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Mission

�԰����� is a transformational liberal arts and sciences university with selected professional and pre-professional programs. In pursuit of this mission, �԰����� is committed to the highest levels of academic and professional excellence in teaching, research, learning, service, leadership, and personal integrity. �԰����� embraces innovation in all pursuits: rigorous and relevant courses, supportive mentoring relationships, and a wealth of learning opportunities wherever they occur. �԰����� prepares its graduates to pursue lives of meaning and purpose.

Independent Status, Charter, Covenant

�԰����� is an independent university founded in 1869 by Presbyterians, an institution that served a full century as “the college of The Synod of Texas.” In 1969 a covenant was adopted between the Synod and the University, and the previous legal ties were dissolved. �԰�����’s covenant with The Synod of Texas was reaffirmed in 1973 by the newly organized Synod of the Sun. The covenant is one of mutual trust and obligation in which the Board of Trustees commits itself to continue to pursue the purposes for which �԰����� was founded. The church pledges itself to continue its interest in and support of the University. The covenant was reaffirmed with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 1983, 1989, and again in 2000.

The amended charter creates a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees consisting of thirty-six persons who have complete control and management of the institution. The legal purpose of the corporation is to maintain and operate a coeducational institution and to confer degrees upon graduating students and other deserving persons.

Accreditation

�԰����� is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. �԰����� also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of �԰����� may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at��, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website ().��

Texas state teachers’ certificates are issued to those students who fulfill the requirements of the Texas Education Agency. The University is a member of The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education for the preparation of elementary teachers, secondary teachers, and school service personnel, with the master’s degree.

A chapter of Phi Beta Kappa is active on the �԰����� campus. ��In addition, �԰����� is approved and accredited by the Texas Education Agency and the United States Office of Education. The Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society. The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and the Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry are certified by the American Chemical Society.

The Engineering Science (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, , under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Engineering, General Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Science and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Department of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB International).

The Department of Health Care Administration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for its health care administration program.

The University is a corporate member of the American Association of University Women, and its women graduates are eligible for membership in this organization.

Non-Discrimination and Diversity Policy

Within published requirements for admission, �԰����� does not and will not discriminate in admission of students to study at the University, enrollment in classes, housing, or use of facilities in the academic program because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability (if otherwise qualified for admission), military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

�԰����� does not and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability (if otherwise qualified for the job), military/veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The University is committed to making employment-related decisions according to an applicant or employee’s experience, talent, and qualifications, without regard to his/her race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability (if otherwise qualified for the job), military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

The Compliance Officer of the University is the Director of Human Resources. Any questions or complaints relative to discrimination should be referred to the Office of Human Resources. The Section 504/Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Officer is the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration. Students with disabilities who desire accommodations should contact Student Accessibility Services, preferably before the beginning of each semester. Any questions or complaints relative to facilities, services, and accessibility should be referred to the Office of Finance and Administration.

Security Policy Statement

�԰�����’s campus security program is an ongoing process that includes the development and enforcement of regulations, procedures, and practices to provide a reasonable level of security for property, information, and for the personal safety of employees, students, and visitors.

Administrative and supervisory personnel are responsible for the incorporation of security principles and procedures in their respective areas of operations.

Each member of the faculty, staff, and student body is responsible for carrying out campus regulations, procedures, and practices and shall comply with federal, state, and local laws related to security matters while on the campus or in the course of representing or conducting University activities.

In compliance with the Crime Awareness and Security Act of 1990, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, additional information regarding security policies and crime statistics is available from the Office of the Director of Campus Security, �԰�����, (210) 999-7070. This information is also available at the internet website: ��

Electronic Communication

�԰����� supplies every student and employee with an e-mail address. Students, faculty, and all employees of the university are expected to monitor their e-mail on a regular basis. E-mail is an official means of communication and will be utilized to conduct business and to supply information to students, staff, and faculty. E-mail is also a critical and primary communication