Student Involvement

Student Activities

The Student Activities Office is the center for out-of-class activities at U.T. Arlington. Participating in extracurricular activities helps students gain valuable leadership skills which complement their academic work and enhance and enrich their collegiate experience. The Student Activities area includes the U.T. Arlington cheerleaders, Greek life, leadership programs and EX-CEL Campus Activities.

Cheerleaders

The U.T. Arlington cheerleaders provide support for University athletic teams. They also host clinics, competitions and demonstrations throughout the Metroplex. Sam Maverick, the school mascot, assists in promoting school spirit.

Greek Life

The fraternity and sorority system is made up of 12 national fraternities and nine national sororities. The governing bodies are the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils. Their offices are located within the Student Activities Office.

•Fraternities: Alpha Phi Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Triangle

•Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Sigma Theta, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta, Zeta Tau Alpha

EX-CEL

(Excellence in Campus and Community Service, Entertainment, and Leadership and Development)

EX-CEL's primary focus is to plan and implement campuswide cultural, social, recreational and educational activities for students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community. Students can get involved in the following EX-CEL committees:

•Campus and Community Service: Organizes events that reach out to the University and surrounding community. Events include Bed Races, Blood Drives, Charity Week and the Last Day Blast.

•Entertainment Arts: Organizes activities and programs featuring the performing and visual arts, concerts, comedians and cultural events. Popular performers have included Carrot Top, the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats, Van Cliburne Medalist Fabio Bidini, and entertainers Spike Lee and David Alan Grier.

•Leadership and Development: Presents ongoing lecture series on topics that improve leadership skills or personal growth. Speakers have included Sarah Weddington, Phyllis Schlafly, Joe Clark and Maya Angelou.

•Marketing: Creates and produces marketing strategies for each program sponsored through EX-CEL. The group works with all media at U.T. Arlington and the Metroplex.

•Membership: Responsible for the recruitment and retention of members for the organization. This committee promotes positive internal relations by providing opportunities for interaction through team-building exercises and group outings.

Leadership Program

The University has strengthened and unified its leadership programs to produce capable and effective leaders. The program currently has five primary components: the Campus and Community Involvement Record (CCIR), the Peer Leadership Class (EDUC 1130), the Student Leadership Training Class (EDUC 2330), the Leadership Retreat and the Leadership Recognition Ceremony.

•Campus and Community Involvement Record: The CCIR is a transcript, similar to an academic transcript, which chronologically lists all co-curricular activities_both on and off campus activities_of a student while attending U.T. Arlington. The CCIR is an official document of the University and lists each activity, the level of involvement in that activity and the skills the student develops through participation. The CCIR can be used as a record of activities, as a supplement to a résumé or placement file, as documentation for scholarship applications or as a guide to developing career objectives. To register, a student needs to complete a form in the Student Activities Office. A $5 registration fee entitles students to five official copies of their transcript. Students complete Involvement Record Updates which must be verified by the advisor or staff member in charge to be added to the transcript. Students are encouraged to sign up early to ensure that no activities are left off the record and that activities can be properly verified.

•Leadership Classes: The Peer Leadership Class in an accredited course through the School of Education developed for emerging leaders. Students learn basic leadership skills which they can use to assume leadership positions and roles on campus. The class is taught by current U.T. Arlington leaders who have knowledge and experience and are able to relate to potential leaders in a productive and relaxed environment. The Student Leadership Training Class is an advanced course taught by staff and is also an accredited course through the School of Education. This class is designed for upperclass students to discuss various theories and styles of leadership and to give students practical experience.

•Leadership Retreat and Leadership Recognition Ceremony:These events are sponsored through the Student Activities Office and are open to U.T. Arlington leaders. These programs help develop and recognize current leaders on campus and provide them with the information and tools needed to be successful.

Office of Student Governance and Organizations

U.T. Arlington recognizes that a balanced program of activities, which provides an opportunity for the expression and development of student interests, will stimulate a student academically and facilitate development as an individual.

The varied activities of student organizations and student government provide a major means through which students may give expression to their talents, develop worthwhile skills, and improve their knowledge of the principles and processes by which democracy works. U.T. Arlington has more than 220 registered student organizations to meet nearly every student's need, including honorary, professional, international, cultural, political, religious and other types of organizations. Students are encouraged to enter activities in organized student life both for personal value and for the unique contribution each student can make to the campus community.

For more information regarding specific organizations on campus, contact Student Governance and Organizations, Box 19350, Arlington, Texas 76019-0350, 817-272-2293.

Student Government

The organs of student government on The University of Texas at Arlington campus are Student Congress, Graduate Student Council, constituent councils, UTA-HOSTS!, student representatives on various University committees, the Ambassador Program and student organizations. The Student Congress is the official avenue for students to express views to the student body, faculty and administration. It is composed of elected members who work in conjunction with various committees. Each fall and spring, the student body holds elections. For more information, visit the Student Governance and Organizations Office in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Scholastic Honor Societies

The following scholastic honor societies are registered on the U.T. Arlington campus. Specific information regarding these organizations is available in the Office of Student Governance and Organizations, Box 19350, Arlington, Texas 76019-0350, 817-272-2293.

