
or [email protected]. Si, habla Español
Unemployment Compensation Policy. TCU Human
Resources Policy 6.030 Unemployment Compensation
Policy. Texas Workforce Commission determines a
former employee’s eligibility to receive unemployment
compensation. TCU has 12 (twelve) calendar days within
which to respond to former employees’ claims for
Unemployment Compensation. Any Supervisor who
receives the “Notice to Employer of Claim for
Unemployment Benefits” must immediately send to
Human Resources for a timely response.
Payroll Policies and Procedures
Direct Deposit. All TCU Employees are required to
receive pay through Direct Deposit. Generally, new
employees will receive one paper check until the direct
deposit information is validated (pre-noted).
Student-employees are strongly encouraged to enroll in
direct deposit. However, federal regulations prohibit
mandatory requirement for students receiving Title IV
funds via direct deposit.
Pay Frequency.
Non-exempt employees. Employees who receive one
and one half times their regular rate of pay for hours
worked in excess of forty in a workweek are non-exempt
and are paid biweekly. Paydays are generally on Friday.
Exempt employees. Employees not eligible for overtime
– receive monthly paychecks on the last working day of
the month.
Deadlines and pay dates are available on the HR calendar.
Non-immigrant, Foreign Visitors and non-U.S.
resident. All non-immigrant, Foreign Visitors, and non-
U.S. residents employed by TCU must have a U.S. ID
number (Social Security number). Individuals with F-1, J-1
or M-1 VISAs are exempt from U.S. Social Security taxes.
Provisions of Tax Treaties between the U.S. and the
employee’s home country determine whether the employee
is exempt from U.S. taxes and withholding.
All non-immigrant, Foreign Visitors, and non-U.S.
residents must complete TCU’s online international
reporting system (Glacier) prior to the release of pay
(compensation or honorariums). For access to the
international reporting system, contact the Payroll Tax
Coordinator, HRPayroll@tcu.edu.
Honorariums to foreign nationals are typically subject to
30% withholding.
International tax documents (1042s) are issued no later
than March 15 each year.
FAQs about International Guests; International Faculty;
and International Students.
96
Pay Periods and Salary Payments. TCU employees,
regardless of employment term (9-, 10- or 11-month) are
paid over twelve months. Human Resources will
individually calculate pay for employees who separate
from the University prior to the end of their planned
employment period.
W-2 Tax Forms. TCU Human Resources W-2
Information for Employees. Receiving your annual tax
documents electronically via a secured website prevents
mail fraud and guarantees earlier distribution. Previous
years’ tax documents are available on this site.
Withholding (W-4 Forms). TCU Human Resources
W-4 Withholding and Deductions. The IRS encourages all
employees to use the Withholding Estimator on the
www.irs.gov website to perform a quick “paycheck
checkup.”
Reimbursement Policy and
Procedures for University-Related
Business Expenses
Policy Updates. Please check the TCU Financial
Services website for the most current information
regarding TCU’s reimbursement policy and procedures
since procedures may be updated after printing of the
Handbook for Faculty and Staff. For current information
related to reimbursement of expenses related to
international travel, please check the Travel Policies on the
Study Abroad website. Any new procedures posted to the
Financial Services website and Study Abroad website
supersede the procedures in the handbook.
Policy Statement. It is the policy of Texas Christian
University (“TCU” or “University”) to reimburse faculty
and staff for properly authorized, necessary and reasonable
expenses incurred in the conduct of University business or
authorized in a budgeted grant or contract. Personal
payments, including deposits, generally should not be
made for business expenses that can be paid directly by the
University. Payment for all goods costing more than $500
must be made directly by the University, unless an
exception for using personal funds exceeding $500 is pre-
authorized and documented on the online Authorization
Form for Personal Payment of Non-Travel Business
Purchases. The approved Authorization Form must be
submitted with the employee’s TCU Reimbursement
Form. Direct billing through the Accounts Payable
department should be set up with vendors whenever
possible so that the vendor bills TCU directly for goods or
services. Credit applications to establish direct billing with
vendors must be processed by the Financial Services
Office. The intent of this policy is to ensure that payments
for University business expenses and employee
reimbursements are fair and equitable to both the
individual and the University.
The Financial Services Office will insure that TCU’s
travel expenditure and reimbursement policies, procedures
and report forms are maintained in such a way as to qualify
as an “Accountable Plan” as defined by the Internal
Revenue Service (“IRS”).
Faculty or staff traveling on business are responsible for
complying with the University’s reimbursement policy and
should exercise the same care in incurring expenses as they
would in personal travel. See Tax Home section for the
criteria to determine locations that constitute travel from
TCU. This policy applies to all expenses fully or partially
reimbursed by the University regardless of the source of
funds. When expenditures are to be charged to a
sponsored project, the terms of the applicable award will
take precedence if they are more restrictive than University
policy.
While these guidelines are intended to be
comprehensive, it is impossible to anticipate every
situation that may be encountered. Thus, the individual is
expected to apply these guidelines on a conservative basis,
consistent with normal living standards, and to exercise
good business judgment where the policy is silent.
All expenses incurred by faculty or staff members in the
conduct of University business must be reported on TCU
Reimbursement Form (“Form(s)”), which is available on
the Financial Services website. This Form must be
submitted to the Financial Services Office, with all
supporting documentation, receipts and approvals, within
30 days of the incurred expense or completed travel.
Faculty and staff participating in summer study abroad
programs that are three weeks or longer in duration must
submit Forms and all supporting documentation, receipts
and approvals within 45 days of the date of their return.
The Form must be signed by the individual incurring the
expense (“Requester”) and by the appropriate budget
manager approver(s) in accordance with the procedures
specified in the Budget Approval section of the Form. The
Form, like all financial documents and records, is subject
to review and approval by the Financial Services Office
prior to processing the reimbursement.
Budget managers may establish more restrictive
procedures when implementing this policy at the
department level.
Advances. A faculty or staff member may request an
expense advance for University-related expenses in lieu of
using personal funds. Specific instructions for requesting
an advance are included on the TCU Request for Travel
Advance Form.
A. ADVANCES FOR EXPENSES PAID FOR
DURING TRAVEL – Travel advances for expenses such
as hotel room charges, meals and airport parking that will
not be paid by the employee prior to the trip being taken,
can only be advanced within two weeks prior to trip
departure.
B. ADVANCES FOR LONG-LEAD EXPENSES – It is
often to TCU’s advantage for employees to purchase
97
airline tickets or conference packages months in advance.
In those cases, employees can request an advance for such
expenses no more than two weeks prior to the expense
being incurred.
C. OTHER ADVANCE REQUESTS – Other expense
advances should not be requested to be received more than
30 days in advance of the time that the expense will be
incurred.
Air Travel. If a faculty or staff member elects to travel
by air, the traveler should seek to book the most
economical coach fare available from a major carrier.
When the schedule permits, the traveler should explore the
availability of discount air fares, measuring potential
savings against the cost of additional meals and lodging.
Generally, trip insurance, airline club memberships, TSA
travel registration, cabin upgrades and use of personal
airline miles will not be reimbursed. TCU will reimburse
for seating within coach.
Travel Funded by Federal Grants - See Grant
Expenses section for requirements related to air travel
funded by federal grants.
Airport Parking. Airport parking is a reimbursable
expense. The traveler should exercise judgment by
weighing cost against other factors when considering the
duration, type and location of alternate types of parking. If
the traveler chooses to use valet parking at the airport,
reimbursement for valet parking will not exceed the
applicable terminal rate. If the traveler chooses to be
driven to/from the airport, they may be able to claim
mileage reimbursement. See procedures outlined below in
the Automobile Travel section.
Approval of Reimbursement Form. The budget code of
the department or grant being charged, along with the
signature of the Requester and budget manager(s)
approving the expenditure, is required on all Forms.
Reimbursements of $1,000 or greater require two approval
signatures (in addition to the signature of the Requester).
Faculty or staff may not authorize travel or approve
expense reimbursements for themselves or for persons to
whom they report. Budget managers must review and, if
they approve the stated expenditures, sign the form.
Approved Forms and supporting documentation should be
routed directly to Accounts Payable, either via paper Form
or via email. Forms will not be processed by Accounts
Payable if they are submitted by the Requester.
Automobile Travel.
A. RENTAL - A faculty or staff member may rent an
automobile if a public carrier is not available, if rental is
more economical, or if the rental will materially increase
the efficient use of the traveler’s time. The use of a rental
car must be for University business and not for the
convenience of the individual. A rental contract or
detailed receipt must be attached to the Form. The cost of
rental should be limited to that of a medium-sized car.
Optional rental car expenses, such as a fuel service option
or additional liability insurance coverage, will not be
reimbursed unless the traveler documents the specific
business purpose of such expense. For non-domestic
automobile rentals, contact Financial Services for
additional required procedures.
The University’s fleet liability carrier offers physical
damage and liability coverage on rental cars used for
University business and rented in TCU’s name (meaning
that “for TCU” must be included after the individual’s
signature on the car rental agreement). Coverage applies to
domestic car rentals only; trucks are excluded. An
explanation of insurance coverage options is available on
the Risk Management website.
B. PERSONAL - Reimbursement for the expense of
using a personal vehicle for University travel will be
limited to the authorized mileage rate in effect on the date
of travel. Mileage reimbursement for use of a personal
vehicle will be allowed from/to the individual’s home
to/from the business travel destination (including traveling
to/from airport if flying for business) for travel on
unscheduled workdays (such as weekends). For travel
during scheduled workdays, mileage reimbursement will
be allowed from/to the individual’s TCU worksite to/from
the business travel destination. The mileage reimbursement
cannot exceed the actual number of miles driven to/from
the business travel destination/airport. If the individual
originates travel from/to business travel destination/airport
to/from their place of residence rather than the TCU
worksite, then only the mileage exceeding the distance
from place of residence to TCU worksite will be
reimbursed (i.e. traveler drives from their residence to
airport on a workday; distance from residence to worksite
is 15 miles and distance from residence to airport is 20
miles. 5 miles would be eligible for reimbursement). If the
traveler chooses to have someone drive them to/from the
airport rather than parking at the airport, round trip
mileage to/from the airport will be reimbursed when that
mileage is submitted without any parking charges.
However, the additional mileage reimbursement cannot
exceed the cost that would have been incurred for airport
parking for the trip using the terminal daily parking rate.
Any damage or loss to a personal vehicle used on
University business is the responsibility of the owner.
Private insurance coverage serves as primary policy for
third party liability and physical damage to the vehicle.
The vehicle owner must have public liability insurance in
force with at least the minimum coverage required by state
law. Vehicle owners are responsible for any deductible
under the private auto policy.
When commercial air transportation is available but the
individual elects to drive a personal vehicle, the total
reimbursement for mileage and related expenses such as
hotel parking may not exceed the cost of the most
economical coach fare available (at the time that advance
air transportation would have been purchased) and related
expenses such as taxis/airport shuttles, mileage to/from the
airport, and airport parking using the lowest daily parking
rate. Documentation of the cost of such air fare must be
submitted with the Form.
98
C. CAR SERVICES – If an individual has a business
reason for utilizing a taxi or car service for travel to/from
the airport, reimbursement for the cost of the car service
cannot exceed the cost that would have been incurred for
mileage to/from the airport and airport parking for the trip
using the terminal daily parking rate. If a car service is
used, the cost of the service should be directly billed to
TCU by the service provider rather than the individual
employee directly paying the service provider/driver.
D. TAXIS/RIDE-SHARING SERVICES - If an
individual chooses to use a taxi/ride-sharing service (such
as Uber or Lyft) for business purposes, receipts are
required for reimbursement. Premium/luxury options (such
as UberBLACK, Lyft Lux or other VIP services) will not
be reimbursed. Travelers cannot be reimbursed for Uber,
Lyft or other ride-sharing credits/discounts utilized for
payment by the individual.
Cash. When an individual uses cash to pay for business
expenses, adequately detailed substantiation of the expense
is required. If itemized receipts are not available, then the
expense may be considered as taxable income and reported
on the individual’s W-2.
Combined Business and Personal Travel. When an
individual combines business and personal travel, the
University will reimburse the necessary expenses required
to accomplish the business portion of the trip. A detailed
explanation of expenses and allocations is required.
Contributions or Donations. Due to its nonprofit tax
status, TCU generally does not make contributions or
donations to other universities or other nonprofit or
charitable organizations. Such contributions generally do
not meet the purpose of TCU’s tax-exempt status under
IRS guidelines. Any such contributions or donations
submitted on a reimbursement form will not be eligible for
reimbursement.
Credit Cards. Corporate credit cards are available to
staff and faculty members who are required to travel
extensively on University business. To acquire a credit
card, the person must obtain approval from a vice
chancellor or dean and sign the TCU Corporate Card User
Agreement, which is available from the Financial Services
Office, acknowledging that they have read and understand
the TCU Corporate Card Policy and Procedures. The
Corporate Card is only to be used for TCU business
purposes. Those authorized to have a University credit
card must file an expense report for University business
expenses and pay the credit card bill directly.
Documentation. Either original or electronic copies of
receipts must be provided to substantiate expenses
requested for reimbursement. Receipts must be complete
and fully legible in order for a reimbursement request to be
processed. Specific documentation requirements are
described on the Form. According to the Internal Revenue
Code, reimbursements made without the proper supporting
documentation must be reported as taxable income to the
employee. The online Lost/Missing Receipt Form must be
completed and approved to document individual missing
receipts between $25 and $75. Expenses exceeding $75
that do not have adequate substantiation may be reported
as taxable income on the individual’s W-2. The approved
Lost/Missing Receipt Form must be submitted with the
individual’s Form. If expenses are shared between TCU
and another entity, the traveler should follow the
procedures outlined in the Shared Expenses section.
In accordance with IRS rules, the business purpose of
each expense on the Form must be clearly documented.
Specific requirements for supporting documentation are
defined throughout this policy. Forms that do not contain
complete documentation of the business purpose of the
expense will be returned for further documentation before
processing the reimbursement.
Excess Baggage. Charges for excess baggage will be
reimbursed only for transporting University materials or
when there is extended travel on University business.
Foreign Travel Exchange Rates. Receipts for foreign
travel must be converted into U.S. dollars. The applicable
conversion rate and amount must be documented on the
receipt or on the Form using the foreign currency
calculator tool provided with the online Form at
www.xe.com/travel-expenses-calculator/. In lieu of
converting individual expenses, employees also may
submit credit card statements that reflect the exact expense
amount charged for foreign travel expenses. If credit card
statements are provided, any sensitive personal
information should be redacted prior to submitting the
Form (i.e. account numbers, personal transactions).
Additional information regarding reimbursements for
international travel is available on the Center for
International Studies website.
Gift Card Payments. Employees should not use gift
cards for University business purchases. Employees will
not be reimbursed for business expenses paid using gift
cards as the form of payment.
Gifts, Gift Certificates, Awards or Prizes. If employees
are to be reimbursed for awards/prizes/gifts/gift cards or
gift certificates (collectively known as “gifts”) given to
others, the online Recipient Log may be required as
supporting documentation with the Form. Specific
instructions for completing the Recipient Log are included
in the log. If the gift is given to a TCU employee, the value
of the gift is subject to inclusion on the employee’s W-2
form and to federal income taxation. If the gift is given to a
TCU student or a third party, the value of the gift may be
reportable on Form 1099. Gift cards may not be purchased
from the TCU Campus Store using TCU departmental
requisition forms.
Grant Expenses. If expenses are to be reimbursed from
a grant, a prior examination of the terms of that grant
99
should be made to determine if the expense is allowable.
Reimbursements from grants must comply with the
requirements outlined in this policy and any accompanying
policies. If the terms of the grant or contract are more
restrictive than TCU’s policies, the terms of the grant or
contract will apply to the reimbursement.
Travel Funded by Federal Grants - Title 49 U.S. C
40118, commonly referred to as the “Fly America Act,”
requires all federal travelers to use U.S. air carrier services
for all air travel and cargo transportation services funded
by the U.S. government. All flights (domestic and
international) supported with federal funds must be taken
on U.S. flag air carriers, regardless of cost or convenience,
unless an exception as listed in the Federal Travel
Regulation (FTR) is authorized. One exception to this
requirement is transportation provided under a bilateral or
multilateral air transport agreement (Open Skies
Agreements found on the Department of State’s website),
to which the U.S. government and the government of a
foreign country are parties, and which the Department of
Transportation has determined meets the requirements of
the Fly America Act. Some other exceptions include:
• No U.S. flag air carrier service on a particular leg of
our route
• U.S. flag air carrier involuntarily re-routes traveler on
a foreign air carrier
• Use of a U.S. flag carrier on a nonstop flight between
U.S. and another country extends travel time by 24
hours or more
• Service of a foreign air carrier is three hours or less,
but the use of a U.S. flag carrier doubles travel time
• Use of a U.S. flag carrier increases the number of
aircraft changes outside the U.S. by two or more
Gratuities. Reimbursement requests for gratuities
generally should not exceed 15%-20% of the meal or
service, depending on the circumstances (such as the size
of the group for a meal reimbursement). Explanations must
be provided for gratuities that exceed 25%.
Group Travel. Direct billing should be set up with
vendors whenever possible so that the vendor bills TCU
directly for group travel goods or services. Group travel
expenses, including deposits, should not be paid on
personal credit cards or with other personal funds when
direct billing can be established for TCU. As part of the
travel planning process, the employee who is coordinating
group travel should reach out to TCU Accounts Payable to
determine whether or not direct billing is available.
Hotels and Alternative Lodging Services. The detailed
portion of a bill for lodging, including itemized charges,
must be submitted with the employee’s Form. The lodging
bill must indicate that the balance has been paid prior to
reimbursement. Any room upgrades using
rewards/miles/credits are considered a personal expense
and are not reimbursable.
Home Sharing/Airbnb, VRBO, and alternative (non-
hotel) lodging services must receive advance written
approval from the TCU Risk Management Department
prior to being booked for TCU business purposes. An
alternative lodging service should not be used unless it is
the most economical option available for the business
purpose of the travel. Alternative lodging services are only
available to faculty/staff, and should not be used when
students are in the traveling party. Any lodging agreement
should be booked in the individual traveler’s name rather
than the University’s name since the individual is choosing
this method of lodging and is responsible for liability
associated with the use of such services. A detailed receipt
that itemizes charges and that indicates payment of the
balance is required for reimbursement. Travelers should
check that such receipts are available before booking
through these services.
The number of persons staying in the alternative lodging
unit may not exceed the number allowed by the
owner/lessor. For group travel, individual rooms with
individual locks on each door must be provided for each
traveler staying in the alternative lodging unit.
Meals and Incidentals.
Individual Meals – Faculty and staff must provide
requested information on the Form for individual meal and
incidental expenses incurred in connection with University
business travel. Additional information related to the meal
and incidental reimbursement program is available on the
Financial Services website and detailed instructions are
included on the Form.
Business Meals with Others – Business meals with
others will be reimbursed for actual expenses. Receipts are
required for any such meals, and the names (and/or titles
and/or company) of others at the meal and the business
purpose must be included on the Form. Budget managers
may establish more restrictive limits for acceptable levels
of expenditure reimbursement.
IRS rules allow for nontaxable reimbursement of meals
only in conjunction with overnight business trips.
Reimbursements for personal meals incurred in
conjunction with non-overnight business trips are not
reimbursable and subject to inclusion on the employee’s
W-2 form and federal income taxation if the business
purpose of the meal is not appropriately documented on
the reimbursement form. See the Tax Home section for the
criteria to determine locations that constitute travel.
Non-Reimbursable Travel Expenses. Expenses that are
not directly related to or required for official University
travel but incurred for the personal use or convenience of
the traveler will not be reimbursed (i.e., personal
entertainment such as pay TV movies or magazines and
newspapers; first or business class passage instead of
coach or economy; excessive personal phone calls; etc.).
Payments for Services. Employees are not authorized to
pay other individuals or vendors for services performed on
behalf of TCU. Payments for services must be made
100
directly by the TCU Accounts Payable Department in the
Financial Services Office and typically require a contract
for payment. When services may require payment by an
employee due to an unforeseen circumstance, the
employee must contact the Accounts Payable Department
prior to engaging services to determine payment options
and additional required procedures.
Sales and Occupancy Tax. The University is exempt
from Texas sales tax. Faculty and staff should review
expenses as they are incurred to verify that sales tax has
not been assessed. In the case of hotel taxes, the
University is exempt from Texas hotel occupancy tax. The
University is not exempt from the city portion of the hotel
occupancy tax. Although not required to do so, some other
states also may honor the University’s exemptions.
University departments can request the Financial Services
Office to send the University’s Texas Sales Tax
Exemption directly to vendors and the Texas Hotel
Occupancy Tax Exemption directly to hotels located in
Texas by submitting the online Tax Exemption Certificate
Request Form to Financial Services.
Shared Expenses. When expenses of an individual or
activity are shared by TCU and any other entity, detailed
explanations of expenses and allocations are required. The
total reimbursement from TCU and all other sources
should not exceed the cost of the expense.
Tax Home. Travel reimbursement is intended to cover
business related travel outside of the employee’s tax home
(defined by the IRS as primary work location). For TCU
employees whose primary work location is in Fort Worth,
Texas, the tax home is Dallas/Fort Worth Metro Area. The
metro area is defined as approximately a 50-mile radius
from TCU’s campus (which generally includes the
following counties: Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, Denton,
Rockwall, Wise, Parker, Hood, Somervell, Johnson and
Ellis). Generally, business conducted in the defined tax
home area is not reimbursable as travel (e.g. not eligible
for per diems or lodging reimbursement).
