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Current regulations are applicable to every student enrolled, regardless of the date of admission. Interpretations or explanations contrary to the regulations herein set forth shall not be binding upon the University.

Students are responsible for being aware of

1. the current academic regulations and calendar of the University;

2. the general and specific degree requirements in the major field;

3. those policies which apply to registration;

4. their academic status including eligibility to re-enroll in the University. An ineligible

student who enrolls will be dropped. General academic regulations are contained in this

section of the University Catalog. Degree requirements and those specific to a given major

field can be found in the pertinent college and departmental sections. Registration policies,

procedures, and schedules can be found in this section and in the Class Schedule.

Clarification and assistance can be obtained from the academic deans, department

chairpersons, and official departmental academic advisors.

Students are bound by the academic regulations in effect at the time of each registration, including those recent changes that appear in the Class Schedule.

The Admissions Office prepares generic evaluations of transfer work for undergraduate students who have attended accredited or nationally recognized institutions and earned academic credit in areas that parallel programs offered at UTEP. Evaluations are prepared and mailed to students after they have been admitted to the University.

In general, grades of "C" or better earned in academic courses at fully accredited colleges and universities are evaluated on the same basis as if the work had been completed at UTEP. Whenever possible, equivalent course numbers are given; if there are no equivalents, elective credit is given.

Only courses with grades of "A," " B," "C," "D," "Credit" or "Pass" are evaluated, and quarter hours are converted to semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by two-thirds. Credit hours transfer to the University. A transfer grade point average is not computed, and transfer grades are not calculated into the UTEP grade point average.

A maximum of 66 semester hours, limited to freshman and sophomore level work, is transferable from two-year institutions. Transfer credit for engineering courses is granted only for work completed at ABET-accredited institutions. The applicability of all courses to the degree plan, including those with grades of "D," is determined by the student's academic dean. Each student should have the academic dean's office prepare a degree plan by the time 60 semester hours have been earned.

The University of Texas at El Paso participates in the Texas Common Course Numbering System, which was developed to facilitate the transfer of general academic courses among Texas colleges and universities. Common courses are those freshman and sophomore level courses taught throughout Texas which correspond with the general description of courses or category of courses included in the Community College General Academic Course Guide Manual. A UTEP course determined to be equivalent to a course listed in the Guide has the common course number listed next to the UTEP course title in the individual college sections of this catalog. Students interested in transferring can refer to the common course number in each college or university catalog to determine course transferability among institutions.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has issued guidelines for the resolution of transfer disputes between Texas colleges and universities. These guidelines are designed to facilitate the transfer of lower-division courses and to clarify for students their rights and responsibilities as potential transfer students. The transfer curricula shall be as prescribed by the current issue of the Coordinating Board's guide to transfer curricula and transfer of credit.

If a public institution of higher education does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, that institution shall give written notice to the student and the other institution that the transfer of the course credit is denied. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with the Coordinating Board rules and/or guidelines.

If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the institution at which the credit was earned within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of the denial, the institution whose credit is denied shall notify the Commissioner of Higher Education or the Commissioner's designee who shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the student and institutions.

Questions concerning the evaluation of transfer credit should be referred to the Admissions Office. UTEP students who have difficulty having UTEP credit accepted at other Texas public institutions should contact the director of admissions at UTEP for initiation of the transfer dispute resolution process.

The University recognizes academic achievement acquired through means other than performance in organized classes. There are five ways in which course credit may be earned. These include the College Entrance Examination Board's College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Subject and General Examinations, CEEB Advanced Placement Examinations, SAT II Subject Tests, DANTES Subject Examinations, and Departmental Examinations prepared, administered, and scored by UTEP faculty members who teach the course. Official score reports must be sent directly to the Admissions Office from the testing agency. Departmental test results and recommendations must be sent directly to the Records Office. Credit earned by examination is recorded on the official UTEP academic record after the student's first semester of enrollment at the University.

7. All decisions regarding specific tests for credit or placement, cut-off scores, and eligibility to take examinations are made by the appropriate academic department with the concurrence of the academic dean. Changes made in the regulations, tests, and cut-off scores become effective at the end of the semester in which the change is approved.

UTEP is pleased to offer university credit based on successful completion

of the nationally recognized and departmental examinations listed below.

