Classroom Policies
Children in Classes and Unaccompanied Children
Minors who are not DBU students are not permitted to attend class. Furthermore, minor children may not be unaccompanied on any property owned or operated by Dallas Baptist University. For their safety and welfare, unaccompanied children on any property owned or operated by Dallas Baptist University will be escorted to the Campus Security Office or other duly authorized location and the parents or guardians will be summoned to pick them up immediately.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Electronic devices shall only be used for course-specific work. The professor reserves the right to ban their use at any time. The policy concerning electronic devices for individual courses, seminars, or other guided learning experiences will be determined by the faculty members in charge of such course, seminar, or learning experience.
Electronic Communication Policy
Account Requirements
All students are required to have and maintain an active DBU email account. Students must check their DBU email regularly for official university communications.
Acceptable Use
DBU electronic communication systems (email, Teams, Blackboard messaging, etc.) are university property and provided for academic and university-related purposes only. Students may not use these systems to:
Conduct personal business operations
Advertise goods for sale or solicit donations
Send or store fraudulent, harassing, obscene, or pornographic materials
Violate university policies or local, state, or federal laws
Limited personal communication is permissible.
Privacy & Monitoring
Students have no expectation of privacy in university communication systems. The university reserves the right to access, monitor, and review all communications for business, legal, security, or policy compliance purposes. Backup copies may be maintained and reviewed as needed.
Account Management
Students are responsible for the content and maintenance of their mailboxes
Accounts accumulating excessive storage will be reviewed by Information Technology Services
Be alert for forged or phishing emails; verify suspicious messages through alternate means
Student Employment Accounts
If a student employee's role requires a university-issued email account and their employment ends while they remain enrolled, their supervisor may request creation of a separate student email account to ensure proper separation of employment and academic communications.
Violations
Misuse may result in loss of system access, disciplinary review, dismissal from the university, and/or legal action.
Student Network Access Policy and User Agreement
Purpose
Dallas Baptist University provides network access and computing facilities to students to support your academic success and enhance your educational experience. This service can only operate successfully if all users act responsibly. This policy outlines your responsibilities and expectations when using University technology resources, including wireless network access.
Network Access as a Privilege
Access to the DBU wireless network, including residence halls, computer labs, and campus facilities, is a privilege extended to enrolled students. This privilege may be revoked at any time for misuse. All students are responsible for using these facilities in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner.
Setup and Authorized Use
Technical Support: If you need assistance with registration or experience connectivity issues, phone support is available. ITS staff will work with you in a timely manner to verify proper functionality.
Account Responsibility: You are solely responsible for all activities conducted through your DBU network account and wireless connection. No other individual is allowed to use your registered DBU network access. You will be held responsible for any activities that take place with your account, including proper password protection.
Appropriate Use of the DBU Network
The DBU network is provided to support your educational experience. You may use the network for:
Academic Activities:
Accessing course materials, learning management systems, and academic resources
Conducting research and completing assignments
Communicating with faculty, staff, and classmates about coursework
Participating in online classes and virtual meetings
Using university-approved software and applications
Personal Use:
Checking personal email and staying connected with family and friends
Streaming music and videos during non-peak hours
Social media and general web browsing
Online shopping and personal business (within reason)
Gaming and entertainment (in moderation to avoid impacting network performance)
Best Practices:
Protect your password and account credentials
Keep your device updated with current security patches
Use antivirus software to protect your device and the network
Be considerate of bandwidth usage during peak academic hours
Report suspicious activity or security concerns to ITS
Respect the rights and privacy of other users
Network Monitoring and Privacy
DBU reserves the right to monitor network activity and access to ensure network security, investigate suspected policy violations, and comply with legal obligations. You should not expect privacy when using University technology resources.
Dallas Baptist University is not liable for students' personal online activities. You are advised to use discretion when utilizing the DBU network for personal online activities.
