UTB/TSC is prepared to make appropriate academic adjustments and reasonable modifications to policies and practices in order to allow the full participation of students with disabilities in the same programs and activities available to non-disabled students. It is the responsibility of the student with a disability to initiate the request. The student may request course substitutions or modification of degree requirements by addressing a letter to the Disability Services Coordinator at the Counseling Center, to be referred to the Chairman of the Department involved. The letter should contain the student's name, address, phone number, ID number, major or minor, the specific substitution/modification request, and reason for the request. The request should document specific and pertinent disability information. The request must be received at least 14 days before the end of late registration for a decision to be given for that semester.

Advanced Level Work

Courses numbered either 3000 or 4000 are called advanced or upper-division courses. Students may not enroll in any upper-division course until they have successfully completed the TASP test. Normally, students with less than 60 semester credit hours may enroll in 3000 or 4000 courses only when their schedules include enough lower level work to total at least 60 semester credit hours in addition to the upper level courses for which they wish to enroll. Approval of the Department Chair or Dean is required if the conditions above are not met for advanced level enrollment.

Adds and Drops

A student may add or drop a course during the first week of classes in the Fall and Spring semesters. After the Add and Drop period, a student may add or drop a course for academic reasons only with permission of the appropriate Dean. The determination of the Dean is final.

Students may not drop developmental courses except under extenuating personal circumstances and with the approval of the Director of Counseling and Guidance. After the Add/Drop period, a student may withdraw with a "W" from an academic course before the deadline at the Enrollment Office located at Tandy Hall 105. A student's financial assistance may be affected when withdrawing from a class. Students should be advised that the state legislature has capped the number of developmental hours the state will fund at 27 and the number of undergraduate credit hours at 170. Courses dropped after the twelfth class day count against those totals.

Attendance and Absences

Students are expected to be diligent in their studies and regular in class attendance. Students are responsible for all class work and assignments. The number of absences permitted in any one course varies with instructor and course. Attendance requirements are printed in the course syllabus and announced by the instructor at the initial class meeting. On recommendation of the instructor concerned and with the approval of the Dean, students may at any time be dropped from courses for failure to meet the attendance requirements or other good cause. This may result in a "W" or an a "WF" on the student's permanent record.

UTB/TSC will allow a student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence, if, not later than the 15th day of the semester, the student notifies the instructor of each class the student has scheduled on that date that the student will be absent for a religious holy day. "Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code. The student's notification must be in writing and must be delivered by the student personally to the instructor of each class, with receipt of the notification acknowledged and dated by the instructor or by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the instructor of each class.

Auditing Courses

Audit enrollment is on a space available basis for courses that have been designated as suitable for audit by the Dean of the College or School. Not all courses are available for audit. Students may not enter courses for audit until the seventh day after classes have begun. Those who wish to audit should contact the Enrollment Office and pay the appropriate audit fee at the Business Office. There is no charge for people 65 years and older. Audit fees are nonrefundable.

Audit students do not receive credit. An audit intention cannot be changed to credit nor can credit courses be changed to audit. Audit work cannot be used toward diploma or degree requirements. Enrollment as an auditor does not permit enrollees to take examinations, have tests or other papers checked by the instructor or participate in required oral recitations, etc.

Cheating

Students are expected to be above reproach in all scholastic activities. Students who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion. "Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit for any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22.)

Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of UTB/TSC, policies on scholastic dishonesty are strictly enforced.

Classification of Students

Students are classified according to the number of semester credit hours of university credit they have earned.

• Freshman – credit for fewer than 30 semester hours.
• Sophomores – credit for 30-59 semester hours.
• Juniors – credit for 60-89 semester hours.
• Seniors – credit for 90 or more semester hours.
• Special (or Post Baccalaureate) Students – a bachelor's degree but enrolled in undergraduate courses.
• Graduate Students – an undergraduate degree and have been accepted in a master's degree program.
• Special Graduate Students – a graduate degree and are continuing in a graduate program.

Co-requisite

A co-requisite is a course which must be taken together with another course during the same enrollment period or session. All co-requisites are included with the course listings in this catalog.

