Frequently Asked Questions

What is the address of the Office of the Dean of Students?
The Office of the Dean of Students is located in Suite 4.400 of the Student Services Building at 100 W. Dean Keeton Street. Our mailing address is:

The University of Texas at Austin
Office of the Dean of Students
1 University Station A5800
Austin, Texas 78712-0175.

Our campus mail code is A5800.

To whom should I report the death of a currently enrolled UT-Austin student?
If a death of a student occurs, Student Emergency Services in the Office of the Dean of Students needs to be contacted immediately for the necessary departments to be notified. The office number is (512) 471-5017.

To whom should I complain about a problem I am having with UT-Austin?
Students may call the Ombudsman's Office for help with any University-related complaints. The Ombudsman may be reached at (512) 471-3825.

Are part-time jobs for students available in the Dean of Students Office?
Like many other offices on campus, the Dean of Students Office has several part-time student positions. You may call 471-1201 for more information on job availability. For a more complete listing of all student job opportunities on and off campus, go to the Hire a Longhorn page, sponsored by the Student Employment Referral Service.

Where can I find contact information for Dean of Students staff?
We maintain a staff page with contact information and a brief summary of duties to help you get in touch with the right person.

What is Greek Life and Intercultural Education?
The Greek Life and Intercultural Education area of the Office of the Dean of Students serves as the University liaison to the Interfraternity, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council, United Greek Council, Texas Asian Panhellenic Council and the other Greek organizations that are affiliated with our office. As advisors to these groups, the staff is responsible for designing and facilitating leadership development programs, advising the Councils' executive officers and interpreting University policies. Call 471-9700 for more information or visit our Web page at http://www.texasgreeks.com

When is recruitment?
Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council both recruit new members at the beginning of the Fall semester. The United Greek Council and Texas Asian Panhellenic Council recruit during both and spring semesters. The National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations have Membership Intake during the spring semester. For more specifics regarding recruitment, contact 471-9700 or visit the Greek Life and Intercultural Education web page http://www.texasgreeks.com.

How do I register for the Greek Leadership Class?
The Greek Leadership Class is offered as an upper division, pass/fail elective during both the fall and spring semesters. Prior to each semester, applications are available in Greek Life and Intercultural Education. Applications must be submitted to the office in order to register for the class. Call 471-9700 for more information.

What are some examples of hazing?
Some examples of hazing are if you and/or members of your new member class are required to do one or more of the following:

• calisthenics, such as sit-ups or push-ups
• expose total or partial nudity
• eat an unwanted substance
• wear something obscene
• carry something that is too heavy
• be pushed, shoved or paddled (or trade swats with a paddle)
• consume alcoholic beverages due to threats or peer pressure
• allow substances (oil, syrup, flour) to be thrown on or at you
• line up and be intimidated, interrogated or demeaned
• participate in transportation and abandonment (road trips, kidnaps)
• be confined in an area which is uncomfortable or dangerous
• act as a servant to someone else
• participate in pranks (theft, harassing other people)
• clean up a house or room that has been intentionally messed up to be cleaned
• be called demeaning names and/or yelled and screamed at
• fight with others for entertainment

How do I report a hazing incident?
The law requires that you contact the Dean of Students Office at 471-9700 or 471-3065. Don't be afraid of losing the opportunity to join a fraternity or sorority if you report any hazing incidents; your health and safety are far more important.

What services are offered through New Student Services?
New Student Services assists new students with their transition to UT through a variety of programs.
Summer Orientation programs for admitted summer freshmen, admitted fall freshmen, and transfer students are offered from late May through mid-July and provide incoming students with a comprehensive acclimation to the University that includes student life programming, academic advisement, and course registration. Presemester orientation programs (fall, spring, and summer school), held prior to the beginning of each semester, provide incoming students with academic advisement and informational programming.

The Start Fresh program is a series of fun-filled events held prior to the beginning of the fall semester for all new undergraduate students. The ENCORE program for nontraditional adult students is designed to meet the special concerns of undergraduate students 25 years-of-age or older through general counseling and referral and self-help materials.

