Student Conduct and Rules

Texas A&M at Qatar has approved the following student rules. All enrolled students are expected to follow these rules as they pertain to section 24-Student Conduct, section 26- Student Rights, and section 27- Student Sanctions. These are rules concerning student conduct only. Click for information concerning academic dishonesty.

Other Student Life Rules may be found at TAMU Student Rules, Part II: Student Life Rules.

The Department of Student Affairs is responsible for student conduct proceedings when it is alleged the student has committed a violation of the Texas A&M at Qatar rules. In order to report a violation, students, faculty and staff may complete a Campus Community Incident Report.

Send questions to dsa@qatar.tamu.edu.

24. Student Conduct Code:

Conduct standards at the university are set forth in writing in order to give students general notice of prohibited conduct. These rules should be read broadly and are not designed to define prohibited conduct in exhaustive terms.

24.1 Definitions. When used in this code:

24.1.1 the term “university” or “institution” means Texas A&M Qatar University.

24.1.2 the term “student” means any person admitted to the university, pursuing undergraduate, graduate or professional studies, whether full-time or part-time, and who is either currently enrolled or was enrolled the previous semester and registered for a future semester.

24.1.3 the term “university official” means any administrator, instructor, staff member and other authorized individuals of the university.

24.1.4 the term “university premises” means buildings or grounds owned, leased, operated, controlled or supervised by the university or located within the Education City campus

24.1.5 the term “university-affiliated activity” means any activity on or off campus that is initiated, aided, authorized or supervised by the university or by a recognized student organization of the university.

24.2 Violations of the University Student Rules may result in disciplinary sanctions as defined in section 27 of this publication. Any disciplinary sanction imposed by the university may precede and shall be in addition to any penalty that might be imposed by any off-campus authority.

24.3 The following are examples of prohibited conduct. This list is not designed to be all-inclusive or exhaustive.

24.3.1 Physical abuse. Any attempt to cause injury or inflict pain; or causing injury or inflicting pain. Also causing physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the physical abuse was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the physical abuse.

The physical abuse rule is not intended to prohibit the following conduct:

1. Customary public athletic events, contests, or competitions that are sponsored by the university or the organized and supervised practices associated with such events; or
2. Any activity or conduct that furthers the goals of a legitimate educational curriculum, a legitimate extracurricular program or a legitimate military training program as defined and approved by the university.

24.3.2 Sexual Misconduct.

24.3.2.1 Sexual Assault/Rape. Sexual assault is the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by a sexual organ of another or anal/vaginal penetration by any means against the victim’s will or without his/her consent. An individual who is mentally incapacitated, unconscious, or unaware that the sexual assault is occurring is considered unable to give consent. The type of force employed may involve physical force, coercion, intentional impairment of an individual’s ability to appraise the situation through the administering of any substance, or threat of harm to the victim.

24.3.2.2 Sexual abuse. Attempting or making sexual contact, including but not limited to inappropriate touching or fondling, against the person’s will, or in circumstances where the person is physically, mentally or legally unable to give consent.

24.3.3 Hazing. Prohibited acts committed for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization; or as part of any activity of a recognized student organization, student group. Prohibited behavior includes any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property; and/or assisting, directing, or in any way causing others to participate in degrading behavior and/or behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, or embarrassment; and/or engaging in conduct which tends to bring the reputation of the organization, group, or university into disrepute. Previously relied upon “traditions”, (including any other group or organization activity, practice or tradition) intent of such acts, or coercion by current or former student leaders of such groups, or former students will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question.

Examples of such behavior include but are not limited to:

• Misuse of authority by virtue of one’s class rank or leadership position
• Striking another student by hand or with any instrument
• Any form of physical bondage of a student
• Taking of a student to an outlying area and dropping him/her off
• Forcing a student into a violation of the law or a university rule such as indecent exposure, trespassing, violation of visitation, etc.
• Having firsthand knowledge of the planning of such activities or firsthand knowledge that an incident of this type has occurred and failing to report it to appropriate university officials (The Director of Student Affairs) is also a violation under this section.

