Vocational Program Handbook

Participant Rules and Code of Conduct

Duty to Report

To maintain a safe, professional, and ethical training environment, all participants have a mandatory obligation to report any known or suspected violations of the TEEX Code of Conduct. Participants must immediately report concerns to an instructor, TEEX staff member, or Student Support Services.

Participants are required to report:

• Academic Misconduct: Any observed instances of cheating, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, unauthorized AI use, or requests for unauthorized help.
• Harassment and Civil Rights Violations: Any incidents of bias-related discrimination, sexual misconduct, hazing, abuse, threatening behavior, or retaliation.
• General Misconduct (Safety, Behavioral, and Legal/Substance Violations): This includes vehicle-related accidents, unauthorized weapons, property damage, disruptive/disorderly conduct, significant disrespect, illegal gambling, misuse of computing resources, legal violations, arrests, drug-related activity, or presence of unauthorized alcohol.
• Contact information:
  • [email protected]
  • 979-500-6660

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Professionalism and Respect in the Learning Environment

TEEX is committed to fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity, and respect. By choosing to enroll, you accept the obligation to uphold conduct that supports a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment. Beyond adhering to specific rules, all individuals must strive to conduct themselves with ethical integrity and respect for others, as these principles form the foundation of TEEX’s training culture.

To maintain these standards, participants are expected to demonstrate professionalism in the following ways:

• Respectful Interpersonal Conduct: You must treat all members of the TEEX community, including fellow participants, staff, and instructors, with dignity and respect at all times. This requires engaging in respectful discourse and avoiding rude, dismissive, or hostile communication.
• Focused Engagement: You must contribute to an orderly, productive classroom and training environment that facilitates learning for everyone. This means remaining engaged with the instructional material and ensuring your conduct does not interfere with an instructor’s ability to teach or your peers’ ability to learn.
• Commitment to a Safe and Respectful Environment: You are required to support a training environment that is entirely free from discrimination, harassment, and bias-related misconduct. You must never engage in behavior that threatens the physical or emotional safety of others.
• Digital Professionalism: You must ensure that your digital presence, including social media usage, reflects the same professionalism, responsibility, and ethical behavior expected in your respective training fields.
• Positive Leadership: If appointed to a leadership role, you must actively model respectful, professional, and safety-conscious behavior to serve as an example for your peers. Regardless of rank, all participants should actively support a positive, safe, and productive learning atmosphere.

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Academic Misconduct

TEEX expects all participants to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Academic misconduct undermines the instructional process, devalues the certifications earned by peers, and compromises the professional standards of the industries TEEX serves. Any form of academic dishonesty is strictly prohibited and will be addressed through the formal conduct process.

Cheating:

Cheating involves the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise or evaluation. This conduct undermines the objective assessment of a student’s knowledge and the professional competencies required for their field of study.

Definitions and Examples

• Unauthorized Assistance: Copying from another participant during an exam, using prohibited notes, books, or electronic devices, or having another individual complete an assignment or assessment on your behalf.
• Prohibited Materials: Accessing or possessing exam questions, test banks, or evaluation materials in advance without explicit authorization from TEEX personnel.
• Compromising Exam Integrity: Providing or receiving unauthorized information about the content of an examination before, during, or after the testing period.
• Substitution: Taking an examination or performing a practical evaluation for another participant or allowing another person to take an exam in your place.

Fabrication:

Fabrication refers to the intentional creation or invention of false data, information, or citations in any academic work, training record, or practical evaluation. This behavior misrepresents the student’s actual performance and compromises the validity of the training results.

Definitions and Examples

• Data Invention: Making up results for research projects, practical training exercises, or field simulations rather than reporting actual observed outcomes.
• Falsification of Records: Inventing or inaccurately recording clinical logs, contact hours, or practical skills checklists required for certification or program completion.
• Source Invention: Inventing bibliographic entries, citations, or sources of information to bolster an assignment or report.
• Reporting Misrepresentation: Distorting data or observations to fit a desired outcome or to hide a failure to meet specific training objectives.

