Catalog Home


Catalog Search


Colleges and Schools

Undergraduate Catalog

1999-2001

Academic Regulations
and
Degree Requirements

Academic Honesty
Academic Advising
Student Classifications
Course Load
Grading System
Examinations
Academic Notice, Academic Probation, and Suspension
Withdrawal
Student Records

Academic Regulations

All students have the responsibility to become acquainted with the content of this catalog in order that they may, at all times, be informed and be in compliance with academic requirements, rules, and regulations in force at the University of Houston.

The university reserves the right to change the provisions of this catalog, including, but not limited to, degree requirements, course offerings, fees, and listings in the calendar as necessitated by university or legislative action.

Academic Honesty

The university can best function and accomplish its objectives in an atmosphere of high ethical standards. All students are expected and encouraged to contribute to such an atmosphere in every way possible, especially by observing all accepted principles of academic honesty. However, cases of academic dishonesty will inevitably arise, and these must be handled with actions that will ensure the integrity of this institution.

The academic honesty policy of the University of Houston is designed to handle those cases in fairness to all concerned: the accused student, the faculty, and the university as a whole. The academic honesty policy contains full details concerning the definition of academic dishonesty, procedures for reporting and acting on cases involving breach of this policy, and the punishment to be assessed for infractions. Copies of this policy are available in the offices of the department chairs, the deans of colleges, the Dean of Students Office, and the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. A copy will be made available to any faculty member or student involved in a case of academic dishonesty.

In brief form, infractions of the policy include any conduct that a reasonable person in the same or similar circumstances would recognize as dishonest or improper in an academic setting such as obtaining test questions or answers to questions and responses to assigned work in any fashion other than that designated as proper by the instructor of the class involved, falsifying records and results of academic work, or falsely presenting someone else's work as one's own. This policy shall cover these items and others as detailed in the academic honesty policy.

The penalties for confirmed breaches of this policy shall be commensurate with the nature of the offense and with the record of the student regarding any previous infractions. They will range from a lowered grade or failure on an examination or assignment or failure in the course, to probation or temporary or permanent suspension from the university, or a combination of these.

The allegation of infraction shall normally start with the faculty member in whose class the alleged infraction occurred and proceed to a hearing with the department chair. Where disagreement with respect to guilt, nature of the transgression, or penalty proposed occurs, either party shall have the right to a hearing at the college level and the right of a procedural review at the level of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The accused student also has the basic rights of: (1) proper written notification of the accusation and the time and place of any hearings concerning the case; (2) fair hearings with opportunity to meet the accuser; and (3) the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in his or her defense. The student may seek the advice of counsel.

The student may be judged and assigned penalty by the department chair, or a hearing committee of the college, depending on the level to which the case is appealed. Finally, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs may examine the case and order a review. The academic honesty policy sets forth the manner in which the various notifications, appointments of hearing, and timing of these events shall be carried out, and indicates by whom they shall be conducted.

The policy applies to all colleges within the university, with some procedural exceptions in the professional colleges. It is the responsibility of the administrative officers involved (department chair, dean, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs) to ensure that the policy is implemented fairly and in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the faculty and students to discourage academic dishonesty by exercising appropriate precautions in situations where infractions may occur and by properly reporting instances of such infractions.

All members of, and participants in, the academic life of the university are to be governed by this policy and should familiarize themselves with its content.

Notations on a Student's Transcript

Scholastic action resulting in a student's suspension or probation for disciplinary or academic violations, performance, or academic honesty policy violations will be entered on the student's transcript until the period of sanction has elapsed. For disciplinary or academic policy violations only, a student may petition the office or college placing the notation for the removal of the notation from the transcript. The request for removal of the notation from the transcript is the student's responsibility.

The general petition form for the removal of the notation is available in the Office of Registration and Academic Records or the college or department of the student's major.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is designed to help students make decisions about their educational and career goals. Faculty and staff in various colleges and departments are available to assist students who have chosen a major. Students who have not yet made a commitment to a major field will be assisted by the University Studies Division staff. Advising is viewed as an ongoing activity and not just as a schedule planning function. Students should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor each semester to review their progress and to make plans for the future. Students are expected to become familiar with their program requirements so that they may exercise personal judgments and have a knowledge base for discussing concerns with an advisor.

