2024 Provost's Office Message Archive

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Success

SUBJECT:                   Online Catalogs

The 2024-2025 graduate and undergraduate catalogs will be available on May 9, 2024.   

The 2023-2024 catalogs will be archived in PDF format and can be accessed on the Office of Curriculum Services website.

If you have any questions or comments about the catalogs, please contact the Office of Curriculum Services at (512) 245-8857 or via email at jspurlock@txstate.edu

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Instructional Faculty Appointments – Next Steps

Instructional faculty appointments are reserved for individuals who make a unique contribution to Texas State University’s mission by dedicating their time and expertise to teaching, learning, and instructional activities that enhance the goals and success of our students, academic units, and the university.  We are pleased to introduce a new title and ranks for qualified instructional faculty effective fall 2024. The new title is part of the university’s broader efforts to recognize and reward the many contributions of our teaching-focused faculty.

The purpose of this email is to describe the steps remaining in the process to transition qualified faculty to assistant professors of instruction, associate professors of instruction, and professors of instruction. Thank you for your feedback and patience as the university finalized several decisions related to the new title series. See AA/PPS 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments, for more information. 

What action do current lecturers and senior lecturers need to take? 

• Current TXST lecturers and senior lecturers employed on a full-time basis (75-100%) are eligible for consideration in the new instructional title series.
• Current TXST lecturers and senior lecturers may choose to remain in their current job titles or request consideration to transition to the new title series. 
• Please note faculty now have between April 19, 2024 and May 8, 2024 to finalize their intent to transition to the title series and submit application materials to their academic units. 
• Faculty are asked to make their intentions known as soon as possible based on department/school and college guidelines for the new title series. 
• Guidelines are available from department chairs and school directors and include the criteria, qualifications, and achievements for entering the title series as an assistant professor of instruction, associate professor of instruction, or professor of instruction. 

Will there be salary adjustments for faculty approved to transition to the instructional faculty title series?  

• Assistant Professor of Instruction: Faculty approved to transition to this rank receive no salary adjustment and may use the new title as of fall 2024. 
• Associate Professor of Instruction: Faculty approved to transition to this rank receive a 7 percent salary adjustment effective September 1, 2024, and may use the new title as of fall 2024.
• Professor of Instruction: Faculty approved to transition to this rank receive a 7 percent salary adjustment effective September 1, 2024 and a 7 percent salary adjustment effective September 1, 2025. These faculty may use the new title as of fall 2024. 

Will faculty who transition to the new title series remain eligible for any merit or similar salary increases by the university effective September 1, 2024? 

• Faculty members who transition will remain eligible for consideration for any merit or similar salary increase effective September 1, 2024. 
• Faculty members who do not transition also remain eligible for consideration for any merit or similar salary increase effective September 1, 2024. 
• Merit eligibility is based on annual performance evaluation policy and processes implemented by departments/schools and colleges. 

What role do departments/schools and colleges have in the process?  

• Departments/schools and colleges developed guidelines for initial appointments to the ranks of assistant professor of instruction, associate professor of instruction, and professor of instruction.  
• Guidelines include the criteria, qualifications, and achievements for entering the title series as an assistant professor of instruction, associate professor of instruction, or professor of instruction per AA/PPS 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments. 
• Department chairs and school directors have copies of academic unit guidelines, including a list of materials required for faculty interested in the new title series. 

How will departments/schools and colleges make their recommendations for faculty transitioning to the new title series? 

• A SharePoint site developed by Faculty and Academic Resources will be used to implement department/school and college recommendations for faculty transitioning to  the new title series. 
• Recommendations include a written justification about how each candidate’s qualifications and achievements meet or exceed the criteria established for assistant professors of instruction, associate professors of instruction, or professors of instruction. 
• Colleges and departments/schools will receive more information in a separate email. 

Who has final decision authority in this process? 

• President Damphousse and Provost Aswath have final decision authority on faculty transitions to assistant professors of instruction, associate professors of instruction, or professors of instruction. 

What is the timeline?  

Frequently asked questions will be updated and addressed on the Instructional Faculty Title Series webpage. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Spring 2024 Commencement

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 4,400 candidates in eight commencement ceremonies to be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 9, 10, and 11, 2024.  The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus.  As graduates, families, and the university community prepare to celebrate, please note the following announcements and recommendations.

Parking at Commencement

Parking is available for all attendees as indicated on the Commencement Parking Map.

Recommended parking for faculty and staff, with shuttle services, include:

• Lots A and B, located by Bobcat Stadium, will have shuttle bus service.
• Lot C, located adjacent to the UEC, is restricted to those with Limited Mobility.  Golf cart shuttles will be available to assist individuals in this lot.  This lot should be accessed from Charles Austin Drive via Hopkins Street.

Recommended park and walk lots for faculty and staff include:

• Lot D, across the street from the UEC.
• Garage F, at the corner of Edward Gary Street and University Drive.
• Garage H, at the corner of Pleasant Street and LBJ Drive.

All lots and garages listed above are free to those attending commencement.

Please be aware that if you are traveling southbound on IH35 and exit Aquarena Springs Drive you are advised to turn left on to Thorpe Lane and right on to Robbie Lane in order to access Lots A and B.  Traffic inbound to campus on Aquarena Springs Drive will not be able to make a left turn into Commencement Parking Lot D.

Information on faculty parking, parking maps, the faculty processional, and other details can be found on the commencement website.

Special Instructions

To alleviate the traffic, wait time, and congestion that is anticipated between the conclusion of the 2:00 p.m. ceremony and the start of the 6:00 p.m. ceremony, the following procedures are in place for employees:

Early Release – Thursday and Friday, May 9 and 10, 2024

To ease traffic congestion, supervisors may elect to release selected staff at 3:00 p.m.  However, all university offices must remain open until 5:00 p.m. or the normal closing time.  Staff members who leave early are expected to use vacation, compensatory, or flex time arrangements approved by supervisors.