IRS rules allow for nontaxable reimbursement of local
lodging expenses (e.g. within the tax home geographic
area) only when the expenses are for a business purpose
and necessary for full participation at a business meeting
or conference. In order to process reimbursement requests
for local lodging, the budget manager must provide a
statement affirming business necessity on the Form. In
addition, IRS rules state that the employer must require the
employee to remain at the activity or function overnight
and the lodging must not be lavish or extravagant or
provide significant personal pleasure, recreation or benefit.
Reimbursement of such local lodging expenses cannot
exceed five calendar days and cannot recur more than once
per quarter.
Travel Expenses as Income. Any travel advance not
settles in a timely manner as required by the IRS must be
reported by TCU as additional compensation on the
employee’s W-2 form.
Traveling with Companions. In general, the expenses
of a spouse, family member or others accompanying the
business traveler are not reimbursable unless such travel is
for a specific, pre-approved business purpose on behalf of
TCU.
TCU will not reimburse spouse’s travel expenses when a
spouse or other person attends a meeting or conference and
has no significant role or performs only incidental duties.
Such attendance does not constitute a valid University
business purpose.
When a spouse who attends a function has a significant
role in the proceedings such as direct responsibility for
planning, production and oversight of official events or
activities, this constitutes a bona fide University business
purpose. In addition, attendance as a business
representative of University at a professional conference
or function, or significant involvement in fundraising
activities are also considered bona fide University business
purposes but must be properly documented and approved
in advance of the travel for reimbursement by the
University. Reimbursable spousal travel must be pre-
approved by the appropriate Vice Chancellor or Chancellor
prior to incurring expenses. Upon approval, TCU will
reimburse the business traveler for the spouse’s non-
personal expenses directly resulting from travel on
University business. Travel for spouses should not be
charged to TCU accounts with travel agencies unless pre-
approval for the business purpose of the spousal travel has
been documented. Such written pre-approval must be
attached to any travel agency invoices or to the Form.
Travel by a spouse of an employee that does not serve a
bona fide business purpose should be paid for by the
employee or spouse individually. Travel that is
inadvertently incurred by the University and is not
determined to be a bona fide business purpose must be
reimbursed to the University by the employee or spouse
individually. Payroll and the Financial Services office will
evaluate any spousal travel that is paid for by TCU to
determine whether the payment is taxable for federal
income tax purposes. If deemed taxable for federal income
purposes, these amounts will be included in the
employee’s W-2 in accordance with IRS procedures.
101
RISK MANAGEMENT, SAFETY AND
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
RISK MANAGEMENT (817-257-7778)
The Risk Management Department can assist faculty or
staff with a variety of issues:
1. Automobile (rental, use on business, students
driving, field trips, etc.)
2. Liability (for student participation in non-tradition
educational experiences, contracts, dealing with vendors,
etc.)
3. Workers compensation (for work related injuries)
4. Safety
5. Environmental management
6. Business continuity
7. Hazardous Material
For more information please visit
https://tcuriskmgmt.tcu.edu/ or call TCU Risk
Management Office at 817-257-7778.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY
INFORMATION (817-257-7220)
The University’s safety, and environmental information
can be found on the TCU Environmental Management and
Safety website at https://tcusafety.tcu.edu/ or by calling
817-257-7220.
Each member of the University family must accept the
challenge of maintaining an accident-free environment.
Deans, unit and department heads are responsible for
implementing the appropriate safety procedures in their
respective areas. All employees are expected to fully
support the safety program, follow proper procedures, and
ensure that equipment and facilities are maintained to
desired standards. If your department needs assistance in
establishing a safety program to meet compliance
standards and government safety regulations please call the
TCU Environmental Management and Safety office at
817-257-7220.
Environmental Management and Safety Websites
It is our responsibility to create a safe environment.
Please visit the TCU Environmental Management and
Safety website at https://tcusafety.tcu.edu/ to find the
following information links.
1. Environmental Management -
https://tcusafety.tcu.edu/environmental-management/
2. Emergency Floor Officers -
https://tcusafety.tcu.edu/efo/
3. Radio Communications -
https://tcusafety.tcu.edu/radio/
4. Safety Guides - https://tcusafety.tcu.edu/safety-
guides/
5. Storm Shelters - http://tcuemergency.tcu.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2017/07/TCU-Storm-Shelter-Locations-
website-072017.pdf
6. Training Opportunities -
https://tcusafety.tcu.edu/online-training/
ALL HAZARDS EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIONS
There are many emergency situations that could happen
on a college campus daily. TCU’s Department of Public
Safety will issue one of three warning messages to guide
the response of students, faculty and staff: Lockdown,
Evacuate or Seek Shelter. These actions are applicable
across all hazards that could impact the TCU community.
Follow these procedures as closely as possible, without
putting yourself in extreme danger.
LOCKDOWN
When emergency conditions involve an active shooter or
a violent situation involving the police, the safest method
to protect individuals may be to lockdown and take shelter
inside and await further instructions.
Upon hearing the TCU Alert notification system to
lockdown, the following steps should be followed:
• Lock or get into a locked room or hiding place
• Block the doorway with furniture
• Block any view into the room
• Silence cell phones (including the ringer) and remain
absolutely quiet
• Do not allow anyone in the space (the good guys will
have keys to open the door)
102
Once the police arrive
• Remain calm and follow their instructions
• Drop any items in your hands
• Raise your hands and spread your fingers
• Avoid sudden movements toward the officers
• Avoid pointing screaming or yelling
• Do not ask questions when evacuating
TCU Staff Instructions for Lockdowns
• Must obey the instructions of the Building Deputies
and Emergency Floor Officers during an emergency
or drill
• Should proceed to the designated interior safety area
• Aid in the event of an emergency, as directed by the
Building Director, the Emergency Floor Officers,
Campus Police or emergency response personnel
Assisting the Physically Impaired
Visually Impaired Persons
• Announce the type of emergency
• Offer your arm for guidance
• Verbally guide the person, giving them information
about your general path and obstacles
• Once at the safety zone, offer to provide further
assistance
Hearing Impaired Persons
• Turn lights on/off to gain the person’s attention
• Indicate directions with gestures
• Write a note with shelter-in-place instructions
Persons using Crutches, Canes or Walkers
• Provide as much assistance as possible
• If physically able, offer to move the individual
using a sturdy chair or rolling chair
• If physically able, help carry the person to safety
Wheelchair-bound Persons
• If physically able, help carry the person to safety
• Reunite wheelchair and user as soon as possible
• Always consult with the persons before making
your decision, lifting may be dangerous for non-
ambulatory people
EVACUATE
When the emergency conditions involve a fire or gas
leak that would require building occupants to exit the
building, the safest method to protect individuals may be
to evacuate the building and meet at the designated rally
point.
Upon hearing the TCU Alert notification system to
evacuate, the following steps should be followed:
• Dress appropriately for the weather, as you may be
outdoors for a prolonged amount of time
• Take only essentials with you (eyeglasses, ID,
medications, wallet, phone), do not pack belongings
• If time allows, turn off potentially hazardous
equipment and appliances
• If time allows, close the door to your room as you exit
• Leave the building by the nearest, safest exit
• Avoid using the elevator
• If able, ask and provide help for those who need
assistance in evacuating the facility
• Meet at designated rally point
• If you need special assistance evacuating the building,
contact Campus Police at extension 7777 or 817-
257-7777
TCU Staff Instructions for Evacuation
Before an Evacuation familiarize yourself with:
• Stairwell exits for your floor
• Fire extinguisher locations
• Seek shelter locations
• Faculty, staff or students who work in your area and
may need assistance in evacuating the building
• Weather radio locations
During an Evacuation
• Obey the instructions of the Building Deputies and
Emergency Floor Officers during an emergency or
drill
• Proceed to the designated rally point
• Aid in the event of an emergency, as directed by
Building Deputy, the Emergency Floor Officers,
Campus Police, or emergency response personnel.
SEEK SHELTER
When the emergency conditions involve a severe
weather event, the safest method to protect individuals
may be to seek shelter by reporting to the lowest level of
the building, away from exterior windows or the
designated seek shelter location.
When Seeking Shelter
• Avoid windows and areas with glass and exterior
walls
• Get to the lowest, most interior location in the
building
• Put as many walls between you and the weather
emergency as possible
• Take a cell phone with you
• Tune into local media outlets and social media to stay
informed on the situation
• If available, take a flashlight and a radio or designated
emergency kit to the shelter area to track emergency
status
103
• Keep telephone lines free for emergency responders,
DO NOT call 911 for information
• Avoid using the elevator
• Always seek out the closest, safe path when securing a
safe space within the facility
• If able, aid people needing help reporting to the seek
shelter safe area
Seek Shelter Safety Areas
• In the event of a weather-related emergency, students,
staff, faculty and guests must be relocated to one of
the following seek shelter safety areas
• The designated seek shelter safety areas for that
building
• Lowest floor interior stairwells or hallways
• Lowest floor restrooms
• Lowest floor rooms without exterior windows
• No one should remain on the second or higher floors
TCU Staff Instructions for Seeking Shelter
Before a Seek Shelter Emergency familiarize yourself
with:
• The seek shelter safety areas
• Nearest stairwell to the seek shelter safety area
• Faculty, staff or students who work in your area and
may need assistance in seeking shelter
During a Seek Shelter Emergency
• Remain alert and look/listen for signs of an
emergency in the building
• Relay any information to the Building Deputy,
Emergency Floor Officers or emergency response
personnel
• May be asked by the Building Deputy to assist the
Emergency Floor Officers or emergency response
personnel
• All seek shelter safety areas are on the lowest level
of the building, away from exterior windows.
TCU DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
ASSISTANT VICE CHANCELLOR FOR PUBLIC
SAFETY (817-257-4747)
The TCU Department of Public Safety consists of:
• Office of Emergency Management (817-257-7771)
• Parking and Transportation (817-257-8400)
• TCU Police Department (EMERGENCY: 817-257-
7777; Non-Emergency: 817-257-8400)
For more information, please visit
http://publicsafety.tcu.edu/.
REPORT AN EMERGENCY
For immediate emergency assistance dial 817-257-
7777.
TCU Police (817-257-7777) versus the 911-
Operator - The TCU Police department should be
contacted first, 817-257-7777, or ext. 7777 for any type of
emergency that occurs on campus. The size and number of
buildings on campus makes it very difficult for the local
first responders to come to the property location; therefore,
calling TCU Police is the best method of notification. TCU
Police can meet and guide the emergency responders to
your location. If you decide to dial 911, be prepared to
give the dispatcher the address of the building you are in.
Additionally, they may ask for the name of the building,
floor and room number. Be patient and calm as the
dispatcher asks you the needed questions concerning the
emergency.
Frogshield – Download the FrogShield App (free of
charge) on your smartphone in order to anonymously
report safety concerns while attaching photos/videos.
Contact TCU Campus Police quickly and directly in
emergency situations. Frogshield uses geo-fences and the
nation’s first Indoor Positioning System (IPS) for public
safety to send accurate locations and pertinent information
about 9-1-1 callers directly to TCU Campus Police. This
app is ideal for contacting emergency assistance quickly,
anonymously and discreetly much like a mobile panic
button. For more information contact the TCU Police non-
emergency number at 817-257-8400.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION
TCU ALERT System – The TCU ALERT System is the
mass notification system for the campus. It consists of
three legs of communication to our campus population.
These are:
1. Inside notification – TCU ALERT System uses the
existing fire alarm systems to provide verbal notification
of the various types of emergencies.
104
2. Outside notification – TCU ALERT System uses a
speaker array to provide the same verbal notification as
the inside fire alarms systems.
3. Phone calls, text and email messages to notify you of
an emergency. For more information, please visit:
https://publicsafety.tcu.edu/tcu-alerts/.
Within the TCU ALERT System, there are three
Emergency Activation Categories with pre-recorded
Emergency Mass Notification messages:
• LOCKDOWN
• EVACUATE
• SEEK SHELTER
Emergency notifications will be broadcast utilizing all
outdoor speakers to all buildings on campus and TCU
ALERT phone calls, email, texts and voice notification, in
conjunction with all emergency broadcasts. Emergency
messages will continue to be broadcast until cancelled by
TCU Department of Public Safety officials. Upon
remediation of the incident, an ALL CLEAR MESSAGE
will be broadcast across the system.
University Closings. The University may experience the
need to close. The decision to close is based on a number
of factors (weather being the most prominent) and may
occur in the morning or mid-day. On a morning closure,
this information will be sent to the campus by 6:30 a.m.
via TCU ALERT and posted on the TCU home page
(under the Top News Stories heading) and recorded on
TCU’s information line (817-257-INFO or 4636).
Additionally, the information also will be sent to local
television and radio stations. If the notice to close comes
mid-day, TCU Alert will notify the TCU community of the
closure. In the event of an early morning closure, local
media outlets will be advised.
1. Among the local Dallas/Fort Worth television
stations to be notified will be WFAA (ABC)
Channel 8, NBC Channel 5, CBS Channel 11,
and FOX Channel 4.
2. Local radio stations that will be notified include
WBAP 820 AM and KLUV 98.7 FM.
3. Updates also will be posted on TCU’s homepage and
the link is: www.tcu.edu.
No notice will be sent or posted if the University
remains open.
Should the University close, employees providing essential
services related to (1) health and safety, (2) the presence of
a residential student community, and (3) agreements with
the public for the use of University facilities must still
report for work at the regular time. Each department is
responsible for identifying and communicating to their
employees that are considered essential employees. It is
also possible that some areas of Tarrant County will be
more severely affected than others, so even if the
University remains open, employees should keep their
personal safety uppermost in their minds. If you know
your route to campus will be treacherous, do not attempt to
make a dangerous trip.
PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES
https://publicsafety.tcu.edu/prepare-for-emergencies/
Make a Plan
Plan for emergencies today, before they occur. Know
how you’ll contact your friends and family and reconnect
if separated. Establish a meeting place that’s familiar and
easy to find. As you prepare, tailor your plans and supplies
to your specific daily living needs. Discuss your needs and
responsibilities and how people in the network can assist
each other with communication, care of children, business,
pets or specific needs like the operation of medical
equipment.
When communications are available, always contact
your loved ones to let them know you are safe. This
reduces the calls necessary by TCU and local responders
so that they can respond to those who still need assistance.
Create a personal emergency plan using our TCU
Emergency Plan form: https://publicsafety.tcu.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2019/03/TCU-Emergency-Plan.pdf.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
When disasters strike, you may be required to care for
yourself for up to 72 hours before essential services are
available. This means you should be equipped with enough
food, water and other supplies to sustain yourself until help
arrives. It is recommended to keep an emergency supply
kit at home and in your vehicle in order to respond on-the-
go. These kits should be checked and restocked annually to
ensure batteries and perishable items are still useable. TCU
Emergency Supply Checklist:
https://publicsafety.tcu.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2019/03/TCU-Emergency-Supply-
Checklist.pdf.
Be Notified / Stay Informed
TCU and other emergency partners use various
resources to ensure you are notified of emergencies on the
TCU campus, in the Fort Worth community and outside of
the local area. It is important that you take the time to
understand the messages you may receive from each of
these alert systems, and what you need to do to receive
these services.
On Campus - The University utilizes the TCU Alert
System, a mass communication program that includes
phone, text and email communication, as well as
indoor/outdoor loudspeakers and emergency lighting on
campus to notify the Horned Frog community of an
emergency or weather-related closure/delay.
Off Campus - The City of Fort Worth has a notification
system which you can subscribe to in order to receive
alerts and information for around the city. You choose the
information you want, from urgent public safety alerts to
community information and receive information by text or
105
email.
https://local.nixle.com/register/?cc=fortworth&cid=8
Outdoor Warning Sirens - The City of Fort Worth’s
Office of Emergency Management manages the local
outdoor warning system, which is designed to notify
citizens to proceed to indoor shelter and seek further
information on current hazards by tuning into local news
outlets. The system is tested each Wednesday at 1 p.m., as
weather conditions permit.
Sirens will be activated for:
• A tornado warning issued by the National Weather
Service
• Tornado or funnel cloud reported by a reliable
source
• Sustained winds in excess of 70 mph
• Reports of hail larger than 1.5 inches in diameter
• Chemical spill emergency
• State or national emergency declared by the
governor or president
• Other emergencies as appropriate
For more details on preparedness measures for
individual hazards in the Fort Worth area such as fire,
tornado or flooding visit the Office of Emergency
Management Website at
https://publicsafety.tcu.edu/horned-frog-hazards/.
EMERGENCY FLOOR OFFICER PROGRAM
To assist in emergencies, the University has established
a program using Emergency Floor Officers (EFOs) that are
assigned to each floor of most major buildings on campus.
These EFOs assist in evacuation and securing buildings
during emergencies. They are identifiable by their bright
orange vests. Visit https://publicsafety.tcu.edu/emergency-
plans-resources/ or contact the TCU Office of Emergency
Management at 817-257-7771, for further information on
this program.
PREFERRED EMERGENCY STORM SHELTERS
In the event of severe weather, here are basic reminders when seeking shelter:
1. Go to the lowest floor or basement level of the building you are in.
2. Stay away from rooms with large roof spans (lecture halls, gyms, etc.).
3. Stay away from areas with glass windows or glass walls (lobbies, hallways, etc.).
4. Try to place as many walls/doors between you and the outside wall of the building you are in
(interior restrooms, interior closets, small interior conference rooms, etc.).
5. Have a flashlight or other light source (light stick, cellphone, etc.) available.
6. Monitor events through use of the radio, television, or internet.
Please keep the following in mind when using the below Emergency Storm Shelter list:
1. The list is available on TCU’s website, here is the link: https://publicsafety.tcu.edu/emergency-plans-resources/
2. The list is sorted by the formal building name in alphabetical order. Please note this list may have multiple listings
for building names.
3. The list references a campus map number. The campus map can be found on TCU’s website at
http://www.maps.tcu.edu under printable maps and then clicking on the campus map – color link option.
4. Restricted access denotes a building that is not accessible to the general public and may require TCU authorization
to swipe enter with a TCU ID card.
5. While the majority of the campus buildings are open and accessible during business hours, please note that each
building will restrict access after-hours and require TCU authorization to enter. Building operating hours are set based
on a variety of factors from classroom schedules, athletic team season schedules, and business operating needs of the
building.
Academic Buildings are accessible during business hours. Business hours may vary between academic buildings
based on the classroom schedule. Please note after-hours access requires TCU authorization.
Administration Buildings are accessible during business hours. Business hours may vary. Please note after-hours
access requires TCU authorization.
Athletic Buildings/Facilities operating hours vary based on season needs and schedules.
Brite Divinity Buildings are considered restricted access and only accessible to assigned students, residents and
authorized personnel.
106
Parking garages are considered restricted access and only accessible to assigned residents and authorized
personnel.
Residence Halls are considered restricted access and only accessible to assigned residents and authorized
personnel.
Student Life Buildings are accessible during business hours. Business hours may vary based on operational needs.
Please note after-hours access requires TCU authorization.
Please contact the Office of Emergency Management (817-257-7771) with any questions regarding Emergency Storm
Shelters. For questions regarding your specific buildings operating schedule, please contact your supervisor.
107
GENERAL POLICIES
AND SERVICES
108
Abuse Information, Substance. Abuse of alcohol and
drugs has been shown to cause serious health problems
including:
Alcohol. Frequent or heavy use of alcoholic beverages
can result in brain damage; cirrhosis of the liver; cancer of
the liver, cancer of the mouth, throat and
pancreas; stomach ulcers; heart damage; lowered sex
hormone production; and lowered immunity to infections
and disease.
Alcohol use by pregnant women can also cause birth
defects, lowered birth weight and/or mental retardation in
children.
The use of alcohol is involved in half of all traffic
related deaths and permanent disabilities. Alcoholism can
lead to family dysfunction and violence. Alcoholics are
six or more times as likely to commit suicide as non-
alcoholics.
Drugs. The use of illegal drugs, including but not
limited to marijuana, cocaine, heroin, crack, inhalants,
amphetamines, psychedelics and so called “designer
drugs” has been shown to result in physical and mental
disorders. Lung damage (including lung cancer), lowered
immunity to disease, memory loss, depression, flashbacks,
lowered production of sex hormones, birth defects, low
birth weight infants and severe psychological disorders
may result from the use of drugs.
These drugs are highly addictive, both physically and
psychologically. The body builds a tolerance to such
drugs so that larger and more frequent doses are required
to satisfy the need for the drug.
Alcohol and Drugs. Specific University policies with
regard to both alcohol and drugs are outlined below:
Alcohol. Except for certain specified areas in University
residence halls approved by the Vice Chancellor for
Student Affairs (see the University Calendar/Student
Handbook for the student alcohol policy), and for specific
events authorized by the Chancellor or Provost in
University buildings, the consumption, sale or use of
alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the campus.
The consumption of alcohol is permissible for persons of
legal drinking age in parking lots immediately adjacent to
Amon Carter Stadium from two hours before and until two
hours after TCU home football games. Alcohol cannot be
brought into in the Stadium at any time.
Alcohol and Drug Penalties
TEXAS STATE
LAW
OFFENSE
CLASS/DEGREE
MINIMUM
MAXIMUM
FOR MINORS
PUNISHMENT
PUNISHMENT
Manufacture or
State Jail Felony to
Up to 2 years in jail
15 years to life in
Automatic 1 year
delivery of con-
First Degree Felony
and a fine of up to
jail and a fine of up
suspension of
trolled substance
$10,000. 180 day
to $250,000.
driver's license.