Students who have been admitted to a particular college or department should seek advising from that college or department. University Studies Division students should go to the Academic Advising Center, 320 Student Service Center.

Student Classifications

Undergraduate

Undergraduate students' classifications are based on the total number of semester hours earned at the University of Houston and accepted in transfer from other colleges and universities regardless of whether or not the courses involved are applicable to the major or degree plan. Credit awarded by examination and hours earned with a grade of S are counted in determining classification, but not in determining the grade point average.

ClassificationNumber of Semester Credit Hours Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average
Freshman 0-29 semester hours 2.00
Sophomore 30-59 semester hours 2.00
Junior 60-89 semester hours 2.00
Senior and postbaccalaureate 90 or more semester hours 2.00

Law, Optometry, Pharmacy

Special classifications are used for students majoring in the professional areas of law, optometry, and pharmacy.

Postbaccalaureate

The postbaccalaureate classification describes students who have degrees but are not enrolled in a formal graduate degree program. (See Graduate and Professional Studiescatalog for details.)

Credit for graduate level courses taken by postbaccalaureate students is awarded as undergraduate credit. The grade point average and minimum cumulative grade point average is calculated according to the above listing.

There are restrictions and limitations on the application of postbaccalaureate hours toward a graduate degree. All such hours must be approved by the degree-granting college and department.

Graduate

The university classifies a student as a graduate student when an admission application and the required credentials have been approved and the student has registered for classes as a graduate students at the University of Houston. All graduate students must go through the formal application process in order to obtain the graduate student classification.

Course Load

Undergraduate Full-time Status

All undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours during a fall or spring semester, eight semester hours during Summer II or III, and four semester hours during Summer I or IV are classified as carrying a full-time course load. Some agencies outside the university may set different guidelines for full-time status and satisfactory academic progress. Students should comply with such guidelines to the extent that they do not contradict university purposes and regulations. Selected colleges and departments may have more restrictive or more permissive policies than the university policies listed below.

Recommended Course Load

An undergraduate student should recognize that course work in college will require a significant amount of work outside the classroom-traditionally recommended at 2-3 hours for every hour in class. That ratio will vary with subject, but the underlying principle will not: Being in college is a time-consuming activity. Any other commitments while enrolled in college courses should be balanced against the time required to attend to one's college classes and assignments. Taking a recommended 3:1 ratio for the sake of illustration, a student carrying a 12 semester-hour course load should plan to devote an additional 36 hours per week to course-related work. That would represent a total recommended time commitment of 48 hours; 15 semester-hours would obligate one to perhaps 60 hours of work a week for satisfactory performance during the fall and spring semesters. These course demands need to be kept in mind when deciding whether to live on-campus or off-campus. Students living off-campus need to allow time in their schedule for commuting. Working students need to consider how many hours remain in the 168 hours of the week after deducting time for eating, sleeping, recreation, and other extracurricular activities. Students who work while going to school should balance their work-related activities against the hours needed to study. Starting with a 15 semester-hour load, it is recommended that the total enrollment load in a fall or spring semester be reduced by one course (3 semester-hours) for every 12 hours of work.

First-time-in-college freshmen are encouraged to enroll in no more than 15 semester hours.

Maximum Course Load

The course load for undergraduate students is dependent on the curriculum for which they enroll. For those students who expect to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree in about four years, the maximum undergraduate course load each fall or spring semester is as follows:

CollegeSemester Hours
College of Architecture21
College of Business Administration18
College of Education18
Cullen College of Engineering19
Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel
     and Restaurant Management 		18
College of Humanities, Fine Arts, and
     Communication
     Freshman 16
     Sophomore, Junior, Senior,
     Postbaccalaureate		 19
     Student on Probation/Academic
     Notice 		12
Law Center (see the Graduate and
    Professional Studies catalog)
College of Natural Sciences and
     Mathematics 		17
     Student on Probation/Academic
     Notice 		13
College of Optometry21
Pre-Optometry 18
College of Pharmacy 19
College of Social Sciences
     Freshman16
     Sophomore, Junior, Senior,
     Postbaccalaureate 		18
     Student on Probation/Academic
     Notice 		12
Graduate School of Social Work
     (see the Graduate and
     Professional Studies catalog)
College of Technology 18
University Studies Division
     Freshman 16
     Sophomore, Junior, Senior,
     Postbaccalaureate		 18
     Student on Probation/Academic
     Notice 		12

The maximum undergraduate course load for summer sessions, regardless of college or major, is as follows:

SessionHours
Summer I7
Summer IV7
Summer I and IV14

One-half of the hours in Summer II or III should be added to any Summer I or IV hours to determine total course load for Summer I or IV.

An undergraduate or postbaccalaureate student who is on Academic Probation or Academic Notice shall enroll in no more than 13 hours in a fall or spring semester, 5 hours in Summer I or IV, or 10 hours in Summer II or III.

These totals include all courses for which students may enroll. Permission to take course loads above these maximums must be obtained in advance of registration from the dean of the college of the student's major.

Overload

No student may enroll in a course load exceeding the college's suggested course load for a specific semester as listed in the Maximum Course Load Table without prior written permission of the dean of the college of the student's major. Students who enroll in an overload without this permission may be dropped from selected courses at the discretion of the dean and may not receive a tuition refund.

To be considered for a course overload, the student must submit a petition to the dean and should meet the following criteria:

  1. Have a 3.00 minimum grade point average in the preceding two summer sessions (minimum: 12 semester hours) or in the preceding fall or spring semester (minimum: 12 semester hours) at the university, or

  2. Be in good academic standing in the college if in the last semester before graduation.

Students should consult the appropriate college section of the catalog for any additional conditions that must be met to qualify for an approved petition for an overload. A student must file the petition for overload prior to registration or add/drop.

The maximum overload permitted in any college by an approved petition is a load totaling 22 hours for a fall or spring semester, nine hours in a summer session I or IV, and 15 hours for any combination of summer enrollments.

Refer to the Graduate and Professional Studiescatalog for information on graduate course overloads.

Grading System

A Excellent, superior achievement
A-
B+
BGood, exceeding all requirements
B-
C+
CAverage, satisfactorily meeting all requirements
C-
D+
D Poor, passing
D-
FFailing or withdrawal while doing failing work
I Incomplete
SSatisfactory
U Unsatisfactory
WWithdrawal while passing a course or while no evaluative data were available

In the case of Foundations courses (ENGL 1300, MATH 1300, READ 1300), and Senior Honors Theses, an "in progress" grade may be awarded.

Grade Assignment

Grades are awarded in courses in which students are officially enrolled after the last day to drop or withdraw from a course without receiving a grade. This date is indicated in the academic calendar for each enrollment period.

Grade Explanations

  1. Passing grades for which semester hours of credit are awarded are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and S. (Pharmacy students should refer to the College of Pharmacy section.)

  2. The grades of S (satisfactory) and U (unsatisfactory) may be awarded in certain specified courses.

  3. The grade of I (incomplete) is a conditional and temporary grade given when students are passing a course but, for reasons beyond their control, have not completed a relatively small part of all requirements. Students are responsible for informing the instructor immediately of the reasons for not submitting an assignment on time or not taking an examination. The grade of I must be changed by fulfilling the course requirements within one year of the date awarded, or it will be changed automatically to an F (or to a U in S/U graded courses). The grade of I may not be changed to a grade of W, but may only be changed to another letter grade.

    Students should understand that the only way to have an I (incomplete) changed to a passing grade is to fulfill the specific course requirements by the appropriate date. Students should not re-register for courses in which they previously received an "I" grade. Students must contact the instructor of the course in which the student received an "I" grade to make arrangements to complete the course requirements. If the instructor requires the student to participate in all or part of the same class in another semester, the student should not re-register for the course. After the course work is completed, the instructor will submit a change-of grade form to change the "I" grade to the grade earned. The student should understand that both grades, the original "I" and the earned grade, will appear on the transcript.

