It is the policy of The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to promote safe travel by students who participate in certain university organized and sponsored activities or events.

Policy and Procedure

1. This policy is applicable to student travel undertaken by one or more currently enrolled students to reach an activity or event that meets all of the following criteria:

a. An activity or event organized and sponsored by the university. An activity or event is considered to be organized and sponsored if it has been planned and funded by the University and approved in writing by the designated administrator. The types of activities and events covered by this policy include course related field trips, recreational sports club trips, departmental sponsored trips, the activities of sponsored student organizations, and meetings of academic organizations where a student is officially representing the University; and

b. The activity or event is located more than 25 miles from the University; and

c. (i) Travel to the activity or event is funded and undertaken using a vehicle owned or leased by the University; or

(ii) Attendance at the activity or event is required by a registered student organization and approved in accordance with this Policy.

2. Registered student organizations that require their members to travel 25 miles or more from the University to attend an activity or event covered by this policy must obtain prior written approval for the proposed travel by the designated administrator.

3. The following provisions will apply to all travel covered by this policy.

a. All Motor Vehicle Travel.

Seat Belts:

Occupants of motor vehicles shall use seat belts or other approved safety restraint devices required by law or regulation at all times when the vehicle is in operation.

Alcohol and Illegal Substances Prohibited:

Occupants of motor vehicles shall not consume, possess, or transport any alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.

Passenger Capacity:

The total number of passengers in any vehicle at any time it is in operation shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended capacity or the number specified in applicable federal or state law or regulations, whichever is lower. Where applicable, all travel participants are required to comply with The University of Texas System Business Procedure Memorandum 16-05-02, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning vehicle passenger capacity.

License and Training:

Each operator of a motor vehicle shall have a valid operator’s license and be trained as required by law to drive the vehicle that will be used.

Proof of Insurance, Inspection, and Safety Devices:

Each motor vehicle must have a current proof of liability insurance card and State inspection certification, be equipped with all safety devices or equipment required by federal or State law or regulation, and comply with all other applicable requirements of federal or state law or regulations.

Legal Operation of Vehicle and Driving Schedule:

Operators of motor vehicles shall comply with all laws, regulations, and posted signs regarding speed and traffic control and shall not operate the vehicle for a continuous period that is longer than the maximum provided by federal or state law or regulations or guidelines promulgated by the university, whichever is lower, without scheduled rest stops or overnight stops.

b. Travel Using a Vehicle Owned or Leased by the University.

Service and Maintenance:

In addition to those provisions in Item 3.a., each vehicle owned or leased by the University must be subject to scheduled periodic service and maintenance by qualified persons and comply with all applicable requirements of The University of Texas System Business Procedure Memorandum 16-05-02.

Operators of Vehicles:

All operators of vehicles owned or leased by the University shall be employees of the University and shall have a valid operator’s license for the operation of the particular vehicle. In addition, operators shall have a current Motor Vehicle Record on file with the designated office of the University.

c. Travel Using Rented Vehicles.

In addition to those provisions specified in Item 3.a., the rental, use, and operation of all rented vehicles shall comply, where applicable, with the State contracts for rental cars and all applicable requirements of The University of Texas System Business Procedure Memorandum 16-05-02.

d. Travel by Common Carrier.

When a common carrier (bus, airline, etc.) is used for student travel covered by this policy, all reasonable steps will be taken to assure the travel is undertaken in conformance with this policy and all applicable federal, state, local, and university regulations.

4. Students are responsible for abiding by the rules and regulations contained in the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures while they are traveling. The sponsoring department may promulgate additional rules concerning expectations of students while on the trip.

5. As part of the approval process, all participants must sign an appropriate Release and Indemnification Agreement. All persons driving personal vehicles for travel covered by this policy must agree to comply with the requirements of 3.a. and produce some evidence of a valid operator’s license for the vehicle to be used, current proof of liability insurance and Texas state inspection certificate.

Student Field Trip Request Form 

Release form Indemnification

Links

Handbook of Operating Procedures

UT Regents Rules

]]> http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/student-conduct/feed/ 0 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/grade-grievance/ http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/grade-grievance/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:41:29 +0000 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/?p=603

What to do.

Formal grade appeals must be officially filed with the Student Grievance Committee of the Faculty Senate no later than one year after the official grade has been released to the student; for a student who has graduated, the filing deadline is three months following the semester in which the degree was awarded.

