________________________________________________ 5. STUDENT AFFAIRS ____________________________________________________________ VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS The vice president for student affairs administers the division of Student Affairs, which encompasses the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Registrar, the Counseling, Learning, and Career Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Financial Services, the Student Health Center, the Division of Housing and Food Service, the International Office, the Division of Recreational Sports, the Texas Union, Texas Student Publications, and the Office of the Students' Attorney. The vice president serves as liaison between the president of the University and the directors of the student services units, acts as the Section 504 officer, and provides leadership in the development of programs that supplement the classroom experience and enrich the quality of campus life. OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS The Office of the Dean of Students, through its own programs and in cooperation and consultation with other offices, endeavors to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help them succeed at the University. The office provides developmental and support services to the general student population as well as to special groups. Fraternal Education coordinates leadership programs for fraternities, sororities, and spirit groups. Freshman Services administers the presemester and summer orientation programs for new students, the Welcome Program for new minority students, the Start Fresh Program for freshman students, and specialized orientation programs for nontraditional students. Campus and Community Involvement registers student organizations and provides facilities, information, leadership training, and other administrative services for student activities on the campus and coordinates the program of the Student Volunteer Center. Retention Services offers a variety of support services and assistance to students who have special needs and concerns, including minority students and nontraditional adult students. Services for Students with Disabilities provides programs, services, written materials, and personal assistance for students with disabilities. Based on the needs of the individual, many different kinds of services are offered to students with visual impairments, hearing impairments, mobility impairments, learning disabilities, and other disabilities. See "Disability related grievances" in the section "Student Grievance Procedures" below in this chapter, for information about Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grievance procedures. Student Judicial Services implements and interprets University regulations relating to student behavior and works with faculty regarding scholastic dishonesty. RECREATIONAL SPORTS The Division of Recreational Sports develops and conducts programs that provide opportunities for University students, faculty, and staff to participate in sport activities. Five major program areas offer a variety of structures within which members of the University community may pursue recreational interests. Intramural tournaments and events are scheduled throughout the year for individual, dual, and team participation. The tournaments and events are organized to provide separate competition among coeducational teams, teams for men, and teams for women. Sport clubs provide an opportunity to participate in a single sport on a continuing basis. Approximately forty clubs, ranging from aikido to lacrosse to sailing, are active each semester. Outdoor Recreation includes activities such as backpacking, bicycling, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, kayaking, nature hiking, rock climbing, and snow skiing. In addition to structured sports programs, the division promotes the concept of informal recreational use of athletic facilities through the Open Recreation Program. A reservation service is available for most activity areas, and facilities are supervised to enhance the enjoyment and safety of participants. Programs, activities, and facilities are open to all students and to faculty members, staff members, and the spouses and children of students, faculty, and staff who purchase membership in the Non-Student Program. Facilities are available to children at designated times only. Sport and outdoor equipment may be borrowed, rented, or purchased at the stores located in Gregory Gymnasium and the Recreational Sports Center. Outdoor equipment is available only at the Gregory Gym Store. The stores also sell sundries and clothing and serve as information centers for the division. HOUSING INFORMATION Students at the University of Texas at Austin may choose to live on or off campus. The University does not extend approved housing status to any residential unit except those that are University- owned and operated. The Division of Housing and Food Service will not be a party to the enforcement of any contract between students, parents, and landlords of privately owned student housing; however, legal assistance with tenant-landlord disputes may be available through the Office of the Students' Attorney. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to live in University-owned housing. Freshmen are encouraged to consider living in University residence halls. The experience of many students indicates that adjustment to University life is often easier for those who live on campus. Research has shown that students who live in residence halls are more fully involved in academic and extracurricular activities, earn higher grade point averages, more frequently exceed predicted levels of learning and personal development, and more frequently complete their college education within four years than students who live off campus. To obtain information and rates on all types of on-campus housing or to apply for housing, write to the Division of Housing and Food Service, Box 7666, Austin, Texas 78713-7666. A brief description of University housing follows. (See also chapter 5 of Appendix C in this catalog.) Application dates for University housing. There is no deadline for applying for housing. Applications will be accepted beginning on the following dates: October 1 for the next long session (fall and spring semesters), June 1 for the next spring semester, November 1 for the next summer session. University-owned residence halls for men. University residence halls for men include Moore-Hill, Prather, and Simkins Halls, which together can accommodate 762 residents. University-owned residence halls for women. The University owns and operates three residence halls that accommodate 1,188 women: Blanton, Kinsolving, and Littlefield. Freshman women who apply for housing with Littlefield as their first building choice and receive contracts before March 1 will be given priority consideration