What is orientation and what are some of the advantages of attending the program?
If you are interested in becoming a part of the UT community, you will want to participate in the orientation program. Orientation is an opportunity for new UT students to become acquainted with the services and opportunities available at the University. Orientation is offered during the summer (Summer Orientation), which all new students entering in the summer or fall semesters are encouraged to attend. Orientation is also offered prior to the beginning of each semester (Fall Orientation, Spring Orientation, and Summer School Orientation). There are many advantages to attending orientation, which include the opportunity to: become acquainted with the campus; meet academic advisors; register for classes; learn about campus services and student life; and meet other new students. Students attending Summer Orientation are encouraged to take their required placement tests prior to their scheduled Summer Orientation session.

What are the advantages of attending the Summer Orientation program?
Participation in Summer Orientation allows for the earliest opportunity to register for classes. Fall admission freshmen and transfer students who complete the orientation program will register for classes prior to the completion of orientation. You may register for Summer Orientation in mid-January at utorientation.com.

When is the Summer Orientation program scheduled?
The Summer Orientation program consists of a two-and-one-half day session for summer admission freshmen, six three-and-one-half day sessions for fall admission freshmen, and three one-day sessions for transfer students scheduled from late May through mid-July each year. Not all colleges are represented at each session. For more specific information about Summer Orientation dates, please visit utorientation.com.

How much does it cost to attend Summer Orientation and how do I sign up?
The cost for attending Summer Orientation is dependent upon whether you live in a residence hall while attending orientation or whether you commute. You can register for Summer Orientation and find out more information in mid-January by calling (512) 471-3304 or visiting utorientation.com.

Who can attend Summer Orientation?
Freshman and transfer students who are admitted to the University for the fall semester and who do not plan to attend summer school can attend a Summer Orientation session, contingent upon space availability. An orientation session is also available for Summer Admission Freshmen.

What placement tests are offered during Summer Orientation?
The College Board Achievement Tests in Math Level I and in English Composition, various Foreign Language Placement tests, the UT Austin Test for Credit in Chemistry 301, and the Computer Proficiency test are offered during all freshman sessions. However, students are strongly encouraged to take all placement tests prior to the attendance at Summer Orientation. No placement tests are scheduled during the transfer orientation sessions. For more information, call the DIIA, Instructional Assessment and Evaluation (formerly known as the Measurement and Evaluation Center) at (512) 232-2662 or visit http://www.utexas.edu/academic/mec.

Is there a special orientation program available for parents during Summer Orientation?
Family Orientation is offered the first day of each Freshman Summer Orientation session. Family Orientation is a one-day-only program and is not offered during Transfer Summer Orientation sessions.

Is there a special program for students who are admitted to the Summer Admission Freshman program?
A Summer Admission Freshman is a freshman student who applied for fall admission but was admitted for summer, or who was admitted for the fall semester but chose to begin in summer. There is one two-and-one-half day session for students admitted to the Summer Admission Freshman program.

Is there a special orientation program for transfer students?
There are two (2) one-day Summer Orientation sessions for transfer students. At this program, students have the opportunity to become acquainted with the campus, meet with academic advisors, register for fall classes, learn about campus services and student life, and meet other students transferring to the University.

Is orientation mandatory and what happens if I cannot attend a Summer Orientation session?
Orientation is not mandatory, however, we strongly encourage you to attend the Summer Orientation program. If you cannot, you can attend Fall Orientation. A New Student Guide with information on the schedule of programs, placement tests, and the registration process will be accessible at utorientation.com approximately one month before school starts.

Are orientation programs available for the summer school admission students?
If you applied for and were admitted to the summer session, Summer School Orientation is available to you prior to the start of the summer school session. A New Student Guide containing information on this program will be accessible through the New Student Services Web site utorientation.com approximately one month before the semester begins.

Are orientation programs available for spring admission students?
There is a brief orientation program held prior to the start of the spring semester. The spring program is scheduled during the week of new student registration for the spring semester. A New Student Guide containing information on this program will be accessible through the New Student Services Web site at utorientation.com approximately one month before the semester begins.

Are freshman orientation activities available at the beginning of each semester?
The Start Fresh program is scheduled during the week of classes at the beginning of the fall semester. This program usually includes a casino night, a student organization fair and a movie night. It is designed to help new students get to know each other, have fun, and feel welcome at UT. The programs are free and open to all new students.

