Texas Tech University :: College of Outreach & Distance Education
Additional Policies
Change in Your Contact Information
You are responsible for notifying CODE of any changes in your contact information while you are enrolled in a course. Change Your Contact Information.
Order Processing
All orders are subject to a 24-hour processing period. Orders received on weekends, university holidays, or after 2 p.m. on Fridays will not be processed until the following business day. Regardless of the shipping method selected (overnight, UPS 2nd-day Air, etc.), CODE must have adequate lead time to fill orders.
Requesting Pass/Fail Option
The pass/fail option is available for university-level (not dual-credit) courses. You must complete the Pass/Fail Option Form before completing the first lesson of your course. Forms may be requested from your college.
Extension
If you do not complete the course before the expiration date, you can request one six-month extension. You will find the form in the back of this packet, or you can complete it online through the CODE Course Portal.
  • K-12: $50 per course
  • College or dual-credit: $100 per course
Exchange or Transfer a Course or CBE
All requests must be made in writing. You can either mail the request to the CODE office or e-mail your request.

CBEs. Within the first 30 days after enrollment, as long as the CBE has not been taken, you may:
  • exchange your CBE for another CBE at no additional charge (limited to one exchange), with an expiration date 60 days from the date of exchange; or
  • exchange your CBE for a course, using the amount previously paid for the CBE toward the cost of the course (limited to one exchange). The student will be responsible for any additional course and shipping costs associated with the exchange. The expiration date for the course will be six months from the date of the exchange.
Courses. Within the first 30 days after enrollment you may:
  • exchange your course for another course (limited to one exchange) at no charge as long as the student has not begun the course. The student will be required to pay any differences between the courses and materials plus shipping to return books and materials for the original course and to ship books and materials for the new course; or
  • a course may be exchanged for a CBE (limited to one exchange). The expiration date for the CBE will be 60 days from the date of the exchange. The difference between the course cost and the CBE will be refunded; however, the student must return all course books and materials (at their own cost) before a refund will be made.
After 30 days past your enrollment, or after you have begun your course, there is a $30 transfer fee. In addition, a fee will be imposed ($7 for middle and high school, $12 for dual-credit or college) for each lesson submitted for grading prior to the transfer request. Each course can be transferred only once, and the expiration date remains the same as the original course. No refunds will be issued after a course has been transferred.
Returned Check Fee
A returned check fee of $30 will be assessed for each check returned by a bank. Texas Tech University reserves the right to assign a returned/insufficient funds check to the Criminal District Attorney for collection processing.
Replacement Materials
If you need additional materials, you must pay a $4 administrative processing fee plus the appropriate materials charge:
  • bar code labels: $5 per set
  • postage-paid envelopes: 50¢ each
  • course guide: $13 each
  • Policies & Forms Guide: $5 each
Refunds
The following fees are non-refundable:
  • administrative processing
  • Credit by Examination (CBEs)
  • extension
  • transfer
  • textbook and materials shipping
All requests for refunds must be made in writing. No refunds will be made without a written request. Refund requests will be evaluated based on the postmark or the date of the e-mail requesting the refund and will not be processed until all returnable materials have been received in the CODE office. Refunds of less than $5 will not be made. Withdrawl Refund Request.
Refund Rate Schedule
Postmarked requests for refunds will be evaluated based on the date the enrollment is processed by ODE.
Time Period Refund Rate
Within 30 calendar days from date of enrollment: 100% (less applicable fees). After 30 calendar days: no refund A fee will be imposed ($7 for middle and high school; $12 for college or dual credit) for each lesson submited for grading prior to the refund request.
Course Delivery Definitions
Courses are offered in one or a combination of formats, including print-based, online, video, audio, and CD-ROM. Course delivery methods are identified in the course listings.

Print-Based
You will receive a course guide, a Policies & Forms Guide, plus any textbook(s) and material(s) you ordered from the CODE Bookstore. Coursework is submitted via e-mail, fax, or regular mail. See course listings for more details.

Online
After registering, you will receive access instructions plus any textbook(s) and material(s) you ordered from the CODE Bookstore. You must have a computer with an Internet connection and the latest version of Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Netscape Navigator. Lesson assignments are submitted via e-mail, fax, or online course system. Most online courses require an e-mail account. For some online course, either an eRaider account or an CODE username and password is required, which you will receive after you enroll.