Falsification:

Falsification is the intentional alteration or manipulation of existing information, documents, or data to deceive others. Unlike fabrication, which involves creating false data from scratch, falsification involves misrepresenting or changing actual records to gain an unfair advantage or to dispute official results.

Definitions and Examples

• Record Tampering: Changing grades on a returned assignment or exam or altering an instructor’s feedback to dispute a grade or evaluation.
• Document Manipulation: Tampering with official academic records, attendance logs, or training certificates to reflect inaccurate information.
• Credential Alteration: Modifying prerequisites, medical clearance forms, or prior certifications to meet program requirements or gain unauthorized entry.
• Evidence Distortion: Altering data collected during a training exercise or simulation to hide errors or misrepresent the actual performance of oneself or others.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of presenting another person’s work, ideas, expressions, or data as your own without proper attribution. It is a fundamental breach of academic integrity that obscures the true origin of information and prevents honest assessment of a participant’s original thought and effort.

Definitions and Examples

• Lack of Attribution: Copying text, diagrams, or specific ideas from books, websites, or professional journals without providing a formal citation.
• Verbatim Copying: Failing to use quotation marks for direct quotes, even if a source is listed, or merely changing a few words while maintaining the original structure (patchwriting).
• Work Substitution: Submitting a paper, report, or project written by another person, or using a “paper mill” or AI service to generate content and presenting it as your own.

Multiple Submissions

Multiple submissions refers to the practice of submitting the same, or substantially the same, work for credit in more than one course or for multiple assignments without prior approval. This practice, often referred to as “self-plagiarism,” undermines the requirement that participants engage in new learning and original effort for every unique training module.

Definitions and Examples

• Course Reutilization: Turning in a report, essay, or project for a current class that was already submitted and graded in a previous course or academy.
• Assignment Duplication: Reusing the same research, data, or written content for multiple assignments within the same course without explicit authorization from the instructor.
• Substantial Overlap: Submitting work that contains large portions of previously used material, even if some new information has been added, without disclosing the original source.

Complicity

Complicity involves helping or attempting to help another participant commit an act of academic dishonesty. By facilitating misconduct, a participant undermines the integrity of the training program and the professional standards of their peers. Complicity is treated with the same severity as the primary act of academic dishonesty.

Definitions and Examples

• Facilitating Dishonesty: Allowing another participant to copy from your exam, homework, or practical reports, or providing your own completed work to be used as a template.
• Unauthorized Information Sharing: Providing test answers, exam questions, or specific evaluation details to others who have not yet completed the assessment.
• Improper Collaboration: Collaborating on a take-home exam, project, or individual assignment without explicit permission from the instructor.
• Bystander Participation: Knowingly witnessing an act of academic dishonesty and failing to report it or acting as a lookout during a violation.

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Failure to Meet Academic Requirements:

Participants are expected to fulfill the specific academic and ethical standards required by their discipline and the agency. Failure to maintain these standards is considered a scholastic deficiency, which occurs when a participant does not achieve satisfactory academic progress toward the successful completion of a program or academy.

Definitions and Examples

• Scholastic Deficiency: The failure to maintain the minimum grades required, examination scores, or practical skill proficiencies required by the specific training program or its governing regulatory body.
• Failure to Progress: Not meeting established benchmarks for course completion, failing to pass mandatory certification checkpoints, or being unable to demonstrate required competencies within the allotted timeframe.
• Ethical Standard Violations: Failing to meet the professional or ethical behavioral standards specifically required for the discipline (e.g., healthcare ethics for EMTs/Paramedics or public safety standards for Law Enforcement).
• SAP Misalignment: Falling below the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, which may trigger academic review, remediation, or dismissal.

Procedures and Policies

• Academic Decisions: Unlike behavioral conduct violations, failure to meet academic requirements falls under the Academic Decisions and SAP policies. These cases are handled through distinct procedures that focus on academic performance rather than disciplinary misconduct.
• Remediation and Probation: Participants who fall into scholastic deficiency may be placed on academic probation or offered specific remediation opportunities, depending on the rules of the particular academy or program.