for assignment to Littlefield. After March 1, assignment will be open to all classifications of students and priority will be determined by priority number. University-owned residence halls for men and women. Jester Center and Brackenridge and Roberts Halls accommodate 3,166 students. Andrews and Carothers honors residence halls accommodate 243 students. University-owned residences for families. The University apartments for student families are located in off- campus areas with shuttle bus service available. Gateway Apartments and Colorado Apartments have a total of 400 air-conditioned, unfurnished units; Brackenridge I and II include 315 one-, two-, and three-bedroom, air-conditioned, unfurnished units. Also available are 83 mobile home lots. Rates for Colorado Apartments include gas and water. Rates for all other units include only water. Residents pay for electricity in all units. Cooperative houses for women. Twelve on-campus cooperative houses for women offer a combination of independence, friendly community, and significant savings. Cooperative housing reduces living costs because the residents assume responsibility for day-to-day operation and management of the household. Sixteen to twenty undergraduate and graduate students live in each house and share in meal preparation and housekeeping duties. To obtain information, rates, and/or an application, contact the Women's Cooperative Housing Office, P O Box 7666, Austin, Texas 78713-7666. Privately owned housing. A wide range of privately owned housing is available for men, women, and families in the University community. Arrangements for living in these residence halls, rooming and boarding houses, cooperative houses, apartments, and private homes are made directly with the management of each residence. The Division of Housing and Food Service maintains a partial list of privately owned accommodations whose management has submitted a statement indicating that the facilities meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and are available to all students regardless of race, creed, or national origin. However, the University accepts no responsibility for the terms of rental or the accommodations offered and will not be a party to the enforcement of contracts between students, parents, and landlords for privately owned housing. The list may be reviewed at the Division of Housing and Food Service located in Kinsolving, 26th Street entrance. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES The Office of Student Financial Services offers financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to attend the University. Financial aid awarded through the office may be gift aid, which includes grants and scholarships, or self-help aid, which includes student employment programs and long-term loans. Most financial aid is based on documented financial need. Financial need is the difference between the cost of attending the University and the financial resources available to the student. To apply for financial assistance, a student must complete a need analysis form each year. The office requires the student to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be evaluated for financial need. The need analysis assists the office in assessing available family resources and determining eligibility for specific aid programs. Parents and students may also be asked to submit a copy of their most recent IRS tax return. Applicants who have attended another college or university are required to submit a financial aid transcript whether or not financial aid was applied for or received at the other institution. Students who attend the University only in the summer session are not eligible for financial aid through the Office of Student Financial Services. Estimated costs. The following are estimated typical costs for tuition, fees, room, board, and books for a single student living in University-owned housing for the long session (fall and spring semesters) 1995-1996. The tuition and fee amounts included in these figures are based on an average course load of thirteen semester hours for undergraduates and nine semester hours for graduates. Texas Residents Nonresidents ________________________________________________________ Undergraduate $7,026 $10,822 Graduate $7,236 $ 9,864 Expenses for clothing, travel, recreation, and personal and miscellaneous items vary based on individual lifestyle. The Office of Student Financial Services estimates that reasonable expense for these items is approximately $2,394 for undergraduate students and $2,816 for graduate students. Summer costs are estimated to be about one-third of those for the long session. Application dates. Although there are no deadlines for submitting financial aid applications, priority is given to students who apply by the dates given below. Priority dates ___________________________________ Summer session February 15 Academic year March 31 Fall semester March 31 Spring semester September 30 A student may apply for financial aid before being officially admitted to the University, but the awarding of aid is contingent upon admission. Disbursement of funds is not made until the student is officially enrolled. Course load requirements. Most aid programs are based on full-time enrollment (twelve hours for undergraduate students, nine hours for graduate students). Students may receive financial aid for less than full-time enrollment with the approval of their financial aid counselor. For some programs, assistance must be reduced proportionately for less than full-time enrollment. Changes in financial circumstances. Students are responsible for reporting any change in their financial situation that occurs after the initial application for aid is submitted to the Office of Student Financial Services. A documented decrease in resources may provide for an increase in financial aid if funds are available; likewise, an increase in resources may result in a reduction or cancellation of financial aid funds or a requirement to repay awards already disbursed. Satisfactory progress. To be eligible for financial assistance, a student must maintain a satisfactory academic record. A satisfactory academic record is measured by quality, progress, and quantity. Quality refers to maintaining a cumulative 2.00 grade point average for undergraduates and 3.00 for graduates. Progress means completing the number of hours in a semester for which the student received aid (i.e., initial enrollment and assistance for twelve hours requires completion of twelve hours). The quantity measurement allows a maximum of 150 hours for an undergraduate degree (175 hours for majors in pharmacy and architecture) and between 40 and 160 hours for a graduate degree, depending on the program. Types of Financial Aid A student who submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid to the federal processor is considered for all funds available through