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Course Load
A regular course load during the fall and spring terms is 15 to 16 semester credit hours or five courses. Twelve semester credit hours is considered the minimum full-time load. For students who are employed 40 hours per week, the recommended load is two courses, or six credit hours. The regular load for one summer session is six to eight credit hours. Students who wish to enroll in 20 credit hours or more in a long semester or nine hours or more in a summer session must receive approval from the appropriate academic dean.
Schedule Changes
Schedule changes are made through telephone registration and in person and may require approval by an academic advisor. Instructions are found in each semester’s Class Schedule.
Discontinued Classes
The university reserves the right to discontinue classes or otherwise alter the class schedule. Whenever possible, enrollment in an alternate course is completed through an administrative change form initiated by the department responsible for discontinuing the class.
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Classification is determined by the number of credit hours which have been completed: 0–29 semester hours—freshman; 30–59 semester hours—sophomore; 60–89 semester hours—junior; and 90 semester hours and above—senior.
Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend all class sessions. The responsibility for withdrawing from a course lies with the student.
Transfer Credit
Acceptance of Transfer Credit
Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended as a part of the admission process (See New and Transfer Student Admission). An evaluation will be performed upon acceptance into the university. Course work transferred or accepted for credit toward an undergraduate degree must represent collegiate course work relevant to the degree, with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in the institution’s own undergraduate degree program.
No more than 66 semester hours of transfer credit from a junior or community college may be applied toward a degree. Declared majors should obtain approval from their degree granting college before taking additional courses to transfer to UHD.
UH–Downtown will not accept any transfer semester hours in which grades of D have been earned except for those courses which are part of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved transfer curricula for each major.
Courses transfer on the same level and with the corresponding number of hours as earned at another institution. Courses taken at a junior or community college do not transfer as upper-level credits.
Courses taken at other colleges that do not correspond to courses offered by UH–Downtown may transfer as elective credit, with the approval of the appropriate academic dean.
With consent of the appropriate dean, the chair of the department in which the student is majoring will make the decision concerning application of transfer credit to the degree program.
In general, UH–Downtown does not award transfer credit for vocational courses which, generally, are not considered part of a standard college curriculum. Students may petition the academic dean of the college in which they are seeking their degree, who may agree to award credit for such courses in exceptional circumstances.
Students should direct questions concerning transfer credit to their academic advisor or degree program coordinator.
Transcripts will be evaluated for institutional transfer credit upon completion of the admission application process. Students accepted later in the admission cycle may not receive the evaluation until after they have actually enrolled. Transfer work will be further evaluated for applicability to the student’s chosen degree plan by the degree-granting college.
Students who apply to UHD while they are attending another institution must submit two official transcripts. The first should be sent at the time of application and should reflect the student’s current enrollment. A second must be sent as soon as grades are available for those classes.
Transferring Credits From Overseas
Students applying for admission with overseas college credits must submit an evaluated transcript from a credential evaluation service recognized by the university. Credits will be granted based on the recommendations of the evaluating service with respect to University of Houston–Downtown degree requirements at the time of enrollment.
Information and brochures from the evaluating services are available at the Office of Admissions and Records.
Transfer Credit Dispute Resolution Procedures
Students who receive written notification from the Office of Admissions and Records that a lower-level course taken at another Texas public institution of higher education has not been accepted may challenge denial of credit by UH–Downtown. To initiate a dispute action, a Transfer Dispute Resolution form must be completed. The form and instructions for its completion are available in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Room 629-South.
Credit by Examination
UH–Downtown currently accepts up to 24 hours of credit obtained from approved credit by examination courses. Credit by examination may be obtained on the basis of several types of examinations. Nationally recognized standardized examinations such as the College Level Examination Program, American College Testing and Advanced Placement may be used. Examinations widely used within a professional field and locally designed examinations also may be used.
