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

Student Resources



Academic Advising

Contact Information

Academic Advising
(972) 338-1645
Advising@UNTDallas.edu

What is Academic Advising?

Academic Advising is an educational process that facilitates students’ understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education and fosters their intellectual and personal development toward academic success and life-long learning. Advisors evaluate students’ transcript, help students transfer credits for prior coursework, set class schedule, prepare degree plans, and track progress toward degree completion.

Mission/Vision of Academic Advising at UNT Dallas

Mission Statement

UNT Dallas Academic Advising and Student Success supports our students with empathy and informed advice, while challenging them to explore their academic, personal and professional goals through their education in a nonjudgmental space.

UNT Dallas Academic Advising strives to:

  • Provide accurate academic and career information.
  • Help students clarify their academic goals and career choices.
  • Assist students in understanding University policies and procedures.
  • Provide informational and planning tools to enable students to accomplish their goals.
  • Work cooperatively with academic departments, faculty and student services offices to provide comprehensive advising information.

Student learning outcomes

Working with your advisor, you will learn to:

  • Develop, implement, and maintain a clear academic plan suited to life and career goals.
  • Develop skills in locating and effectively using information and resources that help you achieve your academic goals.
  • Navigate UNT Dallas’ culture and systems.
  • Feel empowered to make your own academic decisions.
  • Develop communication, decision-making, and problem solving skills.

Student/Advisor Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

  • Come prepared to your advising session (be on-time, have questions ready, and if applicable bring documents/forms or resources that you may have questions about). Students may bring guests to their appointments but the student must always be in attendance.
  • Put away all cell phones and technology that could interrupt the appointment.
  • Make an appointment with an advisor in a timely manner when in need of assistance. Call prior to your appointment (24 hours or more if possible) to let us know if you need to reschedule. (Reasons to reschedule: sick, more than 10 minutes late, lack of transportation, etc.).
  • Familiarize yourself with the general education and major specific requirements for your degree and schedule courses each semester in accordance with those requirements. We highly recommended utilizing the catalog.
  • Be aware of the prerequisites for each course that you include in your semester schedule and to discuss with your advisor how prerequisites will affect the sequencing of your courses.
  • Actively check and read emails sent to your student email.
  • Be an active participant in your educational development by utilizing college resources: tutoring, time management and study skills workshops, and understanding your learning style.
  • Be resourceful! Use resource (handouts, websites, My.UNTDallas.edu) to find answers to question you may have.
  • Seek and gather sources of information which will assist you in making academic/career decisions, including internships, research opportunities, and professional organizations.
  • Ask questions! If you don’t understand a policy or a procedure, ask questions until you do understand. Be knowledgeable about policies, procedures and requirements.
  • Understand that advisors are available to provide information and make recommendations. However, you are responsible for choosing the best option given your unique situation, responsibilities, and abilities.

Advisor Responsibilities

The UNT Dallas Academic Advisors are committed to providing excellent academic advising and support services and to partner with you to accomplish your educational and career goals. Academic Advising is a shared responsibility and we will work together in order for you to make the best decisions to achieve your goals.

Advisors are here to:

  • Offer advice on course selection and to assist you in developing an academic plan that satisfies degree requirements.
  • Understand and effectively communicate curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies and procedures.
  • Clearly communicate the UNT Dallas major requirements (including, but not limited to prerequisites, curriculum, and graduation requirements). Actively seek out the answer to any question and respond to student with the answer.
  • Evaluate and discuss your academic performance and the implications of your performance as it relates to degree progress and university requirements.
  • Clarify university policies, regulations, programs, and procedures about which you may have questions.
  • Treat you with respect and as an adult.
  • Be available to answer your questions through scheduled meetings, phone calls, or emails.
  • Be supportive and respectful listeners, and refer you to appropriate support services within the university in response to your individual needs.
  • Maintain confidentiality (will not discuss issues with parents or non-university persons without your written permission; will respond to academic questions only via untdallas.edu email accounts).

Drop in advising vs. appointment vs. email

           Scheduled Appointment Drop-In Advising Email
  • Generally a 30-minute allotted meeting time
  • More involved questions and detailed discussion, such as:
    • Academic Difficulty      
    • Change of Major
    • Academic Plan and Goals
    • Leave of Absence
    • University Withdrawal
  • Generally a 15-minute allotted meeting time
  • As it is first-come, first-served, there may involve a wait
  • Common Examples:
    • Quick Questions
    • Add/Drop within the deadline
    • Time sensitive issues
      
  • Clarification if you are unsure an appointment is necessary
  • Scheduling an appointment
  • Any other inquiries