Students who are recipients and/or victims of hazing (and who have not perpetrated hazing behavior on others involved in the fact pattern for which they are reporting) and who report the activities to the Director of Student Affairs, will not be charged with a violation of the hazing rule.

The hazing rule is not intended to prohibit the following conduct:

1. Customary public athletic events, contests, or competitions that are sponsored by the university or the organized and supervised practices associated with such events; or
2. Any activity or conduct that furthers the goals of a legitimate educational curriculum, a legitimate extracurricular program or a legitimate military training program as defined and approved by the university.

Hazing is also a violation of Texas state law. See the Texas Education Code, sections 37.151 and 51.936 and/or Appendix VI of the Student Rules.

24.3.4 Harassment. Conduct (physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic) that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to threaten an individual or limit the ability of an individual to work, study or participate in the activities of the university.

24.3.4.1 Sexual Harassment.
(See Texas A&M University Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sec. 47)

24.3.4.2 Racial and Ethnic Harassment.
(See Racial and Ethnic Harassment, Sec. 31)

24.3.4.3 Stalking.
Any repeated conduct directed specifically at another person that causes that person [or a member of that person's family or household] to fear his/her safety. Such conduct includes following another person and acts that threaten or intimidate another person through fear of bodily injury or death of self or members of that person’s family or household or an offense being committed against that person’s property.

24.3.4.4 Retaliation.
Harassment of complainant or other person alleging misconduct, including but not limited to intimidation and threats.

24.3.5 Breaching campus safety or security. This includes but is not limited to:

Unauthorized access to university facilities; intentionally damaging door locks; unauthorized possession of university keys or access cards; duplicating university keys or access cards; or propping open of exterior residence hall doors;

Tampering with fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, alarm pull stations or emergency exits;

Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or at University-sponsored or supervised functions.

24.3.6 Weapons and explosives. Unauthorized use, possession or storage of any weapon, fireworks or explosive on university premises or at any university-sponsored activity. The term weapon may be defined as any object or substance designed to inflict a wound, cause injury or pain, or to incapacitate. Weapons may include, but are not limited to, all firearms, pellet guns, slingshots, martial arts devices, switchblade knives and clubs.

24.3.7 Illegal drugs and controlled substances. Manufacturing, possessing, having under control, selling, transmitting, using or being party thereto any dangerous drug, controlled substance or drug paraphernalia on university premises or at university-sponsored activities. (See Appendix VII, Texas A&M University Drug Rules)

24.3.8 Alcohol. Drinking or having in possession any alcoholic beverage in public areas of university premises not approved for such activity; and possession and/or consumption by a minor; and public intoxication; and driving while intoxicated. (See Appendix VIII, Texas A&M University Alcohol Rules)

24.3.9 Theft. Unauthorized removal or stealing of public or private property or unauthorized use or acquisition of services on university premises or at university-sponsored activities. This includes knowingly possessing such stolen property.

24.3.10 Destroying, damaging or littering of any property. Behavior that destroys, damages, or litters any property of the university, of another institution, or of another person, on university premises or at university-sponsored activities.

24.3.11 Disorderly conduct. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, indecent or a breach of peace on university premises or at university-sponsored activities.

24.3.12 Disruptive activity. Participation in disruptive activity that interferes with teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other University missions, processes, or functions including public-service functions, or other university activities. Such activities may include, but are not limited to:

Leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities on university premises.

Classroom behavior that seriously interferes with either (a) the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or (b) the ability of other students to profit from the instructional program. (See Texas A&M University Rule on Classroom Behavior, section 21 of this publication.)

Any behavior in class or out of class, which for any reason materially disrupts the class work of others, involves substantial disorder, invades the rights of others, or otherwise disrupts the regular and essential operation of the University.

Activity or conduct that violates the Texas A&M Qatar University Rules on Freedom of Expression (See Appendix XI).

