Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook (2021-2022) - Policies
University of Utah, School of Computing

Policies and Guidelines

The following guidelines and policies represent important information that undergraduate students taking courses in, or seeking degrees from, the School of Computing, must be aware of. It is important that you read, understand, and adhere to this information. Students are responsible for the information below.

Academic Misconduct

Students are bound by the School of Computing Academic Misconduct Policy. CS courses often use plagiarism detection software. All students are advised that all work they submit should be their own.

Appeals and Concerns

Students who have concerns about their degree, their courses, the SoC/UU environment, or other issues affecting their academic progress should contact their advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Computing.

Students believing an academic action taken in a CS course to be arbitrary or capricious have the right to appeal, but should first contact the instructor and attempt to resolve. For more information on the appeals process, please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy.

Academic Probation and Good Standing

Students are responsible for all policies regarding minimum GPA, timely graduation, and repeated courses. See the academic good standing policy.

College of Engineering Guidelines

Students are bound by the guidelines of the College of Engineering, which are updated each semester.

Credit Hours and Workload

University of Utah policy states that:

It is generally expected throughout the University that there is at least one hour in class and two hours outside of class per week or the equivalent combination connected to every credit hour for the appropriately prepared student.

School of Computing courses generally expect there is one hour in class and three hours outside of class per week or the equivalent. Students should consult with course instructors for specifics.

Dropped Co-Requisite

Some CS courses have co-requisite(s); i.e., course(s) that must be taken concurrently with or prior to the CS course. For students taking a dependent course and its co-requisite in the same semester, and drops or withdraws from the co-requisite, the University requires that they also drop / withdraw from the dependent course. E.g., if a student taking CS 1410 (the dependent course) and MATH 1210 (the co-requisite course) decides to drop MATH 1210, then they must also drop CS 1410.

The School of Computing (SoC) recognizes that in some cases, a student in such a situation may be successful in the dependent course, even after dropping its co-requisite. Any student believing this to be the case should contact the instructor of the dependent course. If supportive of the student remaining in the dependent course, the instructor may ask the SoC front office to prepare a memo to this effect, which the student may pick up and deliver to the Office of the Registrar.

Laptops Required

Students in CS courses with laboratory sections are required to bring and use their personal laptop during lab. Any student financially prevented from acquiring a laptop should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for assistance. See the full laptop policy.

Modification of Degree Requirements

Students may petition to modify the requirements for the CS degree, under certain circumstances. See the degree modification request procedure for details and instructions.

Non-Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy

The University of Utah is committed to providing and fostering an environment that is safe and free from prohibited discrimination. See the University Non-Discrimination Policy.

Preferred Name and Pronoun

"In order to continue our efforts to create an open and inclusive university community, we ask all faculty and staff to call students by their preferred name, as found in the University’s Campus Information System (CIS). In addition, if a student has requested to be referred to by a particular preferred gender pronoun, we ask that you honor that request." President Ruth Watkins, University of Utah.

For more information see the LGBT Resource Center page on Personal Pronouns.

Repeated Courses

Students must successfully complete a course in no more than two attempts. Courses taken at the University of Utah may not be taken a second time at another institution. See the Course Repeat Policy.

Safety

The University of Utah values the safety of all campus community members. To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort, call campus police at 801-585-COPS (801-585-2677). You will receive important emergency alerts and safety messages regarding campus safety via text message. For more information regarding safety and to view available training resources, including helpful videos, visit swafeu.utah.edu.

Student Wellness

Personal concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, cross-cultural differences, etc., can interfere with a student's ability to succeed and thrive at the University of Utah. For helpful resources contact the Center for Student Wellness at www.wellness.utah.edu or 801-581-7776.