6 Chapter 6 Know UTRGV Policies and Learn About Criminal Background Checks (CBC)
Policies
Introduction
It is essential to know our institutional policies. Always consult the most recent catalog from our institution. About information for your program of study, look for the curriculum published for your catalog year. In addition to the policies you have reviewed in prior sections, UTRGV has many policies that guide students and faculty. For example, policies on attendance, withdrawal, course evaluations, and sexual misconduct are relevant to students. Moreover, learn if a CBC is needed as a progression requirement for you, as is the case in many of our college programs.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and may be dropped from the course for excessive absences. UTRGV’s attendance policy excuses students from attending class if they participate in officially sponsored university activities, such as athletics, for observance of religious holy days, or military service. Students should contact the instructor before the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work or examinations.
E-mail Communication
Per UTRGV policy and by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all e-mail communication with students must be conducted via the student’s UTRGV e-mail account. Many professors will not even respond to e-mails from non-UTRGV accounts. Therefore, it is imperative:
- that you have an active UTRGV e-mail account,
- that you check it regularly and
- that you use for all course-related communication.
It is recommended that you check your UTRGV e-mail account daily.
Course Drop
According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty, earning a grade of DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the course should be aware of the “3-peat rule” and the “6-drop” rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time.
Mandatory Course Evaluation Period
Students must complete an ONLINE evaluation for all courses, accessed through your UTRGV account (
http://my.utrgv.edu). Every semester/module, you will be contacted through e-mail with further instructions. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades.
Sexual Misconduct and Mandatory Reporting
Per UT System regulations, your instructor is a “Responsible Employee” for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report to the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity (
oie@utrgv.edu) any instance occurring during a student’s time in the College of sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, about which they become aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at
www.utrgv.edu/equity, including confidential resources available on campus. In addition, the faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect that is free from sexual misconduct, discrimination, and all forms of violence. If students, faculty, or staff would like confidential assistance or have questions, they can contact OVAVP (Office for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention) at 665-8287, 882-8282, or
OVAVP@utrgv.edu.
Criminal Background Checks and Other Screenings
Many majors at the College of Health Professions (similar to other programs like Nursing and Social Work) require a criminal background check (CBC). In addition, such statements can be required for continuation in some programs, licensing, and before being placed in clinical rotations.
A criminal background check is a legal investigation into a person’s past that helps decide whether to hire, promote, contract with or use a person’s services. The information on a criminal background check can vary depending on the type of inquiry requested by schools, hospitals, clinics, employers, etc.
Nearly all checks will include the following:
- Felony and misdemeanor criminal convictions
- Misdemeanor criminal convictions
- Any pending criminal cases
Requests may also check information related to driving records, past employment, education, and professional licenses.
Additional screenings
Given the nature of health professions, screenings for drug and substance abuse and immunizations. In addition, hospitals, clinics, and schools require these screenings for clinical rotations and internships.
Please note that such checks and any appeal process are completed independently of UTRGV.
Exercise
What type(s) of background check does your intended profession need? Find your answer(s) and cross-check it (them) with your faculty and / or program coordinator.