(drugs)
driver's license
suspension.
Possession of
State Jail Felony to
15 years to life in
Automatic 1 year
controlled sub-
First Degree Felony
SAME AS ABOVE
jail and a fine of up
suspension of
stance (drugs)
to $250,000.
driver's license.
Possession or
Class B Misde-
180 days in jail or a
5 years to life in
Automatic 1 year
delivery of
meanor to First
fine of up to $2,000
jail and a fine of up
suspension of
marijuana
Degree Felony
or both. 180 day
to $100,000
driver's license.
driver's license
suspension.
Driving while
Class B Misde-
72 hours to 180 days
2 to 10 years in jail
Any detectable amt.
intoxicated (alcohol
meanor to Third
in jail or a fine of up
and a fine of up to
Automatic 1 year
or other drugs or
Degree Felony
to $2,000 or both.
$10,000. 1 year
suspension of
both)
BAD - .08
90 day driver's
driver's license
driver's license.
license suspension.
suspension.
109
Fine of $250 - $2,000,
jail time of up to 180
days, community
Class C
service of 8 to 40
Begin with
Public intoxication
Misdemeanor
Fine of up to $500
hours, driver's
maximum
license suspension
punishment
for 30 to 180 days &
attend one alcohol
awareness class
Attend one alcohol
Purchase, consump-
awareness class, 20-
180 day driver's
Automatic 30 day
tion or possession
Class C
40 hours community
license suspension,
suspension of
of alcohol by a
Misdemeanor
service, fine up to
up to $2,000 fine,
driver's license.
minor
$500, 30-day driver's
180 day jail term
license suspension.
Fine up to $4,000,
Furnishing or sale
Class A
up to one year in
Fine up to $4,000,
of alcohol to a minor
Misdemeanor
jail, or both, 180-day
up to one year in
N/A
driver's license
jail, or both
suspension.
FEDERAL LAW
OFFENSE
MINIMUM
PUNISHMENT
MAXIMUM PUNISHMENT
Manufacturing, distribution or
Imprisonment up to 1 year,
Life imprisonment (no parole)
dispensing of illegal drugs
and a fine of $100,000 or
and fine up to $10 million
both
(individual) or $50 million
(other)
Imprisonment for up to 1
5 to 20 years imprisonment
Possession of illegal drugs
year and a fine of not less
and fine of at least $5,000
than $1,000 or both
plus investigation/court costs
Distribution of drugs to a
At minimum, double the
At minimum, triple the
person under 21 years of age
federal penalty for
federal penalty for distribution
distribution of drugs
of drugs
The purchase or sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited
everywhere on the campus. Furthermore, no person may
provide any alcoholic beverages to any person less than 21
years of age. The University also prohibits the use or
possession of alcoholic beverages in all instructional
settings including those remote to the campus.
Drugs. The University prohibits the unlawful
possession, use, manufacture or distribution of illicit drugs
on University property or at University sponsored
activities. Besides their legal implications these drugs are
a health hazard and are incompatible with the philosophy
and objectives of the University.
For complete information, refer to Policy 2.007 Drug
and Alcohol Abuse.
In addition, faculty and staff directly engaged in the
performance of work under the provisions of a federal
contract ($25,000 or more) or grant are subject to the
Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. For complete
information on the specific provisions of this act, contact
the Human Resources Department, the Alcohol and Drug
Education Center, or the Office of Research and Sponsored
Projects.
Any violation of these policies may result in disciplinary
action ranging from a reprimand to suspension without pay
for an appropriate period or termination of employment.
110
Sources of Help. An individual may seek assistance
through Human Resources to correct a drug or alcohol
abuse problem under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Employees who seek this assistance are offered
appropriate protections under the ADA.
For complete information, refer to Policy 2.006 Drug-
Free Workplace and 2.007 Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) Policy
Introduction. In response to the increasing use of
personally owned computing devices (POCD) by
employees for TCU business purposes, TCU has
established an official bring your own device (BYOD)
policy. The purpose of this policy is to define the
appropriate use and procedures for using personally owned
computing devices on a TCU Network.
Applicability. This policy applies to any user who
makes a wired or wireless network connection from a
POCD to the “TCU Guest” or “Eduroam” network.
BYOD is a rapidly changing technology and TCU
reserves the right to modify this policy, including
eliminating all support for BYOD, at any time. TCU IT
may elect to implement additional requirements or
processes to safeguard the University’s Computing
Resources (e.g. mobile device management [MDM],
enforcing separation of TCU data from personal data,
remotely removing TCU data, additional registration
processes, or requiring a PIN number to access systems).
The most current version of this policy will be posted on
Information Technology’s website.
Policy Statement. In order to support the BYOD model
while appropriately managing TCU’s risk, the following
policies are established:
Risks, Liabilities, Disclaimer. Employees who elect to
participate in BYOD accept the following risks, liabilities
and disclaimers:
• At no time does the University accept liability for the
maintenance, backup, or loss of data on a personal
device. It is the responsibility of the equipment owner
to backup all software and data to other appropriate
backup storage systems before requesting assistance
from IT.
• Persons violating this policy may also be held
personally liable for resulting damages and civil or
criminal charges. TCU will comply with any
applicable laws regarding data loss or breach
notification and may also refer suspected violations of
applicable laws to appropriate law enforcement
agencies.
• The University shall NOT be liable for the loss, theft,
or damage of POCD. This includes, but is not limited
to, when the device is being used for University
business, on University time, or during business
travel.
• TCU Information Technology provides only limited
security for the TCU Guest and Eduroam networks
and at no time does the University accept liability for
the security of a POCD.
• TCU Information Technology will maintain wise
financial stewardship of the University’s resources by
assessing the employee’s usage of a POCD in
proportion to their usage of TCU provisioned
computing device. TCU IT, at its discretion, may elect
to discontinue providing a TCU provisioned
computing device if it is no longer reasonably needed.
• TCU Information Technology reserves the right to
implement technology such as Mobile Device
Management to enable the removal of TCU owned
data.
• POCD may be subject to the search and review as a
result of litigation that involves the University.
User Responsibilities. Employees who elect to
participate in BYOD must adhere to this policy and all
University policies while using a POCD device on a TCU
Network. In particular, the TCU Code of Conduct Policy
available on the Human Resources website and the TCU
Network and Computer Usage Policy and the TCU
Sensitive Personal Information (SPI) Policy available on
the Information Technology (IT) website must be
followed. Employees who elect to participate in BYOD
must:
• Not store TCU SPI data on personally owned
computing devices
• Destroy, remove or return all data, electronic or
otherwise belonging to TCU, once their relationship
with TCU ends or once they are no longer the owner
or primary user of the POCD (e.g. the sale or transfer
of a POCD to another person)
• Remove or return all software application licenses
belonging to TCU when the POCD is no longer used
for TCU Business
• Notify TCU Risk Management of any theft or loss of a
POCD containing data or software application licenses
belonging to TCU
• At no time may a POCD be connected to the secure
TCU networks (e.g. Faculty/Staff, TCU FSWPA2,
TCU Secure) without prior approval.
Devices and Support. In general, any computing device
may be connected to the TCU Guest or Eduroam networks
provided its use does not disrupt any University
Computing Resources or violate the Network and
Computer Usage Policy.
Information Technology will prioritize the support of
TCU owned computing devices and production
information systems and provide only limited support for
POCD. Limited support for POCD devices is defined as:
POCD support for both the TCU Guest and Eduroam
networks:
• Maintaining the availability of the TCU Guest and
Eduroam networks
• Maintaining the availability of the authentication
systems for the TCU Guest and Eduroam networks
• Verifying authentication credentials are valid
Additional POCD support for the Eduroam network
only:
111
• Troubleshooting connectivity or authentication issues
on POCD
• Configuration of POCD for communication with TCU
Email system (e.g. Exchange ActiveSync)
• Configuration of VPN and/or Remote Desktop access
to TCU Computing Resources
• Providing software application support when
reasonably possible as determined by IT. Note: It is
the responsibility of the device owner to have and
provide authentic, individually owned and registered
software before any assistance will be provided.
• Ensuring wireless network compatibility for officially
supported device types as listed on Information
Technology’s website. IT will strive to ensure
compatibility for all major devices according to
market share. Should you have any concerns regarding
compatibility, please consult with Information
Technology prior to purchasing any devices you
intend to use on the “Guest” or “Eduroam” network.
Examples of POCD support not provided include, but
are not limited to:
• Troubleshooting device performance or hardware
problems
• Troubleshooting software applications or cloud
services
• Installing OS upgrades, OS patches, or TCU owned
software on POCD
• Backing up device data or migrating data to a new
device
• Removing malware or spyware
Security. Currently, no security restrictions or Mobile
Device Management (MDM) solution have been
implemented for the “Guest” or “Eduroam” networks.
However, TCU Information Technology reserves the right
to implement such restrictions or solutions.
TCU IT may perform security scans against any
personally-owned device that accesses TCU networks in
accordance to the TCU Network and Computer Usage
Policy. IT may, without notification, prevent or ban POCD
which disrupt any University Computing Resources or are
used in a manner which violates any University policies.
Reimbursement. Any reimbursement claim for
purchases associated with personally owned computing
devices is subject to the TCU Computer Technology
Acquisition Policy and the Reimbursement Policy and
Procedures for University-Related Business Expenses
which can be found in the TCU Faculty and Staff
Handbook. Furthermore:
• Computer technology purchased for personal use will
not be reimbursed by the University.
• Computer technology purchased with personal funds,
regardless of the intended use, may not be reimbursed
by the University, without prior approval by
Information Technology and Finance and
Administration. This includes, but is not limited to,
software or technology services, including repair or
technical support services.
• Loss, theft, or damage to personally owned computing
devices will not be reimbursed by the University.
Enforcement. Suspected violations of this policy will
normally be handled through TCU disciplinary procedures
applicable to the relevant user. TCU may suspend a user’s
access to the TCU Guest or Eduroam network, TCU
Personal network, or any University Computing
Resources, prior to the initiation or completion of such
disciplinary procedures, when it reasonable appears
necessary to preserve the integrity, security, or
functionality of University Computing Resources or to
protect TCU from liability. TCU may also refer suspected
violations of applicable laws to appropriate law
enforcement agencies.
The University’s Chief Technology Officer shall be the
primary contact for the interpretation, enforcement and
monitoring of this policy and the resolution of problems
concerning it. Any legal issues concerning the policy shall
be referred to the appropriate officials for advice.
Employees may appeal the resolution of problems in
regarding this policy via the University’s Conflict
Resolution Policy.
Approved Chancellor’s Cabinet – May 2014. Last
updated – June 2018.
Building Use Fees. Fee schedules are available upon
request from the Office of Conference Services. Requests
for special fee consideration must be submitted in writing
to Conference Services for review by the appropriate vice
chancellor. Conference Services will notify the individual
or group whether the request to use a facility has been
granted or denied. The appropriate fees will be included in
the notification. Decisions of Conference Services may be
appealed in writing. Events will be assigned into one of
three general categories described below:
Category I - TCU and Disciples of Christ Events.
(Housing, housekeeping and other necessary expenses, as
well as other real expenses incurred will be charged.)
1. Special workshops, meetings or conferences initiated
and officially sponsored by a TCU department.
2. Non-student housing requests by TCU departments or
TCU organizations.
3. TCU student organization events open to the entire
campus, open to non-TCU guests or requiring an
admission fee.
Category II - Non-TCU Events (reduced Rental Fee).
1. Events sponsored by educational institutions.
2. Programs or events sponsored by chartered youth
groups.
Category III – Non-TCU Events (Basic Rental Fee).
Any use not defined in above categories but consistent
with the University’s Use of Facilities guidelines.
Campus No Smoking Policy. Texas Christian
University prohibits the use of all tobacco products and
smoking on property owned or operated by the University.
To use tobacco as part of an established religious
ceremony, academic or research activity, contact the Vice
112
Chancellor for Student Affairs to request an exemption for
those activities.
Commercial Promotions Involving TCU. Commercial
enterprises sometimes solicit advertising from off-campus
firms for publications or products with the promise that the
item will be distributed on campus to students and/or
faculty and staff. Examples include coupon books and
campus planners. TCU does not permit such distribution
except where approval has been given by Marketing &
Communication.
Student initiated publications (those planned and
produced by students), designed for distribution to persons
other than the members of the sponsoring student
organization, must be approved by the Student
Publications Committee. University regulations prohibit
the sale of advertisements for student publications,
programs or special brochures, except by permission of the
Student Publications Committee.
Commercially initiated publications or products (those
planned and promoted by individuals or firms for
commercial purposes) must be approved by Marketing &
Communication.
In addition, individuals or firms seeking permission to
use the university name, images (still or moving), its
official seal or other TCU symbols (such as the Horned
Frog) for commercial purposes should obtain prior
approval from the Office of University Marketing. This
includes give-away items containing commercial
advertising for distribution on campus. Requests for use
can be made by visiting mkc.tcu.edu, resources tab and
then location request form.
An advisory committee composed of representatives
from the Division of Student Affairs, Alumni
Affairs/Development, Athletics, University Store, Student
Programming Council, and Marketing & Communication
sets and interprets general policies and hears appeals.
Computer Technology Acquisitions, Policy for. This
policy applies to all TCU departments. The intent of the
policy is to ensure that computer technology and services
comply with University defined policies, procedures,
support standards and security safeguards. Examples of
computer technology include, but are not limited to:
desktop and notebook computers, netbooks, iPads, tablets,
servers, workstations, printers, software applications,
operating system software, wireless devices, network
equipment or specialized networked-based appliance, and
technical/functional computer services. Specifically:
• All computer technology for TCU business must be
purchased through Information Technology.
Computer technology purchased for personal use will
not be reimbursed by the University. Further,
computer technology purchased with personal funds,
regardless of the intended use, will not be reimbursed
by the University.
• All computer technology assets purchased with
University Funds are the property of the University
and not a specific faculty or staff member’s personal
property. University funds include, but are not limited
to, grant funds, endowed funds, restricted, or
unrestricted funds.
• Funding for maintenance or support agreements must
be coordinated with Information Technology prior to
purchase.
• All desktop/notebook computers and peripherals
acquired must meet University standards. For models
and specifications, see Desktop Specifications List. In
addition to maintain network connectivity, computers
and peripherals must meet minimum configuration
specifications. Please see Minimum Configuration
Guide for latest requirements.
• Information Technology must approve any server or
specialized appliance requiring network connectivity
prior to acquisition. In addition, the device must meet
the required conditions for connectivity. For current
requirements, please see Connectivity Requirements.
• Network connected servers or appliance devices must
reside in an environment approved by Information
Technology.
• Information Technology must approve any technology
that incorporates any kind of wireless access to ensure
meeting TCU guidelines prior to purchase. Please see
the Wireless Guidelines for current guidelines.
• Information Technology must review and approve any
software application system prior to acquisition.
• Computer technology procured with restricted funds
must be coordinated through Information Technology.
Conference Services. The use of TCU facilities by
outside groups or by TCU groups holding events open to
the entire campus or community must be approved by
Conference Services. By policy, the needs of the university
come first. Outside groups receiving preference are those
that share the educational goals of TCU. Regularly
scheduled college and departmental programs do not
require use of facilities application and approval.
Faculty or student membership in an organization does
not necessarily make a meeting of such a group an integral
part of the TCU program.
In order to ensure facility availability and university
authorization, groups must submit an application to
Conference Services. Written approval from Conference
Services is required before a group publicizes the event
and facilities.
Application for use of a facility should be made at least
30 days before a proposed event. Application forms are
available from Conference Services, 3015 Merida Street,
TCU Box 298310, (817) 257-7641 or online at
www.tcuconferenceservices.com/forms.asp.
Conference Services will assist the project sponsor in
working out details with the TCU representatives
responsible for different facilities and services.
The use of Robert Carr Chapel for weddings is governed
by a separate policy. Information regarding use of the
chapel for weddings is available from the Office of
Religious & Spiritual Life.
113
Contracts. A contract is a legal agreement between two
or more parties that may or may not be memorialized in
writing. A vendor’s document may not contain the label
“contract” but would still meet the essential elements of a
contract, such as an obligation to perform and exchange of
payment. Examples of these documents include, but are
not limited to, quote, proposal, letter agreement,
memorandum of understanding, and, in some cases, an
invoice.
A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS – A written contract
is required when a member of TCU’s faculty or staff needs
to secure services (including the purchase of goods that
require installation, service and/or maintenance) on behalf
of the University. Having a written contract sets
expectations, rights and obligations for both TCU and the
vendor, and protects TCU’s interests. Important contract
elements include price, quantity, payment terms and
description of services, as well as the dates of service.
B. INSURANCE COVERAGE – TCU often required
insurance protection and indemnification from a vendor to
protect the University in the event of personal injury
and/or property damage. TCU’s Risk Management
Department is responsible for determining the adequacy of
vendor insurance coverage.
C. CONTRACT REVIEWS AND COMPLIANCE –
There are multiple laws and regulations with which TCU
must comply. TCU’s Contract Administration Department
will determine if additional departmental approvals are
required as a part of the contract review process.
Non-financial Contracts. There are other types of
contracts related to TCU business that may not include a
financial obligation, but for which a TCU Authorized
Signatory is required. These include, but are not limited to,
educational affiliation, revenue-generating arrangements,
use of trademarks, sharing confidential information and
TCU consultation to third parties.
Authority to Contract. TCU is a non-profit
corporation established under the laws of the State of
Texas. As a corporation, contractual obligations and other
official corporate actions may only be undertaken by
TCU’s Board of Trustee’s or those person’s authorized by
the Board of Trustees to act on behalf of the University.
For those reasons, very few people at TCU have the
authority, either by Board resolution or administrative
delegation, to obligate the University, including executing
contracts, on behalf of the University. The Board of
Trustees has granted contractual signature to the
Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Finance and
Administration, as well as a small number of other
members of TCU management for specific functions. The
Board of Trustees has also granted to the Vice Chancellor
for Finance and Administration authority to delegate all or
parts of his signature authority to support efficient
University operations. A memorandum from the Vice
Chancellor for Finance and Administration memorializes
each signature authority delegation and information related
to these delegations is maintained by the Associate Vice
Chancellor and Controller.
Those employees who have been granted contract
signature delegation authorities are informed of such and
are required to follow certain administrative procedures
which are overseen by TCU’s Contract Administration and
Internal Audit departments. An employee who signs a
TCU contract without the appropriate signature authority,
assumes personal responsibility for unauthorized signing
of a contract on behalf of TCU.
TCU utilizes a contract management system
(“Cobblestone”) to facilitate the review and signature of
contracts. All contracts should be input into Cobblestone,
per established procedures, which are located on TCU’s
Contract Administration website.
Crime Reporting. In an emergency, please call 817-
257-7777 or ext. 7777 from a University phone, use one of
the emergency phones on campus, or come to the TCU
Police Department. Community members are encouraged
to down load the FrogShield mobile phone safety app from
the Apple Store or Google Play to facilitate emergency
calls to TCU Police and access other security features.
More information is available on the TCU Police webpage
https://police.tcu.edu/frogshield/.
The TCU Police Department is located at 3025 Lubbock
Avenue and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
throughout the year. The TCU Police Department
encourages anyone who is the victim or witness to any
crime to promptly report the incident to the police. The
TCU Police Department website also has an anonymous
report form, https://police.tcu.edu/contact-us/report-a-
crime/, for confidential use by campus community
members, if desired. Faculty, staff members also may
contact the TCU Police Department non-emergency
number at 817-257-8400 for crime prevention presentation
information and other services.
Section 51.212 of the Texas Education Code defines the
TCU Police Department as a law enforcement agency and
a governmental body subject to the Texas Public
Information Act (PIA). All government information,
including reports, are presumed to be available to the
public, although certain exceptions may apply to the
disclosure of the information. TCU discloses information
about crime on and near campus in its federal Clerk Act
annual security report, including reports made to
designated Campus Security Authorities (CSAs). Campus
security authorities are identified as any member of the
TCU Police Department, its officers and staff, and any
University official who has significant responsibility for
student and campus activities, including, but not limited to,
the offices of Campus Life, its Deans and Directors;
Housing & Residence Life office staff, Hall Directors and
Residential Advisors; the Department of Athletics
(coaches); the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors and respective
offices, and any other University official who has the
authority and duty to take action or respond to particular
issues on behalf of the University. At TCU, all employees
are considered mandatory reporters and, therefore, must
report knowledge of any crime or policy violation to the
appropriate individual(s).
114
An informed campus community proactively contributes
to the safe and secure environment of TCU.
Data Classification Policy.
Introduction. The University provides access to its
administrative and academic data in order to facilitate the
business of the University. This access, however, must be
accomplished in a manner that ensures the security,
confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data. All
users share in this responsibility. To help facilitate this
purpose, this policy describes several classifications or
categories of data and then goes on to describe how each
may be used and protected.
Applicability. This policy applies to all University
employees, students, alumni, contractors, affiliates, etc.
who have access to TCU data.
Definitions.
• Legitimate Interest – a need for data which arises
within the scope of University employment and/or in
the performance of authorized duties
• TCU Data Steward – an individual, department or
their respective managers with the primary
responsibility for collecting and maintaining TCU data
• TCU Data – data, in electronic or paper form, which is
used with regard to University business
Policy Statement.
