Housing

The University owns and operates residence halls, apartments and houses for students. Because of the demand for housing, students should make application as early as possible. Applications and information are available at Housing/University Center Office, E.H. Hereford University Center, 817-272-2791.

Centennial Court is the newest on-campus apartment community. Call 817-436-4800 for information.

The Housing Office also has information concerning off-campus housing.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services, which is located at 605 S. West Street, 817-272-2771, is staffed and equipped to care for most routine health needs of students. Financial support is provided primarily by a Medical Services Fee. Many services are free. A reasonable fee is assessed for services such as medications, x-rays, laboratory tests, etc.

Staffing: The staff includes full-time physicians and registered nurses, registered pharmacists, registered laboratory technologists, clinical psychologists, a health educator, a substance abuse specialist, and related personnel. The Student Health Center provides medical services for the students during those times when the University is open. Services are not available during scheduled University holidays. During these periods, medical care received by students from another source will be their financial responsibility.

Services: Students are eligible to receive medical services of the staff physicians, nursing services, pharmacy services, routine laboratory procedures and diagnostic x-ray studies as ordered by staff physicians. Consultations on matters related to health and illness, psychological counseling, HIV/AIDS information, and HIV antibody testing are also available.
Services not currently available are obstetrical care, dental care, and specialized diagnostic services. In cases beyond the center's scope, referal advice will be given.

HIV Infection/AIDS and Hepatitis B: Student Health Services is the University resource center for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B education/prevention information. The University's written policy statement on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B, and the Texas Department of Health's educational HIV/AIDS pamphlet may be obtained at the Health Center. HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B education for individuals and campus groups is available. HIV antibody testing/counseling/referral is available to students, faculty and staff.

Substance Abuse Prevention: Student Health Services houses the Office for Substance Abuse Prevention which is available to all students, faculty and staff needing assistance in addressing alcohol and other drug-related issues. All services are free and include education, programming, support intervention, short-term counseling and referral. The University Policy Statement on Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse is available at the Student Health Center.
Peer Education: Peer educators are students who become involved in helping other students by providing accurate, non-judgmental information about alcohol and other drugs and their relationship to sexual issues and health. Students are required to take a Student Health Peer Training course for three credit hours offered through the Department of Exercise, Sport and Health Studies. Peer educators develop presentations and resume-building skills.

Education: In the spirit of this educational community, U.T. Arlington hopes that students will also use Student Health Services as a resource for information on health-related issues and preventive medicine.

Report of Medical History: Prior to registration, a student should submit a Report of Medical History to the Health Center. A physical examination is required only if the student is medically unfit to participate in exercise and sport activities (EXSS). Confidentiality of medical records will be in accordance with state and federal law.

Transportation: Students are responsible for their transportation to the Health Center. For major emergencies or when the seriousness of the victim's condition is uncertain, a call to 911 should be made. This will summon city police and/or an ambulance, depending on the nature of the emergency. A second call to the University Police at 817-272-3003 should also be made. The University Police are trained in CPR and first aid and can stabilize the patient until the ambulance arrives.

Indebtedness: It is the student's responsibility to satisfy indebtedness to Student Health Services with reasonable promptness. Upon payment, receipts will be issued which can be used by the student for submitting claims to personal insurance companies.

Health Insurance: Student Health Services is an outpatient facility, and, as such, is not equipped to perform the more extensive diagnostic procedures and services offered by a general hospital. Therefore, all students are strongly urged to have adequate medical insurance coverage.

Students on non-immigrant visas enrolled at U.T. Arlington are required to carry health insurance and must show proof of coverage at the time of registration.

An optional system-wide student health insurance plan is available through an insurance carrier by contract with the University. The Health Center will direct bill this insurance company for the covered charges that are incurred by the student. In addition, the deductible is waived when treatment is received at the Student Health Center.

For more information about the Student Health Insurance Plan, contact Student Health Services at 817-272-2771. Insurance applications and claim forms are available at the Student Health Center, corner of Third and S. West Streets, and at the Office of Student Affairs, E.H. Hereford University Center.

