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    Mar 19, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Policies



University diversity, equity and inclusion statement

The University of North Texas has a history of seeking to preserve an atmosphere that supports an awareness and understanding of differences. It is committed to maintaining an inclusive and accepting atmosphere welcoming to anyone who wishes to pursue their educational and developmental goals. UNT values the increasing diversity of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, ability, religion, age, cultural expression, national origin, linguistic heritage, and veteran status among the individuals who make up its community. This is one of UNT’s greatest strengths.

Individuals within the UNT community are unified by a primary purpose: learning. With that primary purpose in mind, UNT works to advance ideals of human worth and dignity by facilitating open discussion, supporting rational resolution of conflict and encouraging examination of values and varying perspectives. Individuals who work, study, live and teach within this community are expected to refrain from behavior that threatens the freedom, safety, dignity, and respect deserved by every community member who pursues their educational and professional goals here.

Students, faculty or staff who have concerns or questions related to diversity and inclusion at UNT should contact the appropriate office. Students should call the Dean of Students office at 940-565-2648. Faculty and staff should call the Division of Institutional Equity and Diversity at 940-565-2711. TTY access: 940-369-8652 or 800-735-2989. You may contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion via email at Diversity.Inclusion@unt.edu.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The University of North Texas does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s disability and complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA).  In accordance with the requirements of the ADA, the University will not exclude any individual with a disability from the full and equal enjoyment of its services and facilities. The University will make reasonable modifications in its policies, practices, or procedures to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities.

The University provides reasonable accommodations in the form of academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to qualified students with disabilities, and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. For information about student accommodations, contact the Office of Disability Access at 940-565-4323, TDD access: 940-565-2958 or 940-369-8652.  Faculty and staff should contact the Office of Human Resources at HRAdministration@unt.edu.

Student Standards of Academic Integrity

A strong university is built upon the academic integrity of its members. As an intellectual enterprise, it is dependent upon trust, honesty, and the exchange of ideas in a manner that gives full credit and context to the sources of those ideas. UNT’s policy on the Student Standards of Academic Integrity is designed to uphold these principles of academic integrity. It protects the rights of all participants in the educational process and validates the legitimacy of degrees awarded by the university.

The policy covers categories of academic dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, forgery, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty and sabotage. It includes descriptions of infractions, penalties and procedures. In the investigation and resolution of all allegations of student academic dishonesty, the university’s actions are intended to be corrective, educationally sound, fundamentally fair, and based on reliable evidence. The full policy (18.1.16) is available online at policy.unt.edu, where it can be located by searching for either title or number.

Changes of address

It is the responsibility of the student to provide correct permanent and local mailing address information at all times and on all documents at the university. Students who change their mailing address must notify the Registrar’s Office immediately by calling 940-565-2111 or update their address at my.unt.edu.

Identification card regulations

The identification card is distributed during registration after all fees have been paid. The card entitles the bearer to student admission to athletic events, University Program Council entertainment, Fine Arts Series programs, dances, movies, general access computer laboratories and the Student Health and Wellness Center. It provides identification at the libraries for checking out materials, and at Recreational Sports and the Health and Wellness Center for use of these facilities. The ID card also serves as the meal card for those students with meal plans. As the student’s official university identification, it must be presented to any UNT official upon request.

Lost ID cards may be replaced for a $10 charge in the ID Systems Office of Student Financial Services in the Eagle Student Services Center, first floor. Misplaced ID cards that have been turned in are held in the ID Systems Office.

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 $2,000, 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 $200 (Class C Misdemeanor).

Liability for personal loss

The university is not responsible for and does not assume any liability for loss of or damage to personal property, including vehicles. Students are encouraged to obtain personal insurance coverage for loss of or damage to possessions on campus, including possessions in dormitories and vehicles.

Motor vehicle regulations

Persons who operate motor vehicles and bicycles on the UNT campus must comply with the Texas Transportation Code and published university regulations regarding vehicle and bicycle use, parking, display of decals and penalties for violation. The regulations are available online at transportation.unt.edu.

Paying bills

State law does not permit the university to extend credit; bills must be paid when due. Check and credit card payments are accepted online at my.unt.edu. Checks paid in person must be made payable to the University of North Texas for the exact amount to be paid. Checks on which money must be advanced and postdated checks are not accepted.

Emergency Closures

Weather conditions may temporarily disrupt university operations in that university administration may determine it is necessary to delay opening time, close early or close for the day.

