Office of General Counsel | General Law | Catalog Checklist | Tuition and Fees Summaries

Catalog Sample Language for UT Institutions

The OGC catalog sample language is a way for us to provide UT institutions with general information about their catalogs. True legal advice must be provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship specifically with reference to all the facts of a particular situation. Such is not the case here, and therefore, this information must not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney.

UT institutions may direct questions or comments regarding the sample language to Priscilla Lozano.

Absences - Military

Admissions

   --Recommended High School
      Program/Standardized Test
      Scores

   --Fresh Start

Criminal Background Checks

Disclaimer

Equal Educational Opportunity

Hazing

Scholarships/Fellowships

Tuition and Fees

   --Changes in Tuition and Fees

   --Selective Service

   --Excess Hours

   --Rebate

   --Tuition Assistance

ABSENCES - MILITARY

Under certain circumstances, a student who is required to participate in active military services is excused from scheduled classes or other required activities and will be allowed to complete an assignment or exam within a reasonable time after the absence. The excused absence is permitted only if the student will not miss more than 25% of the total number of class meetings or the contact hour equivalent (not including the final examination period) for the specific course or courses in which the student is enrolled at the beginning of the period of active military service.

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ADMISSIONS - RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM / STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES

In addition to current university requirements for admission, applicants must also have either:

1. successfully completed the curriculum requirements for the recommended or advanced high school program or its equivalent; or
2. satisfied ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT assessment applicable to the applicant or earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 or the equivalent.

The above requirement may be satisfied if the applicant's official high school transcript or diploma states that the applicant completed the portion of the recommended or advanced curriculum or its equivalent that was available to the applicant, but was unable to complete the remainder of the curriculum solely because courses necessary to complete the remainder were unavailable to the applicant at the appropriate times in the applicant's high school career as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another cause not within the applicant's control.

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ADMISSIONS - FRESH START

NOTE: Include both paragraphs in undergraduate and postgraduate/professional catalogs:

Undergraduate Programs

An applicant for undergraduate admission who is a Texas resident may seek to enter this institution pursuant to the "academic fresh start" statute, Texas Education Code, Section 51.931. When the applicant informs the admissions office in writing of the election, the institution will not consider in the admissions decision any academic course credits or grades earned by the applicant 10 or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll. An applicant who makes the election to apply under this statute may not receive any course credit for courses taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment under academic fresh start.

Postgraduate/Professional Programs

An applicant who has earned a baccalaureate degree under the "academic fresh start" statute, Texas Education Code, Section 51.931, and applies for admission to a postgraduate or professional program will be evaluated on only the grade point average of the course of work completed for that baccalaureate degree and the other criteria stated herein for admission to the postgraduate or professional program.

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CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

Where criminal background checks are required and reviewed by UT prior to admission or educational experience placement:

Certain programs require students to submit to and satisfactorily complete a background check review as a condition of admission and/or participation in education experiences. Students who refuse to submit to a background check or who do not pass the background check may be dismissed from the program. See [link to institution policy regarding student background checks (see OGC Model Policy)].

Where criminal background checks are required and reviewed by affiliated facilities prior to placing a student, i.e. student teaching internships:

Many Texas school districts require applicants for student teaching or field experiences to undergo a criminal history background check prior to placement in the school district. School districts may deny placement of students with a criminal background. If a school district denies a placement for this reason, the UT [institution] Office of Student Teaching and Field Experiences may attempt to assist the student in obtaining a placement in an alternate district. Students should be aware, however, that if they are unable to obtain a placement they will not meet UT [institution]’s requirements for a teaching degree or teacher certification. Additionally, The Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) regulates the certification of educators to teach Texas public school children. Before an individual can be certified, SBEC must conduct a criminal history background check to ensure an applicant’s suitability to interact with children. Working with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the agency conducts statewide criminal history background checks on all applicants for educator certification. Students pursuing educator preparation should be aware that some criminal histories may lead to the denial of certification as a teacher. Students may obtain additional information from SBEC.

