2025 Provost's Office Message Archive

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Faculty/Staff Appreciation: Free Tickets

While the semester is in full swing, here’s an opportunity for a nice entertainment break. Joining us from Chicago are the Hiplet Ballerinas, a group that combines hip-hop with ballet!  They have performed across the country as well as on America’s Got Talent, at The Paris Fashion Show, and other venues.

We are offering free tickets for TXST faculty and staff.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

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

TXST faculty, staff, AND your guests FREE

When downloading tickets, utilize the Faculty/Staff price type for you and your guests.

More Information

Hiplet (pronounced HIP-LAY) started as "The Rap Ballet" in the 1990s, developed by Ballet Master, Homer Hans Bryant. Soon after its development, the Rap Ballet was featured at several schools in the Chicago area while working with Urban Gateways.  After being asked by the UniverSoul Circus for one of his dancers to perform "rap ballet" type movement for the circus to Eminem’s violent piece, “Lose Yourself”, on the violin, Homer thought, "I can’t call this rap anymore. What are we going to call this"?  His answer...."Ballet & Hip Hop---Hiplet"!!!!  In 2009, Homer obtained the trademark on the word “Hiplet.”

Today the Hiplet Ballerinas are "WOWING" audiences all over the globe with their fiery performances and amazing skill. In the words of Founder and Artistic Director, Homer Bryant, "Hiplet is important. It is Afro-centric. We are pulling from your urban communities, and we put in the Jazz, Latin, and African, but we stick to the classical Ballet discipline. We have been to Germany, Seoul, South Korea, France, Spain, and the Virgin Islands, New York and California a dozen times. It’s just amazing what has happened. With a heart to create space and a platform for all, Homer states, "A lot of normal people have been deterred from dancing because they were a little too big and a little too busty. Hiplet ballerinas look like normal people".

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Service-Learning Showcase

Dear Texas State Community, 

We are delighted to invite you to the upcoming Service-Learning Showcase, a celebration of the remarkable work being done across our university through service-learning. Please join us on April 4, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Minifie Atrium (4^th floor) of the McCoy College of Business as we highlight the innovative teaching, impactful research, and outstanding student projects that exemplify the spirit of service-learning at Texas State University.

This showcase is a unique opportunity to:

• Explore impactful projects led by our students that address real-world challenges.
• Learn about creative teaching approaches from faculty who are driving innovation in service-learning.
• Engage with research that strengthens the connection between academic excellence and community impact.

Whether you are a faculty member, student, staff, or community partner, this event offers inspiration, collaboration, and a chance to celebrate the contributions that make Texas State a leader in engaged learning. 

Light refreshments will be provided, and we encourage you to stop by and support your colleagues and peers.

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the vibrant work of our university community.

TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   Spring 2025 Undergraduate Research Conference

The Honors College and the IDEA Center are pleased to announce the 19^th annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC)—a showcase event for achievements in undergraduate research and creative activity at Texas State University. This year, the conference will be held on Wednesday, April 23 and Friday, April 25, 2025, and will include a poster session on Wednesday in the LBJSC Ballroom and Honors Capstone panel sessions on Friday in Trauth-Huffman Hall.

Undergraduate students from all academic areas are encouraged to submit poster proposals by Monday, March 3, 2025. Poster presentations are eligible to win prizes.

Applications to present your poster at the URC are now available. 

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

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Spring Performing Arts Events

Here is a sampling of spring 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 on the Texas State Presents website. 

Spring 2025 Events in the Performing Arts Center

February 4-9                                    Romeo & Juliet 

February 5                                        Daveda Karanas (mezzo) and Michael Ippolito (piano) 

February 22                                     TEDx Texas State University "Legacy" 

February 27-March 2                    "L'enfant" (2 short operas)

February 24                                     Jazz Orchestra

March 3                                            Jazz Ensemble

March 5                                            Jazz Lab Band

March 18                                          Dance presents CIM TEYA: STREAM in Motion 10.0 

March 20-22                                   Merge Dance Co. presents "CineDanse" 

March 31                                          Double Vision (Jazz) (Supple Music series)

April 12                                             Tenor / Bass Choir & Treble Choir 

April 12                                             TXST University Singers 

April 13                                             TXST Chorale 

April 14-19                                       Guys & Dolls 

April 16                                             Jazz Orchestra 

April 21                                             Jazz Ensemble 

April 22                                             Jazz Lab Band 

May 3                                                Feria de Mariachi 

Spring 2025 Events in Evans Auditorium

February 2                                        TXST Symphony Orchestra

February 7                                        TXST Division of Jazz presents 22^nd Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration

February 8                                        TXST Division of Jazz presents 37^th Butch Miles Jazz Festival

February 21                                     Hiplet Dance Co. (University Arts event)

February 26                                     TXST Concert Band

February 27                                     TXST Symphonic Winds

March 6                                            TXST Wind Symphony

March 19                                          Latin Music Studies presents Noche de Mariachi

March 27-29                                   Student Dance Concert

April 5                                                Choir Ensemble Composers Concert

April 9                                                Latin Music Studies presents Salsa Tribute

April 14                                             TXST Symphony Orchestra presents Orchestra Camerata 

April 23                                             TXST Concert Band

April 24                                             TXST Symphonic Winds

April 25                                             TXST Wind Symphony

April 27                                             TXST Symphony Orchestra

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. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Transfer Center Relocated to Enhance Student Support

Effective February 2025, the Transfer Center has moved from the Division of Academic Affairs to the TXST Global Division. As part of this reorganization, the Transfer Center will be housed within the Office of Strategic Initiatives, a key department of TXST Global focused on expanding the university’s impact through strategic partnerships with community colleges and universities. This move is consistent with the recent relocation of the enrollment management function to the Global division. By incorporating the Transfer Center into the TXST Global Division, Texas State aims to expand support for transfer students and further develop transfer pathways and articulation agreements.

The center was initially created in 2022. Since its inception, the Transfer Center has served prospective and continuing transfer students through transfer pathway development, transfer navigation, transfer-specific programming, and the development of an online tool called the TXST Transfer Planner. 

The Transfer Center will continue to build and enhance transfer articulation agreements and pathways. Further, it will expand its services to include supporting students who plan to transfer into regional co-enrollment programs such as TXST Local at Collin College. For more information about the Transfer Center and its services, please contact the Transfer Center via email at transfercenter@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 Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 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 during the summer of 2025.  

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. Barrett Bryant

                                    Dean, College of Science and Engineering

SUBJECT:                   Registration Now Open & Call for Poster Presentations 2025 TXST STEM Conference

Texas State University is proud to host the third annual TXST STEM Conference on Friday, March 28, 2025, 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 2025 conference theme, "Bridging Minds and Building Futures - Paths to Sustainability," inspired by the principles of UNESCO’s mission. This conference theme underscores the importance of global cooperation in education, culture, science, and communication to drive sustainability. Although not affiliated with UNESCO, the theme reflects similar values—advancing education, preserving cultural heritage, promoting scientific progress, and ensuring access to knowledge. Participants will explore innovative strategies to build a future founded on shared understanding, respect, and environmental responsibility.

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 February 21, 2025.

For comprehensive details regarding the 2025 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:                             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). Please complete the Request for Authorization to Prescribe Materials Form via the Dynamic Forms platform. Please visit our Dynamic Forms web page for more information.

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 TXST (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.

Attendance Roster Certification

AA/PPS No. 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses, Section 06.01 – Faculty will certify attendance rosters. Students must attend or be academically engaged by the census date, to avoid being marked as Not Attending their classes and being administratively dropped.

Reminders:

1. Importance of Attendance: Regular class attendance is essential for learning and performance. Absence policies are usually set by academic departments or individual instructors, but the university recognizes valid excuses such as medical issues, immediate family bereavement, university-sponsored activities, required field trips, military service, and official religious holy days.
2. Roster Certification: Faculty members will be required to certify their census rosters (4th class day for summer semesters and 12th class day for fall and spring semesters). These records will be permanently retained by the Office of the University Registrar. Special care should be taken to certify rosters for courses where faculty and students have not yet had face-to-face interaction by the census date. These may include courses taught via online or hybrid instruction. In these cases, certification of the roster will require documentation of active academic engagement by the student in the course by the census date.
3. Attendance Announcements: Instructors are encouraged to share their attendance policies on the first day and include them in the syllabus.
4. Exceptions and Changes: Classes should not deviate from the schedule around holidays, and any faculty absence must be communicated to the department for appropriate arrangements. 

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 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 accommodation the student has requested for the course. DS staff are available to assist instructors who may experience difficulties in providing requested accommodation 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 the Disability Services web page.   

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.

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 UPPS 07.10.01, Honor Code, 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.