Students may not attempt to receive credit by exam for any course in which they are or have been enrolled at an accredited institution; however, students may attempt credit by examination for courses in which they are or have been enrolled at a non-accredited institution.
Nationally used standardized examinations are administered through Testing Services; all other examinations are administered through the responsible department.
If credit is not awarded, a period of six months must elapse before application for re-examination will be considered. Appropriate fees are charged for each examination. No student may attempt the exam for a particular course more than twice.
Credit may be granted for professional certification and training received from armed forces and service schools. With consent of the appropriate dean, the chair of the department in which the student is majoring will make the decision concerning the applicability of such courses to the degree program.
Credit received by examination does not fulfill residency requirements for graduation.
No grade is awarded for courses for which credit has been obtained by exam, nor are hours received for such courses included in the calculation of grade point average for graduation.
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Listed below are the subject examinations for the Advanced Placement Program and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Advanced Placement Program (AP)
Examinations
UHD
Equivalent
Course Minimum
Grade Semester
Hours
Biology
BIOL 1301/1101
BIOL 1301/1101;
1302/1102
3 or 4
5
4
8
Chemistry
CHEM 1307/1107
CHEM 1307/1107;
1308/1108
3 or 4
5
4
8
Computer Science A
CS 1310/1110
3
4
English-Language
and Composition
ENG 1301
3
3
English-Literature
and Composition
ENG 1302
3
3
Mathematics—
Calculus AB
MATH 2401
3
4
Mathematics—
Calculus BC
MATH 2401
3
4
Physics B
PHYS 1307/1107
PHYS 1307/1107;
1308/1108
3 or 4
5
4
8
Physics C (Mechanics)
3
4
Physics C
(Electricity and
Magnetism)
3
4
Psychology
PSY 1303
3
3
The College Level Examination Program at UH–Downtown
Subject Examination
Score
(Credit Hours)
UHD Equivalence
American Government
(3) POLS 2304
American Literature
(6) ENG 2311/2312
Analyzing and Interpreting English Literature
(3) Sophomore literature
College Algebra
(3) Math 1301
College French
(8) FREN 1401/1402
College Level Spanish Language
(8) SPAN 1401/1402
English Literature
(6) ENG 2313/2314
Freshman College Composition
(3) ENG 1301
General Biology
(4) Biology
General Chemistry
(4) Chemistry
History of the United States I
(3) HIST 1305
History of the United States II
(3) HIST 1306
Human Growth and Development
(3) PSY 2310
Information Systems and Computer Applications
(3) CIS 1301
Introductory Psychology
(3) PSY 1303
Introductory Sociology
(3) SOC 1303
Principles of Accounting
(6) ACC 2301/2302
Principles of Macroeconomics
(3) ECO 2301
Principles of Microeconomics
(3) ECO 2302
Trigonometry
(3) MATH 1302
Western Civilization I
(3) HUM/SOS Elective credit
Western Civilization II
(3) HUM/SOS Elective credit
Directed Studies Courses
A directed studies course allows students to work directly with a faculty member on an individual basis. This type of study is intended to expand the curriculum and may not duplicate an organized course. A directed studies course requires a term paper, research study or comparable project.
Students wishing to enroll in a directed studies course must be juniors or seniors and have a grade point average of at least 3.0, with a grade point average of at least 3.3 in the specific area of the directed studies course.
Procedures for enrolling in directed studies courses are available in each academic department. Degree requirements may limit the number of hours of directed studies which may be applied.
Auditing Courses
To audit a course is to enroll in a course on a noncredit basis. Students wishing to audit courses should contact the Office of Admissions and Records. Students auditing courses pay regular tuition and all other applicable fees as set forth in this Catalog.
A change to credit status may not be made after the student has registered to audit a course. Changes from credit status to audit status in a course must be made prior to the end of the official day of record.
