Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog: Undergraduate, Graduate, and College of Law 
    
2018-2019 Catalog: Undergraduate, Graduate, and College of Law [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

About UNT Dallas



The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is the only regionally accredited, public university in the City of Dallas. UNT Dallas is rapidly becoming a university of first choice as a result of the personal involvement of faculty, student support resources, affordability, location, and the relevancy of programs and degrees to career offerings in the region.

Record enrollment for Fall 2016 exceeded 3,000 students.

The university offers 22 undergraduate and 8 graduate programs and 1 professional degree in high-demand fields including criminal justice, teacher education, business, sociology, and counseling. There are four academic schools:  School of Business; School of Education; School of Human Services; and, the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

UNT Dallas has a diverse student population (41 percent Hispanic, 35 percent African-American, and 17 percent white) including first-time freshmen, transfer students, veterans and graduate students.  The experiential learning opportunities provided by UNT Dallas are perfectly suited for first generation and continuing education students seeking the degrees and experience needed to pursue high demand career opportunities in the Northeast Texas region and beyond.

The campus spans 264 acres in southern Dallas and is located on University Hills Boulevard, north of Interstate 20 (Exit 468) between Interstates 35 and 45.  In October 2016, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) opened the UNT Dallas DART rail station, effectively linking the university to all of DART’s service area in Dallas.

UNT Dallas is a member of the University of North Texas System.

Accreditation

The University of North Texas at Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of University of North Texas at Dallas may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Mission Statement

Empower. Transform. Strengthen.
UNT Dallas empowers students, transforms lives, strengthens communities.

Vision

Through education and community connectedness, UNT Dallas aspires to be the pathway to social mobility in its primary market.

Values

Resilience, Unity, Excellence, Mentoring, Integrity, Effectiveness, Strategic, Diversity

Goals

  • Rooted in community. Become the leading university in Southern Dallas and nearby suburbs.
  • Grow. Increase enrollment, retention and completion rates with experiential learning while developing critical thinking and marketable skills for every student.
  • Serve. Relentless pursuit of student success. 

UNT Dallas Milestones

1997

  • State Senator Royce West and Representative Helen Giddings introduced SCR 75 at Texas’ 75th Legislative Session. The bill authorized the establishment of a commission to study the creation of an institution of higher learning to be located in southern Dallas County. The bill passed but was vetoed by the governor.
  • Not to be deterred, organizers formed the Southern Dallas County Higher Education Feasibility Task Force. That summer the Task Force made a formal request to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct the study.
  • By fall the coordinating board commissioner had appointed a special committee to coordinate the study.

1998

  • In July the committee recommended that the study area be broadened to include Ellis County as well as southern Dallas County.
  • In September the University of North Texas was selected to be the new university’s educational partner.

1999

  • In January the coordinating board granted permission to the University of North Texas to open the UNT System Center at Dallas.
  • In June the Texas Legislature and governor approved a $4.2 million appropriation to fund start-up costs and operations at the System Center. Support for the funding was led by Senator West and Representative Giddings.

2000

  • Dr. Virginia Wheeless, UNT’s Associate Chancellor for Planning, was appointed the System Center’s interim executive director.
  • In the fall the institution began offering degree-related programs at temporary quarters in a Dallas business park.

2001

  • On May 8, Governor Rick Perry signed into law Senate Bill 576, which formally created an independent University of North Texas at Dallas.  Enrollment had surpassed the 1,000 students threshold, required before independent status could be triggered.
  • Dr. John Ellis Price was named UNTD’s first chief executive officer. 

2003

  • The Communications Foundation of Texas awarded the UNT System a $500,000 planning grant to fund a high quality, professional master plan for property UNTD owned.  Consisting of 264 wooded acres, the site was ideally located just east of I-20 on what was then Houston School Road. 
  • The Legislature authorized $25.4 million for construction of UNTD’s initial academic building.

2005

  • The master plan for UNTD’s new Dallas campus, which took 18 months to complete, was approved.
  • Ground was broken in October to begin construction of UNTD’s initial academic building-a 75,000 square foot, three-story structure.

2006

  • The initial academic building was completed and occupied.

2009

  • In May Governor Perry signed Senate Bill 629, which released $25 million in revenue bonds.
  • Construction got underway on a second, companion academic building.
  • Work began on Vision 2020:  A Framework for Achieving Comprehensive University Status.  The effort was spearheaded by Bain & Co.
  • Legislation establishing the UNT Dallas College of Law passed and was signed by Governor Perry.