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Attendance

Tardies and Absences

Class attendance is an essential part of the education process, and participants in TEEX courses are expected to attend all class sessions and field exercises. Attendance and participation are components of successful course completion. Excessive absences, tardiness, or early departure may place participants at risk of academic failure and place a significant burden on the rest of the class. Participants will be provided with a calendar depicting dates, times, and scheduled topics of instruction. While this calendar is subject to change at any time, the participant will be responsible for noting changes and preparing accordingly.

Definitions and Procedures

• Absence: Not attending class for any reason. All absences will count in the calculation of attendance and will not increase the maximum number of allowable absences.
• Tardiness: Not being in class or prepared to begin at the scheduled start time.
• Early Departure: Leaving before the instructor dismisses class for the day.

For more information about the Attendance requirements please see the Attendance Policy section under Course Registration Information in the Vocational Program Handbook

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Animals at TEEX

The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) complies with federal and state laws regarding reasonable accommodations for employees, participants, and the public. This policy ensures that individuals with disabilities can utilize service or emotional support animals (ESAs) on TEEX property while maintaining a safe and productive training environment.

General Provisions

• Approval Requirement: Participants enrolled in courses must possess an approved Letter of Accommodation from Student Support Services to have an animal in a classroom or on TEEX property.
• Facility Access: With the exception of approved service animals, animals are  not permitted inside TEEX buildings or active training areas.

Excluded Animals: This policy does not apply to:

• Animals involved in authorized research.
• On-duty K-9 (Police) animals.
• On-duty Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs attending training or official TX-TF1/2 business.
• Fish or reptiles in aquariums (20 gallons or less).
• Animals used for authorized performance, education, or display.

Definitions

• Service Animal: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog (or in some cases, a miniature horse) individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task must be directly related to the person’s disability.
• Emotional Support Animal (ESA): An animal that provides therapeutic benefit or comfort through companionship to individuals with psychiatric disabilities or mental impairments. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not specifically trained to perform disability-related tasks.
• Person with a Disability: An individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Owner Responsibilities and Animal Behavior

• Control: The animal must be under the owner’s control at all times (via leash, harness, or voice/signal control if a tether interferes with the animal’s work or the owner’s disability).
• Legal Compliance: Owners must ensure animals are licensed, registered, and immunized in accordance with Texas state law and local ordinances.
• Health and Hygiene: Animals must be housebroken and in good health. Owners are responsible for immediately cleaning up after their animal in designated outdoor grassy areas.
• Liability: The owner is responsible for any damage to TEEX buildings, furnishings, or grounds, as well as any injury caused by the animal. Owners may be billed for necessary repairs or specialized cleaning.

Removal of an Animal

• TEEX may require the removal of an animal from the premises if:
  • The animal is out of control and the owner fails to take effective action.
  • The animal is not housebroken.
  • The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
  • The animal is ill or displays signs of poor health.

For More information about Requesting Accommodations, please see the Disability Services Section under the Participant Services tab in the Vocational Program Handbook.

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Reckless Driving

To ensure the safety of all participants, staff, and visitors, responsible vehicle operation is required at all TEEX training locations and facilities. Adherence to safe driving standards is mandatory for anyone operating personal or agency-owned vehicles on TEEX property.

Definitions

• Reckless or Negligent Operation: Driving in a manner that demonstrates a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, or failing to exercise the caution that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances.
• Endangerment: Any driving behavior, including excessive speed or stunt driving, that poses an immediate risk of injury to oneself, other participants, staff, or pedestrians.
• Traffic and Access Obstruction: The unauthorized blocking of pedestrian walkways, driveways, emergency access routes, or fire lanes, which may hinder operations or emergency response.
• Unauthorized Roadway Use: The use of TEEX roadways, training grounds, parking areas, or emergency exits in a manner not consistent with their intended purpose or without prior approval.

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Use of Tobacco, Food, Beverages, and Personal Mobility Devices

To maintain a clean, safe, and professional training environment, the following guidelines apply to all TEEX facilities, vehicles, and training areas:

Tobacco, Nicotine, and Smoking Products:

• The use of all tobacco and nicotine-delivery products is strictly prohibited inside all TEEX buildings, vehicles, and training areas. This policy includes, but is not limited to:
  • Smoking: Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.
  • Vaping & Electronic: E-cigarettes, vapes, and personal vaporizers.
  • Smokeless & Oral: Chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, and nicotine pouches (e.g., Zyn, On!).
  • Transdermal: Nicotine patches.

