3.1 COMPUTER SERVICES

The University Computer Center, located in Research Institute, is available for student usage. Operational hours are as follows:

UAH COMPUTER LABS

NOTE: Any variation in the above schedule, due to manpower shortage or unforeseen circumstances, will be announced to the UAH Community via the 7000 sign-on message.

Interactive terminals are provided in Research Institute, Morton Hall, Madison Hall, and the University Center. These terminals are available during the hours in which the building is open to the student population. The computer labs have a variety of hardware and software available. Call the lab to get a complete list of available equipment Dial-up service is also available for access from terminals and micro-computers with communications capabilities.

Personal computer workrooms are located in the Engineering Building, room 205; Madison Hall, room 213; Morton Hall, room 118 and a Macintosh lab in the Reserve room of the Library. Students, faculty and staff may use the personal computers in these workrooms.

Student e-mail and Internet Accounts are available as a free service from the Student Government Association. Account applications may be picked up in the Student Government Association Office, Room 106, University Center.

3.2 FINANCIAL AID

The fundamental purpose of the Financial Aid Program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville is to make it possible for students to attend who would normally be deprived of a college education because of inadequate funds. Based on the belief that higher education should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it, and that educational opportunities should not be limited by the financial resources of the student and the student's family, and considering the fact that total resources available for financial assistance to students at The University of Alabama in Huntsville are limited, we have adopted these principles for our Financial Aid Program:

1. The primary purpose of our Financial Aid Program is to provide financial assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

2. Financial assistance consists of scholarships, grants, loans and employment, which may be offered to students in various combinations or on a separate basis.

3. The family of a student is expected to make a maximum effort to assist the student with college expenses. Financial assistance from the University is viewed only as supplementary to the efforts of the student and the family.

4. In selecting students to receive financial assistance, the University shall place primary emphasis upon need, character, future promise, and academic achievement.

5. A student who seeks financial aid shall provide a reasonable part of the total amount required to meet college costs.

6. The total amount of financial assistance offered a student by the University shall not exceed the financial need. All other statements of purpose and policy may be found in the UAH Financial Aid Office publication: Student Financial Aid.

All students who apply for financial aid at The University of Alabama in Huntsville must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements are that a student must:

1. be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular degree-seeking student;

2. have U.S. citizenship or permanent residence;

3. maintain satisfactory academic progress;

4. be enrolled at least half-time;

5. not be in default on a loan or owe a repayment to a grant at The University of Alabama in Huntsville or other institution;

6. file a Statement of Educational Purpose; and,

7. register with the selective service, if required.

Exceptions to the above requirements are not made. Each student who receives financial aid at The University of Alabama in Huntsville must meet all of the above eligibility requirements.

UAH offers a variety of financial aid from the following types of programs:

1. Federal Grants - Pell Grant, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and State Grant. Funds awarded to a student from these programs are not repayable. All Pell Grant students as a condition of the grant must certify that they will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances during the period of the grant.

2. Federal Loans - Federal Stafford Loan and Plus Loans. Loan funds awarded to student from these programs are repayable.

3. Scholarships (Academic and Co-Curricular) - Institutional scholarships and endowed scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of academic merit or financial need or both. Students should apply by early February for the following academic year. Each scholarship will have differing qualifications.

4. Scholarships (Athletic) - Institutional scholarships for varying amounts are available for men and women. Sports offering scholarships are basketball, soccer, hockey, and crew. Interested students should contact the Athletic Department for additional information.

5. Work Programs - Jobs are available to students on a part-time basis. As a rule, students work from 10 to 20 hours per week under the Federal College Work-Study Program. or the Institutional Work Program.

Students who are interested in any of the above programs should contact the Financial Aid Office, University Center, Room 124, for more detailed information. Additional information is available in written form for interested students.

Appointments can be scheduled with Financial Aid Office personnel for personal financial counseling sessions.

Financial aid is also available to graduate students at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Graduate students may contact the Financial Aid Office for information on the Nursing Traineeship Program, and the Federal Student Direct Loan Program. Information concerning Graduate Teaching Assistantships and graduate Graduate Research Assistantships is available in the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School.