Blood Reserve Fund Plan: The University of Texas at Arlington, in cooperation with Carter Blood Center, sponsors a blood reserve fund plan for U.T. Arlington faculty, staff, and students. To participate in the reserve fund, members are requested to donate regularly during semiannual blood drives held on campus. The release of blood units is coordinated through Student Health Services. The Office of Student Governance and Organizations arranges reserve fund drives.

Counseling and Career Development

The Office of Counseling and Career Development is located at Room 216, Davis Hall, 817-272-3671.

Counseling Services
Individual and group counseling assistance is provided in the following areas:
Personal counseling: developing new life skills and perspectives, decision-making, dealing with extraordinary life events.

Academic counseling: advisement, counseling, and skill building (a full range of academic skills seminars is offered on subjects such as reading improvement, test taking, study skills and time management)

Career counseling: exploration of interests and aptitudes, decision making, career preparation, and skill-building seminars on interview, resume preparation and job search.

Testing Services
The following tests are given on national test dates: Graduate Record Examination, Graduate Management Admission Test, Law School Admission Test and the Test of English as a Foreign Language. The Miller Analogies Test is scheduled once per month. Specialized tests of aptitudes, interests and abilities are also given in conjunction with counseling.

Career Services
Approximately 300 recruiting companies and agencies schedule interviews on campus primarily during the months of October, November, February, and March. Any graduate student may take advantage of the campus interviews. After graduation the alumni have the opportunity to use the Career Classifieds service to learn about immediate job openings for experienced graduates.

Resources
A career library, career development materials, academic skills materials, and computerized guidance are some of the office resources of value to graduate students.

Student Employment Service
The Student Employment Service, located on the first floor of the University Center, assists students and their spouses in finding full- or part-time off-campus employment. Any student currently enrolled or accepted for admission at U.T. Arlington for the following semester may register for assistance from this employment service. The Student Employment Service actively develops jobs for graduate students interested in positions that offer an opportunity for quality, on-the-job, professional development and interaction.

International Office

The International Office serves the needs of the 1400 international students and scholars at The University of Texas at Arlington. The staff handles all immigration procedures and provides information, advice, and counseling on a wide variety of issues affecting international visitors. Numerous cultural events and informational workshops are sponsored by the office throughout the year, and the office publishes a newsletter each semester informing students of immigration issues, deadlines, and events of special interest. All new international students are required to attend international student orientation, hosted by the International Office, before matriculation.

The University of Texas at Arlington now offers opportunities for study in U.T. Arlington programs or exchanges in Mexico, Norway, England, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Russia/Eastern Europe, China, Australia, Korea, Austria and Sweden. New programs are being developed every year. Any students interested in study abroad opportunities, scholarships, travel and work opportunities abroad will find information about these topics at the International Office.

The office is located in the Lower Level of the University Center. The telephone number is 817-272-2355.

Office of Multicultural Services

The Office of Multicultural Services is committed to fostering the full participation of ethnic minorities at The University of Texas at Arlington by helping to create an academic, social, and cultural atmosphere conducive to the presence and responsive to the needs of African-American, Native American Indian, Mexican American, and Pacific Island students. It is important that prospective students receive orientation to the diverse and numerous offices designed to assist students at the University. While the Office of Multicultural Services is committed to facilitating full participation of ethnic minorities in every aspect of university life, its doors are open to each and every student at The University of Texas at Arlington.
Special academic assistance services are available to promote a successful learning experience. In addition, seminars and workshops are available to provide leadership training and to enhance the social skills and positive self-concepts necessary for successfully living. Rich cultural diversity is also reflected in the number and variety of minority student organizations available on campus.

The Center for Multicultural Cooperation (CMC) is a comprehensive, campus-wide outreach initiative for attracting, orienting and retaining minority students. The CMC seeks to recruit minority students in various ways, including the utilization of volunteer students and staff recruiters.

The CMC provides an orientation program for minority students. Students are given a thorough overview on how the campus operates, who to see for a particular problem, and what is required of them if their campus experience is to be successful. The program stresses the values of good class attendance, establishing new friendships, participating in campus activities, and helping students to accept their opportunities and responsibilities.

