University Policies

Acceptable Use of Information Resource

Stephen F. Austin State University encourages the responsible use of its information resources for academic activities, research and public service. Access to the university’s information resources is a privilege. All users of information resources should act responsibly to maintain the integrity of these resources.

Furthermore, all users must abide by all existing university codes of conduct as well as by local, state and federal statutes. The university reserves the rights to limit, restrict or extend privileges and access to its resources. The university’s information resources include, but are not limited to, computers, servers, networks, computer-attached devices, network-attached devices, voice systems, cable systems and computer applications.

Use should always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, uphold community standards and show restraint in the consumption of shared resources.

Appropriate use demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and every individual’s right to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment and unwarranted annoyance.

For additional information, consult HOP policy 06-101.

Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504

Stephen F. Austin State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to or operations of its programs, services or activities, including hiring or employment practices. Compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, is coordinated through the Office of Disability Services. Additional details are outlined in HOP policy 01-302.

This catalog is available on disk from the ADA coordinator. Visit the Disability Services webpage for information on accommodations. 

Discrimination Complaints/Sexual Harassment Policy

Stephen F. Austin State University strives to provide an educational and work environment that affirms the rights and dignity of each individual. It is the policy of the university, in accordance with federal and state law, to prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship and veteran status. Additionally, SFA prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Unlawful discrimination based on sex includes discrimination defined as sexual harassment.

Retaliation for filing an unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment complaint is prohibited by the policy.

For additional information, visit the Institutional Complaints webpage.

Student Conduct Code and Academic Integrity

Enrolling at Stephen F. Austin State University obligates students to adhere to a code of behavior that embraces academic and personal integrity; respect for the dignity, right, and property of others; and an intolerance of discrimination and harassment. In keeping with this obligation, students and student organizations are expected to comply with the standards outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. All students are expected and required to obey federal, state and local laws, and to comply with The University of Texas System, its regents’ and institutional rules and regulations. This code contains rules for adjudicating alleged violations of the handbook of operating procedures in a manner consistent with the requirements of procedural due process and in accordance with The University of Texas System rules and its Board of Regents’ Rule: 50101.

Visit sfasu.edu/sco for more information.

Student Right-to-Know Act

In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Right to Know Act, Stephen F. Austin State University will make available to enrolled or prospective students information regarding graduation rates as well as institutional security policies and crime statistics. Information on graduation rates is available on the Office of Strategic Analytics and Institutional Research’s student achievement webpage.

Institutional security policies and crime statistics are available from the Office of Admissions and the University Police Department. They also are available on sfasu.edu/upd/public-records.

Use and Release of Student Information

Student Records

The purpose of HOP policy 04-108, is to comply with federal law that grants to students the right to access their education records, protects students from illegal use of their education records and restricts the disclosure of the Social Security account number of students. A description of the types and custodians of records, as well as student and institutional rights, can be found in the policy.

For more information, consult HOP policy 04-108.

Directory Information

The university designates the following items as directory information: name, all addresses, university-issued e-mail, all telephone numbers, major field of study, academic classification, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance and enrollment status, degrees and awards received, previous schools attended, photograph, and class roster. The university may disclose any of these items without prior written consent, unless the student notifies the registrar in writing to the contrary.

For more information, consult HOP policy 04-108.

Student Travel

HOP policy 04-125 governs student travel undertaken by one or more SFA students enrolled at the university to reach an activity or event that has been organized and sponsored by the university and is located more than 25 miles from the university.

For more information, consult HOP policy 04-125.