Food and Beverages

• Food and beverages may only be consumed in designated areas, such as approved break areas, within TEEX buildings and training facilities. To maintain a professional and safe environment, participants are expected to:
  • Limit Consumption: Keep all food and drinks within specified zones.
  • Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure these areas remain tidy and free of debris.
  • Dispose of Waste: Place all trash and recyclables in the proper receptacles.

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Personal Mobility Devices

The use of personal mobility devices is restricted to ensure the safety of all participants and the preservation of the facilities. To maintain a safe environment, please adhere to the following:

• Prohibited Indoors: Bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, and similar devices are not permitted inside any TEEX buildings.
• Infrastructure Protection: These devices may not be used on benches, steps, walls, or any other architectural features across the campus.
• Storage & Access: Bicycles and other mobility devices must be stored in designated outdoor racks and must not obstruct walkways, building entrances, or emergency exits.

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Alcohol, Drugs, and Controlled Substances

To maintain a safe, healthy, and professional training environment, the unauthorized possession, use, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and controlled substances is strictly prohibited at TEEX facilities and events.

• On-Premise Intoxication and Impairment: Being present on TEEX property or attending any course, lab, or field exercise while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, marijuana, or misused medications is prohibited. Any level of intoxication that disrupts the learning environment, hinders responsible participation, or impairs judgment and coordination is forbidden.
• Impaired Operation: Operating a motor vehicle, machinery, or any other training equipment while intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited.
• Underage Possession: The consumption, possession, or distribution of alcohol by any individual under the legal drinking age is strictly prohibited.
• Drug Paraphernalia: Possession of any equipment, products, or materials associated with the use, concealment, or distribution of illegal substances is prohibited.

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Weapons, Explosives, and Hazardous Materials

To ensure a safe and respectful learning environment, the possession or use of weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials is strictly prohibited at all TEEX facilities and agency-sponsored activities. This policy is designed to prevent harm, eliminate threats, and maintain the safety of all participants and staff.

Definitions

• Firearms and Projectile Devices: Includes handguns, rifles, shotguns, pellet guns, BB guns, and slingshots.
• Prohibited Weapons: Any object or substance designed to inflict harm, cause injury, or incapacitate, including tasers, stun guns, martial arts devices, switchblade knives, clubs, and other bladed or blunt instruments.
• Explosives and Hazardous Materials: Includes fireworks, dangerous chemicals, and any illegal or reckless storage of explosive devices.
• Threatening Use: The use of any object, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to others.
• Licensed Carry Compliance: Handgun license holders must strictly comply with Texas statutory law and TEEX Rule 34.06.02.N1, Carrying Concealed Handguns on TEEX Property.

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Violations of Agency Rules and Local, State, and Federal Laws

Participants are required to adhere to all TEEX rules, procedures, and guidelines, as well as all local, state, and federal laws, while participating in training, activities, or events. These standards are established to ensure operational safety, instructional consistency, and a professional environment.

• Agency Rule & Procedure Violations
• Disregarding the frameworks established by TEEX for safety and professional development.
• Policy Non-Compliance: Disregarding expectations outlined in the Participant Handbook, administrative manuals, or official agency documents.
• Procedural Violations: Failing to follow specific protocols regarding safety, attendance, equipment maintenance, or classroom conduct.
• Communication Neglect: Ignoring official written communications, posted safety notices, or verbal guidance provided by TEEX staff.
• Operational Contradiction: Engaging in behavior that fundamentally contradicts established agency protocols or professional expectations.

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Violations of Law

Illegal conduct that threatens the safety or integrity of the TEEX community and its operations.

