Frequently Asked Questions

Is outside catering allowed for on-campus events?

Generally, no outside catering or commercially prepared food is permitted for on-campus events.

SFA has an exclusive contract with Chartwells which grants them the right to provide comprehensive food and beverage services for SFA's students, faculty, staff, invitees and visitors. However, individuals may bring their own food to consume (brown-bag) or personally prepare food for themselves and the group to consume (pot-luck/covered dish type event).

Additionally, events that are $150 or less (on a per-order basis) are exempt from the catering services requirements unless held in the Baker Pattillo Student Center:

• Grand Ballroom
• Twilight Ballroom
• Regent's Suite
• President's Suite
• Multimedia Room
• Tiered Classroom
• and movie theatre.

All other types of food service must go through Chartwells who maintains a first right of refusal.

If you have any questions about the services Chartwells offer (including the ability to just pick up food they've prepared without table service, napkins, etc.) or further questions about the catering requirements, contact Carrie Charley, the Executive Director of Campus Living, Dining, and Auxiliary Enterprises at 936.468.1101.

What is the procedure for getting a contract approved and signed?

Visit our Forms and Contracts webpage.

Can the Office of the General Counsel help me with personal legal questions?

No. Read our About webpage for more details about our role.

Who can hold a raffle?

Generally, only nonprofit entities with 501(c) designation are permitted to conduct raffles. However, qualified student organizations are permitted to conduct raffles on campus.

The following is a brief outline of requirements for raffles.

• Only "qualified" organizations can hold raffles. Qualified organizations consist of a qualified:
  • religious society
  • volunteer fire department
  • volunteer emergency medical service
  • or nonprofit organization.
• A qualified nonprofit organization is one that:
  • holds a certificate of authority under the Texas NonProfit Corporation Act (Article 1396-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil Statues)
  • a 501(c) organization
  • or a local chapter, affiliate, unit or subsidiary organization of a qualified nonprofit organization.
• Only two raffles may be conducted by the qualified organization per calendar year, and only one raffle may be held at a time.
• A qualified organization may only award prizes in a raffle up to four times per calendar year.
• The proceeds of the raffle must be used for the charitable purposes of the organization.
• Paid advertising through television, radio or newspaper may not be used to promote a raffle.
• Raffles may not be promoted statewide.
• Only members of the qualified organization or individuals who are authorized by the organization can sell raffle tickets. The organization may not compensate anyone for organizing or conducting the raffle or for selling raffle tickets.
• Money may not be offered as a prize at a raffle.
• The value of a prize may not exceed $75,000.
• Qualified student organizations that are recognized by an institution of higher education may sell raffle tickets at any facility of the institution, subject to reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of the sale.
• Raffle must be in compliance with HOP policy 05-409 and procedures regarding time, place and manner.

Refer to the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act, Occupations Code, Chapter 2002 for complete information regarding raffles.

Someone has had an accident on campus. What do I do?

Document the incident in accordance with the accident report checklist, below. Do not promise to pay medical bills. Automobile accidents should be reported to the University Police Department through appropriate procedure.

Accident Report Checklist

I. Identification Information

• Class, activity or event in which accident occurred
• Date and time of accident
• Person in charge
• Person injured
• Witnesses

II. Accident Information

• Location of accident.
• What was the injured doing? (Just the facts, do not include opinions or determination of cause.)
• Safety steps taken or not taken. (Do not write preventative steps the institution could have taken.)

III. First Aid or Medical Assistance

• What type of injury? (Just facts about general nature of injury.)
• What emergency care was given?
• Was the injured taken to the hospital? How?
• Who did what?

IV. Follow-up

• Take notes of communications with the injured or their family and friends.
• Inform risk manager, safety officer, proper administrator, and/or attorney.
• Do not take immediate steps to make changes without the advice of your attorney.
• Save any possible evidence.

How can I determine whether an individual is an employee or contract laborer?

The amount of control exercised over the individual by the employer determines whether that individual should be considered an employee. If the employer has the right to direct and control the way the individual works regarding the details of when, where, and how the work is to be done, as well as the final result, that individual is considered an employee. The IRS 20 Questions can be used to help determine whether they employer's control is sufficient.