Vehicles in the JCK Area

The rear gate at the back of the JCK parking lot will be barricaded from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Vehicles that normally exit on to Sessom Drive will be directed back to the one-way service drive and should exit the back parking lot going the wrong way towards Woods Street or Moon Street.  No vehicles will be allowed to access the back parking area starting at 3:00 p.m.  A parking guard will be stationed at the service drive at the front parking lot to restrict vehicles from entering the back parking lot.

Vehicles in Other Campus Areas

It is highly recommended that vehicles avoid the Sessom Street, Aquarena Springs Drive/Loop 82, and University Drive roadways between the ceremonies.  Every effort should be made to exit the campus and San Marcos using Edward Gary Street, Guadalupe Street, Hopkins Street/Hunter Road, and other routes heading away from the UEC.

Thank you for your cooperation during this momentous time in our graduates’ lives.

Faculty or staff requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact commencement@txstate.edu at least one week prior to the event.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather C. Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   18^th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference, April 18-19, 2024

The Honors College and the IDEA Center are pleased to present the 18^th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference, showcasing our students' creativity, innovation, and research:

Poster Session: Thursday, April 18, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., LBJSC Grand Ballroom

Panel Sessions: Friday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Trauth-Huffman Hall (3^rd floor) 

The panel schedule and more information can be found on the 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference web site. 

Everyone is welcome to attend!    

Questions should be directed to ugresearch@txstate.edu or 512.245.2266.

Sponsored by the Honors College, the IDEA Center and the Division of Research

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Presidential Seminar Invitation – Dr. Tanzima Islam

Presidential Seminar (2024)

Dr. Tanzima Islam, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science

Title: Accelerating Scientific Discoveries through Performance-Aware Decision-Making in High-Performance Computing

Friday, April 26, 2024

2:30 p.m.

MCOY 119

Reception following in the Minifie Atrium (MCOY 434)

Dr. Tanzima Islam is an assistant professor in Computer Science and a recipient of the 2023-24 Presidential Seminar Award at Texas State University. Her research focuses on increasing scientific returns by effectively and efficiently utilizing supercomputers. With a Ph.D. from Purdue University and prior experience as a postdoctoral scholar at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Dr. Islam brings a wealth of expertise to her role at TXST. Since joining TXST in 2020, Dr. Islam received nine grants as the PI or Co-PI totaling over $4.081 M from various funding sources, underscoring the critical need for research and innovation in performance-aware decision-making for accelerating science. Dr. Islam's contributions to the field have been recognized on numerous occasions. In 2022, she was awarded the Early Career Research Program accolade from the U.S. Department of Energy, becoming the first recipient from TXST. Due to the profound impact of her research on making supercomputing environments reliable, the R&D World Magazine selected her research as one of the world’s top 100 innovations in 2019, and LLNL bestowed her its prestigious Science and Technology award. In her upcoming talk, she will delve into the pivotal role of High-Performance Computing (HPC) in driving scientific discoveries, elucidating the challenges that hinder progress, and sharing insights from her research efforts in addressing the critical issues of power, performance, and resilience.

Beyond her research endeavors, Dr. Islam is deeply committed to mentorship, particularly through her co-founded research and mentoring platform for female computer science students in Bangladesh. She believes that mentorship can empower and inspire the next generation of leaders in the field.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Barrett Bryant

                                    Dean, College of Science and Engineering

SUBJECT:                   2024 TXST STEM Conference - Program is Now Posted and Call for Poster Judges

Texas State University is proud to host the second annual TXST STEM Conference from April 8-12, featuring online programming available from April 8-11 and concluding with an in-person program on Friday, April 12 at the TXST LBJ Student Center.

The focus of the TXST STEM Conference will be on recognizing the accomplishments of our students and trainees across various STEM fields. These individuals represent the future contributors and leaders of the STEM workforce.

The 2024 conference theme, "One Health," as described by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), underscores an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems, acknowledging the interconnected nature of human health, the health of domestic and wild animals, plants, and the broader environment.

We are pleased to announce that conference program is now available. Moreover, we invite faculty and staff members to register to be a poster judge. Please use the conference webpage to browse the conference program, register to attend the conference, and sign-up for judging (via conference registration).

Your participation in this institutional event will contribute to the advancement and collaboration within the STEM community at TXST. We look forward to your involvement.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   University Operations for the Total Solar Eclipse

To celebrate the unique learning experience offered by the total solar eclipse occurring on Monday, April 8, Texas State University is suspending classes from noon to 2 p.m. on both campuses. Students, faculty and staff members are highly encouraged to watch the eclipse on our campuses as travel during this period is expected to be difficult. 

Faculty members have the discretion to move in-person classes scheduled before noon or after 2 p.m. online on April 8 and to continue or cancel scheduled labs. Faculty members are responsible for notifying students of any change in class modality. 

Supervisors are authorized to close offices during the two-hour period to give employees the opportunity to view the eclipse. Several school districts in the counties surrounding our campuses have canceled school for the day and an increase in traffic is expected throughout the Central Texas corridor. The university encourages supervisors to work with employees regarding remote work options or to grant leave, when possible, on April 8.    

Although the San Marcos and Round Rock Campuses fall just outside of the line of totality, they are prime viewing locations for this phenomenon. Information for on-campus viewing events can be found at these links: San Marcos Total Eclipse of the Heart of Campus and Round Rock Total Eclipse Viewing Party.  Please refer to the viewing safety guidelines provided by NASA. 

