/Institutions/The-University-of-Texas-Permian-Basin/json/2023-2024/2023-2024-Undergraduate-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/The-University-of-Texas-Permian-Basin/json/2023-2024/2023-2024-Undergraduate-Catalog.json

Student Life

Child Care Center

The UT Permian Basin's Child Care Center provides childcare services for students, faculty and staff. The Center provides an environment and opportunities for children to build the necessary skills for development. Activities are designed to enhance gross motor, fine motor, pre-academic, self- help, music, art, and social skills. Days also consist of indoor and outdoor play with teacher-directed learning activities. Teachers are certified in first aid and CPR. Rates vary depending on the age of the child. Scholarships may be available for students depending on their GPA.

Career Services

The UT Permian Basin Career Services is located in room MB 2100 on the second floor of the Mesa Building. Career Services provides career counseling, on-campus job placement for work-study and non-work study students, off-campus job opportunities, administers the UTPB Work Co-op Program, the Study Abroad Program and also develops and coordinates numerous programming events throughout the year. Students seeking on-campus or off-campus employment, should visit the Career Services website, call 432-552-3634, or email careerservices@utpb.edu.

Student Life

The Office of Student Life, located in SAC 210, provides a wide range of services and programs for UT Permian Basin students. These include student organizations, Campus Activities Board, traditions, campus recreation and e-sports, spirit programs, new student and family programs, and the Student Activity Center.. For more information on any of these areas, email studentlife@utpb.edu or call 432-552-2651.

New Student Orientation

The Office of Student Life coordinates summer and January orientations for all new students. Students will learn traditions, get to know the community, and take the next steps that will launch them into their academic careers. New Student Orientation provides an opportunity for incoming students to meet current students called Orientation Leaders. Orientation Leaders have an expressed interest in helping new students and their families transition to UT Permian Basin and college life.

Student Senate

The Student Senate of UT Permian Basin is the elected student governing council which represents the interests and needs of the student body, and is recognized by the administration of UT Permian Basin and by the Board of Regents of the UT System. Executive Officers, in addition to all Senators, except Freshman class Senators, are elected at the end of each spring semester. All Freshman and any vacant Senators are elected in the first 4 weeks of the fall semester. Candidate registration forms are available through the Student Senate page on FalconLink. Students are encouraged to seek elected offices.

The Student Senate makes recommendations to the administration on policies that affect the student body and appoints students to sit on important University committees with faculty and staff members. The Student Senate also sponsors many activities that benefit the University community, the Odessa community, and the Permian Basin area. The Student Senate also provides limited funding for Recognized Student Organizations sponsored events.

Campus Activities Board

The purpose of CAB is to bring social and recreational programs and activities to the students at UT Permian Basin, broadening the student experience. By utilizing students to help in the planning and execution of these events, CAB programs are for students by students. Students are encouraged to contact CAB at cab@utpb.edu to get involved with the organization. CAB events are covered by student fees and all students are welcome to attend these events.

Registered Student Organizations

Students are encouraged to join or develop organizations that unite members with a common cause or interest. Such organizations allow students to make friends, expand their network, and have fun. Involvement in student organizations also provides a means of practicing leadership skills, time management, event planning, public speaking, and other skills that will help them be more marketable to future employers.  The Office of Student Life is responsible for overseeing student organization registration and  publishes a guide for the development of organizations. Membership in organizations cannot be denied on any basis prohibited by applicable law, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sex, or disability. Organization categories include academic, honors, professional, fraternities & sororities, multicultural, faith-based/spiritual, service, special interest, and student governance.

The Student Activity Center

The Student Activity Center (SAC) is at the heart of the UT Permian Basin campus. The SAC serves as a place where students can enjoy recreation and activities or hang out and relax There is a lounge area with comfortable furniture and gaming tables, meeting spaces, a fitness center, and dining options. The SAC also houses The Office of Student Life, The Center for Student Belonging and Inclusion, and the Student Government Association. The SAC is open 24/7 for students.