Are there any special programs for students over 25 years-of-age?
The Encore program is designed specifically for returning, readmitted and new undergraduate students who are 25 years-of-age and older. A variety of information is presented at these programs ranging from how to register for classes to making the academic adjustment at UT The Encore program is offered just prior to fall and spring semesters. For more information call (512) 471-3304.

How do I become an orientation advisor?
Orientation advisors are selected during the fall semester prior to the summer they wish to work and take a preparatory class during the spring semester. Information meetings are usually held early in October and applications are available at that time. Applicants go through a half-day selection process that includes an interview, a group process activity, and a public speaking exercise. Decisions are typically made by the Thanksgiving holiday. Call (512) 471-3304 for more information.

What services are offered through Student Activities and Leadership Development?
The Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD) area of the Office of the Dean of Students works to support and encourage involvement in campus life while broadening student impact on the UT community. We offer leadership development programs and activities to all UT students. SALD staff is available to assist student organizations with a wide array of issues, including risk management, conflict resolution, training, recruitment, organizational management, and interpreting UT policies.

Specific services offered by SALD include reserving outdoor campus space (including the West Mall Rally Area); reserving general purpose classrooms; coordinating the banner space on the West Mall and Speedway; coordinating A-Frames reservations on campus; assistance with event planning; and services offered by the Student Organization Center (SOC).

How can I find out what student organizations are available at UT Austin?
Over 900 student organizations are registered with Student Activities and Leadership Development. You can search for organizations that match your interests at: http://utdirect.utexas.edu/dsorg/

There are many benefits of becoming a registered student organization. A registered student organization has the privilege of using on-campus facilities, banking services, raising funds, sponsoring speakers and public performances, distributing literature, and calling upon the assistance of staff in Student Activities and Leadership Development for program planning.

All registered student organizations self-identify into one of the following categories:

• Educational/Departmental Organizations
• Honorary Organizations
• International/Cultural Organizations
• Political Organizations
• Professional Organizations
• Recreational Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Service Organizations
• Social Organizations
• Special Interest
• Legislative Student Organizations

How can I start a student organization?
A group of three or more currently enrolled students may form a registered student organization by picking up the application form from the Student Organization Center and following these simple steps:

• Complete an application for registration and pay a $10.00 registration fee;
• Complete an Authorized Representatives Form. Make sure that you fill in UT EIDs and that someone who is a currently authorized representative signs the bottom left-hand blank.
• Sign a Legal Responsibilities Form;
• Participate in an orientation session. Call Student Activities and Leadership Development at 471-3065 to make your reservation;
• Limit group membership to students, faculty, and staff at UT Austin;
• Not deny membership on any basis prohibited by applicable law, including but not limited to sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, or disability;
• Agree to conduct organization affairs in accordance with institutional regulations;
• Turn in your forms back into the Student Organization Center. It usually takes approximately two weeks for your paperwork to be processed.

What is the Student Organization Center?
The Student Organization Center, also known as the "SOC", is located directly across from the elevators on the 4th Floor of the Student Services Building. The SOC provides the opportunity for student organizations to work at a central location, near SALD, Student Government, and the Office of the Dean of Students. Registered student organizations have the opportunity to lease office, cubicle, and locker space in the Student Organization Center (available by application in the spring). The SOC also provides the following services: mailboxes, fax services, sign posting, electric typewriter, general use phone, paper cutter, computers and a printer.

What leadership opportunities exist on campus?
At the University of Texas there are many opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills. SALD offers two programs (UTLB and LEAP) specifically designed to encourage student growth in this area.

UTLB is the University of Texas' Leadership Board. Students must submit an application during the spring semester in order to be interviewed for selection into the board. Once the students are selected, they are required to take a leadership class. Students also work on various programs designed to enhance student leadership in student organizations. Members of UTLB also serve as a student voice that communicates the needs of student organizations to the SALD staff.

LEAP is the Leadership Education and Progress program. This group seeks to encourage growth of UT freshmen. Students must complete an application and interview before they are admitted to LEAP. Once a part of the program, the students are then placed into groups headed by two upperclass student mentors.

