Appendices

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A: Glossary
 

B: Lower-Division Transfer Courses: Common Courses.

Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS)

The Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) is a cooperative effort among Texas community colleges and universities to facilitate transfer of freshman- and sophomore-level general academic courses.

The TCCNS provides a shared, uniform set of course designations for students and their advisors to use in determining both course equivalency and degree applicability of transfer credit on a statewide basis. When students transfer between two participating TCCNS institutions, a course taken at the sending institution transfers as the course carrying, or cross-referenced with, the same TCCNS designation at the receiving institution.

In the common course numbering system, each course is identified by a four-letter “rubric” (i.e., prefix or department abbreviation) and a four-digit number. The first digit of the number reflects the academic level of the course (1 and 2 are lower-division courses) and the second digit reflects the semester-credit-hour value of the course. The third and fourth digits establish course sequencing and/or distinguish this course from others of the same level, credit value, and rubric. A&M-Corpus Christi uses this format as the basis for numbering most lower-division courses.

Table of Common Courses

The following table identifies selected TCCNS courses and the equivalent lower-division A&M-Corpus Christi courses. The equivalency table is updated periodically.

Students attending community colleges or universities that are participating TCCNS institutions may use the table as a guide in selecting courses that will transfer to A&M-Corpus Christi. Students should become familiar with the requirements of the University Core Curriculum Program and with degree requirements so that they may select appropriate transfer courses. (A list of core curriculum transfer courses is provided later in this chapter.)

Some college-level courses that are not equivalent to courses at the University may transfer for credit. The Office of Admissions and Records can provide information about the transferability of particular courses.

Lower-Division Core Curriculum Transfer Courses

 The core curriculum requirements are discussed in the “University Core Curriculum Program ” section of this catalog. The following table lists lower-division A&M-Corpus Christi core curriculum courses for which there are transfer equivalents. The approved core curriculum transfer courses are identified by their common course numbers and titles.

Transfer students also have several other means of meeting the core curriculum requirements. See “General Education Requirement ” in the section entitled “Undergraduate Programs ” for details.

Note: Additional courses that are not included in the above list may fulfill specific A&M-Corpus Christi core curriculum requirements. For more information on transfer equivalencies, please contact a Directory of Transfer Admissions Services at (361) 825-5962.

C: Prevention of Alcohol Abuse and Illicit Drug Use

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is committed to a campus-wide plan to educate students and employees about alcohol and drug issues, discourage the irresponsible use of alcoholic beverages, and prohibit the unlawful use, possession or distribution of controlled substances. The University will act to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, System policies and University rules and procedures dealing with controlled substances, illicit drugs, and the use of alcohol. The Student Handbook and Code of Conduct provides information on alcohol and drug rules and university sanctions. To review the Student Code of Conduct online, go to http://judicialaffairs.tamucc.edu.

Alcohol and Drug Rules

The University prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages on campus by any individual under the age of 21. Failure to comply with this rule violates state law and the rules governing student conduct and will subject the individual to disciplinary action.

Students of lawful age under Texas Statutes may possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their rooms or apartments in campus residence facilities. However, residence hall occupants and their guests must comply with state and local statutes concerning possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Any use of alcoholic beverages should be in moderation. Therefore, bulk quantities of alcohol (kegs, cases, party balls, etc.) are not allowed on campus or in residence facilities. Loud or disruptive behavior, interference with the cleanliness of residence facilities, or drinking habits that are harmful to the health or education of an individual or those around him/her are reasons for appropriate disciplinary action by the University.

With limited exceptions, the possession of open containers and the consumption of beer, wine, and/or distilled spirits is prohibited in all public areas of the campus. For the purposes of this rule, residence hall balconies and patios are considered public areas. Although students of lawful age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their rooms or apartments, all alcoholic beverages transported through public areas on the University grounds and in residence facilities must be unopened and concealed.