Alpha Chi (Scholastic)

Alpha Iota Delta (Management Science)

Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology)

Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice)

Alpha Psi Omega (Drama)

Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting)

Beta Gamma Sigma (Business)

Chi Epsilon (Civil Engineering)

Delta Phi Alpha (German)

Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering)

Eta Sigma Phi (Classical Language)

Golden Key National Honor Society (Scholastic)

Honors Student Association

Kappa Delta Pi (Education)

Kappa Tau Alpha (Journalism)

Lambda Alpha (Anthropology)

Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics)

Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership)

Order of Omega (Greek)

Phi Alpha Theta (History)

Phi Sigma (Biology)

Phi Sigma Iota (Foreign Language)

Pi Alpha Alpha (Public Affairs and Administration)

Pi Mu Epsilon (Math)

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)

Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering)

Psi Chi (Psychology)

Sigma Gamma Epsilon (Geology)

Sigma Tau Delta (English)

Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing)

Tau Beta Pi (Engineering)

Professional Organizations

The following professional student organizations are registered on the U.T. Arlington campus. Specific information regarding these organizations is available in the Office of Student Governance and Organizations, Box 19350, Arlington, Texas 76019-0350, 817-272-2293.

AD3

AIESEC

Air Force Student Association

Allied Health Society

American Association of Petroleum Geologists

American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics

American Institute of Architecture Students

American Marketing Association

American Production and Inventory Control Society

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Society of Landscape Architects

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Anthropology Club

Arlington Nursing Students Association

Association of Computing Machinery/IEEE-CS

Association of Information Technology Professionals at UTA

Biological Society

Biomedical Engineering Society

Black Student Nurses Association

Chemistry and Biochemistry Society

Chemistry Graduate Students' Association

Criminal Justice Student Organization

Delta Sigma Pi (Business)

Environmental Students Association

Exercise, Sports and Health Society

Finance Society

Geological Society

Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers

Institute of Industrial Engineers

Institute of Transportation Engineers

International Interior Design Association

Lingua: The Linguistics Circle at UTA

Mathematical and Analytical Student Society

Medical and Dental Preparatory Association

Mu Sigma Microbiology Society

National Association of Black Accountants

National Association of Black Journalists

National Association of Business Economists

National Association of Social Workers

National Broadcasting Society

National Society of Black Engineers

Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Music)

Pi Sigma Epsilon (Marketing)

Political Science Graduate Student Organization

Pre-Pharmacy Students Association

Pre-Vet Society

Psychological Society

Public Relations Student Society of America

Real Estate Group

Sigma Alpha Iota (Music)

Society of Automotive Engineers

Society of Graduate Business Students

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

Society of Human Resource Management

Society of Physics Students

Society of Professional Journalists

Society of Television and Radio Students

Society of Women Engineers

Student Art Association

Student Auxiliary of the Accounting Alumni Association

Student National Medical Association

Student Planning Association

Student Reading Association of UTA

Women in Communications, Inc. at UTA

UTA-Hosts!

Student welfare and retention are of primary concern for the U.T. Arlington community. UTA-HOSTS! (Helping Other Students To Succeed) is a peer mentor program sponsored by the Office of Student Governance and Organizations to help new students achieve success their first year on campus. UTA-HOSTS! matches first-year students with upperclass students with a similar major. The upperclass students, or mentors, will help students new to U.T. Arlington gain insight into campus opportunities and resources including important dates and deadlines, academic services and extracurricular activities. Participation in the program is voluntary and open to the student body.

For further information about the program or to apply for a mentee or mentor position, contact the UTA-HOSTS! Office, Lower Level, University Center, Box 19350, Arlington, TX 76019, 817-272-2293.

Intercollegiate Athletics

All men's and women's intercollegiate teams representing U.T. Arlington are members of the Southland Conference. Other conference members are Lamar University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Northeast Louisiana University, Northwestern State University, Sam Houston State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Southwest Texas State University, Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. All U.T. Arlington athletic teams compete in the highest division (Division I) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

•Men's Athletics: Men's intercollegiate teams are fielded in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and track and field. Individuals interested in participating in the U.T. Arlington athletic programs should contact the Athletic Office in the Gilstrap Center, 1309 W. Mitchell St., 817-272-2261.

•Women's Athletics: Women's intercollegiate teams are fielded in basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Individuals wanting to participate should contact the Athletic Office in the Gilstrap Center, 1309 W. Mitchell St., 817-272-2261.