Course Load

For each regular semester a an undergraduate student may enroll for no more than 18 semester credit hours. For each summer term an undergraduate student may enroll for no more than 8 semester credit hours. Enrollment in more than 18 semester hours in a regular semester or 8 in a single summer session requires authorization by the appropriate Dean.

Course Numbers

Courses are numbered to show both the collegiate level at which they are offered and the semester hour value of the course. The first digit shows the level and the second digit shows the credit hours. The last two digits are departmental designations.

• 1000 courses are at the freshman level – lower division
• 2000 courses are at the sophomore level – lower division
• 3000 courses are at the junior level – upper division
• 4000 courses are at the senior level – upper division
• 5000 courses are at the graduate level (Students cannot receive credit in a 5000 level course if they already have credit for a comparable 4000 level course.)
• 6000 courses are at the graduate level

For example the catalog entry, SPAN 3301, means that the course is given at the junior level and carries three hours of credit per semester.

Course Schedule

A Course Schedule booklet is published before telephone registration each Fall, Spring and Summer semester. Class changes from the schedule, such as reassignment of instructors, closing, consolidating, dividing, or equalizing teacher loads may be made for the convenience of UTB/TSC. Listings are subject to change without notice.

Credit

The unit of credit (cr) for academic and technical courses is the semester hour. The total credit hour value (also referred to as "semester hour value, semester credit hours or credit hours") of a course usually indicates the number of class hours it meets each week for one semester. During the long session, most courses meet three hours each week for three semester hours of credit. Courses requiring laboratory work meet additional hours at specified times.

Final Examinations

Final examinations are held at the end of each semester. Examinations must be taken according to the published schedule unless prior approval has been obtained and alternative arrangements have been made. Approval will be granted only under rare circumstances. Students who miss an examination for reasons beyond their control should notify the instructor and/or the appropriate Department Chair immediately.

Full-Time Undergraduate Student

Undergraduate students enrolled for at least 12 semester credit hours of credit during a regular semester or at least six semester credit hours of credit during a summer session are full-time students.

Grades

The following grades are used to designate achievement in classwork. Their corresponding grade values are indicated.

Grade             Explanation         Grade Points Per Semester Hour

    A                  Excellent                             4.00
    B                  Good                                   3.00
    C                 Average                               2.00
    D                 Below Average                   1.00 (Not used in graduate courses)
    F                 Failure                                  0
    G                 Must Repeat Course         Not used in computing GPA
                                                                    (Developmental courses only)

    I                   Incomplete                           Not used in computing GPA
    P                 Pass                                     Not used in computing GPA
    Cr                Credit                                   Not used in computing GPA
                                                                     (Advanced Placement and CLEP credit only)
    NR              No Grade Reported            Not used in computing GPA
                                                                     (Enrollment Office use only)
    S                 Satisfactory                         Not used in computing GPA
                                                                     (Non-course based remediation only)
    U                 Unsatisfactory                     Not used in computing GPA
                                                                     (Non-course based remediation only)
    W                Withdrawal                          Not used in computing GPA

Grades are awarded in courses in which students are officially enrolled after the last day to withdraw from a course without receiving a grade. This deadline to withdraw, one week before the beginning of final exams, is specified in the Academic Calendar for each enrollment period. Students who do not withdraw before the deadline may not be given a "W" on the final grade sheet.

Final grades are available to students within 24 hours after all final exam grades have been submitted to the respective Dean's offices after the end of each semester. Grade reports are not mailed to students. Students interested in obtaining their grades by telephone may call 982-5800 during the times designated in the course schedule.

Grade Point Averages (GPA)

Grade point averages are computed by dividing the total grade points earned by the total semester hours attempted. A sample calculation method:

Course             No.             Grade             Hours             Grade Points

English             2302             A                     3 sem. hours X 4 pts. per hour = 12

Mathematics   4316             D                     3 sem. hours X 1 pts. per hour = 3

History             3314             A                     3 sem. hours X 4 pts. per hour = 12

Chemistry        3403             B                     4 sem. hours X 3 pts. per hour = 12

Kinesiology     1101             B                     1 sem. hour X 3 pts. per hour = 3

Total hours attempted                                 14 sem. hours
Total grade points                                                            42 points
Total grade points                 ÷                     Total semester hours attempted =GPA

                         42                   ÷                    14 = 3.00

Grade Changes

If an error in computation, evaluation or recording warrants a grade change, the instructor may process a grade change form through his/her Department Chair. If the grade change is made after graduation, for a course taken prior to graduation, the change request form must have written justification by the instructor, recommendation of the Department Chair, and approval by the Dean.

