To:             Faculty 
From:        Stephen Hensley
Date:         June 21, 2005
Subject:     Clarification of the A&M System Policies and Regulations and University Rules and Procedures

I met with Joan Brumm, President of the Faculty Senate, on June 17, 2005.  As a result of this discussion, it appears there is a considerable amount of misunderstanding and confusion concerning The Texas A&M University System policies and regulations and Texas A&M University-Texarkana rules and procedures.  It is my intent to clarify these issues in this memorandum.

1. The A&M System policies and regulations take precedent over university rules and procedures.  If there is any conflict between the A&M System policies/regulations and university rules and procedures, the policies/regulations take priority.  Rules and procedures must conform to the A&M System policies and regulations.

2. University rules are made to clarify the A&M System policies and regulations for use by the university.  As stated in number 1 above, they must conform to the A&M System policies and regulations.  Rules must be approved by the president of the university and the A&M System.  Rules do not exist until they have been approved through this process.

3. University procedures are developed by each unit of the university and must conform to university rules and the A&M System policies and regulations.  Depending on the magnitude of the procedures, they must be approved by the appropriate vice president or the president of the university.  These procedures may be changed at any time it is deemed necessary for the operation of the university.

Please review the A&M System policy 01.01 Scope and Authority of Policies and the A&M System regulation 01.01.01 Development and Publication of Regulations and Rules.
I hope this information will clarify the misunderstanding and confusion concerning policies, regulations, rules and procedures.  If you have any questions, please let me or the provost help to answer them.