Also, the CMC works to increase minority student retention by providing assistance with academic preparation, academic advising, cultural activities, sociocultural adjustment, financial resources and faculty/staff recruitment. The CMC views retention as a University-wide effort involving all aspects of the educational process.

In summary, the intent of the CMC is to recruit minority students with the goal of graduating minority students.

The office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. For further information, contact Casey Gonzales or Zeb Strong at 817-272-2099 or 817-272-2128.
The Minority Mentor Project matches freshman and sophomore students with U.T. Arlington faculty and staff to facilitate successful graduation rates. Freshman or sophomores with less than 60 hours should contact the Office of Multicultural Services to participate.

Disabled Student Services

The Office for Students with Disabilities is charged with the responsibility of ensuring full inclusion of all disabled students in all programs and activities offered at U.T. Arlington. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, all disabled students who require accommodations at U.T. Arlington should contact the director at 817-272-3364 or visit the office, located in the lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center, at their convenience.

Bursar Services

At Bursar Services, located on the first floor of Davis Hall or the lower level of the University Center, students may:

1. Pay fees and bills due to the University
2. Confer on all problems arising in connection with fees and bills
3. Obtain information concerning repayment of loans
4. Pay residence hall room rent
5. Obtain check cashing services
6. Pay fines for U.T. Arlington parking violations
7. Purchase movie and other local amusement tickets
8. Pick up payroll or financial aid loan checks

Check Cashing and Payment Procedures
A current University I.D. is required of anyone making payment to the University by check or anyone desiring to cash a personal check. Students may cash personal checks for an amount not to exceed $25.

Returned Checks
A charge of $15 will be made for each returned check. A person who gives U.T. Arlington a bad check (one in which the bank is not at fault) will be subject to one or more of the following actions until the debt is cleared: (1) a bar against readmission of the student, (2) withholding of the student's grades and official transcript, (3) withholding of degree to which the student otherwise would be entitled.
Additionally, the University will not accept a check from anyone who has given a total of two bad checks unless the person submits a written statement from the bank stating "bank error or unusual circumstance" to be the cause of the bad checks.

Student Financial Aid

The following summaries are for informational purposes only. Current information on each program is available from the Financial Aid Office, located in Suite 252 Davis Hall, 817-272-3561.

Alumni Loan Fund
The U.T. Arlington Alumni Association and other friends of the University have established loan funds for the benefit of students who need to borrow to meet current expenses. These loans are for amounts up to $500 and are to be repaid during the semester in which the money is borrowed. To be eligible, graduate students must have completed a minimum of nine semester hours at U.T. Arlington with a grade point average of at least 3.0. First-time graduate students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from U.T. Arlington will be considered to have met minimum academic requirements for eligibility.

Assistance Based on Need
Students wishing to participate in any of the following financial aid programs should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible prior to their actual enrollment at the University. The funding process takes six to eight weeks for completion. Financial aid in these categories is generally limited to U.S. citizens or those in this country on other than temporary visa status.

Federal Perkins Loan and Federal Stafford Loan
These are the primary sources of long-term loans available at U.T. Arlington. Both programs include deferred repayment provisions that permit students to repay the loan after termination of at least half-time studies at the University. For those students demonstrating financial need, interest will not accrue on the loans while the borrowers are enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Information regarding loan amounts and terms can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Work-Study Program
A student who needs a job to help pay for college expenses may be eligible for employment through the Federal Work-Study Program. Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Most participants are employed in positions with various University departments, but limited off-campus jobs with certain approved agencies are also available.

Financial Counseling
The Financial Aid Office provides financial or budgetary counseling for any and all students regardless of whether or not they qualify for other types of financial assistance.

Out-of-State Student Assistance
Several states offer aid to their students attending schools in other states. Amounts and requirements for this assistance vary greatly. Further information can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Veterans' Assistance
Contact the Registrar's Office for information concerning eligibility for and payment of VA benefits and other matters for veterans attending or planning to attend U.T. Arlington.

