The University of Houston is committed to provide a high quality educational environment for all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and to continually improve the processes that serve those students.

Within the general context of professional responsibility toward students, the University of Houston emphasizes and encourages faculty cooperation in the following areas:

A. Faculty are expected to be available for consultation with students, to respect the civil and institutional rights of students, to deal equitably and fairly with them in academic matters, to support students in their own development within the university community, and to set a high example of professional conduct with respect to both personal and corporate responsibilities and ways of dealing with ethical issues.

B. With regard to student records, policies have been developed that are consistent with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. (For information regarding some of these policies, see "Confidentiality of Student Records," pages 93-94.) Faculty are expected to be familiar with and observe these policies.

C. Faculty are expected to understand and comply with provisions made for participation by students in university decision making, both university-wide and within the subordinate units. The schools, colleges, and departments, on their part, may arrange for consultation with students and their participation in administrative committees.

The university has established procedures regarding the granting of credit, the assigning of grades, the establishing of degree requirements, and the advising of students. Similarly, procedures exist for handling disciplinary matters, student grievances, and sexual harassment. Specific information on such policies may be found elsewhere in this handbook or may be requested from the dean of the college, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Vice Provost for Graduate Studies, or the Office of the dean of Students.
 

Accommodating Students with Disabilities

Faculty members should communicate in their syllabi that students who need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or any other state or federal law should notify them as soon as possible. Even though it is the student's responsibility to inform the faculty member of the need for an accommodation, faculty members should work with the Center for Students with DisAbilities to reach an appropriate accommodation.

The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that the university make reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities as defined in the act. Students who feel they need assistance under the ADA guidelines should approach the instructor to discuss such consideration.

Twice a year the Office of Registration and Academic Records publishes a Class Schedule that contains information regarding the enrollment process, course offerings, academic and administrative offices, advisors, final exams, and general university information. The Class Schedule is sold to students through the various stores and a limited number are distributed free of charge to colleges and departments. However, as changes may occur after the publication of the Class Schedule, faculty are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the most current information available in the administrative unit.

Student records are released by the Office of Registration and Academic Records, colleges, and departments for use only by faculty and staff for authorized university-related purposes. The release of student records for off-campus use occurs only with the student's knowledge and consent, or where required by law. Release of student records for off-campus use is normally channeled through the Office of Registration and Academic Records with some certain exceptions, i.e., college or departmental recognition or announcements.

Retention and maintenance of student records must be in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). FERPA prohibits the disclosure of a student's educational records without his/her prior consent, except in circumstances specified in the act. In addition, FERPA provides all students access to their own educational records. All student records should be kept in locked areas and handled in a security-conscious manner. Student records must be hand-carried only by faculty or university staff to the Office of Registration and Academic Records. Student records should not be sent through inter-office mail.

Certain information contained in a student's educational record is deemed directory information and may be released without the student's prior written consent. Directory information includes:

1. Name

2. Address and phone number

3. Major and minor fields of study

4. Date and place of birth activities and sports

5. Dates of attendance

6. Degrees and awards received

7. Last educational institution attended

8. Participation in officially recognized

9. Weight and height of athletic team members
 

No other information may be released through any University of Houston office by telephone, and no other information should be released to persons other than the student without permission from the student, or where required by law or upon subpoena.

Students who wish to protect directory information from disclosure may do so by notifying the Office of Registration and Academic Records during the first week of classes. A request made to withhold directory information remains in effect until revoked in writing by the student. The record of any student who has requested the university to withhold public information will have a message stating "DO NOT RELEASE PUBLIC INFORMATION." If the message appears, the only people allowed to view student information should be authorized faculty and staff and the student.

It is critical that all staff working with computer terminals accessing student academic and demographic information be informed of and understand these restrictions. The only people allowed to view a student's information should be authorized faculty and staff and the student. In addition, employees should be urged to memorize access and entry codes instead of displaying them or keeping them "handy."

If students request information in person, they must present picture identification before any information other than public information may be released. Information pertaining to a student may be disclosed to the student's parents or legal guardian with the prior written consent of the student or without prior written consent if the student is a dependent as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Parents should be sent to the Office of Registration and Academic Records to fill out a Request for Release of Records based on Dependency of Student form. They must be willing to present proof of dependency by providing a copy of their last income tax return.

Disposal of student record information should be done with confidentiality in mind, by either shredding or mutilating the record before it is thrown away.

Questions regarding these policies should be directed to the Office of Registration and Academic Records, ext. 31010.