the Office of Student Financial Services. A student's award usually is a combination of gift aid and self-help funds. The composition of the aid package depends on the characteristics of the student, including program eligibility and degree of financial need, as well as on the availability of funds. GIFT AID Most scholarships and grants are based on financial need. The Office of Student Financial Services also administers a few programs based on merit. Students who apply for financial help are considered routinely for all gift aid awards administered through the office except the Federal Pell Grant. To be considered for a Federal Pell Grant, a student must be an undergraduate, must not have received a bachelor's degree, and must submit a valid Student Aid Report. SELF-HELP FUNDS Long-Term Loans Federal loan programs are available to assist students with financial need. These programs have low interest rates that are adjusted annually and do not require repayment of principle or interest until the student has graduated or is no longer enrolled at least half-time. In addition, the loans offer a grace period between the time the student leaves school and the time repayment begins. Deferment or cancellation of repayment is available for situations such as military service, periods of unemployment, or teaching service in designated schools. Federal and state loans are also available both to students and to the parents of students who do not have financial need. Interest rates on these loans are variable and are adjusted annually. Under certain conditions, repayment of loans to students may be deferred while the student is enrolled in school. Employment The student employment program provides jobs for students who have financial need and want to earn part of their educational expenses while attending school. The majority of work-study jobs are on campus though some may be with off-campus nonprofit agencies. Students may choose from a variety of employment opportunities depending on their education and experience. Most jobs require fifteen or fewer hours of work a week. Special Services for Financial Aid Recipients For aid recipients who show a high degree of financial need, services are available in the following areas: (1) orientation fee waivers, and (2) tutorial assistance programs. Information is available from the Office of Student Financial Services. Special Financial Aid Programs The Texas Achievement Honors Award is a $5,000 a year scholarship for academically outstanding underrepresented minority freshman students. The award is granted for up to four years of undergraduate study provided the student maintains prescribed academic standards. The criteria for selection of recipients include competitive admission test scores, high school academic record including rank in class, and recommendations from high school counselors. The Texas Achievement Award is for minority freshmen who are Texas residents and who show potential for success at the University of Texas at Austin. The scholarship is $2,000 each academic year for a maximum of four years while pursing an undergraduate degree. To be eligible for the award, a student must be a Texas high school graduate and must be admitted to the University. Criteria for the selection of recipients include competitive admission test scores, high school academic record including rank in class, and recommendations from high school counselors. For further information, applicants should contact their high school counselor or write Minority Student Scholarship Committee Office of Student Financial Services The University of Texas at Austin P O Box 7758, University Station Austin, Texas 78713-7758 In addition to the Texas Achievement Award Program for entering freshmen, financial assistance is also available to selected minority students who are transferring from other colleges. Other Services Not Based on Financial Need The Office of Student Financial Services makes loans to students for a short period of time for emergency expenses related to educational costs. In addition, the office helps students and their spouses find part-time, temporary, or full-time employment with no charge to the student or the employer. Information about these services is available at the Office of Student Financial Services. Requirements for Student Borrowers Mandatory interviews. Prior to receiving the first disbursement of a Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan or Federal Perkins Loan at the University of Texas at Austin, student borrowers must complete entrance counseling, which includes information about their obligations, rights, and privileges as borrowers. In addition, before withdrawal or graduation from the University, students who have received loans under the Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Programs or the Federal Perkins Loan Program must attend an exit interview, which includes additional information about their repayment obligations and about the consequences of failure to repay. Identification and release of official transcript. Records of students who have received loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Programs are identified to the Office of the Registrar. Students in default on loans from these programs may not obtain an official transcript. Repayment and Refund of Financial Aid Repayment of financial aid. Students who are awarded financial assistance for a specific semester but withdraw prior to the beginning of classes are required to repay the University all funds disbursed. Students who withdraw after the beginning of classes will be required to repay at least some portion of the funds received. The amount to be repaid is calculated according to a repayment policy determined by the Office of Student Financial Services and will vary depending on the amount and type of funds received and when the withdrawal occurs. Refunds for students receiving Title IV funding who withdraw from the University. NOTE: This section applies only to students in their first semester or summer session at the University who are receiving financial assistance from any Title IV program. All other students are subject to the refund policy in the section "Fee Adjustments" in Chapter 3, Registration, Fees, and Deposits. A student who is receiving financial assistance from any Title IV program and withdraws in the first semester of attendance at the University is entitled to a refund of tuition and fees and University housing charges according to the following schedule: LONG SESSION Official withdrawal date Percentage Refund ________________________________________________________ Prior to the sixth class day 100% less $15.00 matriculation fee During the sixth through the fifteenth class days 90% During the sixteenth through the twenty-fifth class days 80% During the twenty-sixth through the thirtieth class days 70% During the thirty-first through the thirty-fifth