24.3.13 Misuse of Computing Resources. Failure to comply with laws, license agreements, and contracts governing network, software and hardware use. Abuse of communal resources. Use of computing resources for unauthorized commercial purposes or personal gain. Failure to protect your password or use of your account. Breach of computer security, harmful access or invasion of privacy. (See Appendix V, Individual Responsibility for Use of Computing Resources)

24.3.14 Furnishing false information and/or withholding information. Forgery, unauthorized alteration or misuse of any document, record or instrument of identification. Also includes withholding material information from the university, misrepresenting the truth before a hearing of the university and making false statements to any university official. The submission of false information at the time of admission or readmission is grounds for rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, dismissal or other appropriate disciplinary action.

24.3.15 Failure to comply. Action or conduct that fails to comply with proper and lawful direction of a university official.

24.3.16 Failure to present identification. Failing to present identification upon the request of a university official.

24.3.17 False reporting. Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, threat of fire, explosion or other emergency concerning the university and university-sponsored activities.

24.3.18 Hindering, obstructing or interfering. Action or conduct that hinders, obstructs or otherwise interferes with the implementation of this Discipline Code.

24.3.19 Failure to appear. Failure to appear for a university disciplinary proceeding to respond to allegations or to appear as a witness when reasonably notified to do so. This includes disciplinary hearings, university investigations, and appeals hearings.

24.3.20 Violating terms of any disciplinary sanctions. Knowingly violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction (including failing to meet deadlines and/or committing a violation of university rules while serving a probationary sanction) imposed in accordance with university rules.

24.3.21 Violation of published university rules. Such rules include but are not limited to all TAMUQ contracts and rules, university motor vehicle rules, rules relating to the use of student identification cards, entry and use of university facilities and dining hall conduct.

24.3.22 Violation of law. Violation of any law of the United States, law of the State of Texas, law of Qatar, or municipal ordinance.

24.3.23 Complicity. Attempting, aiding, abetting, conspiring, hiring or being an accessory to any act prohibited by this code shall be considered to the same extent as completed violations.

24.4 Bias-Related Violations. Violations of 24.3 of this Student Conduct Code that are motivated by prejudice toward a person or group because of factors such as race, religion, ethnicity, disability, national origin, age, gender or sexual orientation may be assessed an enhanced sanction as prescribed in section 27 of this publication.

24.5 Off-Campus Conduct. When a student is alleged to have violated 24.3 of this Student Conduct Code by an offense committed off of university premises, the university reserves the right to investigate and adjudicate. The University may take action in situations occurring off university premises involving: student misconduct demonstrating flagrant disregard for any person or persons; or when a student’s or student organization’s behavior is judged to threaten the health, safety, and/or property of any individual or group; or any other activity which adversely affects the University community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. This action may be taken for either affiliated or non-affiliated activities.

If the Director of Student Affairs determines that the offense affects the university as stated above, the Department of Student Affairs, shall hold an administrative hearing to consider whether the offense is of such nature as set out above, whether or not the student committed the offense, and take appropriate action. The action of the university administrative hearing officer shall be made independent of any off-campus authority.

26. Rights in the Student Conduct Proceedings

26.1 The following rights apply to a student conduct proceeding that might result in expulsion, dismissal or suspension. Accused students subject to less severe sanctions may, at the discretion of the hearing officer(s), be afforded but are not guaranteed the following rights:

26.1.1 Right to be informed in writing of all charges at least three class days before any hearing may proceed.

26.1.2 Right to waive the three-day notice of charges.

26.1.3 Right to reasonable access to the case file, which shall be maintained by the Department of Student Affairs.

26.1.4 Right to know that there will be no finding of responsibility solely because a student remains silent during conduct proceedings.

26.1.5 Right to have one person serve as a personal advisor/counselor to consult during the student conduct proceedings. (Students who are charged in the same fact pattern, or who are not in good standing with the university are not eligible to serve as an advisor/counselor at conduct proceedings). A personal advisor or counselor (who may be an attorney) may appear at student conduct proceedings with the accused student to provide advice, but may not represent the accused student or directly question or cross-examine witnesses, except in a case where the university is represented by an attorney. There is no restriction on who a student may consult or seek advice from, the restriction pertains to the student conduct proceedings only.