Credit for non-traditional experiences is awarded based on American Council on Education recommendations published in the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs and the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services when such recommendations parallel courses offered at UTEP. Direct course equivalents are given for freshman and sophomore-level ACE recommendations where applicable. Lower-division or advanced elective credit will be given for other ACE recommendations where appropriate. The student�s academic dean or department will determine the applicability of elective credit to the student�s degree plan. Official records verifying course completion from the appropriate source or from the ACE Registry of Credit Recommendations must be submitted to the Admissions Office. If an AARTS transcript is not available for military experience, official copies of the certificates of completion must be submitted.

All entering students must satisfy placement testing and pre-enrollment TASP requirements. These requirements can be satisfied by completing the MAPS placement tests offered at UTEP. Transfer students who have college-level credit in English or Mathematics may be exempt from the placement testing requirements, but must satisfy the pre-enrollment TASP requirement. Transfer students should contact the Admissions Office to determine appropriate placement and TASP status.

Retakes can be used for placement purposes but will not change TASP status after first test administration. There are no reading retakes. Credit is not awarded for these examinations. The following is a list of available placement exams.

The Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) placement examination is required of all students whose secondary education was not in English and who took the TOEFL or PAA for admission. Students enrolling in the ESOL Program are expected to complete the appropriate course sequence. Students may retest only if they have not enrolled in an ESOL course during the 12 months following the test date, or with approval of the ESOL Coordinator, if they provide proof that they have attended ESOL classes at another institution. For further information concerning the placement examinations or information about time and place of the exams, contact the Student Assessment and Testing Office, Education Building, Suite 210, or call (915) 747-5009.

The TASP test is designed to determine whether students possess the basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics necessary for university course work. In accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 51.306, all students who enter public institutions of higher education must take the TASP test prior to enrollment at the University.

Although every effort is made to advise students academically, final responsibility for registration rests with the student. Students can attend only those classes for which they are officially enrolled. A student is not enrolled in a course and will not receive a grade for it unless the proper fees are paid by the deadlines published in the Class Schedule or unless arrangements have been made for deferral of payment with the Student business Services Office. After registration, class enrollments can be verified with the Records Office.

Any student who, with proper permission, registers after the appointed days for registering will be required to pay a special charge of $20.00 for the late telephone and Web registration process, $30.00 for in-person late registration, and $50.00 on or after the first class day. A new student will have the late registration fee waived as long as registration is made prior to the first day of classes. Late registrants are subject to the same regulations and course requirements as students who enroll on time. Each class missed because of late registration will be counted as an absence, and class or laboratory work missed will be counted as zero unless the instructor grants permission to make up the work.

Courses may be audited under the following provisions:

1. Audit-only students will be afforded use of the Library through the purchase of a

community user card and access to campus parking through the purchase of a parking

decal, but they may not enjoy other student privileges such as ID's, tickets to events,

and the health service.

2. Audit registration must be filed after classes have begun and prior to the twelfth day of

class during the long semesters, and, by the sixth day of class during the summer

session. Students should report to the Records counter to obtain an Audit

Registration form.

3. This form must then be signed by the instructor teaching the course and the

1. $5.00 per course for students concurrently enrolled at UTEP for other

courses

2. $25.00 per course for students not concurrently enrolled at UTEP for other

The audit fees are charged to defray the expense of administering the audit and are non-refundable.

ACADEMIC FRESH START PROGRAM (Texas Education Code, 51.931)

An applicant for admission who is a Texas resident may seek to enter the University under the Academic Fresh Start Program. The University will not consider in the admission decision any academic course work or grades earned 10 or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll. For further information about the Academic Fresh Start Program, refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

At the time of reinstatement to the University after an absence of at least two academic years, a student has the option of:

1. continuing with the academic record and GPA as they stand, and completing all remaining

requirements for graduation; or

2. beginning anew, with no courses attempted earlier at UTEP counted toward the degree, nor

counted in the cumulative GPA calculations. This option may be elected only once.

If option (1) is chosen, the GPA will be computed according to rules in force at the time of

re-entry. If option (2) is chosen, notation will be made in the student's record indicating that

portion of the record which is to be involved in computing requirements for graduation.

There is no assurance that courses attempted prior to this option will be accepted as transfer credit by another institution. In either case, all courses taken and grades earned will remain on the official academic record. Pursuit of the degree under either option does not exempt the student from the provisions of the "seven-year rule" (see Catalog Requirements below).

