Undergraduate Catalog 1999 - 2000

General Information

Many laboratory courses involve instruction in and the use of various types of power equipment and laboratory apparatus. The University takes every precaution to provide competent instruction and supervision of such courses. It is expected that students will cooperate by following instructions and exercising precautions. In the case an accident does occur resulting in personal injury the University can assume no responsibility except for medical care that is provided by the Department of Health Services.

The University offers a variety of special services, facilities, and extracurricular programs designed to assist students and to enrich their educational experience. Like academic courses, however, these programs and services are viewed as resources available to students at their own option. Providing a wealth of opportunities is a responsibility accepted by the University; taking advantage of these opportunities is the student's responsibility. The University reserves the right to withhold privileges or to impose appropriate penalties in the event that students fail to meet their responsibilities.

Student Affairs

The role of the Division of Student Affairs is to create a campus environment for students, which enriches and contributes to personal development and academic growth. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Division seeks to provide a cohesive campus community where the atmosphere is responsive to the needs of a diverse student population and is conducive to learning both in and out of the classroom.

The programs offered through the Division of Student Affairs are integral components in a student's total education and experience. Our mission is accomplished through the following departments : Campus Activities, Career Services, Counseling Services, the Dean of Students Office, Dining Services, Health Services, and Residential Life. This dynamic team is led by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The division offers a wealth of services and resources including, but not limited to,: student activities and organizations; student volunteerism; leadership development; career development; resume and interview referral services; internship and cooperative education programs; academic , personal, and vocational counseling; University placement testing; tutoring and study skills programs; scholastic standards and regulations; student conduct; student advocacy; conflict resolution; services for students with disabilities; dining, catering, and food services; health education; student housing; residential living/learning opportunities; community building initiatives; and services for nontraditional students.

Student Activities

The University recognizes the fact that one's college education extends beyond the classroom. To this end, the Department of Student Activities and Union Programs complements the academic program of studies and enhances the overall educational experience of students through development of, exposure to, and participation in social, multicultural, intellectual, recreational, and governance programs. The Department attempts to educate students to become intellectual leaders in a global community, responsible leaders in a diverse community, and ethical leaders in a challenging and changing world.

The Department of Student Activities and Union Programs is the unifying force of community at UConn and maintains facilities and services that are supportive of student development and the needs of the campus community. There are over 240 registered clubs and organizations on campus, reflecting the diversity of our student body and their interests. Advisement and support are provided to student organizations in the areas of programming, finance, and organizational development. Leadership development opportunities for student leaders are also provided to enhance the growth of both the students and the student organizations.

Major programming on campus is provided by the Student Union Board of Governors (SUBOG) and other student organizations. Weeks of Welcome (WOW), Family Weekend, Festival of Lights, Homecoming, Winter Weekend, University Weekend, Senior Week, and multicultural awareness celebrations all contribute to a very dynamic student activities program at the University of
Connecticut.

The Director of Student Activities and Union Programs has the responsibility for six focuses that comprise the Department: Business Services; Greek Life, Operations and Student Organizations, OUR Center (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Services and Programs), Student Development, and Student Activities/SUBOG. The Director also has the general supervision over student sponsored activities. A listing of student organizations may be found in the Student Handbook and on the University of Connecticut web page.

Athletics

Intercollegiate teams are maintained in the following sports: Men - basketball, football, soccer, baseball, track and field, cross country, swimming, hockey, tennis, golf; Women - basketball, soccer, field hockey, softball, volleyball, track and field, cross country, tennis, swimming, lacrosse, and rowing.

