Course Syllabus

6301.0G1
School of Management
The University of Texas at Dallas

| Course Info | Tech Requirements | Access & Navigation | Communications | Resources |

Assessments | Academic Calendar | Scholastic Honesty | Course Evaluation | UTD Policies |

Course Information

Course

Course Number/Section OB 6301.OG1

Course Title Organizational Behavior
Term and Dates 8/20 – 12/7

Professor Contact Information

Professor Laurie Ziegler, Ph.D.
Office Phone 972-883-2847
Email Address Internal course email
Office Location SOM 4.210
Office Hours Wednesday 4:30 – 6:30 and by appointment
Online Office Hours Wednesday 5:30-6:30
Other Information The best way to contact me is through eLearning email.
I am happy to talk with you on the phone or meet with you in
person. If you would like to make an appointment, please email
me through the course site.
TA TBA
TA Office Hours TBA

About the Instructor

Hi. I am Laurie Ziegler (aka Dr. Z.). I have been a member of the faculty at UTD since 1993. I
primarily teach Organizational Behavior and Negotiation/Dispute Resolution in Graduate,
Undergraduate and Executive Education programs. My research interests include
organizational communication, personality and organizational performance, managerial and
organizational cognition, leadership, and dispute resolution. I enjoy reading, old movies (the
black and white versions), snow skiing, golf, refinishing furniture, gardening and my family
including my rescue dog.

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

No course pre/co-requisites. I just want you to be engaged in the course.

Course Description
This is an introductory course to the field of human behavior in organizations. You will learn
about research and the application of associated theories and current findings at the individual,
group, and organizational levels. We will use readings, videos, cases, discussions, exercises,
and surveys to help you incorporate knowledge of organizations into your thinking and behavior.
Your participation in the course is critical to your learning and the learning of your classmates.
When the semester concludes you will have enhanced understanding of workplace behavior,

Course Syllabus Page 1

improved competency in critical management skills and the ability to transfer this knowledge to
work and personal settings.

AACSB Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

1. Apply theories of motivation and assess the efficacy of motivational programs
2. Recognize decision making (DM) problems and opportunities and apply the appropriate DM
models while considering ethical dilemmas and applications.
3. Assess organizational culture, recognize the value of diversity and develop strategies for
transforming cultures to improve organizational performance.

Required Textbooks
Required Texts
“Organizational Behavior” Stephen Robbins and Timothy Judge, 13th edition, Pearson Prentice
Hall.

Required Materials
Audio Lectures: Dr. Ziegler (Intellectual Property)

Textbooks and some other bookstore materials can be ordered online through Off-Campus
Books or the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore online ordering site. They are also available in stock
at the UTD Bookstore and Off-Campus Books.

Course Policies

Make-up quizzes
None

Extra Credit
None

Late Work
Not accepted

Special Assignments
None

Class Participation
You are required to login regularly to the online course site. I will use the tracking feature in
eLearning to monitor student activity. You are also required to participate in all class activities
such as: discussion board, chat, conference sessions and team work.

Virtual Classroom Citizenship

The same guidelines that apply to traditional classes should be observed in the virtual
classroom environment. Please use proper netiquette when interacting with class members and
with me.

Policy on Server Unavailability or Other Technical Difficulties

The university is committed to providing a reliable online course system to all users. However, in
the event of any unexpected server outage or any unusual technical difficulty which prevents
students from completing a time sensitive assessment activity, the instructor will extend the time
windows and provide an appropriate accommodation based on the situation. Students should

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immediately report any problems to the UTD eLearning Help Desk:
http://www.utdallas.edu/elearninghelp, 1-866-588-3192.

Teacher’s note: I have created the course such that there should be no last minute
emergencies. Please do not wait until the end of a time window to complete your assignments.
I know that bad things happen but do your best not to procrastinate.

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Technical Requirements

In addition to a confident level of computer and Internet literacy, certain minimum technical
requirements must be met to enable a successful learning experience. Please review the
important technical requirements and the web browser configuration information.

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Course Access and Navigation

This course was developed using a web course tool called eLearning. It is to be delivered
entirely online. Students will use their UTD NetID account to login to the course through UTD
Galaxy: http://galaxy.utdallas.edu or directly at http://elearning.utdallas.edu . Please see more
details on course access and navigation information.