Assistantships

Research and teaching assistantships available in most departments can be held only by students unconditionally admitted to Graduate School. Prospective graduate students should see the appropriate department chair for further information. To be continued on a research or teaching assistantship, a student must be in good standing and have performed assigned duties satisfactorily in the preceding semesters as determined by the respective department. Consult the catalog section on General Graduate School Regulations and Information for regulations regarding registration and responsibility of graduate assistants.

A student whose native language is not English must submit an acceptable score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) before being appointed to an assistantship. An applicant who is a non-native speaker of English and who may wish to be considered for an assistantship should take the TSE before arriving in the United States and have the score sent to The University of Texas at Arlington. Score reports submitted directly by the student or those marked "student copy" or "applicant's copy" are not considered official and will not be accepted. The TSE is administered at TOEFL test centers around the world. Applicants should register for TSE-A (for teaching and research assistant applicants). See Documentation and Applicant Evaluation Charges Required for further information.

The SPEAK examination is offered on The University of Texas at Arlington campus at various times during the year. A satisfactory score on this examination may be used for the Test of Spoken English-A (TSE-A) requirement. This examination may be taken in cases when the student has come to The University of Texas at Arlington without having taken the TSE-A and subsequently wishes to be considered for a graduate assistantship. Cost and time necessary for scoring the SPEAK examination are comparable to those for the TSE-A. The Office of Counseling and Career Development should be contacted for administration dates and other details.

Student Conduct and Discipline

The University of Texas at Arlington reserves the right to impose disciplinary penalties, including permanent expulsion, against a student for disciplinary reasons. Information about the rules of conduct and due process procedures is published in the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System and the Handbook of Operating Procedures of The University of Texas at Arlington, copies of which are in the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Hazing

Under Texas law, individuals or organizations engaging in hazing could be subject to fines and charged with a criminal offense.

According to the law, a person can commit a hazing offense not only by engaging in a hazing activity, but also by soliciting, directing, encouraging, aiding or attempting to aid another in hazing; by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly allowing hazing to occur; or by failing to report firsthand information that a hazing incident is planned or has occurred in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs. The fact that a person consented to or acquiesced in a hazing activity is not a defense to prosecution for hazing under this law.

In an effort to encourage reporting of hazing incidents, the law grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to any person who reports a specific hazing event to the Office of Student Affairs and immunizes that person from participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from that report. The penalty for failure to report is a fine of up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both. Penalties for other hazing offenses vary according to the severity of the injury which results and range from $500 to $10,000 in fines and up to two years confinement.

The law defines hazing as an intentional, knowing or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution. Hazing includes but is not limited to:

• Any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body or similar activity
• Any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student
• Any activity involving consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug or other substance which subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or which adversely affects the mental or physical health of the student

Campus Solicitations

"Solicitation," as defined by the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, means the sale, lease, rental or offer for sale, lease, rental of any property, product, merchandise, publication or service, whether for immediate or future delivery; an oral statement or the distribution or display of printed material, merchandise or products that is designed to encourage the purchase, use or rental of any property, product, merchandise, publication or service; the oral or written appeal or request to support or join an organization other than a registered student, faculty or staff organization; the receipt of or request for any gift or contribution; and the request to support or oppose or to vote for or against a candidate, issue or proposition appearing on the ballot at any election held pursuant to state or federal law or local ordinances. All solicitations on the U.T. Arlington campus must conform to the Regents' Rules, copies of which are available in the offices of the president, vice presidents, academic deans, numerous other administrative offices and the Central Library.

Student Right-to-Know Act

Graduation rates: In 1996-1997 the graduation rate was 28.4% for students who entered The University of Texas at Arlington in 1991 on a full-time basis as first-time, degree-seeking freshmen. The projected 1997-1998 graduation rate for full-time, degree-seeking freshmen who entered U.T. Arlington in 1992 is 30.8%.

Campus security: In compliance with the federal Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act (P.L. 101-542, as amended), The University of Texas at Arlington publishes specified campus crime statistics and campus security policies through the Office of the Chief of the University Police.