1.      Meet directly with the faculty member who issued the grade and discus your concern.

2.      If you are unable to resolve the difference you should then meet with the chair of the department or faculty member’s administrative supervisor.

3.      Please note that some colleges and/or departments have a unique set of procedures for grade appeal.  You are responsible for following college and/or departmental procedures prior to filing a complaint with the Student Welfare and Grievance Committee.

Fill out the forms below to begin the process.

File a complaint.

  ]]> http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/grade-grievance/feed/ 0 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/community-resources/ http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/community-resources/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:33:29 +0000 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/?p=598 Community Resources

As a University Community we recognize that in order for our students, faculty and staff to be academically, professionally and socially successful, they may need assistance far beyond what is available on-campus.

The Community resources website provides a list of agencies that can provide support and/or resources for members of the UTEP community in a variety of areas ranging from veteran support and public safety to disability services and K-112 education. UTEP does not endorse any of these agencies but is providing this list solely as additional resources for faculy, staff and students for informational purposes only.

Your safety is our job!

The safety of students at UTEP is very important to us.  The Office of Student Life works closely with campus and community partners to provide a number of services to assist students and, in some cases, their families and friends during an emergency or crisis situation.These services may include assistance with academic issues, outreach and advocacy for students, and coordination with other relevant UTEP offices such as the UTEP Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety, the Student Health Center, University Counseling Center and Women’s Resource Center.  Although our office does not provide counseling services, we can assist students with the following: ]]> http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/safety-job/feed/ 0 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/tracker-2/ http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/tracker-2/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:12:40 +0000 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/?p=574 The UTEP Mine Tracker is a co-curricular initiative that serves as a student’s roadmap to success.  The Mine Tracker enables registered UTEP students to access co-curricular activities that compliment what a student is learning in the classroom.  Engagement in the UTEP Mine Tracker assists students in being more prepared for the ever-changing global market and become more competitive in the world of work and graduate studies. The suggested activities for the UTEP Mine Tracker are divided into four learning dimensions; Career Development, Civic Engagement, Global Perspective and Personal Enrichment.  Each of the dimensions has three levels of engagement; Entering Student Stage, Engagement Stage and the Leadership Stage.  The curriculum works as a guide to direct students along the path of student success.  A student’s progress through the stages is tracked and displayed on a personal progress screen which can then be printed on behalf of the University as a Co-curricular Transcript.  Students who complete the entire curriculum will receive recognition for their achievement upon graduation from UTEP.
]]> http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/tracker-2/feed/ 0 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/civic-engagement/ http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/civic-engagement/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:08:07 +0000 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/?p=570 The goal of Civic Engagement is for a student to embrace and value one’s role as an informed and engaged citizen.  Civic Engagement activities give students an opportunity to make a difference in society by contributing their talents, while learning how to relate to others.  These activities will help students enhance personal interests and abilities by allowing them to serve others with their time and skills.  Students develop the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make a difference. 

  CLICK HERE 

  ]]> http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/civic-engagement/feed/ 0 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/personal-enrichment/ http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/personal-enrichment/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:04:01 +0000 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/?p=567 The goal of a Personal Enrichment experience is to be active in identifying and balancing intellectual, interpersonal and physical pursuits.  Personal Enrichment activities expand students’ horizons intellectually, physically, socially, culturally, emotionally and/or spiritually.  These activities will help students become well-rounded individuals and enhance them in becoming holistic persons.  Activities associated with the Personal Enrichment Learning Dimension include:- Participate in a Student Club or OrganizationServing as a Intercollegiate Athletic Team Captain

- Participate in the Shape Your Life, Shape Your Future, Campus-wide Leadership Conference

- Serving as a Student Government Association – Executive Board Member

  ]]> http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/02/personal-enrichment/feed/ 0 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/01/global-perspective/ http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/01/global-perspective/#comments Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:53:36 +0000 http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/?p=557 The goal of a Global Perspective experience is to gain critical insight, experiences and skills to engage in a global society.  Global Perspective activities expand on a student’s cultural growth.  These activities will give students cultural immersion opportunities and the opportunity to gain valuable practical life and work experiences.  Students will be more aware of both the differences and similarities between cultures and have an appreciation for all.   Activities associated with the Global Perspective Learning Dimension include:• Serving as an International Representative (iREP)

• Participate in the International Food Fair

• Study Abroad

• Participate in International Focused and UTEP Affiliated Experiential Learning Programs ]]> http://sa.utep.edu/studentlife/2011/09/01/global-perspective/feed/ 0