If the student was not eligible to re-enroll at the end of the last period of enrollment at the University, negotiation of a Petition for Reinstatement with the academic dean of either the previous or intended major is required at the time of reinstatement. The petition will specify which of the two options has been chosen.

The student should refer to the academic calendar at the beginning of this catalog or in the Class Schedule to identify the period during which adds, drops, withdrawals, and pass/fail registration may be accomplished. All student changes in registration must follow the procedures outlined in the Class Schedule.

Withdrawal from Courses

If a student withdraws from a course prior to the official census date of any semester, the course will be deleted from the student�s record. Withdrawal from a course initiated by a student after the census date but prior to the course drop deadline (end of the 8th week of a long semester or end of the 4th week during a summer session), will result in a grade of "W." After the course drop deadline, withdrawal from a course initiated by a student will result in a grade of "F."

A grade of "W" can be assigned after the course drop deadline only under exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the instructor and the academic dean for the course. The student must petition for the "W" grade in writing and provide the necessary supporting documentation.

It is the student�s responsibility to officially drop any course that he or she no longer wishes to attend. Failure to do so may result in a grade of "F" on the student�s academic record. Students dropping all classes are withdrawing from the University and should consult the paragraphs on "Withdrawal from the University."

At the discretion of the instructor, a student may be dropped from a course because of excessive absences or lack of effort with a grade of "W" before the course drop deadline and with a grade of "F" after the course drop deadline. A copy of the Faculty Drop Form will be mailed to the student by the Records Office.

A grade of "F" received due to the disciplinary sanction imposed by the University overrides a grade of "W" received through a student-initiated withdrawal.

Withdrawal from the University must be done through the Records Office. If the withdrawal is completed prior to the deadline for student-initiated course drops, the student will receive "W"s. If the withdrawal is completed after that deadline, instructors will determine grades of "W" or "F."

The student is expected to attend all classes and laboratory sessions. It is the responsibility of the student to inform each instructor of extended absences. When, however, in the judgment of the instructor, a student has been absent to such a degree as to impair his or her status relative to credit for the course, the instructor may drop the student from the class with a grade of "W" before the course drop deadline and with a grade of "F" after the course drop deadline.

Students who will be absent while representing the University in officially recognized University activities (sports, band, professional conferences, etc.) must notify the Dean of Students not less than ten days prior to the absence. The Dean of Students will provide the student with a letter of excuse for the professor. It is the student�s responsibility to give the letter to the professor prior to the official recognized activity. Students following these procedures will be permitted to make up both assignments and examinations in consultation with instructors.

Section 51.925 of the Texas Education Code related to absences by students for observance of religious holy days states that the institution will allow a student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence when the following conditions are met. The student must notify the instructor of each course (not later than the 15th day of the semester) that the student will be absent for a religious holy day. The student's notification must be in writing and must be either (a) delivered by the student personally to the instructor of each class, with receipt of the notification acknowledged and dated by the instructor, or (b) by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the instructor of each class. The student may not be penalized for these excused absences if the missed assignment or examination is completed within a reasonable time.

"Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code.

A student absent from a test during the semester is graded zero unless another policy is set by the instructor.

Freshman...........Fewer than 30 semester hours of credit

Sophomore........30-59 semester hours of credit

Junior................60-89 semester hours of credit

Senior................90 or more semester hours of credit

Each course offered by The University of Texas at El Paso is identified by a four-digit course number. The first number indicates the level: 0 = precollege or remedial, 1 = freshman,

2 = sophomore, 3 = junior, 4 = senior, 5 or 6 = graduate. The second number indicates the semester hour value of the course. The last two numbers identify the course within its particular department.

Lower-Division Courses are designated by a 1 or 2 as the first digit of the course number.

Upper-Division (Advanced) Courses are designated by 3 or 4 as the first digit of the course number. The student should refer to the departmental and college requirements for specific conditions, if any, imposed on registration in advanced courses.

Graduate Courses are designated by a 5 or 6 as the first digit of the course number.

Maximum credit load per long semester is 21 hours and an appropriately shorter load per summer session. Written permission of the academic dean must be secured to take more than the maximum load; students must have a GPA above 2.0 to seek permission.

Full-time students are those who are registered for 12 or more semester hours in a long semester or for 9 or more semester hours in a summer session. All other undergraduate students are classified as part-time.