Applications for student aid should be filed in the Office of Financial Aid before the priority deadline for the upcoming school year. No award implies automatic renewal - a new application must be submitted by the deadline each year.

TAX CREDIT

As part of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Congress has enacted legislation that allows taxpayers to take certain portions of tuition paid in the prior year as a direct tax credit. The HOPE tax credit provides up to a $1500 credit for tuition paid during the first two years of college. For students pursuing higher education after the first two years, the Lifetime Learning tax credit of up to $1000 will be available. Students or those who pay tuition on behalf of students should consult a tax advisor for more detailed information. General information is also available from the U. S. Department of Education's web site at www.acenet.edu/hot/html, or by contacting the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040.

3.3. HEALTH SERVICES

3.3.1 UAH WELLNESS CENTER

Currently enrolled UAH students with valid ID's, may be seen for minor illnesses and injuries at the Wellness Center located in the University Center, Room 203. Services are on an appointment basis.

The basic charge is covered in the student health fee; however, laboratory costs will be billed to the student at a modest charge. The Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Nurse Practioner is available on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The telephone number is 890-6775.

3.3.2 On Campus Accidents and Injuries

In the case of an accident or mishap on campus resulting in an injury, the Public Safety Office should be notified immediately. The campus police officer dispatched to the scene can administer first aid if necessary and assist the injured person in selecting an appropriate treatment facility and arranging transportation. In general, the University does not assume the responsibility of transporting an injured party to a treatment facility.

Several options are available to campus police or other University personnel when the injured party requires some help:

* The UAH Wellness Center (890-6775) may be called for advice or possible on-site assistance.

If it is clear that the injured person needs prompt medical attention beyond first-aid and is not able to arrange for transportation and treatment on his/her own, assistance may be provided in contacting a family member or other individual requested by the injured person; that individual may then provide transportation to a medical facility. Or, an ambulance may be called on behalf of the injured person. Where time permits, this should be handled by campus police.

3.3.3 POLICY ON ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

I. Introduction

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) represents a serious public health concern, and, for that reason, it is appropriate that The University of Alabama in Huntsville develop guidelines for the education and protection of both individuals and the university community at large.

This policy is intended to address the management of AIDS issues related to students, faculty or staff at the University. Hereafter, AIDS, or positive HIV antibody test will be referred to by the term "HIV".

These policies are based on the most current available medical information. This information includes the fact that: 1) there is no evidence that AIDS is spread by ordinary interpersonal contact; 2) the causative virus, HIV, is fragile and will not survive on environmental surfaces, in the air, on personal articles, or on eating utensils; 3) the transmission of HIV requires the exchange of body fluids, such as occurs in intimate sexual relationships, or from exposure to blood or blood products from an infected person and occasionally in breast milk.

It is clear that much is yet to be learned about this disease. The likelihood that more knowledge about HIV will be acquired over time means that these policies should be reviewed regularly for consistency with current knowledge.

II. General Policies

A. This policy applies to all students, faculty and staff of The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

B. An individualized approach will be utilized to consider each situation as it arises in order to provide the maximum support to infected individuals and protection for the welfare of the community.

C. Actions taken by the University will comply with the applicable laws relating to public health practices and rights of individuals and protection for the welfare of the community.

D. The procedures regarding illness and disability, as found in the faculty, staff and student handbooks, will be followed.

E. The University shall conduct an ongoing educational program designed to provide students, faculty, and staff with basic information about AIDS. the programming will be specific and utilize the most current scientific and medical information available. The educational programs will address both information about contagion a prevention measures.

F. Responsibility for implementation of this policy rests with the chair of the AIDS Management team (AMT).

III. Specific Policies

A. Consideration of the existence of HIV will not be part of the initial decision for admission to the University or employment with the University.

B. University officials will not undertake programs of screening newly admitted or current students for antibodies to HIV, neither will mandatory screening of employees be implemented. The University will not attempt to identify those in the high-risk groups so as to undertake screening of those individuals.

C. Infected persons shall not be excluded from enrollment or employment of restricted in their access to University facilities or services unless a medically based judgment in an individual case establishes that exclusion or restriction is necessary to the welfare of the infected individual or the welfare of other members of the university community.