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DISCLAIMER

This language is to be placed on the front cover of the catalog in bold type:

DISCLAIMER

This catalog is a general information publication only. It is not intended to nor does it contain all regulations that relate to students. The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student or faculty member and The University of Texas [institution] or The University of Texas System. The University of Texas [institution] reserves the right to withdraw courses at any time, to change fees or tuition, calendar, curriculum, degree requirements, graduation procedures, and any other requirements affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled.

This language may be included in the Graduation Requirements section of the catalog:

GRADUATION UNDER A PARTICULAR CATALOG

General and specific requirements for degrees may be altered in successive catalogs. A student is bound by the requirements of the catalog in force at the time of his/her admission; however, a student must complete all requirements within seven years or be subject to degree requirements of subsequent catalogs. The student who is required to or chooses to fulfill the requirements of a subsequent catalog must have his/her amended degree plan approved by the appropriate Dean.

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EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Statement of Equal Educational Opportunity

To the extent provided by applicable law, no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program, or activity sponsored or conducted by The University of Texas System or any of its institutions on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

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HAZING

Hazing in state educational institutions is prohibited by both state law (Sections 51.936 & 37.151 et seq., Texas Education Code) and by the Regents' Rules and Regulations (Rule 50101). Individuals or organizations engaging in hazing could be subject to fines and charged with criminal offenses. Additionally, the law does not affect or in any way restrict the right of the University to enforce its own rules against hazing.

INDIVIDUALS

A person commits an offense if the person:

1. engages in hazing;
2. solicits, encourages, directs, aids or attempts to aid another engaging in hazing;
3. recklessly permits hazing to occur; or
4. has firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution, or has firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred, and knowingly fails to report that knowledge in writing to the dean of students or other appropriate official of the institution.

ORGANIZATIONS

An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.

DEFINITION

The term “hazing” is broadly defined by statute to mean any 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 an organization. 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 subject the student to unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
• any activity involving the consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug or other substance 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 that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame or humiliation, 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 subdivision; and
• any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code.

The fact that a person consented to or acquiesced in a hazing activity is not a defense to prosecution.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents' Rules and Regulations, Rule 50101, Sec. 2.8 provides that, "Any student who, acting singly or in concert with others, engages in hazing is subject to discipline. Hazing in State educational institutions is prohibited by State law (Texas Education Code, Section 51.936). Hazing with or without the consent of a student whether on or off campus is prohibited, and a violation of that prohibition renders both the person inflicting the hazing and the person submitting to the hazing subject to discipline. Initiations or activities of organizations may include no feature that is dangerous, harmful, or degrading to the student, and a violation of this prohibition renders both the organization and participating individuals subject to discipline."

Hazing with or without the consent of a student is prohibited by the System, and a violation of that prohibition renders both the person inflicting the hazing and the person submitting to the hazing subject to discipline. Initiations or activities by organizations may include no feature which is dangerous, harmful, or degrading to the student, and a violation of this prohibition renders both the organization and participating individuals subject to discipline. Activities which under certain conditions constitute acts that are dangerous, harmful, or degrading, in violation of Rules include but are not limited to: calisthenics, such as sit-ups, push-ups, or any other form of physical exercise; total or partial nudity at any time; the eating or ingestion of any unwanted substance; the wearing or carrying of any obscene or physically burdensome article; paddle swats, including the trading of swats; pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact; throwing oil, syrup, flour, or any harmful substance on a person; rat court, kangaroo court, or other individual interrogation; forced consumption of alcoholic beverages either by threats or peer pressure; lineups intended to demean or intimidate; transportation and abandonment (road trips, kidnaps, walks, rides, drops); confining individuals in an area that is uncomfortable or dangerous (hot box effect, high temperature, too small); any type of personal servitude that is demeaning or of personal benefit to the individual members; wearing of embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing; assigning pranks such as stealing; painting objects; harassing other organizations; intentionally messing up the house or room for clean up; demeaning names; yelling and screaming; and requiring boxing matches or fights for entertainment.