Students who are not Eligible to Enroll without conditions such as those who are on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension/Dismissal, or who have been readmitted or reinstated from such conditions, or who are in provisional admission status, will have course load conditions imposed by their advisor or dean. See the section entitled Standards of Academic Performance.

For enrollment verification to financial aid, loan agencies, insurance companies, VA, etc., the categories listed below will be followed. Students are encouraged to enroll in the appropriate number of credit hours as specified by the agencies.

Fall and Spring:

full-time = 12 or more hours per semester

� time = 9 - 11 hours per semester

� time = 6 - 8 hours per semester

less than � time = 5 or fewer hours per semester

Summer:

full-time = 9 or more hours

� time = 7 - 8 hours

� time = 6 hours

less than � time = 5 or few hours

Some courses are graded only on a Pass/Fail basis (grade of "S" or "U"). Such courses are identified in the Class Schedule. These courses may be presented in fulfillment of degree requirements if so specified on the student's degree plan.

In addition, an undergraduate student whose cumulative grade point average is 2.0 or higher may take courses on a Pass/Fail basis with the following conditions:

1. A maximum of four courses attempted on a Pass/Fail basis may be used in fulfillment of

degree requirements, as free electives only.

2. Such courses may not be reserved for graduate credit.

3. Not more than two such courses may be taken in a long semester or one in a summer session.

4. Courses taken on a Pass/Fail basis may not be counted toward the minimum residency

requirements.

5. To obtain credit for the course, the student must meet the minimum standard and do all

assigned work required for the grade of "A," "B," "C," or "D."

6. No course graded Pass/Fail may be presented in fulfillment of any degree requirement in the

College of Engineering.

7. Business majors may not take any course offered by the College of Business Administration

on a Pass/Fail basis.

To enroll on a Pass/Fail basis in courses that are not normally graded Pass/Fail, a student must:

1. Obtain a Pass/Fail form and approved signature from the academic dean of his/her college.

1. Submit the approved form to the Records Office by the submission deadline listed in the

Class Schedule.

Election of the Pass/Fail option is irrevocable after the submissions deadline. Pass/Fail courses are not included in the calculation of grade point average. There is no assurance that Pass/Fail courses will be accepted as transfer credit by another institution.

Assignment of the grade "I" is made only in exceptional circumstances and requires the instructor to file with the academic dean an outline of the work to be completed and the time span (no longer than one calendar year) allowable for completion. In no case may repetition of the course be assigned as work to be completed. If the work has not been done at the end of the specified time, the "I" will be changed to an "F." A student may not enroll in a course in which he/she has an unresolved grade of "I."

The grade of "P" (in progress) is limited to specific courses in which re-enrollment is required. This includes all thesis courses (5398-5399, 6320-6321), graduate internships, and certain undergraduate courses.

In most instances, a student may enroll in an undergraduate class a maximum of three times, EXCEPT WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE STUDENT'S ACADEMIC DEAN. A student may enroll more than three times in a variable-topic, studio, performance, workshop, or other course that is identified as "may be repeated for credit." This includes enrollments that result in a grade of "W," "F," "D," or "P." It does not apply to courses taken prior to a students' re-enrolling under "Option 2" of Reinstatement After Extended Absence, or Academic Fresh Start. Individual colleges may have more restrictive policies.

A student may not enroll in a course in which a grade of "C" or higher has been previously earned (except for a variable-topic, studio, performance, workshop or other course that is identified as "may be repeated for credit"). Moreover, a student may not enroll in a course in which he or she has an unresolved grade of "I."

Students may repeat courses at UTEP under either of the following conditions:

1. Repetition without GPA recalculation: all grades earned remain on the record AND in the

GPA calculations.

2. Repetition with GPA recalculation: all grades earned remain on the record BUT the

Courses completed at UTEP may be repeated for credit only at this institution, except by permission of a student's academic dean. A college may require that a student obtain permission before repeating a course at UTEP without recalculation. Freshman-level courses repeated for the first time at UTEP AUTOMATICALLY entail GPA recalculation if a grade of "A," "B," "C," "D," or "F" is earned when the course is repeated.

With the exception of freshman-level courses repeated for the first time, repetition of courses at UTEP with GPA recalculation is normally not possible; exceptions require approval of the dean of the college in which the student is majoring. Approval is certified when the college submits a PETITION FOR GPA RECALCULATION form, on behalf of the student, to the Records Office.

