Vocational Program Handbook
About the Handbook
The TEEX Vocational Program Handbook is designed to provide information, rules, and procedures for participants that attend TEEX sponsored vocational courses. Participants are responsible for following all rules and procedures outlined in this document.
History of TEEX
Institutional Ownership
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is recognized as a member of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and as a state agency in the Texas Education Code (Sec. 88.001(5)). TEEX is under the direction and control of the Board of Regents of TAMUS.
The TAMUS Board of Regents (November 2024)
TEEX Advisory Board
The TEEX Advisory Board members (as of November 2024) are listed below.
- Dominique Artis
- Allen Banks
- Austin Bleess
- David Coatney
- Tony Crites
- Christina Foley
- Ginny Lewis Ford
- Tracy Foster
- Richard Giusti
- Keith Jemison
- Ivan Langford
- Mark Lee
- Molly McFadden
- Thomas O’Connor
- Samuel Pena
- Stephen R. Pepper
- Kelly Rowe
- J.D. Salinas III
- Michael Thane
- Gregory Winfree
Vision
TEEX is an adaptive and innovative service agency making a difference worldwide.
Mission
TEEX makes a difference by providing training, developing practical solutions, and saving lives.
Core TEEX Values
- Safety
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Respect
- Stewardship
TEEX is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of
continuing education and training.
TEEX, in accordance with applicable federal and state law, prohibits discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin (including limited English proficiency), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity. Participants who believe they have experienced harassment or discrimination are encouraged to contact the TEEX Title IX Coordinator at 979-500-6664 or [email protected].
Participants may inspect and review their training records maintained by TEEX. Participants may also request changes to their records when those records are inaccurate or misleading. The requests must be in writing to the Student Records Office at [email protected]. If the record owner determines that the records do not need to be amended, the participant may file an appeal. If it is determined that the records still do not need to be corrected, the participant may place a statement with their record setting forth the participant’s view of the contested information.
TEEX may release directory information without participant written consent. TEEX defines the following participant items as directory information: participant name; affiliation/employer name; dates of attendance; and list of certificates, Continuing Education Units (CEU), and/or certifications received.
Participants may place a directory hold on their information through the TEEX Student Portal or by contacting the Student Records Office. Once the participant has placed a hold on their directory information, this information may not be released without the prior, written consent of the participant.
TEEX will not permit access to or release of personally identifiable information (PII) without prior written consent from the participant (TEEX Authorization Release form [SES-25]), except to: TEEX personnel needing access for legitimate 8 educational duties, officials of other institutions for which participants may receive credit for training; persons needing information for scholarship or third party education loans, state/federal/accrediting agencies as required, and/or appropriate TEEX personnel in cases of health or safety emergencies.
Hours of Operation and Academic Calendar
TEEX administrative offices are generally open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. During these hours, someone at TEEX will be available to answer questions.
TEEX will be closed on the following dates. These dates are subject to change at any time.
- September 2, 2024
- November 28-29, 2024
- December 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- January 20, 2025
- March 14, 2025
- May 26, 2025
- June 19, 2025
- July 4 2025
Course Offered
For the most up-to-date course listing and class schedules, visit the digital course catalog at: teex.org/training/course-catalog/.
Course Registration Process
Step 1 – Participant
Please review the course description to ensure you meet all enrollment requirements prior to beginning the application process. If you are applying to use Veterans Benefits or third-party funding options affiliated with TEEX to pay your tuition, do not pay your application fee until you have been approved. If you pay your application fee prior to approval, you could be subject to losing the application fee as it can take at least 30 days to become approved. Contact the TEEX representative listed in the Participant Services section for more information. International participants must contact TEEX International Services (listed below) prior to paying your application fee.
If you are self-pay or have been approved by the VA or TEEX Third Party financial assistance program, begin the registration process by clicking the “Register” button on the course you would like to enroll.
You will create or update your TEEX Student Portal Account.
You will pay the $75 Application fee (non-refundable, non-transferrable).
Step 2 – Participant
After paying the application fee, you will receive a confirmation email that includes instructions and a list of any required prerequisites.
You will upload prerequisites and your signed Enrollment Agreement to the TEEX Student Portal, unless otherwise directed by program staff, within the required timeline listed in the confirmation email.
If using Veterans Benefits or third-party funding options affiliated with TEEX, make sure you are meeting required paperwork deadlines to avoid losing your application fee.
