2024 Provost's Office Message Archive

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Spring and Summer 2025 Commencement Schedules

The Spring and Summer Commencement schedules have been finalized and can be found on the commencement website. 

If you have any commencement-related questions or concerns or would like additional information about commencement, please contact Ms. Kristin McDaniel, Commencement Coordinator, at commencement@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Senior Vice Provost

SUBJECT:                   Academic Administrative Unit Name Change

The Department of Theatre and Dance will be renamed the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film (unit code THDF), effective November 15, 2024. Please join me in extending best wishes to the school's faculty, staff, and students.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   “Translators on Translation”

The Department of World Languages and Literatures and the Translational Health Center at Texas State University cordially invite all interested faculty and students to our roundtable discussion titled "Translators on Translation" on Wednesday November 20 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Centennial Hall G02.

The three guest speakers include: 

      Susanna Bunzel-Harris – a professional translator who works on Financial, Legal, Medical and Community translation

      Cecilia McMahon – who works on Engineering, Technical, Legal, and Pharmaceutical translation

      Dr. Allison Yakel – who works on Conversational System design, Language Technology Healthcare, and Mental Health and Translation

We think the conversation will be informative for the broad TXST community. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, please contact Cathy Jaffe at cj10@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students

                                    Faculty

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   Fall 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference

The Honors College and the IDEA Center are pleased to present the 2024 Fall Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) on Friday, November 22, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., in THH 305, 308, and 310. 

Honors College Capstone and Bobcat IDEA research projects will be showcased in student panel sessions led by faculty moderators across diverse disciplines. 

All are welcome to attend. 

Questions should be directed to ugresearch@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2266.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

                                    Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Instructional Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Honor Code Policy and Submission Updates

To streamline the university’s honor code submission process, the Honor Code policy (UPPS 07.10.01) and procedures have been updated. Instructors will no longer be required to obtain a signature on the honor code review form from the alleged individual. Instead, a case resolution form will be sent to the student from the Assistant Vice Provost for Experiential and Academic Initiatives (AVPEAI) office after an online report is filed by the faculty member. The new process is outlined in more detail below and can also be found on the Honor Code Council’s Faculty Resources page. 

Honor Code Procedures: Faculty Member Responsibilities 

This is a best practices list of basic steps to assist faculty members who suspect that a student has violated the Honor Code Policy. The faculty member may consult with their department chair or school director to determine an appropriate academic penalty.

In compliance with the Honor Code policy (UPPS 07.10.01), the faculty member will:

1. Contact the student verbally or in writing (i.e., in person, virtually, via phone, or email) to discuss the alleged violation, supporting evidence, and academic penalty to be imposed as defined in Section 02.02 of the Honor Code policy.

2. Clearly communicate your observations and the prescribed penalty to the student and consider their evidence/explanation. If the student fails to respond regarding the violation within three business days, move forward with the Honor Code Review Form. A hold will be placed on the student's academic record until the matter is resolved.  
3. After conferring with the student, if it is still suspected the student violated the Honor Code, advise the student that a report will be filed, and they will be contacted by the AVPEAI office and given the option to accept or not accept the decision. 
4. Complete the Honor Code Review Form, attaching supporting documentation and/or evidence. Texas State NetID and login credentials will be required. 

5. The student will be sent an email and asked to 1) accept the faculty member's determination and waive their right to a hearing, or 2) not accept the determination and request a hearing with the Honor Code Council to review the case. If a student does not respond to the email within three business days, a hold will be placed on their academic record until the matter is resolved. 
6. If the student accepts, the case is closed. If a hearing is requested, a Hearing Officer will be in touch with the next steps.

Reference UPPS 07.10.01 for descriptions and details of violations and other honor code policy information. 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Bordertown Mind Liberator – Screening & Discussion w/ Dr. Arvind Singhal

The College of Fine Arts and Communication invites you to a special event on Wednesday, November 13, 2024: “Bordertown Mind Liberator – Screening & Discussion w/ Dr. Arvind Singhal” at 5:30 p.m. in Centennial Hall G01. This event features the premiere of Bordertown Mind Liberator, a short documentary highlighting Dr. Singhal’s influential work in Entertainment-Education and social change. Known for his global efforts to use storytelling to address pressing social issues, Dr. Singhal will join us in person to lead an interactive discussion after the screening.

Event Highlights:

• Premiere of Bordertown Mind Liberator: Gain an exclusive look at this new short film, which captures Dr. Singhal’s groundbreaking approaches to communication and education.
• Culture Circle Discussion: Following the film, Dr. Singhal will lead a Culture Circle discussion—an open, collaborative format inspired by Paulo Freire. This Culture Circle will invite all participants to engage with the central question, “How should the future of education be?” Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts, making this a unique opportunity for dialogue and co-creation of ideas.

This event is part of the Education is Boring initiative, a collaborative project developed by Texas State University students, faculty, and alumni. This initiative seeks to reimagine education by challenging traditional models and exploring new, inclusive ways to make learning relevant, inspiring, and impactful.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Location: Centennial Hall G01

Please RSVP via Eventbrite to secure your spot and add the event to your calendar. 

We welcome all Texas State students, faculty, and staff to attend.

For questions, please contact Sergio Carvajal in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication via email at sec71@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Fall 2024 Commencement

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 3,000 candidates in 6 commencement ceremonies to be held on Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14, 2024.  The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus.  We are especially pleased to honor Texas State alumni from the Class of 2020, who will have the opportunity to walk at their college’s commencement ceremony this fall.  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 UFCU 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.  

Sights and Sounds of Christmas Festival

The City of San Marcos will host a modified Sights and Sounds of Christmas festival on Saturday, December 14, coinciding with commencement weekend.  The Jingle Bell Run is scheduled for the morning of December 14, followed by Sights and Sounds activities and music from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. that evening.  The university community should be aware of potential traffic and parking disruptions due to these overlapping events.

Faculty and staff should expect traffic and parking delays during these time periods and are encouraged to follow the special instructions listed below.

Special Instructions

Faculty and staff who attend commencement should adhere to the Clear Bag Policy and also see the prohibited and allowable items list for more information. 

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 – Friday, December 13, 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 on Friday and Saturday.  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:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Antoinette Sol as the Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success, effective October 15, 2024.

Dr. Sol holds a bachelor’s degree in French literature from Marymount University, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in French from the University of California, Los Angeles. She brings extensive experience in supporting faculty across all academic roles. She joins us from the University of Texas Arlington, where she served as department chair, chair of the faculty senate, and most recently, vice provost for faculty affairs. A professor of French, her research encompasses both Eighteenth-Century and Contemporary Francophone Literature, with a focus on gender, women’s writing, colonial/postcolonial studies, and cultural studies.

Dr. Sol and her co-author Christopher Conway received the 2023 Ray and Pat Browne Award for Best Edited Collection in Popular and American Culture from the National Popular Culture Association for their book The Comic Book Western: New Perspectives on a Global Genre (University of Nebraska Press, 2022). She recently published an edition of Elizabeth Guénard’s Blanche de Ransi (Harmattan, 2024) with co-author Sarah Davies Cordova.

