The University of Texas at Arlington

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions by Students

• Why did I receive a letter from the Office of Student Conduct?
• What is a referral, and who can submit a referral to your office?
• Do I have to schedule an appointment with the Office of Student Conduct?
• What policies do I need to know to avoid breaking a policy?
• Why do I have a hold on my enrollment?
• Can I have the hold removed?
• Does the University have any written policy about information from student records that can be shared with parents?
• What is FERPA and where can I find out more information?
• What is a discipline meeting?
• Can my mom/dad attend the discipline meeting with me?
• What is a hearing?
• What should I do if I'm accused of scholastic dishonesty?
• Can the Office of Student Conduct help me to address a grade concern?

Why did I receive a letter from the Office of Student Conduct?
The Office of Student Conduct sends summons letters and request-to-appear letters to students either involved in or witness to a policy violation. These letters allow a conduct officer for the Office of Student Conduct to investigate the information provided in referrals and to determine whether a disciplinary sanction is required.

What is a referral, and who can submit a referral to your office?
A referral is the first step in the discipline process. The referral provides the Office of Student Conduct with information that a student allegedly violated a university policy. The Office of Student Conduct receives referrals from faculty, staff, and students regarding a variety of policy violations. Read more about the discipline process.

Do I have to schedule an appointment with the Office of Student Conduct?
If you have received a summons letter from the Office of Student Conduct, and fail to attend the appointment set by the Office of Student Conduct or do not reschedule the appointment, the conduct officer may make a decision in your absence or may place a "hold" on your enrollment and move forward with a University hearing.

What policies do I need to know to avoid breaking a policy?
All University students are expected to adhere: to the civil and penal statutes of the State of Texas and the United States, the Regents' Rules and Regulations of the University of Texas System, the rules and regulations of the University of Texas at Arlington, the orders or instructions issued by an administrative official of the University or UT System in the course of his/her duties, and the standards of conduct that are compatible with the University's function as an educational institution. Read the UT Arlington Code of Conduct.

Why do I have a hold on my enrollment?
A hold may be placed on your enrollment either for failure to attend your meeting with a conduct officer, or if you failed to complete a disciplinary sanction by the assigned deadline. The hold will be removed once you meet with the conduct officer, or complete the sanction.

Can I have the hold removed?
The hold will only be removed after you have either met with a conduct officer, or you have completed all sanctions that are due.

Does the University have any written policy about information from student records that can be shared with parents?
Yes. Like other colleges and universities across the country, the University is subject to a federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also called "FERPA" or the "Buckley Amendment"). FERPA sets privacy standards for student educational records and requires institutions to publish a compliance statement, including a statement of related institutional policies. Read more about FERPA and FERPA regulations.

What is FERPA and where can I find out more information?
FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also called "FERPA" or the "Buckley Amendment"). It is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, and it sets privacy standards for student educational records and requires institutions to publish a compliance statement, including a statement of related institutional policies. Read more about FERPA and FERPA regulations.

What is a discipline meeting?
A discipline meeting is the opportunity for a conduct officer for the Office of Student Conduct to discuss the allegations made against you in a referral. At this meeting, the referral will be discussed and you will be given the opportunity to give your version of the incident and to ask any question you may have regarding the allegations. During the discipline meeting, if you do not dispute the allegations, you can accept responsibility by signing a responsibility form and waiving your right to a hearing. When the facts are disputed, the case may be referred to a formal hearing. Read more about the disciplinary meeting.

Can my mom/dad attend the discipline meeting with me?
Discipline meetings are held with just the student; however, you can sign a consent form releasing your confidential information, which allows your parent(s) to attend the discipline meeting with you. Anyone other than the student will not be permitted in the discipline meeting without this consent form. This form can be found in the Office of Student Conduct.

What is a hearing?
A hearing is the formal decision-making option you may choose if you dispute the facts alleged in the discipline meeting. A fair and impartial Hearing Officer will listen to evidence presented by both a representative from the Office of Student Conduct and the student to make a decision on the alleged violations.

What should I do if I'm accused of scholastic dishonesty?
Students are encouraged to be aware of the polices in the Student Code of Conduct. If you are accused of scholastic dishonesty, you will meet with your professor and either accept or deny responsibility. You may be able to resolve your concerns with your professor prior to meeting with the conduct officer for the Office of Student Conduct. Read more information about academic integrity and the discipline process.

Can the Office of Student Conduct help me to address a grade concern?
The Office of Student Conduct does not review or pursue academic performance issues. All students are encouraged to talk directly with their professor about any grade concerns. If the issue is not resolved, you should discuss the matter with the dean or department chair.