Any GPA recalculation, as well as annotation of the academic record with the symbol (E), will be done following receipt of final grades for the semester during which a course eligible for GPA recalculation is repeated.

A course grade received as a result of disciplinary action is not eligible for grade replacement for GPA recalculation. The notation (D) after a grade indicates that the course is not eligible for grade replacement for GPA recalculation.

Grade replacement of GPA calculation will not be made after graduation.

NOTE: UTEP students are cautioned that under no circumstances may a course taken at this institution and repeated at another college or university be eligible for GPA recalculation, even if the student is involved in first-time repetition of a freshman-level course. Courses transferred to UTEP are not calculated in a student's GPA.

RESERVATION OF WORK BY UNDERGRADUATES FOR GRADUATE CREDIT

Ordinarily, undergraduates are barred from graduate courses. A student who already has a baccalaureate degree is not eligible to reserve courses for graduate credit but it is possible for undergraduate seniors to register in graduate courses in their last semester under the following conditions:

1. The undergraduate must lack not more than 12 semester hours (or 6 semester hours in

summer session) of work to complete all requirements for the first baccalaureate

degree and must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in junior and senior courses.

2. These 12 hours (or less) must all be completed in the same semester or summer session in

which the graduate courses are taken.

3. Total registration for all work must not exceed 15 semester hours (or 9 hours in a summer

session).

4. All enrollment in graduate courses must be approved prior to registration by the graduate

5. This option is limited to one term.

An undergraduate cannot count credit for graduate courses toward the baccalaureate degree. It will be reserved for credit toward a graduate degree. A form for reserving courses is available in the Office of Graduate Student Services. Approval to reserve work for graduate credit neither constitutes nor implies admission to any graduate program.

In mid-semester, all freshmen will receive midterm grades. This midterm grade report is designed to give students an early indication on their progress during the freshman semesters. Midterm grades are not recorded on the student�s academic record, nor computed in the cumulative grade point average and academic standing.

This specific day will be scheduled one day after the last day of classes only during the fall and spring semesters. The following policy will be observed:

1. No classes will be held on this day, except classes which meet once a week on that day;

2. Make-up exams should be left to the discretion of each individual instructor;

3. 3. All student work (i.e., research papers, lab reports, term paper, etc.) should be due prior
4. to this day;

4. If a comprehensive final is given, no new material, quizzes, or exams should be given two

calendar days prior to "Dead Day" and attention should be given to reviewing of semester

material. Implementation of this recommendation is to be left to the discretion of the

individual instructor.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS

Exemption from final examinations may not be given. Final examinations are scheduled to be two hours, forty-five minutes in length and take place during the final examination period. It is the policy of the University not to administer a second final examination in a course.

GRADES AND GRADE POINTS

Grade Points

Grade Meaning per Semester Hour

A Excellent 4

B Good 3

C Average 2

D Below Average but Passing 1

F Failure 0

The above grades are included in the grade point average (GPA), which is calculated as follows: (1) multiply the semester hours of credit in each course by the number shown above for the grade received in that course; (2) divide the total grade points earned by the sum of the semester hours attempted in courses in which one of the above grades was earned.

The following grades are not included in grade point average calculations:

Grade Meaning

I Incomplete

S Satisfactory, in a Pass/Fail course

U Unsatisfactory, in a Pass/Fail course

P In Progress

W Withdrawal

CR Transfer credit or credit by examination

A* Satisfactory

B* Satisfactory

C* Satisfactory

D* Unsatisfactory

F* Unsatisfactory

S* Satisfactory

U* Unsatisfactory

N A temporary administrative grading notation often meaning not reported by the faculty or some other administrative problem

GRADE CHANGES

A student must submit in writing to his/her academic dean, for which the course of instruction is under, their request for a grade change before the end of one year after the semester in which the course in question was taken; however, a graduating student must request a grade change within three months after the last day of final examinations of the last semester enrolled.

STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Undergraduate students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0, a "C" average for all work attempted at UTEP, and at least a GPA of 2.0 for all course work required in the major field of study. These are University-wide minimum requirements for the conferral of any bachelor�s degree, but higher minimum standards of performance are required in some programs.

