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UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
Academic Computing Lab
S800, 713-221-8540The 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, 713-221-8669The Academic Support Center houses the Math Lab, Reading Center, and Writing Center. Each lab provides one-on-one tutoring with UHD faculty members and peer tutors. The ASC also has computing equipment with learning support software to help students develop mathematical, reading, writing, and THEA skills. The center is located in room 925-North of the One Main Street building and the hours of operation are structured to fit day, evening, and weekend students’ schedules. The ASC is open to all currently enrolled UHD students and students may attend as often as they like. The center’s web site is located at www.uhd.edu/academic/support.htm
Alumni Society
S621, 713-221-8045As 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.
Bookstore, UHD
S351, 713-221-8025Students 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.
Comet Computing Lab
C300, 713-222-5312
The Comet Lab, located in the new Commerce Street Building, is a new addition to our Academic Computing environment with similar capabilities and the great support that you have come to expect from our S800 computer lab. The Comet Lab is available to serve all students, faculty and staff. All computers are equipped with the same software available in S800. The lab also features two flat bed scanners, two laser printers and a Linux printer for all of your programming printing needs.
Learners Community
S405, 713-222-5338
Kimberlie Atkins, Program Coordinator
e-mail: atkinsk@uhd.edu
The UH-Downtown Learners’ Community, funded by the U.S. Department of Education Title V program and Houston Endowment Inc., provides a web of integrated academic support services to students entering
UH-Downtown as first-time-in-college freshmen. The program’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 and Financial Aid Counseling, a First-Year Seminar, and the Laptop Project. Becoming part of the Learners’ Community can help make your first college year a success. www.uhd.edu/academic/support/lc
Science Learning Center
N640, 713-221-8015The 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
Michael Judge, Coordinator
email: judgem@uhd.edu
Supplemental Instruction (SI) targets core curriculum courses at UH-Downtown that are traditionally difficult and have high failure rates. Courses offering SI provide two one-hour out-of-class sessions 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. An open-lab setting in S-405 offers students the opportunity to seek out the assistance of SI leaders daily between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to accommodate students with work and family obligations. The discussion sessions are free of charge. 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
One Main Street building and is accessible from the Main Street elevators or stairs. The library has holdings of more than 285,000 print and electronic books, 42,000 bound periodical volumes, 148,000 microforms, 1,100 print and electronic journal subscriptions, subscriptions to 215 databases and electronic access to almost 25,000 journals. The library also has a collection of more than 3,000 AV items, including compact discs and videos that are available for checkout or for listening and/or viewing in the library. Video, compact disc, and audio cassette players are available for use within the library. More than seventy computers provide access to the library’s online catalog, the Internet and electronic databases for finding articles or citations. 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, most University of Houston central campus libraries, and at the University of Houston-Clear Lake 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 e-mail articles on a requested topic. Students, faculty and staff can connect to these electronic resources from any location with their e-services ID and PIN. The library network also provides access to the online catalogs of other Houston area libraries 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. Reference help is also available through the library’s “Ask a Librarian” e-mail service. 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 available for groups of three or more students.
If the library does not own the book or journal 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 UHD identification card is used as the library card and must be presented when checking out materials. A library barcode is added the ID card the first time a student checks out materials. The library is open 7 days a week during spring and fall semesters and Monday through Saturday during summer sessions. 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)
assists faculty to develop and implement interactive teaching and learning technologies that increase the effectiveness of their pedagogy. Offering a wide range of programs, tool, and activities, the TTLC houses five electronic classrooms, a training/teleconference room, an instructional television studio, control booth and editing suite, a faculty development area, a multimedia production lab, an emerging technologies showcase, and an instructional technology library.
The TTLC Group provides web and instructional design services, training, consultation, and support for faculty who develop online courses at UHD. Students interested in taking online courses should visit the online orientation at: uhdonline.uhd.edu/uhdonline/orientation/checkitout.htm.
UHDwireless
S700, 713-221-8031, x3000 or help@uhd.edu
UHDwireless provides UHD faculty, staff, students, and UHD guest access to the web from anywhere on campus 24 hours a day 7 days a week without the constraints of cumbersome cables or wires. UHD’s wireless network infrastructure is currently designed to support the most common wireless cards currently available that meet minimum standards. Any wireless card that fully supports the 802.11b wireless standard will be able to connect to UHDwireless network.
One Main Street • Houston, TX 77002 • 713-221-8000
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