Course Syllabus

Course Information
Course Number/Section PSY 4473.001
CRN 14118

Course Title Conflict Resolution

John Q. Stilwell, J.D.
Ph.D.
Instructor
Term F08
Days & Times W 4:00PM – 6:45PM
Classroom GR 4.208

Professor Contact Information

Professor John Q. Stilwell, J.D., Ph.D.
Office Phone 214 521 9550
Other Phone 214 202 9642 (Cell)
Email Addresses stilwell@utdallas.edu; stil9285@charter.net
Office Location None assigned on campus
Office Hours By appointment at a mutually convenient time and place
Other Information See Professor’s web site at www.PowersOfTen.org

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

None
Course Description
Conflict Resolution in A Conflict-Ridden Society
Course PSY4377.001 CRN 14118
John Q. Stilwell, J.D., Ph.D., Instructor
Wednesdays 4:00PM – 6:45PM
GR 4.208
Course Description

1. This course provides an overview of most methods of alternative dispute resolution through the
study of case materials and participation in a group mock mediation project which will account for most of
the final evaluation. The Instructor will provide by lecture and example most of the historical, theoretical
and experiential material for student consumption. The group work will teach theory and skills primarily
of mediation, one of the many methods that will be examined as means of peaceful conflict resolution. All
Students will have reading assignments to be responsible for in connection with class discussions and case
studies on conflict resolution from the community level to global confrontations. The dynamics of
mediation in its various forms, and the analysis of roles played by parties, their advisors and neutrals, will
be the subject of about two-thirds of the classes, with the balance devoted to studies of strategies adopted
by groups competing for limited resources, demands of those seeking vindication and redemption of rights

Course Syllabus Page 1

believed to be denied by government or other authorities, regional and global conflicts including armed
hostilities.

3, the Instructor will provide guidance on those selection of interest for examination purposes.
Undergraduate students will be given the opportunity to choose from several topic areas to concentrate their
non-practicum work in the course and to prepare a term paper for final evaluation in the course, in lieu of a
final examination. The paper will be not more than 15 pages, including notes and bibliography and will be
in the nature of a research paper on the chosen topic. A Midterm exam will account for about 25% of
evaluation, class (and group) work will account for about 50% and the final term paper or examination for
about 25% of evaluation weight. This allocation of evaluative work may change depending upon several
factors, chief among them the size of the class which will influence the amount of class participatory work
available. Attendance is mandatory and will be monitored. Failure to attend and participate will result in
deductions from the amount of points allocated to classwork and will influence the Instructor’s decision to
qualify or not students who desire Mediator qualification. One absence only, for any reason, is permitted.
All students seeking qualification by the Instructor as Mediators under Texas law, will be required to keep
records of the time spent outside class in preparation [readings, preparation for mock mediation and
examinations] and to submit such records to the Instructor in the form provided by him for the purpose.
Students will be furnished with the letter grades and grade point equivalents applicable to their final
evaluation customary in BBS [An illustrative table is appended to this Syllabus]. Qualification for
Mediator necessarily involves some subjective evaluation by the Instructor who is a lawyer with 46 years at
the Bar of New York and 18 in Texas, and is an experienced professional in domestic and international
dispute resolution. How this is accomplished will be discussed in detail as students prepare for mock
mediations.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

1. At the end of the Course, students will have greater insight into the sources of human conflict in
all “communities of life” beginning with the “community of self” and extending outward to world-wide
conflicts (including, but not limited to, armed hostilities). Role play in an ongoing dramatized mediation
will enable those desiring it to be qualified under Texas rules for the requisite basic 40-hour training as
mediator in court annexed civil actions.
2. A primary Goal of the course is to understand the range of conflict resolution techniques and
facilities available to disputants and professionals in dispute resolution: Mediation, voluntary and judicially
annexed; bench trials, jury trials, military tribunals, internationally constituted tribunals, neighborhood
convocations and arbitration, either by a sole arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators independently selected or
chosen by the parties to the dispute or a combination thereof.
3. To augment understanding of the foregoing, students will participate in various roles of those
participating in disputes and their resolution and satisfy Texas requirements for Mediator training.
Required Textbooks and Materials
Required Texts
Three texts required for purchase are Christopher W. Moore, The Mediation Process (San Francisco,
Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Imprint, 3rd Ed., 2003); Fisher, Ury and Patton, Getting to Yes: Negotiating
Agreement Without Giving Up (Harvard Negotiating Project, Penguin Press, 1988); Roger Fisher and
Scott Brown, Getting Together: Building Relationships as We Negotiate (Penguin Books, 1988, 1989)
Other materials and ;references for required reading and/or viewing will be provided in the Class Schedule
Table, above. An extended version of this document provides students with an advance precis of the
activities and associated readings of each class.
Required Materials
Other required materials are reading assignments posted and updated on the Class Table Schedule
and in emails sent prior to each class.