This rare astronomical event, the next one won't occur here until 2044, happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The total solar eclipse offers an extraordinary opportunity for experiential learning and community engagement. 

Enjoy the eclipse Bobcats!  

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Presidential Seminar Invitation – Ms. Joey Fauerso

Presidential Seminar (2024)

Ms. Joey Fauerso, Professor, School of Art and Design

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

5:15 p.m. with reception following

Performing Arts Center – Recital Hall 

“Wait For It” 

Joey Fauerso is an artist and Professor at Texas State University and a 2022 Guggenheim Fellow in Fine Arts. Her work resides at the intersection between painting, drawing, and performance. Over the last 10 years she has been working on a series of paintings, drawings and video that rely on gesture and improvisation to explore themes of nature, gender, family, and humor. The inspiration for the work is rooted in her experiences growing up in a Transcendental Meditation community in Iowa, an ongoing interest in the ways gender is expressed and defined in Western art, and most recently her experiences as a parent and observer of the cognitive and creative processes of children. Recently her work has been included in exhibitions at the Drawing Center in New York, The David Shelton Gallery in Houston, and the Antenna Gallery in New Orleans. Joey holds a M.F.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.F.A from the University of Iowa-Iowa City. She lives with her family in San Antonio, Texas.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Director, School of Health Administration

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Cristian Lieneck as the Interim Director of the School of Health Administration, effective March 1, 2024.

Dr. Lieneck holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science from Xavier University as well as a Master of Health Administration and a PhD in Adult, Professional, and Community Education, both from Texas State University. He joined Texas State as an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Administration in 2010 and has been serving as an Associate Professor since 2016. Before his academic career, Dr. Lieneck held several physician practice leadership roles in healthcare management, including those with the U.S. Army, Austin Radiological Association, and a large physiatry/pain management physician group operating across Central Texas.

His research focuses on the outpatient and ambulatory care sector within the healthcare industry, with an emphasis on leadership, professional education, and financial management. In 2022, Dr. Lieneck published a healthcare financial accounting textbook, now utilized by numerous undergraduate and graduate programs nationwide. He has over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has delivered more than 100 conference presentations and workshops, primarily focusing on healthcare financial management and related industry trends. 

Dr. Lieneck received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Medical Group Management Association in 2021, the Teaching Excellence Award in Practice Management and Ambulatory Care from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration in 2023, and the Presidential Distinction Award for Teaching at Texas State in 2023. He actively engages in professional service, continuing to educate mid to senior-level healthcare professionals as an instructor for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Since 2014, he has been a faculty representative on the Texas State Honor Code Council, serving as council chair since 2017.

 Please join me in congratulating Dr. Lieneck on his appointment as Interim Director of the School of Health Administration.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Kelly Visnak

                                    Vice Provost and University Librarian

                                    Isabelle Antes

                                    Open Education Resources Librarian

SUBJECT:                   It’s Open Education Week!

Please join us in our celebration of Open Education Week (March 4-8). As we navigate the modern landscape for academic research and instructional resources, open education solutions are more important than ever in supporting both student success and our run to R1. 

Please plan to attend one of our open education workshops and/or register for one of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s OE Week events this week to gain new insights on these important topics.

Take a look at all of the ways we can help with your efforts to embrace open education practices. Our library experts are here to help you explore the many options available for creating, adapting, or adopting Open Educational Resources (OER) and for transforming your assignments using Open Pedagogy.

Applications for our OpenTXST Grants where we provide support transforming your projects or courses based on OER are currently being accepted. The application period ends mid-April.

This week of celebration is a great time to discover all the ways the library’s Open Education team can partner with you.

Feel free to reach out to Isabelle Antes with questions or to learn more about OER: Isabelle.antes@txstate.edu. Tricia Boucher can assist with Open Pedagogy projects: squirrel@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Ruthie Foster in Concert

ON SALE NOW

3-Time Grammy Award Nominee

Tickets to her concerts typically run $40-$50, but thanks to the Supple Music endowment, TXST Faculty and staff can see her for only $10 and students for only $7.

Ruthie Foster’s signature sound mixes blues, soul, gospel, and rock. While she has previously performed on campus as a solo artist, this spring’s concerts features her as a trio.

The small rural town of Gause, TX had no chance of keeping the vocal powerhouse known as RUTHIE FOSTER to itself. The worship services at her community church and influences like Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin created the foundation of her vocal capabilities, which developed into her own sound which is unable to be contained within a single genre. That uniqueness echoes a common theme in Ruthie’s life and career - marching to the beat of her own drum.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

 Friday, March 22, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

EVANS AUDITORIUM

Evans Liberal Arts Building | 627 N. LBJ, San Marcos, TX 78666

TICKET PRICES

TXST Faculty / Staff: $10 (discounted from $15)

TXST Students: $7

For a full list of events or to download tickets

Above prices include a processing fee.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   2024 Texas State International Film Festival

You are invited to a 3-week international film festival, art exhibition, and symposium organized by the Departments of History and World Languages and Literatures—Between Fame and Infamy: An International Film Festival on Celebrity. With 30 planned events, the festival will be accompanied by the exhibition “The River is Famous to the Fish” at the Mitte FLEX Gallery. All events are free and open to the public.

Spanning five continents, the 23 films explore a variety of themes related to celebrity, fame, and infamy in the past and in the world today. Each film will be moderated by a Texas State University faculty member. Our kick-off event for the film festival is Thursday, February 22, from 6:00-8:30 p.m., in Taylor-Murphy 101, with the film Don’t Worry Darling and a brief mini-lecture on Harry Styles and the Cult of Celebrity.

The festival will culminate with a one-day symposium on March 7, with speakers coming from France, Delaware, and Austin to talk about everything from Latina celebrity Rita Moreno to Jenny Ortega, to cannibalism and fan culture, to women monarchs. 

