Community Handbook: FERPA and Resident Rights and Responsibilities
FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The essence of FERPA is to give a student the right to inspect his or her education records and to protect the privacy of these records. The statute applies to any educational agency or institution that receives funding under any program administered by the Secretary of Education.
System and University Ethics & Compliance Responsibilities
System and university ethics and compliance responsibilities are defined in System Policy 16.01, System Regulation 16.01.01, University Procedure 16.01.01.R0.01 and in the Texas Education Code Section 51.971, Compliance Program.
Resident Rights and Responsibilities
As a member of the Residential Living and Learning (RLL) residential community, each resident has rights that support a safe, respectful, and positive living environment. Along with these rights, residents share the responsibility of contributing to a community where all residents can live, learn, and thrive.
Right to Sleep: Residents have the right to a safe and restful living environment, especially during established quiet hours. Residents are responsible for being considerate of others by maintaining appropriate noise levels and responding respectfully to requests to reduce noise.
Right to Study: Residents have the right to an environment that supports academic success. Residents are responsible for respecting the study needs of others by limiting disruptive noise and addressing concerns appropriately when their actions impact another resident's ability to study.
Right to Personal Belongings: Residents have the right to maintain and use their personal belongings within their assigned space. Residents are responsible for securing their belongings, locking their assigned space, and taking appropriate steps to help protect their property and the property of others.
Right to Access: Residents have the right to reasonable access to their assigned residential space. Residents are responsible for maintaining possession of their keys, Lion Card/Mobile Credentials, and ensuring that any guests they invite into the residential community follow all University and RLL policies.
Right to a Clean and Safe Environment: Residents have the right to live in a clean, well-maintained, and safe residential community. RLL works to maintain common areas and address facility concerns. Residents are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of their assigned spaces and complying with Health and Safety Inspection (HSI) requirements.
Right to Express Concerns: Residents have the right to voice concerns, provide feedback, and seek assistance from RLL staff. Residents are responsible for communicating concerns respectfully and allowing staff the opportunity to address issues and provide support.
Right to a Safe and Welcoming Community: Residents have the right to live in an environment that promotes respect, belonging, and positive interactions among community members. All residents share the responsibility of contributing to a supportive residential community. Harassment, threats, intimidation, abuse, or disrespectful behavior, whether verbal, written, electronic, or physical, will not be tolerated.
Responsibility for Conduct: Residents are responsible for understanding and following all Residential Living and Learning Community Standards, University policies, and directives provided by University officials. If a resident is documented as being involved in an incident, they may be required to participate in the RLL conduct process and will have the opportunity to share their perspective regarding the incident.