To get started with an eLearning course, please see the Getting Started: Student eLearning
Orientation.

UTD provides eLearning technical support 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The services include
a toll free telephone number for immediate assistance (1-866-588-3192), email request service,
and an online chat service. The UTD user community can also access the support resources
such as self-help resources and a Knowledge Base. Please use this link to access the UTD
eLearning Support Center: http://www.utdallas.edu/elearninghelp.

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Communications

This eLearning course has built-in communication tools which will be used for interaction and
communication. Some external communication tools such as regular email and a web
conferencing tool may also be used during the semester. For more details, please see
communication tool information.

Another communication tool available to students is live voice chat in the 3D virtual world of
Second Life. Instructions for accessing the UTD SOM Island in Second Life can be found at
http://som.utdallas.edu/somResources/eLearning/faculty/secondLife.php.

Interaction with Instructor: I will communicate with you mainly using the Discussion tools. Please
send personal concerns or questions to me using the course Email tool. I will reply to your
emails and Discussion board “Messages to Dr. Z.” within 3 working days under normal

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circumstances (weekends and holidays are excluded so that I have time to spend with family
and conduct research). Remember, if you have technical difficulties you should contact
eLearning support as listed under Course Access and Navigation.

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Student Resources

The following university resources are available to students:

UTD Distance Learning: http://www.utdallas.edu/oee/distance/students/cstudents.htm

McDermott Library: Distance Learners (UTD students who live outside the boundaries of
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, or Tarrant counties) will need a UTD-ID number to access all
of the library’s electronic resources (reserves, journal articles, ebooks, interlibrary loan) from off
campus. For UTD students living within those counties who are taking online courses, a Comet
Card is required to check out materials at the McDermott Library. For more information on
library resources go to http://www.utdallas.edu/library/distlearn/disted.htm.

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Student Assessments
Grading Information

Weights (Points)

Personal Statement 10
Team Project 90
Participation/Discussions 150
Quizzes (5) 250
Total 500

Grading conversion

Scaled Score Letter Equivalent

450-500 A
400-449 B
350-399 C
Less than 350 F

Accessing Grades

You can check your grades by clicking “My Grades” under Course Tools after the grade for
each assessment task is released.

Course Organization
This course is organized around five modules. Modules open and close as indicated on the
course schedule. Participation and quiz grades are assessed for each module. The course is

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organized in a flexible format with adequate time windows for participation. However, it is
extremely important that you sign up for a group immediately as this course uses partially a
team-based approach.

Course Learning Activities

Personal Statement (10 points)

Your first assignment is to post your personal statement on the discussion board. Provide the
following information in this order.

1. Your name
2. A description of your job and employer/industry information (current or previous)
3. Your familiarity with OB concepts (scan your textbook, the module outline, or your course
schedule for ideas)
4. Where you are located geographically
5. What you hope to gain from this course
6. Anything else that is important to you that will give us a fuller picture of who you are
7. You may also provide pictures of you, your spouse, your children, your best animal friend,
your car, etc.

If you post all of the required information by 9/04/09 at 11:59 PM CST, you will receive the full
10 points (what a great way to start!) You will receive 5 points if you post between 9/05/09 and
9/11/09 at 11:55 PM CST. After 9/11/09 you will not receive points for this assignment. He/she
who hesitates loses points.

Team Project - Team Name Due 9/04/09 at 11:59 PM Central Time

You will form your own teams at the beginning of the semester. Sign up for team membership
under the : Learning Modules: Begin here! icon. There are a maximum of 3-4 people per
team depending on enrollment. When you sign up for your team you also sign up for the OB
concept(s) your team will facilitate based on the syllabus. By 9/04 have one, and only one,
team member submit your team name to me under Assignments. Instructions are included on
the link.

Team Facilitation of OB Concepts (90 points)

Each team will facilitate one unit which you sign up for at the beginning of the semester. The
unit divisions are based on my audio lectures, associated slides and video clips as well as your
textbook. I believe that graduate students should critically evaluate this course material.
Therefore, I have provided to you my thoughts in my lectures and encourage you to conduct
research to further your and our knowledge. Your task is to listen to my lectures, watch the
video clips I have provided, read the text materials and conduct some research. Then you get
to educate your classmates about what you have learned (i.e. you get to be an expert in at least
one area). Use questions, dialogue, PowerPoint presentations, Audios/Videos, web links, etc.
to enhance your presentations. Each team will have the entire module period window within
which to facilitate discussions. Give your classmates ample opportunity to participate by posting
early during the time window. You may choose to use email, chat or other methods to
communicate with your team members.

