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Section 8 Whole-Person Care

Subsection 8.1 Classroom Safety and COVID-19

To help achieve an in-person learning environment, the university recommends the following:

Subsection 8.2 Personal Pronouns

Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student’s legal name, unless they have added a “preferred name” with the Gender and Sexuality Center. I will gladly honor your request to address you by a name that is different from what appears on the official roster, and by the gender pronouns you use (she/he/they/ze, etc). Please advise me of any changes early in the semester so that I may make appropriate updates to my records.

Subsection 8.3 Students with Disabilities

My policy is to fully support all students with disabilities to the best of my ability. At no time is it required that you disclose the nature of your disability to me, and I will not ask you to do so.

If you are a student with a disability acknowledged by Disability and Access, I ask that you meet with me one-on-one to discuss accommodations as soon as you have your accommodation letter in hand. I do ask that you meet with me by the 12th class day so that we can put your accommodations in place as soon as possible.

If you are a student with a disability not yet acknowledged by Disability and Access, I hope that you will be willing to let me know that you need accommodations. I ask that you meet with me one-on-one to develop a plan for your success this semester.

University-required language: The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Disability and Access at 512-471-6259.

Subsection 8.4 Policy on Children in Class

Children are always welcome. I understand that if you have childcare responsibilities, you are a special-level of exhausted. Please talk to me if you need help.

Subsection 8.5 Policy on Outside Responsibilities and Other Circumstances

At all times, we are not just our academic selves but our whole selves, with responsibilities and pressures from outside the classroom. If you find that those responsibilities or circumstances are preventing you from participating in this class, please contact me as soon as possible.

Subsection 8.6 Religious Holy Days

Religion (or lack thereof) is an important part of who we are. If a holy day observed by your religion falls during the semester and you require accommodations due to that, please let me know as soon as possible. Email is an acceptable form of communication, though please use the format described in Emails so I am more likely to receive it. In order to guarantee accommodations around exams and other big deadlines, I will need notice of at least two weeks. If you are unable (or forget!) to provide that notice, please contact me anyway in case I can still accommodate you.

University-required language: A student who is absent from an examination or cannot meet an assignment deadline due to the observance of a religious holy day may take the exam on an alternate day or submit the assignment up to 24 hours late without penalty, ONLY if proper notice of the planned absence has been given. Notice must be given at least 14 days prior to the classes which will be missed. For religious holy days that fall within the first two weeks of the semester, notice should be given on the first day of the semester. Notice must be personally delivered to the instructor and signed and dated by the instructor, or sent certified mail. Email notification will be accepted if received, but a student submitting email notification must receive email confirmation from the instructor.

Subsection 8.7 Mental Health Counseling

Counselors are available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm at the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) on the 5th floor of the Student Services Building (SSB) in person and by phone (512-471-3515). The 24/7 UT Crisis Line is 512-471-2255.

Subsection 8.8 Emergency Situations

If you experience an emergency situation during the semester, Student Emergency Services is here to help you. They can help in the event of family emergencies, medical or mental health concerns, and interpersonal violence, among other situations. If you experience such an emergency, you may contact them directly through email ( studentemergency@austin.utexas.edu ) or by phone (512-471-5017), or you may contact one of us and we will assist you with the process.

Subsection 8.9 Safety Information

If you have concerns about the safety or behavior of students, TAs, Professors, or others, call the Behavorial Concerns Advice Line at 512-232-5050. Your call can be anonymous.

Subsection 8.10 Title IX Reporting

Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), which went into effect as of January 1, 2020, is a Texas State Law that requires all employees (both faculty and staff) at a public or private post-secondary institution to promptly report any knowledge of any incidents of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking ”committed by or against a person who was a student enrolled at or an employee of the institution at the time of the incident”. Please note that the instructors and the TAs for this class are mandatory reporters and MUST share with the Title IX office any information about sexual harassment/assault shared with us by a student whether in-person or as part of a journal or other class assignment. Note that a report to the Title IX office does not obligate a victim to take any action, but this type of information CANNOT be kept strictly confidential except when shared with designated confidential employees. A confidential employee is someone a student can go to and talk about a Title IX matter without triggering that employee to have to report the situation to have it automatically investigated. If you would like to speak with someone who can provide support or remedies without making an official report to the university, please email advocate@austin.utexas.edu. For more information about reporting options and resources, visit http://www.titleix.utexas.edu/, contact the Title IX Office via email at titleix@austin.utexas.edu, or call 512-471-0419.

Subsection 8.11 Online Privacy

Web-based, password-protected class sites are associated with all academic courses taught at The University. Syllabi, handouts, assignments and other resources are types of information that may be available within these sites. Site activities could include exchanging e-mail, engaging in class discussions and chats, and exchanging files. In addition, electronic class rosters will be a component of the sites. Students who do not want their names included in these electronic class rosters must restrict their directory information in the Office of the Registrar, Main Building, Room 1. For information on restricting directory information see: https://onestop.utexas.edu/student-records/personal-information/.