1

Student HandbookSchool of Undergraduate Studies

Fall 2012 Edition

Student Responsibility NoticeAs a student at The University of Texas at Austin, you are ultimate-ly responsible for knowing the regulations, policies, and require-ments of The University of Texas and The School of Undergraduate Studies. The Undergraduate Catalog, General Information Catalog, and the Course Schedule provide this information and may be pur-chased through the Office of the Registrar or from local bookstores, or can be found online via the website of the Office of the Registrar.

The purpose of this student handbook is to provide references and information that might aid you in fulfilling this responsibility. Should any discrepancies exist between this UGS Student Hand-book and The Undergraduate Catalog or The General Information Catalog, refer to The Catalogs.

2

3

Table of ContentsWelcome to UGS 4 CenterforStrategicAdvisingand CareerCounseling.......................5 UGSTimeline..............................................6

Academic Advising 8 MeetwithyourAcademicAdvisor......9 AdvisingAppointments........................10 CommunicatingwithyourAdvisor...12

Career Counseling 13 MeetwithaCareerCounselor............14 CareerExplorationServices.................15 Registration Info 16

UsingtheCourseSchedule.................17 PlacementExams....................................19 CreditbyExam&ClaimingCredit.....20 TransferCredit..........................................21 PlanningyourSchedule.......................22 RegisteringforClasses..........................23

Schedule Changes 26

Adding&DroppingClasses.................27 Pass/FailandAuditing...........................28 WithdrawingfromtheUniversity......29 CancellationofClasses..........................30

Academic Standing 31

CalculatingyourGPA.............................32 ScholasticProbation..............................33 ScholasticDismissal...............................34 AcademicDishonesty............................35 HonorsDay................................................36

Transitioning out of UGS 37

MajorExploration...................................38 InternalTransfer.......................................40 AcademicAdditions...............................41 MinorsandCertificatePrograms.......43 MajorsofferedatUT...............................44

Core Curriculum 46 PurposeoftheCore................................47 ChoosingaCatalog.................................47 2012-2014CoreCurriculum.................48 2012-2014CoreBreakdown................50 CoreCurriculumFAQ..............................53

Programs and Resources 54 AcademicEnrichment...........................55 AcademicResources...............................57 On-campusResources...........................58 TexasSuccessInitiative..........................60

Planning Forms 61

MajorExplorationAppointment PlanningForm.............................62 RegistrationAppointment PlanningForm...............................70 SemesterPlanner....................................76 SchedulePlanningGrid........................78

4

WelcomeWelcome to the University of Texas at Austin and the School of Undergraduate Studies! This handbook will be a resource for you to refer to throughout your time as a UGS student. You are required to bring this handbook with you for every academic advising appointment. It contains information on policies and procedures, the academic advising process, choosing a major, and much more. We’re so excited to welcome you into our UGS community.

What does it mean to be a student in UGS?UGS is the home to students who have not yet declared a major or were not admitted to the major they selected on their application for admission to UT Austin. During your time as a UGS student:

• You will be provided with resources, academic advising, and career counseling to help you learn about yourself and explore majors and careers.

• You will have a chance to attend discussion events with successful professionals in a variety of career fields (law, medicine, business, advertising, etc.).

• You will have up to four semesters to successfully gain admittance into a major and progress toward graduation.• You will have the opportunity to get credit for internships.• And so much more!

While a student in UGS, if you choose to take the initiative to be a successful student, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself as a person and a student, as well as learn more about the various opportunities at the university and how to take advantage of them. Take a look at the UGS Timeline on pages 6 and 7 for more information about what we hope you accomplish during your time in UGS.

5

CSA&CC Contact Info Forappointments,call:512-232-8400Location: Jester, Room A115 E-mail: ugs-advising@austin.utexas.edu Fax: 512-232-8418Phone: 512-232-8400 Assistant Dean: David Spight

The Center for Strategic Advising & Career CounselingThe Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling (CSA&CC) is located in Jester (JES) A115 and is home to Undergraduate Studies’ advisors, UT’s career counselors, and other professional staff. You will usually come to the center to meet with your academic advisor, but you may also come to the center to meet with a career counselor, check out the career exploration library, or get con-nected with services provided by the Sanger Learning Center.

What is CSA&CC Academic Advising?Our advising center aims to help you confidently choose a field of study that aligns with your short- and long-term goals. UGS advisors will work with you to tailor your classes and experiences to prepare you to be successful in the major that you choose. Academic advising is a collaborative process between you and your assigned advisor. Your advisor will do more than help you pick classes; together, you will explore your interests, strengths, and abilities as you develop meaningful educational plans compatible with your goals.

What is CSA&CC Career Counseling?Career counseling is a collaborative process. Your career counselor will not give you advice or tell you what to do. Instead, she or he will listen to you and ask you questions that help you clarify who you are and what you want to do in life; helping you align your values, interests, personality, and skills with possible academic and career options.

Advising is more than just helping you pick classes.

Career counselors are not going to choose a career for you.

The CSA&CC is also where you would go to complete a variety of academic tasks including dropping a class (known as a Q-Drop), changing a class to or from pass/fail, and more. When instructed to speak to your Dean’s Office, you would actually come to the CSA&CC for assistance as the center also serves as the student division for UGS. When you arrive, you will be asked to check in at the front desk, so please have your UT ID, EID, and name of your assigned academic advisor ready.

6

UGS Timeline

By the time you declare your major and transfer out of the School in Undergraduate Studies, you should demonstrate that you are able to:

Identify, access, and use resources and programs to help you be asuccessfulstudent;

Connectandcommunicatewithyourprofessors,teachingassistants,andotheroutsideprofessionals;

Communicateanddevelopapartnershipwithyourassignedadvisor;

Scheduleregularappointmentswithyourassignedadvisor;

Setmeaningfulshort-andlong-termgoals;

Assumeresponsibilityforyouracademicsuccess;

UnderstandandfollowUTpolicies,procedures,anddeadlines;

Understandtherequirementsofthecorecurriculum;

Activelyparticipateintheprocessofmajorexploration;

Determineyourprogresstowardatimelygraduation;

Declareyourmajor;

Learnandappreciatethevalueofhavingadegreeandlife-longlearning.

After your first semester, you will be able to:

Identifyresourcesandprograms;

Knowyouradvisorandhowtomakeappointmentwithyouradvisor;

Properly communicate with: professors and teaching assistants,universityofficials,youracademicadvisor(viaphone,viae-mail,inperson);

Meetwithatleastoneprofessorduringofficehours;

Understandtheprocessofmajorexploration;

Knowtherequirementsofthecorecurriculum;

Understandwhatmakesupadegree/major;

Developatimemanagementstrategy.

OVER

ALL

FIRS

TDepending on your background, goals, and personality, you may complete the semester objectives faster than are out-lined. For example, if you feel ready to declare your major by the end of your second semester, you should still achieve the goals of all four semesters by the end of your UGS experience.

7

After your second semester, you will be able to:

Utilizeresourcestoassistyouwithacademicsuccessandmajorexploration,including:

* ProgramsandOffices:Academicdepartments,SangerLearning&CareerCenter,UniversityWritingCenter,etc.

* Online: Blackboard, Interactive Degree Audits,Wayfinder, Course Sched-ules,Registration,etc.

Developyourpersonalplanforexploringpossiblemajors(majorexplorationplan);

Determineyourprogresswiththerequirementsofthecorecurriculum;

Createalistofpossiblecoursesforthenextterm(andbringthislisttoyourregis-trationappointment);

Know the internal transfer requirements and processes based on your personalandeducationalgoals;

Independently navigate academic processes such as registration, adding anddroppingcourses,runningdegreeaudits,calculatingyourGPA,etc.;

Understandtheimportanceofconfirmingexperiences

* Internships,volunteering,shadowing,co-curricularactivities,part-timework Identifyyourindividualstrengthsandthoseareasyouneedorwanttoimprove.

After your third semester, you will be able to:

Assessyourindividualstrengthsandbeabletoarticulatehowtheyrelatetopotentialeducationalandcareeroptions;

Executeyourmajorexplorationplanandbeabletodeterminepossiblemajors;

Engageinatleastoneconfirmingexperience;

Knowthespecificrequirementsforyourpossiblemajors;

Understandandthinkcriticallyabouthowyoumakedecisions.

