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Judgment of Compliance

Narrative

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a member of the Texas State University System (TSUS) as stipulated in Texas Education Code, Chapter 96.61 [1]. As a critical element in the success of its component institutions, including SHSU, the TSUS strives for continuous improvement. To this end, the TSUS Board defines and regularly evaluates its responsibilities and expectations.

TSUS Rules and Regulations, Chapter I, Section 8 stipulates the following:

At least once every three years, the Board shall conduct a self-assessment in fulfilling the fiduciary and other imperatives of Texas Education, Section 51.352 and other applicable law. The Board shall take and implement such actions as it deems reasonable and necessary to improve its performance and the betterment of the System and its Components. [2]

The board’s self-assessment [3] includes an examination of 31 board activities and/or expectations across the following six broad areas:

• Board Activity
• Mission and Purpose
• Governance
• Board Organization
• Board Meetings
• Board Membership

Board activities examined within these six broad areas include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Familiarity with policies, procedures, and guidelines;
• Adequacy of orientation for newly elected members;
• Understanding of the strategic planning processes of the system and component institutions;
• Adequacy of oversight of financial performance and fiduciary accountability of the system and institutions;
• Understanding and evaluation of institutional missions in comparison to operational achievements;
• Engagement in board development processes;
• Adequacy of committee structures to logically address areas of operations;
• Adequacy of board meeting structures and logistics;
• Diversity of experience, skills, and knowledge required to accomplish its roles and responsibilities.

Additionally, each board member provides an assessment and/or suggestions related to the overall work and effectiveness of the board (i.e., significant accomplishments, action to improve, strengths, etc.). The most recent board self-assessment was conducted in the Spring of 2018, with the findings and results presented to the board at the February 2018 Board Meeting [4] [5].

Supporting Documentation

Documentation Reference	Document Title
[1]	Texas Education Code, Chapter 96.61
[2]	Texas State University System Rules and Regulations, Chapter I, Section 8
[3]	Board Self-Evaluation Instrument
[4]	Summary of Self-Assessment, February 2018
[5]	Board Meeting Minutes, TSUS Board Self-Assessment, February 2018