IMMUNITY

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 in good faith and without malice to the dean of students or other appropriate official of the institution and immunizes that person for participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from that report. Additionally, a doctor or other medical practitioner who treats a student who may have been subjected to hazing may make a good faith report of the suspected hazing activities to police or other law enforcement officials and is immune from civil or other liability that might otherwise be imposed or incurred as a result of the 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 include fines from $500 to $10,000 and/or confinement for up to two years.

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SCHOLARSHIPS / FELLOWSHIPS

Information about a variety of scholarships awarded on the basis of academic merit and achievement is available from the Office of Financial Aid. The University of Texas [institution] at also offers a number of endowed scholarships that are administered by a school or program.

Graduate scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholastic excellence and adequate preparation for graduate study in the student’s chosen field, as shown by the student’s academic record. Scholarship eligibility criteria include admission into a degree program, enrollment in course work leading to the degree, reasonable progress in the degree program, good academic standing, GPA, and in some cases test scores, references and personal statements. There are additional specific qualifications for scholarships in various areas of study. Students are encouraged to contact their school dean or program office to obtain information about eligibility criteria and scholarships awarded in the student’s area of study.

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TUITION AND FEES - CHANGES TO TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees are subject to change by legislative or regental action and become effective on the date enacted. The Texas Legislature does not set the specific amount for any particular student fee. The student fees assessed above are authorized by state statute; however, the specific fee amounts and the determination to increase fees are made by the university administration and The University of Texas System Board of Regents.

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TUITION AND FEES - SELECTIVE SERVICE

Students subject to selective service registration will be required to file a statement that the student has registered or is exempt from selective service registration in order to be eligible apply for federal financial aid In addition, effective January 1, 1998, the selective service requirement is also applicable to students applying for financial assistance funded by State revenue.

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TUITION AND FEES - EXCESS HOURS

UNDERGRADUATE

As authorized by state law, a student who pays resident tuition rates and who attempts hours that exceed a designated limit will be charged [a higher tuition rate of $[xx.00] per semester credit hour OR nonresident tuition rates]. The designated limit for a student who initially enrolled in an institution of higher education in Fall 1999 through Summer 2006 is 45 credit hours beyond the required hours for the student's declared degree program. The designated limit for a student who initially enroll in an institution of higher education in Fall 2006 or later is 30 credit hours beyond the hours required for completion of the student’s degree program.

The following semester credit hours are not included in the calculation:

1. semester credit hours earned by the student 10 or more years before the date the student begins the new degree program under the Academic Fresh Start Program of the Texas Education Code, § 51.931;
2. hours earned by the student before receiving a baccalaureate degree that has previously been awarded to the student;
3. hours earned by the student by examination or similar method without registering for a course
4. hours from remedial and developmental courses, workforce education courses, or other courses that would not generate academic credit that could be applied to a degree at the institution if the course work is within the 27-hour limit at two-year colleges and the 18-hour limit at general academic institutions;
5. hours earned by the student at a private institution or an out-of-state institution; and
6. hours not eligible for formula funding.

For more information contact the Registrar Office at [(xxx) xxx-xxxx].

GRADUATE

A resident doctoral student who has a total of 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral work at an institution of higher education is required to pay nonresident doctoral tuition rates. Contact [(xxx) xxx-xxxx] for more information.

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TUITION AND FEES - REBATE

Resident students entering a baccalaureate degree program on or after September 1, 1997 may be eligible for a tuition rebate of up to $1,000 if the student:

1. is awarded a baccalaureate degree; and
2. has attempted no more than three hours in excess of the minimum number of semester credit hours required to complete the degree, including transfer credits and course credit earned exclusively by examination.

For more information contact [(xxx) xxx-xxxx].

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TUITION AND FEES - TUITION ASSISTANCE

The Texas Education Coordinating Board administers various tuition assistance programs including programs for teachers and vocational nursing students. Further information about these programs may be obtained by [___________________________].

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