D. Any person who has HIV has an obligation to advise a member of the AMT.

1. The reporting of this information will be handled in a strictly confidential manner, subject to legal requirements and policies in effect in the University. The University is obligated by law to disclose to public health official's information about all confirmed cases of AIDS, ARC or positive HIV antibody. Persons with HIV will be treated in a sensitive, private manner. Information about individuals infected with HIV will be disclosed only to persons on a "need to know" basis.

2. Persons who know, or have reasonable basis for believing, that they are infected with the AIDS virus are expected to seek expert advice about their health circumstances and are obligated, ethically and legally, to conduct themselves responsibly in accordance with such knowledge for the protection of other members of the University community.

E. Any person who has reasonable evidence to believe that someone has HIV has an obligation to advise a member of the AMT. The reporting of this information will be handled in a strictly confidential manner.

F. No institutional officer will be asked, as a requirement of his or her position, to compromise the confidentiality of information about students or employees with AIDS, or positive HIV antibody test.

G. UAH Wellness Center staff will be familiar with sources of testing for antibodies to HIV, and will respond to students requesting such testing. Health care providers will understand the capabilities and limitations of the test and will be able to counsel those desiring to be tested or to refer them to counseling sources elsewhere

H. Decisions about students with HIV who desire to live in University-owned housing will be made on an individual basis.

1. A student shall not be denied the opportunity to live in University-owned housing solely on the basis of a diagnosis of infection.

2. Changes in room assignment or removal from housing will be made on an individual basis when it is determined that:

a. the student has communicable opportunistic infections, or is showing other symptoms of illness and requires care, which cannot reasonably be provided in the University housing setting;

b. the student is demonstrating symptoms, needs or behavior which are inappropriate in the University housing setting and cannot reasonably be accommodated; or

c. the student presents a risk to self or other residents.

I. The University shall widely publicize and carefully observe safety guidelines (such as "universal precautions") established by the U.S. Public Health Service for the handling of blood and other body fluids and secretions, in all health care facilities maintained by the University and in other institutional contexts in which such fluids or secretions may be encountered (e.g., teaching and laboratory facilities).

J. All students, faculty and staff must use appropriate barrier precautions to prevent skin and mucous-membrane contact with blood and other body fluids of any person. All students, faculty and staff in the University and clinical settings must utilize recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concerning "universal precautions".

IV. AIDS Management Team

A. The AIDS Management Team shall report to the President of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

B. The AIDS Management Team shall have the following functions and responsibilities:

1. Be informed about developments concerning HIV and the medical, biological, legal, fiscal, public relations, and ethical aspects of the disease as such aspects relate to the University and the campus community.

2. Advise and make recommendations to the University, as appropriate, concerning educational programs and prevention measures about AIDS which may be undertaken for the benefit of the campus community.

3. In order to balance the needs of HIV-infected individuals and the needs of the community, the MAT shall:

a. receive information about individuals within the University community who are, or suspected of being, infected with the HIV virus;

b. assure that a known or suspected HIV-infected individual is encouraged to seek appropriate counseling and medical treatment;

c. advise and make recommendations to the University, as necessary and appropriate, making certain that the legal rights of a known or suspected HIV-infected individual are respected by the University;

d. advise and make recommendations to the university, where legally permitted, to protect the health of other members of the University community who may be at risk from the HIV-infected individual.

C. The AIDS Management team shall be composed of the following representatives who will be appointed by the President:

1. A physician representing the University.

2. A lawyer for the University.

3. A representative from the College of Nursing.

4. An administrator representing the President.

5. A scientist knowledgeable about HIV.

6. A physician representing the infected individual, as needed.

D. The Chair of the AMT shall be appointed by the President. The Chair will, in coordination with the Director of University Relations, serve as the University spokes-person to the public in all matters relating to the management of individuals with communicable diseases at the University.

3.3.4 OPTIONAL STUDENT HEALTH and DENTAL INSURANCE

The University of Alabama in Huntsville Student Government Association is pleased to make available to all full-time students and their dependents an excellent accident, sickness, and major medical insurance program.

The purpose of this plan is to relieve students and parents of possible financial strain for medical and mental health services in the event of major illnesses or injuries.