For more information, please follow us on Instagram or visit our website.

If you require accommodation due to a disability, contact Dr. Louie Dean Valencia at 512.245.2142, or email Lvalencia@txstate.edu. Accommodation requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance of the program start time to ensure availability.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Buy One /Get One Tickets for Acclaimed Jazz Group

TXST Supple Music Series presents

CHURCH ON MONDAY is Elias Haslanger on tenor saxophone, Daniel Dufour on drums, Sam Pankey on bass and Tommy Howard on guitar. Each an accomplished artist on their respective instrument, they come together every Monday from 8:30-10 p.m. to play one set of music to a faithful following of jazz fans. Recipients of five Austin Music Awards, Church on Monday has played to crowds at ACL-Live at The Moody Theater, across the state of Texas at festivals and concerts and across Austin in clubs like The Continental Club Gallery, The Elephant Room and Parker Jazz Club. They've released 3 critically acclaimed recordings, all of which have received international airplay and positive reviews from publications across the globe.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Recital Hall | 405 Moon Street, San Marcos 78666

TXST faculty and staff: purchase 1 get 1 free

B1G1 FREE Code: GOING2CHURCH

For a full list of events or to download tickets

(Use coupon code: GOING2CHURCH at checkout)

More to come SOON! 

Above prices include a processing fee.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Barrett Bryant

                                    Dean, College of Science and Engineering

SUBJECT:                   Registration Now Open & Call for Poster Presentations 2024 TXST STEM Conference

Texas State University is proud to host the second annual TXST STEM Conference from April 8-12, featuring online programming available from April 8-11 and concluding with an in-person program on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the LBJ Student Center.

The focus of the TXST STEM Conference will be on recognizing the accomplishments of our students and trainees across various STEM fields. These individuals represent the future contributors and leaders of the STEM workforce.

The 2024 conference theme, "One Health," as described by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), underscores an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems, acknowledging the interconnected nature of human health, the health of domestic and wild animals, plants, and the broader environment.

We are pleased to announce that registration for the conference is now open. Moreover, we invite the submission of abstracts for students (undergraduate and graduate) and postdoc poster presentations. The deadline for abstract session proposals is March 3, 2024.

For comprehensive details regarding the 2024 TXST STEM Conference, including the call for registration, abstract submission, exhibitor registration, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the conference webpage.

Your participation in this institutional event will contribute to the advancement and collaboration within the STEM community at TXST. We look forward to your involvement.

TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students, Faculty and Staff 

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College 

SUBJECT:                   Spring 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference

The Honors College and IDEA Center are pleased to announce the 18^th annual Undergraduate Research Conference—a showcase event for achievements in undergraduate research and creative activity at Texas State University. This year, the conference will be held on Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19, 2024, and will include a poster session on Thursday and Honors Capstone panel sessions on Friday.   

Undergraduate students from all academic areas are encouraged to submit poster proposals by Monday, March 4, 2024. Poster presentations are eligible to win prizes, including the $2,000 Scott Emerson Health Innovation Award.      

The application to present your poster at the URC is now available.     

If you have questions, please email ugresearch@txstate.edu or contact us by phone at (512) 245-2266.   

Sponsored by: The Honors College, the IDEA Center and the Division of Research

TO:                                         Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                                   Mr. Hauke Roeschmann

                                                Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SUBJECT:                               ignite Entrepreneurship Workshop

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is now accepting applications for the ignite entrepreneurship workshop.

ignite is an engaging 3-day, learning-by-doing weekend workshop for students, faculty, and staff interested in discovering the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

Whether you have an idea for a business or are simply curious about the fascinating world of entrepreneurship, ignite is the perfect place to begin your journey!

Over the weekend, you will learn how to transform an idea into a business and position it for success!  As part of the workshop, participants work in diverse teams with peers from across campus and receive guidance from experienced faculty, entrepreneurs, and mentors (many of whom have started and sold their own businesses).

This workshop will be held in person at the Alkek Library, and runs from Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3.  There is no cost to attend. 

Registration is open now until Wednesday, February 14, at 5:00 p.m.  You can find additional information and register here.  

Please note that applications from all majors (including non-business majors) and all levels (including undergraduate and graduate) as well as faculty and staff are encouraged to apply.  Space is limited, so apply today. 

Questions about the ignite workshop may be directed to Mr. Hauke Roeschmann via email at hauke@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Denise M. Trauth Endowed Presidential Research Professorship

Texas State University is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Denise M. Trauth Endowed Presidential Research Professorship.  This three-year professorship, which begins September 1, 2024, is designed to promote and encourage research and/or creative expression among Texas State tenured faculty members who hold the rank of associate professor or professor. 

This professorship will provide an award to a faculty member engaged in compelling and transformational research or creative expression with a twofold purpose: 1) reward a faculty member for previous accomplishments and 2) more importantly, allow the holder of the award to carry out a specific project.  Investment income from the endowment will be used for one or more of the following purposes: to supplement the faculty member’s base salary, to support research or other professional expenses, and/or to provide other programmatic support.  The anticipated award is $75,000 total over the three-year period. 

Proposal Criteria:

• Submitted by a tenured faculty member holding the rank of associate professor or professor;
• Presents a scope of research, which could include the creation of original creative work or expression, that encompasses a three-year period;
• Defines a research project that will contribute new knowledge to the discipline or field that the research embodies;
• Has potential to show significant promise over the next three years; and
• Encourages and promotes further research efforts in this field.

Application Process and Review: 

By February 29, 2024:  Any faculty member intending to apply for this professorship must email Lydia Longoria at Lydia.longoria@txstate.edu and indicate that you intend to submit an application package. Ms. Longoria also serves as the point of contact for questions. 