During your fourth semester, you will be able to:

Declareyourmajorandbeabletoarticulatewhyyouchosethatmajor;

Continuetoseekoutandengageinconfirmingexperiences;

Establisharelationshipwithanadvisorinyournewcollege.

THIRDSECOND

FOURTH: Declare!

8

I. Academic Advising

9

Advisors will confer with you about course schedules and educational experiences, but you are responsible for selecting the content of your academic program and making progress toward an academic degree. This advising relationship requires the participation of both you and your advisor throughout your time as a UGS student. Both the student and the advisor have responsibilities to ensure that the advising relationship is successful.

Advisor Responsibilities: You can Expect Your Advisor to…

• Help you clarify your values and goals, and learn more about yourself.

• Convey the value of the core curriculum and a col-lege education as a whole.

• Assist you in developing a well-planned major ex-ploration program to help you choose a major and investigate careers.

• Encourage you to take responsibility for your ma-jor exploration process, your educational plans, and your decision-making.

• Provide accurate information about major options, requirements, policies, and procedures.

• Help you pick courses consistent with the require-ments of degree programs in which you are inter-ested.

• Listen to your concerns and respect your choices and values.

• Monitor and document your progress toward meeting your goals.

• Introduce you to and connect you with the many resources of the University that align with your unique educational needs and goals.

• Maintain confidentiality, abiding by UT and FER-PA guidelines.

Advisee Responsibilities: Your Advisor will Expect you to...

• Regularly schedule and keep academic advising appointments each semester.

• Come prepared for each appointment with ques-tions or issues for discussion. Bring this student handbook to each session.

• Enact the major exploration plan that you and your advisor develop together and actively en-gage in the exploration process.

• Learn the requirements of the majors you are in-terested in, understand application requirements (if any) and execute those applications.

• Understand UT core requirements and keep up with your progress through the core.

• Meet critical academic deadlines such as regis-tration, add/drop, Q drop, and others.

• Read weekly advising e-mails.• Ask questions if you don’t understand an issue,

or if you have a specific concern.• Become knowledgeable about college programs,

policies, and procedures.• Communicate concerns or problems that arise

early so you can work together to find a solution.• Accept responsibility for your decisions and actions

(or inactions) that affect your educational progress.

Meet with your Academic Advisor

Who is my academic advisor?You will be notified of your assigned advisor via e-mail at the beginning of your first semester. It is important that you see your assigned advisor, as he or she is aware of your academic history and progress. Please DO NOT attempt to schedule an appointment with another advisor if your assigned advisor is unavail-able at the times you need. If you wish to change to another advisor for any reason, please notify the front desk and fill out a change of advisor form.

10

Advising Appointments

Scheduling an Appointment

Call the CSA&CC office at 512-232-8400 or stop by JES A115 between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Give the front desk your full name, EID, phone num-ber, and the name of your assigned advisor. Same-day appointments cannot be scheduled after 3:00 p.m. Appointments cannot be scheduled via email.

No Show/Late Policy

If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your sched-uled appointment or if you don’t show up at all, you will be considered a NO SHOW, and you will need to reschedule your appointment.

Peak Advising PoliciesThe peak advising period occurs four weeks before the first day of the undergraduate registration period and extends through the last day of registration each semester. During this time, advisors’ schedules are extremely full, so we have special policies and procedure in place.

Making an Appointment

• You must see your advisor in order to get your advising bar removed. Please see page 23 for more information about bars.

• Call EARLY to ensure that you get an appointment.• Only your assigned advisor will remove your advising bar. DO NOT try to schedule an appointment

with another advisor if your assigned advisor is unavailable.• If you called too late, and your advisor’s calendar is full until after your registration time, you must wait to

see your assigned advisor, even if that means you register late.• Appointments cannot be scheduled via email.• If you have already seen your advisor to talk about registration, please wait until after the registration

period ends to make another appointment unless your concern is urgent.

Late PolicyIf you do not show up or are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment you will be considered a no show. During peak advising, we have a three-strike rule. After your third no show, your advisor will not see you, and you will have to register during the add/drop period.

E-mailing your AdvisorDuring peak advising, advisors’ email inboxes are flooded. Please be patient, as it will take your advisor longer than normal to respond to your email during this time. If you have an urgent concern, please call the front desk at 512-232-8400 to schedule an appointment to see your advisor.

How often do I meet with my advisor?You must meet with your advisor at least two times a semester; once for a major exploration appointment, and once for a registration appointment. You are en-couraged to meet with your advisor more frequently to ensure you’re on track with your classes and your major exploration process.

Rescheduling an Appointment

If you know that you will be unable to make a sched-uled appointment, please call the CSA&CC office at 512-232-8400 as soon as possible to reschedule. You must call BEFORE the time your appointment is sched-uled to begin, or you will be considered a NO SHOW. Appointments cannot be rescheduled via email.

11

Types of Advising Appointments

Scholastic Probation AppointmentsIf you are on scholastic probation, you will need to meet with your advisor more frequently (every two to three weeks) in order to keep track of your academic progress and prevent dismissal. At your first scholastic probation appointment, which will last approximately one hour, you will complete an Academic Success Plan, a contract that will help you identify the issues that led to your low grades. Together, you and your advisor will come up with an action plan to improve during the semester. In the appointments to follow, lasting 30 minutes each, your advisor will support you and give you feedback as you enact this plan and work to improve your GPA and ultimately get off scholastic probation. For more information on Scholastic Probation and Dismissal, please see pages 33 and 34.

Academic Difficulty AppointmentsIf you are struggling in a class, come in for an academ-ic difficulty appointment. Your advisor will connect you with resources on campus that can help you im-prove your grades. If you’re considering dropping the class, you and your advisor can discuss the potential ramifications of that decision and initiate the process (if possible). Please see page 27 for more information about dropping courses. The sooner you contact your advisor about an academic issue, the better, so do not hesitate to call and set up an appointment.

Academic Planning Appointments

If you already have a major you’re working toward declaring or one or more schools you’re applying for, you may want to come in for an academic planning appointment to ensure that you’re on track to meet your goals. Academic planning appointments can also be used to formulate long-term plans related to courses, studying abroad, double majors, internships, summer plans, and more.

Major Exploration Appointments

Throughout a series of major exploration appointments, you and your advisor will work together to explore your values, interests, strengths, and goals and formulate a major exploration action plan. To be prepared for your major exploration appointment, you need to BRING THIS HANDBOOK and:

1. Complete a Major Exploration Appointment Planning Form on page 62 prior to your appointment.2. Begin thinking about your interests, strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals.3. Research what majors are offered at UT.

REQUIREDONCEEVERYSEMESTER

Registration Appointments

As a UGS student, you have an advising bar on your Registration Information Sheet (RIS). In order to re-move it, you must meet with your advisor to discuss classes for the next semester. To be prepared for your registration appointment, you need to BRING THIS HANDBOOK and:

1. Complete a Registration Appointment Planning form (in the back of this handbook) prior to your appointment.

2. Understand the core curriculum requirements and which ones you have left to fulfill.3. Know how to find your registration dates and times via your RIS (see page 23 for more information).4. Know what majors you are considering; you should have already had at least one major exploration

appointment earlier in the semester. See page 44 for the list of majors offered at UT.

12

**Always include your name and UT EID when communicating with faculty and staff.

EmailAdvisors will send out emails throughout the semester with important dates and information. You are expected to read these emails, as email is the University’s official mode of communicating with students. If you have a quick question, you are welcome to email your advisor directly, but please include your name and EID in the body of the email. Advisors can generally respond within 24 hours, unless it is during a peak advising period. If the ques-tion requires a lot of explanation, your advisor may request that you make an appointment.

SANs (Secure Academic Notes)Personal subjects related to your academic or scholastic record cannot be discussed via email or phone due to fed-eral law. Therefore, when addressing certain issues, your advisor might send you a Secure Academic Note (SAN). SAN is a secure environment in which advisors and administrators can correspond with students concerning sensitive issues. If your advisor sends you a SAN, you will be notified via email and will be prompted to log in with your EID to access the message.