For detailed descriptions of violations and additional Honor Code policy information, refer to UPPS 07.10.01, Honor Code.

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:

• reports can be made anonymously via this website: Texas State University System Hotline.
• Texas State University Office of Internal Audit Hotline at (512) 245-1707.
• 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. 

Note: Starting this year, the university will implement a fixed training schedule and compliance period. All Texas State University employees, with the exception of certain new hires, are required to complete assigned mandatory training by the end of the compliance period. The training compliance period will begin in February, and employees will have approximately one (1) month to complete the required training. 

Employees who do not complete the mandatory training within the defined period will be ineligible for merit increases and subject to disciplinary action within the discretion of the University. New hires who begin after a specific date will follow a separate training schedule during their onboarding process and will transition to the fixed schedule in the following annual cycle. 

These changes are designed to offer greater clarity and consistency regarding training compliance deadlines. Human Resources will provide more detailed information soon.

Please review 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 email reminder(s) 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, Success Factors (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 email reminder(s) 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 Success Factors (SF) Learning annually. Employees will receive email reminder(s) 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 Success Factors (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:                   TEDx Tickets

The TEDxTexasStateUniversity leadership team and the Department of Communication Studies invite you to our in-person TEDx event on Saturday, February 22 in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. This event runs from 12:30-4:30 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.

We are excited to offer complimentary tickets to students interested in attending. To claim your student ticket, click the link above and login using your Texas State University netID and password. General admission for faculty and the public is $25. VIP tickets are $100 and include preferential seating, a TEDx t-shirt, and entry into the after party to celebrate our speakers. Food and entertainment will be provided at the after-party for our VIP ticket holders.    

This year, our event will feature six speakers who will be discussing various subjects surrounding the theme legacy, focusing on the legacy and impact of education. This theme commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act signed in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson on our campus sixty years ago.  

• David Vela, Retired Director of the National Park Service and Author of Hola Ranger, My Journey Through the National Parks – Mr. Vela’s talk will showcase the impact that the Higher Education Act had on him and his journey through education, focusing on all the opportunities it opened up for him along the way.
• Dr. Judy Oskam, Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State – Dr. Oskam will discuss the necessity of experiential learning in higher education and what we can do to help students learn outside of a traditional classroom.
• Dr. Omar Lopez, Professor in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies – Dr. Lopez’s talk will discuss how higher education can overcome inequalities in the STEM workforce by ensuring that students graduate with the essential competencies required to compete in the global labor market. 
• Dr. Aitiana Sanchez-Garciaguirre, Assistant Professor in Department of Health and Human Performance – Dr. Sanchez-Garciaguirre’s talk will focus on how resilience can be cultivated, passed down, and strengthened across generations. 
• Segio Carvajal-Leoni, Doctoral student in the Adult, Professional, and Community Education program at Texas State – Mr. Carvajal-Leoni’s talk will highlight the power of intergenerational learning and how we can use digital tools to collect and preserve the stories of our elder family members.  
• Dr. Zach Thomas, School Improvement teacher and educator – Dr. Thomas will focus on how using creativity and imagination in education allows students and teachers to cultivate learning environments and outcomes far beyond the confines of current standardized systems.

The event will also include audience activations, snacks during breaks, and entertainment by Texas State students and 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
• Mesal Quartet – a lively trombone quartet that is a student led group of musicians who are also members of the Texas State Trombone Studio 
• Doral Drama Club - a talented group of children from the Doral Academy Charter School who act in on stage-performances

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's speakers will explore the legacy of education, the limitless possibilities within education, and the promising future of education. We invite you to join us for a day of conversation as we honor and celebrate legacy. 

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

TEDx Leadership 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, School of Journalism and Mass Communication 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   University Writing Center

Welcome to spring 2025! The University Writing Center opens on January 21, and we're excited to share how we can help you and support your students this semester.

HOW WE HELP STUDENTS  

Our peer and faculty consultants are ready to support writers from all disciplines at any stage in their writing process. We offer:

•          25- or 50-minute appointments with an option to repeat weekly 

•          two weekly writing groups: Write Time and Creative Writers’ Circle 

•          help formatting theses and dissertations for Vireo submission  

•          writing guidance for pre-law students  

•          drop-in support on Writing Wednesdays (Round Rock only)  

•          annual essay contest recognizing excellence in student writing 

•          support for writing beyond the classroom, including personal statements, essays for scholarships, conference proposals, and more  

HOW WE SUPPORT FACULTY

We also provide resources to support your teaching and scholarship: 

•          class tours: Book an in-person or virtual tour to introduce students to our space and services. 