Understanding the challenges faculty face as teachers and researchers, Dr. Sol has maintained her teaching and publishing activities throughout her administrative career. She has also earned a higher education teaching certification from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), with the ACUE program set to launch on our campus this fall. Dr. Sol is eager to assist faculty in navigating the exciting changes associated with Texas State University’s push for R1 classification.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sol on her appointment as Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Live Oak Studios Open House

Ever wonder what is inside that new(ish) building on Sessom Drive? Ever want to be on a film sound stage? Want to step inside a TV news studio and get behind the scenes in the control room?

On Friday, November 1, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., we are hosting an open house of Live Oak Hall, a building that helps prepare students in our film program and our news media program. As you view the space, we will provide demonstrations of some of the facilities’ capabilities and what students learn in the classes conducted there. Light refreshments will be served.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff 

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming 

Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication 

SUBJECT:                   Free Tickets for Fun Event

As we hit the “dog days” of the fall semester, it may be time for a break. To show our appreciation for all the hard work of faculty and staff, we are offering free tickets to a unique event that will be fun for the whole family. Catapult, a shadow illusion performance company, was seen by millions on America’s Got Talent, and now they are here at Texas State University for one night. Check out their sizzle reel below and download your tickets before they are gone. This is a 90-minute show.

FREE FACULTY/STAFF TICKETS

Texas State University Faculty and Staff and their guests utilize the Faculty/Staff price type.

As seen on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT!

CATAPULT is a Shadow Illusion performance company. They launched into the limelight and into the homes of millions of people around the world as finalists on America’s Got Talent. Since then, they have been busy touring the world with their smash hit show – Magic Shadows. Heidi Klum and Howard Stern were two of their very first fans and now they have added many thousands around the globe. They have done music videos for rappers, played for royal families, helped non-profits such as Girl Scouts and United Way, filmed for HBO and currently tour all over the U.S., Europe and Asia. Catapult’s shows are an amalgamation of dance, theater, acrobatics, illusion and storytelling. Their stunning visuals coupled with whimsy, heart and athleticism create a spellbinding show perfect for all ages.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

EVANS AUDITORIUM – 627 N. LBJ St., San Marcos 78666

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­TXST faculty and staff AND all your guests: $FREE

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   University Operations for October 29 and November 14

I’m excited to share two upcoming events at UFCU Stadium that you won’t want to miss!

Tuesday, October 29 – Texas State vs. Louisiana

Mark your calendars for October 29 at 6:30 p.m., when our Bobcats face off against Louisiana in a nationally televised game on ESPN2. Our team is undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play, and we need YOU to help keep that momentum going! Let’s pack the stands and show the nation what Bobcat spirit is all about! 

Thursday, November 14 – 125^th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration and Concert

Homecoming Week will feature a community celebration like no other! Join us at UFCU Stadium on November 14 at 7:00 p.m. for CELEBRATE 125. The festivities include a Bobcat spirit rally, fireworks and an epic drone show, live music from Grupo Fantasma and a headlining act that will be announced soon. This is the perfect way to celebrate Texas State’s 125^th anniversary—come be a part of history!

Please note, for both events, we expect large crowds and increased traffic in San Marcos, especially around the stadium. In addition, parking will be restricted around UFCU stadium. As a result, faculty members have the discretion to move in-person classes scheduled after 3:30 p.m. on October 29 and November 14 to an online format. Faculty should inform students of any changes and ensure they know how to access their classes.

I look forward to seeing you at these unforgettable events!

Go Bobcats!

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Teresa Quinn

                                    Director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

                                    McCoy College of Business

SUBJECT:                   Ignite 2.0 Entrepreneur Workshop, November 8-10, 2024

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has revamped its Ignite entrepreneurship workshop into the new Ignite 2.0, scheduled for November 8-10, 2024. The event promises a blend of in-person workshops, demos, and keynotes held conveniently at McCoy Hall and Alkek Library.

Ignite 2.0 is designed as a comprehensive, three-day event focused on entrepreneurial learning, action, and growth. It is an open invitation to anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations or anyone in the middle of their own ongoing innovative ventures. The guiding principle is to “meet them where they are.”

The event will take place during the evening of Friday, November 8, the afternoon of November 9 (featuring a lunch session with keynote speaker), and the afternoon of November 10 (lunch included).

Event Highlights:

• Keynote address by Max Feber, the Shark Tank contestant who secured a deal with billionaire Mark Cuban.
• Access to Makerspace, including demonstrations as well as certification opportunities.
• Networking with alumni entrepreneurs, local business owners, and community members.

The event is open to all Texas State University students, faculty, and staff. 

Registration is now open.

For any questions, please contact Teresa Quinn, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at quinnt@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                   Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Coffee with the EVPs

The Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs), Provost Dr. Pranesh Aswath and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Eric Algoe, would like to extend an invitation to attend “Coffee with the EVPs.”

This event invites faculty and staff to share questions, comments, and concerns with the EVPs in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Join the conversation and learn more about what’s happening on the San Marcos and Round Rock Campuses. 

“Coffee with the EVPs” will take place on the San Marcos Campus on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in the Faculty and Staff Lounge in Jones Dining Center. A similar event will take place on the Round Rock Campus at a later date. 

You are encouraged to register and submit your questions before the event by utilizing the “Coffee with the EVPs” RSVP Form. You are welcome to submit questions from other departments or students as well, to better inform discussions and satisfy your curiosity.  

Space will be limited, so please RSVP online, and don’t forget to add “What’s on your mind.”

Kind Regards, 

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
provost@txstate.edu 
512.245.2205

The Office of the Executive Vice President for Operations and Chief Financial Officer
fss@txstate.edu
512.245.2244

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Star Stories Tickets

Tickets for this year’s Star Stories are on sale now! The University Star and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication invite you to a transformative night of storytelling that amplifies the voices of our community. The event will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on October 23 at the Performing Arts Center. We are less than two weeks away from the event, and tickets can be purchased here.

Discover powerful narratives exploring our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities, with speakers who represent the TXST and San Marcos communities. The goal is to amplify amazing stories from the community, by the community. 

Don’t miss out on this annual event!

 If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact (512) 245-3451 or ods@txstate.edu  at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   2024 Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

The Graduate College is excited to host the 2024 Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition and invites the entire Texas State University community to join.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a university-wide research communication competition in which graduate students present their thesis or dissertation research and its significance in under three minutes.  This competition challenges graduate students to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience and invites viewers to learn about innovative research by members of the graduate student community.  The competition will consist of a virtual Preliminary Round and an in-person University Final. 

You are invited to view the virtual 3MT® Preliminary Round presentations and vote for your favorite competitors during the People’s Choice Voting from Thursday, October 17, 2024 through Tuesday, October 22, 2024 on the 3MT® webpage.  Nine finalists selected by judges and three finalists selected by the People’s Choice Voting will advance to the University Final.