Communication with ParentsYour academic records are private and protected by FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Your parents and other third parties do not have access to your academic records, and therefore, your ad-visor cannot discuss details of your records without your permission. If your parents contact your advisor, your advisor will direct your parents to communicate with you directly concerning academic issues. You must assume responsibility for your education and any transactions with the University. For more information on FERPA and the access to and release of student educational records, please visit: www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/ferpa.

Social MediaWhile we primarily use the University’s main mode of communication, email, to contact you, we also utilize Twit-ter and Facebook to announce deadlines, events, and other goings-on in our office and around campus. So please follow us on Twitter (@UT_UGSadvising), like us on Facebook (UTexasUGSadvising), and ALWAYS remember to read your emails!

**When addressing faculty, academic advisors, or other staff members in person or via email, always be respectful and courteous, as if you were communicating with them in a professional letter.

Communicating with your Advisor

13

III. Career Counseling

14

Meet with a Career CounselorWhy should you schedule a career counseling appointment?

Choosing a major and career often takes time. Your ca-reer counselor can help you evaluate where you are in the process and what resources will assist you in moving toward a decision.

A 45-minute counseling appointment is a great way to dis-cuss in depth your thoughts, ideas, feelings, and concerns about your major and career choice, plan for internship opportunities, or explore graduate school options.

One goal of career counseling is to align your values, in-terests, personality, and skills with possible academic and

Questions or concerns that career counseling can address:

• “IhaveabsolutelynoideawhatIwanttodowithmylife.”

• “Ihavesomanyintereststhatit’shardformetonarrowdowntojustonething.”

• “I’mreallyintotheartsbutmyparentswantmetopursuesomethingpracticallikebusiness.”

• “Ilovehistory,butyoucan’treallygetajobwiththat,canyou?”

• “Myfamilyandcommunityseescertaincareersasprestigious,butI’mnotinterestedinthosefields.”

• “EveryoneseemssopassionateabouttheirmajorbutIdon’treallyhaveanystronginterests.”

• “I’mverygoodatwriting,butIdon’twanttobeanEnglishteacher.”

• “HowcanIgetsomeexperiencein_____________?”

• “Iwanttogotomedschool,butI’mnotsureI’llgetinwithmy2.8GPA.”

Visit Jester A115 (ground floor) or call 512-232-8400 to schedule a 45-minute appointment.

You’ll need to fill out a short Student Information Form on our website prior to your first appointment.

career options. Another is to gain insight about what factors are affecting your decision and to identify the next steps in your process of choosing a major and career. Because it is a process, you may want to meet with your counselor more than once.

15

Career Exploration ServicesCareer Assesments Also known as “career tests”, these inventories can help you learn about yourself and the world of work. Ex-amples include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory. They will not give you the answer, but they can give you insight into your interests and your personality preferences, and how those relate to various careers. There is a fee for some of the assess-ments. Make an appointment with a career counselor in our Center to learn more about the career assess-ments and whether they might be helpful to you.

Internship PlanningLearn how to plan for internship opportunities and target your resume toward them. Graduate School Planning Explore whether to go to graduate school and how to navigate the application process.

Personal Statement Critique Get feedback on your personal essay for internal transfer, scholarships, or graduate school.

Mock Interviews If you have an upcoming interview for a graduate school, academic program, or scholarship, complete a practice interview with your counselor and receive specific be-havioral feedback.

Card Sorts Are you a “hands-on” person? Then you might want to try one of the card sort activities in our Center.

The Career Card Sort allows you to consider a vari-ety of careers and determine which ones appeal to you most. Talking with a career counselor about why you are drawn to those careers will help you identify themes that are important to you in your choice of career.

The Major Card Sort helps you narrow down all the many majors at UT into a handful of options to explore. You can then take this list to your academic advisor to learn more about how to research your options.

We also have a Values Card Sort to help you identify work values, such as financial security, variety, or en-joyment of your work.

Each of these card sorts can help you learn more about yourself and assist you in your decision-making process.

Handouts and Booklets These include the “What Can I Do with a Major in…” series and other titles such as “Resume Writing” and “Choosing A Major”.

Resume ReviewsBring in a draft of your resume and receive feedback and suggestions from your counselor.

Career Resource Library Learning about careers can help you determine what major you want to pursue. While some majors prepare you for one specific career, most majors can be taken in a multitude of career directions. The career library houses over 500 books about careers and majors, including such titles as 100 Careers in the Music Business, 88 Money-Making Writing Jobs, and Career Opportunities in Biotechnology. You cannot check books out of our library, but that means the books will always be there when you want to stop by and browse. Our career-related handouts and our popular “What Can I Do with a Major in…” series are also available in our career library, as well as on our website.

16

II. Registration Information

17

Using the Course Schedule To find the online Course Schedule:

1. Go to utexas.edu/students.2. Look under the “Registration” section

at the bottom center of the page.3. Click on “Course Schedules.”

The main purpose of the online Course Schedule is to al-low you to search for courses, but it also provides general information about the University, such as the academic calendar, registration procedures, fees, academic advising requirements, an index of final exam times, and more.

Searching for coursesBegin by selecting the semester for which you plan to choose classes. Courses for the upcoming semester are typi-cally put online a month before the registration period begins. There are numerous ways to search for courses: by subject, time, professor, keywords, and many more. A search will display class listings like the one below:

Click on the Unique Number to find out more information about a specific class.

NOTE: This is just an example, please refer to the Course Schedule for accurate information regarding RHE 306.

Reading UT Course NumbersRHE 306 -- The letters indicate which department is offering the course. In this case, the Rhetoric and Composition department is offering the course.

RHE 306 -- The first digit of the course describes the number of credit hours for the course.

RHE 306 -- The last two digits indicate if a class is lower- or upper-division. Lower-division classes are numbered 01 to 19. Upper-division classes are numbered 20 to 79 and may be restricted to students with more than 60 completed hours. Summer courses have a small letter just before the number: f for first term, n for nine week sessions, s for second term, and w for whole sessions.

Unique Number (Ex: 43915)A unique number is a five-digit number that identifies a particular section of a course. You’ll need this number to register for the class. The days, times, rooms, and professors listed under one blue unique number indicate ALL of the times and locations of that specific section. Some classes will meet in one room at one time on certain days of the week and at different times and locations on others.

18

Types of classes to choose from

University Core RequirementsStudents in all majors are required to complete the University core curriculum. See page 48 for the list of core requirements you will need to fulfill.

Internal Transfer Application RequirementsSome colleges and majors on campus require you to complete certain courses in order to apply. Consider these requirements when you’re choosing classes. For more information on which courses are required for the programs you’re interested in, refer to the college’s Internal Transfer website. Visit page 40 for more information on internal transfers.

Minor and Certificate RequirementsIf you’re interested in completing a minor or certifi-cate, consider choosing the courses required to fulfill those programs. See page 43 for more information on minors and certificates.

Physical Education (PED)PED classes are one-hour physical activity courses. The grades earned in these classes factor into your GPA. While PED courses count toward the number of hours you are taking in a semester, they might not count toward the number of hours you need to gradu-ate, depending on your major.

PrereqsDon’t forget to plan ahead. Be aware of prereqs for classes you want to take in the future and complete them ahead of time.

Major RequirementsEven though you haven’t declared a major yet, cours-es toward majors you’re interested in can help you further explore those interests. Degree plans, which list courses required for majors, can be found on the colleges’ and schools’ respective websites.

ElectivesCourses you take that do not fulfill a specific require-ment (core, major, minor or certificate) are consid-ered electives. Most majors require electives in addi-tion to the specified major requirements.

Ensembles Ensembles (ENS) are performance classes for stu-dents proficient in voice or a musical instrument. Auditions are required to participate and occur near the beginning of the semester.

Make sure you prioritize and use the se-mester planners when picking classes and setting your long-term academic goals.

Using the Course Schedule continued

Prerequisites (Prereqs)Certain courses require that you meet prereqs before you can take the class. Examples include credit for a course, credit and a specific grade for a course, completion of a specific number of hours, a qualifying grade on a placement test, and more. Some classes check for prereqs during registration. Others require that you complete the prereqs before the fourth class day of the upcoming semester. If you do not meet the prereqs, you will be dropped from the course.