Course Syllabus Page 5

 Team Facilitation Criteria (or what I want you to cover)

For each of the the three sections, create the following title headings:
1. OB Concepts 2. Cases/Ethical Dilemmas 3. Self-Assessments/Exercises

Step 1: What OB concepts and issues are most relevant in your work environments? Apply the
material to current and/or historical events. This means that you have listened to my lecture(s)
and read the relevant chapter(s) for your unit. Facilitate an interesting discussion with your
classmates (30 points)

and

Step 2: Discuss the Case Incidents or Ethical Dilemma I provided on the course schedule.
Bring out key concepts as they are related to the course material. Do not restrict yourself to your
unit’s concepts. Integrate other OB issues. Update the information if relevant. (30 points)

and

Step 3: Provide a Self-Assessment related to your unit’s material. Calculate the results and
provide them to our class. You may find a survey online, create one of your own, and/or use
one from your workplace etc. as long as there are no copyright restrictions. Alternatively, you
may create an experiential exercise – some are provided in your textbook. They will give you a
better understanding of your strengths/weaknesses etc. and will also allow you to compare
yourself with your course colleagues. (30 points)

Team Peer Evaluation (required) Due 12/09/09

I want all members to contribute fully to the team facilitation project; therefore, you are required
to complete an evaluation of your participation and the participation of your team mates.
Consider each member’s ability to adhere to deadlines, availability, interpersonal skills,
creativity, leadership, and responsibility to the team. The Team Peer Evaluation is confidential.
Team evaluations are submitted under the Assignment: Peer Evaluation link.

Grading Rubric:

Full contributor: (A) 100% of team points; contributed fully to the team project.
Less than full: (B) 85% of the team grade
(C) 75% of the team grade
(F) 50% of the team grade
(0) 0% of the team grade

Overall Evaluation:

I will review the feedback and determine the percentage of the team grade you have earned. It
is my hope that everyone receives an A and earns 100% of the team grade. If you are
consistently rated low you may fail the team project. For example, if your team earns 80:90
(88%) on the team project and you receive an average of a “C” from your peers, you will earn a
66% for the project. The moral of the story is “don’t be a social loafer”. Besides, this is a fun
project! Also, it will help you learn how to get the most out of team members in your work place.

Provide the following information in this format.

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List team member names in alphabetical order by last name, and assign a grade. Include
yourself in the list.

Team Name Team Member Name Grade

Team Member #1
Team Member #2
Team Member #3 etc.

1. Explain the contributions that each team member made. Why did you grade each person the
way you did? Be specific. Justify any grades you assign that are below an “A”.
2. What worked well within your team and what would you do to improve your team process?

Participation/Discussions (150 points total – 30 points / module)

Graded Module Postings (Read carefully)

Organizational Behavior concepts come alive on the discussion board. As such, all students
are required to participate in class discussions. Submit original, thoughtful posts. You will find
that if you keep up with the discussion board you will have an enriched educational
experience. There is a great deal that you can learn from the ideas and work experiences of
your fellow classmates and they from you. Feel free to share web sites and other resource
information you have found useful. You do not have to read every message – choose the
material you find most fascinating, interesting, useful etc. Finally, if you have a message
for me follow the directions in the ungraded section below; do not post questions to me under
graded threads.

I have organized the course into five modules. Each team is responsible for facilitating one
OB concept/unit (see above). Each class member is responsible for participating in these
discussions. For participation credit, you will contribute two quality messages per
module with at least one message consisting of a reply to a fellow classmate’s
message or a response to a self-assessment/exercise. The messages must be posted
on different days and address two different OB concepts (e.g. Module 1 - post original
message to Learning and reply to a classmate’s message about Emotions. This means
that, at a minimum, you will access the discussion board twice within a three week period.
This will assure that you understand and are able to apply many of the OB concepts while still
allowing you the flexibility afforded by this online format. You may post more than two times
per module but please make them relevant and value-added to the discussion at hand. Do
not dominate the discussions – this isn’t a contest. “I agree” and “you rock” type of replies are
fine and help move the discussions forward. They do not, however, count for participation
credit.