 On Friday, November 8, from 10:00 – noon, the University Final will be held in the LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom.  All Texas State faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are invited to attend.  During the University Final, audience members will have the opportunity to vote in person for their favorite presentation to help a competitor win the final People’s Choice Winner award. 

 Snacks and refreshments will be provided. There will also be door prizes and raffle prizes.

 For questions, please contact Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean in The Graduate College, via email at pg07@txstate.edu  or at (512) 245-2581.

 If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact (512) 245-3451 or ods@txstate.edu  at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   Bitcoin, China, and Authoritarianism

Over the course of the next three years, Dr. Louie Dean Valencia (NEH Distinguished Professor in the Humanities) will invite notable speakers who bridge disciplinary boundaries in their work while creating impact in the world, looking at the issues such as digital currencies, AI, the environment, and democracy. The first event will be held in October.

“Bitcoin, China, and Authoritarianism” w/ Grant McCarty

October 24, 11:00 a.m. at The Wittliff Collections on the 7^th floor of the Alkek Library

How do Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies work? How are digital currencies being used globally by activists? How does it affect the environment? Who is using it speculatively?

Join us for the Ideas + Tools to Create Impact inaugural NEH event to learn the answers to these questions and more.

This first event brings Grant McCarty (co-founder and co-director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute). McCarty runs a non-partisan think tank researching the intersection of cryptocurrency, U.S. public policy interests, technology, financial inclusion, energy, and the future of money. McCarty comes from the world of education, working to address inequities and inequality in higher education by helping students from rural areas and underprivileged backgrounds both get into college and figure out how to pay for it. He regularly advises U.S. Senators and Representatives on both sides of the aisle.

McCarty studied a BA in History at the University of Alabama before getting his MBA at Johns Hopkins University. McCarty will be joined in conversation with Dr. Yifan Liu (Finance) and Dr. Louie Dean Valencia (Digital History/European History).

Coming soon: Night of Ideas

In April, in collaboration with the Texas Center for Public History, Center for Texas Music History, French Embassy, KTSW, University Libraries, Faculty Development, The Wittliff Collections, and anyone else interested in contributing, Ideas + Tools to Create Impact will be hosting a “Night of Ideas” in the Taylor-Murphy Courtyard. Held yearly over the next three years, the Night of Ideas will include invited guests, 7–10-minute dialogues, music, dancing, a mini film festival, community organizers, and tech workshops. We are still looking for collaborators/co-sponsors! If interested, please contact LValencia@txstate.edu. We would love to have co-sponsorship/participation from every college and department on campus.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

                                    Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Instructional Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    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 

Approval is required 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 AA/PPS 02.03.30, Faculty-Authored Teaching and Instructional Material describes the procedure for faculty to obtain approval for the use of materials authored or prepared by Texas State University faculty, even if the materials are used in classes taught by other instructors.  Instructors may only require materials that meet instructional goals and student learning outcomes of the course.  The faculty member must submit a request form to the department chair/school director, dean, and provost.  The deadlines to submit a request to use faculty-authored teaching materials are: July 1 (fall semester), November 1 (spring semester), and April 1 (summer sessions).  The request form is available on the Faculty and Academic Resources website. 

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 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. Disability Services (DS) will provide both the student and the instructor with an accommodation letter which identifies the accommodations the student has requested for the course. DS staff are available to assist instructors who may experience difficulties in providing requested accommodations or believe the accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration or undue burden. Instructors should consult with DS by calling (512) 245-3451 or emailing ods@txstate.edu as soon as possible to discuss their concerns and explore whether alternative accommodations are appropriate.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities 

Texas State University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. If a student experiences barriers to education due to a disability or think they may have a disability, please encourage the student to contact Disability Services (DS) at (512) 245-3451, by email at ods@txstate.edu, or visit www.ods.txst.edu.  

Disabilities may include, but are not limited to: attentional, learning, mental health, sensory, physical, communication, or chronic medical conditions. Please let all students know that they are encouraged to discuss their disability related needs with the DS staff and their instructors as soon as possible.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   TEDxTexasStateUniversity Call for Speakers and Artists

The Department of Communication Studies’ TEDxTexasStateUniversity team is seeking speakers to share innovative ideas at this year’s TEDx event on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The application portal is open, and we need your help finding speakers who will inspire our community and embody our theme, legacy. 

2025 Theme Description and Call for Speakers: 

“Here the seeds were planted from which grew my firm conviction that for the individual, education is the path to achievement and fulfillment; and for the nation, it is the path to a society that is not only free but civilized; and for the world, it is the path to peace — for it is education that places reason over force.” -Lyndon B. Johnson  

On November 8, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson, alumnus of Texas State University (then Southwest Texas State College), said the above quote as he signed into law the Higher Education Act of 1965 on our campus in San Marcos, Texas. One of the primary aims of the legislation was "to strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities.” With this in mind, our 2025 TEDx theme will celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the signing of this bill and its lasting legacy. We seek speakers who will explore the legislation’s impact on higher education, the limitless possibilities within education, and the promising future of education. We are recruiting speakers who represent a variety of fields and perspectives including technology, health, the arts, media, social sciences, the humanities, and the natural sciences. We invite you to join us for a day of conversation as we honor and celebrate legacy.  

If you or someone you know has an idea worth sharing that fits the legacy theme, please apply here!

The application is open to anyone of any age and the deadline to apply is Sunday, October 13 at 11:59 p.m. The application also requires a two-minute video of the applicant talking about their idea. You do not have to have a fully written or developed presentation to apply, just an idea worth sharing. If selected, speakers will work with our speaking coaches starting in late October/early November. Community members who are not affiliated with the university are also encouraged to apply. Though this event will be live, the speakers will be featured in a professionally edited video that will be uploaded to and disseminated globally by TED Headquarters. 

We are also looking for fine arts performances and exhibits for the event. If you have an idea for a performance or exhibit, please contact us at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu 

If you have questions about the application process or event, please contact us at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu.    

Together, we can build an amazing event. 

 TEDxTexasStateUniversity Organizing Team 

Dr. Alan Grant, Department of Communication Studies 

Dr. Kristen Farris, Department of Communication Studies 

Mr. Mark Paz, Department of Communication Studies 

Ms. Hannah Collazo, Department of Communication Studies

Dr. Prisca Ngondo, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

TO:                             University Distinguished Professor Nominees

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Nominations for University Distinguished Professor

We are accepting nominations for outstanding faculty members to receive the title of University Distinguished Professor. Because you have been a full professor at Texas State University for at least five consecutive years you are eligible for nomination for this award.

Please carefully review the attached document that explains the process used to select recipients for this prestigious award. Initially, you will only need to provide a completed nomination form and a summary of no more than five pages outlining your achievements in teaching, research, and service. Based on the preview committee’s assessment of your submission, you may be called upon to provide a detailed portfolio that will be reviewed by the University Distinguished Professor award committee for possible recommendation to President Damphousse for selection as a recipient of the award. As in the past, Texas State’s nominations for the Regents’ Professor Award will come from the selected University Distinguished Professor award recipients.