• Criminal Activity: Any action violating statutes, including theft, vandalism, or destruction of property during TEEX involvement.
• Crimes Against Persons: Illegal conduct involving others, such as assault, harassment, or disorderly conduct that threatens well-being.
• Regulated Substance & Weapon Violations: The illegal possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances or unauthorized weapons.
• Operational Violations: Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) or the illegal operation of TEEX vehicles, machinery, or equipment.

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Civil Rights

TEEX is committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bias-related misconduct. Any violation of TEEX policies motivated by bias is considered a serious breach of the professional standards expected of participants.

Definitions

• Bias-Related Violations: Any violation of TEEX policies (such as disruptive behavior or assault) that is motivated by prejudice against a person’s race, religion, ethnicity, disability, national origin, age, gender, or sexual orientation.
• Racial and Ethnic Harassment: Verbal, written, or physical conduct that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive, such that it interferes with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from TEEX programs.
• Hostile Environment: Threats, intimidation, or racially motivated actions, including the use of slurs, epithets, or derogatory comments, that substantially impact the educational experience.
• Discriminatory Conduct: Acts of exclusion, online harassment (including social media activity), or threatening behavior targeting individuals based on protected characteristics.

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Sexual Misconduct

TEEX is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment free from sexual misconduct. All allegations of sexual misconduct are addressed in accordance with System Regulation 08.01.01, Civil Rights Compliance and TEEX Standard Administrative Procedure (SAP) 08.01.01.N1. In most cases, formal Title IX investigation procedures are followed to ensure a fair and equitable resolution for all parties.

Definitions

• Sexual Misconduct: A broad range of prohibited behaviors including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, domestic or dating violence, and any other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that violates TEEX policy or applicable law.
• Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance: The formal administrative and legal frameworks used to investigate reports of sexual discrimination or misconduct to ensure the safety and rights of the TEEX community.
• Unwelcome Conduct: Any sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

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Use of TEEX Equipment and Vehicles

Participants participating in TEEX training programs are entrusted with specialized equipment and vehicles to facilitate hands-on learning. To ensure the safety of all participants and the longevity of agency resources, participants must adhere to strict operational standards and supervisory guidelines.

Definitions

• Authorized Operation: The use of TEEX-owned equipment or vehicles only after receiving explicit approval, completing required safety briefings, and remaining under the direct supervision of an instructor.
• Prohibited Distractions: The use of cell phones or any mobile devices, including texting, calling, or using apps, while operating TEEX vehicles or equipment.
• Operational Readiness: Maintaining a valid driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle type and ensuring a comprehensive pre-use inspection is completed.
• Load and Passenger Safety: The requirement to properly secure all cargo and materials and the prohibition of transporting unauthorized passengers without prior approval.
• Impaired Operation: Operating any TEEX vehicle or machinery while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that impairs physical or mental faculties.

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Disruptive and Disorderly Conduct

Participants must maintain a professional and respectful demeanor at all times during TEEX training. Any disorderly or disruptive behavior that interferes with instruction, compromises safety, or diminishes the experience of others is strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Instructional Interference & Non-Compliance: Engaging in excessive talking, unauthorized use of electronic devices, or refusing to follow instructor directions, safety protocols, and seating arrangements.
• Aggressive and Threatening Behavior: Engaging in physical altercations, making verbal or physical threats, using profanity, or utilizing loud, disruptive, and abusive language or gestures toward participants, staff, or instructors.
• Public Disturbance & Property Misconduct: Any behavior that causes alarm or fear, obstructs movement through passageways, involves intentionally making false reports of emergencies, or results in the vandalism/destruction of TEEX or personal property.
• Safety Compromise & Impaired Conduct: Any action that causes physical harm, endangers oneself or others, or demonstrates disorderly behavior resulting from intoxication or substance use.

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Misuse of TEEX Computing Resources

Participants must use TEEX computing resources responsibly and exclusively for authorized, training-related purposes. Any misuse or abuse of these resources is strictly prohibited, as it compromises the security, efficiency, and professional standards of the TEEX digital environment.

