Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Resources



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.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Strengthen communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
  • Maintain a clear academic plan suited to future academic and career goals
  • Locate and use resources that will aid in the achievement of academic goals

Students will achieve the following by the end of each advising session:

  • Plan for the current and upcoming semester within the academic year
  • Identify departments/offices that will assist with questions outside of the scope of academic advising
  • Clear understanding of university and/or major policies and procedures that are applicable to appointment
  • Support and encouragement for upcoming milestone(s) in academic career
  • Email and/or printouts of documentation reviewed in appointment
  • Continued support in the form of timely emails and phone calls if other questions arise.

Advising Services

All students are required to schedule an appointment to meet with an academic advisor to register for their first term at the UNT Dallas. Although, additional sessions are not required, students are encouraged to visit with their advisor at least once a semester especially during their junior and senior year.

However, if a student’s Cumulative GPA drops below a 2.00, they will be required to meet with an advisor for academic recovery planning every term until their Cumulative GPA is at or above 2.00.

Contact Information

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

When contacting the Office of Academic Advising and Student Success remember to include the following information:

  • Name (First & Last)
  • Student ID#
  • Brief statement of issue/concern, reason for appointment, or comments/questions
  • Return phone number if a phone call is desired
  • Availability if requesting an appointment

Scheduled Advising Appointments

All appointments must be scheduled at least a day in advance with the assigned advisor.

  • Formats: In-person or over the phone
  • Duration: 30 minutes
    Late Policy: Students will be marked as a “no-show” if they arrive 10 minutes or more after their scheduled appointment time and may be required to reschedule based on advising availability
  • Examples of appointment reasons:
    • Major exploration
    • Graduation check
    • Course load changes
    • Academic recovery planning
    • Long-term schedule planning

Drop-Ins

No appointment necessary. Students are assisted by peer-advisors or academic advisors on a first come, first served basis during drop-in hours.

  • Duration: Up to 15 minutes
  • Examples of drop-in reasons:
    • Guidance on how to access various university resources
    • Assistance with completing a change of major form
    • General questions about academic policies and processes

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 with students.  Advisors work together with students in order to help make the best decisions to achieve student goals.  Advisors will:

  • Be supportive and respectful listeners, and refer students to appropriate support services within the university in response to  individual needs
  • Offer advice on course selection and assist in developing an academic understanding, 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).
  • Evaluate and discuss academic performance and the implications of said performance as it relates to degree progress and university requirements.
  • Clarify university policies, regulations, programs, and procedures about which a student may have questions.
  • Be available to answer student questions through scheduled meetings, phone calls, or emails in a timely fashion.
  • Maintain confidentiality (will not discuss issues with parents or non-university persons without the student’s written permission; will respond to academic questions only via untdallas.edu email accounts).

Academic Support

Academic Support Office provides services for:

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

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state statute requiring all undergraduate students (new students, transfer students, and international students) who enter a Texas public institution of higher education to either: (A) Demonstrate readiness for college-level reading, writing and mathematics before enrolling in college-level academic coursework by achieving the statutory threshold(s) on the state-approved readiness assessments; or (B) Meet one of the conditions for exemption from the testing requirement. Students must satisfy all TSI requirements before receiving a baccalaureate degree.  Students who do not meet TSI requirements must complete developmental coursework in compliance with TSI statute and UNT Dallas policy.

All first-year and transfer students coming into the University of North Texas at Dallas must have completed TSI testing or have a documented exemption before registering for classes. Your registration will be delayed if TSI status cannot be determined before your orientation session.

For more information on TSI testing, please consult with the academic testing website.

Exemptions:

Students who meet one of the following conditions are exempt or partially exempt from taking an initial assessment test. In each case, UNT Dallas must receive official proof in order to process the exemption. ACT, SAT, TSIA or STAAR scores must be part of the student’s Texas State record. Official score reports must be submitted to the Office of Admissions (these scores may be submitted on your official high school transcript). Previous course work at other institutions must have been transferred to UNT Dallas.

