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ACADEMIC ISSUES

Academic Advising Center

S360, 713-221-8006

The Academic Advising Center is a place where UHD students can meet with an academic advisor to discuss academic issues. Academic advisors are available to help you select courses each semester from the University's general education curriculum, to provide information regarding campus resources, and to help you declare your major. Academic advisors are also available to discuss coursework evaluation from previous colleges and universities that you may have attended. Advisors are here to help you succeed at UHD, so do not hesitate to ask their assistance.

All students who are new to UHD must see an academic advisor in the Academic Advising Center, after the Admission Office has admitted them. When you are first admitted to UHD you are admitted to University College (UC) as an undeclared major. Academic advisors in UC are available to assist you with your academic progress until you have officially declared your major.  If you have declared your major, you will be advised in your college.

Academic Amnesty

After a four-year absence from higher education, a UHD returning student may petition his/her academic dean for academic amnesty.  PS 03.A.08 applies to credit toward a degree and computation of GPA only.  See your academic dean for policy details.

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar, with important dates and deadlines, is published for each semester in the Class Schedule and on the web.  In it you will find registration dates, fee payment deadlines, school holidays, drop/add deadlines, application for graduation deadline, the Writing Proficiency Exam dates, reading days, and final examination days.  The Class Schedule is available in the Information Center, N330, 713-221-8957 and on-line at www.uhd.edu. 

Academic Concerns

If you have a question or complaint concerning an action by a UHD instructor or employee in an academic office you should address the issue first to the person whose action is the source of the complaint. Most problems are resolved on this level.  If there is an occasion when this is not sufficient, you should follow the chain of command below:

• Instructor/Employee
• Department Chair
• Academic Dean
• Vice-President of Academic Affairs

Application for Graduation

Applying for graduation is a three-step process. First, you must file an application with your degree granting college no later than the Official Day of Record of the semester in which you plan to graduate.  Second, complete a Diploma Order and pay the appropriate fee at the cashier's office.  Finally, submit your fee receipt and the Diploma Order Form to the Registrar’s Office. 

Application for Official Degree Plan

If you have completed thirty (30) or more college level hours, you may qualify to apply for a degree plan in order to declare your major.  The steps for applying are as follows:

1. Retrieve an “An Application for an Official Degree Plan” from the Academic Advising department
2. Check the qualifications for the College to which you are applying.  Qualifications are outlined on the top portion of the application and are posted in the lobby of the Academic Advising department in S380.
3. Fill out the application.
4. Submit application in box provided.
5. After you have submitted your request for a degree plan, the academic advising office will verify that you have met the minimal requirements for the college.  Once verified, the application will be forwarded to the appropriate college.
6. You will be notified directly from your college when your application has been approved.  The entire process takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

Auditing a Class

If you wish to audit a course (take a course on a non-credit basis), you can do so by having the instructor in that course sign a Request to Audit Form.  You must follow all regular admission and registration procedures including payment of tuition and fees, unless you are a senior citizen 65 years old or older, in which case you may audit free on a space-available basis.  The Request to Audit Form can be found at the Registrar’s Office, please return it with the appropriate signature by the Official Day of Record.

Credit is not given for an audit course, nor may a change to credit status be made after you have requested to audit a course. You can, however, change from credit status to audit status as long as you do so prior to the Official Day of Record for the term.

Changing Your Name

Name changes or corrections are processed at the Registrar's Office. Legal documentation, such as a court order, naturalization certificate or marriage license, is required. You will also be asked to submit a valid government ID as proof of your identity, but an ID or Social Security Card alone will not be considered legal documents for the purpose of changing your name.

Class Attendance

Each instructor sets his/her own policy on attendance.  Students are expected to attend all class sessions.  The responsibility for withdrawing from a course lies with the student. 

Classification

The number of credit hours you have earned determines class standing:

College Credit

Academic credits are measured by units called semester hours.  Most classes meet three hours per week for 14 to 15 weeks; earning you three semester hours at the end of the course.  The second digit of a course number represents the credit-hour value (for example, Span 1401 is a four credit-hour course).