class days 60% During the thirty-sixth through the forty-fifth class days 50% During the forty-sixth through the fiftieth class days 40% After the fiftieth class day none SUMMER SESSION Official withdrawal date Percentage refund ________________________________________________________ Prior to the first class day 100% less $15.00 matriculation fee During the first and second class days 90% During the third through the seventh class days 80% During the eighth class day 70% During the ninth and tenth class days 60% During the eleventh through the thirteenth class days 50% During the fourteenth through the sixteenth class days 40% After the sixteenth class day none Any student receiving financial assistance will have at least part of the calculated refund credited to the student aid programs from which the student was paid. The remaining refund, if any, will be disbursed to the student. Federal regulations require that refunds due the student aid programs be credited in the following order: Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Federal Perkins Loan Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Other Title IV programs Non-Title IV programs Non-Title IV programs are refunded in the following order: Institution grants State grants State loans Scholarships, if specified by donor STUDENT HEALTH CENTER The Student Health Center is an ambulatory health care facility fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. It provides medical care and health education services for currently enrolled students and some nonstudents who are officially enrolled in certain University programs. The medical staff includes physicians in general medicine as well as those who are board certified in internal medicine, adolescent pediatrics, and family practice. The health center has its own pharmacy, laboratory, X-ray, and physical therapy facilities. Students are encouraged to choose a member of the medical services staff as their primary physician or nurse practitioner to ensure continuity of care while at the University. The Student Health Center is open for medical evaluation and care from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturday, Sunday, and official University holidays. For nonurgent situations, students are required to make appointments, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. Appointments can be made by calling 471-3138 for a general medicine appointment or 471-4158 for an appointment in the Women's Health Clinic. Students who need immediate medical attention for non-life- threatening illnesses or injuries may be seen in the urgent care area during all hours of operation. Students with medical emergencies should go directly to an emergency facility. Telephone consultation for illness or injury (471-HELP) is available during regular hours. Treatment during the hours the health center is closed must be obtained from a community health care service and paid for by the student. Health education services (471-6252) are designed to promote healthy lifestyles and contribute to optimal lifelong well-being. Programs include alcohol and drug education, sexual health, methods of contraception, rape prevention, AIDS education workshops, nutrition counseling and workshops, smoking cessation, and general health information. Audiovisual and printed materials on a variety of health issues are available. The Student Health Center is almost completely funded through the medical services fee paid by all students at registration. The fee covers the cost of providing students an unlimited number of office visits with physicians or nurse practitioners. There are charges for most other services, including prescriptions, laboratory tests, X rays, physical therapy, immunizations, and after-hours care. (See Appendix C, sections 4-401 through 4-510 of this catalog and the Student Health Center brochure for a more detailed description of policies and services.) Students sometimes are affected by medical conditions beyond the scope of services offered by the health center. Payment for services at medical and/or psychiatric facilities outside the Student Health Center is the sole responsibility of the student; therefore, every student is advised to purchase Student Health Insurance or to have sufficient insurance coverage under an existing policy. Additional information about student health insurance is available by calling 471-1040. COUNSELING, LEARNING, AND CAREER SERVICES The mission of Counseling, Learning, and Career Services is to provide students with services that promote and enhance their development in the areas of academic competence, emotional stability, life-long learning styles, and effective decision making skills. Currently enrolled students or those who have been admitted and are in the process of matriculation to the University are eligible to use the services. The Counseling, Learning, and Career Services provide personal counseling, learning assistance programs, assistance in identifying and exploring major and career options, and twenty-four-hour-a-day telephone assistance through three component agencies: the Counseling and Mental Health Center, the Career Center, and the Learning Skills Center. Counseling and Mental Health Center The Counseling and Mental Health Center assists students in coping effectively with various aspects of their personal and social growth that may interfere with the ability to realize the full academic benefit of their college experience. Services include individual and group counseling, psychiatric evaluation and medication, assistance in personal growth and specific interpersonal skill development, and workshops on topics such as procrastination, stress, depression, self-esteem, relationships, and family tension. The center is staffed by psychiatrists, counseling and clinical psychologists, social workers, and counseling specialists. It is approved by the American Psychological Association for clinical/counseling internship training and cooperates with the Departments of Psychology and Educational Psychology and the School of Social Work in training intern and practicum students. The staff believes in the importance of students leaving the University better equipped with skills needed for effective functioning in a complex society. Programs focus on the motivational, social, and emotional development of students by providing support systems where necessary, attending to any problem that can affect day-to-day living, and generally equipping the student to respond more effectively to the challenges of University living. Outreach services are extended to the University community through educational and consultative programs. A fee for services is charged after eight individual counseling or psychiatric sessions or twelve group counseling sessions in a single academic year (including the summer session). The student health insurance policy provides coverage for