Suggested Course Materials

Suggested Readings/Texts
See Class Table Schedule, above
Suggested Materials
See emails to students and Class Table Schedule, below.

Course Syllabus Page 2

Assignments & Academic Calendar
CONFLICT RESOLUTION - DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN A CONFLICT-RIDDEN SOCIETY
CLASS SCHEDULE TABLE - CLASSROOM GR4.208
TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO REVISION – CHANGES WILL BE EMAILED TO STUDENTS
AND SHOWN IN RED ON THIS PAGE ON PROF. STILWELL’S WEBSITE
at www.PowersOfTen.Org/ConflictResolution
Class Dates Fall 2008 Class Topic Details
Aug 27 Admin. Introduction; Student
Class I Profiles, Introductory lecture on
some ancient and modern
examples of conflict and
techniques of resolution and
negotiation
Setting the Frame: Why Humans
Engage in Conflicts;
"Universal" Traits; Grounding in
psychology and neurobiology.
Each class will have an element
of the issues presented by human
development, personality as
expressed in disorders of the
brain. "Emotional
Intelligence"and its role in
conflict creation and resolution;
Second Half of Class will view
50 minute presentation by DVD
of dramatized mediation, which
will form basis of much of class
work and role play. Homework
preparation should include study
of “The Singson-Whittemore
Dispute the facts of which are” on
pp. 4-5 of the Primary Text
Mediation Process.
Course Syllabus
Reading Assignment and Precis
of Class Discussion . Please
consult Professor Stilwell's Web
Site at www.PowersOfTen.org
for Additional Materials On the
Origins of Human Conflict and
the Neurobiological Bases for
Aggressive Behavior. Navigation
of Web Site will be demonstrated
in Class via laptop presentation.
Read Supplemental Lecture –
Class I, posted on web site.
Read carefully the Guide to
Successful Completion of the
Course, posted on the web site.
Modernists would credit Chief
Justice Burger in 1976 with the
revival of interest in alternative
dispute resolution to conflicts
generating mountains of
backlogged cases in the judicial
system. "Isn't there a better
way?" asked the Chief, the
highest judicial officer in the
land. This class will probe the
origins of human conflict as well
as the development of
institutions, primarily legal, to
deal with their resolution. We
will of course be intensely
involved in consideration of
armed hostilities recognizing that
so far, international systems of
justice, and forums for the
resolution of disputes among
nations, such as the UN, have
been unsuccessful in preventing
civil wars, regional wars or wars
of terminal vagueness such as
"The War on Drugs" or "The War
on Terror." Negotiation is very
ancient. Thucydides gives an
account of an extended dialogue
between the territory hungry
Athenians and the leaders of the
residents of Melos, a small island
Page 3

Sep 3 Overview of Mediation Process
Class II using Competing Physician Case
(Primary Text, Ch. 1 and Dance
Company Case (video and
transcript) as comparative
examples. In the short time
frame of 14 classes for Mediation
training and Instruction generally
in alternative dispute resolution,
context is of great importance.
Thus the framework of mediation
as highlighted by two cases will
be our context for understanding
the broad range of ADR issues.
Sep. 10 Resume Background and Origins
Class III of Alternative Dispute
Resolution; Outlines of Each
Major Category of ADR
methods, in addition to
mediation..
Course Syllabus
principality. The text of the
dialogue is published on the
Instructor's web site. Read this
piece as one of the centers of
tonight's discussion. [Instructor
will demonstrate from laptop
internet connection the navigation
of the web site, to familiarize
students with contents and
resources and how to find them]
READING ASSIGNMENT :
READ ALL OF GETTING TO
YES; YOU SHOULD BE ABLE
TO COMPLETE THE BOOK IN
A WEEK (about 20 pages a day),
but you will be using it and
selected parts of the companion
text GETTING TOGETHER,
throughout the Course. All work
in the Course is "Open Book" and
you may use these texts and
materials and references from the
Instructor's web site as resources
for absorbing what the Course
offers and in preparation for and
completion of Midterm and Final
Exams.
Begin Reading your primary
reference text on Mediation, The
Mediation Process. Chapters 1,
pp 1-20;and 2.
Instructor will outline each step
of the process, using case
examples for illustration. Be sure
to bring with you your Primary
Text and materials referenced in
Class I for “roadmap” of course
study. Focus and purpose of
Midterm exam will be explained.
Evaluative methods will also be
outlined and group assignments
will be made for mock mediation
practice.
In the Term "Alternative Dispute
Resolution" in this class we focus
on "alternative to what?" as the
central issue. In the case of civil
disputes in the U.S., is it always
preferable to litigation? Why
does Stilwell say that as a rule,
"your worst settlement will be
better than your best lawsuit?"
Discussion of Legal Methods,
Court System of Justice
Page 4

