PS-03.A.24 - Admission of Undergraduate Students
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/02/25
ISSUE #: 11
PRESIDENT: Loren J. Blanchard
PURPOSE
1.1. This policy statement (PS) describes the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) policy on the admission of undergraduate students.
DEFINITIONS
2.1 Admission Criteria Committee: committee of faculty and staff who review admissions
criteria and recommend changes as needed.
2.2 Former Student Applicant: A degree-seeking applicant returning to UHD after an interruption of at least three consecutive Fall and Spring terms (exclusive of Summer semester), or after dismissal.
2.3 Freshman Applicant: A degree-seeking applicant with less than 15 semester credit hours (SCHs) of college credit, or whose only college credit was received either prior to graduation from high school, or prior to the completion of an equivalent educational experience, such as (but not limited to) the completion of a General Educational Development (GED) or home-schooling program.
2.4 Freshman-Transfer Applicant: A degree-seeking applicant who has graduated from high school or equivalent, who has enrolled in a post-secondary institution, who does not have a bachelor’s degree, and who has earned fewer than 15 college-level SCHs from a regionally accredited institution.
2.5 Individual Review Committee (IRC): committee of faculty who review and determine admission options for applicants who do not meet established UHD admissions requirements.
2.6 International Student Applicant: A degree-seeking applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, has not applied for permanent residency, or does not qualify for Texas residency based on SB 1528.
2.7 Non-Degree Student Applicant: The Non-Degree Student option is intended for those not working toward a degree from the University of Houston - Downtown.
2.8 Post-baccalaureate Student Applicant: An applicant who has completed the equivalent of a bachelor's degree. Post-baccalaureate students can take undergraduate courses, pursue a second degree, or be approved by a graduate program to take graduate courses. Number of graduate SCHs that may be taken as a post-baccalaureate student are subject to graduate program discretion.
2.9 Regular Admission (Freshman): High school GPA, rank, and SAT/ACT scores evaluated for admission.
2.10 SAT Superscore: SAT superscore is the practice by which UHD considers your highest section scores from any test date on which a student took the SAT. When a applicant has taken the SAT more than once, then the UHD SAT superscore for that applicant will be the applicant’s highest Reading/Writing section score and highest Math section score.
2.11 Test Optional Admission (Freshman): High school GPA evaluated for admission.
2.12 Transfer GPA: A measure of the overall level of a student’s academic achievement in post-secondary institutions, other than UHD. The transfer grade point average is calculated based on all transfer course work (See Acceptance of Transfer Credit Policy PS 03.A.10). For courses taken more than once, the highest grade will be transferred and used in computing the transfer grade point average (See Acceptance of Transfer Credit Policy PS 03.A.10). Remedial and developmental courses are not used in calculating the grade point average. When applicable, plus and minus grades are transferred as the letter grade (e.g. “C-” will transfer as “C”; “B+” will transfer as “B”).
2.13 Transfer Student Applicant: A degree-seeking applicant, who has graduated from high school or equivalent, who has enrolled in a post-secondary institution and earned 15 or more SCHs of college coursework from a regionally accredited institution (PS 03.A.10), who does not have a bachelor's degree, and who is not a former UHD student.
2.14 Visiting Student Applicant: Undergraduate students who are regularly enrolled as degree-seeking students at another college or university may enroll at UHD as visiting students. These students generally intend to earn credit at UHD for transfer back to their home institution. Visiting students are not eligible for financial aid and can take a maximum of 24 SCHs. To be considered for admission, visiting students must be in good academic standing at their home institution.
POLICY
3.1 Undergraduate Admission: Undergraduate admission to UHD entitles the student to enroll in credit-bearing courses. Upon admitting a student, UHD retains the right to assess the student's academic ability and experience, and to specify which courses the student is eligible to take. In addition to meeting the requirements for admission specified in this policy, the applicant must comply with all procedures established by Enrollment Management. In signing the application for admission, the applicant certifies that all information submitted in support of the application is complete and accurate. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of information on the application for admission or any other documents is grounds for immediate dismissal.
3.1.1 Freshman Admission:
3.1.1.1 Materials: To be considered for freshman admission an applicant must submit
an application for admission; the non-refundable application fee; an official high
school transcript, GED, or equivalent credential; and certified SAT/ACT scores (if
applicable).
3.1.1.2 Criteria: To qualify for freshman admission, an applicant must submit all
required materials for regular or test optional admission and meet the U H D admission
criteria below:
a. Be a graduate of an accredited high school or provide evidence of completion of
nontraditional Secondary Education (GED and Homeschool applicants).
