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OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Immunization

A healthy student is a more productive and happier student.  Certain serious illnesses can be prevented with adequate immunizations.  It is important that your immunizations are current.  The American College Health Association, the State of Texas, and the UHD recommend that you be fully immunized prior to entering the University.

• Measles: (Rubeola, "Red" Measles, "10-Day" Measles).  Measles is a highly contagious viral disease.  There has been a marked increase in measles outbreaks in the past few years.  In Texas in 1989, measles outbreaks occurred on the campuses of 26 institutions of higher learning.  From September 1988 through October 1990, there were 11 deaths from measles infection.  You could miss up to two weeks of school and would have to be placed in isolation.  You should have two doses of live measles vaccine after 15 months of age.  This vaccine can be administered in a combined vaccine with Mumps and Rubella.
• Rubella: ("Three-Day Measles", "German Measles").  Rubella is a viral infection, which usually causes flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash.  Rubella in a pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the baby.  One dose should be received after 12 months of age.
• Mumps: Mumps is a viral infection that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands.  Mumps may produce serious complications including deafness, encephalitis, and rarely, sterility.  One dose should be received after 12 months of age.
• Tetanus-Diphtheria: These vaccines, in order to prevent two serious bacterial infections, are usually given together.  After the initial series of three or more vaccinations, boosters should be received every 10 years.  Either of these preventable infections can cause serious illness and even death.  Poliomyelitis: In the United States, polio immunization is not routinely for persons 18 years of age or older. If travel outside the United States is planned, a physician should be consulted for specific recommendations.
• ·For more information on immunizations, contact your physician, public health clinic, or UHD Student Health Services.

Regulations for Using Academic Computing Facilities and Resources

The primary function of the Department of Academic Computing is to provide computing resources and user support for instructional activities at the UHD.  All users of academic computing facilities and resources are subject to the following regulations: UHD students, faculty and staff are eligible to use academic computing facilities and resources.  Access will not be granted to others without approval by the director of academic computing.

• Users must present a valid UHD I.D. card when entering the Academic Computing Lab.
• Lab users are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and courteous manner while in the Academic Computing Lab.
• Computing accounts are for use only by the person to whom the account has been issued by authorized computing personnel.  A user may not disclose his/her password or allow other users to access his/her account.
• · Computers and resources in academic computing facilities are to be used for University-related purposes.  They are not to be used for business or other profit-producing endeavors or for recreational purposes.  Games are prohibited on all Academic Computing resources.  This restriction does not apply to games and simulations used in conjunction with academic courses or research. The Coordinator of Computing Lab Services must receive written notice from the instructor of record in advance of such use.
• Compromising the security of any computer or network or using University computing resources to engage in any illegal activity is strictly prohibited.
• Each user is fully responsible for the activity of any account that has been assigned to him/her.  If a user suspects that another user has accessed his/her account, Coordinator of Computing Lab Services should be notified immediately.
• Any changes to student accounts or access to any system must be requested by the respective faculty member.
• Users may not write, use or have possession of programs that may be used to intimidate, harass, create an offensive environment for or invade the privacy of other users.
• Users shall not represent themselves electronically as others.
• Users shall not obstruct or disrupt the use of any computing system or network by another person or entity either on the UHD campus or elsewhere.
• Users shall not, by any means, attempt to infiltrate a computing system or network either on the UHD campus or elsewhere.
• All users of UHD's external network connections shall comply with the evolving "Acceptable Use" policies established by the external networks' governing bodies.  Copies of policies relating to commonly accessed external networks will be made available in the Academic Computing Lab.
• Copying of copyrighted software is illegal and is prohibited in the Academic Computing facilities or elsewhere on campus.
• The UHD forbids, under any circumstances, the unauthorized reproduction of software or use of illegally obtained software.  Using University equipment to make illegal copies of software is prohibited.
• Lab users may bring licensed personal copies of software into the Academic Computing facilities but may not install software on any computer or network or alter any existing software.  Proof of ownership may be requested of users who bring software into the facilities.
• Manuals and software may be checked out for use in the lab only.
• Users should not attempt to repair any malfunctioning equipment or software, but should report any such occurrences to academic computing personnel.
• Smoking, eating or drinking is not permitted in academic computing facilities.
• Reservations for general lab use are not normally required; however, a temporary reservation system will be adopted as needed.
• Although Academic Computing will make efforts to provide a safe and problem-free computing environment, in no event will the University or the Department of Academic Computing be liable for loss of data, inconvenience, or other tangible or perceived damage resulting from or relating to system failures, viruses, user negligence, or other occurrences.
• Academic Computing reserves the right to amend these regulations at any time giving seven days notice before the amendments are to take effect. Notice will consist of an announcement displayed as part of the system login procedure on the systems for which user accounts are assigned, posting of an announcement at the front desk of the Academic Computing Lab, and notification of the Academic Computing Committee and the Student Government Association.  Use of Academic Computing resources after the effective date of the modified regulations constitutes acknowledgement of the new regulations.
• Use of academic computing accounts and resources in violation of these regulations, UHD policy, or any federal, state, or local laws may result in revocation of the individual's account privileges or suspension of access to computing resources, and may subject the account holder to University disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.

