Oct 07, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate 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.

Mission

The Office of Academic Advising and Student Success strives to promote academic success and foster personal growth by empowering undergraduate students to become active participants in their educational journey at UNT Dallas.

Vision

Through holistic support, we are committed to promoting a culture of civic engagement and reshaping the socioeconomic opportunities for every Trailblazer.

 

Advising Services

Academic Advising is available for all admitted undergraduate students. Advisors provide the following appointment services:

  • Academic Recovery
  • Graduation Check
  • Junior and Senior Audits
  • Major Change
  • New Student Advising
  • Non-Registration Advising
  • Registration Advising

 

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.

 

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.

 

Contact Information

Instant Message: https://app.purechat.com/w/UNTDAdvising 

Email: advising@untdallas.edu (2 business days response time)

Phone: (972) 338-1645

Location: Student Center, Suite 1081

 

Success Coaching


Success Coaching is an educational process that facilitates students’ understanding and is designed to give a holistic approach to students giving the opportunity to work one-on-one with a mentor to assist with enhancing your academic success in areas of studying, time management, campus resources, goal setting, and motivation.

 Student Success Coaching Offers:

  • Providing opportunities for students to build academic, social, and professional networks through seminars, events, and co-curricular activities.
  • Assist students in feeling more connected to the campus and their educational goals.
  • Inform students of the organizations and clubs that UNT Dallas has to offer, help them to get involved, or even start their own club if they feel that one is needed but not offered.
  • Help students in their transition to the college environment and navigate their programs of study

Student Success Coaching outcomes:

  • Increased student engagement and involvement
  • Increased student support and encouragement
  • Relationship building amongst student and success coach
  • Successful student program completion
  • Continued support in the form of timely text, emails and phone calls when needed
  • Maintained confidentiality
  • Increased retention

 

Contact Information


Student Success Coaching

Phone: (972) 338-1623

Email: successcoaching@untdallas.edu

Website: www.untdallas.edu/admissions/freshman/success-coaching.php

 

Academic Testing


The Office of Academic Testing offers exams for admission, placement, license, certification, and course based exams. While offerings are mostly in-person, some exams can be taken online. Students can schedule exam appointments online at www.untdallas.edu/testing or visit the office located in the Student Services Building on the second floor in Room 2025.

Some of the tests we offer include:

TSI                                                                                 Texas Environmental Quality Exams

GED                                                                               TOEFL

GRE                                                                               Course Make-Up Exams

SAT                                                                                Measure Learning (formally Scantron)

LSAT                                                                              PearsonVUE

Texas Educator Exams

 

Placement Testing

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 email testing@untdallas.edu or call (972) 338-1769 to speak with the TSI Coordinator.

Exemptions:

Students who meet one of the following conditions may be exempt or partially exempt from taking the TSI Assessment test:

  • Student has previously taken the ACT, SAT, TSIA or STAAR test.*
  • Student who, on or after August 1, 1990, is on active duty, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or service as a member of a reserve component of the United States and can submit as evidence a DD 214
  • Student has completed college coursework in Math or English at another institution
  • Student has earned passing grades on Exams that yield college credit in Math or English (AP, IB, CLEP)
  • Student has obtained an Associate’s Degree or higher from another institution.
  • Student who is not seeking a degree
  • Students with demonstrated limited English proficiency who qualifies to receive a temporary waiver appropriate to ESOL/ESL coursework and interventions.

In each case, UNT Dallas must receive official proof in order to process the exemption. Official score reports must be submitted to the Office of Admissions or Office of Academic Testing (these scores may be submitted on your official high school transcript). Previous course work at other institutions must have been transferred to UNT Dallas. Click here to receive more information regarding exemptions: https://www.untdallas.edu/advising/testing-services/tsiexemptionform.pdf

* Exam scores on these tests are valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of testing.

 

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

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.

 

*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)

 

Texas State Initiative (TSI)

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 (taken before January 2020)

  • Reading             351
  • Mathematics      350
  • Writing               Multiple Choice 340/Essay 4 OR Essay Score of 5 or Higher

 

TSIA2 Assessment (taken after January 2020)

English Language Arts and Reading 945 OR 944 and below with a diagnostic of 5+ & Essay of 5+

Mathematics 950 OR 949 and below with diagnostic of 6+

 

Credit by Examination

UNT Dallas offers students the opportunity to obtain credit through examinations in certain courses. There are currently six sources of examination credit:

  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • Advanced Placement Program (AP)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

All tests conform to these general regulations:

  • Students who successfully test out of a course shall receive credit hours for that course with a credit grade (CR) but no grade points.
  • The examination shall be administered at least once per semester and in such a manner as to facilitate access for the student.
  • CLEP subject examinations are administered at UNT Dallas. Any perspective, currently enrolled, or continuing student may take these tests. However, it is advised that students contact Advising or Testing to determine which exams will generate the credit needed for particular degree plans.
  • Students who take CLEP, AP, or IB Examinations should have official score reports sent directly to the Office of Academic Testing for evaluation. Credit obtained through examination is recorded as approved hours on the student’s official, permanent record without grade or grade points after census day of the student’s first semester enrolled at UNT-Dallas. Additional information may be obtained from Testing Services by emailing testing@untdallas.edu or calling (972) 338-1769.

 

Contact Information

7300 University Hills Blvd.

Student Services Bldg, Rm 2025

Dallas, TX 75241

www.untdallas.edu/testing

testing@untdallas.edu

(972) 338-1769

 



 

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 UNT Dallas 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, E-books, 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. Professional Librarians are available upon request to present research techniques, steps to avoid plagiarism, and appropriate use of citation styles, in class or virtually. 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.

Students, staff, and faculty have immediate access to authoritative scholarly materials. The UNT Dallas Library is among other e-preferred libraries and has a growing electronic database collection that includes academic journals, full text articles from peer reviewed journals, and documentaries and popular streaming videos to support classroom assignments. The library houses carefully selected print materials to support the university’s growing course curriculum. For more information, visit https://library.untdallas.edu/home.

 

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 a general access lab on campus to study and to conduct course work. Lab is 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).