The University of Connecticut is a member of the following conferences: Atlantic ID, New England College Athletic Conference, BIG EAST Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference, National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

The University of Connecticut is a member of the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association. Recreational Services offers intramural sports in the following team and individual sports - badminton singles and doubles, basketball, basketball free throw, 2 on 2 basketball, summer 3 on 3 basketball, summer 5 on 5 basketball, midnight basketball tournament, innertube water basketball, cross country, flag football, outdoor handball, indoor soccer, outdoor soccer, softball, summer softball, innertube water polo, squash, swim meet, table tennis singles and doubles, tennis singles and doubles, tug-o-war, track and field meet, volleyball, 2 on 2 sand volleyball, summer 2 on 2 volleyball, 4 on 4 volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and whiffleball. All individual sports teams earn championship points toward their respective team sport. Special events include backgammon, billiards, bowling, chess, darts, table tennis, and table soccer, Billiards Leagues, Bowling Leagues, Campus Concepts, Fun Run program, Golf Leagues, Great Pie Race, Ice Hockey Leagues, International Shootout, Mountain Laurel Road Race, and Personal Awareness Weeks (P.A.W. Program). Outdoor Adventure programs include rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, ice climbing, and sea kayaking.

New Student Orientation Programs

Students new to the University are required to participate in an orientation program designed to facilitate their transition to the Storrs campus. Small group orientation programs are conducted for freshmen and transfer students during the month of June. Freshmen attend one two-day, overnight session, while transfer students attend one day-long session. The orientation program is designed to introduce new students to the Storrs campus community. The program is conducted by undergraduate student leaders. During the orientation program, new students become familiar with campus, learn about student life and support services in addition to University policies and regulations. New students discuss their academic schedule with a faculty advisor, select and register for classes for the fall semester. Tours through University buildings and I.D. photos are also done at this time.

First Year Experience

The First Year Experience offers opportunities for new students who are (a) looking for a way to get a head start on academic success, (b) seeking support to explore specific academic interests while still meeting core curriculum requirements or (c) having difficulty making the transition to a university setting, overwhelmed by a large campus or, academically challenged and possibly on academic probation.

Knowing the "smart" way to approach academic and personal challenges can make a big difference in the undergraduate experience at a university. FYE University Learning Skills (ULS) (INTD 180), a one-credit seminar, brings students together weekly to interact and adjust to the new expectations they will be facing at UConn. A team of faculty, professional staff, and advanced undergraduate students who know their way around have designed each ULS. New students learn about University resources and facilities, enhance their academic and interpersonal skills, and work on time management issues. In addition, students will get to know a faculty member, a professional staff person, and an advanced undergraduate to whom they can turn for advice and support in the future.

Usually students have to wait until they are in a particular major and have spent several years at UConn to take a seminar. FYE Faculty-Student Seminars (INTD 182) which meet for one hour per week, involve guided research, writing, and provide plenty of opportunity for participation. The faculty who teach the seminars enjoy working closely with students and help participants enhance their ability to engage actively in the academic life of the University and to learn independently.

Students who join an FYE Learning Community enroll for the first one or two semesters of their career at the University in the same cluster of theme-related courses with 25 other students with similar interests. Each group offers students the opportunity to get to know each other and provides a supportive, friendly environment. The learning communities are led by a team of specially-chosen faculty and advanced undergraduate mentors who have chosen the cluster of courses (two or three each semester) to help students meet general education requirements and build an intellectual base for pursuing further study in that area of interest.

In addition to their shared courses, learning community students will also come together for a weekly one-credit seminar led by the faculty team and an undergraduate student mentor. This seminar, which focuses on discussion, but includes small assignments and projects, will help learning community members learn about campus resources, make connections among their courses, and build a sense of belonging and community within the group.

Course offerings for First Year Experiences are listed in the interdepartmental (INTD) section of the Directory of Classes. For more information, please contact Jen Hethcote, Program Manager of the First Year Experience, at 486-5019.

Advising

Freshmen and sophomores may be assigned to a particular advisor or to a central office of academic advising in a school or college. Juniors and seniors are advised by faculty members in the department of their major. (See "Academic Advising and Registration'' within the Academic Regulations and Procedures section of this Catalog.)

The advisor helps the student to develop a program of courses for registration and to formulate a plan of study leading to a degree. Although the advisor is responsible for providing direction to a student in making appropriate academic decisions, it is the responsibility of the student to become familiar with the academic regulations and degree requirements of the University as well as special requirements of his or her major.