The full application package is due by March 31, 2024 and all materials will be submitted through the Faculty Qualifications system.  Faculty members who have submitted their intent to apply will receive instructions for the online submission.   

The application packages will be reviewed by the committee for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activity, chaired by Dr. Shreekanth Mandayam, Vice President for Research.  The committee will forward their top three proposals, along with a list of all proposals reviewed, to President Damphousse for final decision.  

The following material will serve as the application package:

• Curriculum vitae
• Description of the project (not to exceed 5 pages)
• Budget with justification (1 page)
• Personal statement describing the significance of the proposed project (1 page)
• Three letters of endorsement (3 required)

Each application package will receive a numerical score on the following rubric:

            1-3      high impact

            4-6      moderate impact

            7-9      low impact

TO:                             Current Students

                                    Faculty

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Sanjay Ramchander

                                    Dean, McCoy College of Business

SUBJECT:                   Business Leadership Week, February 12-16, 2024

The McCoy College of Business invites you to Business Leadership Week 2024, February 12-16. Business Leadership Week is McCoy College’s signature professional development event for students, offering opportunities to connect with the business community in conversations about leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and ethics. The week’s events will include numerous sessions, workshops, panels, and activities that conclude with a community service event. Events are open to Texas State University students from all disciplines and majors as seating allows.

Visit our Business Leadership Week website to view the full schedule and to register for events.

For questions, contact the McCoy College Student Success Center via email at mccoysuccess@txstate.edu or call 512.245.7010.

If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact 512.245.2311 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

             Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                 Tickets for Bidi Bidi Banda (Selena Tribute Band)

Join us for their farewell tour.

TXST University Arts presents

“Bidi Bidi Banda is Austin's first all-star Selena Tribute band. Composed of members of some of Austin's premier latin bands, Bidi Bidi Banda is the refried dream of Stephanie Bergara, a native Austinite who grew up listening to Tejano radio and singing into a hair brush while wearing her mother's red lipstick. The band's interpretation of Selena's greatest hits will leave you belting lyrics, doing the washing machine and reliving greatness of the Queen of Tejano Music.”

THIS PERFORMANCE WILL SELL OUT!

Take a moment to download your tickets NOW before they are all gone.

PRICES:

TXST Students: FREE GENERAL ADMISSION

Utilize the TXST student price type to download.

[TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY]

TXST faculty/staff: B1G1 FREE Code: BBB2024

Purchase price is $8.00 per ticket before discount.

Use the TXST faculty/staff price type for all tickets.

Apply coupon code at checkout.

Friday, February 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

EVANS AUDITORIUM

627 N. LBJ, San Marcos 78666

For a full list of events or to download tickets, visitTexas State Presents.

More to come SOON!

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

                                    Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Instructional Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Teaching and Instruction

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and information related to teaching and instructional responsibilities, student records, students with disabilities, and classroom materials.  All employees serving in instructional roles, including teaching assistants and instructional assistants, are asked to visit the websites linked below and to talk with their department chairs/school directors about specific questions regarding these policies and practices.  Please forward this message to new instructors, as hiring processes occur daily.   

Faculty-Authored Teaching Material 

AA/PPS 02.03.30, Faculty-Authored Teaching and Instructional Material, requires approval before a faculty member may require any textbook, notebook, manual, or other materials written or prepared by a member of the Texas State University faculty for which a charge is required.  The policy covers materials authored or prepared by Texas State University faculty, even if the materials are used in classes taught by other instructors.  The approval process, which is described in the policy, involves the faculty member requiring the course material, department chair/school director, dean, and provost.  The deadlines for the submission of requests for materials to be used are: July 1 (fall semester), November 1 (spring semester), and April 1 (summer sessions).  Instructors may only require materials that meet instructional goals and student learning outcomes of the course.  The request form is available from Faculty and Academic Resources. 

Inadvertent Release of Student Education Records: Updated with Secure Communication Instructions

This is a reminder of your obligation to guard against the inadvertent release of student education records as stipulated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  UPPS 01.04.31, Access to Student Records Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, addresses this law and faculty and staff obligations.   

Examples of inadvertent releases of student education records include emailing student grades, grade point averages, test scores or posting grades by student ID numbers, social security numbers, or other numbers that make student identities easily traceable.  These actions violate federal law and university policy.  A list of frequently asked questions is available for additional information. 

Please review File and Data Sending and Receiving information standards as well as best practices for Data Classification (confidential, sensitive, or public) from the division of Information Technology.  To securely send and receive confidential student education records per FERPA regulations, use the university’s secure File Transfer system.

Faculty and staff may login to the Bobcat Family Portal to verify a student has granted someone access to their records.

Regular and Substantive Interaction in Distance Learning

Regular and substantive instructor and student engagement in distance learning courses improves student learning outcomes and student satisfaction and aligns with Texas State’s long-held commitment to quality teaching and learning.  In addition, the university’s continued eligibility to award federal financial aid depends on the ability to provide evidence that this engagement takes place in a timely way and within certain regulatory guidelines.  Instructor-initiated actions, feedback, and oversight are expected to be timely, ongoing, focused on the course subject and assignments, and integral to the course plan and learning outcomes.  Instructors should plan to retain records of student engagement in academic activities that occur on or before each semester’s census day to document student engagement for financial aid purposes.  More information may be found in G/PPS 02.03, Distance Education Courses and Programs.

