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UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

Academic Computing Lab

S800, 713-221-8540

The Academic Computing Lab provides resources and user support for instructional activities at UHD.  The Lab is located at S800 in the One Main Building.  There are two primary computer platforms (Linux & PC) using two different operating systems with more than 450 computers and terminals.  The lab features five computer-equipped classrooms.  Additional computer and distance-learning classrooms are available in the Technology Teaching and Learning Center located on the 7th floor of the Academic Building.  To access the lab you must be currently enrolled with a valid UHD ID card.

• Lab Hours: The Academic Computing Lab hours during semesters are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  During the last few weeks of classes lab hours are extended until 12 midnight on Monday through Thursday and until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.  No user support is available during these extended hours.

• Software: Academic Computing has an extensive listing of current software packages on the PC platform.  Types of applications include word processors, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, data flow software, presentation tools, and numerous subject-specific software packages.  Linux computers offer a variety of programming languages, including C, COBOL, Fortran, and Oracle.  A more complete listing of the software provided is available in the Academic Computing Lab.  Dial up access to the Linux computer is available twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.

• Printing: Laser printing is available throughout the lab and electronic classrooms. Each semester students are given a print quota for printing in the ACL.  Laser printing is not available from Linux.

• Special Equipment: The Academic Computing Lab has special equipment and software for students with visual impairments.  Three IBM compatible system configured for low vision students has MAGic software installed, which allows enlargement of text on the screen.  These systems also have specialty software available for the totally blind student with the JAWS program installed.  JAWS will read the information on the screen to the user.

• Support: Full time staff and student assistants provide general software and hardware support to users in the lab and by telephone.

• Training: Introductory and intermediate level training sessions are offered to all students, faculty, and staff.  These sessions provide computer-training opportunities, which help employees and students build their computing knowledge and proficiency.

Academic Support Center

N925, 713-221-8669

The Academic Support Center houses the Math Lab, Reading Center, and Writing Center. Each lab provides one-on-one tutoring and access to computer software to assist students in the development of math, reading, writing, and TSI skills. The center is located in N925 and is open to all UHD students. Hours are structured to fit day and evening student's schedules, and students may attend as often as they like.

Alumni Society

S621, 713-221-8045

As a student or graduate of UHD, you can enjoy a continuing identification with the University by becoming a member of the UHD Alumni Society. This society offers you an opportunity to encourage interest in the University as a major institution of higher education and to exchange ideas, experiences, and resources with other alumni and supporters of the University.

Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)

For your convenience, an automatic teller machine is located in the cafeteria.  There is no fee to use this ATM.  A check cashing service is not available on campus.

University of Houston-Downtown Bookstore

S351, 713-221-8025

Students can purchase all textbooks needed for classes at the University of Houston-Downtown Bookstore.  Buying books before classes start will provide the most extensive selection of used books. A copy of your class schedule is necessary when purchasing textbooks.  If you would like to purchase your textbooks with no hassles or lines, you can use TEXT EXPRESS, for the fall and spring semesters or go to www.uh-downtown.bkstore.com for any semester terms. By giving the bookstore staff a copy of your class schedule, they will locate your books and notify you when the books are available. A full refund for books will be given with your original receipt until a week after the first day of class and the books are in the same condition they were purchased. The bookstore will buy back your books at any time. However, the best time to sell back your textbooks is during the week of finals. 

The hours of operation for the bookstore are (summer hours may vary):  Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m., Fri.  8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Sat. 9:00 a.m. to noon.  The bookstore accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, personal checks, and cash.

CADD Lab

The Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Lab is a resource available to students taking classes in the Department of Engineering Technology.  You must sign up in the Department of Engineering Technology (N738, 713-221-8089) to reserve time in the lab.

