Student Responsibilities, Rights & Protections
Student Responsibilities
Conduct & Academic Integrity
See the UT Catalog for information and rules regarding graduate student responsibilities: Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
Review the UT Austin Honor Code
Helpful info about appropriate referencing of material: American Psychological Association Publication Manual
UT Contact Information
All UT Departments contact students using the information provided by students in UT Direct. Be sure to review your UT Direct contact information regularly to ensure it is up to date.
Your UTDirect emergency contact information must be updated annually, or the Registrar may place a bar on your registration. The University considers email communication to be an official form of notification, and it is the one most commonly used. Students should become familiar with the University’s Electronic Mail Student Notification Policy.
APA Guidelines
The training and practice of psychology (including conducting research) are governed by the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, American Psychological Association. Topics covered include: General Principles, Resolving Ethical Issues, Competence, Human Relations, Privacy and Confidentiality, Advertising and Other Public Statements, Record Keeping and Fees, Education and Training, Research and Publication, Assessment, and Therapy. Students may print a copy of this essential document from APA’s website.
Students and faculty within the State of Texas are also governed by the act and rules of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP).
Student Rights & Protections
University Policies
The University has numerous policies protecting the rights of students, all covered in the General Information Catalog.
Relevant policy statements include:
Equal educational opportunity
Prohibition of sexual harassment of students
Prohibition of racial harassment of students
Prohibition of sexual assault
Policy on AIDS and HIV infection
Residency regulations
Scholastic dishonesty (under Institutional Rules)
Student Ombuds Services
The Student Ombuds Office offers confidential, impartial assistance with University-related concerns. It is a good resource if remedies within the program, Department, and/or Graduate School have been exhausted or feel unsatisfactory.
Disability Services and Accommodations
Students with disabilities may request accommodations through Disability and Access.
Grievance Procedures
UT’s student protections are outlined in the General Information Catalog. Graduate students have the right to address grievances through both informal and formal channels:
Attempt resolution directly with the faculty member.
Escalate to the Graduate Adviser, GSC Chair, or Department Chair.
Petitions and Appeals
Students may petition the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) or the Graduate Dean regarding:
Leave of absence
Waivers of degree requirements
Exceptions to Graduate School policies
How to petition:
To file a petition, contact your program Area Chair and Graduate Adviser. The Graduate Adviser can then submit a petition to the GSC Executive Committee or the Graduate Dean, depending on the issue.
Academic Grievances
See the Graduate School page on Academic Grievances for details about types of academic grievances and submission processes.
NonAcademic Grievances
Complaints related to non-academic issues are handled by the Office of the Dean of Students.
Student Employee Grievances
Student employees (e.g. TAs, AIs, GRAs) should refer to grievance procedures outlined in the Handbook of Operating Procedures.
Adjudicating Grievances of Graduate Students
If informal resolution fails, graduate students may initiate a formal grievance. The steps are as follows:
Level 1: Graduate Studies Committee (GSC)
The student submits a written grievance to the GSC Chair.
The Chair may resolve it directly or convene the GSC or a subcommittee.
If still unresolved, an ad hoc panel may be formed. The student may exclude one member.
Findings are documented and shared with all parties.
Level 2: Vice President and Dean of Graduate Studies
If unresolved at the GSC level, the case may be escalated to the Dean of Graduate Studies, who may appoint a committee to review the case and will issue a final ruling.
Level 3: Office of the President
A final appeal may be submitted in writing to the President of the University. Note: complaints should be addressed in accordance with the policies and procedures published in the General Information Catalog.