these services at the Counseling and Mental Health Center. Information about the policy is available at the Student Health Center. The center is located at 100 E. 26th Street, and is open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays. The telephone number is 471-3515. The Counseling and Mental Health Center also includes a telephone counseling and referral service that can be reached twenty-four hours a day, including holidays. Counselors are available by telephone to students, faculty, and staff at any time to provide counseling, consultation, information, and referral to other resources for additional help. Callers may remain anonymous. The Telephone Counseling and Referral Service number is 471-CALL (471- 2255). A series of audio cassette tapes is also available to help students understand certain types of problems. Telephone counseling tapes are five- to ten-minute recorded discussions relating to both mental and physical health issues. Some tapes give basic information and others give both information and suggestions about how to handle day-to-day problems. The tapes were prepared by Counseling, Learning, and Career Services staff, the Student Health Center staff, and staff from other campus and community agencies. Telephone tapes are accessed through TexTalk at 475-9950. A list of telephone topics is available at the Counseling and Mental Health Center and at various information offices on campus. Career Center Services of the Career Center are adapted to enrolled students in any major field of study and to alumni for one year following graduation. The general goals of the center are to assist in (1) clarifying career and employment goals; (2) identifying and exploring major career alternatives; and (3) providing information and counseling about opportunities available in the labor market through self-employment and through graduate study. To fulfill these goals, the center offers individual and group counseling, skill-building workshops, and a career library to aid students in clarifying their career direction. Computer-assisted career development; career tests; graduate school preparation; choice of major; internship opportunities; and summer job acquisition are services provided by the center. TexJobs, a twenty- four-hour telephone line provides information about part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer activities. In conjunction with the Ex- Students' Association, the center offers students opportunities to meet with professionals to learn more about the work environment. The Career Center and resource library, located in Jester Center A115A, is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and until 8:00 pm on Wednesday. Career counseling is available on a walk-in basis 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday and until 7:00 pm on Wednesday. The telephone number for the center is 471-1217. Learning Skills Center The Learning Skills Center provides a variety of academic support services to students. Group and individualized programs offer students the opportunity to increase their efficiency in college- level reading, writing, mathematics, science, and study skills. Monthly noncredit classes include college reading skills and speed flexibility, study techniques, mathematics skills, the writing areas, conversational English for international students, and preparation for the TASP Test and for graduate school entrance examinations. An independent study laboratory of learning media-- books, audio and videotapes, slide-tape shows, computer-assisted instruction, and diagnostic tests--is available for those who prefer to work independently. Peer counselors with training in writing, mathematics, and reading/study skills are on duty to provide individualized help to students working in the laboratory. A student-to-student tutoring program provides tutors in many of the University's entry-level courses. Tutoring is the only program for which a fee is charged, though fee waivers are granted for many students receiving financial aid. In addition to these programs, the center maintains a walk-in or phone-in service for students who want to talk about immediate study concerns. The staff also provides outreach services, delivering study techniques information through University classes, faculty, libraries, and residence halls. An additional campus service, Supplemental Instruction (SI), provides study skills assistance in conjunction with content-review sessions for certain large entry-level courses. The Learning Skills Center is located in Jester Center A332A and is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:45 pm. The telephone number is 471-3614. THE TEXAS UNION Recognizing that much of what students learn they learn from one another and from others in associations outside the formal curriculum, the Texas Union serves the University as a community center, providing facilities, services, and programs for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University. Major objectives of the Union include offering programs for intellectual, cultural, social, and recreational development, coordinating beneficial cocurricular activities, promoting genuine democracy, cultivating responsible citizenship, and facilitating an intelligent interest in and deeper affection for the University of Texas at Austin. Serving as a laboratory for student leadership experience, self-expression, and management, the Union contributes to the development of effective leaders for future responsibilities in community, civic, state, and national affairs. The Board of Directors establishes policy for the Texas Union. The voting membership of the board includes six students and three faculty members. The Texas Union Program Council coordinator, the Texas Union Operations Council coordinator, the director of the Texas Union, the secretary to the Board of Directors, and the vice president for student affairs, or the vice president's delegate, serve as ex officio members without vote. INTERNATIONAL OFFICE The International Office coordinates and administers programs that serve international students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the University community, as well as University students going abroad. The office is located at 2622 Wichita Street and is open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 471-1211. International Students Advisers who are aware of the demands associated with studying in another country are available to assist international students with academic matters not specifically within the province of the student's academic adviser, as well as answer questions concerning immigration status, financial aid, health insurance, housing, legal questions, employment, automobiles, income tax status, social security regulations, and personal problems or concerns. The International Office serves in loco parentis in case of an emergency involving an international