Faculty are expected to be familiar with all policies regarding academic programs, including those governing grading, advising, scheduling of examinations, and so forth. A few of these policies are referred to below. For complete statements of all such policies, see the Undergraduate and Graduate and Professional catalogues.

Final examinations, if given, shall be given during the time and date designated in the official university class schedule. Any exception to this policy must be approved in writing by the dean of the college in which the course is taught and announced by the instructor to the class no later than the last day to drop a course.

      If during the summer a final examination is scheduled to conflict with a scheduled class, the final examination shall take precedence over the class and the instructor of the class shall not penalize any student who misses the class to take the final exam. The student who has the conflict shall notify both instructors of that conflict as soon as possible, but no later than the week before the scheduled exam. The student's absence from class shall be considered to be official, and the instructor shall allow the student either to make up missed work or be exempt without penalty from making it up.

      An instructor shall not require previously unscheduled work in the form of tests, papers, or reports during the 14 calendar days prior to the examination period of each semester or five calendar days prior to the examination period of each summer session.

      There shall be no required undergraduate class meetings, other than for final examination purposes, after the last day of classes. There shall be no final examinations during the reading period.

For purposes of security and to ensure that assistance is available with testing instructions, it is expected that someone familiar with the examination being administered, either the instructor or a designee, will be present in the room during the examination period. It is recognized that such an expectation is not always appropriate, e.g., when an honor code is in force, for graduate seminars, or when the format of the examination makes it unnecessary.

The university does not require faculty to post grades. If grades are posted, however, the student's permission must be obtained to use his/her name or any part of the social security number for student identification. Students may sign and date permission statements on final exams; sign a copy of the grade sheet with the social security number or student ID number blanked out; or be assigned a number for posting. In the absence of the student's signed and dated authorization to post grades by name or social security number (or any part of the number), no grade should be posted.

The grade of "I" (Incomplete) is a conditional and temporary grade given when a student is passing a course but for reasons beyond his or her control has not completed a relatively small part of all requirements. The student is responsible for informing the instructor immediately of the reason for not submitting an assignment on time or not taking an examination. The grade of "I" must be changed by fulfillment of course requirements within one year of the date awarded or it will be changed automatically to an "F" or a "U" (Unsatisfactory). The grade of "I" may not be changed to a grade of "W" (Withdrawn), but may only be changed to another letter grade. Once the student has completed the remaining work for the course , the instructor should submit an Academic Record Adjustment form to change the "I" grade to the grade the student has earned. Some colleges require the student to sign an agreement with the instructor indicating when the requirements will be met.

NOTE: Students should be instructed not to re-register for the same course in a following semester in order to complete the incomplete requirements.

Student evaluations will be conducted in all regular credit courses taught by instructors of record at the University of Houston. These evaluations should be used to assist and encourage teachers to improve their courses and instructional techniques. In addition, these evaluations will be used as one of the components in personnel decisions.

Each college should develop evaluation instruments and procedures that are appropriate for the academic programs of the college. These evaluation instruments and procedures will be reviewed by the Provost. Student evaluations of teaching (with narrative comments omitted) will be compiled in a uniform format by the department/college and will be housed in a central location in the library for general public access. These evaluations will be made available, under appropriate supervision, to anyone requesting them.

Exceptions to these policies must be approved by the Provost.

Students seeking medical withdrawal must follow the policy detailed below. For undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students the responsible officer is the Provost. For graduate and professional students the responsible officer is the dean of the college in which the student is majoring.
 
A. The responsible officer (or designated representative) may grant medical withdrawals at any time to students who must withdraw for medical reasons from all courses for which they are registered at the University of Houston.

B. Students who receive medical withdrawals after the last day to withdraw without receiving a grade shall receive a grade, an I or a W in each course for which they were registered.

C. Students who receive medical withdrawals must obtain permission from the responsible officer to enroll again at the University of Houston.

D. Under extenuating circumstances, the responsible officer may apply this policy retroactively.

Procedures for Medical Withdrawal are available from the Student Handbook.

For more information call: Ombudsman Office, ext. 39112.

The university can best accomplish its objectives in an atmosphere of high ethical standards. It expects and encourages all students, faculty and staff to contribute to such an atmosphere in every way possible and especially by observing all accepted principles of academic honesty. It is recognized, however, that a large university will include a few students who do not understand, appreciate, and practice these principles. As a consequence, alleged cases of academic dishonesty will inevitably occur, and students will be accused. The following procedures are designed to handle these cases in fairness to all concerned: the accused student, the faculty, and the university.
 

Matters relating to academic honesty are within the general jurisdiction of the Provost.