Sep. 17 Rhetoric and Justice: Discuss
Class IV these concepts as they apply to
Negotiation and ADR; questions
on jury function – threat or
promise?;
Sep. 24 Mediation: When Negotiation
Class V discloses key elements of
conflict, often the "discipline" of
a Mediator and the Mediation
Process is Required - Negotiation
Process - Adversarial Model -
Legal Outcomes - Lawyers and
non-professionals -
Oct. 1 Preparation for Midterm Exam;
Class VI which will be open book and
distributed at end of class; Exam
will be due not later than Class
time on October 8. Preparation
will stress specific methods of
conducting Mediation as applied
to the two principal cases: “Last
Dance” and “Singson-
Whittemore”
Course Syllabus
Equilibrium; Legislative solutions
View excerpts from "The Trial"
and "Twelve Angry Men", time
permitting.
Continue discussion of specific
methods of dispute resolution:
Negotiation - Can it be taught?
Consider negotiation as a skill
that has basis in human
psychology and can be enhanced
by studies in rational decision
making, learning how to listen,
and understanding and dealing
with emotional responses as they
arise.
[Students desiring to submit term
paper in lieu of final exam to
begin consideration of choices of
term paper topic from list
furnished by Instructor and
prepare to submit outline asap.]
Using one or more of the cases
previously referenced, we begin
detailed discussion of the
principles and practice of
Mediation. Tonight the focus
will be on qualities of the
Mediator? Consider neutrality,
trustworthiness, compassion,
listening skills, ability to keep a
secret. . To cultivate these skills,
if not qualities, is the goal of the
successful mediator.
One Definition of Mediation:
Short-term (half-day to full day),
Voluntary (parties in control of
destiny, participation not coerced
– Court involvement explained)
structured (Mediator sets rules of
procedure); participatory
(everyone works, directed by
Mediator); intervention process.
The intervention is by a neutral,
third party selected by parties (the
Mediator); If no written
agreement reached, process
dissolves, no written record, even
of the existence of Mediation
except to certify to a judge that it
has occurred if necessary under
local law. "Truthiness" vs.
"Truthfulness".
What does "truth" have to do with
"peaceful" or "mediated"
Page 5