Status (Ex: Open)The realtime registration status of a course section displays online. If a class is open, you should be able to register for the class if you meet the prereqs. Open; restricted courses are only open to certain students. You can check the course description or contact the department to find out why the course is restricted. Other possible statuses include waitlisted, closed, or cancelled. For more information on waitlists, see page 24.

See Department HeadnoteClick “See Department Headnote” to find out the contact information for the department offering the course and other department-specific information.

19

Placement Exams Before you can register for certain courses, you may be required to take a test, the results of which will be used to place you at the appropriate instructional level. To find out if a course requires a certain score on a placement exam, visit the online Course Schedule and view course prerequisites by clicking on the course’s unique number.

Language Placement ExamsThe Center for Teaching and Learning offers a variety of foreign language placement exams. If you have prior experience in a foreign language and wish to continue studying it at UT, you will most likely need to take a placement exam to determine which course is appropriate for your level of proficiency. Through this process, you may also qualify to claim foreign language credits.

ALEKS TestsMathIf you are enrolling in a math or statistics course, you will likely need to take the ALEKS Math Assessment. The courses in the box to the right require specific ALEKS scores. You must take this online exam and achieve the required score by August 25th; failure to do so will result in being dropped from the course. The minimum score requirements are subject to change.

The ALEKS Math Assessment may be taken from any computer with Inter-net access. You must take the test via the College of Natural Sciences website (see instructions below). Scores expire after four months. It is in your best interest to make sure the assessment is an accurate reflection of your mas-tery of the material so that you are not placed in a class beyond your level of expertise. If you are not satisfied with your original score on the ALEKS, you may opt to take advantage of the online learning modules. These modules review concepts to help you better prepare for math at UT and subsequently raise your ALEKS score.

ChemistryThe ALEKS Chemistry Assessment is an online exam designed to ensure that you are prepared for UT’s introductory chemistry course for science majors: CH 301. You must take the exam and earn a score of 85 or higher by August 25th to avoid being dropped from this course. The test must be accessed via the College of Natural Sciences website (see instructions to the left).

The ALEKS Chemistry Assessment may be taken from any computer with Internet access. As with any placement exam, it is in your best interest to make sure the assessment is an accurate reflection of your mastery of the material so that you are not placed in a class beyond your level of expertise. If you are not satisfied with your original score, you may work through the online learning modules, included in the assessment fee, to better prepare for CH 301 and to subsequently raise your ALEKS score.

1. Visit the Center for Teach-ing and Learning’s website at http://ctl.utexas.edu.

2. Click on the “Programs & Services” tab.

3. Select “Student Testing Services.”

For information on testing dates, prices, and registering:

For more information about taking the ALEKS test:1. Visit the College of Natu-

ral Sciences website at http://cns.utexas.edu.

2. Roll over “Academics” and click “Placement.”

3. Select either the Chemis-try or Math ALEKS.

80 for M408C 70 for M408K 70 for M408N55 for M305G 30 for SSC 302*30 for SSC 303* 30 for SSC 304* 30 for SSC 305* 30 for SSC 306* 30 for M316*

* ALEKS scores not required if you have credit for M305G or M408K

Math ALEKS scores needed:

20

Credit-By-Exam & Claiming CreditYou may earn credit-eligible test scores on exams taken during high school, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), CLEP, and SAT Subject tests. You should send official score reports for qualifying scores to The University of Texas at Austin, score recipient code 6882.

The process of claiming credit or placement is called petitioning and is done online. If a credit is claimed, there will be no grade associated with the credit; in place of a grade, CR will be recorded on your transcript. A fee is as-sessed for petitioning a test score. Another way to earn credit-by-exam is to take an exam administered at UT. Each semester, the Center for Teach-ing and Learning offers a number of CLEP, SAT Subject Test, and other exams in a variety of subjects. You will have to pay a fee to take these exams, and if you achieve credit-eligible scores you may petition for placement or credit.

You should always consult your academic advisor before petitioning for placement or credit. If you claim credit that does not apply toward your degree, you may become ineligible for a tuition rebate when you graduate.

Completing the GOV 310L AP CreditIf you took the AP US Government and Politics exam or the American Government CLEP exam, you may need to take the Texas Government Only Test to complete the credit. This 20-question multiple-choice test is administered by the Center for Teaching and Learning once each month. It is the combination of the your score on this test and your score on the AP or CLEP Government exam that determines your eligibility to claim credit for GOV 310L.

1. Go to the utexas.edu/stu-dents page.

2. Under “Academic Sup-port” click on “Place-ment Exams and Course Petitioning.”

For information on claiming credit or registering for tests:

Have you submitted your AP, CLEP, IB, SAT test scores?To send Advanced Placement (AP) scores:Complete the right half of your AP Grade Report, call 888-308-0013 or visit the College Board AP Score Reporting website: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/exgrd_rep.html.

To send CLEP Subject Exam Scores:Call 800-257-9558 or visit the College Board CLEP Score Reporting website: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/scores.html. To send International Baccalaureate (IB) scores: Visit the IB website: http://www.ibo.org/

To send SAT Subject Test scores:Call 866-756-7346 or visit the College Board SAT Subject Test Score Reporting website: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-subject/scores/send.

Official reports are sent to:

The University of Texas at AustinStudent Testing Services

PO Box 7246Austin, TX 78713

phone: 512-232-2653 fax: 512-471-3509

* score recipient code 6882

21

You may come to UT with some college coursework already com-pleted. For instance, you may have taken courses during high school that count toward high school graduation and as college credit (taken through another university or community college). This is known as dual credit. Additionally, if you are an incoming transfer student, you will have completed 30 hours or more of college credit; this is referred to as transfer credit.

Transfer CreditMail Transcripts to:

The University of Texas at AustinOffice of Admissions

P.O. Box 8058Austin, TX 78713-8058

In either case, you are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university from which you have received college credit. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action, which may include expulsion and loss of credit.

In order for dual or transfer credit to be added to your UT transcript, the course must be transferable and you must have earned a C- or higher in the course. Keep in mind, however, that the grade received in the course will not affect your UT GPA.

Taking Classes Outside of UTWhile you are a student at UT, you’re welcome to take classes at other institutions over the summer. The Automated Transfer Equivalen-cy System (ATE) is a website to help you determine which classes at other institutions in Texas will directly transfer to UT. You can search the system by the UT course number or by the course number you’re planning on taking at the other institution.

For courses taken at an out-of-state institution, you should complete a Pre-Evaluation form and submit it to the Office of Admissions. The Pre-Evaluation form can be found on the ATE homepage.

1. Go to utexas.edu and click on “Transfer Students” under “Apply Here” on the bottom left.

2. Under “What’s Popular” on the right, click “Trans-fer credit.”

To find ATE and more info on transfer credit:

When you take courses at more than one institution during the same semester (e.g., being a full-time student at UT while taking one class at ACC), you are concurrently enrolled at two institutions. As of Fall 2011, however, UGS will no longer allow concurrent enrollment during long semesters (fall and spring).

22

Planning Your Schedule

How many hours should you take?

To be considered a full-time student at UT, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours. Many students limit their courseload to 12 hours during their first semester to allow for the academic, social, emotional, and mental transition that occurs. Only you know how much you can handle academically, so be honest with yourself about your time management and study skills when deciding how many hours to take. Most degrees require 120 hours to complete; if you plan to complete a degree in four years, then on average you would need to take 15 hours per semester. However, if you come in with credits from high school and/or plan to take summer classes, then you may be able to afford to take fewer than 15 hours and still graduate in four years.

Maximum Amount of HoursYou may not register for more than 17 semester hours in any fall or spring semester without permission from your advisor. During the summer, you may not register for more than 14 semester hours in a 12-week summer session, for more than eight semester hours in either six-week term, or for more than 10 hours in a nine-week session. Please schedule an appointment with your CSA&CC advisor if you would like to discuss taking more hours.

Part-time Student StatusIf you are registered for fewer than 12 hours of coursework in a fall or spring semester, you are considered a part-time student. This reduced registration level could possibly impact:

• Your Financial Aid -- 512-475-6282• On-Campus Housing -- 512-471-3136• International Status (for international students only) -- 512-471-2477• Car & Medical Insurance – contact your insurance provider• Academic Progress – make an appointment to see your academic advisor -- 512-232-8400

Please consult with the appropriate resource to find out exactly how you could be affected by part-time status.

