About
Student Rights and Responsibility (SRR) guides and supports students in addressing a broad spectrum of issues that may act as barriers to their success. Using a student-centered lens, the members of the SRR team will:
- Act with Honesty, Integrity and with Respect toward all individuals who seek assistance or services
- Promote and Support a community atmosphere that is conducive to academic success
- Uphold the University expectations via the Student Code of Conduct by conducting impartial interventions, investigations, and adjudications in an effort to assist students in reaching their academic and personal goals
- Respond promptly to all complaints and seek equitable resolutions
- Provide resources, education, and support that will proactively reduce risks to all members of the campus community
- Actively promote student rights
Programs and offerings
Education and Outreach
- Title IX and sexual misconduct
- Risk management
- Academic integrity
- Alcohol education
- Behavioral intervention
- Bystander training
- Implicit Bias Training
Policy Interpretation and Enforcement
- Formal and informal resolution of violations
- Assignment of sanctions
- Hearings and due process
Grievances and Problem Solving
- Grievance processing
- Contact with faculty for medical absences
- Facilitate processes
- Identification of resources
Superhero Project-Active bystander
- Active bystander training
- Interventions
- Support
- Graduate and intervention strategies
Staff Directory
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Brownsville and Edinburg Campus
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Douglas Stoves, Ph.D. Dr. Douglas Stoves is the Senior Associate Dean for Students at UTRGV. Dr. Stoves has served the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in this capacity since 2015, and prior to that has served the Rio Grande Valley community for over 15 years through his roles at the University of Texas Brownsville such as the Director of Residential Life and as the Dean of Students. Dr. Stoves currently oversees units such as the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, The University Chess Team, The Student Food Pantry, serves as a Foster Liaison, and is a known and respected resource on campus. He prides himself in advocating for students and being a known resource on campus that integrates academic support and student engagement through effective communication, student advocacy, and a team-focused approach. Dr. Stoves’ research focuses on Compassion Fatigue in Student Affairs, and he uses that to champion the success of our students today. He also is a lover of our four-legged furry friends and has over 9 dogs! |
Brownsville Campus
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Jaime Richeson Jaime Richeson is one of your Program Managers on the Brownsville campus and has over 18 years of experience in Higher Education. He holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Mediation from Abilene Christian University, where he graduated Suma Cum Laude with honors. He takes pride in ensuring our students are fully aware of the University policies. He is a responsible advocate and believes it is a unique privilege mentoring and coaching our students so they can make an informed decision regarding a variety of issues they may face. |
Edinburg Campus
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Alexandra Hughes Dr. Alexandra Hughes is the current Assistant Director for Student Rights and Responsibilities, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. As a member of the university’s administration, she works to manage student conduct and ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, and faculty at the institution. Dr. Hughes also serves UTRGV’s campus as a part-time faculty adjunct for master’s students, teaching classes on research, cultural humility and competencies. Dr. Hughes received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Mercer University, her masters degree from University of South Alabama, and her Doctorate at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley—where her focus was on the experience of racial microaggressions at a Hispanic Serving Institution. Dr. Hughes has served the UTRGV community for over four years now in her current role. Prior to working in student judicial affairs, Dr. Hughes has served campus communities in areas such as Housing & Residence Life, Student Accessibility Services, and Diversity & Inclusion. Dr. Hughes is known for her work nationally with organizations such as the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), and in her own words: “I may not be able to change the world, but if I can positively impact and change one person’s world—then I have done enough”. |
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Maria Morin Mrs. Maria (Mari) Morin, M.S., is a Program Manager for Student Rights and Responsibilities, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. As a team member of Student Rights and Responsibilities, she provides support to students in ensuring they understand their rights as well as their responsibilities. Mrs. Morin assists students in resolving educational and other obstacles that may face while navigating college life. Mrs. Morin received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from our Legacy Institution, University of Texas-Pan American. Her master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. Mrs. Morin has served the UTPA (Legacy Institution) and UTRGV community for10 years. Prior to working in Student Rights and Responsibilities., Mrs. Morin served the campus communities in areas of Department of Rehabilitation as a Program Coordinator and a Lead Educational Coach for DARS Project HIRE. Mrs. Morin was also the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Development overseeing Disability Services and Student Conduct at our Legacy Institution UTPA. Mrs. Morin enjoys running, participating in 25k’s and Half Marathons. Her favorite Superhero is Wonder Woman and likes cake. |
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Catherine Vela Alumni of UT-Pan American, Catherine has been working at Student Rights & Responsibilities since 2013. She serves on the Assessment Committee, Behavioral Intervention Team and CARE committees, Clery Reconciliation Committee, and more. She has participated in training from the National Behavioral Intervention Teams Association (NaBITA) and the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals (NACCOP) professional organizations, receiving certifications from both entities along with certifications as a VAWA Adjudicator and suicide prevention with Youth Mental Health First Aid. She has a fondness for animals and her favorite season is autumn because of the of the cloudy skies and chilly air. You may want to bring a jacket to her office because you will always find her with her fan on. |
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Sheyla Saenz Sheyla Saenz currently serves as the Administrative Assistant in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Prior to her employment at UTRGV, Ms. Saenz gained experience in institutions of higher education such as The University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College. In 2016, Ms. Saenz received her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin where she completed a senior project studying Spanish Complex Onsets. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree at UTRGV. Some of her varying research interests include access to healthcare for marginalized communities and how community-building contributes to mental health and overall well-being. More specifically, she is interested in finding ways in which we can easily and readily promote HIV education and prevention for transgender individuals living in the Rio Grande Valley. Upon receiving her master’s degree, Ms. Saenz hopes to contribute to the knowledge and practices of serving underrepresented and marginalized communities in the Rio Grande Valley through her work in higher education, via private practice, or through non-profit organizations. |