•          in-class workshops: Request sessions on style guides (MLA, APA, etc.), essay writing, managing writing anxiety, and more. 

•          proof-of-visit forms: Verify a student attended their consultation by asking them to request a proof-of-visit at the end of their appointment.  

•          statement for your syllabus: Share information about our services with your students by including this statement in your syllabus. 

•          consultations for faculty: Make an appointment to work on your own writing, too (e.g., revising for publication, grant writing, conference papers, personal projects, and more).

HOURS, LOCATIONS, AND SCHEDULING 

To book an appointment, request a service, or learn more, visit our website, contact us by email at writingctr@txstate.edu or by phone at (512) 245-3018. You can find us in person in ASBN 100 (San Marcos) and Avery 206 (Round Rock) or virtually on Zoom. Hours for each location are available on our website.  

Thank you for all you do to support Bobcats' writing development. We look forward to working with you and your students this semester!

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Senior Vice Provost

SUBJECT:                   Course Review

The course calendar for the Course Information Management (CIM) system provides an opportunity for faculty across campus to review the course proposals from all academic units. The faculty review period for this cycle ends on January 20, 2025. 

At this time, all faculty and Academic Affairs staff are invited to review the proposed course additions, changes, and deletions that are located in the CIM system.  For the current cycle, there are 265 additions, 405 changes, and 114 deletions. Faculty and staff who are 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 to confer with the originating department chair or school director.”

Should you need additional information, please contact the Office of Curriculum Services at curriculum@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Information to Include in Spring 2025 Course Syllabi

As we quickly approach the spring 2025 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.
7. Disability Statement (text included below)

Class Instruction Modes and Substantive Interaction

Classes will be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the spring 2025 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 02.03.01, 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 88^th 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. 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

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

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

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

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Kristy Daniel

                                    Chair, University Lecturers Committee

SUBJECT:                   Invitation to Submit Proposals to Sponsor Guest Lecturers for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

The University Lecturers Committee (ULC) acts as a steward for a student activities fund that assists colleges, schools, departments, and campus organizations in sponsoring outstanding speaking engagements at Texas State University. In the current submission cycle, limited funds are available on a competitive basis to bring distinguished speakers to our campuses for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.  

Proposals must be submitted by e-mail to facultysenate@txstate.edu by 5:00 p.m. the first Friday in February. Before submitting a proposal, please contact the speaker or speaker’s agent to determine availability and fees.

Awarded funds cannot be transferred to a replacement speaker. University Lecturers Series funds should be used only for speaker fees, and if needed, travel and accommodations up to a maximum request of $3,000. Receptions, incidentals (such as printing, food, flowers), and other costs will not be funded by the University Lecturers program but may be funded by co-sponsors.

The ULC will review proposals and assign a priority ranking to each based on the following considerations. The evaluation rubric has been updated and we encourage all intending to submit a proposal to review the four rating categories and the percentages assigned to them.

Interest/Anticipated Attendance (26.32%) 

• Anticipated Number of Attendees (expectations of attendance adjusted for the Round Rock campus)
• Relevancy of Topic
• Broad Interest
• Scope of Attendees
• External Reach 

Topic/Speaker Involvement (26.32%) 

• Active Scholarly Dialog
• Speaker Involvement Beyond Lecture
• Opportunities for Continued Reflection
• Connections to University Mission and Shared Values
• Speaker Biography 

Event Logistics (26.32%) 

• Event Planning
• Established Contact with Speaker
• Tentative Commitment by Speaker 
• Marketing Plan 
• Details Recruitment Plan for Attendees 

Collaboration/ Budget (21.04%) 

• Budget Justification 
• Collaboration 
• Co-Sponsorship 
• Committed Funding 

Proposals judged to merit funding will be approved in ranked order until funds are exhausted. In order to support as many speakers as possible, awards are limited to no more than $3,000.

The application form, instructions, evaluation rubric, and lists of past awards are available on the University Lecturers Series web page. Please note that only proposals submitted on the PDF proposal form will be accepted.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Kristy Daniel, ULC Chair, or GG Mortenson, Administrative Assistant to the Faculty Senate, 5-8323.

We look forward to receiving your proposals. The University Lecturers Series offers a valuable opportunity for stimulating scholarly discussion at Texas State. We anticipate notifying successful applicants by email no later than May 1, 2024.