Specific jurisdiction in academic honesty matters rests in each school or college of the university. The school or college with jurisdiction is determined by the course in which dishonesty occurs. If the student involved majors in a college other than that offering the course, the college offering the course has jurisdiction, but the dean of the student's major college will be informed. If the college with jurisdiction cannot be determined from the relationship between the student's action and a particular course, then the Provost will designate which has jurisdiction.

The policy on academic honesty applies to all colleges within the university. However, any college may present to the Provost a code separate from this university policy. After approval by the Provost, and after such publication as the Provost shall direct, academic honesty matters over which that college has jurisdiction shall be governed by that code. Honor systems within the professional colleges are especially encouraged.

All questions regarding the applicability of college codes or university policy or special provisions of either shall be determined finally by the Provost.
 

Actions taken against students are university-wide in their effect.

Faculty have the responsibility of reporting incidents of alleged academic dishonesty through their department chair to their dean.
 

Students have the responsibility of reporting incidents of alleged academic dishonesty first to the faculty member involved, and then, if necessary, to the department chair or to the dean.
 

Faculty members will help students comply with the academic honesty policy by minimizing the temptation to act dishonestly. Among other measures, the faculty should: maintain adequate security precautions in the preparation and handling of tests; structure the type and sequence of examination questions so as to discourage dishonesty; provide ample room for proper spacing of students during an examination period, if room is available; and monitor examinations, especially in large classes and in classes where not all students are known to the instructor or the assistant.

"Academic dishonesty" means employing a method or technique or engaging in conduct in an academic endeavor that the student knows or should know is not permitted by the university or a course instructor to fulfill academic requirements. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following: stealing, as theft of tests or grade books, from faculty offices or elsewhere; using "crib notes," as unauthorized use of notes or the like to aid in answering questions during an examination; securing another to take a test in the student's place -- both the student taking the test for another and the student registered in the course are at fault; representing as one's own work the work of another without acknowledging the source (plagiarism); changing answers or grades on a test that has been returned to a student in an attempt to claim instructor error; giving or receiving unauthorized aid during an examination, such as trading examinations, whispering answers, and passing notes; openly cheating in an examination, as copying from another's paper; using another's laboratory results as one's own, whether with or without the permission of the owner; falsifying results in laboratory experiments; mutilating or stealing library materials; misshelving materials with the intent to reduce accessibility to other students; a student's failing to report to the instructor or department chair an incident which the student believes to be a violation of the academic honesty policy; and misrepresenting academic records or achievements as they pertain to course prerequisites or co-requisites for the purpose of enrolling or remaining in a course for which one is not eligible. Also, any other conduct which a reasonable person in the same or similar circumstances would recognize as dishonest or improper in an academic setting.

Sanctions and Hearing Procedures are available in the Student Handbook

For additional information: Office of the Provost, ext. 39101.

Academic integrity rests with all members of the university community, and academic decisions are based upon trust between faculty and students. The university's award of academic credit and degrees is its certification of student achievement. If students acquire their academic credentials by deceit, fraud, or misrepresentation, they deceive not only the university but also those who may eventually rely upon the knowledge and integrity of its graduates. Such misconduct may not be discovered until the student has left the university or received a degree. In such instances, the university reserves the right to revoke degrees, decertify credit, and rescind any University of Houston certification that warrants that the student successfully completed course work or requirements for a degree. Decisions to take such actions will be made only after careful consideration of all the available evidence.
 

For additional information: Office of the Provost, ext. 39101.

The University of Houston has delegated a wide range of disciplinary powers to the University Hearing Board and to the Student Traffic Court. Students, faculty, and staff representatives participate in making decisions in these bodies. The University Hearing Board and the dean of Students Office handle the majority of student disciplinary matters. The Student Traffic Court adjudicates complaints of student violations of university traffic regulations; appeals of their decisions are heard by the dean of Students Office. Faculty cooperation with both courts is essential for their successful operation. More information concerning these bodies is contained in the Student Handbook.

For additional information: Dean of Students Office, ext. 35470.

The university offers a number of services to assist students. Faculty should be especially aware of those enumerated below. For services designed primarily for faculty, see "Facilities and Services," pages 117-144. Services for staff are set forth in the Staff Handbook.

Counseling and Testing Service (CTS) is a unit within the Division of Student Affairs. The mission of CTS is to assist members of the university community in functioning effectively in their academic and personal lives. It accomplishes this by identifying and addressing the needs of students; educating the university community about institutional and environmental climates conducive to student success; and empowering faculty, staff, and students to develop skills for such success.

For additional information: Counseling and Testing Services, ext. 35454.