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation offers a wide range of activities to get you up, moving, and connecting with your fellow Falcons. These activities are designed to allow for social engagement, educational enhancement, and mental and emotional health The UTPB gym complex includes a racquetball court, volleyball court, basketball courts, and an exercise room with free weights and weight machines. In addition, there is a lighted athletic field, four lighted tennis courts, and 3.5 miles of walking trails. The Olympic-size swimming pool is the largest outdoor pool in Odessa and is heated for comfort. Lifeguards are on duty during operation hours  The Student Activity Center also has a fitness center with cardio equipment and weight machines. Campus recreation programming includes fitness classes, tournaments, events, and e-sports.

Veterans Education Benefits

In compliance with United States Department of Veteran Affairs, the University aids veteran students in receiving Veteran Education Benefits. An official education certifying officer processes the applications and forms needed to certify the attendance of a veteran student at the University. Veteran students seeking additional information may contact the UT Permian Basin Veteran Services department, or may seek veteran information at www.gibill.gov

Veteran Education Counselors

Texas Government Code 434.302 allows for the Texas Veteran Commission to employ veteran counselors to work with institutions of higher education to promote and support veteran educational opportunities. Veterans who are enrolled in classes should contact the Coordinator of Veteran Services of the certifying officer at UT Permian Basin for more information.

Falcon Veterans Lounge

The Falcon Veterans' Lounge is located on the second floor of the Mesa Building #2259. Falcon Lounge offers:

• A place for veterans and dependents to meet and socialize with other student veterans on campus.
• A place to study, relax or recharge your batteries with refreshments before, after or between classes.
• A place to learn about the benefits, resources , and services available to veterans and dependents offered at the University, Veterans Services, and local organizations.

• Other amenities include access to cable television, microwave, refrigerator and lockers.

For more information contact the Veteran Services Offices.

Falcon Veterans Association

A student led organization that meets twice a month to serve the next generation of transitioning veteran students from military life to academic life. FVA's purpose is (1) to assist students in overcoming the isolation and disruption that such a transition can cause, by providing a support system in which veteran students and non-military students interact, bond, and discuss relevant issues on professional and social levels and (2) be an advocacy group to improve resources and services available that will make being a veteran student at the UT Permian Basin that much better.

Financial Literacy

UT Permian Basin provides financial literacy and planning to assist students with making smart financial decisions while in college. This information is made available through the office of Financial Literacy during the spring and fall semesters. Money Matters Mondays are monthly seminars provided free on campus. Classroom presentations are available as well as online tools and links to materials. Private individual sessions are also offered for students year round. Students may be referred by a professor or department. Students may make an appointment and walk-ins are also welcome during office hours. All consultations are free and confidential. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these services.

Financial Literacy includes information on the following:

• Investing in undergraduate education and college costs
• Planning for college and finding scholarships
• Understanding needs & wants and setting goals
• Credit basics and managing credit
• Creating a spending plan and monitoring your spending
• Different bank accounts and identity theft
• Solving debt problems and repaying educational loans
• Saving, investing, and managing major purchases
• Employee benefits and compensation

Services of Students with Disabilities (SSD).

UT Permian Basin provides access to its programs, classes, services, and activities to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended. Under the ADA and Section 504, a person with a disability is defined as "any person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of such impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such impairment. UT Permian Basin encourages students with disabilities to visit the Office of ADA for Students (MB 4243), where they may receive consultations and request reasonable accommodations (including in appropriate situations classroom adjustments/modifications) under Section 504 and the ADA. To be considered for accommodations and/or services, a student must self-identify as having a disability and provide the Office of ADA for Students (MB 4243) with the required documentation of their disability at least one month before the accommodations and/or services are requested to begin. This information helps determine if a student is eligible for accommodations and, if so, for which specific accommodations.

Registration Procedures:

To request accommodations, please contact the ADA Office for Students The office can be reached via email at ada@utpb.edu, via phone on 432-552-4696, and in person in room 4242 of the Mesa Building.

Required Documentation

All disability documentation mus be on letterhead signed by the appropriate licensed educational, mental health, or medical professional who is certified or licensed practitioner in the area for which the diagnosis is made. NOTE: Documentation presented on a prescription pad slip by itself, is unlikely to be sufficient.