[Midterm Exam Results and
Oct. 8 Discussion as additional prep for
Class VII Mock Med] With this class, we
begin Practice by Mock
Mediation: 3 to 4 Groups
(dependent upon class size). This
activity will continue and occupy
at least half to two-thirds of each
of the remaining classes. The
class format will remain partly
lecture, but mostly class
participation through mock
mediation and case analysis.
Lectures will emphasize
negotiation techniques and the
bargaining interactions
encountered in most dispute
mediation. Instructor will post on
web site and deliver by handout
several helpful charts and tables
that may be used for guidance in
mock cases.
Oct. 15 Continuation of Mock Mediation
Class VIII Practice: Students must continue
through p. 81 of Primary Text
(end of part I) Instructor slides
and lectures will cover substance
of Part Two. Students should
continue reading by resuming on
p. 232 with Chapter 9, Defining
Course Syllabus
settlements?
Students will be assigned to
groups which will begin
mediation based on one of the
paradigm cases. Time and class
size permitting, more than one
case may be assigned for a Mock
Arbitration or mini-trial.
The Schedule will be flexible
during the first six classes to
include instruction in and class
discussion of the methodology of
mediation at a variety of levels.
Negotiation skills, which are
covered in depth in the assigned
texts for purchase, will also be
the subject of handouts prepared
by the instructor to act as topical
guides for each principal category
of dispute, ranging from street
gang dispute settlement, to court
annexed mediation, to
international resolution of
hostilities, including armed
conflicts. Cases may be
illustrated, depending upon the
availability of materials, though
video taped interviews, segments
of motion pictures and news
broadcasts. The Instructor will
draw upon his own experience in
the practice of law, involvement
as principal in several business
ventures (see the Instructor's Vita
on his Web Site), and alternative
dispute resolution acting as
Mediator and Arbitrator, to
provide substantive and
procedural examples of
negotiation and dispute resolution
in a wide variety of settings.
Again time and availability
permitting, associates, former
clients and other professional
acquaintances, may be invited for
a particular class session to
provide shared experience from
different perspectives.
Examination Of Criteria set out in
Instructor Handouts (Posted on
Web Site) of Methodology of
Negotiation: Determine Interests,
not Positions;etc. Details of each
class hereafter will be announced
by email communication
following the conclusion of each
Page 6
 Issues and Setting Agenda
through the end of part Three on
p. 294. Instructor will illustrate
with randomly selected students
the substance of Part Four –
Reaching a Settlement the
conclusion of which should take
us through the end of the
classwork in Class XIV on Dec.
3.
Oct. 22 Continue work of preceding
Class IX class.
Oct. 29 Term Paper Proposals Due from
Class X those electing as alternative to
Final Exam.[Proposal to be
accompanied by detailed outline
and sources - Proposal package
separately evaluated as part of
final grade] Continue with mock
mediation practice.
Nov. 5 Dispute Resolution and
Class X Unresolvable Issues; Terrorism
The Sound of One Hand
Clapping; With no Other Side,
With whom does one Negotiate?
Short of Forceful Intervention is
there no other Alternative?
Cooperation at some Level Seems
Necessary to Peaceful Resolution
of disputes
[Informal Peer review of mock
Course Syllabus
class, depending upon instructor’s
evaluation of class progress.
See above
Discussion of Proposal
requirements and how to proceed
with papers [Collaborative
Project between Student and
Instructor] for students so
choosing.
Return to Mediator as focus of
qualities required in any
mediation. Introduction to other
forms of dispute resolution, as
annexed to court litigation in
U.S. Arbitration, mini-trial;
evaluative mini-trial;
International Arbitration under
ICDR [International Centre for
Dispute Resolution] and ACR
[Association for Conflict
Resolution] and The American
Arbitration Association [AAA]
and similar organizations.
[STUDENTS WILL
EXCHANGE ROLES FROM
FIRST MOCK MEDIATION IN
ACCORDANCE WITH CASE
HANDOUT
Handouts of Readings from
"Preventing Deadly Conflict, the
Final Report of Carnegie
Endowment. Can Mediation be
effective in resolving conflicts of
national interest? What of War
Crimes Tribunals and Truth and
Reconciliation Commissions?
Compare with the ICJ. Should
Serbia and the states of the
former Yugoslavia be treated
differently from South Africa?
Are George Mitchell and Jimmy
Carter good Mediators? Why or
why not? Is the United States in
a position to claim "honest
broker" status in its efforts to
build a "new middle east?" What
Page 7
 mediation practice]
Nov. 12 Claims and Counterclaims;
Class XI Offers and Shuttle Diplomacy
Joint Sessions and Caucuses;
Methodology of process
explained and demonstrated
Nov. 19 Review and Discuss Student
Class XII Paper Topics with those so
choosing.
Continue Mock Mediations as
before; Emphasis: Generating
Options and Solutions
Nov. 26 Continue mock Mediations as
Class XIII before; Emphasis on Reaching
and Implementing Settlement
Course Syllabus
is an "Honest Broker" anyway?
What does a "broker" do? Does
launching "Shock and Awe"
attacks with the most destructive
weapons short of nuclear
warheads, followed by "regime
change" constitute the lawful
conduct of war? Do any of the
concepts we have discussed under
alternative dispute resolution
apply? If you were an alien from
Pluto (Mars is now a suburb of
Houston) would you understand
what the United Nations is or be
able to comprehend its Charter?
[ALL STUDENTS PLANNING
A TERM PAPER IN LIEU OF
FINAL EXAM SHOULD HAVE
PROPOSALS AND OUTLINES
READY TO SUBMIT TO
INSTRUCTOR, IF NOT
PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED
AND APPROVED]
Consider U.S. role in near and
middle east, its close ties to
Israel, its strong desire to
democratize the middle east, if
not the world, and the conflicts
generated thereby. What
relationship does the U.S. have
with the UN? How could it be
defined in terms of the UN's role
as peacekeeper? What "peace" is
there to be kept.? See Postings
on Web Site as directed by emails
from Instructor
Deadline for Draft Term Paper
Reviews
Handouts of Expanded Outlines
of Getting To Yes and Getting
Together; Lecture and
Discussion of formal types of
dispute resolution when
mediation fails; arbitration; mini-
trials; shadow jury proceedings.
Family negotiations; contracts
among family members with
consequences for breach; similar
arrangements for school
discipline problems; the role of
peace officers. Summation
Page 8