Core Curriculum

If you are seeking a degree from UHD you must complete the core curriculum.  This collection of general education courses emphasizes the skills and knowledge important in all academic areas.  You must take a minimum of 42 hours in such courses as English composition, speech, mathematics, natural sciences, computer science, literature, fine arts, behavioral sciences, and American history and government.  The core curriculum requirements, and those courses that satisfy them, are published in the UHD Catalog.

Correcting an Address

UHD requires students to maintain a correct mailing address on file. To change your address log into e-services at www.uhd.edu or stop by the Registrar's Office (N330). If requesting an address change in person, a valid photo ID is required.

Course Load

Your course load refers to the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled in a given semester.  If you enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours during a fall or spring semester or 6 credit hours during a summer semester you are considered a full-time student.  If you wish to enroll in more than 19 hours during a long semester, or more than 8 hours during a summer semester, you must get approval from the appropriate academic dean.  For students employed 40 hours a week, the recommended load is 2 courses or 6 credit hours during a long semester. Course load may affect your financial aid or your status if you are an international student.  Check with those offices (Financial Aid, S330, 713-221-8041 or International Student Office, S350, 713-221-8048) for more information.

Courses with Labs

When you register for a course that requires a separate laboratory section, both the lecture and the laboratory courses must be included in your registration.

Dean's List

Undergraduate students who earn a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.50 with a minimum of 9 semester hours completed during a long semester and receive no incompletes or failing grades, then you will be recognized for your achievement on the Dean's List.  For further information consult the UHD Catalog.

Declaring a Major

When you and an advisor have decided it is time for you to declare your major you need to complete the Application for Official Degree Plan in the Academic Advising Office (S380).

You can declare your major when you have completed at least 30 hours of college-level coursework, fulfilled all of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) obligations, have a GPA of at least 2.0, and passed ENG 1302 (Composition II) and MATH 1301 (College Algebra) OR MATH 1310 (College Mathematics for Liberal Arts). You must also be currently enrolled at UHD and have no holds on your academic record. After you declare your major you will be able to see an advisor in the appropriate college. (See page ten of this Handbook for more information on the TSI.)

Diplomas

Your diploma will be ordered for you once your college certifies that you have met all degree requirements.  It takes about three months from the end of the semester for graduates to be certified and diplomas to be ordered and received.  To receive a diploma you must have submitted the Diploma Order Form to the Registrar's Office (N330) and have paid the fee of $50 per diploma.  Your diploma will be mailed to you when it arrives unless you have requested to pick it up.  Diplomas are held for two calendar years.  Any returned or held diploma is destroyed at the end of two years.

Directed Study Courses

To enroll in a directed studies course you must be a junior or senior with an overall grade point average of at least 3.0, have a grade point average of at least 3.3 in the specific area of the directed studies course, and have approval of both the department chair and college dean.  Consult your advisor or degree coordinator for more information about directed studies.

Distance Learning

Distance courses give more flexibility in arranging your schedule. Distance options include online courses, interactive television, and taped courses. Classes are offered at UH System at Sugar Land, UH System at Cinco Ranch and at The University Center in the Woodlands.  Additional fees may apply; check your Class Schedule for more information.  See page eight, Off Campus Sites, of this handbook for physical locations.

Drama

N310, 713-221-8042

UHD presents one theatrical production each long semester in the O'Kane Theater.  Participation is open to students, faculty, staff and alumni.  Auditions are held prior to each production for those who wish to perform.  Those interested in working on a production crew are also welcome.

Field Experience Courses, Co-op/Internships

N370, 713-221-8980, Career Services

To enroll in a Field Experience course you must have declared a major, have completed at least 60 semester credit hours, be in good academic standing, meet departmental requirements, and have approval of the Field Experience Academic Coordinator.  Information about Field Experience courses is available in each academic department and in Career Services, N370, 713-221-8980.

Grading System

Grading at UHD is on a four-point scale:

The following grades are not included in GPA calculations:

The GPA is a measure of the level of a student's academic achievement.  It is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours counted (only letter grades A-F count in your GPA). The following formula represents the method of computing the GPA:

A grade of "IP" means that you must repeat the course.

A grade of "S" may be earned in courses that are graded on a pass/fail basis.  It signifies that you did satisfactory work and received credit for the course.