Ungraded Postings

If you want to post a message for me, post it under the Discussion area named: Messages
for Dr. Z. For example, if you want to post a question for me regarding Quiz 1, post it under
the Messages for Dr. Z. heading and create your own thread clearly labeled Quiz 1. Do not
post it under a thread that is meant for some other discussion. It will get lost.

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 l will also post course information on the bulletin board. You should keep up with my postings
located in a separate discussion area: Messages from Dr. Z. You may post
questions/comments to our TA under Messages for TA. You may also talk informally with
your classmates in the Social Lounge. This is a good place for you to go to continue
conversations started in the Graded discussion forums. For example, you may have
discovered something in common with a classmate that is not relevant (i.e. value-added) to
the class discussion. Grab a beverage and go to the Social Lounge.

Online Quizzes (250 points total – 50/quiz)

To begin the semester, you must pass the syllabus quiz at 100%. It is the gateway to the
course and can be found under Learning Modules: Begin here! or under Assessments. It
will also help you learn how to use the quiz function so that you will be prepared for the
graded course quizzes (e.g. saving each answer). You have, on the average, 2 minutes per
question.

The five graded quizzes (one per module) consist of multiple choice questions covering
course materials including my multi-media files. I count on you to keep the quiz information
confidential. Do not download or keep copies of the quizzes. The graded quizzes assess
definitional, conceptual, and applied levels of proficiency. You must complete Module 1 quiz
before accessing Module 2 information and so on.

You have a generous time window within which to complete the quizzes. Do not request to
take your quizzes at a different time. Please plan accordingly.

All quiz windows open at 5:00 am Central Time and expire at 11:59 pm CT.

Syllabus Quiz: Gateway to Course 8/20-9/4

Team Name 9/4
Personal Statement 9/4
Late Statement 9/11
Quiz 1: Module 1 (Units 1-3) 9/4 – 9/10
Quiz 2: Module 2 (Units 4-6) 9/25 – 10/1
Quiz 3: Module 3 (Units 7-9) 10/16– 10/22
Quiz 4: Module 4 (Units 10-12) 11/6-11/12
Quiz 5: Module 5 (Units 13-15) 12/1-12/7
Holidays 9/7, 11/26, 11/27

You can access quizzes by clicking the Assessments link on the course menu or by using
the quiz icon under the associated module. Each quiz is timed and can be accessed only
once within the scheduled time window. Please read the on-screen instructions carefully
before you click “Begin Assessment”. After each quiz is graded and released, you may go
back to the Assessments page and click “View Submission” to review your quiz results. You
will have approximately 1 ½ minutes, on the average, per question. You can see the allotted
time window prior to beginning the Assessment. Do not expect that you can finish the quiz by
looking up information in the textbook or on-line for the “first time” while you are completing
the quiz. Organize your information and do your best to understand the material before you
attempt the quizzes. Based on years of experience, don’t wait until the last day to complete
your quiz – especially if you are not used to this delivery system.

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Course Syllabus Page 8

 Course Schedule (all assignments are due by 11:59 CST)

Module/ Required Audio Required Other

Dates Lectures Readings &
Cases
M1: Unit 1: Ch. 1: What is Personal
8/20- Organizational Statement,
9/10 Introduction to OB Behavior? Syllabus Quiz,
Team Name
Research Ethical Dilemma:
Lying in Business
Due 9/4

M1: Unit 2: Ch. 2: Foundations OB 1

8/20- of Individual
9/10 Learning Behavior

Case 2: Pro Sports:

Rewarding And
Punishing The
Same Behavior?

M1: Unit 3: Ch. 3: Attitudes and OB 2

8/20- Job Satisfaction
9/10 Attitudes
Case 2: Long Hours,
Hundreds of Emails,
and No Sleep.

M1: Unit 3 cont: Ch. 8: Emotions and Quiz 1 due 9/10

8/20- Moods
9/10 Emotions OB 3
Case 2: Abusive
Customers Cause
Emotions to Run
High

M2: Unit 4: Ch. 4: Personality OB 4

9/11- and Values
10/1 Personality
Case 2: A Diamond
Values Personality.