Dec. 3 [CONDUCT STUDENT
Class XIV [Last Class] COURSE EVALUATIONS]
Finish Mock Mediation Class
Participation in Event some have
not concluded .
Prepare for Final Exam with
summary lecture and examples of
queries with student participation.
Dec. 10 FINAL TERM PAPERS DUE;
Final Examination Day From students who have chosen
to submit in lieu of Final
Examination
Final Examination Conducted
.
lecture.
Students choosing to submit term
paper come prepared to discuss
their topics and conclusions with
classmates. Depending on class
size and time constraints, this will
form a part of overall class
participation evaluation.
IF YOU WISH YOUR GRADE
BY EMAIL YOU MUST
REQUEST IN WRITING WITH
YOUR PAPER SUBMISSION –
BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE
EMAIL ADDRESS YOU WISH
TO USE FOR THIS PURPOSE

Grading Policy
Midterm Exam 25% Classwork including attendance 40% Final Exam or Paper 35%
All graded work in the course is “open book,” and a general “honor system” will apply. Students may take
an exam and submit responses on line by a date TBA in class and on the published Class Schedule Table on
the Instructor’s web site. Two hours and forty-five minutes will be allowed for each exam. At any time
prior to the deadline for submission, students may take the exam and submit responses provided (1) the
entire exam is taken at one time, not exceeding the total time limit; (2) the materials used are only those
related to the course (including library and online resources); and (3) the test is taken without the presence
of or consultation with any other person. By submitting the test for grading, the student represents and
warrants to the Instructor that these three requirements have been complied with. Discovery of failure to
comply with the three requirements will result in a grade of F. Scoring of work product and assignment of
grades will be in accordance with the following scheme, which may also be found on the Instructor’s web
site.
UNDERGRADUATE GRADE SCALE

98 – 100 A+ 4.0 (4.33 for LSAC Scale)

92 – 98 A 4.0
88 – 92 A- 3.75
84 – 88 B+ 3.5
80 – 94 B 3.25
76 – 80 B- 3.0
72 -76 C+ 2.75
68 – 72 C 2.50
64 – 68 C- 2.25
60 – 64 D+ 2.0
60 D 2.0
60< D- 1.0
0 – 60 F 0

Course Policies
Make-up exams
Given the flexibility provided for examination submission, subject to the rules outlined above, none should
be required. Individual problems will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Course Syllabus Page 9

Extra Credit
None anticipated; if volunteered by student, additional grade credit may be negotiated.
Late Work
Same expectation and criteria as provided under Make-up exams above
Special Assignments
None anticipated
Class Attendance
Attendance is required, one absence permitted for any reason.
Additional absences may result in a final grade penalty of up to 10% of total grade.
Classroom Citizenship
The nature of the “Doctor and Student” relationship is professional. Students are expected to maintain
decorum and to address the Instructor as Professor, Doctor or Mister Stilwell, as they choose. The
Instructor makes it a practice to address students by Mrs., Ms., or Mr., followed by last name, as
appropriate. Students should appear on time, neat and clean, cellphones/PDA’s off or silenced, laptop use
for note taking only or website use as directed by Instructor.

Field Trip Policies / Off-Campus Instruction and Course Activities

No field trips will be required. From time to time professional visitors may be invited to meet class and
engage the class in colloquies concerning various aspects of dispute resolution.

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, Series 50000, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, 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

Course Syllabus Page 10

 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

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

Course Syllabus Page 11

 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.

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.

Course Syllabus Page 12

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)

Course Syllabus Page 13