Graduation Application

Degrees are not awarded automatically upon completion of scholastic requirements. To be considered as a candidate for a degree, a student must submit an application for a degree to the Enrollment Office. Check the class schedule for deadline dates for submitting applications.

Students graduating with their first baccalaureate degrees may be eligible for a tuition rebate. See "Tuition Rebate Program" for more information about this opportunity.

Graduation GPA

Graduation GPA is calculated on all credit course work attempted. Developmental course work is not included. For calculation, refer to Grades and Grade Point Averages scale.

Graduation Under a Specific Catalog

General and specific requirements for degrees may be altered in successive catalogs. Undergraduate students are bound by the requirements for graduation that are listed in the catalog in force the year at the time of his/her admission. However, baccalaureate students must graduate within eight years from commencement of collegiate work, and associate/certificate students must graduate within six years from the academic year of entrance, or be subject to degree requirements of subsequent catalogs.

Any changes in a Program of Study to comply with a later catalog must be approved by the appropriate Dean. The student who is required to or chooses to fulfill the requirements of a subsequent catalog must have his/her amended degree plan approved by the appropriate Dean.

Grievances, Academic Grade Appeals

Course grade grievances must be initiated by contacting the instructor or individual with whom the grievance arose within 30 days. An effort to resolve the matter informally should be made. If the student is not satisfied with the decision, the student may appeal in writing within 21 days to the Chair of the Department from which the grade was issued. Disputes not satisfactorily resolved within 21 days may be appealed in writing to the School or College Dean who will render the final decision.

Grievances, Academic Other Than Grade Appeals

In attempting to resolve any student grievance, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. Grievances are appealed in a timely manner to the Department Chair, the Dean, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If the matter remains unresolved at this level, the student may make a final appeal to the President. Appeals must be submitted in writing.

Grievances, Non-Academic

In attempting to resolve any student grievance, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. Non-academic grievances are appealed in a timely manner to the Department Chair or Office Director, the Dean if appropriate, then to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs, or Vice President for Business Affairs. If the matter remains unresolved at this level, the student may make a final appeal to the President. Appeals must be submitted in writing.

Identification Cards

Student identification cards for semester credit hour students are issued by the Circulation Desk at the Library. Use of the Student ID Card is governed by the following conditions:

• The card remains the property of the institution and must be surrendered to any administrative official or Campus Police officer or guard of UTB/TSC on demand.
• The card must be presented for:

– admission to any school- or faculty-sponsored activity,

– admission to all athletic events,

– voting in campus elections and referendums,

– use of computer services.

– use of the library,

– disbursement of Financial Aid checks, and

– receipt of transcripts at the Enrollment Office.

• The card is nontransferable. Loss or mutilation must be reported to the Circulation Desk at the Library. A charge of $5.00 will be made for replacement.
• ID Card photographs may be taken at any time during the library's regular hours. ID Cards must be validated each semester the student is enrolled. A current valid Statement of Charges is required to obtain a photo ID or validate an ID Card.

Immunization Requirements

The following immunizations are required for all students who are enrolled in health-related courses which will involve direct patient contact in medical or dental care facilities or who come in contact with human biological fluids or tissue. Students for whom these immunizations are not required by the institution are strongly urged to obtain these immunizations for their own protection.

• Measles: proof of two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart or proof of immunity;
• Mumps: proof of one dose of mumps vaccine administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity;
• Rubella: proof of one dose administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity;
• Tetanus/diphtheria: proof of one "booster" dose of tetanus/diphtheria (within 10 years);
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV): proof of serologic immunity to HBV or certification of immunization with a complete series of Hepatitis B vaccine. Students will be required to present a letter or other suitable written certification.

Students enrolled at TSC and UT System institutions will assume the full cost of the immunizations. Individual schools may require other immunizations. Proof that they have taken a polio vaccine is required for Students in the Emergency Medical Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Medical Laboratory Technology programs.