Learners Community

S405, 713-222-5338

Robin Davidson, Ph.D., Director

e-mail: davidsonr@uhd.edu

The UH-Downtown Learners Community, funded under the federal Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program, provides a web of integrated services to students entering UH-Downtown as first-time-in-college freshmen. The project's goal is that those students participating in the Learners Community remain enrolled fall to fall, make satisfactory academic progress, and graduate within six years with a baccalaureate degree.  Program components include: Linked Courses, Supplemental Instruction, Academic Counseling (including mid-term grade reporting and a probation recovery program), Financial Aid Counseling, a Library Resources Curriculum, and The Laptop Pilot Project. www.uhd.edu/academic/support/lc/

Science Learning Center

N640, 713-221-8015

The Science Learning Center (SLC), N640, is an electronic classroom specifically designed to enhance the learning of science through computer tutoring and multimedia instruction.  The SLC is fully equipped with the latest audio/visual technology including laser and VHS video players, audio cassette and stereo amplification, a document camera for transparent and opaque projection, a CRT projector, and is fully integrated and coordinated with the computer workstations by the Classnet system.  A wide range of software titles are available for personal tutoring and classroom instruction that cover topics in astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, geology, microbiology, nutrition, and physics.

Supplemental Instruction

S405, 713-222-5338

Supplemental Instruction (SI) targets core curriculum courses here at UH-Downtown that are traditionally difficult and have high failure rates.  Courses offering SI provide one hour following each class meeting for discussion of key concepts introduced in the class. Experienced UHD students who have already successfully taken the course and are willing to share their insights with you lead SI sessions. These discussion sessions are free of charge. Alternate times may be scheduled to accommodate students with work and family obligations that may make it difficult to attend a session directly after class. Online assistance is also available. The UHD Supplemental Instruction Program can help guide you through difficult course content and improve your grades.  www.uhd.edu/academic/support/lc/si/si.htm  

W.I. Dykes Library

5th Floor, 713-221-8181

The W.I. Dykes Library occupies the fifth floor of the One Main Street building and is accessible from the Main Street elevators or stairs.  The library has holdings of more than 200,000 books, 37,000 bound periodical volumes, 140,000 microforms, and 1,900 current periodicals and serial subscriptions.  The library also has a collection of compact discs and videos for checkout or for listening and/or viewing in the library.  Video, compact disc, and audio cassette players are also available for use in the library.  More than seventy computers provide access to the library's online catalog and electronic databases for finding articles or citations.  Each of these computers has Internet access.  The library's Website is www.uhd.edu/library.

The UHD Online Catalog lists the books and journals available in the W. I. Dykes Library, University of Houston central campus libraries, and at the University of Houston Clearlake library. The catalog may be accessed 24 hours a day from the library's Website listed above. Other electronic resources include databases that may be searched to identify, print, download or email articles on a requested topic. Search results can be printed, downloaded to a disk, and/or emailed. The library network also provides access to the online catalogs of other libraries in the Houston area and to a wealth of Internet resources. 

The library's reference collection contains encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, directories and many electronic resources, such as full-text databases and article location tools. Reference librarians at the Information Desk can offer individual assistance in utilizing the online catalog, print materials, or any of the electronic library resources.  Tours and classes may be scheduled for group instruction.  Library guides with additional information or assistance are also available in the Reference area.

Coin and card-operated machines are maintained for photocopying of materials. Software that can enlarge or verbalize text for the visually impaired is installed on two computers. Anyone with special physical or communication needs can ask for assistance from any library service-desk or phone the library to schedule an appointment for special services.  Study rooms are also available for groups of three or more students.

If the library does not own the book or journal article you need an Interlibrary Loan can be arranged.  As a free service the library will borrow the material for you from another library anywhere in the country. If there is a charge, your permission will be required before UHD requests the material.

The library has additional services for UHD distance students.  Just click on the Distance Education Services link on the library's About the Library page, www.uhd.edu/library/li/index.html, and you will have access to forms for requesting books, articles, reference assistance, and access to free Internet resources for finding articles.

A current UHD ID card, available at the Information Center, must be presented when checking out materials. A library barcode is added to the ID card the first time a student checks out materials. The library is open 7 days a week during full semesters and Monday through Saturday during the summer semester.   Check with the library at www.uhd.edu/library/li/hours.html for intersession and holiday hours.  For reference information call 713-221-8187; for circulation information call 713-221-8186.

Technology Teaching and Learning Center

A700, 713-221-8200

The Technology Teaching and Learning Center (TTLC) provide resources and support for the University community to explore new technologies and capitalize on their potential to improve learning.  It offers a wide range of programs, tools, and activities that enhance the education and opportunities available to the student body.