When planning your schedule, it’s important to take many factors into consideration to ensure that you have a reasonable workload and a balanced weekly schedule. Be honest with yourself about what times of day you’re most alert and ready to learn. Give yourself enough travel time between classes. Use the Schedule Planning Grids at the back of this handbook to help you fit the pieces of your schedule together.

23

Registering for Classes

The registration period lasts for two weeks, and students have staggered times during which they can access the registration system and sign up for classes. These times are determined by what year you are in school (e.g. seniors register before juniors). On the right is a list of how many hours are required to reach each classification.

The first thing you need to know to register for classes is what days and times you will be able to register. This information is found on your Reg-istration Information Sheet or RIS.

Your RIS shows the dates and times that you will have access to the regis-tration system and will also inform you of any registration bars you have. Bars will prevent you from being able to register if you do not take the steps necessary to clear them before your registration access time. Below is a list of possible bars:

Freshman: 0-29 hoursSophomore: 30-59 hours

Junior: 60-89 hoursSenior: 90+ hours

By the time the registration period begins, you should have already met with your academic advisor for a registration appointment to discuss classes and get your advising bar cleared.

1. Go to utexas.edu/students.2. Under “Registration” click

on “RIS: Registration Infor-mation.”

3. Enter the correct semester and your UT EID.

To find your RIS:

Types of Registration Bars• Advising bar: You have not yet met with your advisor to discuss next semester’s classes.

Next step: Schedule a Registration Advising Appointment with your advisor.• Medical bar: University Health Services (UHS) needs medical information from you.

Next step: Contact UHS at 512-471-4955 or 512-475-8301 (international students).• Financial bar: Your tuition and fees are not yet paid in full.

Next step: Contact Student Accounts Receivable at 512-475-7777 or visit them in MAI 4.• Admissions bar: UT is missing a transcript from your high school or another college or univer-

sity you attended. Next step: Contact the Office of Admissions at 512-475-7399.

• International bar: The International Office needs to meet with you. Next step: Contact the International Office at 512-471-2477 or visit their office located on the second floor at 2222 Rio Grande Street.

• GIAC bar: The Graduate and International Admissions Center may need your final transcripts or other information. Next step: Contact GIAC at 512-475-7390 or visit them in Walter Webb Hall at 405 W. 25th St.

• Texas Success Initiative bar: UT may need you to take a test to establish proficiency in reading, writing, or math. Next step: Please see page 60 for more information on TSI.

• Dean of Students bars: Different types of bars may be placed on your registration by the Dean of Students. Next step: Update your contact information, or contact Dean of Students with questions at 512-471-5017.

24

ROSE Registration System

At UT, the registration system is called ROSE. Log onto ROSE during your registration time to get started.

Optional FeesFirst, you will need to select Optional Fees (see the list of options to the right). Selections can be made during registration or later in the semester.

1. Go to utexas.edu/students.2. Under “Registration” click on

“Registration.”3. Enter your UT EID and select

the semester for which you plan to register.

To access ROSE:

Optional Fees:

Longhorn All-Sports PackageAllows a student to draw one tick-et to regular-season home sport-ing events.

Dept. of Theater and Dance Includes four tickets for the Theater and Dance department’s productions.

Parking PermitsSelect from a variety of park-ing permits for the garages and parking lots on campus.

Analecta Literary & Arts Journal Provides you a copy of UT’s literary and arts journal.

Student Speaker Series Supports the Student Endowed Centennial Lectureship. This al-lows for UT to bring lectures and speakers to campus.

TX Performing Arts Package Discounted tickets for profes-sional touring events presented by the Performing Arts Center as long as tickets are available.

Adding Courses and Completing Registration

After selecting your optional fees, continue to the registration page. To register for a course, you must enter the correct unique number for the section that you want. After you have entered the number, click submit and you should be added into the course if there are still spots available.

If there is a scheduling conflict, then the system will notify you of the issue, and it will also notify you of any prereqs that the course re-quires. For example, CH 301 requires credit or enrollment in M 408K.

By the end of the registration period, make sure to have registered for at least 12 hours if you plan to be a full-time student. This may mean initially registering for some classes you don’t want. Don’t worry, you will have other opportunities to change your courses.

After you are done selecting your courses, click “Estimate Tuition Bill” to complete the registration process. NOTE: If you have financial aid, you must click “Default to Financial Aid” to complete the registration process. This button may not be available until Financial Aid releases your award package.

WaitlistsSome classes have waitlists, which will be indicated on the course schedule. If a class you’re interested in has a waitlist, add yourself to it by entering the unique number in ROSE. The system will then ask if you want to drop a class if you’re added into the waitlisted class (called a swap class). For example, if you are on a waitlist for a class that conflicts with another class on your schedule, you have the option to select the conflicting class as a swap class. This means that if you are successfully added to the waitlisted class, you will be dropped from the swap class. If you are added to the waitlisted class, you will receive an email notifying you.

If you are on a waitlist, it does not mean that you are guaranteed to get added to the class. If a student already registered for the class drops it, the next student on the waitlist will be automatically added. You can add yourself to waitlists for up four classes. You can also only add yourself to two waitlists per course number.

25

What do you do if the classes you want are closed or restricted?Remember that during the registration and add/drop periods, most UT students will be actively making changes to their schedules. This means that classes will close and open frequently. Here’s what you can do:

• Add yourself to waitlists. • Contact the department offering the class. They will be able to give you an idea about why a class is restrict-

ed, whether seats may open up, and other steps you might take to get into the class. You can find department contact information in the online course description under “See department headnote.”

• Register for something! If you do not register for anything, you will have a later add/drop time than students who registered and paid their bill on time. You might have to register for classes or professors you do not intend to keep, knowing you will have the chance to make changes to your schedule before the semester starts.

• Come up with alternatives. Always have a list of back-up options. These could be requirements for core curriculum, major, minor, or certificate programs, as well as exploratory electives. You and your advisor will come up with some of these together, but you are ultimately responsible for exploring the options available on your own.

Paying Your Tuition and Fees You must pay your tuition and fees by the deadline or you will be dropped from all your courses (aka zapped). On your “What I Owe” page, you can see your bill and payment options.

If you have financial aid, click on the “Defer to Financial Aid” button at the end of your registration process. If the button does not show up, con-tact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.

1. Go to utexas.edu/students.2. Under “Financial Matters.”

click on “What I Owe.”3. Enter the correct semester

and your UT EID.

To pay your tuition:

ROSE Registration System continued

26

III. Schedule Changes

27

Adding and Dropping ClassesAtthebeginningofeachsemester,youwillhaveanopportunitytoaddanddropclasseswithoutpenalty.

ChecktheAcademicCalendarforspecificdates.

Dropping CoursesPlease consult with your academic advisor about how dropping classes might impact your academic progress. If you drop below 12 hours, you will be considered a part-time student. Review information on the possible repercussions of dropping to part-time status on page 22.

It is YOUR responsibility to check the academic calendar and to be aware of the dead-

lines to add and drop.

Find the Academic Calendar online:

Look at the top of utexas.edu/stu-dents under “Calendars.”

Adding CoursesBy the fourth class day (second class day in summer): Add courses on your own using the online registration system. After the fourth class day (second class day in summer): Obtain departmental approval to add a course. For example, if you want to add an open section of a sociology course on the 5th class day of the fall semester, you will need to contact the Sociology De-partment for registration assistance. Each department has different procedures regarding the next step.

What is a Q drop?

A Q drop is a drop made after the 12th class day. A “Q” will ap-pear on your transcript in place of the grade for the class(es) you choose to drop.

nonacademic reasons. To do so, you must submit a petition for a nonacademic Q drop, the nonacademic reason must be well-documented. If you believe that your situation meets this criteria, visit JES A115 to pick up a Late Q-Drop Request Form. Your request will not be considered until all required materials are completed and returned to the Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling.

Course Load ReductionIf you are registered with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), you may be eligible for a course load re-duction. A course load reduction allows you to take fewer than 12 hours and still remain a full-time student. See page 58 for more information about SSD.

NOTE: Once a semester starts, you may not drop all of your classes. This would require that you withdraw entirely from the University, which is a different procedure; see page 29 for more information.