Students with Disabilities

Texas State complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA).  The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides certain students with written certification or an academic accommodation letter to share with faculty or staff members that outlines and requests appropriate accommodations specific to the student’s disability-based need.  Instructors are expected to work collaboratively with ODS and students who present written certification or accommodation letters and are asked to review Students with Disabilities, a Teaching Resource Guide for information on legal mandates, ODS procedures, types of accommodations, and best practices for ensuring access to full educational opportunity.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   TEDx Tickets

The TEDxTexasStateUniversity leadership team and the Department of Communication Studies invite you to our in-person TEDx event on Saturday, February 24 in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. This is event runs from 12:30-4:00 p.m. We are just one month out from this year's event, so mark your calendars and join us for a great day of conversation and performances! You can purchase tickets at the Texas State Presents website.  

This year, our event will feature six speakers who will discussing various subjects surrounding the theme resolve: 

• Dr. Nadim Adi, Assistant Professor in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences  
• Mateo Gutierrez, Lecturer in the School of Art and Design 
• Stacy Johnson, Founder and CEO of Central Texas Table of Grace 
• Kendra Marsteller + Pawfficer Brady, Mental Health and Victim Services Liaison Officer + her Therapy Dog in the University Police Department 
• Dr. Christine Norton, Professor in the School of Social Work 
• Dana Swann, Executive Assistant at Texas Commission on the Arts + graduate student in the Department of Communication Studies 

The event will also include audience activations, snacks during breaks, and entertainment by local artists. Some of this year’s performers include: 

• VocaLibre – a gifted and auditioned choral group who perform a wide range of genres including traditional choral music and pop and R&B covers. 
• Los Gatos 512 – a full band that brings the party through traditional + modern approaches to Latin music 
• Mesal Quartet – a lively trombone quartet that is a student led group of musicians who are also members of the Texas State Trombone Studio 

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. This year our speakers will explore ideas related to resolve. The last few years have been rife with difficulty, from managing a global pandemic to mounting economic uncertainty, ongoing protests for human rights, and escalating environmental disasters, all of which have been taking place in a contentious political environment. Yet, we believe in our resolve to overcome these challenges and are hopeful for the future. Through these talks, our speakers will explore specific ideas, processes, and solutions that will enable us to adapt to and transform the current obstacles we face as a local and global community. We invite you to join us for a day of conversation as we discover how to strengthen our collective resolve.

For more information or questions email us at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu or visit the TEDxTexasStateUniversity webpage. 

TEDx Leadership Team

Dr. Kristen Farris, Department of Communication Studies

Mr. Mark Paz, Department of Communication Studies

Ms. Hannah Collazo, Department of Communication Studies

Dr. Prisca Ngondo, School of Journalism and Mass Communication 

Dr. Youjeong Kim, School of Journalism and Mass Communication 

TO:                             Academic Affairs Council

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Announcing Academic Affairs Implementation of Dynamic Forms

The Office of the Provost began testing the Dynamic Forms platform in early 2023. We appreciate your contribution to this development, and after several iterations, we are happy to announce that the Office of the Provost will be moving forward with utilizing Dynamic Forms to process the most common requests and notices submitted to our office. 

To aid in this transition, Faculty and Academic Resources has launched a dedicated web page to provide guidance on utilizing the Dynamic Forms platform for all participants, whether you are initiating a form or going in to approve a form. Please visit our Dynamic Forms web page for more information. 

The forms currently active and in use are as follows:

• Academic Program Coordinator Form
• Distinguished Professor Emeritus Nomination Form
• Employment Justification Form
• Faculty Development Leave Change Form
• Faculty Development Leave – Final Report Form
• Faculty Fellowship Opportunities Form 
• Faculty Incentive for Externally Funded Sponsored Programs Form
• Faculty Position Authorization Form,
• Faculty Request to Toll the Tenure Clock
• New Position Data Form
• Notice of Resignation for Faculty Form,
• Postdoctoral Scholar Export Control Screening Request Form
• Prescribed Materials Form
• Retirement Notification Form
• Staff Position Authorization Form
• Stipend Request Form
• University Distinguished Professor Award Nomination Form
• Visiting Scholar Request & Export Control Request Form

Please contact Jesus De Leon, at xin10@txstate.edu, if you have any questions.

Thank you.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Faculty of Instruction Appointments: Implementation and Next Steps

Instructional faculty appointments are reserved for individuals who make a unique contribution to Texas State University’s mission by dedicating their time and expertise to teaching, learning, and instructional activities that complement and enhance the goals of students, academic units, and the university.  We are pleased to introduce a new promotion-eligible title for qualified instructional faculty effective September 1, 2024 (FY25).  During this academic year (FY24), we are implementing a process to transition qualified faculty to assistant professors, associate professors, and professors of instruction.  AA/PPS 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments, has been finalized and we encourage everyone to thoroughly review the final version.  

FAQs and Webpage

Please see the Instructional Faculty Title Series webpage for a process timeline and answers to frequently asked questions.  This webpage is designed to assist all individuals in understanding the process of implementing the new title.  Additional questions may be submitted via the webpage. 

Open Forums

The Provost’s Office staff will be hosting two open forums via Microsoft Teams for faculty members or academic unit leaders to ask questions and seek clarification.  The days/times and links to these meetings are:

February 12, 2024: 2:00PM - 3:00PM

February 13, 2024: 10:00AM - 11:00AM

Departmental Guidelines Template

The Instructional Faculty Title Series webpage also includes a template to assist academic units in finalizing guidelines for the transition of current lecturers and senior lecturer to the new title and ranks. Department guidelines must be submitted to a dedicated Sharepoint site repository on or before Friday, February 2, 2024.  The guidelines for initial appointment must include all required qualifications listed for each rank as outlined in sections 04.03 (assistant professor), 04.04 (associate professor), and 04.05 (professor) of AA/PPS 04.01.26.  To ensure consistency, academic units are encouraged to use the template format. 

We look forward to working with everyone on this exciting faculty initiative for Texas State.