Interactive Composition Online (ICON) - English 1301 & 1302
Developed by Texas Tech University's English department's composition program, these courses represent the latest in the composition program's systems approach. Students submit writing assignments and peer evaluations completely online for grading by Texas Tech University's English department instructors. As an ICON (English 1301 or 1302) student, you must have access to a computer with Internet connectivity, a Web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Netscape Navigator), and a word-processing program or text editor. Assignments cannot be accepted by mail. After enrolling, you will be issued a password to access the course. Because of the writing-intensive nature of these courses, you are encouraged to begin work immediately after receiving your course materials.

CD-ROM
Print and online courses may also feature required or ancillary course materials on CD-ROM. With some exceptions, your Windows PC must meet the following minimum requirements:
  • Pentium-class processor
  • 32 MB of RAM
  • 16-bit sound card
  • quad-speed CD-ROM
  • VGA monitor 640x480 running at least 256 colors
Please be aware that not all publishers' CD-ROMs are compatible with Apple computer systems. For more information about a specific CD-ROM, please contact the CODE Bookstore.

About Course Software
Many CODE courses are shipped with the software you will need to complete your coursework. Please verify you are able to install and run all software as soon as you receive your course materials. If you are unable to install or run any of the software shipped with your course, you must withdraw from the course within 30 days of your enrollment and return all media and materials in resalable condition to be eligible for a refund (minus all applicable fees).

Protect Yourself!
Spyware, worms, viruses, and trojans are malicious programs that can damage your computer's operating system, software, and files. Such programs can even prevent you from installing or using legitimate pieces of software, including software that may accompany your CODE course. Therefore, we strongly recommend you scan your computer daily using an anti-virus program and one or more anti-spyware utilities. For more information about anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and utilities, visit your operating system's manufacturer's website or ask your local software retailer.
Accreditation
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Credit for college courses successfully mastered is granted by the college offering the course. Texas Tech University Elementary, Middle, and High School are accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and all courses are developed using Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements established by the TEA. Texas Tech University Independent School District (TTUISD) was initially established by the State Board of Education in Fall 1993 as a Texas public high school able to offer high school diplomas at a distance. Texas Tech University Elementary School and Texas Tech University Middle School were added to TTUISD in Fall 1998. Professional development and certificate programs may award Continuing Education Units (CEUs), nationally recognized units of achievement. A member of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC), Texas Tech University is also an institutional member of the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA), the American Association for Collegiate Independent Study (AACIS), the Inter-American Distance Education Consortium (CREAD), the Texas Association for Community Service and Continuing Education (TACSCE), and the Texas Distance Learning Association (TxDLA).
Equal Opportunity Policy
Texas Tech University is open to all persons eligible for admission as students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. All students admitted to the University are treated without discrimination in regard to their participation in University educational programs or activities. The University is an equal opportunity employer, and no applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, or Vietnam era or special disabled veteran status in regard to employment or during the course of employment in the institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex or disability in its educational programs. Any student with inquiries or complaints concerning Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 should contact the AccessTECH Office, 335 West Hall, 806.742.3674.
Confidentiality
CODE respects the privacy of students. Parents and guardians of students under the age of 18 and appropriate school administrative officials have legitimate rights of access to student records. School officials who approve course enrollments will receive a monthly report of their students' progress. Students over the age of 18 must provide written authorization for release of information.
Honor System
Academic Integrity
It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, including possible suspension. The instructor in a course is responsible for initiating action for dishonesty or plagiarism that occurs in his or her class. In cases of convincing evidence of or admitted academic dishonesty or plagiarism, an instructor should take appropriate action. Before taking such action, however, the instructor should attempt to discuss the matter with the student. If cheating is suspected on a final exam, the instructor should not submit a grade until a reasonable attempt can be made to contact the student, preferably within one month after the end of the semester. See the section on Academic Conduct in the Code of Student Conduct for details of this policy. The Code of Student Conduct is available from the Office of Student Judicial Programs.