Guidelines for contacting your advisor

  • Student Name (First & Last) and Student ID#
  • Days and Times available
  • Brief statement of issue/concern, reason for appointment, or comments/questions
  • Return phone number if a phone call is desired
  • Other relevant information

Important Dates

  • Prior to the start of your first semester
    • Activate your UNT Dallas email account.
    • Identify books, websites, and study aids for each class.
    • Familiarize yourself with Blackboard/Canvas.
    • Review transfer credit in my.untdallas.edu portal and make sure everything is correct.
  • During your first year
    • If you are not sure about your major, meet with your academic advisor and research possible career paths at the Career Center.
    • Develop an academic plan with your academic advisor.
  • Each Semester
    • Look at the academic calendar on the registrar’s website.
    • Secure and maintain funding resources to pay for tuition, fees, and other needs.
    • Talk with the instructors of your classes if you are concerned or have questions about your progress.
    • Maintain a balance of zero on your student account to avoid being dropped from your classes next term.
    • Complete a degree audit report within my.UNTDallas.edu.edu before registering for classes to ensure you are on track with your graduation goal.
  • Ongoing/Anytime
    • Review requirements for your program of study with your academic advisor.
    • Review and update your personal and contact information as needed, and confirm your program of study/major.
  • Yearly
    • File FAFSA for the upcoming academic year as needed, complete all requirements, and review/respond to financial aid requests for information.
  • In the semester prior to your expected graduation term
    • Senior Audit
  • In your final Semester
    • Attend classes needed to complete your degree or certificate.
    • Submit an application for graduation.

Academic Support

Academic Support Office provides services for:

  • Texas Success Initiative
  • Testing/Placement
  • Learning Commons (labs and tutoring support)

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

TSI is a program which requires testing in reading, mathematics, and writing to ensure that all students attending public universities in Texas have the skills necessary to perform effectively in college-level coursework.  The Academic Support Office administers the TSI Assessment.  A fee is charged to take the TSI Assessment.

Math Placement

Students interested in placing into College Algebra or a higher math class should schedule with Academic Support to take the math placement exam.  The placement exam may be taken once per semester of enrollment at no cost.  The following are prerequisites for College Algebra:

  • Passed a UNT Dallas math course with a minimum grade of C, or
  • Passed a transfer course at the level of UNT Dallas’ MATH 1100  (or above) with a minimum grade of C

The Learning Commons

The Learning Commons offers three areas for additional academic support in the form of tutoring. The commons’ hours are posted on the websites, and scheduling policies vary by center. Students are also encouraged to use the labs for individual or group study.  All labs are equipped with computers and appropriate software.

Writing Center - The Writing Center is a free service for UNT Dallas students to help them with all their writing and communication needs. Appointments are required for writing consultations. Students may schedule tutoring sessions online by visiting www.untdallas.edu/wc and logging on to WCOnline. Walk-ins are limited, so we ask students to prepare and book appointments in advance. For more questions on scheduling your writing appointment email learningcommons@untdallas.edu or contact the front desk at 972.338.1755.

Math Lab - The Math Lab provides free tutoring and homework assistance for students in UNT Dallas math related classes for undergraduate students.  The Math Lab staff assists students with homework, test preparation, and general math preparation for all lower-level and upper-level courses, including Math Education courses. No appointment is needed in the math lab.

Peer Tutoring - Peer tutoring is available for subjects other than math and writing, when available. All of our tutors are current UNT Dallas students, and all of our tutors are faculty recommended and go through a vigorous hiring and training process to ensure that our students have the best experience while visiting the Learning Commons. Subject tutoring varies upon tutor availability every semester, so please check the Learning Commons website for an updated list of subjects and times for specific peer tutors.

Smarthinking– Smarthinking is a 3rd party online tutoring service that is free for enrolled UNT Dallas students. Smarthinking provides tutoring in Writing, Mathematics, Biology, Intro Human A&P, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Accounting, Intro to Finance, Statistics, Spanish, and other subjects. For a complete list of subject availability and/or to set up your free account, please visit www.untdallas.edu/smart.

Workshops

Students can attend a variety of academic success workshops throughout the semester. Topics include: Writing APA; Test-taking strategies; Time Management, Studying for Math Classes, Acing Algebra, and more.

Check the activities calendar for scheduled workshops or contact the Office of Student Affairs, Wellness Services, or the Learning Commons for more information about that semester’s workshop availability and topics.


Counseling and Wellness Services

The Office of Counseling and Wellness Services maintains strict confidentiality of records and counseling relationships in accordance with FERPA and HIPPA. No information disclosed in a counseling relationship is shared with anyone inside or outside the University unless the student signs a release of information, the student is a threat to self or others, reports abusing a child or elder, or if the records are ordered to be released by a court of law. 