TO:                             Academic Affairs Full-Time Staff Members

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                   Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Staff Educational Development Leave – Fall 2024

The Staff Educational Development Leave Program provides an opportunity for one full-time staff member per semester in each division of the university to receive special support for degree work.  Applications for participation for the fall 2024 semester are now being accepted.  The application deadline is February 20, 2024.  A decision will be made prior to the start of fall 2024 registration.  Applications received after the February 20 deadline will not be considered.

Please refer to the Staff Educational Development Leave website for details regarding eligibility criteria, benefits breakdown and the application process.  

Please contact Ms. Stacey Rodriguez, Executive Assistant, in my office at (512) 245-2791 if you have any questions.

Thank you.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

                                    Deans

                                    Senior Vice Provost/Vice Provosts in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Ethics and Compliance

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and other information related to ethics and compliance following university, state, and federal regulations and policies. This message addresses required ethics and compliance training, dual/outside employment, reporting of relatives working at Texas State University, and mandatory notices to employees. Specific questions regarding these policies and practices may be addressed to supervisors.  

University Ethics and Compliance Program

Texas State is committed to ensuring that our institution maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity throughout all aspects of operations. As public servants, university faculty and staff are guardians of the resources entrusted to it and have a responsibility to students, parents, alumni, donors, and the citizens of Texas to ensure those resources are used efficiently and for their intended purpose. Several reporting tools are available that provide a confidential avenue for reporting concerns about potential waste, fraud, and abuse of resources; the lack of compliance with laws, regulations, and/or University Policy and Procedure Statements; or violations of the Texas State University System’s Code of Ethics. We encourage you to report such issues through one of the following tools:

1. reports can be made anonymously via this website: Texas State University System Hotline.
2. Texas State University Office of Internal Audit Hotline at (512) 245-1707.
3. you may also call the TXST Office of Internal Audit main line, (512) 245-2533, during business hours to report information directly to the audit staff. 

Please note the following training requirements: 

1. Ethics and Compliance Training: The Tools for an Ethical Workplace course is offered online via the employee learning management tool, Success Factors (SF) Learning. All employees are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by TSUS. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.      

2. EEO and Title IX Training: The Preventing Harassment and Discrimination course is offered online via the employee learning management tool, SF Learning. All employees are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by the State of Texas. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due. 

3. Cybersecurity Training: To combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3834 in the 2019 legislative session, which requires certain state and local government employees to complete a cybersecurity training program certified by the state’s Department of Information Resources (DIR). All employees must complete the Cybersecurity Training available within SF Learning. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due. 

4. Clery Act and Campus Security Authorities: The Clery Act is a federal law that requires the institution to provide accurate and timely information about crime and campus safety to the university community as well as prospective students and their families. The act requires the identification of individuals and organizations that meet the definition of a campus security authority (CSA). While many faculty members are not designated as CSAs, based on their position, those who serve as advisors to student organizations or program trip leaders will be CSAs. Employees designated as CSAs will be notified by the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator and are required to complete the CSA Clery Training Course available within SF Learning annually. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due. 

Online Reporting of Dual/Outside Employment and Activities

UPPS 04.04.06, Outside Employment and Activities defines outside employment as any compensated employment, consulting, or service performed by the employee outside of the employee’s employment relationship with Texas State for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee or the organization serviced. Outside activities that involve non-compensated services are not always reported. However, there are special provisions for holding public office. Outside employment or activities must not interfere or create a conflict of interest or commitment with any employee’s duties and responsibilities at Texas State.  

Outside employment, financial conflict of interest (FCOI), conflict of commitment (COC), and inappropriate foreign influence may be related topics that potentially present challenges in managing overlapping dimensions. This is particularly important for faculty and staff involved in federal grant awards and sponsored programs. To encourage and support the research community, the division of Research will continue to develop and disseminate information and guidance regarding disclosures to internal and external entities, including funding agencies. Contact Sean Rubino, Director, Research Integrity and Compliance, via email at srubino@txstate.edu for questions or more information in this regard. 

Annual approval is required for 1) any outside employment or consulting prior to beginning such outside employment or consulting; 2) any employment with another state agency, community college, or school district (regardless of the faculty member’s FTE at Texas State); 3) any employee holding public office (elected or appointed to serve for a federal, state, or local government entity including school districts, cities, and towns); or 4) non-compensated activities where the employee or supervisor believes there may be a conflict of interest or interference with the employee’s university duties and responsibilities, or if the outside activities will take place during or interfere with the employee’s normally scheduled work hours. 

If the outside employment is with another State of Texas entity, Texas law requires that all state employees must inform their state agencies or institutions of higher education before accepting an additional employment with another agency or institution. See section 03.02 of UPPS 04.04.06. 

Annual reporting is required. Thus, outside employment approved from a prior academic year must be reported for the current year if the employment is ongoing. The current reporting academic year is 9/1/23 – 8/31/24. Employees are also required to report any changes that may occur during the academic year (e.g., additional outside employment throughout the year or change in outside employment workload). Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal under the “Self-Report” tab. At least one supervisor in the approval workflow, such as a department chair/school director, director, assistant vice president, dean, or associate vice president, must document there is no conflict of interest or commitment with outside employment before the request flows to the Office of the Provost.   

Note: Honorariums need not be reported. 

Online Reporting of Relatives Working at Texas State University 

An online form is available for employees to report certain relatives also working at Texas State University. With centralized records, Human Resources and Faculty and Academic Resources will be able to better manage potential conflicts and provide accurate reports as required by state law and The Texas State University System Regents’ Rules and Regulations. The governing policy is UPPS 04.04.07, Nepotism and Related Employment.  

Note: If you have already reported relatives working at Texas State and there are no changes, no action is required. After your initial certification, you must report any changes as they occur.