What campus rules apply to my student organization?
We recommend that you refer to the Student Organization Manual to find great information about student organization responsibilities, policies, and resources that can help your organization tremendously! The Student Organization Manual has information on fundraising, event planning, effective organizations, publicity, risk management, advisors and banking. Registered student organizations are responsible for all of the Institutional Rules that apply to student organizations, including policies related to assembly and expression on campus.

What is the Student Organization Bank?
The Student Organization Bank is a wonderful resource for Registered Student Organizations. Established in 1942, the Student Organization Bank was created to provide uniformity in accounting methods of student organizations, maintain continuity between organization officers and their successors, and assist all organizations in conducting their activities on a sound business basis. Because all money collected on campus must first be deposited into the Student Organization Bank (weekly or when receipts reach $50), the bank is a convenient place for student organizations to manage their money.

The bank offers a bookkeeping system, an audit of financial records, a standard check system, deposit of funds, current balance maintenance, and other special services. The bank is also responsible for the University Ticket Procedure, which applies when a student organization is charging admission to an event on campus or conducts a raffle. Treasurer's workshops are offered throughout the semester to help organizations learn how to use the Student Organization Bank. Please come by the Student Organization Bank on the 4th Floor of the Student Services Building to learn more.

What is hazing? How do I report a hazing incident?
The informative web site, stophazing.org, defines hazing in this way:

"Hazing" refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. In years past, hazing practices were typically considered harmless pranks or comical antics associated with young men in college fraternities. Today we know that hazing extends far beyond college fraternities and is experienced by boys/men and girls/women in school groups, university organizations, athletic teams, the military, and other social and professional organizations. Hazing is a complex social problem that is shaped by power dynamics operating in a group and/or organization and within a particular cultural context.

State law and University policy require that you contact the Dean of Students Office at 471-3065 or 471-9700 to report a hazing incident.

Can my student organization cosponsor an on-campus event with an off-campus business or organization?
No! Because of the limited space on campus for the use of students, faculty, and staff, student organizations are not allowed to cosponsor on-campus events with off-campus businesses or organizations. An event is illegally cosponsored if it depends on an off-campus person or organization for planning, staffing, or management of the event; if it advertises the event as cosponsored by an off-campus person or organization; if it operates as an agent of, or for the benefit of an off-campus person or organization (except for the solicitation of charitable contributions); reserves a room or space for the use of an off-campus person or organization; or engages in any other behavior that persuades the dean of students that an off-campus person or organization is in fact responsible for the event, in full or substantial part.

Where is Student Judicial Services (SJS) located?
Student Judicial Services (SJS) is in the Office of the Dean of Students and is located in Suite 4.104 of the Student Services Building (SSB) at 100 W. Dean Keeton Street.

May I request information regarding my disciplinary matter over the telephone?
As a general rule, we do not provide such information over the phone because information regarding disciplinary matters is highly confidential, and we must be sure that we are providing the information to the correct person. If you have not already been notified of a scheduled meeting with SJS, you may call 471-2841 to make an appointment.

What happens if I refuse or fail to meet with SJS after being notified of a scheduled appointment with that office?
Provided adequate notice was given consistent with University rules, the Dean of Students may bar or cancel the enrollment or otherwise alter the status of a student who fails without good cause to attend a scheduled meeting with SJS.

Can someone attend the meeting with me at SJS?
Yes, an individual may attend a meeting with you at our office, provided that you sign a release authorizing us to release information about your disciplinary matter to that person. However, separate meetings are scheduled for any students involved in the same disciplinary matter, including those who have been referred to SJS and/or who may have witnessed an incident being investigated by SJS.

Am I allowed to examine my discipline file?
Yes. You will need to go to SJS and fill out a request to view your file. (This paperwork can be completed when you meet with an SJS staff member about your disciplinary matter.) You will also need to present an official photo ID. After your request is processed, a time may be arranged for you to review the file in our office.