UAH provides injury insurance coverage for students involved in the Intercollegiate Athletic Program. This coverage does not include injuries to participants in intramurals, club or other recreational sports or in physical education classes.

The Student Government Association also makes available to all students and their dependents an excellent Pre-Paid Dental Maintenance Plan.

Application forms and detailed coverage and eligibility requirements can be obtained for dental and health plans in the SGA Office, University Center Room 106.

3.3.5 COUNSELING

The UAH Counseling Center provides confidential personal counseling to students experiencing difficulties in adjusting to campus life or having other emotional concerns. These counseling services are free to UAH students, faculty and staff. To arrange an appointment, please call the Counseling Center at 890-6203. The Counseling Center is located in University Center, Room 113.

3.3.6 SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is committed to providing educational opportunities to academically qualified students with a disability, pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The University operates its programs and constructs its facilities with a view toward providing accessibility for students with disabilities.

The Vice President for Student Affairs has been designated by the University as the official responsible for coordinating the institution's implementation of this policy and its compliance with these federal statues Rehabilitation Act. Assistance to disabled students is made available primarily through the Office of Student Development Services. This Office offers a variety of services to assist disabled students in gaining access to academic, social, cultural, recreational, and housing opportunities. Prospective or new students with a disability should contact the SDS Office before enrolling to discuss any services that may be necessary.

Appointments may be scheduled by coming to the SDS in the University Center, Room 113, or by calling 890-6203

3.3.7 CAMPUS MINISTRY ASSOCIATION

The Campus Ministry Association, an interfaith cooperative providing various ministries to the UAH community (students, faculty, and staff), offers counseling services free of charge on an as-need basis. Services normally offered can be categorized as: 1) counseling;

2) crisis intervention; and, 3) pre-marital and marriage counseling. Services are provided by the Coordinator and by one of the denominational representatives to CMA who have a special interest in pastoral care and counseling. Though the motivations for care giving and counseling are deeply religious, all care is offered in a non-judgmental fashion, appreciative of the diversity of philosophical/religious backgrounds of all persons. Services can be secured by calling the Coordinator at 890-6203.

3.4 UNIVERSITY HOUSING

The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers a variety of housing facilities to meet the needs of its diverse student population. One such facility is the Central Campus Residence Hall opened in 1991. This seven-story, 416-bed residence hall is located directly adjacent to the University center and in proximity to the Library, Spragins Hall, Roberts Hall, Wilson Hall, the Nursing Building, and the Administrative Science Building. All entering freshmen requesting housing are assigned to this facility. Each student is assigned to a private bedroom in an air-conditioned, carpeted four-person suite and shares a bath with one other suitemate. suites, accessible from the ground-floor building entrances by an elevator or by stairs, are furnished with a mini-kitchen (small refrigerator, microwave, and sink), dining/study table and chairs, sofa, and easy chairs. Each bedroom has an extra-long twin bed, wardrobe, desk with computer keyboard drawer, bookshelf, chest, and study chair. Laundry facilities, a recreation room, a study room, and mail service are available in the building. The residence is connected by an enclosed walkway to the University Center facilities, including the cafeteria, game room, bookstore, and various student activities offices and meeting rooms. A sandpit volleyball court and picnic area is located adjacent to the CCRH.

All visitors must register and leave picture identification at the security/information desk, which is staffed around the clock. All guests must be escorted by a resident at all times. Overnight guest may stay overnight more than a total of three nights in any one academic semester. Overnight guests passes must be obtained from a resident advisor at least 12 hours in advance. CCRH visitation hours are 8am-2am seven days a week. All residents are accountable for their guest(s) and will be held responsible for any misconduct and/or destruction of property by their guests.

Southeast campus Housing, a cluster of nine three-story residences located on South Loop Road near Madison Hall and most engineering and science classrooms, accommodates upper-class students in single and double rooms in three-bedroom suites and student families in one or three-bedroom apartments. Graduate students can also be accommodated in one-bedroom apartments. Each three-bedroom unit has a living room, full kitchen with refrigerator, range, oven, and sink, dining area, and double bathroom with an adjoining vanity area. Suites are air-conditioned and carpeted and are furnished with a loveseat, lounge chairs, end tables, and a dining table and chairs. Bedrooms have extra-long twin beds, study desks and chairs, nightstands, and a built-in closet. All Southeast Campus Housing residents have the use of a laundry room with coin operated washers and dryers and a pay telephone, a mailroom, and a study lounge. Ample parking is available adjacent to the residences, and there is a sandpit volleyball court in the center of the Southeast complex. All University Housing facilities are close to University Place Elementary school and to numerous shopping areas. Housing for disabled students is available in each of the residence areas.