The due date for the summary and nomination form is November 25, 2024. No late submissions will be accepted. The summary and nomination form should be sent by completing the University Distinguished Professor Form on Dynamic Forms. Instructions on how to complete the form have been attached to this email. You will be notified no later than January 6, 2025, whether you will be requested to provide a portfolio to the University Distinguished Professor review committee.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Fall 2024 Commencement Schedule

The Fall 2024 Commencement schedule has been finalized and can be found on the commencement website. The spring and summer 2025 commencement schedules are under review and will be finalized later this semester.

If you have any commencement-related questions or concerns or would like additional information about commencement, please contact Ms. Kristin McDaniel, Commencement Coordinator, at commencement@txstate.edu.For a full list of events or to download tickets please visit the Texas State Presents website.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Fall Performing Arts Events

Here is a sampling of fall performing arts events, performed both by Texas State University students and guest artists; start times, specific venues, and ticket prices as well as more events and other venues are available via txstatepresents.com.

Fall 2024 events in the Performing Arts Center

Fall 2024 events in Evans Auditorium

For a full list of events or to download tickets please visit the Texas State Presents website.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    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.

            * All Texas State University employees are required to complete the above mandatory trainings to remain merit eligible.

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 9/1/24 – 8/31/25. 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 or associate vice provost, dean, or vice provost, 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:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Seeking Speakers for this Year’s Star Stories

Do you have a true story to share that illustrates our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities? The University Star is looking for eight storytellers from Texas State University or San Marcos to tell their first-person stories on stage during “Star Stories”. 

This annual event features personal narratives from members of our community with the goal of opening dialogue among diverse groups, to amplify the voices and stories of community members. Anyone who is a part of Texas State or San Marcos is invited to apply to be a speaker. Fifteen applicants will be selected for in-person interviews. From this list, eight final speakers will be selected.  

All storytellers must be able to stand on stage and present their story in front of a crowd of up to 300 people. Speakers may use notecards but must be able to tell their story without reading from a script. Each storyteller will have eight minutes to speak. 

The event will take place on October 23 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall on the Texas State San Marcos Campus.  

Please submit your application on the Star Stories web page. Applications are open through October 4. 

We look forward to hearing your stories!  

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Time and Leave Policy – Faculty Sick Leave Reporting Requirements

Faculty members appointed in benefits-eligible positions (50% or more appointment) earn sick leave and must report sick leave taken even if no classes were missed. Reporting is required by the State of Texas (Texas Government Code 661.203). 

Faculty must report sick leave for the actual time missed from carrying out their normal responsibilities, including teaching, research and scholarly/creative activities, and service. Sick leave taken must be recorded in hours, including partial day absences. Sick leave is recorded for any time taken to focus on the health needs of the faculty member or immediate family members during the workweek, not just teaching days.

The specific guidelines and procedures for faculty to use in reporting sick leave are prescribed in UPPS 04.04.30, University Leave Policy. In particular, please review Section 03, Sick Leave Procedures, Section 03.10, Faculty, Section 15, Record Keeping Policy, and Section 16, Record Keeping Procedures.  

Employees, including faculty, may take sick leave with pay when illness, medical and dental appointments, injury, immunizations, pregnancy, or confinement prevent carrying out their normal, negotiated workload responsibilities, or when the employee needs to care for an immediate family member who is sick or to obtain medical or dental examinations as part of an employee’s or immediate family member’s personal health maintenance program. Employees are allowed to use up to eight (8) hours of sick leave each fiscal year to attend educational activities of their children in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.

Questions regarding the use and recording of faculty sick leave should be directed to the appropriate department chair/school director. Each department/school must have a procedure in place for timely reporting and assigned responsibility for getting time entered into the SAP time management system, either by a faculty member or the departmental time administrator.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Senior Vice Provost

SUBJECT:                   Course Review for the August 2024 Curriculum Cycle

The course calendar for the Course Information Management (CIM) system allows faculty across campus to review the course proposals from all academic units.  The faculty review period for this cycle ends on September 20, 2024. 

 All faculty and Academic Affairs staff are invited to review the proposed course additions, changes, and deletions in the CIM system.  The August 2024 curriculum cycle has 47 additions, 84 changes, and 14 deletions.  Faculty and staff interested in more details about the course proposals can visit the CIM system. 

Per Academic Affairs, PPS 02.01.01, “Faculty who have comments or concerns regarding any course addition, change, or deletion should submit those comments or concerns in writing to their department chair or school director who will be responsible for conferring with the originating department chair or school director.”

If you need more information, please call the Office of Curriculum Services at (512) 245-4134.

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, October 11 through Sunday, October 13.  There is no cost to attend. 

Registration is open now until Wednesday, September 25, 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 and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   University Operations for Thursday Night Football Game

On Thursday, September 12, Texas State University will host the Big 12’s Arizona State University for a nationally televised 6:30 p.m. game at UFCU Stadium. 

Following Saturday’s sold-out crowd for TXST’s 49-10 victory over UTSA, we anticipate a significant increase in traffic and crowds in San Marcos and the area around the outside of the stadium for Thursday’s game. In addition, parking will be restricted around UFCU stadium. For these reasons, faculty members have the discretion to move in-person classes scheduled at 3:30 p.m. or later on September 12 on the San Marcos Campus to an online format. Faculty members are responsible for notifying students about how to access their classes online and for communicating any changes to lab schedules. 

We encourage all Bobcats who can to pack the stands this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to support our 2-0 Bobcats as we face 2-0 Arizona State! The energy was electric at the UTSA game which helped secure the big win. We need that energy again Thursday night. 

Go Bobcats! 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Constitution Day

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance recognizing the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become United States citizens by birth or naturalization. It is normally observed on September 17, the day the United States Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787 in Philadelphia. During any year that September 17 falls on a weekend, colleges and universities may present educational programs on the week preceding or following September 17.

This year, Texas State University is hosting Dr. Benjamin Kleinerman, the R.W. Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University. Dr. Kleinerman’s books include The Discretionary President: The Promise and Peril of Executive Power (University Press of Kansas) and Extra-Legal Power and Legitimacy: Perspectives on Prerogative (University of Kansas Press). His articles have appeared in Perspectives on Politics, The American Political Science Review, and Texas Law Review. His Constitution Day lecture is entitled "The Forgotten Role of Republican Virtue in the American Constitution” and will take place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. in the Alkek Teaching Theater. The lecture is sponsored by Discourse in Democracy and the Department of Political Science and is made possible by a grant from the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History. For more information, you may contact the Department of Political Science via email at politicalscience@txstate.edu.