Confidentiality of Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, protects the privacy of educational records, establishes the students' rights to inspect their educational records, provides guidelines for correcting inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings, and permits students to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA) concerning alleged failures of the institution to comply with this Act. In compliance with this Act, the University of Connecticut publishes its policy statement in the Directory of Classes and Student Handbook.

Graduation Rate

The Student Right to Know Act 1990 requires each institution to make available the graduation rates, within six years, of entering freshmen classes. For the University of Connecticut Fall 1991 entering freshmen, the graduation rates by the summer of 1997 were: entered at Storrs 67.5%; entered at a regional campus 42%. Non-graduates may have completed degrees at other institutions.

University Library System

There is an inseparable relationship between the quality of the University library system and the quality of the University _ one can rise no higher than the other. In support of this relationship, library staff select, acquire, organize, and provide access to those books, journals, electronic resources, government documents, newspapers, maps, audio/visual materials archives, manuscripts, and other items required to support the teaching, research and public service mission of the University.

The University of Connecticut Libraries System holds the largest public collection of research materials in the State of Connecticut. On the Storrs campus, the University Libraries includes the central library, Homer Babbidge Library, the Cookson Music Library, the Pharmacy Library, and the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, which houses Archives and Special Collections. Regional campus libraries include the Trecker Library in West Hartford, the Richard Library in Stamford, and libraries in Waterbury, Torrington, and Avery Point. Specialized collections in law are held in the School of Law Library in Hartford; and in medicine and dentistry by the Stowe Library at the UConn Health Center in Farmington. The Trecker Library houses a major collection in the field of social
work; strong business collections are maintained at Trecker, Richard, and Babbidge Libraries; and the Avery Point Library houses an important collection in marine sciences. The Dodd Center houses significant archival collections in a number of fields; many are of national importance. All collections are available to students of the university and together are capable of supporting advanced research in all fields of study offered by the university.

The Homer Babbidge Library at Storrs provides seating for 3,000 readers and space for more than 2 million volumes. Current journal subscriptions total approximately 7,900 at the Homer Babbidge Library and 18,600 for the entire University library system. An extensive array of electronic resources in all subject areas is available in the libraries and distributed via the World Wide Web to faculty and students in their dorm rooms or offices.

Access to the Collections: HOMER UCAT, the online catalog, provides bibliographic information for collections in the libraries at Storrs, Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Torrington. The database includes books, federal and Connecticut state documents, microforms, maps, electronic files, music scores, and audiovisual materials, and may be accessed at: www.lib.uconn.edu

Reference and Electronic Information: The Libraries invest heavily in the provision of access to electronic information resources and in teaching students to use those resources, providing scores of classes and electronic workshops each year. The Babbidge Library houses 1,300 computer databases, and current UConn students, faculty and staff have access to major fulltext online services such as LEXIS/NEXIS, Dow Jones, FirstSearch, and Infotrac. The Library also provides Internet access to global information resources through its information server at: www.lib.uconn.edu

The Babbidge reference collection contains more than 30,000 printed volumes - indexes, bibliographies, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other sources _ that enable researchers to locate information.

Government Publications: These collections of printed and electronic publications, numbering more than 575,000 items, are printed, paid for, or authorized by the governments of the United States and the State of Connecticut. The libraries also hold selected publications from other governments and states, and from nongovernmental organizations such as the United Nations.

Special Purpose Collections and Services

Archives & Special Collections: Staff in this area, housed in the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, collect, preserve, organize, and provide access to original source materials for research, primarily in the humanities and social sciences; and maintain archival records of the University. The operation is concerned with materials that require special handling and preservation, including manuscripts, early printed books, broadsides, pamphlets, photographs, and prints; as well as special subject collections kept together for research purposes. Materials in Archives & Special Collections must be used in the John P. McDonald Reading Room. Bibliographic access is provided through a combination of sources including special files maintained in the department, HOMER UCAT, and the Libraries' information server. Curators are available for individual consultation and can also arrange presentations for classes and seminars.