2010

  • The second academic building was completed and occupied.
  • In the fall UNTD welcomed its first freshman class.
  • A $5 million appropriation to fund start-up costs for the law school was authorized in the 2010-2011 state budget.

2011

  • The UNT Dallas Commission on Building the University of the 21st Century was formed.
  • Houston School Road north of I-20 is renamed University Hills Boulevard.

2012

  • The Commission issued its report, which made recommendations which focused on teaching, students, and affordability.

2013

  • Senior U.S. District Judge Royal Ferguson, Jr., stepped down from his bench at the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, to become founding Dean of the UNT Dallas College of Law.
  • UNTD presented degrees to its first graduating class.
  • In June, UNTD received accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) retroactive to January 1, 2013.

2014

  • The UNT Dallas College of Law admits first class.

2015

  • Former Dallas Morning News Editor in Chief Bob Mong named President of UNT Dallas.

2016

  • DART opens new UNT Dallas campus light rail station.
  • Ground broken on UNT Dallas’ first residence hall, a milestone signifying the university’s continued growth.
  • UNT Dallas announces record enrollment, exceeding 3,000 students for the first time.

2017

  • UNT System acquires the historic City of Dallas Municipal Building (106 S. Harwood) to become the permanent home of UNT Dallas College of Law.
  • UNT Dallas College of Law receives approval for provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association.
  • UNT Dallas awarded $2.58 million for TRIO Upward Bound Programs by U.S. Department of Education.
  • UNT Dallas becomes a residential campus with the opening of University Hall, the campus’ first residence hall.

Institutional Quality Enhancement

UNT Dallas is committed to continuous improvement in all of its operations. At both the institutional and the organizational-unit level, the University establishes expected outcomes for performance, assesses the extent to which the outcomes are attained, and makes changes to affect performance improvements on the basis of a careful review of outcomes assessment data.

With regard to student academic achievement, UNT Dallas regularly and formally evaluates student success in acquiring the skills, knowledge bases, and behaviors that are identified by faculty as critically important in the degree programs offered by the institution. The University also evaluates the effectiveness of its many services that support student learning. UNT Dallas believes that ongoing assessment of student learning and prompt implementation of improvements in curricula, pedagogy, and related educational support programs and practices when indicated are central to the efficacy of its academic mission.

Students should anticipate participating in a wide array of evaluation and assessment procedures throughout their educational careers at UNT Dallas. Students are expected to enter into these procedures openly and honestly so that they and UNT Dallas together can ensure continuous improvement processes are effective in maximizing each student’s educational experience.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is incorporated into one of the goals of our university: Grow. Increase enrollment, retention and completion rates with experiential learning while developing critical thinking and marketable skills for every student. Experiential learning is the process of developing knowledge and skills from direct experience - learning through action.

Experiential learning at UNT Dallas is two-fold: it serves to help students transition more gracefully from college to the work place setting by gaining marketable skills, real world experience, and industry networks; it also serves to improve the quality of learning by understanding how text book learning applies to the real world by increasing the likelihood of using the knowledge, critical thinking skills and habits of mind acquired in their studies.

Students will have the opportunity to: (1) apply their educational competencies through experiential learning in the community, (2) deepen their understanding of course content and develop critical thinking through direct research or service based activities, and (3) access resources to enhance their professional development and skill set to become more marketable. Experiential learning is a process of learning by doing and reflecting on the experience. Experiential learning first immerses learners in an experience and then encourages reflection about the experience to develop new skills, new attitudes, or new ways of thinking.

Services offered to students includes but are not limited to: assistance in identifying their learning style, assistance in finding appropriate placement at approved sites, appropriate trainings and informational resources, provided correct paperwork and assessments for university data collection, and recognition opportunities for the service they commit to the community.

Services offered to faculty includes but are not limited to: assistance in providing experiential learning opportunities for their students, showcasing the great work you and your students are doing around experiential learning, assistance in the capturing and recording process, providing educational presentations about experiential learning, internship course development, and informational materials and resources of the university policies, and best practices for experiential learning.

Services provided to community partners includes but are not limited to: opportunities to recruit and speak to students, assessments to ensure quality efforts and satisfaction, success stories featured, and resources for improved policies and best practices.

For more information, call 972-338-1764 or email Experiential.Learning@untdallas.edu.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit - and takes actions to prevent -  discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence),  and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, family status, genetic information, citizenship or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates and takes remedial action when appropriate.  The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing. 

Directory of Frequently Called Offices

When seeking information about the University, please visit, call, or write the office most closely associated with the subject of your concern or inquiry. Letters intended for offices other than those contacted will be forwarded. Directory assistance for all university offices is available through the main switchboard at (877) 868-9857 or the main campus number: (972) 780-3600.