Grading System and Standards
Academic Honesty
The Academic Honesty Code is embraced by all members of the University of Houston–Downtown academic community and is an essential element of the institution’s academic credibility. Academic honesty is the cornerstone of the academic integrity of the university. It is the foundation upon which the student builds personal integrity and establishes a standard of personal behavior. The honesty policy is designed to encourage honest behavior and is jointly administered by faculty and students.
The Honesty Code is the university’s standard of honesty. It states: WE WILL BE HONEST IN ALL OUR ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES AND WILL NOT TOLERATE DISHONESTY.
The Academic Honesty Policy is designed to address, in a uniform manner, cases of alleged violation of the Honesty Code.
It is each student’s responsibility to read and understand UH–Downtown’s policy on Academic Honesty. For specific information contact the Student Affairs Office.
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The following grades are included in the calculation of grade point averages:
| Grade | |
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Grade Points | |
| A | Superior | 4.0 | ||
| B | Above Average | 3.0 | ||
| C | Average | 2.0 | ||
| D | Below Average | 1.0 | ||
| F | Failure | 0.0 |
The following grades are not included in the calculation of grade point averages:
| Grade | |
|
||
| A* | Non-credit grade | |||
| B* | Non-credit grade | |||
| C* | Non-credit grade | |||
| I | Incomplete | |||
| IP | In Progress | |||
| Aud | Audit | |||
| S | Satisfactory (passing) | |||
| U | Unsatisfactory (not passing) | |||
| W | Withdraw |
An incomplete grade is only when an unforeseen emergency prevents a student from completing the course work and only with the instructor’s approval. A grade of I will be changed to a passing grade if the missing work is completed satisfactorily by the deadline set by the instructor and no later than before the end of the long semester immediately following the term in which the grade was received. An incomplete grade that is not removed by this deadline becomes an F.
Repetition of a course for which an incomplete grade was received does not affect resolution of the original grade.
An incomplete grade earned in a student’s graduating semester is computed as an F in determining grade point average.
The grade of IP (In Progress) may be given in some developmental courses and the Writing Proficiency Exam. In the calculation of grade point average, a grade of IP is treated as a W. To receive credit for a course in which an IP was assigned, a student must register for the course again and earn a passing grade.
The grade of S (Satisfactory Passing) may be earned in field experience courses and certain other courses. Credit received with a grade of S is not part of the grade point average calculation.
Students will not receive a grade if they withdraw from a course within the first 12 days of classes during a long term or within the first four days of classes during a summer term.
Students automatically receive a grade of W for any course from which they withdraw after the dates specified above but before the end of Thursday of the 10th week during a long term and Thursday of the fourth week during a summer term.
Withdrawal deadlines are published in the academic calendar found in the Class Schedule.
Note: Class days are defined as days on which the university has one or more classes scheduled; not the days for which a particular student is scheduled for his/her particular classes.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The grade point average is a measure of the level of a student’s academic achievement. Grade point averages are computed by multiplying the grade point value by the number of credit hours in each course, and then dividing the sum of all grade points obtained by the total number of hours attempted.
This formula represents the method of computing grade point average:
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= Grade Point Average |
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The number of grade points earned for each course equals the hour credit value of the course multiplied by the points awarded for grades received. Grades of I (Incomplete), S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), IP (In Progress) and grades marked with an asterisk (*) are not counted in the calculation of the grade point average, except for graduation. Grades of I will be calculated as F grades in determining grade point average for graduation.
Students must meet a graduation requirement of a minimum 2.0 grade point average calculated on all grades earned at UH–Downtown. Some departments may specify more stringent requirements, such as a 2.5 grade point average in the major or a 2.5 grade point average in all upper-level courses.
Appeal of Grades
Any grade which a student believes to be in error should be appealed in the following order: first to the instructor, then to the appropriate department chair, and finally to the appropriate dean. If an appeal is not made within one calendar year after the close of the semester in which the grade was received, the grade will be considered final and no appeal will be heard.