General
• TCU Data is critical to the University. The University,
therefore, expects all users with access to its data to
manage, access and utilize this data in a manner that is
consistent with the University’s need for security and
continuity.
• TCU Data Stewards may classify their data into one of
four data classes. They may also expand on the
requirements of this policy.
• All users are custodians of the data they have access to
since they have the ability to redistribute or in some
cases alter the data. Custodians are responsible for
treating the data in the manner described in this
policy.
Data Classifications
• Personal Data – Personal Data is data that is owned by
an individual and is not TCU Data. Examples are:
- photos of friends and family members
- files related to non-TCU business
- music purchased with personal funds
• Public Data – Public Data is TCU Data which, if
exposed, would not harm the University or
individuals. There is often a need to widely
disseminate this data. No legal restrictions exist on the
dissemination of the data. Examples are:
- TCU press releases
- class schedules
- promotional or marketing information
- public event information
• Private Data – Private TCU Data is TCU Data which,
if exposed, would not significantly harm TCU or
individuals but which is not intended for public
release. This data is protected for proprietary, ethical
or privacy reasons. This data must be restricted to
users with a legitimate interest in the data. Examples
are:
- institutional research findings
- employment data
- large numbers of email addresses
• Confidential Data – Confidential DATA is TCU Data
which, if exposed, could significantly harm an
individual or the University. This data may also be
protected due to legal, regulatory, contractual or
University policy. Examples are:
- sensitive personal information (SPI)
- payroll data
- FERPA, HIPAA, or GLB covered data
- credit card information
Requirements – Data is subject to the controls defined
for each classification. Data should not be made generally
available until the data has been classified.
• Personal Data – Personal Data restrictions and
protections are determined by the owner. TCU takes
no responsibility for Personal Data. Users who store
Personal Data on TCU-owned equipment do so at
their own risk. Note: users will not necessarily have
access to University property or any Personal Data
stored on University property after leaving the
University. If Personal Data contains Sensitive
Personal Information (SPI) as defined in the TCU
Sensitive Personal Information Policy, it must be
encrypted when stored on University resources.
• Public Data – There is no restrictions on accessing or
disseminating Public Data.
• Private Data – Private TCU Data must be protected to
prevent loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure or
destruction.
- Some form of TCU-approved authentication and
authorization is required in order to access this data.
Examples of authentication are TCU username and
password or source IP address. Examples of
authorization are file permissions, PeopleSoft roles
or firewall rules.
- Authorization rules are determined by the TCU Data
Stewards.
- Duplicate or parallel copies of Private TCU Data
must be approved by the TCU Data Steward and
similar controls must be in place on all copies.
- Paper copies of Private TCU Data must be kept in a
closed container (e.g. desk, closet, file cabinet)
when not in use in order to prevent public
disclosure.
- Electronic copies of Private TCU Data must be
stored or transmitted in a manner that secures them
from general public access.
- Private TCU Data may not be stored on personally-
owned computing devices unless an exception is
made, e.g. email.
- Private TCU Data must be deleted or destroyed
when no longer necessary.
115
- If Private TCU Data is shared with external parties,
then there must be TCU approved contract language
detailing compliance with this policy.
• Confidential Data – Confidential TCU Data must be
protected in the same manner as Private Data along
with the following additional requirements:
- When stored in electronic form, the data must be
stored only on servers managed by Information
Technology with appropriate data protection
measures unless specifically approved.
- When stored in paper format, the data must be kept
in locked containers or rooms with controlled
access.
- When the data is transmitted, it must be in a secure
and encrypted format.
- Information Technology must be notified in a
timely manner if Confidential Data is suspected of
being lost or disclosed to unauthorized parties.
- Confidential Data may not be stored on external or
cloud-based sites or other destinations as described
in the TCU Sensitive Personal Information Policy,
TCU Credit Card Policy and other applicable
policies.
- When no longer necessary, Confidential Data must
be securely destroyed according to TCU policies.
- If Confidential Data is shared with external parties
then there must be contract language detailing
compliance with this policy.
Enforcement. Misuse of University information will be
regarded with utmost seriousness. Alleged violations of
this policy will be pursued in accordance with the
appropriate disciplinary procedures for faculty, staff and
students, and when indicated, sanctions up to and
including dismissal or expulsion will be imposed. Legal
action may be pursued if the violation involved external
parties.
Related Policies and Resources.
• TCU Network and Computer Usage Policy
• TCU BYOD Policy
• TCU Credit Card Policy
• TCU Sensitive Personal Information Policy
• TCU Approved Electronic Data Storage Locations
Matrix
Policy Governance.
Owner – TCU Information Technology – Information
Security Services
Approved Chancellor’s Cabinet – April 2015
Dining Service. Dining service is provided at TCU
through a contract arrangement with the Sodexo
Corporation. Faculty and staff are invited to eat in any of
the University dining areas. In addition, the dining service
provides a wide variety of catering services on the campus.
Further information is available by contacting the Dining
Service office (817-257-7283) located in the University
Union.
Energy Conservation Policy. TCU is dedicated to a
program of energy conservation. The University
community is encouraged to use energy wisely - to use
what they need, but need what they use.
Goals have been established to conserve energy and
reduce consumption through optimum use of facilities and
the elimination of wasteful practices. Building
deputies/managers are encouraged to support energy
conservation goals and to report malfunctioning systems to
the Facilities Work Control Center, (817) 257-7956.
During unoccupied hours, heating and air conditioning will
be reduced in campus buildings controlled by the Energy
Management Control System.
Questions about energy conservation and suggestions for
improvement should be made directly to the Campus
Energy Manager at 817-257-4928.
Facility Maintenance, Repair, or Modification;
Furniture, Finishes, Interior Plants. Facilities is
responsible for accomplishing all facility maintenance,
repair, space modification and new work. Refer to the
publication A User’s Guide to Facilities Services for more
detail.
1. Requests for maintenance and repair are submitted
by Building Deputies/Managers/Hall Directors using the
AiM maintenance management system, or by phone to the
Work Control Desk at ext. 7956.
2. Requests for space modification or new work
require a Facilities Department cost estimate form (PPD
45). The requestor must obtain the dean/unit head’s
approval prior to submitting the request to Facilities for a
cost estimate.
3. All furniture purchases must be coordinated through
Facilities Planning, ext. 7953. Assistance will be provided
to assure furniture meets University standards of quality,
durability and maintainability.
4. All carpet purchases, installation, replacement or
repair is accomplished by Facilities in accordance with
carpet standards. Limited funds are budgeted by Facilities
for requests costing $5,000 or less. Requests costing more
than $5,000 are handled on a special request basis.
5. Exterior and interior signage that is installed or
fixed to the building or grounds is provided by Facilities in
accordance with University signage standards. Requests
for new signs should be submitted via Building
Deputies/Managers to the Work Control Desk. No other
symbols or graphics should appear on signs identifying
buildings or offices.
6. All interior plants that are provided and maintained
by a contract maintenance agreement must be obtained
through Facilities and will be funded by the requesting
department.
7. Procedures for key control, key assignments and
replacement of lost keys are outlined in TCU Policy
Letter 2.002 dated 8 October 2002.
8. Prior to performing or authorizing any excavation,
trenching or digging on TCU property to a depth
exceeding four inches below grade, the initiating party is
required to obtain an excavation permit. For assistance
116
with permit procedures, contact the Facilities Control
Center, ext. 7954.
9. Contact Facility Services, ext. 5116, for assistance
with office relocation or disposal/storage of unused
furniture and equipment.
10. Procedures for the purchase and installation of
alarm systems, including security cameras, panic
alarms and intrusion devices are outlined in the TCU
Alarm Systems Control Policy Letter dated 24 May 2005.
Fire Arms and Deadly Weapons Policy. TCU is
committed to providing a safe environment for employees,
students and campus visitors. All guns and dangerous
weapons are prohibited on the TCU campus. TCU has
complied with the statutory requirements of Section
411.2031 of the Texas Government Code and the TCU
Board of Trustees elected to prohibit license holders from
carrying concealed handguns on the campus of or any
grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by
TCU is being conducted, and any passenger transportation
vehicle owned by TCU. Students, faculty and staff may
bring unloaded hunting rifles, other weapons and
ammunition directly to the TCU Police Department to be
checked in and stored in a locked gun vault, or under
Texas law a person who holds a valid concealed handgun
license may store a concealed firearm in a locked,
privately owned or leased motor vehicle parked on a street
or driveway or in a TCU parking lot or parking garage.
Texas Christian University has complied with the
statutory requirements of Section 411.2031 of the Texas
Government Code and the Texas Christian University
Board of Trustees voted to prohibit license holders from
carrying concealed handguns on the campus of Texas
Christian University, any grounds or building on which an
activity sponsored by Texas Christian University is being
conducted, and any passenger transportation vehicle
owned by Texas Christian University.
Frog Prints. Faculty and staff personal copying,
including color copies, faxes, and bindery services are
available from Frog Prints Copy Center, which is located
in the GrandMarc Building at 2865 West Bowie (across
from Tucker Technology Bldg.). The Frog Prints manager
is available to work with faculty members in planning
support for special projects, special printing needs and
other required student projects. For specific information
and hours of operation, call (817) 257-5992.
KTCU-FM Radio. KTCU-FM 88.7, “The Choice,” is a
10,000-watt radio station, serving the campus as well as
Fort Worth and surrounding communities. It is licensed by
the Board of Trustees at TCU and is operated by the
Department of Film, Television and Digital Media. Music
programming is a mix of Indie/Alternative rock,
Electronic, Pop, and Local artists. In the evenings and
weekends, KTCU features music specialty programs, as
well as community service talk shows, classical music and
sports podcasts.
KTCU-FM serves as the choice for TCU football,
basketball and baseball by airing games on 88.7. A
primary role of the station is to provide a learning
laboratory not for just the communication students, but all
students interested in radio. The station broadcasts on 88.7
FM, and can be heard via the internet at ktcu.tcu.edu, on
the RadioFX app, the TuneIn app, or stream us on the TCU
Mobile app (iOS).
Lost and Found. The TCU Police Department is the
official University Lost and Found department. Articles
lost or found should be reported as soon as possible to
assist the office in returning property to the rightful owner.
Mailing and Contact Lists for Alumni and Friends of
the University, Procedures for Requesting, Using and
Updating. University Advancement maintains a database
of all alumni and friends of the University. This database is
used extensively by a variety of offices on campus
including the Chancellor and many departments outside of
University Advancement. Information about TCU’s
alumni and friends changes rapidly, and thousands of
updates (names, addresses, email addresses, phone
numbers, employers, etc.), are made to TCU’s alumni and
friends’ records each year. It is imperative that the most
current information be used when a department needs to
contact all or part of TCU’s constituency. To insure this
result, the following policies have been adopted:
• ADDIE (TCU’s alumni/development database) is the
University’s official repository of information about
alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and
foundations. When updates are made to this system,
the information is available to everyone on campus.
There are to be no departmental mailing or contact
lists maintained for University use other than
Advancement’s alumni/development database
(ADDIE).
• Information on alumni, parents, and friends constantly
changes making information pulled even a few days
before out of date.
• Requests for new lists should be made of Advance-
ment Operations through the ADDIE Report Request
on my.tcu.edu 14 business days before the data is
needed. The list will be pulled as close as possible to
the date the information will be used. This will ensure
the information is as up-to-date as possible. Any data
list questions should be directed to extension 4338 or
• New or updated information (address, telephone,
email address, etc.) received from alumni and friends
should be sent to Advancement Operations, so it can
be entered into ADDIE for campus use. New
information should be emailed to
[email protected].edu or sent to
Advancement Operations, TCU Box 298240.
• In the event that friends of the University are not in
ADDIE but are included on a department’s mailing
117
list, records for the individuals and/or organizations
will be added to and maintained in ADDIE.
• Any mass communication, especially solicitations,
must be planned and coordinated with University
Advancement well in advance of the mailing date.
This is to ensure we are interacting with our
constituents in a professional, well-coordinated way to
avoid alienating them with too many mailings at one
time.
Questions regarding this policy should be directed to
Travis Soyer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Operations (extension 7706).
Network and Computer Usage Policy.
Introduction. TCU provides technology to help
facilitate the academic, research, and administrative needs
of students, faculty and staff. Technology allows you to
quickly and efficiently access and exchange information,
both within the TCU community and around the globe.
This valuable resource is provided as a privilege, and with
that privilege comes the responsibility of all users to
conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the
mission, purposes and values of the University. It is the
responsibility of every person who uses University
Computing Resources to read and abide by this Network
and Computer Usage Policy.
Applicability. This policy is applicable to the entire
TCU community (students, faculty, staff and other
authorized users) and to all University Computing
Resources, whether owned, leased, contracted or managed
by TCU. University Computing Resources include, but are
not limited to:
• hardware (e.g. computers, mobile computing devices,
servers, network devices)
• telecommunication equipment (e.g. phone systems,
traditional phones, cell phones, smartphones)
• storage media (e.g. discs, flash drives, external drives)
• peripheral devices (e.g. printers, scanners, monitors)
• networks
• software
• electronic data
Appropriate Use. TCU expects all users of University
Computing Resources to respect the rights and privacy of
other users, respect the integrity of physical facilities and
controls, and respect the ownership and usage rights for
digital media. You may only use those University
Computing Resources that you are authorized to use, and
must use them in the manner and to the extent you are
authorized. Use of University Computing Resources must
not violate any applicable laws, rules or policies. Use of
University Computing Resources must adhere to the
University’s Code of Conduct policy, available on the
Human Resources website at: http://www.hr.tcu.edu.
University Computing Resources are intended to be used
for University-related activities and, depending upon the
circumstances, reasonable personal use. What constitutes
“reasonable personal use” may depend on your
relationship with TCU. For example, a resident student’s
personal internet and email use is generally acceptable, but
similar activities by an employee during working hours
must not interfere with the employee’s job performance.
Improper use of University Computing Resources can
subject you to discipline by TCU. The following list, while
not exhaustive, contains examples of what TCU deems to
be improper use.
• Using University Computing Resources for personal
commercial or financial gain.
• Consuming a significant amount of bandwidth or
network resources.
• Any activity that compromises network security.
• Knowingly installing or distributing a program, such
as a computer virus, intended to damage or strain ad
computer or network.
• Allowing unauthorized users to access any TCU
network.
• Using another person’s account.
• Using or disclosing another person’s password.
• Connecting personal computers or devices to the
University’s Network without prior authorization.
• Using unauthorized network devices, such as routers,
firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Manually assigning an IP address to a network device
or otherwise using an IP address that is not assigned to
you.
• Attempting to access any data or information by
breaching or circumventing security measures.
• Attempts to monitor, analyze, or tamper with network
data packets.
• Personal use of TCU Computing Resources during
working hours by an employee of the University
which interferes with the employee’s job performance.
In addition to violations of TCU rules, certain computer
misconduct is prohibited under federal and state laws.
Such misconduct can subject you to a civil lawsuit and/or
criminal prosecution. Examples of such misconduct
include:
• Using University Computing Resources to conduct
illegal activity, to promote or advocate illegal activity,
or to discuss illegal activities with the intent to
commit them.
• Using University Computing Resources to harass,
defame, abuse, or threaten others.
• Falsely obtaining electronic services or data without
payment of required charges.
• Knowingly accessing a computer or network without
the effective consent of the owner.
• Accessing, copying, transporting (to another person or
location), modifying, or destroying programs, records,
or data belonging to TCU or another user without
authorization, whether such data is in transit or
storage.
• Physical theft, relocation, modification, or damage to
any TCU computer or network equipment, facilities,
118
or property. This includes all computer labs, network
hubs, wiring, ports and links.
Copyright and Intellectual Property. Unauthorized
duplication of copyrighted works, such as books, movies,
photographs, video games, music and software, is a
violation of federal copyright law. TCU supports strict
compliance with federal laws regarding copyright
infringement. Anyone who engages in illegal copying shall
be subject to disciplinary action under TCU’s policies and
may be sued in federal court by the copyright owner.
Email/Electronic Communications/Social Networks.
Electronic communications (email, text messages, social
networks, blogs, etc.) enjoy tremendous popularity in our
society. Much of the communication between TCU staff,
administration and students will be electronic. The
informality and immediacy of electronic communications
can, however, lead to content abuse. TCU neither sanctions
nor censors individual expression of opinion in electronic
communications, but TCU expects a certain level of
etiquette and civility in these communications. Electronic
communications must not:
• contain profanity, obscenity or inappropriate jokes;
• harass, defame or intimidate others;
• misrepresent the identity of the sender; or
• be broadcast indiscriminately to a large number of
recipients.
Use common sense when communicating electronically.
A good rule of thumb is to assume that any message you
send will be forwarded to someone you do not know.
Never send confidential information electronically unless
you use appropriate electronic security measures, such as
encryption.
Users who make use of social networks, forums and
other public sites do so voluntarily, with the understanding
that they may encounter material they deem offensive. Use
of University Computing Resources to post or display
offensive materials on social networks and forums may
subject you to discipline by TCU. Users who subscribe,
post messages, or simply browse through such sites must
abide by the rules governing each in addition to TCU’s
policies.
Privacy/Access/Disclosure of Information. In general,
information stored on a computer or sent electronically
over a network is considered private and confidential,
unless the owner or sender makes that information
available to others. All users must respect this right of
privacy. Examination of private information without
authorization from the owner is a violation of this policy.
Merely attempting to circumvent security measures
protecting the information will be treated as a violation and
may subject you to discipline.
On shared and networked computer systems, certain
information about users and their activities is visible to
others. Users are cautioned that certain accounting and
directory information (for example, user names and
electronic mail addresses), certain records of file names
and executed commands, and information stored in public
areas, are not private. Nonetheless, such unsecured
information about other users must not be manipulated in
ways that they might reasonably find intrusive; for
example, eavesdropping by computer and systematic
monitoring of the behavior of others are likely to be
considered invasions of privacy that would be cause for
disciplinary action.
TCU will exercise reasonable security measures to
protect your private files and data. Nonetheless, users
should understand that no security mechanisms are perfect,
and the potential for unauthorized access to private
information does exist. Exercise caution when creating
digital files or messages containing personal or sensitive
information. Shut down or lock your computer before
leaving it unattended. Do not share your network password
or leave it displayed on or near your computer. Many
instances of unauthorized access are attributable to the
careless actions of the owner.
Even though TCU deems your electronically stored
information to be private, users must understand that in
certain situations, such information may be accessed,
reviewed and/or disclosed by TCU.
• If you request technical assistance, the technical staff
may need to view specific data in order to investigate,
diagnose, or correct a problem.
• TCU logs network activity on a routine basis, and
these logs are reviewed periodically by system
administrators. The logs include a record of user
processes.
• System administrators may access and review users’
files and communications when it is necessary to
maintain or prevent damage to systems.
• TCU may access the computer and electronic data of
an employee who is absent or unavailable if such
access is necessary to carry out the employee’s job
responsibilities during the absence.
• Electronic data left behind by a former student or
employee, excluding retirees, becomes the property of
the University and may be accessed, archived and/or
deleted, at the sole discretion of the Chief Technology
Officer.
• Electronic data will be accessed and disclosed in
connection with authorized TCU investigations of
policy violations.
• TCU will comply with any lawful administrative or
judicial order, warrant or subpoena requiring the
production of electronic files or data.
• TCU may preserve and/or disclose your
communications and/or documents in connection with
civil lawsuits. These disclosures may occur even if
you are not a party to the lawsuit. All such disclosures
will be coordinated through TCU legal counsel.
In some situations, the law requires that TCU give you
advance notice that your data or files may be disclosed to a
third party. Even if legal notice is not required, TCU will
try to inform you of a data disclosure unless the
circumstances warrant otherwise.
To access, review and/or disclose electronic data and
information, TCU may access discs, tapes, drives and other
119
storage media, and electronic communications, whether in
transit or storage. Keep in mind that even if you delete
files or electronic communications stored on TCU’s
servers, copies of the data may still persist on backup
media and may therefore be subject to access and
disclosure in the situations described above.
Enforcement. Suspected violations of this policy will
normally be handled through TCU disciplinary procedures
applicable to the relevant user. TCU may suspend a user’s
access to University Computing Resources, prior to the
initiation or completion of such disciplinary procedures,
when it reasonably appears necessary to preserve the
integrity, security, or functionality of University
Computing Resources or to protect TCU from liability.
TCU may also refer suspected violations of applicable
laws to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
The University’s Chief Technology Officer shall be the
primary contact for the interpretation, enforcement and
monitoring of this policy and the resolution or problems
concerning it. Any legal issues concerning the policy shall
be referred to the appropriate officials for advice.
Employees may appeal the resolution of problems in
regarding this policy via the University’s Conflict
Resolution Policy.
Web Pages/Domain Names/Email Addresses/Account
Names. TCU maintains certain domain names and web
pages considered to be “official” pages of the University.
These official web pages are to be used for TCU business
and may only be modified by authorized individuals.
Using or displaying TCU logos on other web pages
without the express written permission of TCU is
prohibited. Additionally, users must not maintain any
website, web page or internet domain name purporting or
suggesting to be “official” pages of the University. If
confusion is possible, an appropriate disclaimer should be
displayed.
TCU owns all account names as well as email addresses
having the tcu.edu domain. TCU may revoke or modify
your tcu.edu email addresses or account names at any time.
Therefore, using TCU email for personal communications
is done at your own risk. Upon your separation from the
University, excluding retirement, your right to send and
receive email through your tcu.edu address will cease.
Security/Network Issues.