Inquiries concerning supplemental immunization requirements should be directed to Student Health Services. Certain exemptions are allowed from the immunization requirements; Students should contact the Office of Student Health Services for information.

Incomplete Grades

A grade of "I" may be given when students have not completed the required course work within the allotted time of a regular semester or summer session if the instructor determines that the reasons for the work's being incomplete are valid and that the grade of "I" is justified. A written agreement between the student and the instructor specifying the work to be made up and the deadline for its accomplishment must be filed in the office of the Department Chair at the time that the "I" is submitted. The work agreed upon must be satisfactorily completed and the "I" changed no later than the end of the next regular (Fall or Spring) semester from the date the "I" was received unless an extension is requested by the instructor, or the grade will automatically be recorded as "F" on the official transcript.

A student will not be given an "I" grade to allow

– time to prepare course work in addition to that assigned to the entire class;

– time to repeat the entire course; or

– opportunity to raise a grade.

Incomplete grades are not issued for student or faculty convenience; they may be issued only in the case of compelling, nonacademic circumstances beyond the student's control.

Pass/Fail Option

Students enrolled in a Kinesiology activity course may take the course for the traditional letter grade (e.g. A, B, C, etc.) or may elect to take it on a Pass/Fail basis. To exercise the Pass/Fail option, students must petition to do so no later than the deadlines announced in the Academic Calendar. Petitions are made at the Enrollment Office.

Prerequisite

Prerequisites are specified requirements that must be met before students may enroll in a course. Specific prerequisites are listed in course descriptions.

Quality of Work

While a grade of D is considered passing in a subject, an overall average of 2.0 is required for graduation. A Grade of C or better may be required in other courses, departments or degree programs. For example, students must have at least a C in each freshman-level English course and College Algebra. Students must also make an average of 2.0 in both their major and minor fields.

Students who expect to be certified as teachers must have a grade point average of 2.50 in both their major and minor fields.

Registration

To attend classes, students must first register or enroll for the courses they wish to attend and pay all appropriate tuition and fees. Students must complete all admission procedures prior to registration. Information on registration dates and times is listed in the Academic Calendar and the printed course schedule for each semester session. Information on registration procedures and deadlines may be obtained at the Academic Advising Center or at the Enrollment Office in Tandy Hall.

Repeated Courses

When a course is repeated, only the last grade and hours earned are used to calculate the grade point average. (Graduate courses follow a different method of calculation.)

Required Courses

All courses in students' programs of study are required courses and must be completed for the student to receive a degree or certificate. Most courses are sequenced from less advanced to more advanced courses and should be taken in the order suggested. Assistance with course selection and information on required courses and sequencing may be obtained in the Academic Advising Center. In addition, students may be required to take certain developmental courses based on assessment scores or TASP scores before they are allowed to enroll in more advanced courses.

Semester Credit Hour

Credit is measured in semester hours. Ordinarily, a class that meets one 50-minute period per week for a semester will carry a credit of one semester hour. Since most of the classes meet three periods, or their equivalent, each week, these classes carry three semester hours of credit. Two or three laboratory hours per week are usually required for one semester hour of laboratory credit.

Sessions

Refer to Academic Program Calendar.

The Academic Year: The academic year is divided into two semesters – Fall and Spring semesters. Each semester meets for classes approximately 150 minutes per week for 16 weeks.

The Summer Session: The summer session is divided into two terms – Summer I and Summer II. Each sessions meets for classes approximately 500 minutes per week for five weeks.

Withdrawing From Classes

After the official record date, students may withdraw from classes other than developmental classes and receive a "W" on their permanent records. This deadline to withdraw, one week before the beginning of final examinations, is specified in the Academic Calendar for each enrollment period. Students who do not withdraw before the deadline may not be given a "W" on the final grade sheet.

The Drop/Add form must be date-stamped by the Enrollment Office for the drop/add to become official. The student is responsible for ensuring that the drop/add form is received at the Enrollment Office by the withdrawal deadline specified.

At the instructor's discretion, and consistent with the policy stated on the course syllabus, an instructor may withdraw a student from class for non-attendance. An instructor-initiated withdrawal will result in a "W" or an "F" on the student's permanent record.

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University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College
2001 - 2002 Undergraduate Catalog
Copyright 2002  © UTB/TSC
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