Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a member of the Texas State University System (TSUS) as specified in the Texas Statues Education Code, Chapter 96.61: “Sam Houston State University is a coeducational institution of higher education located in the city of Huntsville. It is under the management and control of the Board of Regents, Texas State University System” [1]. The nine members of the board are appointed by the Governor of Texas, with the advice and consent of the Texas State Senate. Members hold office for six-year terms, with the terms of three members expiring February 1 of odd-numbered years. Each member of the board shall be a qualified voter, and members are selected from different portions of the state [2]. The governing board protects SHSU from undue influence by external persons or bodies.
The Ethics Policy for Regents and Employees of The Texas State University System as stipulated in the TSUS Rules and Regulations, Chapter VIII, Section 4 [3] addresses the code of ethics for the TSUS Board of Regents. This policy outlines prohibited actions of Regents that might reasonably influence or be intended to influence Regents, including accepting or soliciting any gifts, favors, or services; accepting employment or engaging in certain business-related activities; accepting other appointments or compensation; considering matters with potential personal benefit; making personal investments; and committing acts of fraud, dishonesty, or illegality in office. Chapter VIII, Section 5 of the policy outlines the prohibition of gifts, bribes, and honoraria [4]. Chapter VIII, Section 6 discusses the acceptable and unacceptable political activities by members of the Board of Regents [5]. Chapter VIII, Section 8 outlines the policy regarding dual holdings for non-elected federal or state offices and positions of employment in governmental agencies [6].
To ensure that all board members are made aware of and educated on their responsibilities to protect the institution from undue influence, Chapter VIII, Section 9 of the Ethics Policy for Regents and Employees of The Texas State University System [7] requires that “each regent shall receive training regarding the duties and obligations of the office.” Each new Regent (board member) is provided a one-on-one orientation by the TSUS Vice Chancellor for General Counsel. A sample of relevant training materials is provided [8]. In addition, pursuant to Texas Education Code section 61.084 [9], the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) provides training for new board members, inclusive of members of the Board of Regents, Texas State University System. Section 61.084 prohibits newly appointed board members from voting on budgetary or personnel matters related to system administration or institutions of higher education until the board member completes the required training and earns a passing score on the related assessment. Sample THECB-provided training presentations for members of the governing board are provided [10].