Understanding Network Limitations
To maintain optimal performance for all users, please be aware of the following:
Wireless Network Access:
Each student may register their personal devices for wireless network access
Network access is assigned to individual students and cannot be shared with others
IP addresses are assigned by ITS and should not be modified
The network is designed for individual use, not for operating servers or providing services to others
Wireless Devices:
Only approved wireless devices are permitted on the DBU network; check with ITS for currently accepted devices
Due to wireless interference, DBU cannot guarantee 2.4 GHz will perform well on the wireless network
Equipment and Infrastructure:
Network equipment (wireless access points, network infrastructure) is managed by ITS
Modifications to network infrastructure require explicit written permission from ITS
Activities That Violate This Policy
To protect the network and the DBU community, the following activities are prohibited:
Protecting Security and Privacy:
Accessing another person's account, files, or password without permission
Attempting to bypass security measures or authentication procedures
Sharing your network connection or credentials with others
Hacking, breaking into systems, or disrupting network services
Maintaining System Integrity:
Introducing viruses, malware, or other harmful software
Using equipment that interferes with network services for other users
Tampering with university equipment (wireless access points, network devices, or infrastructure)
Installing unauthorized network equipment (personal routers, wireless access points, or servers)
Respecting Intellectual Property:
Downloading, uploading, or sharing copyrighted materials without authorization (music, movies, software, digital books)
Using file-sharing or peer-to-peer applications to distribute copyrighted content
Making unauthorized copies of licensed software
Installing personal software onto university network systems
Note: Copyright infringement may result in civil and criminal penalties under federal law.
Maintaining a Respectful Community:
Viewing, sending, receiving, or storing inappropriate, fraudulent, harassing, racist, obscene, or pornographic content
Placing unlawful information on university systems
Sending mass emails, chain letters, or spam without authorization
Using university resources for commercial purposes or operating a business
Preserving Network Performance:
Operating servers (such as game servers) that consume shared bandwidth
Sending or downloading excessively large files that disrupt network speed for others
Configuring your system to share resources (hard drives, printers) with other students
Registering outside domain names that point to DBU IP addresses
Note: Electronic communications facilities (such as email) are for university-related activities only.
Penalties for Misuse
Students who are suspected of violating policies regarding computing equipment will be confidentially reported to the appropriate faculty, supervisors, ITS Staff, Department Chair, College Dean, and may be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Violations of this Student Network Access Policy may result in:
Immediate Actions:
Temporary or permanent disconnection from the DBU network
Confiscation of unauthorized devices without notice
Disciplinary Actions:
Disciplinary action taken in accordance with the provisions of the DBU Student Handbook and this access policy
Referral to Student Affairs for conduct review
Getting Help
If you experience technical issues or have questions about appropriate network use, contact:
ITS Support Center: (214) 333-5500
Email: itsupport@dbu.edu
Student Acknowledgment
By connecting to the Dallas Baptist University network, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this Student Network Access Policy and User Agreement. I agree to comply with all provisions of this policy and understand that violations may result in loss of network access and disciplinary action.
Campus Technology Resources
Locations:
Collins Learning Center - 22 public access computers
Moon International Building Lab - 30 computers
Phone: (214) 333-5500
Email: itsupport@dbu.edu
Support Portal: itsupport.dbu.edu
Website: services.dbu.edu and www.dbu.edu/technology
Hours:
Current hours of operation can be found on the ITS Website at www.dbu.edu/technology.
Who may use Campus Technology Resources?
Public access computers are open to all current Dallas Baptist University students.
Services Provided
Public access computers provide standard computing resources including internet access, Microsoft Office 365, email, printing, scanning, and cloud storage. Students receive print credits per semester.
Special Services:
Assistive technology is available for students with special needs. Contact the ITS Support Center for more information.
Support and Assistance:
For technical support and assistance, contact the ITS Support Center at (214) 333-5500 or email itsupport@dbu.edu.
4. Student Records
Following the recommendations of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers' (AACRAO) guide for the retention of records, the Registrar's Office retains the following documents in a student's permanent academic record: academic appeals, competency assessments, change of grades, degree plan, disclosure of information forms (until terminated), final academic transcript, grades, graduation audit, narrative evaluations, registration appeals, and transcript evaluations.
The following is a list of various records maintained on each student and where they are housed. Original documents submitted to the University become a permanent part of a file and will not be returned to the student or sent elsewhere. The University adheres to the privacy of student records as required by the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).
Academic Records. The official transcript and grades are maintained in the Registrar's Office by the Registrar.
Admissions Records. Records are transferred from the Admissions Office to the Registrar's Office when the admission process is complete. Completed records are maintained in the Registrar's Office by the Registrar.