University Housing is administered by the director of University Housing and a professional staff; within each residence area is a staff of student Resident Advisors. (The RA's develop activities and programs, provide assistance to student residents, and help create a residential community which contributes to effective student learning, personal and social growth, and responsibility.)

Anyone who has been admitted as a student to UAH is eligible for University Housing. Assignment priority is based upon the date of receipt of your application and housing deposit. The single student room contract is for a nine-month academic year period (August - April) with a separate summer contract available for certain facilities. The student family lease agreement is for one full year. Housing charges are due when tuition is due each academic term. Information on current rates is available from the Housing Office at 606-A South Loop Road (256/890-6108). Housing tours may be arranged by appointment through the Housing or Admissions Offices.

3.5 LIBRARY

General Information

The mission of the UAH Salmon Library is to provide collections and services, which support the educational and research needs of the students at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. The library provides a number of services, including individual guidance and instruction doing research, formal classroom instruction in library research, interlibrary loan service for materials not owned by UAH, customized bibliographies through a computerized search service, small group study facilities, and photocopy machines.

Information about the Salmon Library and Library services as well as access to selected on-line reference sources is provided on the Salmon Library homepage. The homepage address is http://www.uah.edu/library. The Library catalog (access by clinking on "Connect to Library") lists all the books and periodicals which are in the library; library users may also determine which books they have checked out, check for materials which are on reserve, make suggestions and comments, and submit interlibrary loan requests via the library catalog.

There is an outdoor bookdrop located near the southeast entrance for the return of books. Materials that would be damaged by books dropped on them should be returned directly to the circulation desk. Library Hours are 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Loan Periods

Undergraduates may borrow materials for four weeks, graduate students for 90 days. Overdue fines accrue at the rate of twenty-five cents per day. All fines must be paid before registration for the following semester.

3.6 PRESCHOOL LEARNING CENTER

An on-campus preschool is provided by the University Preschool Parents Association to accommodate the students, faculty, and staff, as well as the public. In addition to cognitive development, the center focuses attention on the social, physical, and emotional development of the children enrolled. The center has several attendance plans to accommodate the various schedules of students parents.

The University Preschool Learning center provides on-campus day care for three, four, and five year-olds. During the summer months, there are programs for children up to age twelve. Due to space limitations the preschool maintains a waiting list. For current rate and availability information contact the University Preschool Learning Center at 837-9553.

3.7 PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE OFFICE

The UAH Office of Public Safety and Police is located in the Physical Plant Building. The office is staffed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to help protect and assist the UAH campus community especially the student body. In the event of an emergency on UAH property the Office of Public Safety/Policy should be notified at 890-6911.

In addition to enforcing traffic regulations, the Public Safety Office provides a number of student services. The Office assists motorists, maintains a lost and found service, and conducts crime prevention seminars. It is the goal of UAH Public Safety to make student's learning experiences safe and enjoyable by providing professional assistance and protection.

3.8 VENDING

Soft drinks and snacks are offered campus-wide in vending machines. The selections in the machines have been established through sales history; however, suggestions for new products are always welcome. Refunds are also given for lost money. Both product suggestions and refund requests should be brought to the Office of the Director, Room 111, University Center.

3.9 VETERANS AFFAIRS

UAH offers a full range of services to the student attending under the Veterans Administration Educational Assistance Program.

Under the current Veterans Educational Assistance Programs, which affect most veterans, the veteran receives an allowance directly from the government. The veteran is responsible for paying fees directly to the University and meeting payment deadlines applicable for all students.

It is the student's responsibility to remain in good standing with the Veterans Administration and to respond to notification of changes in regulations. For additional information, write to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional Office, 345 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36109-3798 or contact the Office of Veterans Affairs, University Center, Room 124, 890-6241.