  4. The grade of W (withdrawal) indicates that the student was passing or that no evaluative data were available at the time the student dropped the course. The grade of W is assigned to a course only after the last day to drop or withdraw without receiving a grade (four weeks after the first day of classes in a fall or spring semester), and before the final day to drop or withdraw (four weeks prior to the last day of classes in a fall or spring semester). Students are responsible for initiating action to drop or withdraw from classes. Students who fail to do so will be retained on the class rolls even though they may be absent for the remainder of the semester. In such instances a grade of F (or U in S/U graded courses) will be awarded unless the conditions for a grade of I have been met.

  5. An "in progress" designation in place of a grade indicates that the student is proceeding satisfactorily but must re-enroll to obtain a final grade.

Grade Point Average

Grade points are awarded as follows for each semester hour in which students receive a grade.

A4.00 B-2.67D+ 1.33
A- 3.67 C+2.33D 1.00
B+ 3.33 C2.00D- 0.67
B 3.00 C-1.67F 0.00

The grade point average is the quotient obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the number of semester hours in which students receive a letter grade. Grades of S, U, I, and W are not assigned grade point values and are not used in the computation of the grade point average.

A change in grade (other than I, incomplete) will affect the academic status of the semester in which the grade was earned and all subsequent semesters. A change of grade from I will affect only the semester in which the I is completed (or changed to F or U) and all subsequent semesters.

Decimals beyond two places are truncated, not rounded, in computing the grade point average.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

The cumulative grade point average is based upon all work taken at the University of Houston, including courses that are repeated, for which grade point values are assigned.

A repeated course, including courses repeated during a summer session, is equivalent to a new course both in the determination of classification and in computing the cumulative grade point average. Deviations in this computation may occur depending on the catalog year under which graduation occurs.

Fulfillment of Grade Requirements for a Degree

The cumulative grade point average shall be used to determine the fulfillment of grade requirements with the following differences:

  1. The grade of I shall be computed as F.

  2. Upon approval by the dean of the college of the student's major, a maximum of six semester hours, eight in the case of laboratory courses, taken during the first 30 semester hours of undergraduate course work at the university may be eliminated from the computation. The College of Social Sciences will not eliminate any semester hours of undergraduate course work from the computation of the graduation grade point average for a bachelor's degree.

    1. Neither these grades nor the courses for which they were awarded are removed from the student's official academic record.

    2. These eliminated courses shall not be used to fulfill any degree requirement.

    3. Grades may not be eliminated for courses subsequently repeated.

    4. These exceptions shall be used only to allow a student to achieve the minimum grade point average for graduation.

Academic Fresh Start for Current and Former Undergraduate Students

Former or current University of Houston undergraduate students may elect under the university's Academic Fresh Start Program to have all academic course work completed at the University of Houston ten or more years prior to the semester of electionremoved from consideration by the University and by the dean of the college of their major for any academic purpose. 1 These purposes include but are not limited to determining their classification, academic standing, course prerequisites, degree requirements, grade point average, eligibility for graduation, and eligibility for honors. Students who elect this option cannot use any of the course work that has been removed from consideration for any academic purpose.

Courses that are removed from consideration under provisions of the Academic Fresh Start Program will not be removed from the student's academic record, but the student's UH transcript shall be annotated to identify the courses that have been removed from consideration.

Any academic probations and suspensions that resulted from course work removed from consideration under this program will not be counted in any future determination as to whether the student is placed on academic notice, academic probation, or academic suspension.

There may be implications for financial aid and veterans benefits for students enrolled under Academic Fresh Start. Students should contact these offices for more information.

Students may elect to use the provisions of this Academic Fresh Start Program only once at the University of Houston. Certain benefits of the state law pertaining to Academic Fresh Start do not apply to UH students. See an advisor for details.

Former and current undergraduate students may obtain more information on this Academic Fresh Start Program by contacting the dean of the college of their major or the University Studies Division.