26.1.6 Right to question witnesses.

26.1.7 Right to review all evidence.

26.1.8 Right to present witnesses. (Character witness information shall be accepted in written form only.)

26.1.9 Right to request an open proceeding. (See 26.7)

26.1.10 Right to a written statement of the outcome of the proceeding.

26.1.11 Right to request the university make an audio recording of the student’s own proceedings at the student’s expense. The record will then become part of the student’s conduct file.

26.1.12 Right to appeal the decision through the appropriate university channels. (See Part III, section 58 A student subjected to any minor disciplinary sanction shall have the right to an appropriate administrative appeal. All appeals will take place on the TAMUQ campus.

26.2 The following rights apply to the alleged victim of sexual misconduct in student conduct proceedings:

26.2.1 Right not to have to be in attendance at the student conduct proceeding.

26.2.2 Right to submit a victim impact statement that details the alleged consequences suffered by the victim.

26.2.3 Right to have a personal advisor/counselor accompany her/him during the student conduct proceeding. (Students who are charged in the same fact pattern, or who are not in good standing with the university are not eligible to serve as an advisor/counselor at conduct proceedings). An attorney may appear at a student conduct proceeding with the alleged victim to provide advice, but may not represent the alleged victim or directly question or cross-examine witnesses, except in a case where the university is represented by an attorney.

26.2.4 Right to request immediate on-campus housing relocation (based on available space), transfer of classes or other steps to prevent unnecessary or unwanted contact or proximity to the accused, when such contact is likely to place the alleged victim in danger of bodily injury and/or cause the alleged victim severe emotional distress.

26.2.5 Right to be informed of the outcome of the hearing upon request. The proceedings and outcome of all student conduct proceedings are considered confidential information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Such information should not be otherwise re-disclosed unless the student conduct proceeding has been declared open.

26.2.6 Right to not have her/his past behavioral history discussed during the student conduct proceeding. Questions of relevancy shall be determined by the hearing officer.

26.2.7 Right to request the university make an audio recording of the accused student’s proceedings at the alleged victim’s expense. The record will then become part of the accused student’s conduct file.

26.3 The focus of inquiry in student conduct proceedings shall be the determination of whether a violation of university rules occurred. Student conduct proceedings shall be informal in nature and need not comply with the formal processes associated with the criminal and civil courts, nor shall deviations from prescribed procedures necessarily invalidate a decision or proceeding unless significant prejudice to the student or university may result.

26.4 In all student conduct proceedings, the accused shall be presumed not responsible until it is proven that a violation of university rules occurred.

26.5 In all initial student conduct proceedings, the burden of proof shall rest with those bringing the charges, and said burden of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence. Preponderance of the evidence is defined as the greater weight and degree of credible evidence admitted in the hearing.

26.6 A student may not be expelled, dismissed or suspended prior to a student conduct proceeding except when the Director of Student Affairs believes that the presence of a student on campus poses a continuing danger to persons or property or presents a threat of disrupting the academic process, an interim suspension may be imposed. A student conduct proceeding will be scheduled as soon thereafter as practicable.

26.7 An open hearing may be held only if all students involved provide written consent to disclose any and all information which might be released from their educational record during the course of the hearing. Final determination shall be at the sole discretion of the hearing officer(s).

27. Sanctions

Student conduct sanctions are categorized as primary and secondary. More than one primary sanction or any combination of primary sanctions and secondary sanctions may be imposed for any single violation. Once a student has been finally assessed a disciplinary sanction, however, no more severe primary sanctions may be assessed against him or her by any higher university authority.

27.1 Primary Sanctions (in order of severity):

27.1.1 Expulsion: Separation of the student from the university whereby the student is not eligible for readmission to this university.

27.1.2 Dismissal: Separation of the student from the university for an indefinite period of time. Readmission to the university may be possible in the future, but no specific time for a decision is established.

27.1.3 Suspension: Separation of the student from the university for a definite period of time. The student is not guaranteed readmission at the end of such period of time, but is guaranteed a review of the case and a decision regarding eligibility for readmission.