In addition, all documents should provide the following information:

• Date of the evaluation;
• Method of evaluation/examination;
• Specific diagnosis;
• Medication - expected effects on functioning, and any side effects;

• Listing and discussion of specific limitations with respect to the disability's impact in academic and academic related environments as it relates to the accommodations requested.

Finally, please note that documentation should not be more than five (5) years old.

Students who provide all documentation and are eligible for services will be formally approved during an intake interview with the disability services office. Accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the documentation, the student's history and specific functional limitations. Students requesting accommodations in the classroom will be provided with a letter prepared by the Office of ADA for Students verifying the need for accommodations to each of their instructors.

Accommodations

If a student is eligible to receive accommodations, the accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the documentation, the student's history, specific functional limitations, and other information. Students approved to receive accommodations in the classroom will be provided a letter prepared by the Office of ADA for Students; that letter lists the approved accommodations, and the student should present it to all instructors in which accommodation is desired.

Depending on the situation, the following accommodations and others may be available to qualifying students with disabilities at UT Permian Basin:

• Note takers
• Extra time for test
• Isolated testing rooms

• Enlarged print on computers

If you need other specific accommodations, please consult with the Office of ADA for Students .https://www.utpb.edu/academics/advising-and-support/accomodations/services-for-students-with-disabilities

Student Housing

UT Permian Basin offers a variety of options for students who desire to live on campus. The UT Permian Basin Residence and Dining Hall is the designated housing for incoming freshmen students. Freshmen options in the Residence and Dining Hall include a four bedroom unit, or a two person double occupancy unit. Each floor of the three story Hall has study/Teaming rooms, laundry, and lounges for student convenience. Upperclassmen have the following options in the apartment-style units: four bedroom unit, two bedroom unit, and efficiencies. Most buildings have a central laundry room downstairs for student convenience. The University also offers options for married students who may select from a one bedroom or two bedroom unit.

The housing area is within easy walking distance of the University Mesa Building, the Visual Arts Building, the Library/Lecture Center, and the Science and Technology building.

Each student unit is fully furnished. All Student Housing prices include the cost of electricity, water, sewer, cable, internet, laundry, garbage collection, maintenance, and police security. Student Housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and students must be enrolled. .

Information regarding student housing may be found athttps://www.utpb.edu/life-at-utpb/housing-and-dining/indexor contact the office for a tour or visit at (432) 552-2743 or by email at housing@utpb.edu.

Student Health and Safety

Disciplinary Procedures

UT Permian Basin maintain the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. All students are expected and required to obey federal, State, and local laws, to comply with the Regents' Rules and Regulations, with The UT System, and institutional rules and regulations, with directives issued by an administrative official of the UT System or institution in the course of his or her authorized duties, and to observe standards of conduct appropriate for an academic institution. (Regents' Rules and Regulations, Rule 50101) Any student who engages in conduct that violates the fore mentioned is subject to discipline whether such conduct takes place on or off campus or whether civil or criminal sanctions are also imposed for such conduct.

The official version of the student conduct code can be found on the Associate Dean of Student's web page within the University web pages at  https://www.utpb.edu/life-at-utpb/student-services/dean-of-students/index. The University reserves the right to restrict the enrollment of any student for disciplinary or academic reasons. According to the Regents' Rules, the Associate Dean of Students has the authority to take interim disciplinary action when the continuing presence of the student poses a potential danger to persons or property or a potential threat of disrupting any authorized University activity.

In all cases, students are afforded due process through a meeting with the Associate Dean of Students and/or a formal disciplinary hearing.

Disciplinary action could include

• Admonition.
• Warning probation.
• Disciplinary probation.
• Withholding of grades, official transcript and/or degree.
• Bar against readmission.
• Restitution or reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of Institutional or System property.
• Deferred suspension.
• Suspension of rights and privileges, including participation in athletic or extracurricular activities.
• Failing grade for an examination or assignment or for a course and/or cancellation of all or any portion of prior course credit.
• Denial of degree.
• Suspension from the institution for a specified period of time.
• Expulsion (permanent separation from the institution).
• Revocation of degree and withdrawal of diploma.
• Other penalty as deemed appropriate under the circumstances.