When final grades of each term are posted to the student academic record, both term GPA (for the semester or session just ended) and cumulative GPA (for all work attempted at UTEP) are included. In addition, designations appropriate to the student�s past academic performance and eligibility to re-enroll at the University are included. These designations are:

Eligible to Re-enroll

A student whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher is eligible to re-enroll.

Academic Probation

A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation must have permission to re-enroll. Students in an entering student program should seek this permission from their entering student advisor. Other students should seek this permission from their academic dean. A student will remain on academic probation as long as the term GPA is at least 2.0, and the cumulative GPA is below 2.0.

Academic Suspension for One Semester

A student on academic probation whose term GPA is below 2.0 will be placed on academic suspension for one semester. A student thus suspended MAY NOT re-enroll at the University until one long semester of full summer session has elapsed, following which, if the student wishes to re-enroll, he/she must negotiate a Petition for Reinstatement with the academic dean. If the petition is approved, the student will be permitted to re-enroll under academic probation, plus any special conditions that may be imposed by the academic dean.

Academic Suspension for One Year

A student on academic probation who has already been placed on academic suspension for one semester, and whose term GPA is less than 2.0, will be placed on academic suspension for one year. A student thus suspended MAY NOT re-enroll at the University until one full calendar year has elapsed, following which, if the student wishes to re-enroll, he/she must negotiate a Petition for Reinstatement with the academic dean of the previous major or, if the student is selecting a new major, the dean of the intended new major. If reinstated, the student will be permitted to re-enroll under academic probation, plus any special conditions of the Petition for Reinstatement.

Academic Suspension For Two Years

A student who has been placed on academic suspension for one year and whose semester and cumulative GPA is below 2.0 will be placed on academic suspension for two years. A student thus suspended MAY NOT re-enroll at the University until two full calendar years have elapsed, following which, if the student wishes to re-enroll, he/she must negotiate a Petition for Reinstatement with the academic dean of the previous major or, if the student is selecting a new major, the dean of the intended new major. If reinstated, the student will be permitted to re-enroll under academic probation, plus any special conditions of the Petition for Reinstatement.

Any appeal from the regulations governing academic performance shall be directed to the dean of the college in which the student is a major, who is empowered to grant relief in unusual cases if the circumstances warrant such action. Any student who attempts to circumvent the academic performance regulations is subject to disciplinary action.

COLLEGE/MAJOR ACADEMIC STANDING

Selected colleges or majors may also require students to maintain a 2.0 GPA for courses taken within the college or within the major. A student whose college/major GPA falls below a 2.0 after completing a specified minimum number of hours of the designated course work in the college/major will be placed on probation within the college/major. This minimum shall be nine hours unless specified differently on the degree requirements for the college/major.

If the student's college/major GPA remains below a 2.0 after completing nine additional hours of course work in the college/major [or the designated college/major probationary period (see individual degree requirements to determine the applicable probationary period)], the student will be placed on suspension from the college/major for a minimum of one semester. A student who is on suspension from a college/major may continue to enroll in the University if the student changes majors and meets the GPA requirements of the new college/major. A change to a new major in the same college will require permission from the dean. A student who wishes to re-enroll in the same major after a suspension must make a Petition for Reinstatement to the College/Major to the student's academic dean. If the petition is approved, the student will be permitted to re-enroll under academic probation, plus any special conditions which may be imposed by the academic dean. It is recommended that students who are suspended from the college/major receive career counseling through the University Counseling Service.

Students who have been suspended for a period of one semester and have been allowed to re-enroll in that college/major must attain a GPA of 2.0 in the college/major after the completion of nine additional hours of course work in the college/major [or the designated college/major probationary period (see individual degree requirements to determine the applicable probationary period)]; failure to do so will result in suspension from the college/major for a minimum of one year. A student who is allowed to re-enroll after this suspension and does not achieve a 2.0 GPA in the college/major [or the designated college/major probationary period (see individual degree requirements to determine the applicable probationary period)] will be dismissed from the college/major. A change of major will be required if the student wishes to continue to enroll in the University.

Any appeal from the regulations governing academic performance shall be directed to the dean of the college in which the student is a major, who is empowered to grant relief in unusual cases if the circumstances warrant such action.

This policy is in addition to the policies concerning academic standing within the University. Any penalties concerning eligibility to re-enroll arising from the University's academic standing policy shall take precedence over any provisions within this policy.