Student Government will be at the Quad on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., distributing pocket-sized United States Constitutions to students. The main goal of this activity is to make their fellow students understand the importance of the U.S. Constitution and in particular, the right to vote which is one of the greatest privileges in a democracy

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Information to Include in Fall 2024 Course Syllabi

As we quickly approach the fall 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 5 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 fall 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

Information regarding academic integrity and student code of conduct may be found at the links indicated below. 

Code of Student Conduct

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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (SB17)

During the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, Senate Bill 17 was passed and signed into law, effective January 1, 2024. SB 17 addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public higher education institutions. For an explanation of SB17's provisions along with questions and answers, please visit the Texas State University System’s General Counsel Guidance on Implementation of Senate Bill 17.  

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.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Chair, Department of Management

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Steven Rayburn as the Interim Chair of the Department of Management, effective August 1, 2024. 

Dr. Rayburn holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisville. He also holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Rayburn joined Texas State University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Marketing in 2013. He earned tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2019 and promotion to Professor effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Rayburn is currently serving as Director of Service-Learning Excellence in the Division of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor in the Department of Marketing. Before his academic career, Dr. Rayburn held various frontline leadership roles in retail, service management, and sales organizations. 

His research focuses on organizational frontline management that can positively impact people, including customers and employees. Dr. Rayburn has earned several awards recognizing his research, such as Presidential Distinction Award for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities in 2015, Olney Early Career Research Award in 2015-2016, and most recently a College Achievement Award for Research in 2022. In addition to the awards and in conjunction with the Universidad de Piura - Lima during 2017-2018, Dr. Rayburn worked as a Fulbright Specialist on several collaborative research projects. He has over 30 peer-reviewed publications and has delivered more than 70 conference presentations and workshops, primarily focusing on frontline processes and design. 

Dr. Rayburn received a Presidential Distinction Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2020, recognition as an Alpha Chi National College Honor Society Favorite Professor in 2017 and 2021, and a College Achievement Award for Excellence in Service in 2021. He actively engages in professional service and continues to engage in research through manuscript reviews and global research development workshops. Since 2017, he has also served as a Service-Learning Excellence Fellow at Texas State. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rayburn on his appointment as Interim Chair of the Department of Management. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Future of the College of Applied Arts

In an email to the entire Academic Affairs leadership team on August 1, 2023, President Damphousse announced that he asked Provost Gene Bourgeois to establish a task force to review the College of Applied Arts (CoAA) with respect to two important questions:

1. Is the college currently organized in such a way that its degree programs can optimally meet university goals for growth and student success?
2. Are there better alignments – culturally, academically, and in terms of research – that would serve our faculty and students in better ways, providing career and growth opportunities for faculty and students? 

Then, on August 18, 2023, Provost Bourgeois constituted a task force that included the Interim Chair of Applied Arts as its chair, members from Institutional Effectiveness, six academic unit representatives, one member from Faculty Senate, one member from Staff Council, and six additional members who were each appointed by a TXST college dean. 

The task force was asked to address the following guiding questions: 

1. Is the CoAA organized in a way that its degree programs/academic units can optimally meet university goals?   
2. What colleges, if any, would provide each of the CoAA degree programs/academic units the best opportunity for growth and to most effectively meet university goals?  
3. Are there better alignments – culturally, academically, and research – that would serve our faculty and students in better ways and provide career and growth opportunities? In other words, are there other colleges more fitting for the degree programs/academic units in the CoAA?  
4. Are there brand and reputation building opportunities to gain – innovation, cutting edge – by moving degree programs/academic units to other colleges?

On November 23, 2023, the task force provided its recommendations which included the following:

1. CoAA remains intact as a single college with the exception of the Department of Agricultural Sciences moving to the College of Science and Engineering (COSE).
2. The name of the College should be reconsidered to better reflect the type of programs that reside in the college. Several options were provided for consideration.

On April 5, 2024, Dr. Aswath held a town hall to answer questions related to the future of CoAA for the entire faculty and staff members with over 100 attending. An informal vote was held at the event’s end. The recommendation receiving overwhelming support was to retain the CoAA as it currently exists with the singular exception of moving the Department of Agricultural Science to COSE. A second recommendation was for a task force to be constituted to examine the name of CoAA. 

On May 5, 2024, the COSE Council of Chairs held a vote and approved the motion to admit the Department of Agricultural Sciences into COSE in Fall 2024. 

Based on the recommendation of the task force, discussion, and votes taken in the Town Hall and by the Council of COSE Chairs, TXST will take the following actions:

1. CoAA remains an undivided college with the exception of the Department of Agricultural Sciences moving to COSE effective September 1, 2024.
2. A task force will be appointed with selected faculty and staff within CoAA to make recommendations for a new name to better reflect the disciplines that reside in the college.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Summer 2024 Commencement

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 1,300 candidates in three commencement ceremonies to be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024.  The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus.  I am especially pleased that we will honor Dr. A. Nelson Avery and Mr. John S. Avery, Sr. each with the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the 10:00 a.m. ceremony.  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 

Faculty and staff who attend commencement should adhere to the Clear Bag Policy and also see the prohibited and allowable items list for more information. 

It is highly recommended that vehicles avoid the Sessom Street, Aquarena Springs Drive/Loop 82, and University Drive roadways between the ceremonies on Saturday.  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:                             Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

FROM:                       Ms. Sandy Pantlik

                                    Vice President for Marketing and Communications

SUBJECT:                   Seeking Graduation Student Stories

The Division of Marketing and Communications is working to collect stories from graduating students who are planning to participate in the upcoming August commencement ceremonies. Some stories may be mentioned by President Damphousse during his commencement addresses and others could be used on social media and other TXST communication platforms to highlight the resiliency and achievements of our Bobcats.

We are looking specifically for reflections and stories around challenges students overcame to graduate, or important lessons they learned.

I’m reaching out to see if you could please share this request with any student you think might have an inspiring story. We have created a form, so you can share this link with them to enter their information. It doesn’t need to be long or detailed, just something that captures their experience. Unfortunately, we are on a short deadline and would like to receive any completed forms by July 22.

As you may know, the main theme of his speech is to be a “can-do” person – a term that LBJ used often. An example of a story that President Damphousse shared in a December commencement ceremony is highlighted below.

For example, I start every morning re-reading a post by Victoria Vazquez, who walked across this stage just one year ago. 

She wrote, “The past five days have been filled with the happiest and saddest moments of my life. There were lessons learned the easy way and the hard way. I am most proud of the days where the most important thing I accomplished was ‘showing up.’ That’s the hardest thing to do when you are weak and doubtful. That’s why when I greeted KDamp, I announced, with all the joy and pride in my heart: ‘I dropped out, but I came back.’”

Reading that post is a daily reminder of why our faculty and staff do what we do.  

It’s also a great reminder that while so many of you make it LOOK like college is easy, it’s really pretty hard. Like Victoria, you are all can-do students!  

If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Pantlik 5-2922, or email slp209@txstate.edu. 