Definitions

• Unauthorized Access and Transfer: Accessing or copying programs, records, or data belonging to TEEX or another user without permission, or the unauthorized sharing and transfer of restricted files.
• System Interference: Actions that interfere with the work of other participants or staff, including attempting to breach security, hacking accounts, or restricting another user’s access to computing facilities.
• Malicious Conduct: Attempting to destroy, alter, or corrupt programs, records, or data, as well as sending obscene, abusive, or threatening messages using TEEX systems.
• Commercial and Legal Violations: Using TEEX computing resources for personal or financial gain or violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.
• Data Mismanagement: Transporting or distributing TEEX programs, records, or proprietary data without explicit written authorization from the agency.

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Unauthorized Recording

Participants are prohibited from making any audio, video, photographic, or digital recordings of individuals without their prior knowledge and effective consent, especially in situations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Maintaining the privacy and safety of all participants, staff, and instructors is essential to a professional training environment.

Definitions

• Surreptitious Recording: Taking photos, videos, or audio recordings of individuals without their knowledge in private areas such as restrooms, locker rooms, or gym facilities.
• Unauthorized Administrative Recording: Capturing audio or video of administrative meetings, disciplinary proceedings, or private consultations with TEEX officials without explicit permission.
• Non-Consensual Participant Recording: Capturing images or audio of other participants during training exercises, classroom sessions, or breaks without their consent.
• Privacy-Violating Conduct: Any recording that is intended to cause injury, distress, or a breach of personal privacy.
• Conduct Violation Exception: A recording documenting a clear violation of the Participant Code of Conduct may be exempt from this rule at the discretion of Strategic and Educational Services (SES), provided the recording was made solely for the purpose of reporting misconduct.

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Complicity

Participants are prohibited from attempting, aiding, abetting, conspiring, hiring, or acting as an accessory to any act that violates the TEEX Participant Code of Conduct. Complicity in misconduct is treated with the same seriousness as direct participation in the violation and undermines the collective safety and integrity of the academy.

Definitions

• Active Assistance: Encouraging or assisting another participant in violating safety protocols, agency rules, or professional standards.
• Facilitation of Misconduct: Participating in the planning of prohibited activities or providing the tools, information, or access necessary for another person to commit a violation.
• Passive Complicity: Concealing or failing to report known misconduct, thereby allowing a violation of the Code of Conduct to persist.
• Influence and Solicitation: Attempting to influence or hire others to engage in behavior that violates TEEX policies or disrupts the training environment.

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Abuse of Process and False Reporting

Participants are expected to engage honestly and respectfully in all aspects of the TEEX participant conduct process. Knowingly making false reports or abusing disciplinary procedures undermines the integrity of the agency and is strictly prohibited.

Definitions

• Dishonest Reporting: Knowingly making a false report of misconduct, safety violations, or emergencies, including the falsification or distortion of information during investigations, conferences, or appeals.
• Procedural Interference: Disrupting the orderly conduct of an investigation or failing to appear for a scheduled meeting or conference when directed by a TEEX official.
• Improper Influence: Attempting to discourage another individual’s participation in the conduct process or attempting to influence the impartiality of the Student Support Services Coordinator.
• Retaliation and Intimidation: Engaging in verbal or physical intimidation or retaliation against any party, including witnesses or reporting parties, involved in the conduct process.
• Non-Compliance with Sanctions: Failing to meet deadlines, violating conduct probation, or failing to comply with the terms of TEEX-administered disciplinary actions.

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Disrespect or Insubordination

Participants are expected to treat all TEEX staff, instructors, and fellow participants with respect and professionalism. Disrespectful behavior or insubordination toward agency personnel or others in the training environment is strictly prohibited and detracts from the professional standards of the academy.

Definitions

• Insubordinate Conduct: The refusal to follow lawful or reasonable instructions, safety directives, or training requirements provided by TEEX personnel.
• Hostile Communication: Speaking to staff, instructors, or other participants in a rude, dismissive, or hostile manner, including the use of profanity, sarcasm, or gestures intended to demean or provoke.
• Disruptive Defiance: Challenging authority in a confrontational way or intentionally undermining the authority of instructors or staff in the presence of others.
• Non-Participation: Purposely ignoring instructions or refusing to engage in required training activities, thereby hindering the instructional mission.