student or the student's family. Sponsored Student Program. Students and sponsors of international students are provided advisers, special financial arrangements, required certifications, assistance with admission, and supervision while in academic status and under sponsorship. The office also provides reports to sponsors. Irregular student status and withdrawal petition. International students seeking irregular status (less than twelve hours for an undergraduate student and less than nine hours for a graduate student) are referred to the International Office in accordance with immigration regulations. Withdrawal petitions for international students are referred to the International Office before final action is taken by the appropriate academic dean's office. Special programs. The office administers special contract programs consistent with the academic objectives of the University. These include a summer orientation program for Fulbright/Humphrey scholars and special arrangements for other groups including visiting representatives of other nations. English as a second language services. English classes for nonnative speakers are available through ESL Services in the International Office. ESL Oral Communication and ESL Academic Writing are courses available to graduate students. ESL Academic English is offered to undergraduates. These courses do not carry University of Texas credit, but each is considered the equivalent of a three-hour course for purposes of fulfilling the full course of study requirement. Social and Practical English, a course designed for family members of international students and visiting scholars, and a full-time intensive Academic English Program for prospective graduate students are also offered. Study Abroad Information about educational opportunities in other countries is available in the Study Abroad Office located in Carothers Residence Hall. Students considering study abroad should consult the staff for assistance in selecting the program most appropriate to their individual needs and interests. Staff advise students on University policies governing study abroad, program options, funding sources, and application and selection procedures. Information is disseminated through publications, special events, group meetings, individual appointments, and reference materials. University programs available to students include reciprocal exchanges with foreign universities, affiliated studies through consortial agreements, and courses taught abroad. Exchange programs. Students in exchange programs register for a block of coursework in study abroad (SAB). Faculty in the appropriate academic departments review the student's work to determine equivalent University courses and assign grades based on evaluation from the host institution. Courses and grades are recorded as resident credit. Students are assessed the normal tuition and fees according to the number of semester credit hours undertaken. Affiliated studies. Students participating in study abroad programs offered by other institutions with which the University has an affiliation agreement and students engaged in independent study or research who have been awarded a University-approved scholarship, fellowship, or grant may register for affiliated studies (A S). Students enrolled in affiliated studies are considered full-time students for financial aid purposes. Academic credit earned while in affiliated studies generates transfer credit. A fee of $25 is assessed students registering for affiliated studies. Courses taught abroad. Academic departments may offer courses taught abroad as a part of their regular curriculum. Students registering in these courses follow normal registration procedures and are assessed tuition and fees according to the number of semester credit hours undertaken. Additional fees are charged to cover program costs. Financial assistance. Advisers verify budgets for students awarded funding through the Office of Student Financial Services. Information about other awards for study abroad is available. The Study Abroad Office administers the campus competition for a number of grants, including the Institute of International Education Fulbright (IIE) grants, the National Security Education Program (NSEP) grants, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) grants, regional IIE awards, and the University's International Education Fee Scholarships (IEFS). STUDENT GOVERNMENT Originally established in 1902 (as the Students' Association), Student Government was active until it was abolished by student referendum in 1978. A 1982 referendum reestablished the organization, which continues to serve as a recognized forum for student opinion. The membership of Student Government includes every student enrolled at the University, though official actions of the organization are carried out by the executive branch, the Student Assembly, and the judicial branch. Student Government was instrumental in establishing the Student Health Center, the summer orientation program, the shuttle bus system, a walking escort service, a minority information center, childcare services, student cable television, and student radio. Student Government also provides input and initiatives to the University administration, the city council, and the state legislature on such matters as minority recruitment and retention, curriculum reform, tuition increases, teacher evaluations, class availability, and the quality of undergraduate education. Student Government appoints students to the Faculty Council, the Texas Union Board of Directors, and the Student Services Fee Committee, and nominates students to the standing committees of the General Faculty. Student Government projects cover a wide range of issues and any student may join a committee and work on a project. Elections for president, vice president, and members of the Student Assembly are held in early March each year. More information about Student Government is available at 471-3166 or in Union Building 4.310. CABINET OF COLLEGE COUNCILS The Cabinet of College Councils is the coordinating body for the college councils, which are composed of student leaders enrolled in each of the University's colleges and schools. Established in 1973, the cabinet works directly with the councils to promote academic programs and to encourage teaching excellence. The group's major responsibilities include selecting the recipients of the Texas Excellence Teaching Awards and honoring students selected for Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. The cabinet reviews the budgetary policies and approves the annual budgets of each of the college councils. Two members of the cabinet serve on the Faculty Council, the legislative body for the University. The cabinet also works with Student Government to accomplish goals that benefit all University students. The cabinet office is located on the fourth floor of the