All members of the University community are expected to abide by state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and illicit drugs. Standards of conduct strictly prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of controlled substances, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia on University property, at University-sponsored activities, and/or while on active duty. Individuals may use prescription medications that are medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed physician.

While the University has limited jurisdiction when alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are consumed off-campus, members of the University community are encouraged to consider these regulations as a guideline for responsible and lawful behavior. Any recognized student organization that plans to include alcohol at an official function off-campus must obtain permission from Student Activities under the University risk management guidelines. Failure to comply with this requirement will be reason for appropriate disciplinary action by the University.

Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention Program

To implement an effective drug and alcohol abuse prevention plan, the University will use both formal and informal channels of communication to: 1) disseminate information describing patterns of addiction and the physical, mental, and emotional consequences that result from the abuse of alcohol and controlled/illegal substances, 2) distribute information that describes and encourages the use of counseling and treatment modalities available to both students and employees in the local and regional area, and 3) make available to the campus population referrals to local treatment centers and counseling programs. These referrals will be made within a supportive, confidential, and non-punitive environment under the auspices of the University Health Center, Counseling Center, and/or Human Resources.

University Sanctions

Students suspected or found in violation of University drug or alcohol rules and regulations will be notified in writing to appear for a hearing with a judicial affairs officer. Procedures for hearings are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

A student found responsible for violating the rules and regulations will be subject to sanctions commensurate with the offenses and any aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Disciplinary actions in cases involving alcohol and drug-related violations result in sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University and referral for prosecution. Any disciplinary action imposed by the University may precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by an off-campus authority. Students will be advised of available alcohol and drug counseling at the University Counseling Center and/or referred to a community organization. The University Counseling Center and the University Health Center can provide assistance and referral to appropriate community agencies.

Advisors and faculty members have the responsibility to supervise student activities on all trips. Faculty members should inform students that actions violating state laws, local regulations, and University rules regarding alcohol and drugs will not be permitted on any University trip. Students who violate these guidelines regarding alcohol and drug use on field trips will be subject to disciplinary action.

Health Risks

Alcohol abuse can cause many health-related problems. Approximately 150,000 deaths annually are directly related to alcohol abuse and/or alcoholism. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism, premature death through overdose, and complications involving the brain, heart, liver, and many other body organs. Alcohol abuse is a prime contributor to suicide, homicide, motor vehicle deaths, and other accidental causes of death. Alcohol abuse also causes liver disease, gastritis, and anemia.

Alcohol abuse interferes with psychological functions, causes interpersonal difficulties, and is involved in many cases of child abuse. Alcohol abuse also disrupts occupational effectiveness and causes legal and financial problems. Alcohol used in any amount by a pregnant woman can cause birth defects.

The abuse of illicit drugs can result in a wide range of health problems. In general, illicit drug use can result in drug addiction, death by overdose, death from withdrawal, seizures, heart problems, infections (i.e., HIV/AIDS, hepatitis), liver disease, and chronic brain dysfunctions. Other problems associated with illicit drug use include psychological dysfunctions such as memory loss, thought disorders (i.e., hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis), and psychological dependency. Additional effects include occupational, social, and family problems as well as a reduction in motivation. Drug use by a pregnant woman may cause addiction or health complications in her unborn child.

Campus Resources

A&M-Corpus Christi offers a variety of programs to promote healthy lifestyles and substance-free alternatives. Students can become involved with the planning of drug and alcohol education programs by contacting the Division of Student Affairs at 361-825-2612.

University Counseling Center - The University Counseling Center offers students individual counseling, educational programming and support groups focused on alcohol and other drug use, abuse and addiction. An Alcohol Education Program for Minors is also available for minors cited/charged with alcohol-related offenses (MIP, DUI, and Public Intoxication). For more information, call 361-825-2703 or visit the web site at http://counseling.tamucc.edu.

University Health Center - The University Health Center can provide information about the health risks of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as general medical care for students. For more information, call 361-825-2601.