3.1.1.3 For applicants who graduated from an accredited high school, the State of
Texas Uniform Admission Policy [Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803- 51.809] requires
that they meet one of the following college readiness standards in order to be eligible
for consideration for admission to a Texas four-year public institution:
a. Successfully completed the recommended or advanced (distinguished high school program
or completed the portion of the program that was available to them; or
b. Successfully completed a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to
the recommended or advanced (distinguished) high school program at a high school that
is exempt from offering such programs; or
c. Satisfied the College Readiness Benchmarks on the SAT or ACT assessment if applicable.
d. For Nontraditional Secondary Education: (e.g. GED and Homeschool Applicants) in
accordance with Senate Bill 1543 (SB1543), applicants for admission who present evidence
of completion of a nontraditional secondary education without an official class rank
will have a class rank assigned by UHD. The class rank will be comparable to the average
class rank of other applicants who have equivalent ACT or SAT scores. A nontraditional
secondary education includes Homeschool and GED graduates. UHD requires an official
homeschool or GED transcript to demonstrate evidence of completion.
e. Meet UHD admissions criteria posted on the UHD admissions website. Decisions about
potential for success may be based on high school grade point average, class rank,
and/or ACT/SAT superscores. UHD may also consider other variables as specified on
the website.
3.1.1.4 Freshman applicants that apply for regular admission and do not meet regular
admission requirements will be evaluated for test optional admission.
3.1.1.5 Applicants who do not meet the admissions requirements may appeal. All appeals
will be reviewed via the Individual Review Committee (IRC); the IRC may elect to offer
admission to freshman students whose are appealing their admission decision. Freshman
students admitted may be required to complete specified requirements as defined by
the Individual Review Committee.
3.1.2 Freshman-Transfer Admission:
3.1.2.1 To be considered for freshman-transfer admission, an applicant must submit an application for admission; the non-refundable application fee; an official high school transcript, GED transcript, or equivalent Credential; and an official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended.
3.1.3 Transfer Admission:
3.1.3.1 To be considered for transfer admission, an applicant with 15 or more earned
college-level SCHs from a regionally accredited higher education institution must
submit an application for admission; the non-refundable application fee; and an official
transcript from all post- secondary institutions attended.
3.1.3.2 To qualify for transfer admission, an applicant must have earned 15 or more
college-level SCHs from a regionally accredited higher education institution (PS 03.A.10)
and must have a minimum cumulative Transfer GPA of 2.0 and must be in good academic
standing at the last institution they attended.
3.1.4 International Undergraduate Admission:
3.1.4.1 To qualify for international undergraduate admission, in addition to meeting the relevant requirements for freshman or transfer admission, an international applicant must provide: a transcript evaluation, conducted by a UHD-approved certified evaluation service, for all transcripts from colleges and universities outside of the United States; an Affidavit of Support; A Permission Release Form (if applicable); a certified bank letter; a current Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550 paper-based/213 computer- based, or other acceptable evidence of English proficiency at a level acceptable for university admission; evidence of mandatory health insurance; and any other documentation required to comply with policies and procedures of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
3.1.5 Visiting Admission:
3.1.5.1 If a student's home institution is unaffiliated with UHD and has no program
agreements with UHD the applicant must submit an application for admission; unofficial
transcript; letter of academic standing from their current institution that also indicates
which courses are approved for transfer; and the non-refundable application fee. Students
admitted with a visiting status are not eligible for financial aid, and the visiting
admission status expires after a student has earned 24 SCHs. Admitted visiting students
must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and earn no grade lower than a C on courses
taken while at UHD. Visiting students who do not meet this requirement will be notified
by the Admissions Office and may be asked to take additional actions to remain eligible
for enrollment. Visiting students are not required to meet UHD course prerequisites.
3.1.5.2 If a student's home institution has a formal partnership with UHD or is part
of a degree program in partnership with UHD, the applicant must submit an application
for admission, the non-refundable application fee, and documentation that they are
in compliance with any relevant State requirements. Visiting students admitted through
partnerships between UHD and external programs can attend UHD as long as they remain
in good standing at UHD and are eligible to take a maximum of 24 SCHs.
3.2 Admission Decision Appeals:
3.2.1 A freshman applicant who has been denied admission may request further consideration
by submitting a Freshman Admissions Appeal Form. An appeal to reconsider the original
admission decision may or may not change the decision. The applicant is encouraged
to appeal only if:
a. Their academic credentials (e.g., test scores and/or grades) have changed significantly
or
b. They wish to provide additional information that further explains personal circumstances
that may have affected their ability to meet admission requirements or information
about their potential to succeed.
3.2.2 A transfer applicant who has been denied admission may request a new decision
based on new grades, earning an associate's degree, and/or personal circumstances
that may have affected their ability to meet admission requirements; the transfer
applicant must submit a Transfer Admissions Appeal Form and provide proof of the significant aspect(s). An appeal to reconsider the original
admission decision may or may not change the decision.
3.2.3 The Individual Review Committee (IRC) is responsible for reviewing and making
decisions on all admission decision appeals. All decisions on admission appeals are
final with no additional options to appeal.
3.3 Post-baccalaureate Admission:
3.3.1 To be considered for post-baccalaureate admission an applicant must submit an
application for admission, the non-refundable application fee, and an official transcript
with degree posted from the college or university granting the baccalaureate degree.