Thanks so much for your help.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   University Humanities Research Excellence Award

It is my distinct honor and pleasure to announce the 2024 recipient of Texas State University’s University Humanities Research Excellence Award. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Robert T. Tally Jr., Professor in the Department of English. The University Humanities Research Excellence Award is designed to recognize and reward superior accomplishments, to provide models of excellence for fellow faculty, and to encourage all faculty to continue to perform, improve, and advance their research, scholarship, and creative activity, and service. The award acknowledges humanities research and scholarly activities as defined by the National Endowment for the Humanities, theNational Humanities Alliance, and the National Humanities Center. 

Dr. Tally has an international reputation in U.S. and world literary studies, criticism, and theory, and he is widely considered a leading scholar in the field of spatial literary studies. As a critic, he has published individual studies of Herman Melville, Edgar Allan Poe, Kurt Vonnegut, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the literary theorist Fredric Jameson. Dr. Tally has published over 140 book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles, 12 scholarly monographs, ten edited or co-edited book collections, and eight special issues of journals. For his remarkable and unwavering commitment to humanities scholarship at the highest level, we recognize Dr. Robert T. Tally Jr. as the recipient of the 2024 University Humanities Research Excellence Award.

Please join me in celebrating Dr. Tally and his significant contributions!

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Josh Daspit

                                    Chair, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Search Committee

SUBJECT:                   Public Presentation – Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Ms. Teresa Quinn

The third finalist for the Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be on campus on July 16.  You are invited to attend her public presentation.

Her curriculum vitae is attached.

Public Presentation:

Ms. Teresa Quinn

Tuesday, July 16

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Alkek 441/442

https://txstate.zoom.us/j/86392055758

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Soumitra Basu as the Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, effective July 15, 2024.

Dr. Basu earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a master’s degree in Nuclear Chemistry from Burdwan University (India) as well as a Ph.D. in Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University. Following his doctoral studies, he served as a post-doctoral associate at Yale University and a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Kent State University in 2005, was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2011, and was promoted to Professor in 2016. From 2017 to 2019, Dr. Basu was Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and from 2013 to 2017, he served as a Dean’s Fellow in the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State University. 

Dr. Basu has served in various leadership capacities in his field, including Associate Editor of Frontiers in Chemistry and a member of editorial board for Frontiers in RNA Research. Dr. Basu’s research is focused on understanding the structure-function relationship of nucleic acids, the role of such structures in regulation of fundamental cellular processes, and applications for therapeutic purposes. His published body of work includes 48 peer-reviewed journal articles, two book chapters, three patents, and numerous conference presentations. He has directed nearly 20 doctoral dissertations, master’s theses, and undergraduate honors theses. Dr. Basu is the recipient of multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Ohio Board of Regents. Dr. Basu's research has been featured in Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), Science, ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, and other outlets. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Basu on his appointment as Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

TO:                              Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

SUBJECT:                   Director, St. David’s School of Nursing

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Theresa Garcia as Director of the St. David’s School of Nursing, effective August 1, 2024. 

Dr. Garcia earned the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. She joined Texas State University in 2021 as an Associate Professor. Prior to joining Texas State, she was a tenured Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She has been a registered nurse in Texas for over 35 years, including experience in clinical practice, legal nurse consulting, research, and teaching. She has served as the Interim Director of the St. David’s School of Nursing at Texas State since November 1, 2023. 

Dr. Garcia’s research examines intergenerational prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and obesity with a special emphasis on Latino families. She also studies and promotes productive collaborations among nurse faculty and clinicians, with an emphasis on PhD/DNP collaborations to advance the science and practice of nursing. Dr. Garcia has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her work, often showcasing students, at professional conferences across the nation. Her work has been funded internally and externally, most recently teaming with Texas State nursing faculty on a Nursing Innovation grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Dr. Garcia has taught across the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral curricula in nursing, using multiple teaching modalities. She has chaired and advised 22 doctoral scholarly projects and over 30 master’s thesis projects in nursing and health-related sciences. She is actively involved in local, state, federal, and international nursing organizations. Since arriving at Texas State, she has served on several school, college, and university committees and recently led the nursing faculty in the successful reaccreditation of four master’s programs.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Garcia on her appointment as Director of the St. David’s School of Nursing.

TO:                              Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Denise M. Trauth Endowed Presidential Research Professorship

It is my pleasure to announce Dr. Oleg V. Komogortsev has been selected as the second recipient of the Denise M. Trauth Endowed Presidential Research Professorship. The professorship provides 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) allow the holder of the award to carry out a specific project.  

Dr. Komogortsev is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science. He earned a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Volgograd State University and a M.S./Ph.D. in Computer Science from Kent State University. He joined Texas State University as an Assistant Professor in 2007, was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2013, and promoted to Professor in 2016. In 2017, he received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. At Texas State, Dr. Komogortsev received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities and the Presidential Seminar Award in 2019.

With more than 20 years of research on eye tracking and its applications, Dr. Komogortsev has engaged in efforts focused on sensor design and evaluation, eye movement classification and prediction, oculomotor plant mathematical modeling, privacy preservation, and other implications of eye tracking signals. His research endeavors have been supported by Google, Meta, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and others. During the fellowship period, Dr. Komogortsev will focus on research to build strong foundations for providing secure identity management in eXtended Reality (XR) systems. The development of trustworthy solutions for performing biometric recognition is critical for the creation of a wearable devices to adequately serve future applications in social networking, health monitoring, economic transactions, and other areas.

Dr. Komogortsev was selected through a competitive process that drew applications from 26 faculty members representing 17 departments and schools across the university. Dr. Shreek Mandayam, Vice President for Research, chaired the selection committee. Representing their respective colleges, members of the committee included Dr. Erica E. Nason (College of Applied Arts), Dr. Jeremy J. Sierra (McCoy College of Business), Dr. Melissa A. Martinez (College of Education), Dr. Melinda M. Villagran (College of Fine Arts and Communication), Dr. Arzu Ari (College of Health Professions), Dr. Rachel Romero (College of Liberal Arts), and Dr. Kate Melhuish (College of Science and Engineering). I thank each of them for their important service on the selection committee. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Komogortsev.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Communication Disorders

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Farzan Irani as the Chair of the Department of Communication Disorders, effective August 1, 2024.

Dr. Irani earned a bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology from the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Bowling Green State University. He joined Texas State University in 2010, was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2016, and was promoted to Professor in 2021. He has served in various leadership capacities, including Faculty Senator representing the College of Health Professions since 2022, Associate Editor of the Journal of Communication Disorders since 2022, Associate Editor of the Journal of Fluency Disorders since 2016, and Coordinator of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Special Interest Group 4 (2019-2023). Dr. Irani has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses, including neuroanatomy, motor speech disorders, stuttering, and research methods. Currently, he is the Project Director for the Health Resources and Services Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students grant ($1.58 million). He received the College of Health Professions Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching twice (2023 and 2016) and the Presidential Distinction Award for Teaching in 2018.