How do I report sexual discrimination, including a sexual harassment incident?
Contact LaToya Hill, Coordinator of Student Emergency Services, at 471-5017. When calling to schedule an appointment, if you tell the staff member who answers the phone that you have a question or concern about sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct, an effort will be made to schedule the meeting as soon as possible. For more information please refer to http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sh/. Students can also report any such concerns to Linda Millstone, Associate Vice President for Institutional Equity and Workforce Diversity & Director of Equal Opportunity Services, at 471-1849.

How can I have a Dean of Students bar removed from my record?
Call SJS at 471-2841. Generally, a Dean of Students bar means that you failed to respond to a summons letter or fulfill some other obligation concerning a disciplinary matter, so you will probably need to schedule an appointment and meet with an SJS staff member before the bar is removed.

How can I obtain my confiscated UT identification (ID) card?
If your UT ID card was confiscated on campus, it will probably be sent to SJS. Provided the ID card was received by SJS, you will be sent a letter from that office outlining your options. Please note: A UT ID card is nontransferable and for your use only. So, if you have allowed someone else to use your ID card, it will not be returned to you, and you will need to purchase a replacement ID card at the ID Center.

What steps do I take to complete questions on applications or reference forms about disciplinary records?
You will need to go to SJS. You must bring an official photo ID, the signed form, and a stamped, addressed envelope. If the form does not have a signed release allowing us to provide information of that nature, you will be asked to sign a release at SJS. Generally, these forms are processed within a week of their submission to our office.

How can I report a suspected violation of Institutional Rules to the Office of the Dean of Students?
If you have reason to believe that a student may have violated University rules, you may contact SJS at 471-2841. Arrangements can be made for you to meet with an SJS staff member who will inform you of your options and discuss the situation with you.

If I file a complaint and disagree with the outcome, can I appeal the decision?
No, only the accused student or the Dean of Students may appeal a disciplinary decision.

Will I be able to know the outcome of another student's disciplinary matter?
We will only release information about the outcome of another student's disciplinary matter upon his/her written consent or when required to do so by state or federal law.

What if I disagree with an accusation of scholastic dishonesty made by my professor?
You may request that your professor refer the matter to SJS in the Office of the Dean of Students.

How do I appeal my penalty if I resolved my disciplinary matter with a professor through a Faculty Disposition?
You must provide SJS written notice of your decision to appeal the penalty within fourteen (14) days from the date on which you signed the Faculty Disposition form. The required notice is informal, but should contain your name, the date you accepted the Faculty Disposition, and the name of your adviser, if any, in the disciplinary matter.

What if I disagree with the findings of SJS?
You may choose to have your disciplinary matter resolved through a University disciplinary hearing.

How do I appeal my penalty if I resolved my disciplinary matter through an Administrative Disposition with SJS?
You must provide written notice to the President of your decision to appeal the penalty within fourteen (14) days of the date on which you signed the Administrative Disposition. The required notice is informal, but should contain your name, the date on which you accepted the Administrative Disposition, and the name of your adviser, if any, in the disciplinary matter.

How do I appeal my penalty if I resolved my disciplinary matter through a disciplinary hearing?
You must provide written notice to the President of your decision to appeal the penalty within fourteen (14) days after being notified of the hearing officer's decision. The required notice is informal, but should contain your name, the date of the hearing officer's decision, and the name of your adviser, if any, in the disciplinary matter.

Will my financial aid be affected by the penalty I received?
Maybe. For information regarding your financial aid please contact The Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) at 475-6282. Additional information about OSFS can be found on their Web site.

I have an attorney; what is his/her role in resolving my disciplinary matter?
Your attorney may attend and advise you throughout the disciplinary process. But if you elect to resolve your matter through a disciplinary hearing, your attorney would not be permitted to question witnesses, introduce evidence, make objections, or present arguments to the hearing officer during that proceeding.

Can my parents obtain information from SJS about my disciplinary matter?
Our office would provide such information to your parents if you have signed a release authorizing us to do so.

Who has access to my disciplinary record?
Your disciplinary record is considered confidential. However, information concerning your disciplinary record may be made available to appropriate University officials, faculty, and/or staff members who have a legitimate educational interest in such information. In addition, information regarding your disciplinary record may be released to other individuals or entities upon your written request or in accordance with state and federal law.