3.3.2 To qualify for post-baccalaureate admission, an applicant must have a minimum
2.0 Transfer GPA. Students taking graduate courses as a post-baccalaureate are subject
to approval by the graduate program offering the courses and the number of graduate
hours is subject to limits established by UHD graduate programs and policy.
3.4 The Non-Degree Seeking Student option is intended for those not working toward a degree from the University of Houston – Downtown. Students who have not earned a Bachelor's degree and wish to enroll in courses at the University of Houston – Downtown may be considered for admission as non-degree seeking students. Non- degree seekers are limited to a total of 24 semester hours and must reapply for admission each semester. Credit earned as a non-degree seeking student will not be considered for future admission to the University of Houston – Downtown but may be considered for degree purposes only after the student has reapplied and met general admission requirements. Those admitted under this option are not eligible for Financial Aid. For more information on admission requirements and application procedures, visit the Admissions Office.
3.5 Admissions Procedures and Criteria Review:
3.5.1 Admissions criteria at UHD are overseen by Enrollment Management, in consultation
with the Admissions Criteria Committee, and changes in admissions criteria are approved
by the Provost and then the President after consultation with leadership in all divisions
and inclusion of Student Government, Staff Council, and Faculty Senate input processes.
All proposed changes must be approved by July 1 and submitted to the UHS Board of
Regents for final approval and implementation.
3.5.2 Criteria for admissions should consider best practices in higher education admissions
processes, potential for academic success of a diverse student population, rigor consistent
with UHD’s mission, and state-mandated enrollment goals.
3.5.3 Criteria must be posted by September 1 for the next academic year on the admissions
website; the VP of Enrollment Management is responsible for ensuring accuracy and
updating of the site as well as inclusion in the academic catalog and updated with
any external partners or processes.
3.5.4 The Admission Criteria Committee is a standing university committee that is
appointed annually by the Office of the Provost. Membership includes one FT faculty
member from each of the five academic colleges as well as the Faculty Senate President
or designee, one representative from the Office of the Provost, and three representatives
recommended by the VP of Enrollment Management. The Office of the Provost will inform
the committee of the expectations to maintain official documentation of all discussions
and decisions and to meet deadlines for proposing any changes in criteria.
3.5.5 The Admissions Criteria Committee has the following scope:
3.5.5.1 Reviews admissions criteria annually and recommends changes for consideration
to the VP of Enrollment Management to start the approval process as in 3.4 of this
policy.
3.5.5.2 Makes recommendations related to conditions on admissions for students who
do not meet posted admissions criteria (including incoming GPA, limits on hours enrolled,
types of courses, supplemental supports needed, and/or success targets as condition
of admission).
3.5.5.3 Identifies and documents criteria and data used to make decisions pertaining
to admissions decisions.
3.5.6 The Individual Review Committee (IRC) is a standing university committee that
is appointed annually by the Office of the Provost with a chair elected from the voting
membership at the first meeting. Voting membership includes the 5 FT faculty who serve
on the Admissions Criteria Committee. The committee also includes one of the Enrollment
Management representatives as a non-voting member to convene the committee, support
the committee work and keep a record of all official procedures and decisions.
3.5.7 The IRC Scope:
3.5.7.1 Establish and document criteria and procedures for reviewing appeals cases.
3.5.7.2 Review and make decisions in an appropriate timeframe on all applicants who
appeal the denial of their admission to UHD. In doing so, the committee may request
additional materials from the applicants for consideration in their review of the
appeal.
3.6 Maintenance and Oversight of UHD Admissions Processing.
3.6.1 The VP of Enrollment Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a written procedure to ensure consistency and accuracy in processing of all admissions materials, as well as for ensuring that these procedures are executed as required and in compliance with UH System. The written procedures must include the following components:
a. Training requirements for all employees who operate the auto evaluation process
in the student information system.
b. Testing requirements for any modifications to student information system, including
minimum number of records to test.
c. Limits on the number of employees who have access to critical data and processes
within the student information system.
d. A testing result retention timeline for retaining results for student information
system modifications and specification of which materials uploaded (test scripts,
records tested, test criteria, and testing results) to the digital system modification
repository.
e. Protocols for testing the modifications for each student category to ensure accurate
admission status, including protocols for testing those who do not meet standards.
f. Controls to prevent deletion of admission statuses within the student information
system.
g. Methods to ensure documentation of any manual changes to admissions records and
review of these manual changes by the VP Enrollment Management or University Registrar.
h. Method to retain records of all IRC decisions.
i. Timeline and responsible parties for conducting annual access review.
PROCEDURES
4.1. There are no procedures associated with this PS.
REVIEW PROCESS
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Senior VP for Academic & Student Affairs & Provost
Review: Every five years on or before May 31.
Signed original on file.
POLICY HISTORY
Issue #1: 01/15/85
Issue #2: 05/15/85
Issue #3: 04/02/86
Issue #4: 11/14/86
Issue #5: 11/05/93
Issue #6: 03/15/95
Issue #7: 04/11/00
Issue #8: 06/27/14
Issue #9: 06/22/15
Issue #10: 07/20/21
Issue #11: 05/02/25 (current issue)
REFERENCES