Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student and Academic Affairs


The Division of Student and Academic Affairs is a full institutional partner dedicated to creating solutions for a healthier community by fostering student success. The division supports co-curricular and extracurricular programming, activities, and services to facilitate students’ academic training, professional growth, and personal development. Additionally, the division supports students’ needs, creating an atmosphere that stimulates learning, and integrates extracurricular experiences into the formal educational programs.

The Senior Vice Provost of Student and Academic Affairs provides the leadership and oversight for all the staff and offices within the Division of Student and Academic Affairs. Additionally, staff members encourage student participation in and contribution to all HSC programs. The Senior Vice Provost establishes and coordinates the system of student civility, interprets institutional regulations as related to students, and acts as a student advocate when appropriate. The Division of Student and Academic Affairs is dedicated to fostering student success.

Through its administrative office and the offices of Admissions and Recruitment, the Center for Academic Performance (CAP), Disability Access, Financial Aid, Registrar, Testing and Evaluation Services, Student Development, Office of Care and Civility, International Services, Career Services, Title IX, and Office of University Assessment and Accreditation the following goals are defined in support of the Health Science Center’s educational mission:

  • Facilitating a values-based culture
  • Fostering student success
  • Promoting exceptional customer service
  • Engaging the community

Personal, academic, and career counseling is available to students through the Division of Student and Academic Affairs. Professional counseling for students and their families is available through the Student Support Program (SSP).

In emergency situations, such as sudden illness or a death in the family, special assistance can be provided for notification of professors, medical withdrawal, etc. The office provides policy interpretation and rights adjustment upon request, handles disciplinary and social adjustment issues, and provides self-development opportunities and enrichment activities.

 

For more information about the Division of Student and Academic Affairs, please visit the website at https://www.unthsc.edu/students/student-affairs/ or contact the Division of Student and Academic Affairs at 817-735-2505.

Office of Admissions and Recruitment

HSC offers a variety of advanced graduate degrees, housed in five schools - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, School of Health Professions, and HSC College of Pharmacy. The Office of Admissions and Recruitment serves these schools by:

  • Ensuring that HSC values are at the forefront as we recruit and admit a diverse student population that reflects the communities that we serve.
  • Providing quality professional service to prospective and enrolled students by ensuring effective communication and support of graduate admission policies and standards.
  • Making the admission process informative, accessible, inclusive and supportive.
  • Working collaboratively with other Division of Student and Academic Affairs (DSAA) offices to ensure that all prospective and current students receive a quality experience in their introduction to the graduate education, one that will enable them to achieve their personal and educational goals.

For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at 817-735-2003 or admissions@unthsc.edu. Information about campus tours, admissions processes, and application deadlines can be found at unthsc.edu/admissions.

Financial Aid Office

The Financial Aid Office offers scholarship, grant, and loan programs to assist students in meeting the costs of financing their education. Although financial aid is available for eligible students, it should be considered supplemental to a student’s own financial resources. The Financial Aid Office is dedicated to quality customer service and the prompt delivery of aid program funds. Counselors are available to assist students in the application process to ensure that students receive the information needed to make the best decisions regarding their financial aid options. Counselors are also available to help students make sound financial decisions by providing budget/debt management resources. While financial aid is subject to strict federal and state regulations, the staff strives to help students navigate this complex plan in a professional and courteous manner.

For more information about these services, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 817-735-2505, or (800)-346-8266, or visit the website at https://www.unthsc.edu/students/financial-aid.

Registrar and Student Records Office

The Registrar and Student Records Office manages and maintains the students’ academic records. They are responsible for ensuring the integrity, security, and confidentiality of academic records. These services include transcript generation, grade processing, degree certification, the enrollment and registration process of all students, as well as the verification of enrollment, academic standing, and degree completion. The office coordinates reports for internal and external compliance, oversees functions related to Veteran’s Affairs, serves as student health insurance liaison, assists in commencement planning, prepares data for state audit reports, coordinates compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and provides data to support the institution’s tactical initiatives.

The office can be reached at 817-735-2201. All Registrar-related forms can be obtained by visiting www.unthsc.edu/registrar/ website and click on “forms.”

Office of Testing and Evaluation Services (TES)

The Office of Testing and Evaluation Services (TES) endeavors to foster student success by providing a broad range of academic support services to HSC students, faculty, staff, and administrators. TES administers and proctors student exams, manages and facilitates computer-based testing, scores and reports student exam results, consults with faculty on the construction of student assessment methods, manages item-banking activities, and maintains course grade books. TES also monitors the effectiveness of didactic courses through student evaluations, which includes collecting student evaluative feedback and analyzing/reporting evaluation results to stakeholders. Additionally, TES supports various data collection and survey/assessment activities through the design of online surveys and optical mark scanning forms, and the analysis and reporting of results. 