Texas Union; interested students should call 471-3166 for additional information. STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Student publications and media at the University of Texas at Austin are governed by the Board of Operating Trustees, Texas Student Publications (TSP). TSP publishes the Daily Texan student newspaper five days a week. The Texan has won more national awards than any other student newspaper and is considered the leading college newspaper. TSP also produces the Cactus yearbook for the University, the Peregrinus yearbook for the School of Law, the Official Directory, and the annual Guide to Campus Living. TSP operates KVRX student radio and KVR9, the only student-operated, low-power station in the country. Both the Cactus and KVRX have won top national student media honors in recent years. OFFICE OF THE STUDENTS' ATTORNEY Advice, representation, or referral for legal problems is available for students through the Office of the Students' Attorney. No charge is assessed for advice, referral, or general assistance, but payment of court costs and other incidental expenses may be required if the office agrees to handle a student's case. The office reserves the right to accept or decline any individual case and to determine the manner of legal representation that it will provide. Representation may be provided in civil legal matters only. Cases normally accepted for representation are landlord-tenant disputes, student loan disputes, consumer protection matters including deceptive trade practices, property damage claims resulting from automobile accidents, employment disputes, credit card complaints, and auto repair claims. The Students' Attorney is prohibited from representing students in criminal proceedings, purely business matters, family law, and most civil actions against other students, or in actions directly or indirectly against any part of The University System or its agents. OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN The ombudsman serves as a neutral third party providing assistance to students who have University-related complaints of a nonlegal nature. The ombudsman and most of the office staff are students. The office is authorized to investigate grievances and recommend corrective measures involving both academic and nonacademic concerns. The types of cases the office handles include complaints about grades, parking, financial aid, registration, adds and drops, refunds, residency, housing, and scholastic probation and dismissal. Any case considered inappropriate may be declined by the ombudsman. All assistance provided by the office is confidential and is available by phone or in person. STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES Academic related grievances. Academic grievances involving grade disputes should be discussed with the course instructor. Grade dispute that are not resolved and all other academic grievances should be submitted in writing to the department chairman or other designated administrator of the academic program to which the grievance relates. Appeals may be directed to the appropriate academic dean who will render the final decision. The dean of the college or school in which a student is enrolled has jurisdiction over the student's program of study, degree requirements, and all other academic matters including grievances, except as described below. Students taking a course in a college or school other than the one in which they are primarily registered are subject, so far as the course and academic grievances regarding the course are concerned, to the dean of the college or school in which the course is offered. For issues involving scholastic dishonesty, see Appendix C, chapter 11, in this catalog. Student program and student activity related grievances. Grievances related to nonacademic student programs and activities should be submitted in writing to the director of the specific student affairs area. Appeals may be directed to the vice president for student affairs, and then to the president for final disposition. Appendix C of this catalog describes the institutional rules on student services and activities and includes provisions for formal hearings. Additional information on these provisions is available through the Office of the Dean of Students located on the second floor of the Flawn Academic Center. Disability related grievances. No qualified disabled student shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any academic program or activity at the University of Texas at Austin. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the grievance procedures described above should be followed for complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability. Academic related grievances and student program and student activity related grievances should be submitted as provided above. Sexual and racial harassment and sexual assault. Complaints alleging sexual or racial harassment or sexual assault should be addressed in accordance with the policies and procedures in Appendixes D, E, and H. DISCIPLINE Under the direction of the president, the dean of students is primarily responsible for the administration of student discipline. In carrying out this responsibility, the dean consults regularly with the Discipline Policies Committee. General statement. Students at the University neither lose the rights nor escape the responsibilities of citizenship. They are expected to obey and conduct themselves in accordance with the penal and civil statutes of the local, state, and federal government, Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, and University regulations and administrative rules. They may be disciplined by the University for violating these standards of conduct on the campus or off the campus when the incident occurs in connection with an institution- oriented activity, or has a substantial connection to the interests of the University, or when the behavior is prohibited by University policy regardless of where it occurs, even though they are penalized by civil authorities for the same act. Institutional disciplinary penalties must not, however, be used merely to duplicate the penalties imposed by civil authority. Scholastic dishonesty. Since the value of a university degree depends on the absolute integrity of the work done by each student for that degree, a student should maintain a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and falsifying academic records. See Appendix C, section 11-802, in this catalog. Group responsibility. Any student organization is subject to disciplinary action or revocation of registration as a student organization for violation of the penal and civil statutes of the local, state, or federal government, or a rule or regulation of The University of Texas System or the University of Texas at Austin. See Appendix C chapter 6, "Student Organizations," in this catalog. Disciplinary