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Negligence of Leadership

Participants appointed to leadership roles or responsibilities within TEEX training programs are held to the highest standards of accountability and professionalism. Negligence in leadership, whether through a failure to act, poor decision-making, or the misuse of authority, is strictly prohibited, as it compromises safety and undermines the professional integrity of the academy.

Definitions

• Failure to Enforce: Ignoring or failing to mandate compliance with safety protocols, academy rules, or standard operating procedures among peers.
• Abuse of Authority: Issuing unreasonable, harmful, or unauthorized directives, or using a leadership position for personal gain or to intimidate others.
• Dereliction of Duty: The intentional or careless failure to fulfill assigned leadership tasks, oversight responsibilities, or administrative duties.
• Condoning Misconduct: Allowing, encouraging, or failing to report known violations of the Participant Code of Conduct or unsafe behaviors within a squad, platoon, or team.
• Professional Negligence: Demonstrating poor judgment or a lack of oversight that results in confusion, physical harm, or a disruption to the training mission.

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Incidents on Property

Participants must immediately report any incident that occurs on TEEX property, including training grounds, classrooms, administrative buildings, parking areas, and other agency-controlled locations. Prompt reporting is essential to ensuring the safety of all participants, providing necessary medical care, and maintaining the operational integrity of TEEX facilities.

Definitions

• Health and Safety Incidents: Personal injuries, medical emergencies, or the discovery of unsafe conditions and hazards, such as spills, fire risks, or malfunctioning equipment.
• Property and Equipment Damage: Any vehicle accidents, damage to personal or TEEX-owned property, or mechanical failures that occur during training or while on the premises.
• Security and Conduct Breaches: Fights, threats, unauthorized access to restricted areas, suspicious activity, or any behavior that violates TEEX policies or disrupts agency operations.
• Administrative Documentation: The formal process of recording the details of an event to ensure appropriate follow-up, insurance compliance, and future hazard mitigation.

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Safety Risk to Campus or Community

Participants must respect the safety, security, and integrity of TEEX property, facilities, and the broader campus community. Any behavior that poses a safety risk or involves damage, theft, or unauthorized access is strictly prohibited to ensure a secure environment for all participants and staff.

Definitions

• Property Damage: Destroying, defacing, damaging, or misusing TEEX property or the personal property of others, including training equipment and facility infrastructure.
• Theft and Possession: Attempted or actual theft, robbery, or knowingly possessing stolen property, as well as acting as an accessory to such acts.
• Unauthorized Access: Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys, access cards, or credentials, as well as unauthorized entry into TEEX facilities, vehicles, or equipment.
• Community Safety Risk: Any conduct that compromises the security protocols of the campus or poses a potential hazard to the well-being of the surrounding community.

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Personal Safety

TEEX is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants, staff, and visitors. Any behavior that threatens the physical or emotional safety of others is strictly prohibited, regardless of intent or consent, to ensure the well-being of the entire training community.

Definitions

• Physical Abuse: Attempting to cause or causing physical injury or pain to another person or making physical contact that a reasonable person would find offensive or provocative.
• Harassment: Severe, pervasive, or persistent behavior, including verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and coercion, that prevents a reasonable person from accessing training opportunities or benefits.
• Stalking: Willful, malicious, and repeated conduct directed at a specific person that reasonably and seriously alarms, torments, or terrorizes them.
• Threatening and Bullying Behavior: Extreme conduct that creates a reasonable expectation of harm, including intimidation, taunting, or the use of electronic devices and social media (cyberbullying) to inflict mental or emotional harm.
• Training Exception: This policy does not prohibit authorized activities or conduct that are part of a legitimate, instructor-led training curriculum approved by TEEX.

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Hazing

TEEX strictly prohibits any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a participant, or that results in the destruction or unauthorized removal of public or private property. This includes any behavior intended to degrade, humiliate, ridicule, or embarrass another individual, especially when performed as a condition of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued acceptance in a group or academy.

