Undergraduate Catalog

2008-09 Academic Year

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Policies

The Policies section is where the university administration lays down the law. Rules and disciplinary measures are explained in the next few pages.

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. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the Code of Student Conduct. 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, at the University Union for check cashing, 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. Each enrolled UNT student with a valid ID card is eligible to receive one catalog per year beginning July 1.

Lost ID cards may be replaced for a $10 charge in the ID Systems Office of Student Accounting and University Cashiering 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 $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).

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 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 www.unt.edu/parking/regs.html.

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.

Student checks in limited amounts may be cashed in the University Union. Personal checks are accepted for tuition and other fees.

Severe Weather Dismissals

Weather conditions may temporarily disrupt university operations. The university policy regarding severe weather disruption pertains to all university classes in Denton, in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and at the UNT Dallas Campus unless exceptions are noted specifically in news media and web site announcements.

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.

The Presidents of UNT and the UNT Health Science Center–Fort Worth, and the Director of the Universities Center at Dallas will issue appropriate policy guidance for those institutions. The current policy may be found in the online Schedule of Classes at www.unt.edu/registrar.

Closings due to severe weather are posted on the UNT web site (www.unt.edu), are released to the Dallas–Fort Worth news media, and are sent to registered students, faculty and staff via Eagle Alert system when appropriate.

Student Handbook

Policies and regulations governing students are explained or recorded in full in the Student Handbook, which freshmen and transfer students receive at orientation. The handbook also deals with other applicable state, local and university policies, student services and programs. The student is responsible for knowing and abiding by these policies. The handbook is also available from the Associate Vice President for Student Development, University Union, Suite 319. The handbook can be found online at www.unt.edu/csrr.

Transportation Services

The Denton County Transportation Authority operates the UNT Shuttle through an agreement with UNT. The UNT Shuttle serves the main campus, the Discovery Park campus and the Eagle Point campus, as well as off-campus student-oriented housing. Additionally, students can access the Denton local bus service and the Commuter Express (which provides services to Lewisville and Dallas) fare free by presenting a valid UNT ID.

Late-night transportation is provided by the e-ride service, which provides transportation to and from all three Denton campuses.

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

For information regarding hours of operation, route schedules and ridesharing, visit the web site at www.unt.edu/transit.

Other Policies in Print

Additional policies and guidelines pertaining to particular subjects or for specific publics are listed in other publications, such as the ABCs of Residence Hall Living, available in the Housing and Residence Life Office; the Code of Student Conduct brochure, available from the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities; 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.

Summons

The university may make an official request or summon 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 or rule. A student who receives a summons should always consider it important and respond immediately. Failure to answer a summons can result in disciplinary action up to and including administrative withdrawal from the university.

Code of Student Conduct

The Code of Student Conduct was under review at the time this catalog went to press. Visit www.unt.edu/csrr to access the current code.

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.

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.
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.

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