Mar 19, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate 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
Phone: (972) 338-1645
Email: 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 for Current Students

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

  • Formats: In-person, over the phone, or via online platform
  • 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:
    • Registration Advising (need help choosing a class schedule)
    • Major Change (add a minor/certificate or change your primary program)
    • Graduation Check (Unofficial review of remaining degree requirements)
    • Academic Recovery (Need help raising my GPA)
    • Non-Registration Advising

 

Scheduled Advising Appointments for New Students

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

  • Format: In-person, or via online platform for select programs
  • Duration: 60 minutes
    Late Policy: Students will be marked as a “no-show” if they arrive 15 minutes or more after their scheduled appointment time and may be required to reschedule based on advising availability

 

Drop-In/Group Advising

Continuing students are eligible for drop-in advising during drop-in hours.  Hours will be posted on the academic advising website.  No appointment is necessary. While the advising office endeavors to support all students in a private, one-on-one environment with a professional advisor, there may be situations when students receive assistance in a group setting, or by a student-peer advisor.  Group advising sessions are conducted as needed based on student demand for advising services.

New students are eligible for drop-in advising after they have completed their new student advising session.  Group advising sessions may also be held for new students based on student demand.

 

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

  COVID (Remote Operations): ‪(469) 630-1419

  Post-COVID (In-Person Front Desk): (972) 338-1755

 

What is the Learning Commons?

The Learning Commons is also known as the center for tutoring. Our mission is to motivate students, strengthen their academic skills, and support their intellectual and ethical development in a collaborative and safe environment. Whether students need extra resources and tools or just want to extend their learning in a social environment, the Learning Commons is here to help. All of our tutoring services are FREE for all members of the UNT Dallas community: currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty.

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, personalized, and directive (when needed) methods to ensure that students are reaching their full autonomous-learning potential.

For students enrolled in face-to-face traditional courses, hybrid courses, and online courses, the Learning Commons is composed of various tutoring support services, including:

 

Additional Academic Support through Smarthinking (Online Tutoring, 3rd party)

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 https://learning.untdallas.edu/smarthinking.

 



 

Counseling and Wellness Services


The Counseling & Wellness Center 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 the Counseling & Wellness Center from either trained professional counselors or case managers. Students may come discuss issues with the Counseling & Wellness Center 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.

For more information contact the Counseling & Wellness Center at (972) 338-1816 or Dr. Shanda Riley, Director of the Counseling & Wellness Center at (972) 338-1779.

 

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 24/7/365.  Assistance is available in person in the Student Center on the 3rd floor, via email or phone, and virtually, all hours that the Library is open. 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 approximately 10 thousand print materials carefully selected to support the growing course curriculum. The UNT Dallas Library is among other e-preferred libraries and has a growing electronic database collection that 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.

 

Office of Disability Services


UNT Dallas provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Assistant Director of Disability Services assists qualified students with disabilities in determining and coordinating appropriate reasonable accommodations and/or auxiliary aids and services, to the extent necessary, for qualified prospective, newly admitted or currently enrolled students. Students with disabilities can register for services with the Office of Disability Services after being accepted to UNT Dallas and registering for classes. In order to register for services, students must contact the Office of Disability Services to set up an intake appointment.

Students must provide documentation of their disability in accordance with University policy. Students requesting a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must provide the supporting documentation to the Office of Disability Services from their physician, educational diagnostician, licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified professional. Documentation received will be considered in determining whether a student is disabled as defined by the ADA, and therefore entitled to reasonable accommodation. For more information, see the University’s policy on disability accommodation for students (7.004) at: http://www.untdallas.edu/hr/upol.

Students who wish to request accommodations for their documented disability should submit an Initial Request on Accommodate, the online system utilized by the Office of Disability Services. Students should complete this process by going to https://untdallas-accommodate.symplicity.com and following the instructions there.

Students with questions or concerns can reach the Office of Disability Services directly via email at UNTDdisability@untdallas.edu and via phone at (972) 338-1787. The Office of Disability Services is located on campus on the ground floor of the Student Center in Suite 1104.

Students can also visit our webpage at https://sa.untdallas.edu/disability-services for more information about the accommodation process at UNT Dallas as well as access resources.

 

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://ithelp.untdallas.edu).

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


Students have access to two general access labs on campus to study and to conduct course work. These labs are available during normal operation hours throughout the year. The University also provides two walk up stations for quick access to printing at the Student Center.  Laptops are also available for checkout. Four Windows-based classroom computer labs and one MAC-base classroom computer lab serve students in particular courses. The printers on campus are multifunction with printing, copying, and scanning capabilities.   Printing service is managed through secure management software that allows students to release print jobs from any printer on campus. For extra convenience, wireless printing is available for students to print from their personal devices as well.

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).