» For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who performs at or above the following standards:

ACT

A composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test (will satisfy both reading and writing TSI requirements) and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt from those corresponding sections;

SAT

» SAT Testing prior to March 1, 2016: a combined critical reading (formerly “verbal”) and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading test (will exempt a student from both the reading and writing TSI requirements); a combined critical reading (formerly “verbal”) and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the mathematics test will exempt a student from the TSI mathematics requirements.

» SAT Testing on or after March 2, 2016:  a minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) will exempt a student from both the TSI reading and writing requirements; a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test will exempt a student from the TSI mathematics requirements.

» For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student performs at or above the following standards:

*STAAR End of Course Exams (EOC):

» 2000+ (Level II) on the *English III (3) (will satisfy both reading and writing TSI requirement)
» 4000+ (Level II) on the *Algebra II (2) (will satisfy the math TSI requirement)

* If you think you qualify for this exemption, please check with your high school Counselor to see if you were administered the English III or the Algebra II STAAR EOC exam. A number of Texas school districts are opting NOT to offer these exams.

» A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree.

» A student who has previously attended any institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution.

» A non-degree seeking student.

» A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.

» A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the United States.

» ESOL Waiver: Students with demonstrated limited English proficiency may receive a temporary waiver appropriate to ESOL/ESL coursework and interventions.

If Not Exempt:

You must take the TSI Assessment prior to meeting with an advisor and enrolling in courses.  Minimum score thresholds required to demonstrate college readiness in each subject area are as follows:

TSI Assessment

READING             351

MATHEMATICS 350

WRITING             Multiple Choice 340/Essay 4 OR Essay Score of 5 or Higher

The Learning Commons

Contact Information

Website: learning.untdallas.edu

Email: learningcommons@untdallas.edu

Ph: 972.338.1755

Mission Statement

Motivate. Strengthen. Support.

The UNT Dallas Learning Commons motivates students, strengthens their academic skills, and supports their intellectual and ethical development.

What is the Learning Commons?

The Learning Commons is also known as our tutoring center. It is a safe and welcoming space beyond the classroom where we help students improve their academic skills (writing, communication, math, science, studying, note-taking, time management, etc.) so that they can be successful during their time at UNT Dallas.

The Learning Commons is composed of various tutoring support services, including:

  • Writing Center (appointment basis)
  • Math Lab (walk-in basis)
  • Peer Tutoring (non-math and non-writing related academic support; walk-in and appointments)
  • Supplemental Instruction (tutors embedded into specific courses)

Our team consists of well-trained professional and student staff who are committed to enhancing students’ self-worth and confidence using non-evaluative, low-stakes relationships of trust. Our tutors use a combination of scaffolding and personalized and directive (when needed) methods to ensure that students are reaching their full autonomous-learning potential.

The Learning Commons serves all members of the UNT Dallas community: currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty. We assist students enrolled in face-to-face traditional courses, hybrid courses, and online courses.

Online Tutoring

If students need help after hours or on the weekends when the Learning Commons is closed, students can log on to Smarthinking, an online tutoring program that is a free service offered to all registered and current UNT Dallas students. Using Smarthinking, a student can choose to ask a tutor a question in real-time, post a question to be answered within 24 hours, submit a paper for review, or schedule a virtual tutoring session. Smarthinking is accessible 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, and you can get academic support in math, science, writing, reading, Spanish, computer help, and more. For more information and to access Smarthinking, visit our Smarthinking page.


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.

Counseling Clinic

The counseling program’s 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 is committed to providing 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.

Students on campus, and distance learning students have access to an online library catalog with electronic databases, ebooks, journals and scholarly articles, streaming videos, interlibrary loan services, and virtual librarian assistance. On campus, students, staff and faculty have access to the circulating print collection, special collections, the in-house media collection, reserve materials, TexShare services, quiet and collaborative study spaces, and face to face research assistance.

The Library will accommodate approximately10 thousand print materials carefully selected to support the growing course curricula. The growing electronic database collection includes more than 8,873 academic journals, 27 million articles from peer reviewed journals and 27,000 streaming videos for immediate access to authoritative scholarly materials. For more information, visit https://www.untdallas.edu/library.


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 (https://unts.service-now.com/untd).

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 Office of Information Technology (OIT) operates a campus-wide help desk service to provide students with information and help on a variety of computing problems.

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).