procedures. The University of Texas at Austin administers student discipline according to the established procedures of due process. Procedures are defined and described in Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, Part One, chapter VI, section 3, and in Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, chapter 11, "Student Discipline and Conduct." (See Appendix C of this catalog.) RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS State institutions are constitutionally restricted with regard to the establishment of religion; however, many sectarian activities are available to students through the sponsorship of various denominational organizations. Several churches, synagogues, and other places of worship are located in the University area. A number of student centers are maintained near campus, and many student religious organizations are registered with the University. REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES Students who drive or park a vehicle on campus must purchase a permit from the Parking and Traffic Office. To park within the campus boundaries, a proper permit must be displayed as required. Purchase of a permit does not assure a parking space. Class C parking permits are available to any student enrolled in the University. Class M parking permits are issued for motorcycles, motor-assisted bicycles, and motor scooters. These vehicles may be parked only in areas designated for their use. Class R permits are available to residents of University-owned housing located on the main campus. Class G parking permits are available to graduate students at the University who also are employed by the University at least twenty hours a week. A signed copy of the appointment or reappointment form is required to obtain a permit. Class C, M, and G permits purchased in the fall semester are valid through August 31 of the following year. Class R permits are valid through May 31 of the following year with a permit for the summer session available for an additional fee. The fees are $30 for a class C permit, $22 for a class M permit, and $48 for a class G permit. The fee for an R permit for the fall and spring semesters is $130. Permits purchased in the spring semester are $22 for a class C permit, $13 for a class M, and $32 for a class G, and are valid through the end of the summer session. A class R permit for the spring semester is $90. Permits for the summer session only are $14 for a C, $10 for an M, $16 for a G, and $50 for an R permit. Replacement permits are available for a nominal fee. Parking garage contracts are available on a semester basis for $150 a semester and $90 for the summer session. Individuals whose vehicles display the state-issued license plate or placard for the disabled may park in any space designated for the disabled and are exempt from parking meter fees and time limits. Temporary permits for up to two weeks may be obtained from the Student Health Center. A person whose vehicle displays the disabled veteran license plate is not entitled to use a parking space designated for the disabled unless the vehicle also displays the state-issued placard. A printed copy of University parking and traffic regulations is available on request from the Parking and Traffic Office located in the Service Building, Room 1, 471-4761. A list of charges for violation of the regulations follows. Violation Amount ____________________________________________________________________ Parking in a disabled space without displaying the proper permit (impound violation) $100.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Mutilating, defacing, or altering a current permit (impound violation) $50.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Parking in a carpool space, or a "Reserved at All Times" space without displaying the proper permit (impound violation) $50.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Possession or use of a lost, stolen, or forged permit (impound violation) $50.00 plus the original value of the permit ____________________________________________________________________ Exceeding the posted speed limit $25.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Failure to obey a STOP or YIELD sign or other traffic control device $25.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Failure to stop or heed instructions given by a University police officer or University guard $25.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Moving a barricade or parking within a barricaded area, or moving a vehicle without permission of the owner or operator (impound violation) $25.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Moving violation of the Texas motor vehicle laws not otherwise listed here $25.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Parking or operating a bicycle in violation of regulations (impound violation) $25.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Parking or operating a motor vehicle on University property while privileges are suspended (impound violation) $25.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Parking a motor vehicle on any curb or sidewalk or in any manner that creates an obstruction to vehicular or pedestrian traffic (impound violation) $15.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Parking in a designated parking area without displaying the proper permit (impound violation) $15.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Parking in a no parking zone or fire zone (impound violation) $15.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Parking improperly, including but not limited to: a. Parking opposite the flow of traffic where angle parking is required b. Parking with the left wheel (front or back) to the curb on a two-way street where parallel parking is required c. Vehicle not placed wholly within the boundaries of the parking space (other improperly parked vehicles do not constitute an excuse for improper parking) d. Parking a motor vehicle on unmarked or unimproved ground not designated for parking $15.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Having a vehicle of any type in a University building $10.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Improperly displayed or affixed permit $10.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Parking overtime in a space limited in time by meters or signs, or parking overtime in a loading zone $10.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Roller skating or skateboarding on the campus $10.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Violation of a posted sign not otherwise listed $10.00 ____________________________________________________________________ Other violation of the Texas motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to: a. expired registration b. expired motor vehicle inspection sticker $10.00 ____________________________________________________________________