For more information on the Academic Fresh Start Program for undergraduate transfer students, refer to Academic Fresh Start For Undergraduate Transfer Students in the Admissions, Advising, Orientation, and Registration section of this catalog.

Examinations

Within Semester Examinations

Examinations in undergraduate courses within the semester shall be given during the scheduled time and day of the class as designated in the printed class schedule. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the dean of the college and the Provost. All classroom and laboratory examinations are subject to this campus policy.

When it is known prior to the beginning of the semester that there will be examinations scheduled at times other than the regularly scheduled time band for the class and for which written approval has been obtained, such examinations shall be footnoted in the printed class schedule.

When examinations are to be scheduled at times other than the regularly scheduled time band for the class and where written approval has been obtained, and in recognition of students' needs and responsibilities within and outside the university, written notification (e.g., course syllabus) shall be provided to the students during the drop/add period for the semester.

Final Examinations

Final examinations shall be given during the time and date designated in the class schedule. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by the dean of the college and announced no later than the last day to drop a course.

In recognition of students' needs to prepare for final examinations, it is contrary to campus policy to assign previously unscheduled work in the form of tests, papers, or reports during the 14 calendar days prior to the examination period of each semester or five calendar days prior to the examination period of each summer session.

There shall be no required undergraduate class meetings, other than for final examination purposes, after the last day of classes. There shall be no final examinations during the reading period (see the Academic Calendar section of the catalog).

Final Grade Reports

Grades are now available through the Voice Information Processing (VIP) system. Service is available for students to request a paper copy which will be sent to the student's mailing address as reflected in university records.

Students may use the Voice Information Processing (VIP) system to check if their grades have been posted for the semester. Grades are posted or put into the database on a nightly basis following final exams. See the class schedule for instructions on using VIP.

Students are encouraged to contact the instructor of record or submit written requests to the department chair whenever questions arise concerning a grade received in a course. Students have 90 days after the posting of a grade to appeal. To appeal a grade, students must submit a completed Course Adjustment Form to the department where the course is offered no later than the close of the semester/summer session following the posting of the grade. Faculty are required to retain all evaluated student material for a six month period after the end of the last class of the semester evaluated.

Scholastic Requirements

Law, optometry, and pharmacy students should refer to the scholastic requirements specified in the appropriate college section of this catalog.

Undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students are expected to maintain a 2.00 (C) minimum cumulative grade point average, which is the minimum permitted for graduation. They are subject to scholastic action any semester or summer session in which one or more semester hours are attempted. The summer sessions are considered a unit equivalent to a semester.

Academic Notice, Academic Probation, and Suspension

The standards below apply to all undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students enrolled. Students who entered under a previous catalog will be held to these standards.

  1. Freshman students who earn less than a 2.00 grade point average in the first semester of enrollment at the University of Houston shall be placed on Academic Notice. All new students are encouraged to take 16 hours or less in their first semester at this university. Students on Academic Notice are not on Academic Probation and cannot be suspended. Students on Academic Notice mustbe advised by the University Studies Division and their major departments.

  2. Students are placed on Academic Probation if their cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00. Freshman and sophomore students on Academic Probation are urgedto seek advising in their major departments. They may also consult the advisors in the University Studies Division.

  3. Students on academic probation whose semester or summer session grade point average is below 2.00 are placed on academic suspension at the close of that semester or summer session.

    1. The first academic suspension is for a period of at leastone semester (fall or spring or summer).

      1. Students placed on academic suspension at the end of a fall semester are not eligible to re-enroll until the following summer.

      2. Students placed on academic suspension at the end of a spring semester are not eligible to re-enroll until the following fall.

      3. Students placed on academic suspension at the end of a summer session are not eligible to re-enroll until the following spring.

    2. The second academic suspension is for a period of at least12 months.

    3. After their third academic suspension, students are ineligible to enroll at the University of Houston.

  4. Students on academic probation whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.00 but whose semester or summer session grade point average is 2.00 or higher will remain on academic probation.