Grievances/Appeals

Students who have a grievance with another student, faculty, or staff member are encouraged to review the procedures set out on the Associate Dean of Student's web page on the University web pages at https://www.utpb.edu/life-at-utpb/student-services/dean-of-students/index.  These procedures include information on how to file complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of race or disability.

Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault

UT Permian Basin is committed to the principle that the University's working and learning environment be free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment in any form will not be tolerated and individuals who engage in such conduct will be subject to disciplinary action. Knowledge, either personal or experience as a witness, of such activity should immediately be reported to the Associate Dean of Students or the Title IX Coordinator.

Drugs/Narcotics

Any student who is guilty of the illegal use, possession, and/or sale of a drug or narcotic on the campus of UT Permian Basin or any other UT System component institution is subject to discipline. If a student is found guilty of the illegal use, possession, and/or sale of a drug or narcotic on campus, the minimum penalty shall be suspension from the institution for a specified period of time and/or suspension of rights and privileges.

Intoxicating Beverages

The use of intoxicating beverages is prohibited in classroom buildings, laboratories, auditoriums, library buildings, museums, faculty and administrative offices, intercollegiate and intramural athletic facilities, and all other public campus areas. State law will be strictly enforced at all times on all property controlled by UT System and its component institutions.

Student Medical Plan

Students have access to medical services contracted by the University. Information about the medical services provider and the plan may be found on the University web site under Current Students, Medical Services.
Student Insurance

Students needing health insurance may obtain information through the University web pages. This can be found under Current Students, Medical Services. International students are required to maintain health insurance which meets UT System coverage requirements.

AIDS, HIV, and Hepatitis B Infection Policies

UT Permian Basin recognizes its responsibility to protect the rights and privileges of students, employees, patients, and the general public against the contact with the spread of infectious diseases. In recognition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) as serious health threats, UT Permian Basin has adopted a policy and procedural steps to protect both the rights and well-being of those students who may be infected with HIV or HBV as well as to prevent the spread of infection. No individual with HIV or HBV infection will be discriminated against in employment, admission to academic programs, health benefits, or access to facilities. Students with HIV or HBV infection may attend all classes without restriction, as long as they are physically and mentally able to participate and perform assigned work and pose no health risks to others.
All information regarding the medical status of UT Permian Basin faculty, staff, and students is confidential. A complete copy of the "AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B Infection" policy can be found in the institutional Handbook of Operating Procedures which is available on the internet at www.utpb.edu. This policy is applicable to all students of UT Permian Basin as they pursue their academic (and clinical) endeavors. Brochures with information about AIDS/HIV will be made available to all students on request. Counseling Center. Student can call the Student Counseling Center at: (432) 552-3365 or stop by MB 4162.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

The Hepatitis B Vaccination requirement applies only to students enrolled in a course of study that involves potential exposure to human or animal blood or bodily fluid.

Bacterial Meningitis Information

Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast, so utmost caution is required. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. Bacterial Meningitis is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions. Symptoms include high fever, rash or purple patches on the skin, light sensitivity, confusion and sleepiness, lethargy, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, nausea, and seizures. The more symptoms present, the higher the risk. When these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention. There is treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery. For more information, contact your own health care provider, the campus medical services provider, or local Texas Department of Health. Information web sites: https://www.cdc.gov/,https://www.acha.org/ UT Permian Basin regularly informs students about this information by posting information on-line via our student registration system and posting on the back of our registration cards.

Bacterial Meningitis Information (New Students)

All new students and those who are returning after a one semester absence and under the age of 22 years of age or younger will be required to show evidence that they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination or eligible for an exemption prior to enrolling. The vaccination dose or booster must have been received during the five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class or prior to moving into on-campus housing (whichever is applicable). Students taking online courses only (no on-campus based courses) are not required to have the vaccination. Send evidence of the vaccination or qualified exemption to UT Permian Basin Admissions, 4901 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79762. For more information about the immunization requirements and exclusions, please refer to the Texas Department of Health Services, Immunization Branch (MC 1946), PO Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347. A student can opt-out of the immunization requirement by providing an affidavit signed by the applicant or, if a minor, by the applicant's parent or guardian stating that the applicant declines immunization for reasons of conscience.