Art and Design Library: This collection contains the Libraries' major collection of visual arts resources, including materials relating to art history, studio arts, design, landscape architecture, and garden history.

Culpeper Library, Audio/Video/Computer Cafe: This collection of audiocassettes and videotapes covers a wide range of topics in support of the teaching program at the University. The Computer Cafe located on level 1 contains 40 IBM-compatible personal computers. Printers and a variety of software are available.

Library Services for Persons with Disabilities: The Library provides personal assistance as needed for people with permanent or temporary disabilities who may require help in using the facilities, collections, and services. At the Homer Babbidge Library, a member of Research and Information Services serves as coordinator for this program. The Babbidge Library also maintains a variety of specialized equipment for the use of persons with disabilities.

Map and Geographic Information Center (MAGIC): This collection of over 160,000 maps, specialized and general atlases, aerial photographs, privately published maps, and other research materials is the largest public collection of cartographic materials in the state. Access to cartographic information in electronic format is also available. MAGIC is an affiliate of the National Cartographic Information Center, a federal agency that accesses aerial photography nationally and satellite imagery world-wide, and is the federal depository library for maps in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Microtext: This collection contains nearly two million items in a variety of photographically-reduced formats, including domestic and international newspapers, journals, U.S. government publications and specialized research collections in areas of historical, social, political and literary interest.

Music Library: The Frank B. Cookson Music Library houses books, reference materials, scores, journals, and microforms relating to the study of music, and a non-lending collection of 16,500 sound recordings. A listening system is available.

Pharmacy Library: This library supports the information and research needs of the School of Pharmacy. Included in the collection are books, journals, audiovisual materials and electronic services that focus on pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy administration, pharmacy technology, toxicology, natural products chemistry, and immunology.

Health Services

The Department of Health Services, located in the Hilda M. Williams Building on Glenbrook Road, provides primary level health care (medical and mental health). The Department of Health Services is a fully accredited ambulatory health care facility. The student population is offered both in- and outpatient services. Health care treatment for non-life-threatening conditions is available. Because of certain limitations some medical problems may be referred to the private sector for diagnosis and/or treatment.

The Department of Health Services offers a wide range of services including in- and outpatient medical service, outpatient nurse practitioner service, outpatient gynecological service and outpatient mental health service. Supportive services include laboratory, x-ray, pharmacy and physical therapy. Nutritional counseling is also available on an appointment basis. Health promotion and outreach programs are offered through the Health Education Office and the Substance Abuse Education Program (HEART). Confidential HIV testing is also available.

The Department of Health Services is open continuously (24 hours a day) from 8 a.m. Monday through 4 p.m. Saturday. Hours on Sunday are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. There is an on-call telephone advice nurse service on Saturday and Sunday nights. There is reduced coverage during semester breaks and summer sessions. Services are available through appointment clinics and through daily walk-in clinics. The Women's Health Clinic specializes in all aspects of female sexuality and health care. The Women's Clinic also sponsors assault crisis intervention for sexual and physical abuse. Certain supportive services may be restricted when the University is not in full session.

Students who enter the University for the first time must furnish a detailed health history form for medical records purposes as well as documented proof of adequate immunization against Measles and Rubella in order to register for classes. Additionally, students must provide evidence of TB testing and appropriate medical intervention. All medical records are held in strict confidence and can only be released with a signed consent form.

Services are available to all properly registered Storrs students who present the required validated student identification card. Most primary care services are rendered without any additional charge to a student as the Health Service is supported by the General University fee. There are additional charges for services including lab tests, x-rays, physical therapy, certain special procedures, annual gynecological exams, and prescriptions. These charges may be placed on the student's University fee bill. Such bills may be submitted to insurance companies for reimbursement, but remain the financial responsibility of the student. The Health Service is a participating provider with several major insurance plans. All full-time students must provide for their own accident and illness insurance to cover medical care not provided through the Department of Health Services. Students may opt to be covered for accidents and illnesses through a personal insurance policy, a parental or family insurance policy, or a policy sponsored by the University. Supplemental Student Health Insurance for accident and sickness is available from a private student medical insurance program. Students who fail to provide proof of health insurance by filing an insurance waiver card may be charged and automatically enrolled in the University sponsored plan. Insurance information and enrollment for the insurance program is available at the Department of Health Services. Please call 486-0745 for further information.

