[phas-faculty_staff_others] FW: The Compliance Connection- An August Re-Cap

Tue Sep 8 12:04:30 CDT 2026

Newsletter below forwarded at the request of Cynthia Rhodes

Dr. Kurtis A. Williams (he/him/his)

Professor and Department Head

Department of Physics & Astronomy<https://www.etamu.edu/physics>

P: 903.886.5488

[East Texas A&M logo]<https://www.etamu.edu/>

[East Texas A&M University logo; Golden lionhead]

The Compliance Connection
August 2026

OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ETHICS & COMPLIANCE

[The text "The Compliance Connection" with a cartoon ocean wave, birds, and sun.]
AUGUST 2026 EDITION

PROMOTING INTEGRITY  *  ACCOUNTABILITY  *  RESPECT  *  TRANSPARENCY

[Pen with solid fill]FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

[Quill with solid fill]A Welcome Back Message

As we welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus, compliance remains a cornerstone of our mission and values. Thank you for helping foster a culture of integrity, respect, and responsibility throughout the year ahead.

- President Mark Rudin

Leading with integrity.
Building a culture of compliance.

[Star with solid fill]PRESIDENTIAL COMPLIANCE SPOTLIGHT

The Compliance Department is proud to recognize Coach Trey Conrod as our first Presidential Compliance Spotlight winner!
Nominated by Programs for Minors, Coach Conrod's outstanding communication, prompt completion of compliance requirements, and attention to detail in Ideal-Logic helped ensure a smooth and successful camp season.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to providing a safe, compliant experience for our youth participants.

Click Here for Video<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRQrIEtrsg4>

[Speech with solid fill]DIRECTOR'S CORNER
A Message from Katelyn Severance

[Portrait of Katelyn Severance, Director]As we kick off the new academic year, I want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong and integrity-focused culture. Compliance is more than policies and regulations-it's about making ethical decisions that strengthen our university community every day.

Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and accountable environment for our students, faculty, and staff.

[Lights On with solid fill]COMPLIANCE TIP OF THE MONTH

See Something? Say Something.

Reporting concerns early helps protect our university community.

Examples include:

  *   Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
  *   Conflicts of Interest
  *   Title IX Concerns
  *   Safety concerns
  *   Policy violations

[Meeting with solid fill]MEET THE TEAM

THIS MONTH: MONA GILLEY

[Portrait of Mona Gilley, Assistant Director of Compliance]Assistant Director of Compliance
Mona brings a wealth of expertise and a heart for service to our office. Her dedication helps strengthen our team and supports a culture of ethical behavior at ETAMU.
Fun Fact: Mona loves beach getaways and spending time with her family.

[Daily calendar with solid fill]AUGUST EVENTS

________________________________
[Users with solid fill]AUGUST 18
Fall Assembly
________________________________
[Graduation cap with solid fill]AUGUST 20
First Day of Class
________________________________
[Chat with solid fill]AUGUST 27
CONVERSATIONS W/ COMPLIANCE Q&A

[beach scene with a surfboard with the East Texas A&M University logo, beach balls, and sunglasses.]RIDE THE WAVE OF COMPLIANCE

Protect confidential information.
Before sharing student or employee information, ask yourself:

  *   Is it necessary?
  *   Am I authorized?
  *   Is this the appropriate method?

If you're unsure, ask first.

[two palm trees with a beach ball and sunglasses on a beach][cartoon sun]PROGRAMS FOR MINORS
Another Successful Summer at East Texas A&M University!

[Photos representing East Texas A&M University summer programs for minors]
SUMMER 2026 BY THE NUMBERS
As we are rounding out the summer, East Texas A&M University welcomed thousands of young learners from across Texas to experience academic enrichment, leadership development, music, agriculture, athletics, and STEM programming.

Thanks to the collaboration of our campus departments, community partners, and program directors, we successfully supported youth programs while maintaining compliance with Texas A&M University System Programs for Minors requirements.

SUMMER AT A GLANCE

  *   20 Programs Hosted
  *   2,108 Campers Served
  *   372 Program Staff & Volunteers
  *   9 Overnight Programs
  *   134 Camp Days
  *   8 Campus Departments Involved
  *   2,480 Background Checks Coordinated
  *   4,960 Child Protection & Clery Trainings Completed

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAMS

[Quadcopter with solid fill]JROTC STEM in the Air
Students participated in STEM-based drone education, leadership development, and aviation-focused activities.

[Soldier male with solid fill]North Texas JROTC Camp Challenge
Cadets strengthened leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through military-style competitions and team-building exercises.

[Music note with solid fill]ETAMU Music Camps
Including All-State Choir Camp, Flute Symposium Camp (Dallas Site), Leadership Camp, Drum Major Camp, and Color Guard Camp. Students from across the state refined their musical talents while learning from ETAMU faculty and guest clinicians.

[Plant With Roots with solid fill]Area V FFA Camp
Future agricultural leaders participated in leadership development, networking, and educational activities promoting the future of Texas agriculture.

[cid:image026.png at 01DD3F7A.5A36BE40]ETAMU The Lion Experience
Prospective students experienced life as an ETAMU student through academic exploration and campus engagement.

[Earth globe: Americas with solid fill]Community Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC)
Students developed leadership skills through educational workshops, cultural experiences, and community engagement.

[Books with solid fill]ETAMU TRIO Upward Bound Saturday Academy
Supported college readiness through academic enrichment and student success programming.

CAMPUS COLLABORATION
The success of our Programs for Minors would not be possible without the partnership of:

  *   RLL
  *   Sodexo
  *   UPD
  *   Risk Management
  *   RSC
  *   MRC
  *   University Sponsors (Third-Party Camps)
Thank you for helping create a safe and welcoming environment for every young visitor to ETAMU.

COMPLIANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout Summer 2026, the Programs for Minors Office coordinated:

  *   Program approvals
  *   Background checks
  *   Child Protection Training
  *   Clery Training
  *   Insurance review
  *   Risk assessments
  *   Third-party documentation
  *   Campus partner coordination

Our goal remains the same: Providing safe, compliant, and memorable experiences for every minor who visits East Texas A&M University.

[cid:image035.png at 01DD3F7A.5A36BE40]LOOKING AHEAD
Planning for Summer 2027 has already begun!
Departments considering hosting a youth program are encouraged to begin planning 8-12 weeks in advance to allow adequate time for approvals, background checks, training, and coordination.

If you're considering hosting a camp, clinic, or youth event, the Programs for Minors Office is here to help every step of the way.

Contact Brittainy Thomas at Brittainy.Thomas at etamu.edu<mailto:Brittainy.Thomas at etamu.edu> or by phone 903.886.5979, or stop by the Ethics & Compliance Office in BA #113.

[cid:image044.png at 01DD3F7A.5A36BE40]STAY CONNECTED
Office of University Ethics & Compliance
McDowell Administration Building, Suite 113
Commerce, Texas 75429
903.886.5986

[Clock with solid fill]OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

VISIT US
etamu.edu/compliance<https://www.etamu.edu/compliance>
Resources, training, forms, and more!

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