Hazing

Hazing in State educational institutions is prohibited by both State Law (Sections 51.936 & 37.151 et seq., Texas Education Code) and by the Regents' Rules and Regulations (Series 50101, Section 2). Individuals or organizations engaging in hazing could be subject to fines and charged with criminal offenses. Additionally, the law does not affect or in any way restrict the right of the University to enforce its own rules against hazing.

Individuals
A person commits an offense if the person:

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

Organizations

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

Definition

The term "hazing" is broadly defined by Statute to mean any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization. Hazing includes, but is not limited to:

• any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
• any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects the student to unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
• any activity involving the consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug or other substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
• any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from entering or remaining registered in an educational institution, or that may reasonably be expected to cause a student to leave the organization or the institution rather than submit to acts described in this subdivision; and
• Any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code. The fact that a person consented to or acquiesced in a hazing activity is not a defense to prosecution.
• Hazing with or without the consent of a student is prohibited by the UT System, and a violation of that prohibition renders both the person inflicting the hazing and the person submitting to the hazing subject to discipline.

• Initiations or activities by organizations may include no feature which is dangerous, harmful, or degrading to the student and a violation of this prohibition renders both the organization and participating individuals subject to discipline.

Activities which under certain conditions constitute acts that are dangerous, harmful, or degrading, in violation of Rules include but are not limited to:

• calisthenics, such as sit-ups, push-ups, or any other form of physical exercise;
• total or partial nudity at any time;
• the eating or ingestion of any unwanted substance;
• the wearing or carrying of any obscene or physically burdensome article;
• paddle swats, including the trading of swats;
• pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact;
• throwing oil, syrup, flour, or any harmful substance on a person;
• rat court, kangaroo court, or other individual interrogation;
• forced consumption of alcoholic beverages either by threats or peer pressure;
• lineups intended to demean or intimidate;
• transportation and abandonment (road trips, kidnaps, walks, rides, drops);
• confining individuals in an area that is uncomfortable or dangerous (hot box effect, high temperature, too small);
• any type of personal servitude that is demeaning or of personal benefit to the individual members;
• wearing of embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing;
• assigning pranks such as stealing; painting objects; harassing other organizations;
• intentionally messing up the house or room for clean up;
• demeaning names;
• yelling and screaming; and
• requiring boxing matches or fights for entertainment.

Immunity

In an effort to encourage reporting of hazing incidents, the law grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to any person who reports a specific hazing event, in good faith and without malice, to the Associate Dean of Students or other appropriate official of the Institution and immunizes that person for participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from that report. Additionally, a doctor or other medical practitioner who treats a student who may have been subjected to hazing may make a good faith report of the suspected hazing activities to police or other law enforcement officials and is immune from civil or other liability that might otherwise be imposed or incurred as a result of the report. The penalty for failure to report is a fine of up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both. Penalties for other hazing offenses vary according to the severity of the injury which results and include fines from $500 to $10,000 and/or confinement for up to two years.

Immunizations

Institutions of higher education may require persons applying for admission to be immunized against diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, measles, mumps, tetanus, and poliomyelitis. The Texas Board of Health may require immunizations against these and additional diseases for registrants at any institution of higher education who are pursuing a course of study in any of the human or animal health professions, and the board may require such immunizations for any registrants in times of an emergency or epidemic in a county where such an emergency or epidemic has been declared by the Commissioner of Health. (Education Code 51.933(b-1)).

On Campus Student Immunization and Background Check Requirement

The State requires students, who reside in on-campus housing to provide a certificate signed by a health practitioner evidencing that the student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis at least 10 days prior to the student taking up residence in on-campus housing. The University is entitled to check the criminal history record for all students applying for on-campus housing. The University will notify students if this information is used to deny them housing.

Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act

In compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act (the Act) 20 U.S.C. Sections 1092 (a), (e) and (f), as amended, The University of Texas Permian Basin collects specified information on campus crime statistics, campus security policies, and institutional completion of graduation rates. Pursuant to the federal law, alleged victims of violent crime are entitled to know the results of campus disciplinary proceedings concerning alleged perpetrators. UT Permian Basin reports to the campus community on crimes considered to be a threat to students and employees and reported to campus police or local police agencies. UT Permian Basin publishes and distributes an annual report of campus security policies and crime statistics to all current students and employees; provides copies of the report to applicants for enrollment or employment upon request; and submits a copy of the report to the Secretary of Education upon request. The annual campus crime statistics report references crimes which occur on property owned or controlled by UT Permian Basin and may be supplemented by listing crimes which occur off the campus in buildings or on property owned or controlled by student organizations that are registered by the institution when such statistics are available from local police departments.

UT Permian Basin annually calculates and discloses institutional completion or graduation rates for undergraduate students to all prospective and current students. (The federal requirement for calculation of a completion of graduation rate applies only to institutions of higher education that admit undergraduate students who are enrolling for the first time at an institution of higher education and have not enrolled previously at any other institution of higher education.)

UT Permian Basin publishes in the annual security report, its policy regarding sex-related offenses, including prevention programs, education programs to promote awareness of sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, administrative disciplinary procedures and sanctions for offenders, and counseling and student services for victims.

Criminal Background Checks

Certain programs require students to submit to and satisfactorily complete a criminal background check review as a condition of admission, program completion, licensure, or participation in education experiences. Students who refuse to submit to a background check or who do not pass the background check may be dismissed from their programs. The student is responsible for the costs of the criminal background check.

Gang Free Zone

Premises owned, rented or leased by UT Permian Basin, and areas within 1,000 feet of the premises are "gang-free" zones. Certain criminal offenses, including those involving gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next highest category of offense if committed in a gang-free zone by an individual 17 years or older. See Texas Penal Code, Section 71.028.

Missing Student Notification Policy

If a member of the University community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, they should immediately notify the UT Permian Basin Police Department at (432) 552-2786. Students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify confidentially an individual to be contacted by UT Permian Basin in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. Contact information will be accessible only to authorized campus officials and law enforcement and will not be disclosed outside of a missing person investigation. To designate a confidential contact, contact Student Housing at (432) 552-2743.

Use of Facilities

The property, buildings, or facilities owned or controlled by the University are not open for assembly, speech, or other activities as are the public streets, sidewalks, and parks. The responsibility of the UT System Board of Regents and UT Permian Basin to operate and maintain an effective and efficient system of institutions of higher education requires that the time, place and manner of assembly, speech, and other activities on the grounds and in the buildings and facilities of the University be regulated. No person, organization, group, association, or corporation may use property or building owned or controlled by the University for any purpose other than in the course of the regular programs or activities related to the role and mission of the University, as permitted by the Regent's Rule 80101 and UT Permian Basin rules and regulations.

Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community and their guests and visitors during normal business hours. Students have access to the buildings during scheduled class sessions including laboratory, library study, and research periods. After normal business hours, including weekends and holidays, all campus buildings are considered closed and secured. Late doors are equipped with electronic locks and closed circuit television cameras. This electronic access control system can allow access to those authorized entry and assigned a code for the system. Exterior building doors on campus are equipped with an electronic alarm, which annunciate at the alarm monitoring company during prohibited hours.

Student Parking Information

Parking permits are required to park on campus. The parking spaces in all lots are restricted as marked or posted. All underground parking is reserved. Only Student Housing residents are allowed to park at Student Housing. Parking permits are typically purchased during registration and are valid from September through the following August. The permits are marked with an expiration sticker. Permits can be obtained at the UT Permian Basin Police Department Information Center, located in the Mesa Building throughout the school year and are prorated as necessary. In compliance with Texas Education Code 51.207 (b), The University enforces State of Texas vehicle inspection laws for vehicles parking or driving on campus. Disabled veterans may park with either a free University permit or without a University permit (at the discretion of the University) in a disabled parking space for an unlimited period of time.