 

SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY

The University of Texas at El Paso prides itself on its standards of academic excellence. In all matters of intellectual pursuit, UTEP faculty and students must strive to achieve excellence based on the quality of work produced by the individual. In the classroom and in all other academic activities, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Any form of scholastic dishonesty is an affront to the pursuit of knowledge and jeopardizes the quality of the degree awarded to all graduates of UTEP. It is imperative, therefore, that the members of this academic community understand the regulations pertaining to academic integrity and that all faculty insist on adherence to these standards.

Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts. Proven violations of the detailed regulations, as printed in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP), and available in the Office of the Dean of Students and on the homepage of The Dean of Students (DOS) at www.utep.edu., may result in sanctions ranging from disciplinary probation, to a failing grade on the work in question, to a failing grade in the course, to suspension or dismissal, among others.

DEAN'S LIST

At the close of each long semester, the Office of the Registrar publishes a Dean's List of all full-time undergraduate students who have completed at least 12 collegiate hours and have earned a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher in collegiate hours.

A separate Dean's List is prepared for each undergraduate college, and for public distribution, as appropriate. This honor will be noted on the student's academic record.

 

General Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees

CATALOG REQUIREMENTS

General Academic Regulations

General academic regulations may be changed at any time. All students, regardless of when originally enrolled, are required to abide by current academic regulations.

Specific Course and Degree Requirements

In order to be graduated, a student must fulfill the specific course and degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of his/her enrollment or of any subsequent catalog in effect during his/her enrollment, provided that the requisite courses outlined in the selected catalog are still being offered. No catalog more than seven years old may be used to determine the course requirements for a degree. The seven-year period begins with the year the catalog was issued, regardless of the student's first semester of enrollment. Students entering the University for the first time during the summer session will be subject to the requirements of the catalog for the next Fall term, or of a later catalog.

DEGREE PLAN

Students are advised to obtain and follow the degree plan for their major upon their first enrollment at the University. The student is required to indicate a major and file a degree plan of the major with the academic dean upon completion of 60 semester hours.

CHANGE OF MAJOR

A student who wishes to change majors must obtain permission of the dean of the college of the new major.

COMPLETION OF FRESHMAN-LEVEL COURSES

All freshman-level courses which are required by specific course number shall be completed before the student has completed 90 semester hours toward his/her degree. Otherwise, no credit will be granted toward fulfilling the minimum credit hour requirements for the degree even though the courses must be completed.

ONE-HOUR COURSES

No more than six one-hour courses may be counted toward completion of the minimum total hours required for a degree (unless degree requirements specify otherwise), except with specific approval of the academic dean.

RESIDENCE

Work counting toward the degree must be completed in residence at the University as follows:

1. a total of at least 25% of the semester hours (a minimum of 30 semester hours)

2. twenty-four of the last 30 semester hours

3. twelve semester hours of advanced courses in the major subject must have been completed

5. not more than three years previous to the date of graduation

GRADE POINT AVERAGE REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

A minimum grade point average of 2.0 must be achieved in all course work at The University of Texas at El Paso and in all transfer work counted toward the degree. The UTEP cumulative grade point average consists of all grades earned at this institution regardless of their applicability toward a degree. Transfer credits may be counted toward meeting degree requirements, but transfer grades and grade points do not enter into UTEP grade point average calculations. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required in the major. This is intended as a University-wide minimum and does not prevent a college from requiring a higher GPA in specific majors or programs, provided appropriate approvals have been obtained.

MAJOR EXAMINATIONS

At the discretion of the department concerned, a comprehensive examination may be required in the major subject under the following conditions:

1. four hours written, or three hours written and one hour oral

2. the department fixes the time and place, and supervises the examination

6. 3. in case of failure, the student may take another examination on a date determined by the

department

A second baccalaureate degree will not be conferred until the candidate has completed at least 24 semester hours at The University of Texas at El Paso, in addition to those counted toward the baccalaureate degree requiring the higher number of semester hours of credit. These additional hours must include at least 6 advanced hours in the major subject of the second degree, and at least 6 hours must have been earned after completion of requirements for the first bachelor's degree. A student working toward a second bachelor's degree will register as an undergraduate student. Two bachelor's degrees may not be awarded to any candidate at the same commencement.