Examples of Misuse of Computing Resources or User Accounts

• Using a computer account that you are not authorized to use.  Obtaining a password for or gaining access to a computer account or directory which has not been assigned to you by authorized computing personnel;
• Using the campus network to gain unauthorized access to any computer system.
• Knowingly performing an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.
• Knowingly running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or place excessive load on a computer system or network.  This includes, but is not limited to, programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.
• Attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes.
• Violating terms of applicable software licensing agreements or copyright laws.
• Deliberately wasting computing resources; Using electronic mail or other means to harass others
• Masking the identity of an account or machine.
• Posting on electronic bulletin boards materials that violate existing laws or the University's policies.
• Attempting to monitor or tamper with another user's electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another user's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.
• Damaging or stealing University-owned equipment or software.
• Causing the display of false system messages.
• Maliciously causing system slow-downs or rendering systems inoperable.
• Changing, removing or destroying (or attempting the same) any data stored electronically without proper authorization.
• Gaining or attempting to gain access to accounts without proper authorization.
• Making copies of copyrighted or licensed software.
• Using University computers for unauthorized private or commercial purposes.

NOTE: Activities will not be considered misuse when authorized by appropriate University computing officials for security or performance testing.

Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act

In accordance with the amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, known as the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act, information regarding graduation rates may be bound in the Enrollment Services.  Information on crime statistics may be found in the Campus Police Office, the Parking Office, posted on bulletin boards, and printed in the student newspaper.

Satisfactory Progress for Students Enrolled in Developmental Courses (Currently under major revision)

1.  PURPOSE

This PS states the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) policy on satisfactory progress as it pertains to students enrolled in developmental education courses and describes the actions what will be taken when students fail to maintain such progress.

2.  POLICY/PROCEDURES

2.1 Definition of Satisfactory Progress

Satisfactory progress in developmental courses is defined as passing the course(s) with a grade of S, A, B, C, or D on the first attempt.

2.2 Basic Policy

Grades awarded in developmental English, mathematics, and reading courses are not included in the calculation of a student’s grade point average.  However, failure to make satisfactory progress toward satisfying developmental course requirements will lead to academic sanctions regardless of a student’s earned grade point average.

2.3 Academic Alert

2.3.1 Students who do not earn a grade of S, A, B, C, or D on the first attempt in any developmental course will be places on academic alert (AA).  Students placed on AA status may enroll in no more than 12 semester credit hours in the following semester, to include the developmental course(s) not passed.

2.3.2 Students place on AA will be assigned to an academic advisor or academic counselor who will monitor and assess their progress throughout the following semester.  Students must meet with their assigned advisor or counselor at the beginning of the following semester, and at least once every three weeks throughout the semester.  Advisors and counselors will maintain records of these meetings and report on each student’s to the dean of University College.

2.3.3 Students who earn a grade of S, A, B, C, or D in the developmental course(s) on the second attempt will be placed on good standing, and all enrollment restrictions will be lifted.

2.3.4 Students who earn a grade of “IP,” “U,” “F,” or “W” in their second attempt in a developmental course will be placed on developmental probation (DP).  Students on DP status may enroll in no more than one course in the following semester, which must be a developmental course, and may enroll in no more than one course, which must be a developmental course, in subsequent semesters until all developmental obligations have been satisfied.  Ordinarily, advisors will recommend that students obligated in more than one area complete the reading obligation first, followed by English, followed by math.

2.3.5 Exceptions to these enrollment restrictions must be approved by the Dean of University College.

2.4 Developmental Academic Suspension

2.4.1 Students who do not pass the same developmental course(s) on the third attempt will be placed on developmental suspension (DS).  Students on DS status are not eligible to apply for re-admission for one long semester from the date of suspension.  The decision to readmit students on DS status rests with the Dean of University College.

2.4.2 Students re admitted on DS status must meet with an academic advisor or counselor in University College prior to enrollment.  The advisor or counselor will prepare a learning plan for the student that will reflect academic performance both at UHD and at other institutions (if applicable), and will specify performance expectations for the semester in which the student returns.  Enrollment restrictions reflected in the developmental plan will be at least as rigorous as those specified for students on DP status.  Students’ progress will be monitored throughout the semester, and students must report to their advisor/counselor every two weeks during the semester.  Students who fail to satisfy the terms of their learning plan, and who do not satisfy all developmental obligations on the next course attempt, will be place on permanent suspension.

2.5 Satisfactory Progress of Transfer Students

2.5.1 Students who transfer from another institution who have not completed the sending institution’s developmental requirements will be admitted on AA

2.5.2 Suspended students who complete developmental course requirements at another institution may be readmitted to UHD in good standing subject to review by an academic advisor of academic counselor.

2.6 Appeal Process

Appeals for exceptions to any of these policy provisions will be made to the student’s academic advisor or counselor, who will forward the requests to the Dean of University College.  The decision of the Dean of University College will be final.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility for the provisions of this policy rests with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.  Implementation responsibility is shared between the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and the Dean of University College.  Faculty teaching developmental courses are responsible for informing their students of the provisions of this policy.

4. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible Party (Reviewer):  Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

Review:  As needed.