• Since computer systems and networks are imperfect,
users are strongly requested to report any bugs or
security holes to TCU’s technical staff. Likewise,
users should not disseminate to others any information
that could jeopardize, circumvent, or degrade system
security or integrity.
• Users recognize that systems and networks are
imperfect and waive any responsibility for lost work
or time that may arise from their use. TCU will not
compensate users for degradation or loss of personal
data, software, or hardware as a result of their use of
University-owned systems or networks, or as a result
of assistance they may seek from TCU’s technical
staff.
• TCU must ensure that academic work takes
precedence at all times over other computing activities
in its facilities. In situations of high user demand that
may strain available computer resources, TCU
reserves the right to restrict (e.g. to specific times of
day) or prohibit computer activities such as game
playing.
Data Retention & Destruction. TCU systems are
backed up on a routine basis to ensure the ability to
recover from computer or network failures or disturbances.
TCU cannot, however, guarantee the restoration of any lost
or deleted information stored on its servers.
Further, once your relationship with TCU ends, your
access to University Computing Resources terminates.
Therefore, a user which leaves or separates from the
University or its employment will not necessarily have
access to University property or any personal files, email
or other data stored on University property. In addition, all
data (electronic or otherwise) belonging to TCU must be
returned and any other copies must be destroyed.
If you utilize University Computing Resources to store
your personal files, documents and communications, you
do so at your risk. TCU recommends that you store your
personal data on your own storage media. At a minimum,
you should maintain a backup copy of your personal data.
At no time does the University accept liability for the
maintenance, backup, security or loss of personal data.
Painting, Self-Help. Facilities is responsible for
painting campus facilities. Proper preparation of surfaces
is important and selection of standard high quality,
durable, low VOC paint is essential. Standard colors
reduce costs of maintenance. Self-help painting is
discouraged. However, if desired, faculty and staff must
have the approval of the Dean and/or appropriate Vice
Chancellor. An approved PPD 45 must be submitted to
Facilities with proposed colors. Facilities will return the
PPD 45 to the requestor with the required paint
specifications. The requestor must agree to do the work at
no cost to the University, repair any damage that might
result from the work and return it to the original color
when he/she moves out of the space. This space will not be
included in routine painting in the future unless it has been
returned to the original color.
Parking and Traffic Regulations. Traffic rules are an
official part of university regulations and are to be
observed by all campus community members. Receipt of a
traffic citation from the TCU Police Department indicates
that a university traffic regulation has been violated and
instructions on the citation, including those regarding
payment of fines, must be followed.
Staff and faculty members are required to register their
vehicle(s) driven and/or parked on campus with the TCU
Police Department and to properly display the appropriate
parking decal as indicated in the permit instructions. New
parking permits/decals are issued at the beginning of each
academic year or as required.
120
All faculty and staff are required to follow all TCU
campus parking and traffic regulations. The TCU Campus
Parking and Traffic Regulations brochure contains the
current parking plan, campus speed limits, and other
pertinent information regarding the operation of vehicles
on TCU property. Copies are available from the TCU
Police Department offices and can also be found online at
www.police.tcu.edu. Students, faculty and staff are not
eligible to park in zones reserved for visitors.
Personal Property on Campus. Personal property on
campus is used at the owner’s risk. Any damage or loss of
personal property should be reported to the appropriate
homeowner/tenant insurance carrier. Faculty and staff
members are responsible for any deductible under the
homeowner/tenant policy.
Post Office Services.
Mailing Deadlines - Monday — Friday.
First class departmental mail for metering: 3 p.m.
Mail with stamps already affixed: 4:30p.m.
Hours of Operation — Monday — Friday
Mailing Services 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Post Office 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Mail. Postage for all official University business is
paid by each University department. Mailing Services
located in the Brown-Lupton University Union (BLUU)
Suite 1200 is equipped to meter all business mail. The
deadline for daily mail processing (Monday through
Friday) is 3 p.m.
TCU Mail Addresses. The manager of mailing services
assigns box numbers. Mail is sorted by the TCU box
number not department or individual names. It is the
responsibility of each department to notify correspondents
of their correct mailing address, which must include the
appropriate TCU box number. When departments divide
into new departments or when employees move from one
department to another or leave the University, it is the
responsibility of the originating department to forward
mail to the new department or old employee by placing the
new box number on the mail piece and returning it to the
post office for processing.
Special Services. TCU Mailing Services provides the
following special services: USPS Express Mail, Federal
Express, and International Mail. Contact Mailing Services
regarding these services and for assistance in selecting the
best service available. To receive the University’s Federal
Express shipping discount, all departments must reference
the TCU account number. Do not open individual accounts
with Federal Express or other mailers without contacting
the Mailing Services Coordinator.
Note: The shipment of hazardous materials MUST be
coordinated with the TCU Safety Director.
Interoffice Mail. All interoffice mail is handled
through the U.S. Post Office Contract Station in Suite 1200
of the BLUU. Envelopes must be clearly marked
“Interoffice Letter” and MUST bear the return address of
the originating department. Other names on reusable
envelopes should be MARKED OUT to avoid any
confusion. To avoid delays in delivery, the complete name,
department and box number must be provided in the
address section of the envelope. Interoffice mail
improperly addressed will be “returned to sender.”
Mail is delivered to the TCU Post Office at 6 a.m. Mail
pick-up is 4:30 p.m. TCU Post Office hours of operation
are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additional
after hours pick up of student mail and packages is
provided from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and Saturday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Questions regarding policy and procedures
for use of interoffice mail or incoming U.S. mail should be
directed to the supervisor of the TCU Post Office in the
BLUU, 817-257-7840.
Mailing Permits. The University has special permits
for second class, third class (bulk and single piece), first
class business reply mail and first class pre-sort. These
may be used under specified conditions and in accordance
with U.S. Postal regulations and University procedures.
Bulk mail is sent to the U.S. Post Office every day at
1 p.m. After it leaves the campus, allow an average of two
weeks for delivery. All address list files for permit
mailings should be electronically transmitted to Mailing
Services for certification and processing. Mailing Services
must have a job ticket on file before we accept any
materials or address files. All questions concerning use of
permit mail should be directed to the coordinator of
Mailing Services Office, 817-257-7899.
Special Notation. Materials printed for third class
(bulk) mailing should never be deposited directly in any
U.S. Postal facility. Postal regulations are not flexible.
Surplus materials mailed in small numbers require
additional postage and removal of all permit information.
Recycling. TCU is committed to protecting the
environment and actively supports recycling. Designated
gray recycling bins and tan recycling dumpsters are
located throughout the campus. The custodial staff collects
paper, plastic bottles and metal cans from designated bins
in academic and administrative buildings and places the
waste in the recycling dumpsters for collection by the
waste contractor. Recyclable material from residence halls
is collected by residential housekeeping and placed in the
appropriate recycling dumpsters. The material collected is
segregated and shipped to recyclers by the waste disposal
company at their off campus facility. Food waste and other
similar non-recyclable waste materials are transported off
campus to a commercial landfill. Facilities maintains a
commercial sized dumpster for collection of metals and
other recyclable construction material. For specific
information on recycling, contact Facilities, 817-257-7957.
Sales and Solicitations. Canvassing, selling and
offering for sale is strictly prohibited on campus and in
University buildings without special permission. Faculty
or staff who are approached by vendors should notify
Campus Police immediately.
Sexual Assault Reporting. All TCU employees, except
Confidential Resources, are considered Mandatory
121
Reporters for purposes of their obligations to report, to the
Title IX Coordinator, conduct that raises Title IX and/or
VAWA issues. Mandatory Reporters who witness or
receive information regarding the occurrence of an
incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating
violence, or stalking alleged to have been committed by or
against a person who is/was a student enrolled at or an
employee of the institution at the time of the incident shall
promptly report the incident to the Coordinator, including
the identities of the parties, whether an alleged
complainant has expressed a desire for confidentiality or
anonymity in the reporting incident, the date, time and
location, and any other details. Failure of a Mandatory
Reporter to provide such information to the Coordinator in
a timely manner will subject the employee to termination
of employment and the employee could be charged with a
crime. University officials who are serving in a
professional role in which communication is privileged
under Texas law are not bound by this expectation, except
as the law requires. TCU police are informed of all
allegations of sexual assault and are documented under
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 57 guidelines
concerning the confidentiality of identifying information
of sex offense victims. Allegations of sexual assault
received by the TCU Police Department are reported, with
primary investigative responsibility deferred, to the Fort
Worth Police Department.
Soliciting Gifts for TCU. University Advancement has
programs in place to develop relationships with a wide
variety of stakeholders and to engender maximum support
for the University. Many thousands of gifts, both large and
small, are solicited each year from alumni, parents, friends,
corporations, and charitable foundations. Fund-raising
efforts must be coordinated by the University Advance-
ment office to achieve the desired results and ensure that
gifts are processed and acknowledged promptly and
according to IRS regulations. Individual mailings from
departments, groups, or faculty to raise funds for special
annual projects MUST first be approved by the University
Advancement office. Such approval avoids duplicating
mailing lists, making two requests to one donor, sending
too many direct mail pieces to alumni, and other
potentially embarrassing situations.
The University Advancement office is charged with the
responsibility of raising funds to support TCU’s annual
operations as well as gifts for endowment, scholarships,
campus facilities and other projects. The final decisions
about fund-raising initiatives are made by the Chancellor
and Provost. Those decisions are based on the academic
priorities of TCU and the potential for philanthropic
support from the University’s constituent groups.
(University Advancement maintains a comprehensive
record of donor interests and giving patterns, which
enables staff to make an accurate assessment of which
programs most closely match a donor’s interests.)
Funds for programs and projects not approved in the
budget or among the trustee-approved development
objectives cannot be solicited without the approval of the
appropriate academic department chair, the appropriate
dean, and the Provost/Vice Chancellor of Academic
Affairs. The staff in the University Advancement office
can instruct faculty in the proper procedure for seeking
approval to have a program or a project listed on the
University fund-raising agenda. The Advancement office
is not permitted to raise funds until the sign-off process is
completed.
Receiving Unsolicited Gifts. From time to time a
member of the faculty or administrative staff may be
approached by a prospective donor who desires to make a
gift to the University or one of its schools or departments.
Such unsolicited gifts may be in the form of cash for a
particular project or need, or they may be property,
equipment, supplies, or works of art.
Non-cash gifts pose special legal and technical
challenges. For example, the donor must establish an
accurate value at the time of the gift. Such gifts must be
acknowledged in ways that satisfy both University and
Internal Revenue Service policies. Also, some non-cash
gifts call for adjustments in university insurance coverage.
To avoid potential embarrassment or legal
complications, it is the policy that no faculty member or
university representative may accept gifts, either cash or
non-cash, without the involvement of the University
Advancement office. Gifts to a school or department will
be processed by the University Advancement office.
Students with Disabilities, Policy and Procedures
Texas Christian University complies with the Americans
with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities. A
disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
TCU does not discriminate on the basis of disability,
including in the admission process or with access to, or
treatment of, or participation in, its programs and
activities. No otherwise qualified individual shall be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of,
or be subjected to discrimination in the services, programs
and activities of TCU solely on the basis of a disability.
TCU shall make reasonable accommodations in policies,
practices, and procedures, when the accommodations are
necessary to afford the opportunity for equal access to
educational programs, activities and services to qualified
individuals with disabilities, unless the accommodations
would fundamentally alter the nature of the programs,
activities or services. The full policy can be found at
http://www.acs.tcu.edu/disability_services.asp.
Procedures
Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore, a student
seeking an academic accommodation should contact the
Center for Academic Services-Student Disabilities
Services Office (DS) as soon as possible in (or before) the
academic term for which the student is seeking the
accommodation. The DS office is located in the Center for
Academic Services, Sadler Hall Room 1010, phone
number 817-257-6567.
122
Each student’s situation is evaluated on a case-by-case
basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The student must present relevant, verifiable, professional
documentation about his or her disability and the
associated limitations; complete an intake packet; and meet
with designated staff in the DS office. The determination
of accommodations is the result of an interactive process
between staff in the DS office and the student. Students
may obtain information on TCU’s documentation
guidelines in the DS office in Sadler Hall 1010 or online at
http://www.acs.tcu.edu/disability_documentation.asp.
Information concerning a student's disability is treated in
a confidential manner in accordance with University
policies as well as applicable federal and state laws.
Documentation presented shall be reviewed by the
appropriate staff within the DS office, who may consult
with other appropriate professional(s) to evaluate whether
there is a disability, to consider accommodations, and
assess whether granting accommodations may
fundamentally alter a TCU program or cause an undue
burden.
If the student qualifies for a classroom accommodation,
a Letter of Accommodations (LOA) is prepared by the DS
office. The student is responsible for promptly delivering
the LOA, conferring with faculty members and returning
signed verification forms of the receipt of the letters to the
DS office. Accommodations take effect only after delivery
of LOA and conference with faculty. Please allow faculty
a minimum of one week to arrange for accommodations.
The DS office consults with the student and the
University faculty and staff to promote delivery of
appropriate accommodations, and serves as liaison
between the student and faculty members as needed. The
student must promptly notify the DS office if an
accommodation granted by TCU is not being properly
performed or is not effective. Classroom accommodations
are limited to a single semester; therefore, Letters of
Accommodations must be requested each semester.
A student who wishes to appeal a decision regarding
appropriate accommodations may do so in writing to the
Chief Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator, who
shall promptly and equitably decide the appeal, at TCU
Box 297090, Fort Worth, TX 76129. The Chief
Compliance Officer’s decision may be appealed within
seven calendar days in writing to the Provost, whose
decision may be appealed in writing to the Chancellor
within seven calendar days. At any step during such an
appeal, the person requesting the appeal may
confidentially consult with appropriate
professionals/advisers within or outside the University. A
student who wishes to file a grievance, which is not an
appeal regarding accommodations, over disability-related
discrimination, harassment or retaliation, should proceed
under TCU policy 1.005, whose subject is discrimination,
harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation.
The Director for the Center for Academic Services is
designated by the University to coordinate its efforts to
comply with and carry out the responsibilities under
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section
504) as it relates to students. Questions regarding student
ADA/504 concerns may be directed to:
Ms. Laurel Cunningham
Student Disabilities Services
TCU Box 297710
Sadler Hall 1010
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817/257-6567
laurel.cunningham@tcu.edu
TCU Graphics, Guidelines for. A cornerstone of
TCU’s image is its visual identity. These guidelines
provide a systematic means of influencing the visual
statements which routinely are projected and which
collectively produce consistent and unmistakable
impressions important to the effectiveness of our overall
image.
Go to www.brand.tcu.edu to download TCU’s Visual
Identity Standards.
TCU International Travel Procedures. A global
perspective is essential to Texas Christian University’s
academic mission, and the University has long supported
international travel to study, conduct research, promote
collaboration with peer institutions, represent the
University, engage in service activities; and, for other
academic, administrative and sanctioned employee (an
individual hired by the University and generally receives
remuneration in exchange for the performance of
prescribed duties) and student activities. TCU employees
are expected to adhere to all policy and procedures related
to international travel. Policy and procedures related to
international travel and programs may be accessed through
the Center for International Studies website at
https://studyabroad.tcu.edu/faculty-staff-resources/. In
addition to this policy, TCU employees and students
engaged in University-supported or University-sponsored
programs and/or activities while travelling abroad are
expected, as applicable, to adhere to TCU’s Code of
Student Conduct, Student Handbook, and the Faculty and
Staff Handbook, as well as other policies of the University.
Approved by Provost Spring 2018
TCU Vehicles. Facilities is responsible for managing
the TCU vehicle fleet, including purchase and sale of
authorized vehicles. Refer to the publication TCU Fleet
Management Guide for more detail.
Tickets for Athletics Events. As designated by the
Human Resources office, all benefits-eligible faculty, staff
and retirees may purchase a maximum of four (4)
discounted season tickets to all home football, baseball,
men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball and
soccer games for a reduced rate as determined by
Athletics. The reduced rate will be 20% off the full ticket
price. If a donation is also required in the area requested
by the faculty/staff member, the full donation amount will
be required for each ticket. For example, if the full ticket
price is $250 plus a $100 required donation to the Frog
123
Club, the faculty/staff member will pay $200 for the ticket
plus the $100 required donation. Additional tickets above
the maximum of four (4) will be full price. Tickets in the
club and/or suite areas will be full ticket price plus
donation. There is no discount in the club or suite area.
Eligible faculty/staff also have the opportunity to
purchase a maximum of four (4) General Admission
Passes which are valid for admission to the women’s
sports of basketball, volleyball and soccer. Tickets may be
obtained at the Parrish Family Athletics Ticket Office
located near the front entrance into the Ed and Rae
Schollmaier Arena.
Season tickets may be purchased through payroll
deduction. The maximum number of tickets allowed for
payroll deduction payment is four (4). Any required
donation to the Frog Club for tickets and/or additional
tickets above the maximum of four must be purchased at
the time tickets are requested. Accepted payment methods
will be cash, check or credit card.
All tickets for away games and postseason events are
full price and subject to availability. Faculty/staff may not
use their TCU ID card to receive free admission to athletic
events even while enrolled in courses.
For information contact the TCU Athletics Ticket Office
at 817-257-FROG (3764) or email [email protected].
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy (Drones)
TCU values the safety, security and privacy of our
community. The personal use of any unmanned aircraft
systems (i.e, drones) is prohibited on campus, unless
approved by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (or
his/her designee); commercial use by the Vice Chancellor
for Marketing & Communication (or his/her designee); or
the Provost (or his/her designee) specifically for research
and educational purposes. Approval must be obtained two
(2) weeks prior to the event in order to implement security
measures. Any individual found in violation may be fined
up to $500, as defined by Texas law, in addition to other
sanctions deemed appropriate by proper authorities. Any
operator of a UAS must also follow all applicable state and
federal laws pertaining to such operation. Detailed
information regarding federal regulations on the use of
UAS is available on the Federal Aviation Administration
website at http://www.faa.gov/uas/. Further, any operator
of an unauthorized UAS will be held responsible for any
injuries or damage caused by the UAS. Procedures and
guidelines for personal student use of drones may be found
in the Student Code of Conduct at
http://www.studenthandbook.tcu.edu/student_handbook.pd
f; procedures and guidelines for commercial use may be
found on www.mkc.tcu.edu. Go to the Resources tab then
choose Location.
Approved August 13, 2015
124
APPENDIX
125
126
127
128
Academic Affairs Special Centers, Programs & Institutes
AddRan College of Liberal Arts
Asian Studies
British & Post-Colonial Studies
Center for Digital Expression
Center for Texas Studies
Center for Urban Studies
Classical Studies
Digital Culture and Data Analytics
General Studies
Human-Animal Relationships
Jewish Studies
Middle East Studies
Pre-major Advising
Pre-professional Advising
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bob Schieffer College of Communication
Texas Center for Community Journalism
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
College of Education
Alice Neeley Special Education Research &
Service Institute
Andrews Institute of Mathematics &
Science Education
Center for Public Education
College Advising Corps
TRiO Programs – McNair Achievement Program &
Student Support Services
Laboratory Schools - Starpoint School &
KinderFrogs School
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
College of Fine Arts
CelloFest
Chamber Music Roundup & Chamber
DoubleBass Festival
Festival of American Song
FluteFest
HornFest
Jazz Festival
Latin American Music Center & Festival
Chamber Music Roundup Academy
Preparatory Music Program
PianoTexas International Academy &
Festival
Summer Music Institute
The Art Galleries @ TCU
TCU Center for Lighting Education
The Center for Merchandising Education & Research
Trombone Summit
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
College of Science & Engineering
Institute for Environmental Studies
Institute of Ranch Management
Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development
Monnig Meteorite Gallery
Pre-Health Professions Institute
TCU Energy Institute
TCU Ranch Management Program
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Center for Oncology Education & Research
Health Innovation Institute at TCU
- Center for Translational Research
- Center for Collaborative Practice
LiiNK Center
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Neeley School of Business
Alcon Career Center
Center for Real Estate
Center for Responsible Global Business and Policy
Center for Supply Chain Innovation
Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Luther King Capital Management Center for
Financial Studies
Professional Development Center
Sales and Customer Insights Center
TCU Neeley Executive Education in Tandy Center
for Executive Leadership
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Research:
Institute of Behavioral Research
Sponsored Programs
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
IdeaFactory
Intensive English Program
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES
2019-20
All University Committee meetings are open but at the discretion of the chairman may be closed to executive session.
Faculty membership on all committees is determined by nomination by the committee on University Committees of the
Faculty Senate with the final approval coming from the Chancellor. Membership is normally restricted to full time faculty
excluding lecturers. Exempt and nonexempt staff members are recommended by the Committee on Committees of the Staff
Assembly with final approval coming from the Chancellor. Selections are made on the basis of the individual’s interest, the
needs of the committee and maintenance of the equitable distribution of faculty and staff members on the various committees.
Final appointments or re-appointments are made by the Chancellor and every effort is made to name those whose backgrounds
and/or experience best fit them to serve in a particular area. All University Committees must have a faculty chair or co-chair.
The faculty chair or co-chair must meet the eligibility requirements to serve in the Faculty Senate. Student members are chosen
by the student leaders with the approval of the dean of campus life.
Under a system recommended by the Faculty Senate, appointments to committees are no longer to be made on year-to-year
basis but continue until the end of the spring semester of the year indicated in parenthesis. Ex-Officio members are expected to
participate and vote on matters of the committees. Liaison members are expected to participate but are not allowed to vote on
matters of the committee.