Admissions Offices

Office of Admissions (Undergraduate)

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-780-3642
877-UNT-DALS (868-3257)
Fax: 972-780-3694
E-mail: admissions@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/undergrad

Admission information, applications and status reports for new undergraduate students (U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens).

 

Graduate Admissions

Mailing address:
UNT Dallas
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-780-3642
877-UNT-DALS (868-3257)
Fax: 972-780-3694
E-mail: GradSchool@untdallas.edu
Web site: www.untdallas.edu/graduate

Admission information, application and status for new and former graduate students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents). Information regarding graduate admission, general policies, regulations and degree requirements; GRE score recording.

Campus Visitor and Tour Information

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-338-1756
Tour Hours: 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. based on availability, Tuesday-Friday
Email address: visit@untdallas.edu
Web site: www.untdallas.edu/visit

 

 

Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-780-3662
Fax: 972-780-3636
E-mail: financialaid@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/finaid

General Offices

Academic Advising and Student Support

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-338-1645
Email address: Advising@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/aas/advising

Advising, placement, support and assessment for students enrolled in developmental education to meet Texas Success Initiative requirements. Provides general support for campus undergraduate retention efforts.

 

Career Services

Mailing address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-338-1782
Fax: 972-338-1789
E-mail: CareerServices@untdallas.edu
Web site: www.untdallas.edu/careers

Services: Career and job search resources; job announcements; online job listings; transmission of online resumes to potential employers; career and job search advising; on-campus interviews with employer representatives and career fairs.

Counseling and Wellness Services

Mailing address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-338-1779
Email address: StudentAffairs@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/wellness

Individual and group counseling for career, emotional and personal concerns; interest, aptitude and personality assessments.

 

Finance and Administration

Mailing Address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-338-1400
Website: www.untdallas.edu/ofa

Human Resources

Mailing Address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-338-1410
Website: www.untdallas.edu/hr

 

Office of Disability Services

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-338-1777
TTY access: 888-937-9291
Email address: Cynthia.Suarez@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/disability

Assistance with provision of auxiliary academic aids for students who request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Office of Marketing & Communications

Mailing Address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-338-1097
Website: www.untdallas.edu/marcom

 

Office of the President

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-780-3600
Email address: President@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/president

Office of the Provost

Mailing address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-338-1600
Fax: 972-338-1614
Email address: Provost@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/provost

 

Office of the Registrar

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-780-3664
Fax: 972-338-1939
Email address: registrar@untdallas.edu
Web site: www.untdallas.edu/registrar

Registration; transcripts; grade reports; academic status information; residency determination for continuing and former students; military waivers; enrollment verification/certification; notary service; and graduation.

Office of Strategic Analysis & Reporting

Mailing Address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-338-1785
Email AddressSam.Shi@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/sar

 

Office of University Advancement

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-338-1100
Fax: 972-780-3636
Email address: advancement@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/ua

Student Affairs

Mailing address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-338-1775
Email address: StudentAffairs@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/osa    

General information; non-academic and personal assistance; student policy interpretation; social adjustment problems; student activities; and registered organizations information.

 

Student Financial Services

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-780-3658
Fax: 972-780-3636
Email address: StudentFinancialServices@untdallas.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/sfs
Payments: my.untdallas.edu

Provide information and assistance regarding tuition and fee charges, waivers, installment payment of tuition and special fees; refunds; returned checks; identification cards.

Student Government Association

Mailing address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-338-1781
Email address: SGA@untdallas.edu

 

University Police

Mailing address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
Police Department: 972-780-3009
Emergencies: 972-780-3000 (officer dispatch) | 911
Website: www.untdallas.edu/police

University Police officers are licensed by the State of Texas and enforce state and local laws as well as university rules and regulations. University police provide protection on a routine and emergency basis, administer the crime prevention program; campus escort service and emergency phone system, and provide motorist assistance.

UNT Dallas Campus Parking

Mailing Address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-780-3009
Website: www.untdallas.edu/parking

 

UNT Dallas Library

Mailing Address:
7400 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241
972-338-1616
Email address: untdlibrary@unt.edu
Website: www.untdallas.edu/library

Veteran’s Benefits

Mailing address:
7300 University Hills Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75241-4605
972-780-3664
Email address: VA@untdallas.edu
Web site: www.untdallas.edu/registrar/va

Information on VA education benefits, Tuition Assistance, and Hazlewood exemptions; filing and certification of benefits; processing changes in program, semester schedule, or student status.