Step 3 – TEEX
TEEX will review the documents you have uploaded and will contact you if you are missing information or did not upload the correct documentation.
Once all documentation is approved, a TEEX representative will send you a signed copy of your Enrollment Agreement and instructions to complete the registration process.
If applicable, TEEX Veterans Services or Student Services representatives will work with you to coordinate your funding approval.
Step 4 – Participant
Once you receive your signed Enrollment Agreement, you will complete the registration process by following the instructions provided by TEEX to pay your tuition (unless pending VA or third-party financial assistance approval).
Congratulations! You are now registered for your TEEX course!
Participant Photo Identification Requirements
Participants attending face-to-face classroom training events will be required to provide photo identification. Your
identification will be verified by a TEEX designated representative the morning of the first day of class or when you
pick up your badges/packets, if applicable. The proof of identification you bring should include your full name and
photograph. The following are acceptable forms of photo identification*:
- State-issued IDs such as a Driver’s License or Identification Card
- United States or Foreign Passports
- National Identity Card
- US military card (front and back)
- Military dependent’s ID card (front and back)
- Permanent Resident Card
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Employment Authorization Document
- Employee ID or badge with photo
*Some classes, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-authorized classes, may have
additional requirements for photo identification. Additional information can be found in the course description.
Courses delivered online (including instructor-led online training) do not require photo identification if participants log into their personal TEEX Student Portal accounts to access the live training session and/or the course content and materials on the Learning Management System (LMS).
If you forget to bring your identification the first day of class, you have until the beginning of the second day to provide it. If you cannot provide your identification, you will be dismissed from the class (without a refund). Participants attending classes that are one day or less and are unable to provide photo identification by the end of class will not receive credit for the class (or a refund).
Attendance
| Vocational Program | Program Dismissal due to Excessive Absence Without Communication (Administrative Withdraw) | Maximum Absences Allowed During the Course (Scholastic Deficiency Dismissal) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | 20 consecutive hours | 20 hours |
| Paramedic | 24 consecutive hours | 67 hours (lecture and skills lab) |
| Fire Recruit Academy (ORA101) | 2 consecutive weeks (online component; includes failure to submit assignments or login) 20 consecutive hours (skills camp) | 20 hours (skills camp portion) |
| Fire Recruit Academy (RFT001) | 24 consecutive hours | 24 hours |
| Lineworker | 24 consecutive hours | 24 hours |
| Central Texas Police Academy | Mandatory orientation of 41.5 hours | 41.5 hours (5% of the course) |
| Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) Technician Level 1 | 16 consecutive hours | 10 hours |
Leave of Absence
TEEX does not allow participants to apply for a leave of absence during a course. If a participant is unable to complete a course, they can withdraw from the course and retake it at a later time.
Instructor Disclosure
Instructor(s) must disclose any conflicts of interest(s) applicable to the course subject matter or materials (e.g., proprietary interest in products, instruments, or devices) at the start of each course delivery.
Course Fees
If a course does not have a price listed, or if you have questions about the pricing, contact the program representative listed within the course description. Full fee payment is required at the time of registration or per contract, when applicable.
TEEX will withhold certificates of completion, transcripts, and will not report continuing education hours for completed training for participants who have not fulfilled their financial obligation.
The services that TEEX provides participants vary by campus (e.g., Wi-Fi or computer lab access). The class instructor will inform participants of available services at the location where the class is being held, when applicable. Participant service staff is located at agency headquarters. Participants should use the contact information listed in this document to schedule an appointment to determine a time/location to meet with participant services. Additional information regarding TEEX participant services is available at Student Resources on the TEEX website.
Participant Housing and Lodging
Participants are responsible for obtaining their own housing or lodging, unless a TEEX course or activity specifically offers housing or lodging. For lodging assistance or questions, participants are encouraged to contact the TEEX representative listed on the course description found on teex.org or contact the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for the city where the TEEX course is being held.
Participant Safety
Safety of our participants is a core value for TEEX. At some locations, emergency services are available on site, while others have emergency service contact information posted in the classrooms. The class instructor should review safety procedures at the beginning of class.
Participants that have fever (100°F or higher) or other symptoms of acute illness are highly encouraged to refrain from attending class to prevent the spreading of illness to classmates and TEEX staff. Participants that come to class with a fever may be asked to leave.
Reporting an Accident, Injury, or Illness
Participants who witness an accident, are personally injured, or become ill while attending a TEEX- sponsored event, should report the accident, injury, or illness to the instructor or other member of the TEEX staff immediately. This ensures that appropriate actions can be taken to ensure the health and wellness of all participants in the course. Participants should also immediately notify their sponsor and/or employer, if applicable.