Dean’s List
The Dean’s List recognizes students who have achieved superior academic performance during the fall or spring semester. To be included on the Dean’s List for a specific semester, a student must, during that semester, complete at least nine semester hours of college-level work, earn at least a 3.5 grade point average, and receive no grade of I or F. The Dean’s List is published by the Provost’s Office at the end of each fall and spring semester.
Graduation with Honors
Students who complete degree requirements with exceptionally high grade point averages receive degrees with honors. Those who earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.75–4.00 graduate summa cum laude, while a cumulative grade point average of 3.50–3.74 is required for magna cum laude. A grade point average of 3.25–3.49 is needed to graduate cum laude. In the computation of this average, all courses attempted at UH–Downtown are counted, including courses repeated, failed and passed, but excluding courses with grades of S, W or IP.
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For candidates who complete some portion of their college work at other institutions, the cumulative grade point average of all work attempted at UH–Downtown and the grade point average of all college work is computed; the lower of the two averages is used as the basis for determining honors.
Students not eligible for cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude honors may be eligible for College Honors. Students who have earned a GPA of 3.50 or greater in their last 60 hours attempted at UH–Downtown, including at least 30 upper-level hours, are eligible to receive the designation, College Honors.
Academic Probation and Suspension
Probation
Academic probation is a warning to the student that his or her academic record has been unsatisfactory. A student who is not making satisfactory progress toward meeting graduation requirements may be placed on academic suspension if this record does not improve.
A student is placed on academic probation at the end of any term (Fall, Spring, Summer I and Summer II combined) in which his or her cumulative GPA falls below the specified minimum cumulative GPA shown below. The cumulative GPA for academic probation and suspension is computed on all grades earned at UH–Downtown. Grades of I, IP, S or W are not counted.
|
Semester Hours | |
Minimum Required Cumulative GPA |
| 1–29 | 1.70 | ||
| 30–59 | 1.90 | ||
| 60 or more, or upon declaration of a major |
2.00 |
Transfer students on suspension from their most recent institution of higher education will be placed on academic probation if admitted to UH–Downtown.
Students will remain on academic probation until their cumulative GPA reaches the specified minimum cumulative GPA or until they are suspended. Only courses taken at UH–Downtown may be counted in removing a student from academic probation.
Suspension
Suspension means that a student is ineligible to register for classes.
Students on academic probation will be suspended at the end of any term their cumulative GPA falls below the specified minimum cumulative GPA unless they earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in that term.
A student’s first academic suspension will become effective at the beginning of the next term and will remain in effect for that term only. The student may be granted earlier readmission at the discretion of the student’s academic dean or the dean’s designated representative.
The second time a student is placed on academic suspension, the length of the suspension will be indefinite. The student may be considered for readmission after one term and only upon appeal to the students’ academic dean or the dean’s designated representative.
The third time a student is placed on academic suspension, the suspension will be permanent. Any appeals for readmission following a permanent suspension must be initiated at the academic dean’s office. The final decision rests with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
Academic Amnesty
After a four-year absence, a student returning to UH–Downtown may petition his or her academic dean for academic amnesty. To be eligible, the student must not have attended any institution of higher education for the four-year period immediately preceding readmission to UH–Downtown. In addition, the student also must complete 24 semester credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 following readmission. The amnesty provision applies only to the application of credit toward a degree and computation of the student’s grade point average. No grades on the student’s permanent record are altered or deleted.
If academic amnesty is granted, all courses with grades of F or D earned prior to readmission are ignored in applying credit toward fulfillment of degree requirements and in future computations of the student’s grade point average. A student granted academic amnesty relinquishes all rights to graduation with honors and any other academic recognition based on grade point average.
Fresh Start
A student wishing to take advantage of Fresh Start or readmission may apply only at the time of initial application or readmission at the Office of Admissions and Records.
Repeated Course Policy
Effective Spring 1995, when a course is repeated, the last grade received in the course will be used in computing the grade point average.