According to the Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog:
"Cheating" includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  1. Copying from another student's test paper.
  2. Using materials during a test that have not been authorized by the person giving the test.
  3. Failing to comply with instructions given by the person administering the test.
  4. Possessing materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test, such as class notes or specifically designed "crib notes." The presence of textbooks constitutes a violation only if they have been specifically prohibited by the person administering the test.
  5. Using, buying, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or in part the contents of an unadministered test, test key, homework solution, or computer program.
  6. Collaborating with, or seeking aid or receiving assistance from, another student or individual during a test, or in conjunction with an assignment without authority.
  7. Discussing the contents of an examination with another student who will take the examination.
  8. Divulging the contents of an examination, for the purpose of preserving questions for use by another, when the instructor has designated that the examination is not to be removed from the examination room or not to be returned to or kept by the student.
  9. Substituting for another person, or permitting another person to substitute for oneself to take a course, a test, or any course-related assignment.
  10. Paying or offering money or other valuable thing to or coercing another person to obtain an unadministered test, test key, homework solution, or computer program, or information about an unadministered test, test key, homework solution, or computer program.
  11. Falsifying research data, laboratory reports, and/or other academic work offered for credit.
  12. Taking, keeping, misplacing, or damaging the property of the University, or of another, if the student knows or reasonably should know that an unfair academic advantage would be gained by such conduct.
"Plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the appropriation of, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means material that is attributable in whole or in part to another source, including words, ideas, illustrations, structure, computer code, other expression and media, and presenting that material as one's own academic work being offered for credit. Any student who fails to give credit for quotations or for an essentially identical expression of material taken from books, encyclopedias, magazines, Internet documents, reference works, or from the themes, reports, or other writings of a fellow student is guilty of plagiarism.

"Collusion" includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing academic assignments offered for credit or collaboration with another person to commit a violation of any section of the rules on scholastic dishonesty.

"Falsifying academic records" includes, but is not limited to, altering or assisting in the altering of any official record of the University, and/or submitting false information or omitting requested information that is required for or related to any academic record of the University. Academic records include, but are not limited to, applications for admission, the awarding of a degree, grade reports, test papers, registration materials, grade change forms, and reporting forms used by the Office of the Registrar. A former student who engages in such conduct is subject to a bar against readmission, revocation of a degree, and withdrawal of a diploma.

"Misrepresenting facts" to the University or an agent of the University includes, but is not limited to, providing false grades or transcripts; providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, or other assignment for the purpose of obtaining an academic or financial benefit for oneself or another individual; or providing false or misleading information in an effort to injure another student academically or financially.
Privacy Policy
Please visit Texas Tech University's Privacy Policy for more information.
Students with Disabilities
K-12 Students
The Texas Tech University Division of Outreach & Distance Education kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum used by TTUISD students, traditional home school students, and all other students who enroll through the College is developed to meet the standards of the State of Texas and the Texas Education Agency. Written by Texas-certified teachers for the average and above-average student, this material is very reading-and writing-intensive and thus the course content cannot be modified. Please note that distance education presents different challenges from traditional classroom-based instruction.

If you provide us with documentation about the nature of your disability and the kind of accommodation that your disability requires (as described in further detail below) we can provide you with information about available disability accommodations before you are officially admitted to TTUISD or enroll in a course. Reasonable accommodations are those that do not cause undue burden and do not fundamentally alter course requirements. We require the submission of a current (within the last three years) signed accommodation/modification statement from your Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee report, or a 504 Accommodation Form from the public school district in which you reside, describing any special considerations necessary for you to take a course and/or exams.

College Students
If you are a college student, submit documentation that describes the nature of your disability and what accommodations your disability requires.

Please contact Student Disability Services or call 806.742.2405 for specific information on the documentation criteria.
Grade Appeals
K-12 Courses and CBEs. To appeal a K-12 course or CBE grade, first consult with the instructor, then with the Director of Student Services if you are a general CODE K-12 student or the appropriate principal if you are a TTUISD student. This contact, like that with the instructor, is normally informal, and the Director/Principal will determine if the grade will be changed or remain unchanged based on the validity of the student's arguments. This appeal should be made within 15 days of your appeal to the instructor. The TTUISD Superintendent provides a second level of informal appeal for TTUISD students. This appeal should be made within 15 days of your appeal to the Principal. If there is no resolution, file a formal appeal with CODE within 45 days of the date the final course grade was mailed to you for general K-12 students and within 60 days for TTUISD students. You can obtain a copy of the grade appeals policy by calling the CODE Director of Student Services.