By the 12th class day (fourth class day in summer): Drop courses on your own using the online registration system.

By the Q-drop deadline: Make an appointment to meet with your advisor to begin the Q-drop process. You may pursue a Q drop through the deadline posted on the academic calendar.

After the Q-drop deadline:You will only be able to drop a course due to urgent, substantiated,

28

One-Time-Exception Policy (Academic Drop or Withdrawal after the Q-drop Deadline)You may drop a single class or withdraw from the University for academic reasons after the Q-drop and withdraw-al deadline once during your undergraduate career. You must make the request to use your One-Time-Exception (OTE) by the last class day and the form must be turned in to the Center for Strategic Advising and Career Coun-seling (JES A115) prior to the first official day of undergraduate finals, as indicated on the academic calendar. Any OTE drop or withdrawal will follow the same academic and financial aid rules governing other drops and with-drawals taken during the semester. Additional rules include:

• You may not drop a class in which you’ve already received a final grade. • During your first two long semesters at UT, you may use your OTE to drop a class regardless of current grade

in the course.• If you have completed your first two long semesters at UT, you must have a D+ or lower in the class to be able

to use your OTE. • You may use your OTE to withdraw regardless of current grades in the classes. • An OTE drop counts toward the Six Q-Drop Limit. Students who have reached the Six Q-Drop Limit are not

eligble to use the OTE. • You may not use the OTE if there are any pending investigations of scholastic dishonesty.

Pass/FailSome courses may be taken on a pass/fail basis. During the first 12 class days (four class days in the summer), if you meet the rules in the box on the right, you may change your grading status via ROSE. After that date, you must meet with your advisor to have it changed. Consult the academic calendar for the pass/fail deadline.

Rules for taking classes pass/fail:

• You must have completed 30 credit hours or more.

• Classes taken on a pass/fail basis will only count as electives; they will not fulfill degree requirements (including core).

• No more than two courses per semester may be taken on a pass/fail basis.

• If you take a class pass/fail and a grade of F is earned, the F will be averaged into your UT GPA.

Auditing a CourseAuditing a course means to attend a course without earning credit. If you would like to sit in on a course, but do not want to complete assignments, participate in examinations or discussions, or earn credit, consider auditing the course. Auditing is allowed by a course’s instructor when space is available. To audit a course, complete the Class Auditor Permit form offered by the Office of the Registrar.

Adding and Dropping Classes continued

Six Q-Drop LimitIf you began college at a Texas public institution for the first time in Fall 2007 or later, you are limited to a total of six academic Q drops after the 12th class day (fourth class day in summer). This drop limit is based on the number of courses dropped regardless of credit hour value. For example, SPN 601D would be one Q drop, as would PED 106.

Additional Q drops beyond the six-drop limit will only be allowed under non-academic circumstances as deter-mined through an appeal process. If an extenuating circumstance beyond your control is affecting your perfor-mance in a class, please make an appointment immediately to see your advisor to discuss your options.

This six-drop limit will be enforced at all public institutions of higher education in Texas including community colleges. Therefore, beginning with the Fall 2008 semester, Q drops from other Texas public institutions may con-tribute your total Q-drop limit at UT. For example: If you transfer to UT from San Antonio College where you had Q dropped four courses, you will only be allowed two additional Q drops at UT for academic reasons.

29

Withdrawing from the UniversityIf you wish to drop all of your classes during a semester, you need to withdraw from the University.

To withdraw...Before classes begin: See page 30 for cancellation procedures.

By the 20th class day (sixth class day for summer):Go to the Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling (JES A115) and request a withdrawal form. If you withdraw, you may be refunded a percentage of your tuition depending on the date of your withdrawal and the sym-bol W will be recorded on your transcript in place of grades for the classes in which you are enrolled.

By the withdrawal deadline:Go to the Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling (JES A115) and request a withdrawal form. The sym-bol W will show for the grade for any class in which you are registered.

After the mid-semester deadline:You will NOT be allowed a withdrawal unless you use your One-Time-Exception to withdraw or you petition for a Nonacademic Withdrawal due to urgent, substantiated, nonacademic reasons. NOTE: If you are on scholastic probation and you withdraw after the first four weeks of a long semester, you will be placed on scholastic dismissal. Please see page 34 for more information on scholastic dismissal.

NOTE: If you receive financial aid, you will need to get your withdrawal approved by the Office of Student Financial Services. If you are an international student, you will also need approval from the Graduate and International Admis-sions Center.

Medical WithdrawalTo request a medical withdrawal, begin the process at University Health Services. You must submit copies of medi-cal records that include the date of onset of the illness or injury, dates of care, and diagnosis and prognosis from each medical and mental health care provider treating the condition. If your request is approved, you will be with-drawn from the University. The University Health Services website contains information regarding the rules and specifications for the withdrawal. Please see page 59 for UHS contact info. This applies only after the withdrawal deadline. Before then, no explanation is needed to withdraw.

Retroactive WithdrawalIf for some reason you are unable to withdraw during the semester, you may request to withdraw after the semester is over. You should first discuss your situation with your academic advisor. The review process for these requests is strict and your request will only be considered if you were unable to withdraw during the semester. For example, students who were hospitalized or incarcerated, called away at the end of the semester because of a family crisis, asked to perform military service, or seriously debilitated by mental illness may be unable to withdraw during the semester in which they are enrolled. If there is sufficient and compelling documentation, and if the request for retroactive withdrawal is submitted during the next long semester (e.g., a request for retroactive withdrawal of Spring 2004 must be submitted during the Fall 2004 semester), the dean’s office will review the request and consider approval of a retroactive withdrawal. Please consult your academic advisor and the General Information Catalog for more information.

30

Cancellation of ClassesIf you wish to drop all of your classes before a semester begins, it is considered a cancellation and you will get a full refund (minus a $15 matriculation fee) and no notation will appear on your record. This process will vary depending on whether you receive financial aid and/or if a tuition payment has been made by the payment deadline.

If you have NOT paid your tuition by the tuition deadline:

You will automatically be dropped from all of your courses by the Regis-trar’s Office for tuition non-payment (aka: Zapped).

You should confirm you have been dropped by checking your Registra-tion Information Sheet once the tu-ition payment deadline has passed.

If you have paid your tuition:

Prior to the first class day, you must submit a cancellation request with your signature to the Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counsel-ing (JES A115). You may either complete this process in person or fax a signed letter requesting a cancellation of courses to 512-232-8418. Be sure to include your UT EID, mailing address, and contact phone number. If you are an international student, approval must also be obtained from the International Office.

After all approvals have been obtained (including from the Center for Stra-tegic Advising and Career Counseling), this form will be submitted to Reg-istration Supervision for processing. You should confirm your cancellation has been processed by checking your Registration Information Sheet.

If you are initiating cancellation prior to the tuition payment deadline:

Contact the Office of Student Fi-nancial Services to cancel your fi-nancial aid. Students who do not pay their tuition bill by the tuition payment deadline will automatically be dropped from all of their courses by the Registrar’s Office for tuition non-payment (Zapped).

You should confirm that you have been dropped by checking your Registration Information Sheet once the tuition payment deadline has passed.

If you are initiating cancellation after the tuition payment deadline:

Prior to the first class day, you must submit a cancellation request with a signature to the Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling (JES A115). You may either complete this process in person in the Center for Strategic Advising, or you may fax a signed letter requesting a cancella-tion of courses to 512-232-8418. Be sure to include your UT EID, mailing address, and contact phone number. Approval must be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Services.

If you are an international student, you must also seek approval from the International Office. After all approvals have been obtained (including from the Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling), this form will be submitted to Registration Supervision for processing.

You should confirm that your cancellation has been processed by check-ing your Registration Information Sheet.

Cancellation procedure for students who DO NOT receive financial aid

Cancellation procedure for students who DO receive financial aid

It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that cancellations are completed by checking your Registration Information Sheet (RIS). See page 23 for more information on RIS.

31

IV. Academic Standing

32

Calculating your GPA Any classes completed at UT Austin for a letter grade are included in your GPA, including University Extension courses. Grades earned in coursework completed at other institutions are NOT calculated into this GPA.