1. Academic Appeals. The Academic Appeals Committee serves as an appellate body for all academic matters. Particular
committee responsibilities include appeals of assigned grades, program dismissals and sanctions applied due to findings of
academic misconduct. Such appeals may be brought to the committee only after regular department and college channels of
appeal have been exhausted. The committee’s decision is binding unless any party appeals to the Provost/Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs.
Greg Friedman, Chair; MATH (2021)
Danyelle Ackall; MANA (2021)
Becky Bittle; ENGR (2022)
J. David Brock; MUSI (2020)
Michael Bukhman; MUSI (2022)
Richard Denne; GEOL (2021)
S. Brie Diamond; CRJU (2020)
Donna Ernst; NURS (2022)
Philip (Phil) Esposito; KINE (2020)
Jessica Fripp; ART (2021)
Laurel Lynch; COSC (2022)
Russell Mack; STCO (2021)
Karen Martin; SPAN (2020)
Kelly McCormick; PHIL (2021)
Laura Meade; INSC (2020)
Carrie Moore; COMM (2020)
Anna Petursdottir; PSYC (2020)
Jay Ryu; IDEM (2022)
Loren Spice; MATH (2020)
Elizabeth (Becky) Taylor; EDUC (2020)
Amanda Duvall; CAREER/PROF DEV (2020)
Joann Fletcher; NEELEY ACAD ADVISING (2022)
Laura Shaw; STUDENT DEV SVC (2022)
Jeremy Steidl; CAMPUS LIFE (2020)
Cheryl Taylor; HUMAN RESOURCES (2022)
Kyle Atwood – undergrad student
Angela Gallo – undergrad student
Charity Mason – undergrad student
Nicholas Rinehart – undergrad student
Abby Vernacchia – undergrad student
Josh Witkop – undergrad student
Kaleigh Decker – graduate student
Matthew Dumican – graduate student
Meagan Gacke – graduate student
Jongkeyong Kim – graduate student
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
136
2. Budget Advisory Committee. Advises the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration on the annual operating
budget as it is being developed. Makes recommendations for the allocation of resources based on its sense of institutional
priorities, centrality to the institutional mission, and long-term planning goals of the University.
Sean Atkinson, Co-Chair; MUSI (2020)
Yuan Lu; MUSI (2022)
Karen Nelson; ACCT (2021)
Hylda Nugent; NRAN (2021)
Efton Park, At-Large; ACCT (2020)
Angie Taylor, Co-Chair; QUAL ENHANCE (2020)
Carla Ayala; CHEM (2020)
Cynthia Helton; CAMPUS REC (2020)
Nick Whitesell; CAMPUS LIFE (2022)
Evie Richardson, At-Large; FIN/TREAS (2020)
Cheryl Kennon; liaison
Candice Payne; liaison
Paige Shiring – student
Administrative Oversight: Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Brian Gutierrez
3. Compliance and Affirmative Action. Consults with and advises the chief compliance officer, the affirmative action
officer, the head of human resources and the Student Relations Committee of the Faculty Senate regarding efforts to comply
with federal legislation related to equal opportunity in employment and program access.
Julie Fry, Chair; CHEM (2020)
Emily Herzig; MATH (2020)
Kathleen Kyzar; EDUC (2021)
Shauna Thompson; MUSI (2021)
Tee Tyler; SOWO (2021)
Lizbeth Branch; INT STUDENT SVC (2021)
Melondy Doddy; COLLEGE ADVIS CORP (2020)
LeAnn Forsberg; SPONSORED RES (2022)
Yvonne Giovanis; CAMPUS REC (2022)
Pam James; FIN SVC (2020)
Aubrey Kettrick; CAMPUS REC (2021)
Roxanne Muiruri; IBR (2020)
Catherine Serrano; NURS (2021)
Drew Solomon; RISK MGMT (2021)
Andrea Nordmann; liaison
Darron Turner; liaison
Ontario Brown – student
Lau’Rent Honeycutt - student
Vivian Noyd – student
Administrative Oversight: Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Yohna Chambers
4. Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness. Monitors all existing and future initiatives regarding diversity, equity and
inclusiveness on campus. Actively participates in developing a vision for diversity, equity and inclusiveness that represents the
entire campus community, and makes recommendations to the Chancellor based on this vision.
Karen Steele, Co-Chair; INTR (2020)
Ariane Balizet; ENGL (2020)
Germán Gutiérrez; MUSI (2022)
Lynn Jackson; SOWO (2022)
Jacqueline Lambiase; STCO (2020)
Ted Legatski; ENTR (2020)
Janie Robinson; NURS (2020)
Jay Ryu; IDFM (2020)
Patricia Walters; ACCT (2022)
Aisha Torrey-Sawyer, Co-Chair; DIV/INCL (2020)
Todd Boling; REL & SPIRITUAL LIFE (2022)
Ashley Edwards; ACAD SVC (2020)
Yvonne Lin Giovanis; CAMPUS REC (2022)
Trung Nguyen; STUDENT DEV SVC (2022)
VACANT; WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES (2020)
Darron Turner; TITLE IX, ex officio
Whitnee Boyd; COORD SPECIAL PROJ, liaison
Kathy Cavins-Tull;VC STUDENT AFFAIRS, liaison
Yohna Chambers;VC HUMAN RESOURCES, liaison
Tara Cunningham; MD SCHOOL, liaison
Heath Einstein;ADMISSIONS, liaison
Timeka Gordon; INCLU/INTER SVC, liaison
Victoria Herrera; ADMISSIONS, liaison
137
Mark Kamimura-Jimenez; STUD AFF, liaison
Lisa McBride; MD SCHOOL, liaison
John Singleton; INTL STUDIES, liaison
Shawn Worthen; ATH ACAD SRVC, liaison
Victoria Garcia – student
Trevon Thomas – student
Micah-Jade Stanback – graduate student
Administrative Oversight: Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.
5. Environmental Health and Safety. Consults with the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration regarding
environmental health and safety issues that affect the University. Identifies and addresses potential risk exposures within the
University and offers direction on how to address these exposures.
Lisa Vanderlinden; Chair; SOCI (2022)
Yvonne Cao; GRDE (2021)
Omar Harvey; GEOL (2020)
Anne VanBeber; NTDT (2022)
Caroline Albritton; ALCOHOL, DRUG (2022)
Stephen Chaffee; FAC SVC (2021)
Kim Hitchcock; HEALTH CTR (2021)
Victor Ignatiev; ATH EQUIP (2020)
Susan Mayhew; BIOL (2021)
Jonathan Brown; SAFETY, ex officio
Paul Fox; RISK MGMT, ex officio
Sean Taylor EMER MGMT, ex officio
Sarah Goldberg – student
Nicole Gorretta - student
Administrative Oversight: Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Brian Gutierrez
6. Evaluation. Studies and recommends changes in procedures for student evaluation of faculty. The committee annually
reviews the forms, the mechanics of distribution, and the method of tabulating results.
David Grant, Chair; RELI (2021)
Danyelle Ackall; MANA (2020)
Margaret Diehl; NURS (2020)
Amber Heck; MDED (2022)
Joan McGettigan; FTDM (2020)
Harry Parker; THEA (2020)
Barbara Wood; FINA (2021)
Xiangyang (Cheyenne) Xie; GEOL (2020)
Angie Taylor; QUAL ENHANCEMENT (2020)
Jason Titus; RES LIFE (2022)
Kyle Atwood – student
Matthew Dena – student
Sarah Goldberg – student
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
7. Instructional Development. Receives applications from the faculty for financial support for the improvement of teaching
methods or for general enrichment of teaching.
Sue Anderson, Chair; EDUC (2020)
Onofrio Annunziata; CHEM (2021)
Kristi Argenbright; ENSC (2022)
Jodi Campbell; HIST (2021)
Janice Cobb; ACCT (2021)
Michele Meitl; CRJU (2022)
Nathanael O’Reilly; ENGL (2020)
Qiao Zhang; MATH (2020)
Joshua Tooley; IT SUPPORT, ex officio
Sandra Callaghan; CTR INTL STUDIES, liaison
Floyd Wormley; RESEARCH/GRAD STUD; liaison
Clayton Dana-Bashian –student
Tim Schwartz – student
Meagan Gacke – graduate student
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
138
8. Intercollegiate Athletics. This committee is a formal means of communication between the athletic department, the
faculty, the student body and the administration. The Committee’s primary focus is on academic matters and student-athlete
well-being. The Committee maintains ongoing communication with the athletics director and with the liaison from the
Academic Excellence Committee of the Faculty Senate. The Committee’s primary focus is on academic matters and student-
athlete well-being. The Committee will seek information from appropriate officials regarding current developments related to
student-athletes’ academic concerns and well-being including financial responsibility/budget allocation, facilities, resources
and compliance with NCAA rules and regulations. The Committee will provide an oversight role, as well as an advocacy role,
as a voice for student athletes if questions are raised by the Faculty Senate or Student Affairs. The Committee will make
recommendations to the appropriate University unit regarding suggested changes in policies or programs.
Robert (Bob) Leone, Chair; MARK (2020)
Ronald Burns; CRJU (2021)
Shugofa Dastgeer; JOUR (2022)
Rebecca Dority; NTDT (2021)
Paul Schrodt; COMM (2021)
Gene Smith; HIST (2022)
Ben Timson; KINE (2022)
William Wempe; ACCT (2022)
Stacy Dissinger; HARRIS ACAD RESOURCE (2022)
Jay Iorizzo; CAMPUS REC (2020)
Regina Middleton; NEELEY ACAD ADV (2021)
Kent Mire; BLUU (2021)
Evie Richardson; FIN/TREASURY (2022)
Lynn Jackson; Ad Hoc
Jeff Coffer; AEC, ex officio
Jeremiah Donati; AD, liaison
Rhonda Hatcher; NCAA FAC REP, liaison
Kim Johnson; ASSOC AD, liaison
Amanda Key – student
Nicholas Rinehart – student
Josiah Snowden – student
Administrative Oversight: Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.
9. Library. Studies library needs in light of academic programs and advises the University Librarian on matters of policy,
development of resources and optimal ways of integrating library programs with other academic activities.
Zackary B. Hawley, Chair; ECON (2020)
Layne Craig; ENGL (2020)
Dusty Crocker; GRDE (2021)
Jill Havens; ENGL (2021)
Scott Langston; RELI (2022)
Marla McGhee; EDLE (2021)
Robert Neilson; CHEM (2021)
Brandy Quinn; EDUC (2020)
Bingyang Wei; COSC (2022)
Tracy Hull; LIBRARY, ex officio
K. June Koelker; LIBRARY, ex officio
Floyd Wormley; RESEARCH/GRAD STUD, liaison
Angela Gallo – student
Abby Vernacchia – student
John Donor – graduate student
Roman Ruckhofer – graduate student
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
10. Mediators. The mediators committee is an advisory committee to facilitate the work of all the qualified mediators in the
University, both faculty and staff, as they carry out their functions as specified in the following policies: Conflict Resolution
Policy for Staff – 10/1/2000, Conflict Resolution Policy for Faculty – 5/24/2005, and Faculty Appeal Policy – 4/1/2010. (These
policies can be found in the Handbook.) The committee, composed of qualified mediators in the University, will consult with
the director of Human Resources to review processes/procedures, discuss the future handling of conflict mediation on campus,
and explore the possibility of appointing an ombudsperson for mediation.
Melissa Schroeder, Co-Chair; COMM (2020)
Paul King; COMM (2022)
Greg Stephens; MANA (2022)
Kathy Ferguson, Co-Chair; CSE (2021)
Melissa Garza; HARRIS ACAD RES (2021)
Janine Kraus; ADV-LOYALTY GIVING (2021)
Kristen Taylor; HUMAN RES, liaison
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
139
11. Research and Creative Activities. Advises the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on funding of faculty
research grants.
Emily Lund, Chair; COSD (2020)
James Petrovich, Past-Chair; SOWO (2020)
Hana Dobrovolny; PHYS (2020)
Amber Esping; EDUC (2022)
John Harris; PHIL (2020)
John Horner; BIOL (2020)
Tricia Jenkins; FTDM (2021)
Alex Lemon; ENGL (2021)
Jean-Luc Montchamp; CHEM (2021)
Ken Richardson (MATH) (2020)
Michael Strausz; POSC (2020)
Patricia Warrington; IDME (2020)
William Wempe; ACCT (2020)
Jessica Zeller; DANC (2020)
LeAnn Forsberg; SPONSORED PROG, liaison
Floyd Wormley; RESEARCH/GRAD STUDIES, liaison
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
12. Scholarships and Financial Aid. Advises the Director of Scholarships and Student Financial Aid on matters relating to
financial aid for students. Serves as an advisory body that reviews and evaluates student appeals concerning financial aid
eligibility.
Marcella Stark; Chair; EDUC (2020)
Martin Blessinger; MUSI (2022)
Jean Brown; JOUR (2021)
Meredith Curtis; BIOL (2021)
Adam Schiffer; POSC (2020)
Laurie Wood; ACCT (2022)
Kim Johnson; ATH (2021)
Laurel Cunningham; ACAD SRVCS, ex officio
Terence Kennedy; ACAD SRVCS, ex-officio
Victoria Chen; FINANCIAL AID, liaison
Glory Robinson; CAMPUS LIFE, liaison
Ontario Brown – student
Paige Shiring - student
Matt Williams – student
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
13. Student Conduct and Grievance. Hears disciplinary cases referred by the Student Affairs Office or appealed by
students, and grievance cases brought to it by students when such cases do not fall within the jurisdiction of other quasi-judicial
committees. Individuals are expected to resolve grievances informally, whenever possible, before appealing to this committee.
Considers matters of policy on problems referred by Student Affairs staff and investigates problems called to its attention by
faculty and others in areas of student conduct, other than academic.
Lynn Flahive, Chair; COSD (2021)
Misha Galaganov; MUSI (2020)
Efton Park; MATH (2022)
Richard Yantis; ENTERPRISE APP SVC (2020)
Glory Robinson; CAMPUS LIFE, liaison
Clayton Dana-Bashian – student
Matthew Dena – student
Kendall Krumme – student
Jack Leonhard – student
Vivian Noyd - student
Administrative Oversight: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kathy Cavins-Tull
140
14. Student Organizations. Works with members of the Student Affairs staff in matters concerning formation and operation
of all student groups. The committee determines policy for these groups and hears cases of rules infractions.
Susan Kleiser, Chair; MARK (2022)
Neil Anderson-Himmelspach; MUSI (2020)
Roina Baquera; KINE (2020)
Murell Horton; THEA (2022)
Andrew Arvay; CAMPUS LIFE (2022)
Stephanie Key; ATH COMPL (2020)
Lindsey Millns; INST RESEARCH (2022)
Ashley TULLY; COMM (2022)
Dede Williams Vann; STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS, ex officio
Ontario Brown – student
Hayes Macgregor - student
Vivian Noyd – student
Josh Witkop - student
Administrative Oversight: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kathy Cavins-Tull
15. TCU Sustainability. Monitors the development and implementation of the University’s sustainability policy and designs
mechanisms through which the University’s sustainability performances and practices can be made known to the University
community.
Becky Johnson, Chair; ENSC (2020)
Ashley Coles; GEOG (2020)
Gina Hill; NTDT (2022)
Stathis Michaelides; ENG (2020)
Mike Slattery; ENSC (2020)
Keith Whitworth; SOCI (2020)
Richard Adickes; RISK MGMT (2022)
Brandon Frank; UNIV ADV (2022)
Thomas Guidry; INFO TECH (2022)
Chris Honkomp; FACILITIES (2020)
Ga’Briel Adams – student
Kevin Crump – student
Nicole Gorretta - student
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
16. Technology. Reviews policies and procedures related to the application of computer and telecommunications
technologies to instruction, research, advising and administrative functions by students, faculty and staff. Additionally, the
committee monitors trends in computing and telecommunications pertinent to the educational enterprise. Furthermore, they
may be called upon to review and make recommendations concerning computer and telecommunications equipment acquisition
as well as staffing and training needs.
Richard (Curby) Alexander, Chair; EDUC (2020)
Guangyan Chen; MOLA (2022)
Tristan Decker; THEA (2022)
Peter Frinchaboy; PHYS (2022)
Igor Prokhorenkov; MATH (2022)
Shauna Thompson; MUSI (2021)
Leslie Zimpelman; NURS (2022)
Kim Adams; FIN SVC (2021)
Alan Crume; INFO TECH (2020)
Randi Kellenberger; COMM (2022)
Kevin Knight; IBR (2020)
Romana J. Hughes; TEACHING EXCELL., ex officio
Kerry Bouchard; LIBRARY, liaison
Travis Cook; TECH SRVCS, liaison
Josh Harmon; ADMIN. SYSTEMS, liaison
Bryan Lucas; INFO. TECH., liaison
Elaine Tubre; WEBSITE MGMT., liaison
Shelby Enman – student
Victoria Garcia – student
Bradley Schoeneweis – student
Administrative Oversight: Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.
141
17. Traffic Regulations and Appeals. Hears appeals concerning present traffic violations and makes recommendations to
the administration regarding traffic policies and campus parking. The administration consults with the traffic committee in a
timely manner regarding the implementation of changes in traffic policies.
Penny Maas, Co-Chair; THEA (2022)
Michael Skinner, Co-Chair; THEA (2021)
Amy Couser; MATH (2020)
John Harris; PHIL (2022)
Adam King; KINE (2021)
Elizabeth Slone; NURS (2021)
Amy Stewart; MUSI (2022)
John Switzer; EDUC (2022)
Mary Twis; SOWO (2022)
Lynita Yarbrough; COSD (2020)
Tonie Broussard; INFO SYSTMS/SUPPLY (2020)
Cheryl Cobb; ALUMNI (2022)
James (Jim) Gribble; INFO TECH (2020)
Karin Lewis; CHANCELLOR (2021)
Scott Murdock; MKT/COMM (2021)
Jeremy Steidl; CAMPUS LIFE (2022)
Robert Rangel; POLICE, ex officio
Ryan Chandler – student
Kevin Crump – student
Gabby Douthitt – student
Elizabeth Johnson – student
Harris Podell - student
Administrative Oversight: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kathy Cavins-Tull
18. Undergraduate Admissions and Retention. Annually reviews undergraduate admission, enrollment and retention
statistics. Facilitates communication between the Office of Admission and other members of the University community,
including the Faculty Senate.
Jill Havens, Chair; ENGL (2020)
Jesús Castro-Balbi; MUSI (2022)
Stephanie Evans; NURS (2022)
Todd Kerstetter; HIST (2021)
Sohyun Lee; SPAN (2022)
Laura Luque; BIOL (2021)
Kimberly Owczarski; FTDM (2020)
James Rodriguez; MUSI (2021)
Laura Thielke; NURS (2020)
Matt Burckhalter; EDUC (2020)
Rachel Hopper; RES LIFE (2022)
Heath Einstein; ADMISSION, ex officio
Michael H. Scott; ENROLLMENT MGMT, ex officio
Clayton Dana-Bashian - student
Matt Williams – student
Josh Witkop - student
Administrative Oversight: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
19. University Compensation Advisory (Terms expire December 31). Considers issues and questions raised by the
committee and advised the administration on policies and procedures relating to retirement, health insurance and other
faculty/staff benefits.
Ted Legatski, Co-Chair; MANA (2019)
Jesús Castro-Balbi, Past Co-Chair; MUSI (2019)
Greg Stephens, Fac Sen Chair; MANA (2019)
Lavonne Adams; NURS (2021)
Lori Diel; ART (2019)
Deborah Ellithorpe; MATH (2023)
Andrew Ledbetter; COMM (2023)
Meena Shah; KINE (2023)
J. Matt Switzer; EDUC (2019)
Laura Thielke; NURS (2023)
Patricia Walters; ACCT (2019)
Arturo Flores; RETIREE (2019)
Janet George Herald; Pres, RETIREES ASSOC (2019)
Larry Adams; Past-Pres, RETIREES ASSOC (2019)
Shawn Wagner, Co-Chair; TCU/UNTHSC (2019)
Rodney Baker, Past Co-Chair; MECH SYSTEMS (2019)
Walter Betts, Staff Assembly Chair; LIBRARY (2019)
Craig Allen; RES LIFE (2019)
Wendy Bell; VICE PROVOST OFFICE (2020)
VACANT (2020)
Audrey Crist; REGISTRAR (2020)
Brad Davis; FIN SRVC (2020)
Charles Dewar; IT SUPPORT (2021)
Angela Kaufman; UNIV MINISTER (2021)
John Maddox; MKT/COMM (2020)
VACANT (2020)
Lindsey Tardif; HONORS (2019)
Rachelle Blackwell; HUMAN RESOURCES; liaison
142
Evie Richardson; FIN/TREASURY, liaison
Megan Soyer; ASSOC PROVOST FOR
ACAD PLANNING, liaison
OTHER HUMAN RESOURCES STAFF AS
REQUESTED
Administrative Oversights: Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg;
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Brian Gutierrez;
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Yohna Chambers
20. University Court. Has authority to hear appeals from quasi-judicial committees listed in the Judicial System document
provided the dispute involves an alleged violation of the Bill of Student Rights and/or the court of original jurisdiction made
procedural errors, etc.
Kathy Cavins-Tull, Convening Chair; STUD AFF.