27.1.4 Deferred Suspension: The sanction of Suspension may be placed in deferred status. If the student is found in violation of any university rule during the time of Deferred Suspension, the Suspension takes effect immediately without further review. Additional student conduct sanctions appropriate to the new violation also may be taken. A student who has been issued a Deferred Suspension sanction is deemed “not in good standing” with the university. A student who is not in good standing is subject to the following restrictions:

Ineligibility to hold an office in any student organization recognized by the university or to hold any elected or appointed office of the university.

Ineligibility to represent the university to anyone outside the university community in any way, including representing the university at any official function, intercollegiate athletics or any forms of intercollegiate competition or representation.

Ineligibility to receive a university-administered scholarship when the length of the Deferred Suspension is greater than one semester. Some scholarships adhere to more strict guidelines, and, therefore, ineligibility may result from a lesser length of Deferred Suspension. This sanction implies a serious offense and must be uniformly applied by the office administering the scholarship upon notification by the university disciplinary officer.

Additional restrictions or conditions also may be imposed, depending on the nature and seriousness of the misconduct.

27.1.5 Conduct Probation: An official warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of Texas A&M Qatar University Student Rules, but is not sufficiently serious to warrant expulsion, dismissal or suspension. A student on conduct probation is deemed “not in good standing” with the university. This sanction includes the same restrictions listed in 27.1.4, Deferred Suspension.

27.1.6. Conduct Review: An official warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of Texas A&M Qatar University Student Rules, but is not sufficiently serious to warrant expulsion, dismissal, suspension, or conduct probation. A student on conduct review shall have their conduct under review for a specified period of time. This sanction may require regular meetings with an appropriate official to ascertain and evaluate compliance with student rules. Additional restrictions or conditions also may be imposed, depending on the nature and seriousness of the misconduct. Students placed on this sanction remain in good standing with the university. If there is a finding of responsibility for subsequent violations of the student rules during this period of time, more severe sanctions will be administered.

27.1.7 Loss of Campus Housing Privilege: Removal from Qatar Foundation housing for disciplinary reasons.

27.1.8 Deferred Loss of Campus Housing Privilege: The sanction of Loss of Campus Housing Privilege may be placed in deferred status. If a student is found in violation of any university rule during the time of the deferred sanction, removal from housing takes effect immediately without further review. Additional student conduct sanctions appropriate to the new violation also may be taken.

27.1.9 Campus Housing Probation: An official notice that the student’s conduct is in violation of residence hall rules, University Apartments rules and/or university rules and that more stringent student conduct sanctions, including removal from housing, may result if future violations occur. In addition, a student is ineligible to hold an elected or appointed office in any affiliated residence hall organization or University Apartment organization.

27.1.10 Letter of Enrollment Block: A letter stating that the student may not reenter Texas A&M Qatar University without prior approval through the Department of Student Affairs if enrollment has been blocked for a previous student conduct problem or for medical reasons.

27.1.11 Letter of Reprimand: A letter that makes a matter of record any incident that reflects unfavorably on the student or the university.

27.1.12 Warning: Admonition of a student for actions unbecoming to the university community.

27.2 Secondary Sanctions (no order of severity is established for secondary actions):

27.2.1 Community/University Service: A student may be offered an opportunity to complete a specified number of hours of Community/University Service in lieu of other sanctions. The type of Community/University Service must be approved by the hearing officer/panel.

27.2.2 Educational Requirements: A provision to complete a specific educational requirement directly related to the violation committed. The provision will be clearly defined. Such educational requirements may include, but are not limited to, completion of an alcohol education workshop, a diversity awareness workshop, essays, reports, etc.

27.2.3 Restrictions: The withdrawal of specified privileges for a definite period of time, but without the additional stipulations contained in the imposition of conduct probation. The restrictions involved will be clearly defined.

27.2.4 Restitution: A payment for financial injury to an innocent party in cases involving theft, destruction of property or deception. The assessed costs to be paid may be in addition to receipt of any of the above sanctions.

27.2.5 Loss of Parking Privileges on Campus: Revocation of campus vehicle registration, and forfeiture of permit and all refund rights to said permit.