Student Advocacy is available through Student Affairs. Students may come discuss issues with staff and receive referrals to campus/community resources for a number of concerns, including: academic and other adjustment problems; test anxiety; career indecision; romantic or other relationship problems; grief related to the loss of family member or friend; stress; family conflict; major-life changes; depression; thoughts of suicide; hopelessness; anxiety; alcohol and drug problems.

Contact Student Affairs at (972) 338-1775 or Dr. Shanda Riley, Assistant Director of Counseling and Wellness at (972) 338-1779, for more information.

Prohibition of Sexual Assault and Retaliation

The University of North Texas at Dallas (the “University”) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment free from sexual assault and retaliation. Conduct that is inconsistent with this commitment will not be tolerated at any location, program or other activity associated with the university. Application of Policy.  

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and applicants for employment or admission, individuals and organizations conducting business on behalf of or for the University of North Texas at Dallas, visitors and participants at any location, program or other activity associated with the University. The University may act under this policy when prohibited conduct that occurs off‐campus adversely affects or has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting the academic or work environment.   

The policy in its entirety may be viewed by clicking on this link or by viewing http://www.untdallas.edu/svr. Information concerning resources for sexual assault prevention may be viewed at http://www.untdallas.edu/svr.

Community Counseling Clinic

The counseling program’s Community Counseling Clinic is an instructional facility in which master’s level counselors-in-training practice counseling skills under faculty supervision. As a training lab, the counseling clinic is dedicated to preparing individuals for exemplary clinical service to individuals of all ages, couples, families and groups. 


Library Services

The UNTD Library’s digital collection provides access to extensive learning and research resources pursuant to a University of North Texas System (UNTS) agreement between the University of North Texas (UNT) and UNTD (FY2018 Library Intra-System Agreement ). Through this agreement, UNTD faculty, staff, and students have access to a shared catalog and circulation system, electronic resources, interlibrary loan, video-on-demand, the media collection, the circulating print collection, reserve materials, TexShare services, membership in the Center for Research Libraries, special services for distance learning students, technical and preservation services, and virtual reference services.  These resources provide members of the UNTD community with user privileges to library collections, services, and other learning and information resources consistent with the degrees offered by UNTD.


Computer Services

Computing services support for instruction, research and student learning are provided through the UNT Dallas Office of Information Technology department. These services include support for a wide range of computing platforms, student messaging, training, consulting and a university help desk (http://www.untdallas.edu/itss/servnow).

Wireless networking access (UNT and JagNet) is available in campus buildings, providing internet connectivity. Online elements of courses are offered with support from the Center for Learning, Enhancement, Assessment and Redesign using computing systems supported by the Office of Information Technology.

Student Computing Services

Two general access computer labs, housing approximately 70 computers, are available to all students for use of Windows personal computers. Printing is available in the General Access Lab in Founders Hall. Three computer classrooms serve students in particular courses.

UNT Dallas provides web-based e-mail and calendar through Office 365. Outlook for Office 365 is used as an official communication medium between the university and students. Office 365 is available to students and includes e-mail (Outlook) and online file storage (OneDrive).

Research Computing Support

The UNT Dallas Office of Information Technology provides support for a variety of computer-based software applications. Licenses are maintained for Windows versions of SPSS, SAS, STATA, and Matlab, which provide statistical analysis capabilities on university owned computers.

Several statistical analysis packages, including SAS and SPSS are provided in the general access labs.

The University Libraries also maintain an extensive collection of scholarly databases, electronic research journals, and multimedia research materials that are accessible through the campus network.

Consulting, Training and Help Desk Services

Consulting and training are provided by Information and Instructional Technology to facilitate the use of research and instructional computing facilities by students. 

Experienced consultants are available to assist students with technical problems. 

The Information and Technology Shared Services (ITSS) department operates a campus-wide help desk service to provide students with information and help on a variety of computing problems (http://www.untdallas.edu/itss/servnow).

Identification Card

The identification card is distributed during registration after all fees have been paid. The card entitles the bearer to student admission to campus programs, dances, and movies. It provides identification at the libraries for checking out materials. As the student’s official university identification, the ID should be worn visible. Lanyards and card holders are provided for students by the University help desk with ID card.

Lost ID cards may be replaced for a $5 charge.  Misplaced ID cards that have been turned in are held at the police station. The card is void upon termination or interruption of enrollment. Students are asked to retain their ID cards, even though they may not be enrolled. The cards are reactivated upon subsequent enrollment.

Fraudulent use of the ID card subjects the user to a fine not to exceed $4,000, confinement not to exceed one year, or both (Class A Misdemeanor). Anyone who uses the ID card to give false information to a police officer is subject to a fine of not more than $500 (Class C Misdemeanor).