TES can be reached by email at TestingServices@unthsc.edu or visit the website at https://www.unthsc.edu/students/testing-and-evaluation-services/

Center for Academic Performance (CAP)

The Center for Academic Performance (CAP) is committed to helping all HSC students meet their personal and academic goals by providing comprehensive academic support programs. CAP services and programs are designed to enhance all levels of academic performance through academic consultations, learning assessments, and self-management. Academic counseling, learning and study strategy assessments, writing support, peer tutoring, and a variety of workshops are offered to all HSC students. CAP staff also work with faculty to support students in periods of academic difficulty through assistance with planning alternate programs and reassessment of student priorities. All academic support services offered through CAP are available to online students.

Learning Strategies - Each student needs to find the most effective learning strategy for their personal needs and academic program. The CAP staff can help students find and implement their best strategy through assessment, counseling, and academic support workshops.

Peer Tutoring Programs - Tutoring programs provide the opportunity to share strategies for organizing and learning the large volume of material required to succeed in graduate and professional schools. The following tutoring options are provided: limited individual tutoring, small group tutoring, large group tutorials, drop-in, and online sessions.

Writing Support - Students may receive feedback online and in-person regarding writing samples. Feedback consists of information about content as it relates to the reader, organization, development, diction, and syntax, as well as additional information to assist with improving writing skills. 

For more information or contact CAP at 817-735-2531, by email at CAP@unthsc.edu, or visit the website at www.unthsc.edu/students/center-for-academic-performance/
 

Student Accommodations - The Center for Academic Performance (CAP) at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (HSC) is committed to assisting students with disabilities and providing academic accommodations to ensure equal access. The CAP office is responsible for receiving and retaining documentation; to act as the central referral agency when accommodations are necessary because of specific limitations; and to serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and staff to determine the appropriateness of accommodations. Accommodations are granted in accordance with state and federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Our goal is to assist in removing barriers for students while maintaining the integrity of the academic programs and technical standards. The University strives to make all programs, buildings, and websites accessible to all individuals.

Office of Disability Access

The Office of Disability Access at the HSC is committed to assisting students with disabilities and providing academic accommodations to ensure equal access. The office is responsible for:

  • Receiving and retaining documentation substantiating a need for disability accommodations.
  • Acting as the central referral agency when accommodations are necessary because of specific limitations.
  • Serving as a liaison between students, faculty, and staff to determine the appropriateness of accommodations.

Our goal is to assist in the removal of barriers for students while maintaining the integrity and technical standards of each academic program.

Students who have been admitted to HSC may submit documentation and request academic accommodations. Documentation and requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and accommodations are approved on a semester-by-semester basis.

For information regarding applying for services please contact Brandie Wiley at 817-735-2134, by email at brandie.wiley@unthsc.edu or visit the Office of Disability Access website to schedule an appointment. For information on the Americans with Disabilities policy, visit the policy website.

Office of Student Development

The Office of Student Development supports the mission of the Division of Student and Academic Affairs and HSC. Its role is to address issues that are relative to all HSC students, from pre-enrollment through graduation. This office creates opportunities that engage and support the development of the whole student.

There are six student-elected government councils representing each educational program at the Health Science Center. They are the Medical Student Government Association (MSGA); Graduate Student Association (GSA); Public Health Student Government Association (PHSGA); Physician Assistant Student Association (PASA); Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) and the Pharmacy Student Government Association (PSGA).

Student Organizations - There are many student organizations at the Health Science Center campus that represent a variety of interests within the health professions community. In cooperation with the Office of Student Development, these organizations sponsor programs and activities that promote the intellectual, professional, social, physical, and emotional development of all students. Students may engage in leadership opportunities at the local, regional, and national levels through participation in these groups. The Office of Student Development coordinates the student organization registration process and events calendar. 

Scheduling Events - Student organizations are required to schedule events, seminars, programs, and lectures through the Office of Student Development. Please contact 817-735-5006 or email studentdevelopment@unthsc.edu for more information.

Office of International Services

The Office of International Services conducts orientation programs for new international students and scholars. The office provides assistance with administrative concerns and advisement on immigration matters. The staff provide referrals to campus and external resources, if requested, and provides our international population with opportunities to participate in programs designed to introduce them to various aspects of U.S. culture and history.

For more information about these services, please contact the Office of International Services at 817-735-2780 or international@unthsc.edu.

Career Center

The Career Center offers comprehensive resources and advising to assist current and former students in achieving their professional goals. These career development services include:

  • Resume/CV/Cover Letter Advising
  • Personal Statement Writing
  • Interviewing and Professional Etiquette Skills
  • Social Media Profile and Portfolio Development
  • Job Fairs and Networking Events
  • Individual and Group Career Exploration
  • On-campus Student Employment

For those seeking full-time or part-time employment or internships, the Career Center hosts the central campus job board through HSC Connect https://unthscconnect.com/, which also serves as the premier UNTHSC networking and event clearinghouse. Other services available to assist with job search strategies and the development of Career Readiness skills include resources such as the campus “Professional Attire Closet” and the online practice video interview system, Big Interview https://unthsc.biginterview.com/, to name a few.