Dr. Irani’s research is focused on understanding the lived experience of childhood-onset stuttering, with a particular emphasis on developing and evaluating effective therapy for adolescents, adults who stutter, and multilingual children. His research has received funding from internal and external grants, including the National Institutes of Health and the ASHA Foundation. His findings have been disseminated through over 60 peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and posters at regional, national, and international platforms. His work has also been featured on the Texas State news and podcast and the Texas Standard and NPR radio channels.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Irani on his appointment as Chair of the Department of Communication Disorders.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Southwestern Studies for 2024-2027

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sarah Blue, Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, as the Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Southwestern Studies for 2024 through 2027.

Dr. Sarah Blue has maintained an ongoing interest in the political geography of migration, gender, and development studies, even as the place, location and focus of the projects have changed. Dr. Blue graduated from the University of Denver with undergraduate majors in geography and philosophy. She completed her master’s degree at the University of Minnesota, focusing the mobilization of Guatemalan refugee women. Her dissertation from the University of California, Los Angeles emphasized the shaping of socio-economic inequality in Cuba.  

Dr. Blue’s later work in Cuba focused on Cuban medical internationalism and Cuban agroecology. Dr. Blue has also completed work on Latino migration to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the effects of U.S. policies on unaccompanied Central American migrant youth, and the process of inclusion and exclusion in migration and asylum-seeking practices in the United States. Her scholarly trajectory demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary scholarship and the broad place of the Southwest in the larger context of the Americas. 

During her three-year appointment, Dr. Blue will focus on strengthening the scholarly, educational, and academic infrastructure for understanding migration and immigration in the Southwest. Building off several externally funded grants, Dr. Blue’s project will help develop student research initiatives, translate research into manuscripts, research presentations, symposia and policy briefs, and increase connections with universities, organizations and scholars working on related projects.  

Funded by the Houston Endowment, the Jones Professorship in Southwestern Studies supports projects of the Center for the Study of the Southwest. The mission of the center is to foster broad humanistic inquiry into the physical and cultural geography of the different peoples of the Southwest.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sarah Blue.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   University Writing Center: Summer 2024

With summer classes now underway, we want to inform you that the University Writing Center will be closed for individual consultations until September 2024.  

The University Writing Center will continue offering Write Time during summer 2024. Write Time is a writing group designed to provide a structured, supportive environment that encourages students to focus on their writing tasks, set achievable goals, and make substantive progress toward their academic and professional objectives.  

Summer 2024 Write Time Schedule:  

• Monday and Thursday 2:00–4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00–12:00 p.m. 
• Location: ASBN 100 or virtual participation via Zoom (Meeting ID: 960 6230 5964) 
• Drop in anytime, no RSVP needed 

Faculty are also invited to begin requesting tours and in-class workshops for the fall 2024 semester. We look forward to working with TXST writers when individual consultations resume in September.

For any questions, information, or more Write Time details, please visit the Center’s website or email writingctr@txstate.edu. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Promotion and Tenure

I am pleased to announce the following promotions and elections to tenure.  Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of these individuals. 

PROMOTIONS 

From Associate Professor to Professor  

Ms. Cassandra A. Abate, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Jennifer N. Ahrens, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Edna C. Alfaro, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Shetay N. Ashford-Hanserd, Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies

Dr. Amy D. Benton, Social Work

Dr. Patricia J. Burke, Communication Studies

Dr. Stephen P. Ciullo, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Eleanor W. Close, Physics

Dr. Jennifer A. Czocher, Mathematics

Dr. Michael B. Devlin, Journalism and Mass Communication

Ms. Cheri P. DeVol, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Robert W. Fischer, Philosophy

Dr. Geneva M. Gano, English

Dr. Kyle R. Glaser, Music

Dr. Michelle D. Hamilton, Anthropology

Dr. Elizabeth K. Hartwig, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Vanessa D. Higgins Joyce, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. Injeong Jo, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Katherine M. Kapurch, English

Dr. Michelle Londa, Ingram School of Engineering

Dr. Omar S. Lopez, Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies

Dr. Kenneth D. Mix, Agricultural Sciences

Dr. Colleen C. Myles, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Samuel Obara, Mathematics

Dr. Eduardo Perez, Ingram School of Engineering

Dr. Apan M. Qasem, Computer Science

Dr. Steven Rayburn II, Marketing

Dr. Christopher P. Rhodes, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Joaquin Rivaya-Martinez, History

Dr. In-Hyouk Song, Engineering Technology

Dr. Raymond F. Treinen, Mathematics

Dr. Yong Yang, Mathematics

From Assistant Professor to Associate Professor

Dr. Ryan G. Anderson, Agricultural Sciences

Dr. William N. Boney, Mathematics

Ms. Daveda K. Brecheen, Music

Dr. Mijin Choi, Social Work

Dr. Stephen A. Deringer, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Kristen N. L. Farris, Communication Studies

Dr. Jacob D. Fillman, Mathematics

Dr. Aditya Gupta, Marketing

Dr. Binod Guragai, Accounting

Dr. Christopher P. Guzelian, Finance and Economics

Dr. Wade M. Hindes, Mathematics

Dr. Monica J. Hughes, St. David’s School of Nursing

Dr. Cassandra M. Johnson, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Seyedmeysam Khaleghian, Engineering Technology

Dr. Krishna P. Kisi, Engineering Technology

Dr. Kimberly A. Lee, Health Administration

Dr. Simon Lee, English

Dr. Yanan Li, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Jason D. Mellard, History

Dr. Masoud Moradi, Marketing

Dr. Richard H. Morley, Social Work

Dr. Alice R. Olmstead, Physics

Dr. Pratheesh Omana Sudhakaran, Agricultural Sciences

Dr. Thomas W. Ptak, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Floyd F. Quinn, Management

Dr. Blagoy Rangelov, Physics

Dr. James B. Reeves, English

Dr. Marc D. Reynolds, Music

Mr. Nathan A. Rodrigues, Respiratory Care

Mr. Gerardo J. Ruiz, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Christopher Serenari, Biology

Dr. Juanita M. Silva, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Heather L. Smith, Anthropology

Dr. Holly A. Syrdal, Marketing

Dr. Jelena Tesic, Computer Science

Dr. Luis Trueba, Engineering Technology

Dr. Damian Valles Molina, Ingram School of Engineering

Dr. Nicole C. Wagner, Agricultural Sciences

Dr. Julie M. Weng, English

Dr. Xiaoyu Xue, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Kecheng Yang, Computer Science

TENURE 

Dr. Ryan G. Anderson, Agricultural Sciences

Dr. Jose A. Betancourt, Health Administration

Dr. William N. Boney, Mathematics

Ms. Daveda K. Brecheen, Music

Dr. Mijin Choi, Social Work

Dr. Stephen A. Deringer, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Kristen N. L. Farris, Communication Studies

Dr. Jacob D. Fillman, Mathematics

Dr. Aditya Gupta, Marketing

Dr. Binod Guragai, Accounting

Dr. Christopher P. Guzelian, Finance and Economics

Dr. Wade M. Hindes, Mathematics

Dr. Cassandra M. Johnson, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Seyedmeysam Khaleghian, Engineering Technology