Grade point averages are calculated by dividing the number of grade points earned by the number of hours you have taken on a letter-grade basis. Credits (CR), Q drops (Q), and Incompletes (X) are not counted as hours undertaken in GPA calculation. When calculating your GPA, use the following scale to determine the grade points for each grade:

Grade Grade Points per credit hour

A 4.00A- 3.67B+ 3.33B 3.00B- 2.67C+ 2.33C 2.00C- 1.67D+ 1.33D 1.00D- 0.67F 0.00

Course Grade # of hrs x grade points =total grade

pointsUGS 302 A 3 x 4 = 12

ECO 304K B 3 x 3 = 9M408K C+ 4 x 2.33 = 9.32

AMS 310 A 3 x 4 = 1213 hours 42.32

42.32 grade points 13 hours

Repeating CourseworkYou may repeat a course in which you have earned a D+ or lower; however, you are not required to repeat a course, unless subsequent classes have a pre-requisite of a higher grade (e.g. a grade of C- or better must be earned in M 408K to take M408L) or a higher grade is required for your degree. The grade received in the repeated course is calculated in your cumulative GPA along with the initial grade earned. If you retake a course that you passed intially (D- or higher) and subsequently earn a failing grade, then you will lose the credit you earned initially and both grades will factor into your GPA.

IncompletesIncompletes are assigned only in cases of approved, compelling, nonacademic circumstances beyond your control. The symbol used to indicate an incomplete grade is an X. An X may be issued at the discretion of your instructor for any of the following reasons:

• You are compelled to miss the final exam for an urgent, nonacademic reason (you must present substantiat-ing documentation).

• You have not been able to complete all assignments for reasons other than your own negligence, but you have passed the final exam and other class work.

• You have been granted a re-examination privilege. This may be granted if you have failed the final exam but have at least a C average in the coursework other than the final examination.

An incomplete must be made up within one long-session semester of when it was assigned. If you receive an X, do not register for the course again -- finish the one you have. If you fail to complete the coursework within the allo-cated time, or the instructor fails to report your grade, the X automatically becomes an F and is added to your GPA.

Example:

= 3.255

Repeated coursework DOES NOT replace the original grade.

33

Your scholastic standing at The University of Texas at Austin is determined by your UT GPA. All students need a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) to be in good standing.

If your cumulative UT GPA does fall below a 2.00, you will automatically be placed on scholastic probation for the following semester. For example, if you make a 1.87 GPA during your fall semester, you will be placed on scholastic probation for the spring semester.

If you are on scholstic probation, you MUST enroll in at least 12 credit hours or request special permission from your advisor to enroll as a part-time student. You will also be required to meet with your assigned advisor on a regular basis (every two to three weeks) to create and enact an Academic Success Plan to help you reach your goals for the semester. To avoid being dismissed from the University, you will need to raise your grades during your se-mester on scholastic probation to achieve a benchmark cumulative GPA, which depends on the number of hours you’ve attempted, both at UT and other institutions (see chart below). If you fail to raise your grades to achieve the required cumulative UT GPA, you will be subject to dismissal. If you fail 12 hours or more during your first semester at UT, you will also be subject to dismissal.

Scholastic Probation

Total College Hours Undertaken* Overall UT Austin GPA for dismissal**

Below 15 Less than 1.5015-44 Less than 1.7045-59 Less than 1.85

60 or more Less than 2.00

* The total number of college hours undertaken refers to hours taken at UT as well as any other college or uni-versity. This calculation includes the number of hours attempted, not just hours completed/passed. There-fore, the hours for any courses you have failed will be included in this calculation. The hours attempted in the current semester are also included.

** Your overall UT GPA calculation is only based on courses that you take in a UT classroom or through the UT Extension program. Grades from courses you have transferred in from other colleges/universities, includ-ing other UT schools (e.g., UT San Antonio) do NOT affect your UT GPA and are not used in determining your academic status at UT.

Scholastic probation IS preventable! Scholastic probation can be caused by various situations: academic, personal, or emotional. If you are ex-periencing difficulty during the semester and you fear that your GPA might fall below 2.00, don’t wait! See your academic advisor as soon as possible. Your advisor is there to help you navigate the obstacles you’re facing, whatever they may be. Together, you can work to create a plan to help you improve your academic situation. See pages 57-59 for information about resources available on campus.

34

Scholastic Dismissal If, after a semester on scholastic probation, you are unable to reach the benchmark GPA (see chart on page 33) or you fail 12 or more hours in your first semester, you will be dismissed from the University. You may be dismissed from the University up to three times.

Appealing your DismissalIf you have been placed on scholastic dismissal, you have the option to file an appeal. To initiate the appeal process, schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor as soon as possible. During this appointment, he or she will provide you with the appeal form and explain the appeal process. Dismissal appeals are infrequently approved.

Returning to UTIf you wish to return to the University after a first or second dismissal, you must apply for readmission through the UT Admissions Office, pay an application fee, and submit any necessary transcripts. Application materials must be submitted by the application deadline posted on the Office of Admissions website. You must follow the readmis-sion guidelines for former UT students. To be eligible to reenroll, you must have earned a grade point average of at least 2.50 for all transferable coursework you have undertaken since leaving the University.

If you are readmitted after your dismissal, you will be on scholastic probation when you return, even if you at-tended another institution in the interim. You will need to meet with your academic advisor prior to registration to discuss remaining degree requirements, academic strategies, and the removal of any registration advising bars.

Taking Classes While on DismissalDuring your dismissal period, you have the option to take classes at other institutions or online through Univer-sity Extension. It is important to note, however, that you are not required to take classes during your dismissal. If you choose to do so, you must achieve a 2.50 GPA or higher in the classes you take while away in order to be readmitted to UT. Taking classes during your dismissal is a great way to continue working toward your degree and exploring your interests.

Courses taken through the University Extension will count toward your UT GPA. Therefore, University Extention provides an avenue for you to attempt to increase your UT GPA while on dismissal. Visit this link to find classes that fit into your degree plan, fulfill core requirements, or align with your interests: http://www.utexas.edu/ce/uex/.

First DismissalIf you are dismissed from the University, you will not be allowed to enroll at University of Texas at Austin for one long-session (fall or spring semester) and any intervening summer. If you get dismissed at the end of a spring semester, you are required to sit out for the summer as well as the fall semester. You may be eligible to apply to return in spring. If you are dis-missed at the end of a fall semester, you will sit out the spring semester but may be eligible to apply for readmission in the summer.

Second DismissalIf you are dismissed from the University for a second time, you will not be allowed to take classes at UT for three years. For example, if you were dismissed at the end of the Fall 2010 semester, you may be eligible to apply for readmission for the Spring 2014 semester.

Third DismissalIf you are dismissed a third time, the dismissal is per-manent. We encourage you to continue your academic pursuits at another institution.

35

Academic DishonestyThe University promotes a high standard of academic integrity. All conduct that violates this standard, including any act designed to give an unfair or undeserved academic advantage is considered academic dishonesty. Ex-amples include:

• Cheating• Plagiarism• Unauthorized Collaboration• Collusion• Falsifying Academic Records

For the University’s official definition of academic dishonesty, see Section 11-402, Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, in the General Information Catalog.

Academic dishonesty damages your learning experience and readiness for the future demands of a career, and compromises the integrity of the University. Incidents of academic dishonesty diminish the overall value of scho-lastic achievements on this campus and reflect poorly on the University.

Consequences of Academic DishonestyThe Office of the Dean of Students or a faculty member may initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student ac-cused of academic dishonesty (under subchapter 11–500 in the General Information Catalog).

If you violate University rules on academic dishonesty, you will be subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of earning an F in the course and/or being dismissed from the University. For more information on academic dishonesty, please visit the Student Judicial Services website: deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/.

Avoiding Academic DishonestyAcademic dishonesty can be either intentional or unintentional. A student who actively copies someone else’s work and hands it in as his or her own is engaging in intentional academic dishonesty. However, students are often unfamiliar with proper citation practices and/or the rules regarding collaboration, which can result in uninten-tional academic dishonesty.

It is important to note that academic dishonesty is taken seriously regardless of whether it happened intentionally or unintentionally. It is your responsibility as a student to know the expectations for each class and assignment, as well as generally agreed-upon best practices for properly citing your sources. Each class you take may have in-dividual citation requirements and/or standards for collaboration on assignments, and it is important to consult your syllabus and instructor for class-specific expectations. For general tips on properly using outside sources in your assignments and avoiding unauthorized collaboration, please visit the Student Judicial Services “Avoiding Academic Dishonesty” site: deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/acadint_avoid.php.