A grade of "I" is a temporary grade that may be available to you if you are making adequate progress in your class but, because of extenuating circumstances, are unable to complete the course work during the current semester.  Please be advised this is generally not an option if you are failing a course.  A grade of "I" is changed by completing the required course work within one long semester.  If you fail to do so, the "I" grade will be changed to "F".

A grade of "W" indicates that you withdrew from a course.  No credit is received for the course.

Any grade which you believe to be in error should be appealed first to the instructor, then to the appropriate department chair, and finally to the appropriate dean.  An appeal must be made within one year of receiving the grade.

Effective Spring 1995, if you repeat a course, the last grade only is counted in GPA calculations.

Graduating with Honors

Undergraduate students who complete degree requirements with an exceptionally high scholastic average may be eligible to receive a degree with honors.  The breakdown is as follows:

If you completed some of your college work at other institutions, the cumulative grade point average of all work attempted at UHD, and the grade point average of all college work is computed; the lower of the two averages is used as the basis for determining honors.  Students not eligible for University honors may be eligible for College Honors.  If you have earned a GPA of 3.50 or greater in your last 60 hours attempted at UHD, including at least 30 upper level hours, you are eligible to receive the designated College Honors.  See the UHD Catalog for honors policy.

International Students

Individuals from countries outside of the United States seeking admissions to the University of Houston-Downtown must apply through the Admissions Office. Classification as an International Student can be obtained by following the procedures below in order to obtain an I-20 Immigration form.

• Application - A new international student must file an application for admission with Enrollment Services and pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee by the application deadline. The application and fee will be valid for a period of one year.
• Transcripts - Freshman students must provide official transcripts of secondary school scores, including mark sheets and date of graduation, in their original language. A certified English translation of all transcripts must be included if the originals are not in English.  Transfer students must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. If original transcripts are not in English, a certified translation must accompany the original documents. In addition, all foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an evaluation service recognized by UHD in order to receive transfer credit. Students transferring from another college or university in the United States must submit a transfer form that has been completed and signed by the foreign student advisor at the previously attended institution. This form must be returned to Enrollment Services at UH-Downtown prior to enrollment.
• Affidavit of Support - A signed Affidavit of Support must be submitted showing that a sponsor(s) will be responsible for all educational and living expenses.
• Bank Letter - A certified bank letter, indicating that the sponsor is financially capable of meeting the student’s education and living expenses, must be submitted. This letter must indicate, either in U.S. dollars or in the local currency, the amount maintained in the account(s). The letter must have been issued within the past six months.
• Language Proficiency - A valid TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score 550 for the paper version or 213 for the computer-based version or higher is required. Students with a TOEFL score of less than 550 may attend the English Language Institute (ELI) prior to beginning academic studies at the university. ELI students study noncredit English classes until they are either recommended by ELI for academic study or achieve a 550 TOEFL score. Graduates of ELI are able to enroll directly into the academic program at UH-Downtown without taking the TOEFL.  Transfer students may be exempt from taking the TOEFL if they have passed 12 or more college-level hours in the United States, including Composition I and II, with a grade of C or better.
• Health Insurance - International students must carry health insurance for the duration of their studies. The University of Houston-Downtown requires that students have a minimum of U.S. $50,000 health insurance coverage and U.S. $7,500 repatriation coverage and U.S. $10,000 medical evacuation coverage.  The deductible cannot exceed U.S. $500.  Each semester, in order to receive a UHD health insurance waiver, students must provide updated proof of this coverage, written in English, stating coverage from the beginning of the semester until the end of the semester.  This proof must be in the form of a letter from the insurance company or embassy and it must be submitted to UHD Student Health Services no later than the official Day of Record which is published in the University Calendar at the front of every class schedule.  Otherwise, students will be charged for health insurance as a part of their registration fees.