Dual-credit and College Courses. A student who wishes to appeal a final course grade should first consult with the course instructor, then with the department chairperson, and then, if the matter remains unresolved, with the dean of the college in which the course is offered.

A grade appeal must be filed in the office of the dean of the college in which the course is offered within 45 days of the start of the next long semester after the term in which the disputed grade was received. Copies of the grade appeals policy can be obtained from any academic dean's office or from the Center for Campus Life.

Confidentiality. CODE respects the privacy of students. Parents and guardians of students under the age of 18 and appropriate administrative officials of schools have legitimate rights of access to student records. School officials who approve course enrollments will receive a monthly report of their students' progress. Students 18 or over must provide written authorization for the release of information. If the custodial parent does not want CODE to release grades or other educational information to the non-custodial parent, a court or other legal decree that clearly states that the non-custodial parent does not have any educational rights with regard to the child must be provided to CODE.
Payment Options
CODE accepts cash, check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank (payable to Texas Tech University); bank debit card with Mastercard/Visa logos; and Mastercard, VISA, Discover, or American Express credit cards. If you are paying by check, you must write your driver's license number and date of birth on your check, otherwise your enrollment cannot be processed. We cannot accept temporary checks. Please do not send cash in the mail.

Online:
Fax:
Mail:



In Person:
www.ode.ttu.edu
806.742.7222
Texas Tech University
College of Outreach & Distance Education
Box 42191
Lubbock, TX 79406-2191
All students can enroll at our office located at 9th Street and Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, Texas. A returned check for payment of tuition, fees, and/or related course materials may result in cancellation of enrollment. The student will not receive a grade until outstanding balances have been paid, regardless of who submits payment. Before grades will be released for any student, all outstanding charges (e.g., returned checks) must be cleared. This applies regardless of who made payment. ultimately the student is responisble.

VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Students using federal VA assistance for their program of education should visit Veterans for certification of benefits by the Veterans' Coordinator. The VA only pays for courses that will apply to the student's degree program so degree plans and other appropriate paperwork must be submitted to the campus VA office.
HAZLEWOOD ACT EXEMPTIONS
The purpose of the Hazlewood Exemption (Hazlewood Act) is to provide an education benefit to honorably discharged or separated Texas veterans or to qualified dependent children. Students should submit the appropriate Hazlewood application, supporting documents and Dean's letter BEFORE they register or make any payments. Students will be required to obtain a verification letter from their Academic Dean. The letter must state the course(s) fulfills degree requirements. For any on-campus courses, students should submit the appropriate Hazlewood application AFTER registration each semester. Visit Hazlewood for more information or to link to the application.
UNIVERSITY Library Services
(These services are available only to college students or students taking dual-credit courses.)
Toll-free reference service: 888.270.3369 (available during normal operating hours)
  • When checking out books there is generally a three-week loan on most items. Items will be mailed to students living outside the city of Lubbock.
  • Online and telephone renewal is available for items already checked out.
  • Electronic reserve is available.
  • Document Delivery services are available for items that the TTU Libraries own as well as for items that need to be borrowed. Articles will be delivered electronically to the student's ILLiad account. Items will be shipped to the student's home for free. Students are responsible for returning items. Contact Document Delivery at for help setting up an ILLiad account.
  • You will have Texshare Card Service (if enrolled as Texas Tech University student)
  • You can access to same electronic resources as in-house library patrons. The Libraries' electronic resources are available through eRaider authentication and VPN.
  • You will have access to media materials in the University Library's Digital Media Studio (DMS) collection (three-day check out could be extended to five or seven days to compensate for delivery and return of item).
  • Twenty-hour e-mail "Ask a Librarian" service is available. Most responses are within 24 hours. Online reference chat service is also available.
  • Introduction to Library Research (LIBR 1100) is available to Distance Education students as section 270.
  • Each major has its very own research expert which means that students have their very own personal librarian. You can talk with your librarian through IM, over the phone, via e-mail or in a personal appointment. Visit Subject Librarians to find and contact your personal librarian today.
Technology Services & Support - Information Technology Division
(These services are available only to students taking college or dual-credit online, CD-ROM, or ICON courses)
www.helpdesk.ttu.edu
Toll-free IT help: 877.484.3573 (available during normal operating hours)