Accident/Injury
Participants are required to report any injury they have received if it will interfere with their performance in the
course they are attending. This includes injuries that occurred outside of the course.
If the accident or injury occurs during the course, the instructor or TEEX staff member will complete Section 1 of the Participant Accident Investigation Report (EHS-5) and submit to their division safety officer for submittal to the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) department. This must be completed within 24 hours of the injury. The division safety officer will complete Sections 2 and 3 and submit the completed form with supporting documentation to the EHS department within 10 days of the initial report.
Participants will be required to submit a physician’s letter indicating the nature of the injury and level of activity allowed. Participants will not be allowed to return to full activity without a completed document from the treating physician that clearly states that the participant is released without restrictions to participate in the course. This letter should indicate that the physician is aware of the type of course in which the participant is enrolled.
If a participant’s injury limits their ability to perform during the course, program staff will do their best to modify or put participants on a limited status. Depending on the length of time for full recovery and the ability of the participant to complete course requirements, the participant may transfer to the next date of the course, or they can choose to withdraw from the course.
Note: Injuries occurring during the Fire Recruit Academy must also adhere to the requirements listed in Texas
Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 13, Chapter 435, Rule 435.23.
Medical Costs
Medical costs that occur due to an injury or accident will be the responsibility of the participant, their sponsor, and/ or their employer. TEEX and its staff are not responsible for any loss or injury that occurs due to participation in a vocational course.
Disciplinary Procedures
Participants who violate the TEEX Participant Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary actions may include verbal reprimand, written reprimand, probation or dismissal from a training program or TEEX.
Participants found responsible for any violation may file an appeal within fifteen (15) calendar days from the sanction date.
If TEEX becomes aware that a participant may have violated the law, TEEX will report the incident to law enforcement in accordance with the Clery Act of 1990.
Participant Conduct Outcome
One or more of the following disciplinary outcomes may be imposed by the agency upon individuals for any single
violation:
Warning
- A verbal warning indicates to a participant that their behavior is unacceptable and that continuing that behavior will result in more serious consequences.
- A written reprimand formally indicates to a participant that their behavior is unacceptable and that continuing that behavior will result in more serious consequences.
Academic Penalties
Under some circumstances of misconduct, the agency may deem it appropriate to take away certain privileges.
Examples include, but not limited to:
- “F” in the course
- Failing grade on the assignment
- Grade reduction – assignment
- Grade reduction – course
- Certificate revocation
- Requirement to re-submit the assignment for no credit
- Requirement to complete extra assignments for the course
Educational Sanctions
Outcome designed to expand knowledge and understanding of implications from misconduct. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Research paper
- Reflection paper
- Participation in a workshop or seminar
- Community service and reflection paper
Probation
- Disciplinary probation is a conditional permission for a participant to attend TEEX after they have become conduct deficient. Disciplinary probation formally notifies a participant that their behavior is unacceptable and that their actions are so serious that they may jeopardize their ability to continue training at TEEX. The agency will refrain from dismissing the participant as long as they meet all sanction requirements.
- Scholastic probation is a conditional permission for a participant to attend TEEX after they have become scholastically deficient (failing grade average, failing attendance and failing affective assessment). Scholastic probation formally notifies a participant that their academic performance is unacceptable and that deficiencies are so serious that they may jeopardize their ability to continue training at TEEX. The agency will refrain from dismissing the participant as long as they meet all sanction requirements.
The terms of probation are typically documented in a Performance Improvement Plan.
Dismissal
Dismissal of the participant is for the duration of the currently enrolled program, academy, or course.
Permanent Separation
- Program Separation: Permanent separation of a participant from the program. The participant is not eligible for re-enrollment in the program.
- Agency Separation: Permanent separation of a participant from the agency. The participant is not eligible for re-enrollment at TEEX.
Participant Complaint and Appeal Process
Do the Right Thing
The Texas A&M University System is dedicated to adhering to the highest ethical standards and principles. If you have factual information suggestive of fraudulent, wasteful or abusive activities, we want you to report it. Examples of reportable issues include fraud; misuse of resources or information; violations of safety rules; inappropriate conduct, harassment or discrimination.
Personal Belongings
Participants are responsible for securing their personal belongings while attending TEEX sponsored events. TEEX is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal belongings.