Dr. Krishna P. Kisi, Engineering Technology

Dr. Simon Lee, English

Dr. Yanan Li, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Masoud Moradi, Marketing

Dr. Richard H. Morley, Social Work

Dr. Alice R. Olmstead, Physics

Dr. Pratheesh Omana Sudhakaran, Agricultural Sciences

Dr. Thomas W. Ptak, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Blagoy Rangelov, Physics

Dr. James B. Reeves, English

Dr. Marc D. Reynolds, Music

Mr. Nathan A. Rodrigues, Respiratory Care

Mr. Gerardo J. Ruiz, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Christopher Serenari, Biology

Dr. Juanita M. Silva, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Heather L. Smith, Anthropology

Dr. Holly A. Syrdal, Marketing

Dr. Jelena Tesic, Computer Science

Dr. Luis Trueba, Engineering Technology

Dr. Damian Valles Molina, Ingram School of Engineering

Dr. Nicole C. Wagner, Agricultural Sciences

Dr. Julie M. Weng, English

Dr. Mark A. Wistey, Physics

Dr. Xiaoyu Xue, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Kecheng Yang, Computer Science

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                   Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                 Dr. Sharon Gronberg’s Retirement Reception

Please join us as we honor Dr. Sharon Gronberg for her 52 years of service and dedication to the Department of Mathematics and Texas State University!

 Dr. Gronberg earned her BA in Mathematics and German from Augsburg College, her MS in Mathematics Education from Midwestern State University, and her PhD in Mathematics Education from The University of Texas. She began teaching in the Department of Mathematics in Fall of 1972 at what was then Southwest Texas State University and earned the SWT Faculty Teaching Excellence award in 1999. She has taught a range of courses from undergraduate to graduate and developed the course curriculum for the M. Ed degree in Middle School Mathematics Teaching.  Dr. Gronberg was part of numerous externally funded projects including those funded by National Science Foundation (NSF), Texas Statewide Systemic Initiative (TSSI), and TRP-CSA. She has published chapters in books, scholarly monographs, reviewed for books and journals, as well as presented at professional meetings including at Association of Mathematics Teacher Education Conferences and Society for Technology and Teacher Education.

Dr. Gronberg has been the Undergraduate Academic Advisor since 2000 and has served on multiple departmental committees including the Curriculum and Planning Committee for over 25 years. She has been recognized for her numerous service contributions and received the Mathematics Department Service awards in 2007 and 2013. She also received the Academic Advising Award from the Texas Academic Advising Network in 2010. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   NEH Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Humanities for 2024-2027

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Louie Dean Valencia as the NEH Distinguished Professor in the Humanities for 2024-2027, funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Dr. Valencia, Associate Professor of History, centers his research on how young people create social change through technology, artistic production, and everyday life. His books include Far-Right Revisionism and the End of History: Alt/Histories (2020) and Antiauthoritarian Youth Culture in Francoist Spain: Clashing with Fascism (2018). Prior to joining Texas State University’s faculty, Dr. Valencia received his Ph.D. in History from Fordham University and was a Lecturer on History and Literature at Harvard University. He has received fellowships and grants from the United States Library of Congress, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Spanish Ministry of Education, the American Council of Learned Societies, and Santander Bank. He has also curated exhibitions at the Museum of the City of New York. After selling his first music website in high school, he worked on major digital projects for GOOP, Loft, PepsiCo., and Tiffany and Co.

Dr. Valencia teaches graduate and undergraduate classes on digital history, public history, and European history. He is currently serving as faculty-in-residence for the Honors College’s Living-Learning Community and is the recipient of numerous teaching and scholarly awards. He is a member of the editorial boards of Popular Culture Review and Modern History of Politics and Violence. His course, “Harry Styles and the Cult of Celebrity: Identity, the Internet, and European Pop Culture,” has been covered by hundreds of international media outlets. 

During his three-year appointment, Dr. Valencia will implement a project, “Digital Humanities in the World: Ideas and Tools to Create Impact,” which aims to empower faculty and students to engage in ethical humanistic approaches when using digital technology, considering social media, A.I., the climate, and digital currencies. Those interested in participating in the global event, “Night of Ideas,”—bringing together people for a night of dialogues, workshops, music, exhibitions, and film screenings—are encouraged to contact him.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Valencia.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather C. Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   18^th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference Poster Showcase

The Honors College, the IDEA Center and the Division of Research are pleased to announce this year’s Scott Emerson Health Innovation Award recipient at the 18^th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference Poster Showcase:

Faith Swanson, Taylor Himes

Stress Co-Regulation Among Romantically Involved Couples in Virtual Reality

Advisors: Dr. Rhonda Balzarini, Chris Agnew, Department of Psychology

We are also happy to announce our general category poster presentation award winners:

#1

Hannah Castro, Tyler Atkinson, Kylie Hedge,

Efforts for Change: Learning Assistants’ Perceptions of Supports and Barriers to Instructional Change

Advisors: Dr. Alice Olmstead, Dr. Eleanor Close, Department of Physics 

#2

Abdullah Ibn Kamal, Michala Gradner

Comparative Analysis of Speaker Diarization Techniques using Different Clustering Methods on CNN-Based Speaker Segmentation for Enhanced Precision and Recognition

Advisor: Dr. Ivan Ojeda-Ruiz, Department of Mathematics 

#3

Faith Swanson, Taylor Himes

Stress Co-Regulation Among Romantically Involved Couples in Virtual Reality

Advisors: Dr. Rhonda Balzarini, Chris Agnew, Department of Psychology 

Honorable Mention

Kayla Jones

The Advertising Evolution of Beyoncé’s Albums

Advisor: Dr. Nico Schuler, School of Music

Honorable Mention

Trinity Taylor

The Sarah Baartman Effect: The Black Body Under the Westernized Gaze

Advisor: Dr. Casey D. Nichols, Department of History

Honorable Mention

Carolann Veretto

Texasdeutsch

Advisor: Dr. Valentina Glajar, Department of World Languages and Literatures

Please join us in congratulating these students’ outstanding work in research!

TO:                              Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Bill McDowell

Chair, Department of Management, McCoy College of Business

Chair, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Search Committee

SUBJECT:                   Public Presentations – Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Mr. Paul Evans and Dr. E. Kevin Renshler

The two finalists for the Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be on campus this week and next.  You are invited to attend their public presentations.

Public Presentations

Mr. Paul Evans

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Alkek 441/442

https://txstate.zoom.us/j/83061557182?pwd=aWhkTm5VbU43TC96ckh1NC9qUFVBdz09

Dr. E. Kevin Renshler

Tuesday, May 21

1:30 – 2:30 PM

Alkek 441/442

https://txstate.zoom.us/j/82206626001?pwd=UFovNEZYRU93L2FwSmZxNUFJME1IZz09

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.