Definitions

• Hazing Conduct: Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student, including physical assault, restraint, or forced consumption of any substance.
• Degrading Treatment: Behavior intended to humiliate or ridicule a participant, such as misuse of authority based on class rank, abandoning individuals in remote locations, or coercing them to violate laws or agency rules.
• Tradition and Consent: The use of “tradition” or peer pressure does not justify misconduct. Consent or acquiescence by the individual subjected to the behavior is not a valid defense under TEEX policy or Texas state law.
• Passive Participation: Failing to report the known planning or execution of hazing activities to TEEX officials is considered a violation of this policy.

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Retaliation

Retaliation against any individual involved in the participant conduct process is strictly prohibited. This includes adverse actions taken against a person who files a complaint, supports or assists someone who files a complaint, or provides relevant information during an investigation or disciplinary proceeding. Ensuring a process free from fear of reprisal is essential to maintaining the integrity of the training environment.

Definitions

• Retaliatory Conduct: Any adverse action or threat of action taken against an individual for their good-faith participation in a conduct investigation, civil rights report, or safety complaint.
• Intimidation and Ostracism: Behavior intended to silence or discredit a participant, including ridicule, bullying, or social exclusion within the academy or group.
• Educational Sabotage: Unfair treatment or the exclusion of an individual from training activities, study groups, or practical exercises as a result of their involvement in a conduct process.
• Physical and Property Threats: Direct or implied threats of violence against a person or their property, as well as harassment through digital or social media channels.

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Failure to Comply

Participants must comply with all verbal and written instructions issued by TEEX officials or other authorized public officials while on TEEX property or participating in TEEX-sponsored activities. This standard of compliance is critical for maintaining safety, security, and the professional discipline required in a training environment.

Definitions

• Non-Identification: Refusing to present valid identification or failing to accurately identify oneself when requested by a TEEX official, administrator, or public safety personnel.
• Disregard for Authority: Ignoring or refusing to follow lawful instructions or directives from TEEX staff, instructors, or emergency responders during training or administrative interactions.
• Notice Violation: Disregarding posted signs, safety notices, instructional manuals, or formal written communications related to training operations and campus safety.
• Evasive Conduct: Purposely avoiding or providing misleading responses to official inquiries or directives from agency personnel.

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Gambling

Gambling for money or other items of value is strictly prohibited on TEEX property and at any TEEX-sponsored activities or events. To maintain a professional environment focused on training and skill development, participants must refrain from activities that involve wagering or games of chance for profit.

Definitions

• Prohibited Wagering: Participating in card games, betting pools, or any games of chance involving the exchange of money, property, or items of value.
• Unauthorized Promotion: Organizing, promoting, or facilitating gambling activities or tournaments on TEEX premises or within agency-controlled groups.
• Digital Gambling: Using mobile apps or digital platforms to engage in betting or sports wagering while on TEEX property or during instructional hours.
• Training Exercise Betting: Wagering on the outcomes of training exercises, practical evaluations, competitions, or any agency-sponsored events.

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Social Media Usage

Participants are expected to engage in responsible, respectful, and ethical behavior when using social media platforms, whether for academic, professional, or personal purposes. Conduct on social media that violates TEEX policies, disrupts the learning environment, or harms the reputation of TEEX, its participants, instructors, or staff is strictly prohibited.

Definitions

• Harassment and Threatening Content: Posting or sharing content that is intimidating, harassing, threatening, or discriminatory toward individuals or groups within the TEEX community.
• Inappropriate or Offensive Material: Sharing content that is obscene, defamatory, or violates TEEX’s policies on discrimination, sexual misconduct, or professional conduct.
• Unauthorized Branding and Misrepresentation: Misrepresenting an affiliation with TEEX or improperly using the agency’s name, logo, or trademarks in a way that suggests official endorsement.
• Digital Academic Dishonesty: Using social media platforms to facilitate cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration on assignments, assessments, or certification exams.
• Unauthorized Distribution: Sharing recordings, images, or confidential information about participants, instructors, or staff without their express consent.
• Cyberstalking and Doxxing: Posting personal or private information about others with the intent to harass, intimidate, or cause harm.
• Privacy and Confidentiality Violations: Sharing confidential student, faculty, or institutional information in violation of Privacy rights, HIPAA, or other applicable laws and agency policies.