OP 32.04: Conduct of University Faculty

 

[Moderate revision–posted 9/8/26 (replaces 8/29/23 edition)]

 

Operating Policy and Procedure

OP 32.04: Conduct of University Faculty

DATE: September 8, 2026

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to set forth the university policy regarding the conduct of university faculty.

REVIEW: This OP will be reviewed every two years after publication by the Vice Provost for Faculty Success with substantive revisions presented to the Provost and Senior Vice President (PSVP).

POLICY/PROCEDURE

1.  Institutions of higher education that are tax-supported must function in accordance with the public trust, and the actions by faculty, staff, and students within them must be consistent with the execution of that trust. * In accordance with Section 03.02.1, Regents’ Rules

2.  The following offenses are hereby defined to exemplify and define actions that are in breach of that trust: * In accordance with Section 03.02.1, Regents’ Rules

a.    Academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, giving or receiving aid on a test, examination, quiz, or other academic assignment;

b.    Plagiarism;

c.    Forgery, alteration, or unauthorized use of university documents, records, or identification materials;

d.    Knowingly furnishing false information to the university, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment or omission of that which should have been disclosed;

e.    The use of force or violence or other methods of obstructing the functions of the university, including, but not limited to, teaching, research, administration, public service, presentations by guest lecturers and speakers, and other authorized activities;

f.    Physical abuse of any person on university-owned or controlled property or at university-sponsored or supervised functions or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person;

g.    Theft of or damage to the tangible property of the university or of a member of the university community or campus visitor;

h.    Unauthorized entry to or use of university facilities;

i.    Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance, or any substance the possession or distribution of which is regulated by federal or Texas law, except where the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use are in accordance with the laws of each;

j.    Lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct on university-owned or controlled property or at a university-sponsored or supervised function;

k.    Failure to comply with the lawful directions of university officials where such directions are issued in the performance of their duties;

l.    Violation of other promulgated university policies or rules;

m.    Unauthorized release or removal of any information from university records, including, but not limited to, patient, student, financial, and personnel records;

n.    Behavior or activity, on or off campus, that is of such a nature to cause discredit or embarrassment to the university;

o.    Commission of an act of moral turpitude, on or off campus, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, fraud, or theft; and/or

p.    Criminal or unethical conduct, on or off campus, (including a change in driving status when driving is an essential job function), or employee’s failure to report his or her criminal or unethical conduct, that the university could reasonably construe as having an adverse impact on the employee’s work performance or work environment, or that would cause discredit or embarrassment to the university.

3.  Each faculty, staff, and/or student employee must notify their immediate supervisor of any felony conviction, conviction of a Class A misdemeanor, or any drug, assault, or theft conviction no later than five (5) days after such conviction. Immediate supervisors must notify the appropriate college or school dean. * In accordance with Section 03.02.2, Regents’ Rules

4.  Students and employees who become aware of potential violations of the standards established in this policy must report the potential violations to the immediate supervisor of the individual alleged to have committed the violation. Determination of a violation of the standards established in this policy will result in the assessment of a penalty ranging from an oral reprimand to separation from the university. Any decision to separate a faculty member from the university must adhere to the procedures for termination stipulated in OP 32.02, Faculty Non-Reappointment, Dismissal, and Tenure Revocation.  * In accordance with Section 03.02.3, Regents’ Rules

5.  Every employee of the university is required to abide by the terms of this policy as a condition of employment.

OP Categories

• 01 Chancellor
• 02 Development
• 04 Audit Services
• 10 President
• 30 Academic and Student Affairs – General
• 32 Academic Policies – Faculty
• 34 Academic Policies – Students
• 36 Academic Programs
• 40 Institutional Compliance
• 48 Communication Services
• 52 Information Technology
• 60 Environmental Health and Safety
• 61 Facilities Management
• 62 Financial and Accounting
• 63 General Services
• 64 Graduate Programs (Faculty and Students)
• 65 Research Accounting
• 66 Libraries
• 67 Mail Services
• 68 Communications and Marketing
• 69 Payroll and Tax Services
• 70 Human Resources
• 72 Purchasing, Contracting, and Payables
• 73 Data Management
• 74 Research
• 75 Research Security
• 76 Security
• 77 Student Services and Registrar
• 78 Traffic and Parking
• 79 Travel
• 80 Vehicles