Learning Support Services
 
Learning Support Services (LSS) works to improve the retention and graduation rates of students. LSS offers learning support programs and self-development activities to remediate deficits and develop skills necessary for college success. Individualized diagnostic, prescriptive, and instructive educational plans as well as group intervention programs are available.

LSS offers assessment, counseling, and referral; audio tape instruction; computer-aided learning; exam preparatory workshops; handouts; study skills seminars; supplementary instruction programs; peer tutoring; and videotape instruction. Services are provided at facilities in the Social Work building and the UC Satellite.
 

For additional information: Learning Support Service, ext. 35411.

Challenger Program
 
The Challenger Program provides academic and personal support to first generation, low income, and/or physically disabled university students. Participating students receive the following services: peer tutoring, workshops, a three-semester credit reading/writing and study skills course, study groups, academic and personal counseling, vocational testing and advising, financial aid assistance, cultural enrichment activities, newsletters, orientation, interest groups, support groups, referrals to on/off campus support programs, and early warning system and needs assessment guidance.

For additional information: Challenger Program, ext. 35420.
 
 

University Testing Services
The University Testing Services provides services ranging from entrance and admission/placement testing and psychological batteries to a variety of certification exams needed for entry to various professional endeavors. Services include admission testing, board certification examinations, credit by examination, institutional testing, national testing, placement testing, and vocational testing.

For additional information: University Testing Services, ext. 35444.

 

Measurement and Evaluation Center
 

The Measurement and Evaluation Center enters placement scores on the student databases, scores placement and psycho-educational tests, and scans dissertation materials. For the Center's services to faculty, see page 125.

For additional information: Measurement and Evaluation Center, ext. 35440.

 

Center for Students with DisAbilities
 

The Center for Students with DisABILITIES (CSD) is the Division of Student Affairs unit responsible for helping to ensure the university's compliance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

CSD provides needed academic support services to all University of Houston students, including part-time and evening students, with any type of documented health impairment, learning disability, physical handicap, or psychiatric disorder.

CSD offers individualized testing, a computer resource room with adaptive equipment and software, a library of taped textbooks, wheelchair repair and loan services, free carbonized note paper, library assistance, resource referral, registration assistance, coordination of note-takers, sign-language interpreters, personal care attendants, etc.

Faculty members are required to announce to their classes that students with any type of documented disability are legally entitled to "reasonable and necessary accommodations" in their coursework. Students should be referred to CSD early in the semester to ensure that they receive equal educational opportunities. See Responsibility to Students, page 92.

For additional information: Center for Students with DisABILITIES; ext. 35400.
 

Student Legal Advising Service
 
The Student Legal Advising Service employs a legal advisor who is an attorney and provides advice to students in areas such as landlord-tenant relations, small claims court procedures, the laws of marriage and divorce, traffic accidents, and other legal problems. The student legal advisor does not make court appearances but can give legal advice and referral. The Legal Advisor also supervises one or two third-year law students who provide similar services.

For additional information: Student Legal Advising Service, ext. 35470.

Student Employment
 
Positions open to and preferred for students with financial need are posted in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid; other positions open to students, including many available off campus, are posted in the University Career Services. In addition, some colleges may post information about internships and job opportunities.

For additional information: Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, ext. 39090; University Career Services, ext. 35100.

Students' Association
 
The Students' Association (SA) is the university's student government and official representative organization. The SA works to improve the quality of education and university life and participates in policy-making decisions by representing the interests of students to the administration, the Board of Regents, and the faculty and on various university committees, councils, and boards. The association also participates in student disciplinary cases, and works to preserve student rights.
University Center
 
The focus for student activity on campus, the University Center (UC) offers many useful services and activities. UC commercial services include a full-service dining room, deli, ice cream parlor, cafe, bookstore, computer store, sundry store, men's and women's hair salon, copy center, student loan center, student study lounge, and full service bank. Other services in the UC include a recreation area (billiards, table tennis, video games, and bowling), art center, post office, and UC reservations office.

The University Center houses the Students' Association, Student Program Board, Council of Ethnic Organizations, university-wide student organization offices, Veterans' Services, Office of the dean of Students, and Campus Activities staff. The University Center also provides space for large conferences, seminars, dances, and receptions.

The University Center Satellite, located underground near the Science and Research Building and Agnes Arnold Hall, provides services to students, faculty, and staff on the northwest side of campus. Satellite services include quick-order food; a games area; sundry sales; a hair salon; copy machines; and television, reading, and study lounges. The Satellite is available for rental on Saturday and Sunday by special arrangement with the University Center reservations department.