How long will my disciplinary record be maintained?
Most disciplinary records are maintained for at least five years. Some records, however, are kept permanently, including those involving an assessed penalty of suspension, expulsion, denial or revocation of a degree, and/or withdrawal of a diploma. Records of disciplinary matters resolved through University disciplinary hearings are also maintained permanently.

Note: The official University policies concerning scholastic dishonesty and the disciplinary process are outlined in Chapter 11 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, which may be found in Appendix C of the General Information catalog.

What if my Teaching Assistant observed or identified a suspected incident of scholastic dishonesty?
Teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and proctors also play an important role in addressing academic dishonesty, and are often the first individuals to identify or observe suspected violations. With that in mind, you should emphasize to them the importance of promptly notifying you of any such incidents and providing you with the supporting evidence, including detailed accounts of their observations. As the faculty member, you however are the only person authorized to resolve this type of violation with a student through a Faculty Disposition or proceed with a Referral to Student Judicial Services of any unresolved matter. (Refer to Flow Chart of the Discipline Process.)

What if I need to submit a grade and the student's disciplinary matter is still pending?
If the disciplinary matter remains unresolved at the end of a semester (or summer session), you must assign a grade of "Incomplete" to the student.

What if more than one student is involved in a disciplinary matter?
In suspected incidents involving multiple parties, you may determine that there are differing levels of accountability. If so, assess penalties accordingly to the students who accept a Faculty Disposition, and refer to Student Judicial Services the disciplinary matters of those students who decline that resolution. At this point, it would be premature to inform any other students in the same group that their matters are being dismissed, even if you believe that they committed no wrongdoing. Decisions regarding their accountability should only be made after Student Judicial Services has completed an investigation of the alleged misconduct.

Is there an appeal process?
Yes. With either an administrative resolution or a University hearing, the student may appeal to the President. If the disciplinary matter is resolved administratively (i.e., through a Faculty or Administrative Disposition), the student may appeal the penalty within fourteen (14) days of that resolution. If the disciplinary matter is resolved through a University hearing, the student or Dean of Students may appeal the findings and/or the penalty within fourteen (14) days after being notified of the hearing officer's decision. (Refer to Flow Chart of the Discipline Process.)

Why are the outlined steps of the discipline process necessary?
You may wonder why attention to the outlined procedures is necessary, particularly when it is obvious (or at least appears to be obvious) that a student has cheated.

One reason is rooted in the consistent judicial interpretation of the guaranteed due process of law under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Unlike the highly subjective process of evaluating the quality of a student's performance on assignments, which has been afforded considerable judicial deference, an allegation of academic dishonesty is an assertion that a person has violated a University rule. Whether or not that assertion is true is a fact to be established, not assumed, even when such an assumption seems quite reasonable.

Confronting what appears to be impermissible behavior is certainly appropriate. But keep in mind that many students have difficulty acknowledging their involvement in academic dishonesty and may deny any wrongdoing, even when reportedly "caught in the act." Some students, in fact, are incredibly contentious despite compelling evidence against them. And students facing probable suspension (likely for repeated and/or egregious violations) may feel that they have nothing to lose in challenging allegations, notwithstanding the evidence. Students may also be inclined to shift the focus from the evidence of their misconduct to any possible missteps by the University in the disciplinary process.

Not surprisingly, courts have remained insistent that colleges and universities, at a minimum, follow their own procedures. Those in effect at The University of Texas at Austin have been designed to protect the interests of students, faculty members, administrators, and the institution. Fortunately, evidence so convincing to substantiate an on-the-spot determination that a student is cheating should remain sufficiently compelling after the incident if the accused student disputes the allegation.

In short, observing the established procedures for student disciplinary matters is essential, even if the outlined steps appear to be unnecessary and burdensome requirements for reaching an inevitable conclusion. Such legalities may at times cause understandable frustrations, but they are realities under which we are obligated to function. As a practical matter, however, following the proper steps rarely prevents us from arriving at an appropriate outcome. Our goal is to do so in a manner that is beyond reproach. This, of course, requires a collaborative effort by all of us at the University who place a high value on academic integrity.

Note: The official University policies concerning scholastic dishonesty and the disciplinary process are outlined in Chapter 11 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, which may be found in Appendix C of the General Information catalog.