Individuals who are not eligible to be classified as International Students, but who have filed for adjustment of status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and have their petition pending to attain lawful status under federal immigration law or those who qualify under House Bill 1403 can apply using the university's undergraduate application. For more information see the Residency Brochure online at www.uhd.edu/admissions/Registrar.htm

Off-Campus Sites

Students now have a variety of locations at which to take classes.  In addition to the One Main location downtown, we offer classes at the following locations:

UH System at Sugar Land
1400 University Blvd.
Sugar Land, TX 77479
281-275-3300
www.sugarland.uh.edu

The University Center
3232 College Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77384
281-618-7140
www.tuc.edu

UHS at Cinco Ranch
4242 South Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
832-842-2800
www.cincoranch.uh.edu

Official Day of Record

The Official Day of Record is the last day to do the following:

• Apply for graduation for current semester  (Applies to summer and long semesters only; if you are taking a minimester class, you must still apply for graduation by the Official Day of Record for long semester.)
• Change to audit status for a class
• Appeal residency status
• Request an international student health insurance waiver
• Drop without a grade
• Receive a refund for a partial withdrawal

See your UHD Class Schedule for each semester's Official Day of Record.

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

A prerequisite is a course that gives you the skills you need to succeed in another course; therefore, it must be completed successfully before you are allowed to register for the next course.  A co-requisite must be taken at the same time as another course.  It is your responsibility to be certain that you have met all prerequisites and co-requisites for any course in which you enroll or you may be withdrawn from the course.

Probation and Suspension

Academic probation is a warning that your GPA has fallen below a satisfactory level.  If you are placed on probation, you should make an appointment with an advisor to discuss strategies for improvement.  If your GPA does not improve in the following term you will be placed on academic suspension.   Suspension may carry a penalty of prohibiting you from re-enrolling at UHD for a specified period of time.  After your first suspension you are automatically eligible to re-enroll after taking one long semester or the entire summer off.  If you are suspended a second time, you must file an appeal with the Dean of your college in order to obtain approval to enroll.  A third suspension is considered permanent, but may be appealed to the Dean of your college—these appeals must be approved by the Provost

You are placed on academic probation at the end of any term (Fall, Spring, Minimester, or Summer I and Summer II combined) in which your cumulative GPA falls below the specified minimum shown below.  The cumulative GPA for academic probation and suspension is computed on all grades earned at UHD.  Grades of "I", "IP", "S", "U", "W", A*, B* and C* are not counted toward your GPA.

Transfer students on suspension from their most recent institution of higher education may be placed on academic probation if admitted to UHD.

Students will remain on academic probation until their cumulative GPA reaches the specified minimum or until they are suspended.  Only courses taken at UHD may be counted in removing a student from academic probation or suspension.

Release of Student Records

UHD has a policy in conformity with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) covering the release of student records.

Student Rights

1. Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the university receives the request.
2. Students have the right to request amendment of their education records that they believe are inaccurate or misleading.
3. Students have the right to consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Directory Information

At its discretion UHD may provide directory information to the general public without student consent.  Directory information is defined by FERPA as follows:

• name
• address
• telephone number
• e-mail address
• dates of attendance
• most recent previous education institution attended
• major and minor fields of study
• degree/awards received
• participation in officially recognized activities

Students may request that directory information be withheld from the public by contacting the Registrar’s Office at any time during the semester.  Such requests must be made in writing and will remain in place until the student directs the office in writing that it is to be removed.

Disclosure of Education Records

In accordance with FERPA and at its discretion, UHD will disclose information from a student's education records without the written consent of the student to school officials who have a legitimate educational or administrative interest in the records. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including the University's police department and health care staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a person assisting another school official in performing his or her official duties.

Procedure to Inspect Education Records

A student has the right to inspect his educational records and challenge the contents. To review records, a student must make a request in writing to the Registrar. The request must identify the record or records he wishes to inspect.

Procedure to Amend Education Records

If a student believes the information in his education record contains information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the students rights of privacy, the student should submit a written request for amendment to the Registrar. The request should clearly identify and correct the inaccuracy. The university will notify the student within a reasonable time regarding the request.  If the request for amendment is denied, the student has the right to a hearing. (This procedure does not govern grade appeals.)

Repeated Courses

Beginning spring 1995, the last grade received for a repeated course will be used in computing your grade point average.  The old grade will not be computed in your GPA, but will remain on your transcript.  You may take a course as many times as you like; however, each grade will show on your transcript and the LAST grade you made will count on your GPA.  This policy applies only to courses taken at UHD.