A posthumous degree may be awarded only if the student was enrolled in courses that would have allowed the student to complete all work for the degree, and if the student had the appropriate grade point average in the required areas. For further information, contact the dean's office.

Degrees are conferred at the end of each long semester (December, May) and each summer session (August). Formal commencement ceremonies are held in May for all candidates who complete degree requirements during the Spring semester and in December for Fall candidates and graduates of the previous Summer. The student must apply for graduation and pay the appropriate fee in order to be considered a candidate. The application process begins with the academic dean and should be initiated during the next-to-last semester or session and completed no later than the published deadline in the Class Schedule. The paid graduation application form will be collected by the Bursar's Office for processing by the Records Office.

The University of Texas at El Paso offers three opportunities for students to achieve special recognition for academic performance based on their cumulative GPA at the time of graduation. Graduation with any of these honors adds a special distinction to academic records and diplomas and may enhance the prospects for graduating seniors to enter graduate and professional schools or the job market. To be eligible for these programs, candidates must be among the most able and intellectually curious of students and must meet minimum GPA requirements. Each form of honors is described more fully below.

Honors will be awarded upon graduation in the following categories for each baccalaureate degree:

Requirements for honors for a second degree include the above requirements with the additional stipulation that the student complete sixty (60) hours beyond the original baccalaureate requirements.

In computing the minimum grade point average for academic honors at graduation, only grades earned at UTEP will be included.

Recognition at commencement will be by the wearing of an Honors cord: Highest Honors - gold, High Honors - white, and Honors - color of college.

Students participating in the University Honors Program enroll in special Honors courses, which may be experimental, team-taught, or interdisciplinary, that are limited in size to permit more discussion and interaction between the instructor and students. Honors courses emphasize development of communicative skills and critical thinking. Program members may also earn Honors credit by contracting in non-Honors courses. Other options include earning the University Honors Degree or Certificate and completing an Honors Senior Project, bearing 6 hours of credit, in which students carry out directed research and present their findings, usually in the form of a thesis.

The program offers a number of special features and benefits to its students: priority registration, the Honors Lounge, Honors Council, and Honors Journal, as well as opportunities to serve as tutors, to study in Honors semesters at other campuses, and to interact with students from Honors programs at universities around the country.

Students accepted into the Honors Program generally must rank in the upper 15% of their high school graduating class or achieve a superior score on either the SAT or ACT. A 3.3 GPA is the criterion for admitting students already enrolled at the University and for students transferring to UTEP from another college or university. See the University Honors Program section of this Catalog for specific details on program options.

Students wishing more information are invited to contact the Honors Director, Honors House, located behind the Academic Services Building, (915) 747-5858.

Students wishing to earn departmental Honors will complete a senior thesis, senior project, or other special requirement, depending on the department. A departmental faculty member will direct the project or thesis. The director, along with a departmental honors committee, will judge the student's work, and outside referees may be consulted if deemed appropriate. Students may include departmental honors credits with university honors credits, upon consultation with the University Honors Program Director, in order to earn Honors at both levels. The following offer Departmental Honors: Political Science, Psychology, History, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Geological Sciences, and Physics. Completion of a senior thesis/project is recognized at commencement by the wearing of a dark green cord.

National Student Exchange Program (Texas Education Code, 51.930)

UTEP is a member of the National Student Exchange (NSE) Program that is a consortium of more than 150 state-supported colleges and universities. The program offers students the opportunity to broaden their academic and cultural awareness in different geographic settings across the United States and its territories. Students are able to enroll at a host university for up to one academic year and pay in-state tuition rates.

To qualify a student must be full-time at the time of the application and the semester prior to the exchange, have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5, and be a sophomore or junior at the time of the exchange. For more information, contact the NSE Coordinator at the Honors House at (915) 747-5858.

As a member of the Texas Consortium for Study Abroad, UTEP is able to offer qualified students the possibility of an academic year, a semester or a summer session at universities in Australia, Austria, Britain, the Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, and Spain. Internships are also available in Britain. Deadlines and fees vary. For further information, contact Dr. Sandra Beyer at 747-5767.

The Semester is an extension of the UTEP Russian Program. In both countries, language classes are conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. five days a week. Afternoon cultural studies are followed by excursions and field trips to major points of interest. Credit is awarded upon successful completion of the course and a post-course test. For additional information, please contact Dr. Z.A. Kruszewski at (915) 747-7984.