Advising Records. Advising records are maintained by the student's assigned advisor in the advisor's office.
Discipline Records. Discipline records are maintained in the Office of Student Affairs.
Financial Aid and Placement Records. Financial aid and placement records are maintained in the Financial Aid Office by the Director of Financial Aid.
Access to Student Records
Each year this institution gives notice of the various rights accorded to students pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). You are hereby notified of the following:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit written requests that specifically identify the record(s) they wish to inspect to the Office of the Registrar. The Registrar's Office will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should notify the Registrar's Office of this request, clearly identifying the part of the record which they are requesting to be changed and specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University determines that the record will not be amended as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of that decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One such exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an auditor, attorney or collection agent); a member of the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official University committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the University also discloses education records without consent to school officials of another institution in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer. Another exception which permits disclosure without consent is for the disclosure of a student's directory information. "Directory information" is defined as a student's:
a) name;
b) address;
c) telephone number;
d) email address;
e) date and place of birth;
f) major field of study;
g) enrollment status (full-time, part-time, undergraduate, graduate);
h) participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
i) weight and height (if an athletic team member);
j) dates of attendance;
k) degrees, honors, and awards received;
l) most recent previous educational agency or institution attended;
m) photographic, video or electronic images that are taken and/or maintained by the University;
n) and other similar information.
A student may request that directory information, in part or in whole, be withheld from disclosure by providing a specific written request to the Office of the Registrar on or before the last day of late registration each term. Such a request is valid until revoked in writing by the student. If no request is filed with the Registrar's Office, the University may release directory information to the general public upon inquiry.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Dallas Baptist University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
Pursuant to FERPA, an institution of higher education may disclose to a parent or legal guardian of a student information regarding any violation of any federal, state, or local law, or any rule or policy of the institution, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance regardless of whether that information is contained in the student’s education records if, (a) the student is under the age of 21, and (b) the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession.
Change of Name or Address
A student who, after registration, changes a local or home address, or a student who marries (documentation required) after enrollment at Dallas Baptist University, is expected to notify the Registrar of this change immediately. Any communication from the University which is mailed to the name and address on record in the Registrar's Office is considered to have been properly delivered, and the student is responsible for the information contained therein.
Current and former students of Dallas Baptist University may request a change of name on their student records, including but not limited to academic transcripts, with appropriate documentation. Current and former students who request a change of name on their records must provide to the Registrar’s Office, in person, the original legal document which verifies the change of name requested. These original legal documents would include a valid marriage license issued by a county or city clerk, a divorce decree from a court of law, and/or a change of name decree from a court of law. A copy of this original document will be made by the Registrar’s Office and retained in the student’s file. A current or former student can also change their name by providing two government-issued forms of identification with the new name.
For those current and former students who are unable to produce an original legal document to the Registrar’s Office in person, a legally certified copy of the original document verifying the change of name may be emailed or mailed to the Registrar’s Office. The certified copy will be retained by the Registrar’s Office in the student’s file.
Official Communications
A request that a student report to an administrative office or faculty office may be made in person, by email, by mail, or by telephone. Failure to comply with such a request immediately may result in disciplinary action. Communications to the entire student body are considered properly delivered when they are sent to the student's DBU email account, placed on official campus bulletin boards, in the campus newsletter, in the student's campus mailbox, or sent to the student's address on record in the Registrar's Office. Each student is responsible for checking their DBU email account, bulletin boards, mailboxes, and the newsletter regularly, and giving proper heed to such communications.
Transcript of Credits
The transcript of college credits is an official copy of the student's permanent record, bearing the school seal and the signature of the Registrar. Copies of the student's official transcript may be ordered via Parchment by visiting the Registrar’s page of the DBU website. Transcripts are $10.00 each. Payments are made online via debit or credit card.
Transcripts sent electronically typically arrive within minutes after placing an order. Printed orders will be mailed the same day if received before 2:00 pm ET and the next weekday if received later in the day. Standard shipping orders have a normal USPS delivery time of 5-7 business days. FedEx orders are sent via overnight shipping. Please note that transcripts for students who attended prior to 2000 are retrieved from a different system. Therefore, an additional 1-2 business days could be added to the processing time. the University is required to release transcripts regardless of any outstanding balance on a student’s account.