Introduction

This on-line handbook is derived for the most part from the rules under which Texas A&M University-Texarkana operates. Thus, when a new rule is added or an old one is changed, updating the handbook will be less complicated. There are a number of reasons for this approach, but the main reason is the fact that TAMU-T is a dynamic, evolving institution in the process of becoming a comprehensive regional university. The University’s organizational structure has changed substantially since 1995, shortly before it joined The Texas A&M University System, and these changes have caused numerous University rules affecting faculty to be emended. A rule-based handbook, available online, has the advantages of being both easily accessible and current.

Overview

Texas A&M University-Texarkana, formerly East Texas State University at Texarkana, was established by the Texas Legislature in 1971 as an upper-level, operationally separate unit of the East Texas University Complex. In September 1996 the university became a member of the A&M System, which is composed of nine different universities, as well as eight other state agencies and a statewide health science center. These institutions have a wide variety of roles and missions, making the A&M System an exciting and highly diversified organization in which to work. As one of the largest educational systems in Texas, the A&M System is able to provide substantial supporting resources to the individual universities, including Texas A&M University-Texarkana. However, each of the nine universities in the A&M System enjoys substantial autonomy, each is funded separately by the Texas Legislature and by additional private funding, and each has its own President. Presidents serve under the leadership of the A&M System Chancellor, and the Texas A&M University Board of Regents governs the system as a whole.

University Role, Scope, and Mission

http://www.tamut.edu/about/role.php?pageid=3

“Rules” and “Policies”

Various aspects of employment at Texas A&M University-Texarkana are governed by University rules. These rules are, in turn, governed by A&M System policies. Terminology is important here. “Policies” are made by the A&M System and “rules” are made by individual institutions within the A&M System. Rules are thus the means by which A&M System policies are implemented. Rules cannot conflict with policies, and they must fulfill all the requirements specified by policies.

TAMU-T, like other institutions within the A&M System, may choose not to adopt specific rules corresponding to an A&M System policy, in which case the A&M System policy applies directly to TAMU-T. The A&M System policies are in some instances determined by requirements specified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or by the Texas Legislature.

Web Sites:

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

http://www.thecb.state.tx.us

Texas A&M University System

http://sago.tamu.edu

http://sago.tamu.edu/policy/mainmanual.htm

A&M System policies are available at the above location.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

http://www.tamut.edu/administrative/rules.php

The links above, and other links specified throughout, may provide newer versions of the material incorporated within this handbook. Please consult these links for the latest versions. If you are unfamiliar with the A&M System and its member institutions, the A&M System link above will allow you quick access to the other institutions’ web sites.

Publication Style Guidelines

The following guidelines have been developed to help ensure consistency in publications and correspondence across the university and The Texas A&M University System.

When referencing this institution, use "Texas A&M University-Texarkana" on first reference (no space before or after the dash) and "TAMU-T" on second reference.

CORRECT: Texas A&M University-Texarkana

TAMU-T (second reference)

INCORRECT: Texas A&M

Texas A&M-Texarkana

Texas A&M University

TAMU-Texarkana

When referencing the A&M System, use "The Texas A&M University System" on first reference (with a capital "T" in "the") and "the A&M System" on second reference.

CORRECT: The Texas A&M University System

the A&M System (second reference)

INCORRECT: Texas A&M System

TAMUS

TAMU System

In external publications, always use "the A&M System" on second reference and not just "system" alone. (This eliminates confusion.)

In internal publications, the word "system" can be used alone on second reference. In this instance, lowercase "system" unless beginning a sentence.

For more information see “Publication Guidelines: The Texas A&M University System,” available at http://tamusystem.tamu.edu/.