U.T. Arlington students with valid ID cards are admitted without charge to all regular season home athletic contests. All home men's and women's track and field meets will be held in Maverick Stadium. Men's and women's home basketball games and women's home volleyball games are played in Texas Hall. Baseball and softball games are played in Allan Saxe Stadium at Fielder Road and Park Row. Men's and women's tennis matches are played at the Tennis Center.

Department of Recreational Sports

The Department of Recreational Sports provides a diverse offering of recreational and leisure experiences for students, faculty and staff. More than 80 activities in competitive and recreational areas—team, individual and co-recreational—are scheduled throughout the year. For more information, stop by Room 212 of the Activities Building or call 817-272-3277.

Program areas:

•Intramural Sports: Activities range from traditional (volleyball, softball, basketball, football) to nontraditional (bed races, dodgeball, oozeball).

•Informal Recreation: This program centers around the Activities Building which contains racquetball courts, weight rooms, a jogging track, gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball and badminton, and cardiovascular equipment.

•QUEST University Wellness: This program promotes positive wellness behavior through the seven aspects of wellness: social, physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, environmental and spiritual.

•Sports Clubs: Individuals with common sports interests can participate in a variety of sports and activities ranging from soccer to skydiving.

•Recreational Swim: This program utilizes two pools located directly south of the Activities Building. Specific hours are established for the program.

Student Publications

The Shorthorn is the official newspaper of the University community. It is published Tuesday through Friday during long semesters, except on holidays and during examination weeks, and twice a week during the summer semester. Tempo, a features and entertainment magazine, is published weekly during fall and spring.

Funded by the student activity fee and advertising sales, the newspaper and magazines are distributed in all campus buildings and in 40 off-campus locations.

Students with journalism training and experience may apply for scholarships or paid positions. For information, call 817-272-3661.

Photo Identification Cards

Students are strongly urged to retain possession of their photo identification cards at all times. Misuse of University identification is an offense which subjects students to discipline. Students lending their photo identification cards for fraudulent purposes, as well as those making use of them, will be disciplined. The student photo identification card is the property of the University, and a student may be asked to surrender the card for appropriate reasons.

Student Discipline

By enrolling in the University, students neither lose their rights nor escape the responsibilities of citizenship. All students are expected to comply with state and federal laws, the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, U.T. Arlington regulations, and instructions issued by University administrative officials in the course of their duties.

When a student violates the prescribed codes of behavior, disciplinary action may be initiated through the discipline coordinator, Lower Level, University Center.

Information about the rules of conduct, due process procedures and disciplinary penalties 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 these documents are in the Office of the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Lower Level, University Center.

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 Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The fact that a per
son 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

•Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame or humiliation, or that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from entering or remaining registered in an educational institution, or that may reasonably be expected to cause a student to leave the organization or the institution rather than submit to acts described in this subsection

•Any activity that includes, causes or requires the student to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the Penal Code

The University may take disciplinary action for conduct that constitutes hazing regardless of whether authorities prosecute students under provisions of the state statute regarding hazing.

Academic Dishonesty

All students are expected to pursue their scholastic careers with honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test or other coursework, plagiarism (offering the work of another as one's own), and unauthorized collaboration with another person. Students found guilty of dishonesty in their scholastic pursuits are subject to penalties which may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

Institutional procedures regarding charges of academic dishonesty are outlined in Part II, Chapter 2, of the Handbook of Operating Procedures of The University of Texas at Arlington. Copies of the handbook are available at more than 75 locations on campus, including the Student Congress Office, the Central Library and departmental offices. The handbook also may be accessed at the following website: http://ais.uta.edu:80/policy/hop.shtml

Grievances Other Than Grades

In attempting to resolve any student grievance, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. Grievances involving matters other than grades are appealed to the department chair or office director, the academic dean if appropriate, then to the senior vice president for finance and administration, the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, or the vice president for undergraduate academic and student affairs. If the matter remains unresolved at this level, the student may make a final appeal to the president. Appeals to the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost and to the vice president for undergraduate academic and student affairs must be submitted in writing on an appeal form available in academic departments or the Office of the Registrar. (For grievances involving grades, see instructions in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.)

Campus Solicitations

No solicitation shall be conducted on any property, street, or sidewalk, or in any building, structure, or facility owned or controlled by any component institution or the U.T. System unless permitted by the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System

"Solicitation," as defined by the Regents' Rules and Regulations, 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.

Use of Campus Facilities

The property, buildings or facilities owned or controlled by The University of Texas at Arlington are not open for assembly, speech or other activities as are the public streets, sidewalks and parks. No person, organization, group, association or corporation may use property, buildings or facilities owned or controlled by U.T. Arlington for any purpose other than in the course of the regular programs or activities related to the University's role and mission unless authorized by the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System. Any authorized use must be conducted in compliance with the provisions of the Regents' Rules and Regulations, the approved rules and regulations of U.T. Arlington, and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.