The Speech and Hearing Clinic

The Speech and Hearing Clinic, located in the David C. Phillips Building, offers diagnostic and remedial services to students and to the public with problems in speech, language or hearing. Hearing aids and other assistive listening devices are dispensed. Both adults and children are eligible for services, which address problems such as articulation, stuttering, language disorders, and voice disorders. Hearing testing and aural rehabilitation also are provided. Special programs are available for improving English pronunciation. A fee is charged and third-party
funding is accepted. Information and appointments are available by contacting the clinic: 486-2629.

Services for Students with Disabilities

For complete information regarding the University's Policies and Procedures Regarding Students with Disabilities, please refer to pages 197 - 200.

Center for Students with Disabilities

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) provides services to all students with permanent or temporary disabilities to ensure that all University Programs are accessible. Our mission is to create an environment where students are viewed on the basis of ability not disability. Services offered include:

 Pre-admission counseling to respond to inquiries about support services.

 Assistance with suitable housing accommodations.

 Serve as a resource for identifying attendants.

 Provide liaison with BRS, BESB and other financial aid resources.

 Priority registration for class assignment.

 Assistance with academic accommodations.

 Accommodations for alternative testing.

 Interpreters and access to assistive technology.

 Information and referral source to all University and community programs and services including the accesssible van service.

 Assist students to develop self advocacy skills.

For more information, contact Donna M. Korbel, Director, CSD, Wilbur Cross Building, Room 231, U-174, Storrs, Connecticut 06268-4174; Voice/TDD (860) 486-2020, Fax: (860) 486-4412.

Program for College Students with Learning Disabilities (UPLD)

The University's Program for College Students with Learning Disabilities (UPLD) is a comprehensive program available to assist qualified students with LD to become independent and sucessful learners within the regular University curriculum. The services are designed to complement, but not duplicate, the University's existing campus services and programs.

In order to access services, students must refer themselves to UPLD and submit documentation that verifies eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Documentation must meet established University Guidelines for Documentation of a Specific Learning Disability, must be current, comprehensive, and provide clear and specific evidence and identification of a learning disability. In the case of a student whose disability does not include a specific LD (e.g., ADD/ADHD), support services are available from the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). Please refer to the Appendix for specific information regarding Guidelines for Documentation and Policies and Procedures from Students with Disabilities.

Three types of program services, Direct Instruction, Monitoring,and Consultation, are offered along a Continuum leading to independence. Students can work with a trained staff of learning specialists in individual structured sessions that meet on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. As students increase their independence and skills, the level of services may be reduced. There is no cost for services, and services are available for as long as the student needs them. Participation in the program is optional, and students are encouraged to reflect on their need for UPLD services.

Students with specific learning disabilities can also receive reasonable individual accommodations and auxilary aids by submitting documentation verifying eligibility and need to the Director of UPLD. If students are seeking accommodations only, the Consultation level on the UPLD Continuum is the appropriate service. Students requesting testing accomodations are strongly encouraged to contact UPLD within the first two weeks of each semester.

For information, contact Dr. Joan McGuire, Director, University Program for College Students with Learning Disabilities, University of Connecticut, 249 Glenbrook Road, U-64, Storrs, CT 06269-2064; Voice (860) 486-0178.

Library Services for Persons with Disabilities

Some people with permanent or temporary disabilities may require assistance in using the facilities, collections, and services. The library provides such assistance on an individual basis. On the Storrs campus, at the Homer Babbidge Library, a member of the Research and Information Services Department of the Homer Babbidge Library acts as coordinator for services offered to library users with disabilities.