Courses taught online via Web CT are unaffected by severe weather closings unless instructors inform students otherwise. Those students should continue course work as regularly scheduled.

Closings due to severe weather are posted on the UNT web site (www.unt.edu) and are released to Dallas–Fort Worth news media outlets. Registered students, faculty and staff will be notified via the Eagle Alert system as appropriate. Eagle Alert contact numbers can be updated by going to www.my.unt.edu. Updates on inclement weather can also be found by checking Facebook (@northtexas) following Twitter (@UNTEagleAlert) and listening to local media outlets.

Detailed information, guidelines, safety tips and resources pertaining to inclement weather can be found at www.unt.edu/weather.

Transportation services

The UNT Shuttle serves the Denton campus including Discovery Park, Eagle Point, and various off-campus student housing complexes. Additionally, students can access the Denton local bus service fare free by presenting a valid UNT ID.

During the fall and spring semesters the e-ride service provides transportation around the UNT campus and Eagle Point for areas not served by the campus shuttle. Between the hours of 2am and 7am, a late night service operated by Lyft is available to students. Visit transportation.unt.edu for current e-ride information.

Alternative transportation options, including car sharing, bicycling and ridesharing, are supported by Transportation Services as well.

For information regarding hours of operation, route schedules and alternative transportation options, visit their web site at transportation.unt.edu.

Other policies

Additional policies and guidelines pertaining to particular subjects or for specific publics are listed in other publications, such as the Housing Handbook, available in the Housing and Residence Life Office; the Code of Student Conduct, available at deanofstudents.unt.edu/conduct; Parking Regulations, available from the Parking Office and the UNT Bookstore in the University Union. International students should consult the International Admissions and Advising Center for information regarding policies and procedures required by federal regulation agencies.

All university policies are subject to change throughout the year.

Notice of complaint

The university may issue an official request or notice of complaint to a student to appear before a university administrator when a student’s conduct or behavior is reasonably believed to be in violation of a published university policy. A student who receives a notice of complaint should always consider it important and respond immediately. Failure to respond to a notice of complaint can result in disciplinary action up to and including involuntary withdrawal from the university and a block on enrollment.

Code of Student Conduct

Purpose of the Code of Student Conduct

As a student-focused public research university, the University of North Texas has established standards of conduct to foster a safe environment conducive to learning and development. Students and university student groups are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect for the rights and property of others and upholds the integrity of the university community. The standards of conduct outlined in the Code of Student Conduct were developed in consultation with students, faculty, administrators and staff with specific consideration for the well-being, honor and dignity of all who live, learn and work in our educational community.

The most up-to-date Code of Student Conduct is available online at deanofstudents.unt.edu.

University of North Texas Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University of North Texas is required to establish a drug and alcohol prevention program for its students and employees. UNT is also required to provide this information to students, faculty, and staff upon entry and annually. Following is a description of UNT’s program. A biennial review of this program is done to determine its effectiveness, to implement changes to the program if they are needed and to ensure that the university’s disciplinary sanctions described are consistently enforced. The DFSCA report can be found at deanofstudents.unt.edu.

Standards of conduct

University of North Texas regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs by university students and their guests and for employees on university-owned or controlled property and at university-sponsored or supervised activities.

University discipline

Violation of these university regulations can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students and discharge for employees.

Legal sanctions

Local, state and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs. Criminal penalties for violation of such laws range from fines up to $20,000 to imprisonment for terms up to and including life.

Health risks

Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Some of the major risks are listed below. For more information contact the Substance Abuse Resource Center at 1800 Chestnut, Chestnut Hall, Suite 301, or by calling 940-565-2787.

  • Alcohol and other depressants (barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers) – addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage and death.
  • Marijuana – impairs short-term memory, thinking, and physical coordination. Can cause panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system.
  • Cocaine – addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
  • Nicotine – tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Compromises the immune system.
  • Inhalants – inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Use of these drugs slows down many body functions. High doses can cause severe breathing failure and sudden death. Chronic abuse of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems.
  • Prescription drug abuse – adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.

Resources

A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention education, counseling and referral. For detailed information concerning these resources available from the university and community agencies, students may contact the Meadows Center for Health Resources and the Substance Abuse Resource Center, 1800 Chestnut, Chestnut Hall, Suite 301, 940-565-2787. Faculty and staff members may contact the Employee Assistance Program at 800-343-3822 or Human Resources at 940-565-4817.