Impact Learning Office
University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)
Houston, TX 77002
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
Welcome to the Impact Learning Office (ILO)!
This is the place to learn about high impact practices (HIPs) at UHD. Such practices have been shown to be beneficial for college students from different backgrounds. The UHD community is engaged in several HIPs. We are starting with five, including Service Learning, Study Abroad, Internships/Field Experiences, Capstones, and Undergraduate Research. We hope you will explore this site and contact us soon about participating in your favorite activity!
View more information on high impact practices
Interesting Facts:
- The Impact Learning Office supported 79 student interns across diverse fields with stipends aimed at assisting them financially.
- 10-12 students are supported with travel grants to present, attend a workshop, or gather information for undergraduate research off campus.
- 5 faculty members are currently being supported for their community-based research. Each project must have at least 2 undergraduates working alongside faculty.
- Service learning allows students to participate in 10 or more hours dedicated to projects that serve the community.
- There are 100-125 course sections designated as SL annually
- The number of Service Learning courses offered has doubled compared to last fall.
Gator Impact Fellows
The Gator Impact Fellows (GIF) Program at the University of Houston-Downtown recognizes undergraduates who complete three High-Impact Practices (HIPs), including study abroad, internships, undergraduate research, service learning, capstones, grant-funded community engagement projects or community service (minimum 100 verified hours). A maximum of two HIPs can be the same type. With flexible options and credit for past activities, the program helps students build real-world skills, expand their networks, and boost their resumes. Eligible part- or full-time students with a 2.0 GPA or higher can earn recognition through graduation cords, certificates, and more—making their college experience both meaningful and career-ready.
If you have completed three HIPs please contact us at ILO@uhd.edu for more information.
Starting Fall 2025, the University of Houston-Downtown’s Gator Impact Fellows Program (GIF), launched by the Impact Learning Office (ILO), recognizes undergraduates who participate in High-Impact Practices (HIPs) such as internships, study abroad, research, service learning, and more. These experiences are proven to significantly boost graduation rates and career readiness by helping students build real-world skills and strong faculty connections.
Students who complete three HIPs—two of which can be the same type—earn recognition through graduation cords, certificates, and resume-enhancing credentials. Open to all eligible part-time and full-time UHD undergraduates with a 2.0 GPA or higher.