Student Travel Guidelines

It is the policy of UT Permian Basin to promote the safe travel of students to and from events and activities. Travel to an organized or sponsored event by a student(s) that is located more than 25 miles from the UTPB campus must be approved by an appropriate administrator and comply with UTPB’s student travel policy. Examples of UT Permian Basin student travel include, but are not limited to, class field trips; attendance at a scholarly or professional conference where a student is attending or participation due to their affiliation with UTPB; University-funded student organization travel; class trips for education or cultural enrichment; athletic, student publication, dramatic, music, or forensic competition or performance; and student leadership conferences. The Office of the Dean of Students oversees student travel policies and procedures.

Copyrighted Materials and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material may subject students to disciplinary action and civil and criminal penalties. Information concerning the legal consequences of such violations may be found in Title 17 of the United States Code, Circular 92, http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html#504.N

File-sharing programs are not necessarily harmless and in using them you may inadvertently consume excessive network bandwidth, violate copyright law, inadvertently share confidential information or make your computer unsecured. Disproportionate bandwidth usage and copyright infringement are violations of the University's rules for acceptable use of information technology.

Students should be aware that University networks and computers connected to the University networks are monitored by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and other copyright protection agencies. If you install peer-to-peer file sharing software on your computer you "open" your computer to monitoring by these agencies. If the university receives a notice from one of these agencies alleging a copyright violation associated with your computer, your network connectivity will be limited to local resources. This limitation will continue until you have discussed the situation with the UT Permian Basin Dean of Students. Repeat offenders are subject to disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion from the University.

Campus Solicitations

No solicitation shall be conducted on any property, street, sidewalk, or in any building, structure, or facility owned or controlled by the University unless permitted by the Regents Rules and Regulations. "Solicitation," as defined in Rule 80103 of the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, means the sale, lease, rental or offer for sale, lease, rental of any property, product, merchandise, publication or service, whether for immediate or future delivery, an oral statement or the distribution or display of printed material, merchandise or products that is designed to encourage the purchase, use or rental of any property, product, merchandise, publication or service, the receipt of or request for any gift or contribution, or the request to support or oppose or to vote for or against a candidate, issue or proposition appearing on the ballot at any election held pursuant to state or federal law or local ordinances. The Regents' Rules and Regulations may be accessed at the following Web site: https://www.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/rules/80103-solicitation.

Fire Safety

UT Permian Basin holds fire safety as one the fundamental parts to providing everyone a safe environment. Everyone at our campus is encouraged to practice safety. If an incident occurs individuals are asked to promptly report the issue to any administrative university official. Information about fire safety policies, procedures, and reporting requirements can be found at https://www.utpb.edu/university-offices/ehs/index.

University Fire Warning System

The UT Permian Basin campus fire alarm system is continually monitored by GE Fire Works graphical interface system. This system operates on a fiber optic loop connected to every building fire panel on the UT Permian Basin campus. This system has simultaneous reporting capacity to the City of Odessa Dispatch for the Main campus, City of Midland Dispatch for the Midland Campus and University Police and EH&S via a class B fiber optics network. Environmental Health & Safety oversees a fire and life safety system that has over 1,600 alarm fire alarm initiating devices, 600 portable fire extinguishers, and 41 buildings with sprinkler systems as well as 4 special hazard systems.

Emergency Alert System

Falcon Alert is an emergency notification service that gives UTPB administration the ability to communicate health, safety, or other emergency information quickly- via text message and email. All students are automatically enrolled in Falcon Alert and may opt out by visiting: https://www.utpb.edu/university-offices/police/utpb-timely-warnings.

False Reports

A person commits an offense under Section 42.06, Texas Penal Code, if he knowingly initiates, communicates or circulates a report of a present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency that he knows is false or baseless and that would ordinarily: (1) cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies; (2) place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or (3) prevent or interrupt the occupation of a building, room, place of assembly, place to which the public has access, or aircraft, automobile, or other mode of conveyance. The offense under Section 42.06, Texas Penal Code, of making such a false alarm or report involving a public or private institution of higher education is a state jail felony. An individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony shall be punished by confinement in a state jail for any term of not more than two years or less than 180 days and, in addition to confinement, an individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.