I-ADAPT - I-ADAPT (Islander’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team) is committed to promoting healthy choices among the A&M-Corpus Christi campus community in order to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol and drug use/abuse. For more information, call 361- 825-2612.

National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness - Each year, I-ADAPT plans a variety of interactive and educational events during the month of October in conjunction with National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. Call 361-825-2703 for more information.

University Police Department - The University Police Department educates the University community about drug and alcohol issues as well as enforces local, state and federal law. For more information, call 361-825-4444.

Annual Security Report - This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by A&M-Corpus Christi; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. Obtain a copy of this report by contacting the University Police Department 361-825-4444 or by accessing the following web site: http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~police/UPD/statis.htm.

D: Hazing

The following is a summary of Chapter 37, subchapter F. (§§ 37.151-157) of the Texas Education Code, which prohibits hazing in Texas public or private high schools. Texas Education Code § 51.936 applies Chapter 37’s prohibition on hazing to institutions of higher education. This summary of Chapter 37 is provided as required by § 51.936(d).

The Education Code defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.” The statute contains a list of conduct which constitutes hazing.

Hazing is a criminal violation under Texas law. A person may be found guilty of criminal conduct for hazing, encouraging hazing, permitting hazing, or having knowledge of the planning of hazing incidents and failing to report in writing his/her knowledge to the Dean of Students or other appropriate official of the institution.

Failing to report hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, as is hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury. Hazing that results in serious bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor. Hazing resulting in death is a state jail felony. An organization found guilty of hazing may be fined $5,000 to $10,000 or, for an incident causing personal injury or property damage, an amount double the loss or expenses incurred because of the hazing incident.

It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing activity.

Any person reporting a specific hazing incident to the Dean of Students or other appropriate institutional official is immune from civil and criminal liability unless the report is in bad faith or malicious.

This state law does not limit or affect an educational institution’s right to enforce its own penalties against hazing.

E. Student Travel Rule

1. Overview

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is supportive of student travel and recognizes that the safety of its students is of the utmost importance. The requirements outlined below apply to student travel that is more than 25 miles from campus to an activity that is organized, sponsored and/or funded by the University or by an organization properly registered at the University. Students traveling on behalf of the University must obtain prior approval from the appropriate department. This rule applies to travel by car, truck, van, bus and airplane. It must be read in conjunction with University Procedure 13.04.99.C1.01, Student Travel Procedures.

2. Travel Safety Guidelines

During travel situations specified above, students must abide by the following safety guidelines.

1. Drivers and passengers must abide by all federal and state laws. In accordance with State law, drivers and passengers must use seat belts or other available safety restraints.
2. Drivers must possess a valid driver’s license that is appropriate for the classification of vehicle being driven.
3. Drivers, occupants, and their luggage should not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended capacity.
4. Operator fatigue should be considered when selecting drivers. On lengthy trips, alternate drivers should be used to avoid fatigue.

3. Vehicle Options

Listed below are the basic means of travel available to students:

1. Rental Vehicles: Students traveling using a rental vehicle must comply and abide with all University and rental provider rules, regulations, and stipulations.
2. Vans: Fifteen (15) passenger vans may be used; however, only nine occupants, including the driver, may ride in the van. Nothing may be loaded on top of the van, and all cargo should be loaded evenly. Cargo limit must meet safety requirements. It is preferred that a University employee drive the van.
3. Personal Vehicles: The driver must have adequate motor vehicle insurance and the vehicle must meet all state safety and registration requirements.
4. Commercial Carrier (airplane, bus, train, etc.) Students traveling by commercial transportation must comply with all rules specific to the carrier. This includes laws and regulations regarding carry-on luggage and weight restrictions.

4. Additional Standards

This rule is considered to be a minimum standard. Departments, units, and/or student organizations may mandate additional standards as deemed necessary to address the unique requirements associated with a particular type of student travel.