If needed, please take action now and provide complete information, including hours worked per week and other details that aid reviewers in decision-making. Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal under the “Self-Report” tab. Instructions for Self-Reporting of Relatives at Texas State are available. The records will be reviewed by Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources against the organizational structure in SAP. If there is a potential conflict, Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources staff will contact the department head for resolution. Faculty-related questions may be directed to Faculty and Academic Resources at (512) 245-2786.

Employee Notices 

While a variety of policies and laws are provided to new employees at orientation sessions, employee notices are important reminders for all employees and supervisors. These notices include information on State of Texas employee policies, sexual misconduct in the workplace, workplace accommodations, campus security, and other matters.  

Thank you for your commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Please forward this email, as appropriate, to ensure all employees in Academic Affairs are aware of these commitments and requirements.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   SAVE THE DATE | BookSmart Faculty Assistance Days

The Bobcat Store is thrilled to invite you their BookSmart Faculty Assistance Days, happening virtually and in person! Join us:

1. Virtually | Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | via Zoom
2. In Person | Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | in the Bookstore

At this event, you will:

• Learn about BookSmart @ TXST
• Get help setting up your digital BookSmart materials
• Connect with other participating faculty members

Save these dates in your calendars to make sure you do not miss out.  We look forward to seeing you January 10 or 11.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Information to Include in Spring 2024 Course Syllabi

As we quickly approach the spring 2024 semester and prepare for an exciting array of classes, activities, and events, the following message provides guidance on course syllabi and implementation. This message also provides information about emergency management and the reporting responsibility of faculty and staff who learn of sexual misconduct. Extensive information on course syllabi and classroom procedures is found in AA/PPS 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses. Please pass this message along to new faculty and teaching assistants, as new hire transactions occur daily. 

Health and Wellbeing  

The Dean of Students Office manages Here to Help to assist students experiencing crises or emergencies or displaying concerning behaviors. Submissions are received directly by the Dean of Students Office’s CARE Center. This process takes an individualized and holistic approach to assessing submissions and determining an appropriate course of action or referral based on the information provided in the submission. 

The Counseling Center provides counseling, telemental health, and educational workshops and videos for students. For students, the Student Health Center provides evaluation and medical management of these common mental health issues and others. 

Bobcat Balance serves the legal, financial, and mental health needs of faculty and staff.  LinkedIn Learning is available to all faculty, staff, and students and includes resources on well-being, career development, time management, and other skills and knowledge. 

Student Absences and Absence Notification

Faculty have discretion in managing student absences, including those due to illness. Faculty members determine appropriate arrangements for students who miss class. Please refer to UPPS 02.06.03 and UPPS 02.06.01 for absences related to student participation in university-sponsored events and religious holy days. 

For faculty who ask students requesting excused absences to contact the Dean of Students Office, students should be directed to the information available on the Dean of Students’ Absence Notifications webpage. Students should only be referred to the Dean of Students Office if they are unable to complete the on-line request due to access limitations or emergencies/crises.For questions, contact the Dean of Students Office at (512) 245-2124. 

Syllabus Content Reminders (see section 13 of AA/PPS 02.03.01 for all syllabus requirements)

1. Required class materials, access to materials, use of Canvas, and/or instructional strategies.
2. Technology or software needed for the class, including getting support from ITAC.
3. Exams, assignments, grading rubrics, assessment and testing, and due dates.
4. Office hours. 
5. Attendance policy and record-keeping procedures.
6. Assessment and testing strategies to enhance academic integrity. 

Class Instruction Modes and Substantive Interaction 

Classes will be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the spring 2024 Schedule of Classes in Catsweb. In all courses, faculty members provide regular and substantive interaction with students. This interaction is instructor-driven, content-oriented, frequent, and consistent throughout the semester. 

Statement on Civility in the Classroom and Instructional Settings 

Civility in instructional settings is fundamental to an effective educational process and is everyone’s responsibility. The university’s shared values, sense of community, and collective commitment to respect, civil dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas are the cornerstones of successful teaching and learning. If students have questions about appropriate behavior in a particular class, they should address them with their instructor first. Although rare, disciplinary procedures may be implemented for refusing to follow an instructor’s directive, disrupting classroom activities, or disregarding university policies. For more information regarding conduct in the classroom, please review policies at AA/PPS 02.03.02, Section 03: Courteous and Civil Learning Environment, and Code of Student Conduct, number II, Responsibilities of Students, Section 2.02: Conduct Prohibited.  

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

1. Code of Student Conduct 
2. The Honor Code  

Instructor Absences 

Faculty who are absent from class coordinate with their department chairs/school directors to ensure continuity of instruction. In some cases, a faculty member teaching face-to-face may transition to remote learning for a brief period by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools. For extended absences, another faculty member may be asked to assume responsibility for the class. Deans and chairs/directors may contact the Office of the Provost for support or guidance. Provisions for faculty sick leave are found in UPPS 04.04.30, Section 03, Sick Leave Procedures. 

Emergency Management 

In the event of an emergency, students, faculty, and staff should monitor the Safety and Emergency Communications web page. This page will be updated with the latest information available to the university, in addition to providing links to information concerning safety resources and emergency procedures. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to sign up for the TXState Alert system. 

Sexual Misconduct Reporting (SB 212) 

Effective January 2, 2020, state law (SB 212) requires all university employees, acting in the course and scope of employment, who witness or receive information concerning an incident of sexual misconduct involving an enrolled student or employee to report all relevant information known about the incident to the university's Title IX office. According to SB 212, employees who knowingly fail to report or knowingly file a false report shall be terminated in accordance with university and system policy. Please access the webpage of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX for more information. 

Thank you. I greatly appreciate your ongoing dedication to student success and excellence in all teaching and learning activities.