Use campus resources as you’re working on writing assignments, like the Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC) to help catch unintentional plagiarism before you turn an assignment in to your instructor. For more information on the UWC, see page 57.

• Misrepresenting Facts (e.g., providing false information to postpone an exam, obtain an extended deadline for an assignment, or even gain an unearned financial benefit)

• Any other acts (or attempted acts) that violate the basic standard of ac-ademic integrity (e.g., multiple submissions—submitting essentially the same written assignment for two courses without authorization to do so)

36

College and University HonorsThe Univeristy of Texas at Austin does not have a Dean’s List. Instead, students who have achieved academic excel-lence may be recognized by inclusion on the University Honors List and/or by administrative officials, academic deans, and members of the faculty at the Honors Day Convocation each spring.

You may qualify for honors on the basis of registration and GPA requirements for courses taken in residence at the University, as specified below:

To be included on the University Honors List, you must:

1. Earn at least 45 grade points and a GPA of at least 3.50 in courses completed in residence in a fall or spring semester.

2. Have no incomplete grades in that fall or spring semester.

To be a College Scholar, you must:

1. Be registered as an undergraduate in the current semester.2. Have completed at least 30 semester hours of coursework in residence at the university and at least 60

semester hours of college coursework, including transferred work and credit by examination.3. Rank in the top 20% of your class in your college or school based on overall GPA.4. Have an in-residence University GPA of at least 3.50.

To be a Distinguished College Scholar, you must:

1. Meet the first, second and fourth College Scholar requirements stated above.2. Rank in the top 4% of your class in your college or school based on in-residence cumulative GPA.

37

V. Transitioning out of UGS

38

One of your primary goals as a student in UGS is to find and declare a major that aligns with your personal, aca-demic, and career goals. While some students arrive with a major in mind, we encourage all students to explore the wide variety of options available. We emphasize using multiple resources to help you learn about yourself and the majors and career paths available. You and your academic advisor will work together throughout your time as a UGS student to develop a major exploration plan pertinent to your personality, interests, and goals. Choosing a major is an on-going process that involves gathering information about the following four parts:

Major Exploration

Part I: YOURSELFBefore you can choose your major, you’ll need to reflect on your personal characteristics. You need to gain knowl-edge and understanding about your interests, skills, personal and professional values, personality traits, per-sonal experiences, and goals. It is important to take all of these factors into consideration while making a decision about a major or career.

Part II: YOUR EDUCATIONAL OPTIONSIt is important for you to learn about the majors, minors, certificates, and licensure programs that are available to you at UT. You’ll need to learn as much as you can about a major before you try to make a decision, including what the course requirements are, specialization options, academic abilities and skills required, and licensure programs. Students who declare a major at the beginning of their freshman year are typically uncertain about their choice (usually 3 out of every 4 – that’s 75%!). Many of these students have not yet had the time to research and explore all the options, and as a result over two-thirds change their major. The more information you have, the more likely you are to stick with your major decision.

Part III: YOUR JOB AND CAREER OPTIONSIn most career fields, major doesn’t necessarily matter. Many graduates are employed in jobs and career fields that are not directly related to the subject in which they chose to major. Still, knowing which careers are somewhat related to an academic major can help you make a more informed decision. When learning more about job and career options, be sure to seek out information about the opportunities that exist, the related skills you need to have, the marketability of the job or career, the salary, and minimum educational requirements.

Part IV: YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH DECISION MAKINGOnce you have explored the first three parts of choosing a major, you should have sufficient information to make a decision. When approaching this step, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of your decision-making process. Re-flecting on decisions you’ve made in the past and thinking critically about the outcomes can help you create an action plan for declaring your major. The goal is to integrate the information you’ve learned throughout your exploration process and find a major that fits with who you are and who you think you might want to be.

**Remember**• You are NOT choosing what you’re go-

ing to do for the rest of your life.

• Major doesn’t (have to) equal career.

• There is no “perfect” or “right” major, just some you’ll be happier with than others.

• Neither a magic test nor your advisor will tell you what major you should choose.

Ready to get started??Scan this QR code with your smart

phone to visit Wayfinder, UGS’ major exploration website.

Use Wayfinder to research majors and certificate programs on campus, read career stories from professionals in a

variety of industries, and do some self-exploration exercises!

39

Wayfinder

Wayfinder is a customizable major exploration web-site developed by the School of Undergraduate Stud-ies that is divided into three sections: Finding Your Way, Explore, and Everyone Has a Story.

Finding Your Way is comprised of videos explaining the four pieces of knowledge you need to choose a major and demonstrates how you can use the site to increase your knowledge in these areas.

Explore is a one-stop-shop for information about majors at UT. Majors and certificate programs are grouped into categories, but can also be browsed al-phabetically. Click on a major or certificate to find information including a general description, person-ality of students in that major, application require-ments, degree plans, skills gained, and more.

Everyone Has a Story gives you the chance to learn about the major-to-career experiences of profession-als across numerous industries. Online Course Schedule

The online course schedule lists all the courses being taught, in a given semester, for every major. Reading the course titles and descriptions can tell you more about the type of classes and learning experiences you will have in a particular major.

Career Assessments

After first meeting with a career counselor, you’ll be eligible to sign up to take a career assessment. While there is no magic test that will tell you what to major in, these assessments do tell you more about your person-ality and interests, information pertinent to your major search. Stop by JES A115 to schedule an appointment with a career counselor who can help you decide if a career assessment will be helpful.

“What Can I do with a Major in...”

Visit the following website: www.lifelearning.utexas.edu to find online Handouts like “What Can I do with a Major in...,” “Exploring Careers,” “Graduate School Planning,” and more.

Tools to Help you Explore

Internal Transfer Informations SessionsMany colleges on campus provide internal transfer in-formation sessions that help you learn more about the college, majors offered, and requirements for getting into that college. Look on a college or school’s website for dates and times.

Internships and Volunteer ExperiencesInternships and volunteer experiences provide op-portunities to experience a work environment first-hand and get exposure to the type of work you might see in a particular job or career field. They can also help you make connections with potential future em-ployers.

Instructors and ProfessorsFaculty can provide lots of information about their department and possible careers related to the sub-jects they teach.

Find Wayfinder online:

1. Go to utexas.edu/students.2. Under “Academic Support,” click on

“Wayfinder: Get help choosing a major.”

Academic Departments

Talking to advisors can be a good way to get more in-formation about a major. In some departments, stu-dents are not required to attend an information session and can simply contact an advisor. Additionally, the department web pages contain helpful information.

Upper-Class Students (Juniors and Seniors) Students who have been pursuing majors you want to know more about could offer some insight about the majors they are pursuing.

The Co-OpConsider going to the Co-Op and reviewing the text-books affiliated with a particular major.

Meeting with your advisor and with a career counselor will help you explore your values, interests, strengths, weaknesses, and goals as well as assist in investigating major and career options. In addition to those meetings, the following tools can aid you in your search:

40

Internal TransfersUT is divided into 12 undergraduate schools and colleges, and since UGS is not a degree-granting college, you will eventually transfer out once you’ve identified a good-fit major. This process is called an internal transfer. As you explore your educational options as a UGS student, it is important to understand the internal transfer require-ments of the majors and colleges in which you’re interested. While some have a relatively simple process for trans-fer, others require applications. For example, some schools require you to take specific classes and earn a particular GPA before you’re eligible to apply. Other majors might require a minimum number of hours taken in residence (i.e. in a University of Texas at Austin classroom).

1. Go to utexas.edu/students.2. Under “Academic Support,”

click on “Wayfinder: Get help choosing a major.”

3. Click on “Explore.”4. Select the major about

which you wish to find information

Find internal transfer info using Wayfinder:

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the internal transfer require-ments for each major to help you decide whether or not your choice is realistic and to help you make choices about your course schedule each semester. Below are some resources you can use to learn about internal transfer requirements.

• Wayfinder: http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/wayfinder/explore/major• College/major internal transfer websites • Internal transfer information sessions - Offered by most

colleges/majors that require an application.