In addition, the Career Center oversees the production of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE, or, “Dean’s Letter”) for fourth year medical students as a key component of the medical residency and fellowship application processes.

For more information, please contact the Career Center at 817-735-5020 or careercenter@unthsc.edu. To set up an appointment or to access career resources, find us online at https://www.unthsc.edu/career-center/.

Office of Care & Civility

The Office of Care and Civility is dedicated to promoting health and wellness on the HSC campus through various programming and campus activities. The Office of Care and Civility houses the following initiatives: Care Team, Fitness Center, Wellness Programming, Prevention Programming, Student Conduct, and the Be|Well Quality Enhancement Plan. More information can be found at https://www.unthsc.edu/care-and-civility/. See the listing below for descriptions of activities provided by the Office of Care and Civility.

Care Team - HSC cares about our students’ success, not only academically, but emotionally and physically. The Care Team serves as a collaborative interdisciplinary team to provide early intervention, identification, and response in a non-clinical case management capacity. Individuals can be referred to the Care Team through the Person of Concern reporting form, found at http://unthsc.edu/personofconcern.

Fitness Center - The Fitness Center is located in the Founders’ Activity Center on the north end of campus at the intersection of Clifton and West 7th Street. The Fitness Center is open 7 days per week to campus and community members. The Fitness Center includes multiple weight rooms, a room dedicated to cardiovascular fitness, an outdoor basketball/tennis/volleyball court, full-service locker rooms, and group exercise classes for all members. Personal training sessions and/or equipment orientations are available for HSC faculty, staff, and students. For more information, call 817-735-2209 or visit https://www.unthsc.edu/care-and-civility/fitness-center/.

Wellness and Prevention Programming and Activities - The Office of Care and Civility embraces a holistic and preventative approach to caring for our campus community. We believe educating our students, faculty, and staff on intervention tactics, risk factors, and warning signs can result in a healthier community. The Office of Care and Civility oversees a variety of awareness and prevention activities which include:

  • Stress management programming
  • Wellness Weeks in during the fall and spring semesters
  • Title IX related programming and services, including Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Stalking Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Sexual Assault Support Services
  • Drug and alcohol awareness programming
  • Prevention programming, including Suicide Prevention Week, Mental Illness Awareness Week, and QPR training

Information on programming can be found at https://www.unthsc.edu/care-and-civility/programs/.

Student Food Pantry - The HSC Care Team has recognized that in order for students to be well and succeed academically, basic needs must be addressed. As a result, the Division of Student and Academic Affairs has established a food pantry in an effort to assist HSC students impacted by food insecurity. The vision is for the HSC community to take a collaborative stance to address student hunger and foster student success. The use of the HSC food pantry does not require application or approval and is available to any student in need. Use of the food pantry has been designed to be confidential in order for dignity to be maintained and respected. The food pantry is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and is located in the Student Service Center, room 232. A second location is available in LIB 450A and is open Monday-Friday, 7am-10pm and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-10pm.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Although Title IX is often associated with equal opportunity in athletic programs, the law is much broader and includes discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual harassment and sexual assault.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…” 20 U.S.C. § 1681

While compliance with the law is everyone’s responsibility, oversight of HSC’s compliance with Title IX is the responsibility of the Title IX Coordinator. HSC has appointed a Title IX Coordinator to resolve complaints and address issues of gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. Questions or concerns regarding Title IX should be directed to:

Title IX Coordinator 
Kory Levingston
Title IX Compliance Manager
817-735-2594
kory.levingston@unthsc.edu
Student Service Center (SSC), Room 153

Student Complaint Process

The Division of Student and Academic Affairs is committed to treating all students fairly and respectfully. To file a complaint, please complete the Student Complaint Form electronically. If you choose to provide your contact information, you will be contacted via email to confirm that the formal complaint has been received.

Information about the Student Complaint process as well as the electronic Student Compliant Form can be found at: https://www.unthsc.edu/students/student-complaints/ .

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Division of Student and Academic Affairs at 817-735-2505.

Office of University Assessment and Accreditation

The Office of University Assessment and Accreditation strives to continuously support strategic goals and move closer to fulfilling the vision of being One University built on values, defining and producing the providers of the future.

Major responsibilities of the University Assessment and Accreditation include: Institutional Data and Reporting, Institutional Assessment, Institutional Surveys, and Institutional Accreditation.

For more information, please visit the website at https://www.unthsc.edu/students/office-of-organizational-excellence/, or call 817-735-0460 for Institutional Data, Reporting, and Surveys, or 817-735-0473 for Institutional Accreditation and Assessment.