Marinda Allender; NURS (2021)
Michele Meitl; CRJU (2022)
Shweta Reddy; IDME (2020)
Zoranna Jones; HARRIS ACAD RES CTR (2020)
Glory Robinson; CAMPUS LIFE, ex officio
Mike Russel; ASSOC VC, STU AFF, ex officio
Matthew Dena – student
Jack Leonhard – student
Hayes Magregor – student
Vivian Noyd – student
Administrative Oversight: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kathy Cavins-Tull
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION OF
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
(With Trustee’s Names Omitted)
Adopted: November 12, 2010; Effective: November 18, 2010
Article I: The name of the corporation shall be Texas
Christian University.
Article II: The purpose for which this corporation is
formed is the support of an educational undertaking to wit:
the establishment and maintenance of an institution of
learning, of university rank, for the education and training
of students in the arts, sciences, and languages, and in all
branches of learning, under Christian influence, so that
such education shall include due regard to moral and
religious development and competent instruction in the
Holy Scriptures. Our mission is to educate individuals to
think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in
the global community.
There is also included in its purpose the acquisition,
establishment and maintenance of auxiliary and correlated
schools and school property at such points in the State of
Texas as may be found advisable, to be under the same
general management and conducted with the same aims.
In all events, the corporation is organized and shall be
operated for exclusively religious, charitable, scientific,
literary and educational purposes within the meaning of
Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.
Article III: The place or places where the business of this
corporation is to be transacted shall be the City of Fort
Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, where its University will be
located, but not necessarily within the corporate limits of
said City; but such business affairs of its auxiliary and
correlated schools as may, by the corporation, be
committed to local boards, governing bodies, or faculties
may be transacted at the places where such auxiliary
schools may be established.
Article IV: The period of duration of the corporation is
perpetual.
Article V: The Board of Trustees of Texas Christian
University shall consist of not less than twenty-four nor
more than fifty members of which a minimum number
shall be members of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) as provided for in the By-laws of Texas Christian
University.
143
The names and addresses of the persons who are
currently serving as Trustees are:
INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
Article VI: The corporation shall have no capital stock
and shall not be operated for profit. Neither shall it have
any members as such.
Article VII: The address of the registered office of the
corporation is Office of the Chancellor, Texas Christian
University, 2800 South University Drive, Fort Worth,
Texas 76129, and the name of its registered agent at such
address is Victor J. Boschini, Jr., Chancellor.
Article VIII: Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the
Board of Trustees shall, after paying or making provision
for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation,
dispose of all of the assets of the corporation to such other
organization or organizations as the Board of Trustees
shall determine which must be organized and operated
exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or
scientific purposes and shall at that time qualify as an
exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)
(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or
the corresponding provision of any future United States
Internal Revenue Law).
AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS OF
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
(as of April 15, 2016)
ARTICLE I
Board of Trustees
Section 1: Governing Board and Powers. The Board of
Trustees constitutes the legal governing authority of Texas
Christian University. The University in furtherance of the
purposes for which it is organized and established shall
have and be entitled to exercise all of the corporate powers
conferred on nonprofit corporations as prescribed by law,
including but not limited to the powers delineated in the
Article 1396-2.02 of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation
Act. The duties and responsibilities of the Board of
Trustees include, but are not limited to, the selection of
fellow trustees, the selection and evaluation of the
Chancellor, the establishment and oversight of policies
pursuant to the purpose of the institution and budget
approval. The Board of Trustees may not be controlled by
a minority of board members or by organizations or
interests separate from it. Neither the presiding officer of
the Board of Trustees nor the majority of other voting
members of the Board of Trustees may have contractual
employment, or personal or familial financial interests in
the institution.
Section 2: Composition of Board. The Board of
Trustees shall consist of not less than twenty-four nor more
than fifty members, at least five of whom shall be
members in good standing of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ).
Section 3: Election of Trustees. Trustees shall be elected
by the Board of Trustees from time to time as terms expire
or vacancies occur. An election to fill a vacancy shall be
for the unexpired term only.
Section 4: Terms of Trustees. Trustees shall serve for
four-year terms (with the exception of a Trustee elected to
fill the vacancy of an unexpired term). Subject to the
limitation below, any Trustee shall be eligible for
reelection. All Trustees serve at the pleasure of the Board
of Trustees; a Trustee may be removed from office at any
time by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Trustees. A
Trustee’s service on the Board of Trustees shall in all
events end on the May 31 following the Trustee attaining
the age of seventy-five (75) years; provided, however, that
this provision shall not apply to any Trustee who has
attained the age of seventy (70) years as of November 8,
2013, provided further, that this provision shall not apply
to Emeritus Members or Honorary Members elected
pursuant to Article III herein.
Section 5: Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Trustees
shall be held at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth,
or at such other place or places as the Board of Trustees,
the Executive Committee or the Chancellor may select.
Such meetings shall be called by the Chairman of the
Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or by ten or more
members of the Board of Trustees upon at least 72 hours
advance notice of the time and place given to the Trustees.
The Board of Trustees shall meet as often as is necessary
to properly perform its duties, but in any event, it shall
meet at least twice each calendar year. The spring meeting
is designated as the annual meeting of the Board.
Section 6: Voting and Quorum. Each trustee present at
meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be entitled to cast a
vote and there shall be no voting by proxy without
unanimous consent of all Trustees present in person. A
quorum for the transaction of business at meetings of the
Board of Trustees shall consist of a majority of its regular,
voting member trustees. Except as otherwise provided in
these By-Laws or the Certificate of Formation, a majority
vote of those present with a proper quorum shall constitute
proper action. Participation in a meeting of the Board of
144
Trustees pursuant to Article 1396-9.11 of the Texas Non-
Profit Corporation Act (i.e., telephone conference or other
remote communications technology) shall constitute
presence at such meeting for purposes of these By-Laws.
Section 7: Official Members of Board. The board
members of the Board of Trustees shall be known as
“Trustees” or as “Regular Members” of the Board of
Trustees.
ARTICLE II
Officers of the Board
Section 1: Officers. The officers of the Board of Trustees
shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Secretary,
and such other officers as the Board of Trustees should
from time to time deem necessary.
Section 2: Qualification of Officers. The Chairman and
Vice Chairman shall be elected from among the regular
members of the Board of Trustees; but it shall not be
necessary that other officers be members of the Board of
Trustees. The Chairman shall be nominated by the
Committee on Trusteeship and elected by the Board of
Trustees. The advice of the Chancellor shall be solicited
and considered. The term of the Chairman of the Board
shall be limited to no more than six (6) one-year terms;
provided, however, that terms served by the Chairman of
the Board prior to March 31, 2004, will not count against
the six term limit. The Committee on Trusteeship under
extraordinary circumstance may recommend to the
Executive Committee and the Executive Committee to the
Board that the term limit be waived. The term of the Vice
Chairman of the Board shall be limited to no more than six
(6) one-year terms; provided, however, that terms served
by the Vice Chairman of the Board prior to April 4, 2008,
will not count against the six term limit.
Section 3: Election and Term of Officers. Officers shall
be elected annually by the Board of Trustees at its annual
spring meeting and shall normally hold office until their
respective successors are elected; and they shall be eligible
to succeed themselves.
Section 4: Duties of the Chairman. The Chairman of
the Board of Trustees shall preside over meetings of the
Board, shall call meetings of the Board of Trustees and
cause reasonable notice of such meetings to be given to the
Trustees, shall perform such other and further duties
normally performed by the Chairman of Boards of
Trustees of universities, and such other duties as may be
imposed upon him or authorized by the Board of Trustees
or the Executive Committee thereof.
Section 5: Duties of the Vice Chairman. The Vice
Chairman shall perform the duties of the Chairman of the
Board in the event of the disability, absence, death,
resignation, or other inability or failure of the Chairman to
perform such duties. The Vice Chairman shall also
perform such other and further duties as are normally
performed by the Vice Chairman of Boards of Trustees of
universities and such other and further duties as may be
imposed upon him or authorized by the Board of Trustees
or the Executive Committee thereof.
Section 6: Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary of the
Board of Trustees shall make and keep, or cause to be
made and kept, correct records or minutes of the
proceedings of the Board, shall perform such other duties
as are normally performed by Secretaries of Boards, and
such other and further duties as may be imposed upon him
or authorized by the Board of Trustees or the Executive
Committee thereof.
Section 7: Duties of other Officers. Other officers of the
Board of Trustees, if there be other officers of such Board,
shall have such duties as may be conferred upon them by,
and shall hold such office at the pleasure of the Board of
Trustees or the Executive Committee thereof.
ARTICLE III
Emeritus & Honorary Board Members
Section 1: Emeritus Members
(a) Definition. Persons who have rendered exceptional
service or aid to the University and who, in the opinion of
the Board, merit such recognition, may be elected emeritus
members of the Board of Trustees at such time or times as
shall be designated by the Board of Trustees. The term of
an Emeritus Trustee shall be for his or her lifetime.
(b) Attendance at Board Meetings. Emeritus Trustees
are encouraged to continue to participate in the life of the
University and the activities of the Board of Trustees, but
shall have no voting privileges, nor shall they be counted
as a part of quorum determinations. This includes
attendance at plenary sessions of the Board and individual
committee meetings.
(c) Benefits of Emeritus Status. In addition to
attendance at Trustee Board and Committee meetings,
Emeritus Trustees will receive an annual lunch and
briefing by University officers, two free season tickets to
TCU basketball and football games, inclusion in special
Trustee communications from the Chancellor, permanent
recognition at the University, and other such benefits
designated by the Chairman of the Board.
Section 2: Honorary Members
(a) Definition. Persons who have rendered outstanding
generosity or aid to the University and who, in the opinion
of the Board, merit such recognition, may be elected
honorary members of the Board of Trustees at such time or
times as shall be designated by the Board of Trustees. The
term of an Honorary Trustee shall be for his or her
lifetime.
(b) Attendance at Board Meetings. Honorary
Trustees may attend meetings and activities of the Board
of Trustees, but shall have no voting privileges, nor shall
they be counted as a part of quorum determinations. This
includes attendance at plenary sessions of the Board and
individual committee meetings.
(c) Benefits of Honorary Status. In addition to
attendance at Trustee Board and Committee meetings,
Honorary Trustees will be invited to an annual lunch and
briefing by University officers, inclusion in special Trustee
communications from the Chancellor, permanent
recognition at the University, and other such benefits
designated by the Chairman of the Board.
145
ARTICLE IV
Committees of the Board of Trustees
Section 1: Appointment and Terms of Standing
Committees. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees
upon his election or as soon thereafter as possible shall
appoint an Executive Committee and other committees
necessary or desirable to enable the Board of Trustees to
function properly. The appointments are subject to full
Board approval at the next scheduled Board meeting
following appointment. The terms of these standing
committees shall be annual coincident with the term of the
Chairman of the Board of Trustees and until successor
committee members have been appointed and approved as
aforesaid. Vacancies on standing committees shall be
filled for the balance of the committee term by
appointment by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
All standing committees shall be composed exclusively of
members of the Board of Trustees, except that the
Chancellor shall serve as ex-officio member. In addition
to other standing committees that may be established from
time to time as provided in the section, the following
standing committees are established: Academic Affairs
Committee; Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee;
Building and Grounds Committee; Committee on
Trusteeship; Development Committee; Executive
Committee; Fiscal Affairs Committee; Intercollegiate
Athletics Committee; Investment Committee; and Student
Relations Committee. Each standing committee will
operate under the guidelines outlined in committee charters
which are subject to full Board approval.
Section 2: The Executive Committee. The Executive
Committee shall consist of (a) the Chairman of the Board,
(b) the Vice Chairman of the Board, (c) the Chairman of
each standing committee as may from time to time be
constituted and maintained and (d) such other Trustees as
may be appointed from time to time by the Chairman of
the Board. In addition, the Chancellor, ex-officio, shall be
a member of the Executive Committee without vote.
The Executive Committee shall have such duties or
authorities as may be assigned to it by the Board of
Trustees. In addition, the Executive Committee shall from
time to time evaluate the effectiveness of the Board of
Trustees with regard to discharging its responsibilities and
establishing and achieving its goals. Based on these
evaluations the Executive Committee may recommend to
the Board of Trustees remedial action and/or reallocation
of resources. The Executive Committee shall also perform
all executive and committee duties for and in behalf of the
Board of Trustees as have not been assigned to other
committees. In addition, between meetings of the Board of
Trustees, the Executive Committee shall have the authority
to act for and in behalf of the Board of Trustees, keeping
written records of its actions taken and reporting same to
the Board of Trustees at the next meeting of the Board of
Trustees, on all matters that shall be fully binding on the
University, except for the following, which shall in all
events be reserved for the Board of Trustees: Chancellor
selection and termination; Trustee and Board Officer
election; changes in institution mission and purposes;
changes to the Certificate of Formation and By-Laws;
removal from office of a trustee; adoption of annual
budget; and conferral of degrees.
Section 3: Other Standing Committees. The Board of
Trustees may from time to time authorize or create other
standing committees to be appointed by the Chairman or
the Board of Trustees, the Board of Trustees specifying the
number of persons composing such committees and the
terms and duties of such committees. If the Chairman of
the Board of Trustees shall not have designated which
member of the committee shall serve as chairman, then
each committee at its first meeting shall select one of its
members as chairman of such committee. Each standing
committee at its first meeting shall select a member as vice
chairman. Each of the standing committees mentioned in
this section shall respectively have such duties as usually
appertain to such committee, and such additional duties as
may be assigned them by the Board of Trustees or by the
Executive Committee thereof.
Section 4: Special Committees. The Board of Trustees
may from time to time authorize or create special
committees to be appointed by the Chairman of the Board
of Trustees, the Board of Trustees specifying the number
of persons composing such special committees and the
terms and duties of such special committees. While the
membership of special committees need not be composed
entirely of members of the Board of Trustees, nevertheless
at least one trustee shall be a member of all special
committees of such Board.
Section 5: Committee Meetings. Committee meetings of
any committee shall be called and presided over by the
chairman of the committee. In the case of each committee,
other than the Executive Committee, the chairman (and
any vice chairmen) shall be determined and appointed on
an annual basis by the Chairman of the Board and shall be
approved by the full Board at the next scheduled Board
meeting following the appointment. The advice of the
Chancellor and the Committee on Trusteeship shall also be
solicited and considered. The term of the chairman of any
committee shall be limited to no more than six (6) one-
year terms; provided, however, that terms served by the
incumbent committee chairmen prior to March 31, 2004,
will not count against the six term limit. The Committee
on Trusteeship under extraordinary circumstance may
recommend to the Executive Committee and the Executive
Committee to the Board that the term limit be waived. In
the absence or disability of the chairman of any committee,
the vice chairman, if any, shall preside, or in case of
absence and/or disability of both the chairman and vice
chairman (if any), by any member of the committee
selected by the members of the committee. Committees
shall meet as often as necessary to properly discharge their
duties. A simple majority of committee members (present
in person or by teleconferencing) shall constitute a quorum
for any committee meeting, and a simple majority vote of
those present and voting at any committee meeting at
which a quorum is present, shall constitute the action or
report of the committee.
146
Section 6: Reference to Committees. While it shall not
be required it is recommended when practicable that
matters be referred to appropriate committees for
consideration and recommendations prior to Board action.
Section 7: Subcommittees. When any committee shall
deem it advisable that a matter be considered in more
detail than the committee itself finds it expedient to do, the
committee may of course create and refer the matter to a
subcommittee for such further investigation and
consideration as the committee may deem expedient,
creating a subcommittee for such purpose. The
subcommittee report or recommendation, as the case may
be, shall not, however, constitute the report of the
committee until and unless adopted by the committee. The
committee may utilize non-committee members as aides or
members of subcommittees.
ARTICLE V
The Chancellor
and other Officers of the University
Section 1: Executive Officers. The Executive Officers of
the University shall be a Chancellor, one or more Vice
Chancellors, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and such other
officers as may be determined from time to time by the
Board of Trustees.
Section 2: The Chancellor.
(a) Election. The Board of Trustees shall elect a chief
executive officer of the University who shall be known as
the Chancellor of the University.
(b) Duties. The Chancellor, as chief executive officer,
shall be responsible for operating the University under and
in accordance with such policies as are from time to time
established by the Board of Trustees and shall attend all
meetings of the Board unless excused. He will work with
the Board of Trustees in determining general plans and
policies of the University, in selection and appointment of
key personnel in various phases of the University’s life,
represent the University in major educational organizations
and have such other responsibilities as the Board of
Trustees may from time to time indicate. The specification
of any particular responsibility shall not be construed to
detract from nor limit his broader responsibilities for
operation of the University as above mentioned.
(c) Term. The Chancellor shall hold office for such
period or periods of time as may be designated by action of
the Board of Trustees or in lieu thereof at the pleasure of
the Board of Trustees.
Section 3: Other Officers of the University.
(a) Election. The Board of Trustees shall elect one or
more Vice Chancellors, a Treasurer, a Secretary and such
other officers as may be determined from time to time by
it.
(b) Powers and Duties. The Vice Chancellors, the
Treasurer, the Secretary and other officers of the
University shall perform such duties and functions as the
Board of Trustees and the Chancellor may from time to
time assign to them.
ARTICLE VI
Appointment, Removal and Tenure
Section 1: Removal by Board. The Board may remove a
member only for cause at a duly called meeting. Examples
of cause include, but are not limited to, failure of a Trustee
to fulfill the duties, responsibilities and requirements of
Trustee service, conduct of a Trustee which is unlawful or
results in the arrest, filing of charges or the conviction of a
serious crime, conduct which causes notorious or public
scandal or would tend to bring public disrespect, contempt
or ridicule to the University, conduct which is adverse or
seriously prejudicial to the interests of the University and
its mission, conduct that constitutes moral turpitude,
malfeasance or any other conduct constituting cause under
applicable laws. Notice of the meeting must state that the
purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting is the
removal of the member. Opportunity for rebuttal must be
given to the member whose removal is being sought.
Section 2: Removal by Chief Executive Officer. Any
employee of Texas Christian University may be removed,
discharged and/or suspended at any time by the Chief
Executive Officer of Texas Christian University when, in
his exclusive judgment, the interest of the University shall
require it, all without liability for damages and without
liability for future compensation resulting therefrom;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that employees who hold
“tenure” as hereinafter provided may be removed,
discharged and/or suspended only in accordance with the
provisions thereinafter set forth.
Section 3: Temporary Appointments. All employees of
Texas Christian University shall be employed as temporary
employees until and unless they become eligible for and
receive the status of “tenure” as hereinafter mentioned.
Section 4: Tenure. The Board of Trustees shall exercise
exclusive control of policies and procedures governing
tenure for faculty and principal university officers. No
change in such policies and procedures shall be made
except upon specific approval by the Board.
ARTICLE VII
Executing Instruments
Section 1: Instruments Affecting Real Estate. All
instruments affecting title to real estate shall be signed for
Texas Christian University by the Chairman of the Board
of Trustees, or by the Vice Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, or by the Chief Executive Officer of the
University, or by the Vice Chancellor for Finance and
Administration or by such other person or persons who
may be authorized to sign the same by the Board of
Trustees or the Executive Committee thereof, and if
attestation is required, shall be attested under the corporate
seal of the University by the Secretary of the Board of
Trustees or by some other officer authorized by said Board
or the Executive Committee thereof. When so executed
and delivered, such instrument shall be binding upon the
University without the necessity of resolution specially
authorizing the same.
147
Section 2: Other Instruments. Other instruments may
be signed for Texas Christian University by the Chairman
of the Board of Trustees, or by the Vice Chairman of the
Board of Trustees, or by the Chief Executive Officer of the
University, or by such other person or persons who may be
authorized to sign the same by the Board of Trustees or the
Executive Committee thereof. When executed in such
manner and delivered, such instrument shall be binding on
the University without the necessity of a resolution
specially authorizing execution in such manner.
ARTICLE VIII
Amendments
Section 1: Amendment of By-Laws. These By-Laws
may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Trustees
entitled to vote at a meeting of the Board of Trustees, after
such proposed amendment shall have been proposed in
writing and filed with the Secretary by a Trustee or by the
Chief Executive Officer of Texas Christian University at
least thirty days prior to such meeting, and it shall be the
duty of the Secretary to forthwith cause to be mailed a
copy of such proposed amendment to each Trustee. Such
proposed amendment may be rejected, adopted or altered
and adopted at the meeting where it is considered,
provided, however, that such alteration, if any, shall be
germane to the proposed amendment. The amendment
may be considered and disposed of at the meeting
following the notice, or may be postponed for further
consideration until the next meeting of the Board of
Trustees without additional mailed notice; but, if the
proposed amendment is not disposed of by the conclusion
of the second meeting following its proposal, it shall be
regarded as withdrawn.
Section 2: Amendment of Certificate of Formation.
The Certificate of Formation of Texas Christian University
may be amended in the same manner by which these By-
Laws may be amended as specified in the preceding
Section.
Section 3: Effectuating Amendments. Amendments
made to the By-Laws in pursuance of Section 1 of this
Article shall be effective forthwith unless the resolution
adopting the amendment specifies a future date upon
which such amendment shall become effective.
Amendments to the Certificate of Formation adopted in
pursuance of Section 2 of this Article shall become
effective when filed with the Secretary of State of Texas,
and the proper officers shall cause the certificate or
evidence of such amendment to be promptly and properly
prepared, executed and filed at such time or times as
charter amendments may be adopted as provided in this
Article.