Schedule Changes (Add/Drop)

Occasionally you will need to add or drop a course or change sections of a course in which you are currently enrolled. Schedules may be changed any time during the registration period or on the Schedule Change days published in the Class Schedule.

If you drop a course before the Official Day of Record, it will not show up on your transcript.  After the Day of Record, you will receive a grade of "W" for any course you drop.  The University will not drop you from classes for non-attendance.  You will need to make schedule changes online. You can drop courses using e-services at www.uhd.edu or you will receive an "F" for the course and remain financially obligated to the University. (See page seven for Official Day of Record.)

TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI) at UHD (Replaces TASP)

On September 1, 2003, the 78th Texas State Legislature replaced the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). In order to enhance student success, this state-mandated program evaluates college readiness in math, reading, and writing.

All students (unless exempt) entering UHD as undergraduates for the first time are required to take one of the following tests: ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS, or THEA (previously TASP). Students who score below the minimum standard must enroll in the appropriate developmental courses. Additionally, they must meet with an advisor to develop an individualized success plan. Depending on the scores, the student may be required to retest and to enroll in a tutorial.

ATTENTION! First-Time-in-College Students will be tested during Orientation. Transfer students must contact an Academic Advisor in S380 or visit the Academic Counseling Center in University College S655 to determine exemptions or the need for testing. Students enrolling at off-site locations may consult with the designated UHD advisor at the site.
NOTE: Students who plan to major in Urban Education must take THEA.

 www.uhd.edu/academic/colleges/university/academic_advising/tsi.htm

Initial Score Requirements

Students who score below the minimum standard must complete the following actions:

• Meet with an advisor to develop an individualized success plan.
• Enroll in the appropriate developmental courses.

Retesting

Students who score below the deviation standard must complete the following actions:

• Meet with an advisor to develop an individualized success plan.
• Enroll in the appropriate developmental courses.
• Retest with ACCUPLACER or THEA.
• Enroll in a tutorial if obligated in Math or Reading.

If you have questions or need additional information regarding the Texas Success Initiative, contact Academic Advising or the TSI Information Line at 713-221-8266. Also, you may view the original document at www.thecb.state.tx.us/TSI/FAQ.htm#all.

Transcript Copies

If you need an official UHD transcript, you can request it online at www.uhd.edu. Transcripts can be mailed or picked up after a two business day processing time. A request for a transcript can also be mailed to UHD Registrar's Office, One Main Street, Suite N330, Houston, TX 77002.  If mailing a request your signature is required and be sure to include your student identification number (usually your social security number). For additional transcript information or to view and print your grades, visit the Registrar's Office website at www.uhd.edu/admissions/Registrar.htm.

Withdrawal

Complete withdrawal

If you need to drop all your classes, you must officially withdraw from the University. To do so, go online to UHD's e-services at www.uhd.edu during the published registration and schedule change periods. Both declared and undeclared majors can make schedule changes and drop online as long as the proper approvals are granted and eligibility criteria is met. In person withdrawals can be done at the Registrar's Office N330. You will not be automatically withdrawn if you do not attend classes, but will receive a grade of "F" on your transcript and remain obligated for any outstanding balance owed to the University.  See the Class Schedule for deadlines and details.

You will receive a full refund (minus $15.00 processing fee) if you drop all of your classes before the first class day of the semester (not the first day your class meets).  You will not receive a refund if there is a balance due on your account.

Partial withdrawal

If you drop some but not all of your courses on or before the Official Day of Record, you are eligible for a refund for the dropped courses.  The Class Schedule provides specific dates and deadlines.  No refunds for partial withdrawal are issued after the Official Day of Record.

Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE)

All students seeking a degree from UHD must take and pass a writing proficiency exam during their junior year (60 to 89 hours).  The exam must be taken after the completion of 60 hours and before completion of 75.  Transfer students with 75 or more hours must attempt the exam during their first semester at UHD.  The purpose of the exam is to determine if you have retained the language skills learned in your lower-level composition courses and to ensure that you possess college-level writing skills before proceeding to upper-division work.  Procedures for registering for the writing exam and exam dates are given in the Class Schedule.