Services include, but are not limited to: assistance with bibliographic sources; orientation to the library building; assistance with long-term research projects; recording of materials (on an emergency basis); space for studying and taking examinations; assistance when ordering materials in alternative format; access to volunteer student and community readers; and retrieval of materials. The Homer Babbidge Library has the following equipment available: 4-track cassette tape recorders/players; Perkins Braillers; low vision readers; accessible workstations for the library's electronic services; and a closed caption decoder for video.

Residence Halls

The University of Connecticut at Storrs is committed to the concept of a residential campus. Close interaction with peers contributes to the education and development of the whole person. It is also believed to be in the best educational interests of students to provide living arrangements in close proximity to the many educational, cultural, and social facilities on campus.

The majority of undergraduates are housed on campus in University-operated residence halls. These residence units are supervised by paraprofessional and professional staff. Staff work with students to create an environment which supports and compliments the academic mission of the University.

All housing arrangements for on-campus students are made by the Department of Residential Life. Availability of on-campus housing for new students is determined by the offices which have processed their admissions to the University. Contract offers for continuing students will be governed by official University policies and are dependent upon the availability of space. Priority for housing assignments is given to full-time degree-seeking students.

Students are required to sign contracts for the entire academic year or portion remaining if the academic year is already in progress. Procedures have been established to allow room changes during specified periods.

During Thanksgiving, mid-year and spring vacations, most undergraduate residence halls are closed.

At present, the University does not have residence hall space for married undergraduate couples. More information about residence hall life is available at the following web site: http://www.drl.uconn.edu/

Residence Hall Computer Services

Computer labs are provided in Buckley Hall, Hilltop, North Campus, Alumni Quad, McMahon, South Campus, and Towers. Students may use personal computers in their rooms. (Surge protectors are advised.) Direct internet/mainframe connections are available from all rooms in North Campus, Northwest Quadrangle, South Campus, Holcomb, Sprague, and West Campus (see the Resnet homepage at the following URL for more information:www.resnet.uconn.edu/) Students in other areas may connect via modem. (PPP accounts are available for a small fee.)

Residence Hall Telephone Service

All student rooms have been provided with telephone jacks. Students are encouraged to bring touch tone telephones to campus. Residents who desire local
and/or long distance services must register with UConnect, the University Telephone Service. UConnect will bill each student directly for the installation, monthly service charge, and toll calls.

Also, coin telephones and campus restricted phones are scattered throughout the residential facilities.

Use of Cars by Students

Students in every category attending day classes at Storrs must register their vehicles with the University and display on them an appropriate registration decal. The number of available parking spaces makes it impossible to give all students permission to register motor vehicles at the University. It is, therefore, necessary to establish some system of priorities for the allotment of motor vehicle privileges.

First priority for University student parking areas is given to students who are physically disabled. Permits are then issued as long as space is available to commuting students, graduate students, seniors and juniors. Freshmen and sophomore students who reside in University residence halls may not register a vehicle at the University.

Students are required to park their cars in designated student parking areas and are urged not to drive them to and from classes.

Students requesting motor vehicle permits, and who have not preregistered with the Parking Services Department, should do so immediately. Students must maintain public liability and property damage insurance in compliance with the requirements of Connecticut's no-fault insurance laws.

To obtain further information about parking on the Storrs Campus, please contact the Parking Services Office at (860) 486-4930, visiting their website at: http://www.ucc.uconn.edu/~wwwuctp/ or by visiting their office at 1501 Storrs Road (by W lot), Storrs, CT.

Concessions, Solicitations, and Use of Name

Residents are not permitted to use their room or facilities of the building for any commercial purposes. Permission for concessions or solicitations is required.

The University places no restrictions as to purpose, on the solicitation of funds by registered organizations within or without the University community. The time, place, and method of solicitation within the University by registered organizations shall be governed by regulations established in the interest of avoiding over-crowding and interference with those using an area for other purposes.

The Board of Trustees has ruled that "The name of the University shall not be used by any group not duly authorized as a part of the University nor by any individual, without the approval of the President."