ARTICLE IX
Indemnification
Section 1: Texas Christian University shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit,
or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative
(other than an action by or in the right of the University)
by reason of the fact that he is or was a trustee, officer,
employee or agent of Texas Christian University, or is or
was serving at the request of Texas Christian University as
a trustee, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually
and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of Texas Christian University, and with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The
termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment,
order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo
contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in
a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of Texas Christian University,
and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
Section 2: Texas Christian University shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action or
suit by or in the right of Texas Christian University to
procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he
is or was a trustee, officer, employee or agent of Texas
Christian University, or is or was serving at the request of
Texas Christian University as a trustee, officer, employee
or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise against expenses (including
attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with the defense or settlement of such action or
suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
Texas Christian University and except that no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim,
issue or matter as to which such person shall have been
adjudged to be liable for gross negligence or misconduct in
the performance of his duty to Texas Christian University
unless and only to the extent that the court in which such
action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all
the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which
such court shall deem proper.
Section 3: To the extent that a trustee, officer, employee
or agent of Texas Christian University has been successful
on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in sections 1 or 2, or in defense of
any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified
against expense (including attorneys’ fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.
Section 4: Any indemnification under section 1 or 2
(unless ordered by a court) shall be made by Texas
Christian University only as authorized in the specific case
upon a determination that indemnification of the trustee,
officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances
148
because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set
forth in sections 1 and 2. Such determination shall be
made (1) by the Board of Trustees by a majority vote of a
quorum consisting of trustees who were not parties to such
action, suit or proceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not
obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested
trustees so directs, by independent legal counsel in a
written opinion.
Section 5: Expenses incurred in defending a civil or
criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by Texas
Christian University in advance of the final disposition of
such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the Board
of Trustees in the specific case upon receipt of any
undertaking by or on behalf of the trustee, officer,
employee or agent to repay such amount unless it shall
ultimately be determined that he is entitled to be
indemnified by Texas Christian University as authorized in
this section.
Section 6: The indemnification provided by this article
shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which
those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any
by-law, agreement, vote of disinterested trustees or
otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as
to action in another capacity while holding such office, and
shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a
trustee, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the
benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a
person.
Section 7: Texas Christian University shall have power
but may not be required to purchase and maintain
insurance of behalf of any person who is or was a trustee,
officer, employee or agent of Texas Christian University,
or is or was serving at the request of Texas Christian
University as a trustee, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of
his status as such, whether or not Texas Christian
University would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability under the provisions of this Article.
149
INDEX
A
Absence Policy (student) .................................................. 75
Abuse Information, Substance ........................................ 108
Academic Conduct Policy ........................................... 61-64
Academic Deans ................................................................. 7
Academic Freedom and Faculty Responsibility ............... 50
Academic Organization ...................................................... 7
Academic Processions and Regalia .................................. 81
Academic Progress Policy, Lack of ............................. 75-76
Academic Responsibilities and Procedures ................. 73-81
Academic and Support Units ....................................... 27-39
Additional Jobs ................................................................. 90
Adjunct Faculty ................................................................ 49
Administration ................................................................. 3-7
Admission Marketing ....................................................... 34
Advancement Communications ........................................ 34
Advances .......................................................................... 96
Advisory Committee, University ...................................... 49
Affirmative Action/Equal Employ. Opportunity. ......... 8, 94
Air Travel ......................................................................... 97
Airport Parking ................................................................. 97
Alarm Systems ................................................................ 116
Alcohol & Drug Education ............................................... 27
Alcohol & Drugs ..................................................... 108-109
Alcohol & Drug Penalties Charts ............................ 108-109
Alcohol Usage (on and off campus) ................................. 50
All Hazards Emergency Response Actions ............. 101-103
Appeal Policy, Faculty ................................................ 64-70
Appeal Process Chart (faculty) ......................................... 68
Appointments and Contracts, Faculty .............................. 49
Assembly, Faculty ............................................................ 42
Assembly, Staff ........................................................... 86-89
Athletic Tickets .............................................................. 122
Athletics, Director of Intercollegiate .................................. 5
Athletics, Intercollegiate ................................................... 33
Attendance Expectations (student) ................................... 75
Audit Enrollment .............................................................. 74
Automobile Travel ............................................................ 97
Awards or Prizes, Gifts, Gift Certificates ......................... 98
B
Background Checks .......................................................... 91
Baggage, Excess ............................................................... 98
Board of Trustees ............................................................... 3
Bring-Your-Own-Device Policy ............................. 110-111
Building Use Fees ........................................................... 111
Business & Personal Travel, Combined ........................... 98
ByLaws, Faculty Assembly and Senate ...................... 42-44
ByLaws, Staff Assembly ............................................. 86-89
ByLaws, University ................................................. 143-148
C
Campus Life – Dean’s Office .......................................... 28
Campus Store, TCU (discounts) ...................................... 93
Car Services/Taxis ........................................................... 98
Carpet Purchases, Installation ........................................ 115
Cash .................................................................................. 98
Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Program .......................... 92
Center for Academic Services .......................................... 29
Center for Career & Professional Development .............. 29
Center for Instructional Services ...................................... 30
Center for International Studies ....................................... 30
Center for Instruction, Innovation and Engagement, ...... 30
William H. Koehler
Center for Writing, William L. Adams ............................ 30
Chancellor .......................................................................... 3
Chancellor’s Intern for Government Affairs ...................... 6
Channels of Authority and Communication ...................... 7
Chapel, Robert Carr ......................................................... 36
Chief Investment Officer ................................................... 5
Chief of Staff & Secretary to Board of Trustees ................ 6
Chief Technology Officer .................................................. 6
Chief University Compliance Officer ................................ 6
Chief University Inclusion Officer and .............................. 6
Title IX Coordinator
Church Relations .............................................................. 31
Class Periods .................................................................... 73
Class Rosters .................................................................... 73
Class Scheduling .............................................................. 73
Class “Walks” .................................................................. 76
COBRA ............................................................................ 92
Code of Conduct Policies ................................................. 94
Commercial Promotions Involving TCU ....................... 112
Communication, University (faculty) .............................. 74
Communications Management, Strategic ........................ 35
Community Engagement, Office for ................................ 36
Community Projects, Office of ........................................ 34
Compensation Philosophy (faculty) ................................. 49
Compensation Philosophy (staff) ..................................... 90
Compensation Policies & Procedures .............................. 90
Compliance Officers ..................................................... 8-10
Compliance Training Program, University On-line ......... 94
Computer Technology Acquisitions, Policy for ............ 112
Computer Usage Policy .......................................... 117-119
Conduct Policy, Academic (faculty) ........................... 61-64
Conference Services ................................................. 34, 112
Conflict of Interest & Code of Conduct Policies ............. 94
Conflict Resolution for Staff ............................................ 91
Conflict Resolution Policy for Faculty ............................ 64
Connections ...................................................................... 37
Consensual Relationships ................................................ 95
Contracts (signature authority) ....................................... 113
Contracts and Appointments (faculty) ............................. 49
150
Contributions or Donations .............................................. 98
Coordinator of Special Projects .......................................... 7
Core Curriculum ................................................................. 2
Core Curriculum, Director of ............................................. 7
Core Curriculum Committee ............................................ 47
Council, Graduate ............................................................. 46
Council, Undergraduate .................................................... 46
Council, University ........................................................... 45
Counseling Center ............................................................ 31
Course Packets (ordering) ................................................ 80
Course Syllabus ................................................................ 73
Credit Cards ...................................................................... 98
Credit Union ..................................................................... 93
Crime Reporting ............................................................. 113
Crisis Communications .................................................... 35
Culture, Community & International Services ................. 31
D
Data Classification Policy ....................................... 114-115
Deadly Weapons Policy ................................................. 116
Demotions, Promotions, Transfers and ............................ 92
Dining Service ................................................................ 115
Direct Deposit ................................................................... 95
Disabilities Service, Student ............................................. 29
Discipline, Students .......................................................... 81
Discounts, Employee ........................................................ 93
Discrimination, Harassment, and Related ................... 10-27
Conduct Policy
Dismissal Procedures (faculty) ......................................... 53
Disruptive Classroom Behavior & Lack ..................... 75-76
of Academic Progress Policy
Distance Learning & Web-Enhanced Courses, ................ 79
University Policy for
Documentation (reimbursement) ...................................... 98
Donations .......................................................................... 98
Drones Policy ................................................................. 123
Drugs on Campus ........................................................... 109
E
Editorial Services .............................................................. 34
Emergencies, Prepare for ......................................... 104-105
Emergency, Report a ...................................................... 103
Emergency Floor Officers Program ............................... 109
Emergency Notification ........................................... 103-105
Emergency Plan .............................................................. 104
Emergency Storm Shelters ............................................. 105
Emergency Supply Kit ................................................... 104
Emeritus Faculty ............................................................... 49
Employee Discounts ......................................................... 93
Employee Engagement & Organizational Strategy .......... 93
Employee Files, Human Resources .................................. 95
Employee Relations .......................................................... 91
Employment Benefits, Policies & Procedures ............. 92-94
Employment, Terms of (faculty) ...................................... 50
End of Semester Study Period .......................................... 78
Energy Conservation Policy ........................................... 115
Environmental Management & Safety Information ....... 105
Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action . 8, 94
Equal Employment Opportunity ...................................... 95
Ethics, Statement on Professional (faculty) ..................... 57
Evacuate ......................................................................... 102
Exempt Staff/Academic Administrator Teaching ............ 71
Assignments
Extended Education ......................................................... 31
Extended Sick Leave ........................................................ 92
F
Facility Maintenance, Repair or Modification ............... 115
Faculty, Adjunct ............................................................... 49
Faculty Advisory Committee Structure ...................... 59-61
Faculty Appeal Policy ................................................. 64-70
Faculty Appointment, Reappointment and ................. 55-57
Promotion Policy
Faculty Assembly and Faculty Senate Constitution ........ 41
Faculty Compensation Philosophy ................................... 49
Faculty, Emeritus ............................................................. 49
Faculty, Full-time ............................................................. 49
Faculty Leave with Pay, Merited ..................................... 72
Faculty, Part-time ............................................................. 49
Faculty Ranks ................................................................... 55
Faculty Work Load Policy .......................................... 71-73
Fair Labor Standards Act ................................................. 90
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act .................... 74
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ........................... 92
Final Evaluative Exercise Policy ..................................... 78
Final Examination, Exception to ...................................... 79
Finals, Rescheduling of .................................................... 78
Fire Arms & Deadly Weapons Policy ............................ 116
First Year Experience Programs ...................................... 37
Foreign Travel Exchange Rates ....................................... 98
Foreign Visitors ................................................................ 95
Formation of TCU, Restated Certificate of ............. 142-143
Frog Camp ........................................................................ 37
Frog Prints ...................................................................... 116
Frog Shield ..................................................................... 103
Frogs First ........................................................................ 37
Furniture Purchases/Relocation/Disposal ...................... 115
G
General Counsel ................................................................. 5
General Policies and Services ................................. 107-123
Gift Card Payments .......................................................... 98
Gifts, Gift Certificates, Awards or Prizes ........................ 98
Gifts, Receiving Unsolicited .......................................... 121
Gifts, Soliciting .............................................................. 121
Government Affairs, Chancellor’s Intern for ..................... 6
Grade Appeal Procedures ................................................. 77
Grade Rosters ................................................................... 77
Grading ............................................................................. 77
Graduate Faculty Policy .............................................. 57-59
Grant Expenses ................................................................ 98
Graphic Design, Office of ................................................ 34
151
Graphics, Guidelines for ................................................. 122
Gratuities .......................................................................... 99
Grievance Procedures, Student ......................................... 70
Group Travel .................................................................... 99
H
Harassment Policy ....................................................... 10-27
Health Center .................................................................... 31
Heritage, Philosophy & Goals ............................................ 1
Hiring and On/Offboarding Employees ...................... 91-92
Holidays ............................................................................ 93
Hotels and Alternative Lodging Services ......................... 99
Housing & Residence Life ............................................... 32
Human Resources Administration ............................... 94-95
Human Resources Policies and Procedures ...................... 95
I
Identification Cards .......................................................... 93
Independent Study Protocol ............................................. 74
Information Technology ................................................... 32
Injury, On-the-Job ............................................................ 93
Institutional Effectiveness ................................................ 32
Institutional Research ....................................................... 32
Instructional Equipment Policy ........................................ 79
Instructional Technology & Media Production ................ 30
Insurance, Additional ....................................................... 93
Insurance, Life .................................................................. 92
Insurance, Long-Term Disability ..................................... 93
Insurance, Medical, Dental & Vision ............................... 92
Intensive English Program ............................................... 33
Intercollegiate Athletics ...................................................... 3
Intercollegiate Athletics, Director of .................................. 5
Internal Communications ................................................. 35
International Services ....................................................... 33
International Travel Procedures, TCU ........................... 122
K
KTCU-FM Radio ............................................................ 116
Key Replacement ............................................................ 115
L
Leadership Center, TCU ................................................... 36
Leaders for Life ................................................................ 38
Leave for Employees ........................................................ 92
Leave, Sick (faculty) ........................................................ 72
Leave, Sick (staff) ............................................................ 92
Leave with Pay, Merited (faculty) .................................... 72
Leaves of Absence (staff) ................................................. 92
Library ................................................................... 33, 82-83
Lockdown ....................................................................... 101
Lodging Services, Hotels and Alternative ........................ 99
Lost and Found ............................................................... 116
M
Mailing & Contact Lists for Alumni/Friends ................. 116
Marketing & Communication ..................................... 34-35
Marketing, University ...................................................... 35
Meals and Incidentals ....................................................... 99
Media, Student ................................................................. 38
Medical Leave Act, Family .............................................. 92
Medical Spending Accounts ............................................ 92
Merited Faculty Leave with Pay ...................................... 72
Mission, Vision, Values ..................................................... 1
MLA Teaching Assignments ........................................... 71
Model United Nations ...................................................... 38
N
Name Change Policy ........................................................ 94
Nepotism .......................................................................... 95
Network & Computer Usage Policy ....................... 117-119
New to TCU Faculty Orientation ..................................... 50
New to TCU Staff Orientation ......................................... 91
No Smoking Policy, Campus ......................................... 111
Non-Discrimination; Affirmative Action; Compliance 7-27
Discrimination and Harassment Information
Non-immigrant, Foreign Visitors and non-U.S. .............. 95
resident
Notice of Non-Discrimination and Contact ....................... 7
Information for Title IX Coordinator
Non-reimbursable Travel Expenses ................................. 99
O
Office Hours (faculty) ...................................................... 74
On-the-Job Accident or Injury ......................................... 93
Online Courses ................................................................. 74
Organization, Academic ..................................................... 7
Organization, University .................................................... 3
Organizational Charts ............................................. 125-134
Organizational Strategy .................................................... 93
Orientation, New to TCU Faculty .................................... 50
Orientation, New to TCU Staff ........................................ 91
Orientation, Student ......................................................... 37
Outside Employment ........................................................ 94
Outside Speakers (classroom) .......................................... 81
Overtime ........................................................................... 91
P
Painting, Self Help ......................................................... 119
Parent & Family Programs, TCU ..................................... 38
Parking and Traffic Regulations .................................... 119
Pay Frequency .................................................................. 95
Pay Periods ....................................................................... 96
Payments for Services ...................................................... 99
Payroll Policies & Procedures ..................................... 95-96
Performance Counseling and Improvement Coaching .... 91
Performance Management ............................................... 91
Personal Data/Contact Changes ....................................... 94
152
Personal Property on Campus ........................................ 120
Plants, Interior ................................................................ 115
Police, TCU ...................................................................... 38
Position Vacancies and Recruitment ................................ 91
Postdoctoral Appointees ................................................... 49
Post Office Services ....................................................... 120
Pre-tax Insurance Premiums ............................................. 92
Premium Pay .................................................................... 91
Prizes, Gifts, Gift Certificates, Awards ............................ 98
Processions, Academic and Regalia ................................. 81
Professional Development, Center for Career and ........... 29
Promotions, Transfers & Demotions ................................ 92
Provost ................................................................................ 3
Public Office (faculty ....................................................... 71
Public Safety, TCU Department of ................................ 103
R
Ranch Management Program ........................................... 35
Recreation, Campus .......................................................... 28
Recreation Facilities and Wellness Promotion ................. 93
Recruitment, Position Vacancies and ............................... 91
Recycling ........................................................................ 120
Regalia .............................................................................. 81
Registration (faculty expectations) ................................... 73
Reimbursement Documentation ....................................... 98
Reimbursement Form, Approval of .................................. 97
Reimbursement Policy & Procedures ........................ 96-100
For University Related Business Expenses
Reimbursement Policy Statement ..................................... 96
Reimbursement Policy Updates ....................................... 96
Religious & Spiritual Life ................................................ 35
Removal (faculty) ............................................................. 50
Reporting of Leave Time, Electronic ............................... 92
Rescheduling of Finals ..................................................... 78
Research ...................................................................... 83-84
Research Committees .................................................. 47-48
Resignation ................................................................. 53, 92
Retirement Contributions ................................................. 93
Retiring with Benefits from TCU ..................................... 93
Risk Management, Safety and Hazardous ...................... 105
Materials
Robert Carr Chapel ........................................................... 36
S
Safety Information .......................................................... 101
Salary Administration ....................................................... 90
Salary Payments ............................................................... 96
Sales & Occupancy Tax ................................................. 100
Sales and Solicitations .................................................... 120
Schools & Colleges ............................................................ 7
School Directors and Departmental Chairs ........................ 7
Security Alarms .............................................................. 116
Seek Shelter .................................................................... 102
Senate, Faculty ................................................................. 42
Senior Year Experience Programs .................................... 38
Sexual Assault Reporting ............................................... 120
Shared Travel Expenses ................................................. 100
Sick Leave (faculty) ......................................................... 72
Sick Leave (staff) ............................................................. 92
Sick Leave Bank Program, Catastrophic ......................... 92
Signage, Interior and Exterior ........................................ 115
Smoking Policy, Campus No ......................................... 111
Soliciting Gifts ............................................................... 121
Sophomore & Junior Year Experience Programs ............ 37
Speakers, Outside ............................................................. 81
Sponsored Programs ........................................................ 83
Staff Assembly ............................................................ 86-89
Staff Conflict Resolution ................................................. 91
Staff Hiring Information .................................................. 91
Statement on Professional Ethics (faculty) ...................... 57
Storm Shelters, Emergency ............................................ 105
Strategic Communications Management ......................... 35
Student Development Services ................................... 36-38
Student Disabilities Services ............................................ 29
Student Perception of Teaching ....................................... 73
Student Grievance Procedures ......................................... 70
Student-Initiated Withdrawal Policy ................................ 81
Student Media .................................................................. 38
Student Organizations, TCU ............................................ 36
Student Records ............................................................... 74
Students with Disabilities, Policy and Procedures .. 121-122
Study Abroad ................................................................... 30
Study Day, Policies for Graduating Students ................... 79
Substance Abuse Information ........................................ 108
Supplemental Retirement Plans ....................................... 93
T
Tax Home ....................................................................... 100
Taxis/Car Services ........................................................... 98
TCU Abroad ..................................................................... 30
TCU Alert System .......................................................... 103
TCU Campus Store Discount ........................................... 93
TCU Core Curriculum, Director of .................................... 7
TCU Graphics Guidelines .............................................. 122
TCU International Travel Procedures ............................ 122
TCU Leadership Center ................................................... 36
TCU Police ....................................................................... 38
TCU Press ........................................................................ 39
TCU Transitions ............................................................... 37
TCU Vehicles ................................................................. 122
Teaching, Academic Responsibility ................................ 73
Teaching Materials Policy ............................................... 79
Temporary Staff ............................................................... 91
Tenure Policy .............................................................. 51-54
Termination Procedures (faculty) .................................... 54
Terms and Conditions of Service (faculty) ................. 49-51
Textbooks, Ordering Procedures ...................................... 80
Tickets, Athletic ............................................................. 122
Time Keeping Procedures ................................................ 91
Title IX Coordinator ........................................................... 6
Title IX Officers ............................................................... 19
Traffic Regulations ........................................................ 119
Transfer Center ................................................................ 38
153
Travel, Combined Business & Personal ........................... 98
Travel Expenses as Income ............................................ 100
Travel Procedures, International .................................... 122
Travel Regulations ..................................................... 96-100
Traveling with Companions ........................................... 100
Tuition Assistance ............................................................ 93
U
Uber .................................................................................. 98
Unemployment Compensation Policy .............................. 95
University At-Will Employment Statement ..................... 92
University By-Laws ................................................. 143-148
University Closings ........................................................ 104
University Committees ............................................ 135-142
University Communication (faculty) ................................ 74
University Operators ........................................................ 35
University Unions ............................................................. 39
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy ............................... 123
V
Vacation ............................................................................ 92
Vehicles, TCU ................................................................ 122
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Provost & ............ 3
Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration ................. 3
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources .............................. 3
Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communication ............ 4
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs ................................... 4
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement ................... 5
W
W-2 Tax Forms ................................................................. 96
Warning Sirens ............................................................... 104
Weapons Policy .............................................................. 116
Web-Enhanced Courses .................................................... 79
Website & Social Media Management ............................. 35
Wellness and Well-being .................................................. 94
Wellness Promotion .......................................................... 28
Withdrawal Policy, Student-Initiated ............................... 81
Withdrawals from Classes ................................................ 75
Withholding (W-4 Forms) ................................................ 96
Work Load Policy, Faculty .......................................... 71-73
Workers’ Compensation ................................................... 93
Writing, William L. Adams Center for ............................ 30