M2: Unit 5: Ch. 5: Perception OB 5

9/11- and Individual
10/1 Perception Decision Making

Case 2:
Whistleblowers:
Saints or Sinners?

Course Syllabus Page 9

 M2: Unit 6: Ch. 5: Perception Quiz 2 due 10/1
9/11- and Individual
10/1 Decision Making Decision Making OB 6

Creativity Case 1: Natural

Disasters and the
Decisions that
Follow

M3: Unit 7: Ch. 6: Motivation OB 7

10/2- Concepts
10/22 Motivation
Concepts Ch. 7: Motivation:
From Concepts to
Motivation Application
Applications
Ethical Dilemma:
Are U.S.
Excecutives Paid
Too Much?

M3: Unit 8: Ch. 9: Foundations OB 8

10/2- of Group Behavior
10/22 Group Foundations
Case 2: The
Dangers of
Groupthink.

M3: Unit 9: Ch. 10: Quiz 3 due 10/22

10/2- Understanding Work
10/22 Teaming Teams OB 9

Case 1: Teamwork:
One Company’s
Approach to High
Performance

M4: Unit 10: Ch. 11: OB 10

10/23- Communication
11/12 Communication
Case 1: Dianna
Abdala

M4: Unit 11: Ch. 12: Basic OB 11

10/23- Approaches to
11/12 Leadership Leadership

Case 2: The Kinder,

Gentler Leader?

M4: Unit 11 cont: Ch. 13: OB 12

10/23- Contemporary
11/12 Leadership Issues in Leadership

Case 1: The Making

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 of a Great President

M4: Unit 12 Ch. 14: Power & Quiz 4 due 11/12

10/23- Politics
11/12 Power OB 13
Case 2: The Politics
Politics of Backstabbing.

M5: Unit 13: Ch. 15: Conflict & OB 14

11/13- Negotiation
12/7 Conflict
Ethical Dilemma: Is
it Unethical to Lie,
Deceive, or Collude
During
Negotiations?

M5: Unit 14: Ch. 15: Conflict & OB 15

11/13- Negotiation
12/7 Negotiation
Case 2: Negotiation
Puts Hockey in the
Penalty Box.

M5: Unit 15: Ch. 17: Quiz 5 due 12/7

11/13- Organizational
12/7 Organizational Culture OB 16
Culture
Case 2: Wegmans

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Scholastic Honesty
The University has policies and discipline procedures regarding scholastic dishonesty. Detailed
information is available on the UTD Judicial Affairs web page. All students are expected to
maintain a high level of responsibility with respect to academic honesty. Students who violate
University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the
possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since such dishonesty
harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic
dishonesty will be strictly enforced.

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Course Evaluation

As required by UTD academic regulations, every student must complete an evaluation for each
enrolled course at the end of the semester. An online instructional assessment form will be

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made available for your confidential use. Please look for the course evaluation link on the
course Home Page towards the end of the course.

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University Policies

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and
regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each
student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations
which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and
discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered
students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules
and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI,
Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook
of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the
Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in
interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship.
He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules,
university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating
the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or
criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done
by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of
individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to
applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own work
or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the
following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic records. Students
suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any
other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism
(see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which
searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use

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The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some
issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The
university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a student’s U.T.
Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it
originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of
confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted
information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all
communication with university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T.
Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other
accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration
procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements
from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do the proper
paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to
attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious
effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with
whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”). Individual faculty members
retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be
resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy
of the respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided
by the respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the
grievance is not resolved by the School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal
to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an
Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of
the academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at
the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete
grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long
semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is
not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a
grade of F.

Course Syllabus Page 13

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities
equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the
Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments
necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be
necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in the case of
dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment requirement may be
substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation for a student who is
hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility impairments may have to be
rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or university may need to provide special
services such as registration, note-taking, or mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals
requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for
the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are
exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will
be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after the
absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student
who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized
for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed
period may receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of
observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has
been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the
student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution, or
his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the
legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of
the chief executive officer or designee.

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Off-Campus Instruction and Course Activities

Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and
University policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information
regarding these rules and regulations may be found at the website address given below.
Additional information is available from the office of the school dean.
(http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm)

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the
Professor.

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Course Syllabus Page 15