EFFECTIVE DATE: June 14, 2021
ISSUE #: 9
PRESIDENT: Loren J. Blanchard
PURPOSE
This policy describes requirements and procedures for graduation and commencement.
DEFINITIONS
2.1 Cumulative UHD Grade Point Average (GPA): The grade point average of UHD
coursework as defined in PS 03.A.04 Grading System Policy (section 2.3 and 3.2).
2.2 Enrollment: Registration for and completion of at least one course.
POLICY
3.1 General Requirements for Graduation
3.1.1 Students must meet all requirements of their degree programs as certified by their
academic dean.
3.1.2 Grade Point Average: All students receiving a degree from the University of
Houston - Downtown (UHD) must attain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point
average, calculated on grades earned in college level courses at UHD. For this
calculation, repeated courses are handled under the provisions of the Grading
System Policy PS 03.A.04, section 3.2. Colleges may impose more stringent
requirements in one or more of their degree programs; however, the requirements
may not contradict the stated grading policy of the university and must be approved
by the Provost. Grades of I are calculated as F in the determination of a student's
cumulative GPA for graduation.
3.1.3 UHD Residency: Twenty-five percent (25%), or 30 semester credit hours, of the
course work toward the degree must be taken at UHD. At least 18 credit hours must
be in the upper division. UHD department-approved study abroad credit, although
processed as transfer credit, will count toward University residency requirements.
Only the appropriate academic dean may waive any portion of these requirements.
Students seeking a waiver of the residency requirements must follow the
procedures established by their academic college
3.2 Graduation under a Specific Catalog
3.2.1 General Requirements
3.2.1.1 A student graduates under the degree provisions of the catalog in effect at
the time of their first completed term of enrollment, or a subsequent
catalog at the request of the student.
3.2.2 Exceptions
3.2.2.1 No catalog more than ten years old may be used.
3.2.2.2 The program of students whose enrollment is interrupted for more than
fourteen consecutive months for reasons other than military service shall
be governed by the catalog in effect at the time of the students'
reenrollment in the university. Students have the option of graduating
under the provisions of this catalog or any subsequent catalog.
3.2.2.3 A student whose enrollment is interrupted by military service must
reenroll within one year from date of separation from the service and no
more than five years from the beginning of military service in order to
remain under the provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of original
enrollment at the university.
3.2.2.4 Students forced to withdraw for adequate cause before the completion of
the degree may, upon readmission, petition the appropriate academic dean
to graduate under the catalog in effect at the time of original enrollment.
3.2.2.5 The program of students who change their major shall be governed by the
catalog in effect at the time of the change of major.
3.3 Graduation with Honors
3.3.1 Eligibility for Honors
3.3.1.1 Students who have completed 42 credit hours or more at UHD, of which
24 credit hours must be upper level course work, may qualify for official
university honors designation on their diploma and transcript. Preliminary
designation of university honors for commencement is based upon a
minimum of 30 credit hours completed at UHD.
3.3.2 Computation of Grade Point Averages (GPA) to determine official Honors
3.3.2.1 Criteria for Latin honors designation: Students who have earned a UHD
grade point average of 3.80-4.00 will graduate summa cum laude; a UHD
grade point average of 3.60-3.79, magna cum laude; and a UHD grade
point average of 3.40-3.59, cum laude.
3.3.2.2 Only credit hours earned at UHD are considered; transfer credits are not
used in the GPA calculation for university honors. For this calculation,
repeated courses are handled under the provisions of the Grading System
Policy PS 03.A.04, section 3.2.
3.3.2.3 The higher of these two UHD GPAs will be considered for university
honors: the UHD GPA calculated from the student’s last 42 credit hours
completed at UHD and the UHD GPA calculated from all courses
completed at UHD.
3.3.2.4 Students not eligible for university honors may be eligible for College
Honors. Each college will set its own GPA requirements for College
Honors. College honors will be reflected only on the student’s final
transcript.
PROCEDURES
4.1 Application for Graduation
4.1.1 Any student planning to graduate must file an electronic application for graduation
with the Office of the Registrar. Deadlines for filing the application and paying
necessary fees are printed in the UHD Catalog and in the Class Schedule.
4.2 Commencement Exercises
4.2.1 Eligibility: Only students who have completed or are currently enrolled in courses
necessary to complete degree requirements and have filed an application for
graduation may participate in the commencement exercises.
4.2.2 Honors Designation at Commencement
4.2.2.1 Designation of university honors in the commencement program for
graduates reflects only grades earned prior to the final semester, and is
therefore preliminary. A minimum of 30 credit hours completed at UHD is
necessary for preliminary designation. Official designation of University
honors, noted on the transcript, is calculated after final semester grades
post and is based upon the requirements in section 3.3 of this policy. It is
thus possible for a student to receive preliminary designation of honors at commencement, but not have honors officially transcripted.
4.2.2.2 Students graduating with university honors will be so designated in the
commencement program and will wear special insignia with their
academic regalia.
4.2.3 Academic Regalia: Academic regalia (cap and gown) must be worn at the
commencement ceremony.
4.2.4 University Commencement Speakers: UHD seeks speakers who are relevant to
UHD graduates, respected in their field, and if possible, of national or international
stature.
4.2.4.1 Selection Process
4.2.4.1.1 A Commencement Speaker Committee, appointed by the
Provost, is comprised of two members selected by Faculty
Senate, a Student Affairs representative, an Advancement and
University Relations representative, an elected member of the
Student Government Association and two students at-large
selected by SGA, one undergraduate and one graduate.
4.2.4.1.2 Members serve one year terms and may be re-appointed.
4.2.4.1.3 The committee will produce annually a slate of potential
speakers to recommend for the following academic year
December and May Commencement ceremonies. The
committee determines criteria for speakers and forms the slate
in consultation with all UHD constituents.
4.2.4.1.4 Speakers for college or program specific ceremonies are
selected through a representative process by the faculty of the
college or program.
4.2.4.2 Timeline
4.2.4.2.1 Provost appointments for the following academic year must be
made by the first Monday of May and appointment letters must
be sent by the first Monday of June.
4.2.4.2.2 The SGA at-large student representatives must be selected by
the first Monday in September.
4.2.4.2.3 By October 1 the committee will be convened and select a
chair.
4.2.4.2.4 The slate of recommended speakers for the following academic
year is submitted to the Provost by April 1 for final
determination and selection by the President.
4.2.4.2.5 The President’s selection must be finalized and publicized no
later than 6 weeks prior to each Commencement ceremony.
4.2.4.2.6 Any exceptions to the timeline must be made in consultation
with the Commencement Speaker Committee.
REVIEW PROCESS
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Senior Vice President for Academic and Student
Affairs and Provost
Review: Every five years, or as necessary.
Signed original on file in Employment Services and Operations.
POLICY HISTORY
Issue #4: 04/25/1994
Issue #5: 05/28/2013
Issue #6: 06/22/2015
Issue #7: 02/08/2016
Issue #8: 06/08/2016
REFERENCES
PS 03.A.04 Grading System policy.