Student Records
Transcripts
Requests for official or student copies of transcripts are made with the Office of Admissions and Records. Requests may be made in person, in writing, or by fax.
Release of Student Records
The University of Houston–Downtown policy on the release of student records is in compliance with the 1974 Family Rights and Privacy Act. Information which the university may release includes: degrees awarded, major field of study, dates of attendance, address, telephone number, classification (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) and status of enrollment (full-time; part-time).
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Students who do not wish to have directory information released must contact the Office of Admissions and Records during the first week of each semester.
Change of Name and Address
Any change in name or address must be reported to the Office of Admissions and Records. Name changes must be supported by legal documentation.
Graduation Requirements
General Degree Requirements for Graduation
For degree completion, at least 25 percent of the semester credit hours must be earned through instruction offered by UH–Downtown.
In addition to completion of specific degree requirements, all students must meet the requirements described below. The final 30 semester credit hours of course work toward the degree must be taken at the University of Houston–Downtown. At least 18 of these hours must be in the upper division and be approved by the student’s major department. Only the appropriate academic dean may waive any portion of these requirements and only upon petition by a student who has extraordinary reasons.
A minimum grade point average of 2.0 calculated on all grades earned at UH–Downtown is required for graduation. In addition, a grade point average of 2.0 is required for all courses taken at UH–Downtown which apply toward the degree.
Students enrolled in any degree program at the University of Houston–Downtown who wish to take courses at another college or university (including any other institution in the UH System) and apply the credits toward the degree should consult with their degree program officer to be sure the courses apply to their degree program. A student taking courses under these provisions is responsible for having an official transcript from the second campus forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Records at UH–Downtown. The student also must request that an official evaluation of this transcript be made and reported to the appropriate degree program officer.
Graduation under a Specific Catalog
A student usually graduates under the degree provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of his first completed term of enrollment; where enrollment is defined as registration for and completion of at least one course. Students have the option of graduating under the catalog in effect at the time of their major declaration or any subsequent catalog. If degree requirements change during the time of the student’s enrollment, the student may be required to meet the new degree requirements if the number of hours the student must take has not increased.
Exceptions:
- No Catalog more than 10 years old may be used.
- Students who interrupt their program for more than two consecutive long semesters for reasons other than military service shall be governed by the Catalog in effect at the time of re-entry to the university.
- Students whose enrollment is interrupted by military service must re-enroll 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.
- Students forced to withdraw for adequate cause before completion of their degree may upon readmission petition to graduate under the Catalog in effect at the time of original enrollment.
- Students who change their major shall be governed by the Catalog in effect at the time of the change.
Application for Graduation
Any student who plans to graduate from the University of Houston–Downtown must file an application for graduation with the degree granting college and with the Office of Admissions and Records. Deadlines for filing applications and paying fees are announced in the calendar published in each Class Schedule. A one-time graduation fee is required at the time of filing the application. If the student does not complete the requirements for the degree, application procedures must be repeated.
Commencement Exercises
Only students who complete all degree requirements and file an application for graduation with the degree-granting college and the Office of Admissions and Records may participate in the commencement exercises. The final decision on eligibility for graduation and participation in commencement exercises rests with the appropriate academic dean.
Students graduating with honors are so designated in the commencement program and wear special insignia with their academic regalia. Designation of honors for May and December graduates reflects only grades earned prior to the final semester. Designation of final honors on the transcript and diploma, however, is based on all work attempted.
Arrangements for obtaining academic regalia may be made through the university bookstore. Deadlines for ordering and paying for regalia are announced for each commencement.
Additional Bachelor’s Degree
To qualify for a second UH-Downtown bachelor’s degree, the candidate must:
- Earn a minimum of 30 semester hours credit more than needed to receive the degree requiring the fewest hours;
- Meet the general and specific requirements for each degree; and
- Have 30 semester hours of residence credit at UH–Downtown for each degree awarded by the university.
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