  5. Students on academic probation will be removed from that status when their semester or summer session grade point average is 2.00 or higher and their cumulative grade point average is at or above 2.00.

Summer visiting students are not subject to academic probation or suspension while in that status. If, however, they are later admitted as regular students, the grades that they earned in their summer visiting status will be included in all subsequent calculations of their cumulative grade point average at the university.

Without regard to these regulations, the dean of a college may place on academic probation, retain on probation, or suspend any majors in that college whose academic records are deficient. The dean also may remove from academic probation or academic suspension any majors in the college whose academic progress warrants such action.

Readmission from Academic Suspension

  1. Only the dean of the college may readmit students on academic suspension from the University of Houston. Only the Assistant Vice President for University Studies may readmit University Studies Division students.

  2. Readmission from academic suspension is not automatic. Students seeking readmission must submit to the dean of the college in which they wish to earn their degrees:

    1. A written petition justifying their readiness to resume their studies at the university.

    2. Transcripts showing at least a 2.00 grade point average on all college work completed elsewhere while on academic suspension from the University of Houston.

    3. Transcripts of all other completed college work.

    4. University Studies Division students must submit their petition and transcripts to the Assistant Vice President for University Studies.

  3. Students seeking to change their majors from the college from which they were suspended to another college must submit a "change of major" request along with a petition for readmission from academic suspension to the college of the intended major.

  4. Colleges may have additional policies and procedures pertaining to readmission from academic suspension; therefore, students seeking readmission should consult the appropriate college section in this catalog or request information from the office of the academic dean for specific college requirements.

Dean's List

The Dean's List is compiled each semester by the colleges. To qualify for this recognition, undergraduate students must earn a 3.50 minimum grade point average (the grade of S is not counted) on nine or more semester hours completed during the semester. Students who earn a grade of I (except in a senior honors thesis course), D, F, or U during the semester are excluded from consideration for the Dean's List. Some colleges have additional requirements for the Dean's List. For information, consult the catalog for the college of major or contact the office of the dean.

Class Attendance

Properly enrolled students are required to attend the first day of class. Failure to attend may result in the student being dropped from the class.

The university has no specific policy regarding the number of excused absences, but expects students to attend class regularly. Students whose absences are determined by their instructors to be excessive may be dropped from the course. Unavoidable absences should be reported to the instructor as soon as possible.

Absences caused by participation in a campus-sponsored activity are considered official if the sponsor of the activity has received approval from the appropriate university administrator. Students must make up the work missed even though the absences are official.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Houston respects the religious observances of students even though they may conflict with university class meetings, assignments, or examinations. Students whose religious beliefs prohibit class attendance or the completion of specific assignments on designated dates may request an excused absence. If the student notifies the instructor of the classes which conflict with religious holy days by the fifteenth calendar day of each semester (eighth calendar day for summer terms), the student will be excused. Eligible religions are those whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation. Detailed procedures and copies of the state law are available in the offices of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the dean of students, and the A. D. Bruce Religion Center. Using the general petition form, available in the Office of Registration and Academic Records, students should request excused absences due to religious holy days, obtain the signature of each of their professors, and turn in the form at the Office of Registration and Academic Records.

Course Enrollment Restrictions

  1. Freshmen who have fewer than 24 semester hours may not take a course on the 2000 level except when the actual prerequisites for the courses have been fulfilled. Sophomores may take 3000-level courses and juniors may take 4000-level courses when the prerequisites for the courses have been fulfilled.

  2. Students are limited to a maximum of three enrollments in a specific 3000- or 4000-level course. An enrollment shall be defined as having occurred in any case in which a grade is awarded (including U, S, W, I, F, or any passing grade). This rule will not apply to courses that may be repeated for credit when topics vary.

  3. Courses numbered 6000 or higher are limited to graduate students, postbaccalaureate students, and seniors taking the courses for graduate credit on a combined graduate/undergraduate credit petition. A qualified senior at the University of Houston may take a limited number of courses for graduate credit if no more than 12 semester hours are needed for the degree. The senior course load is limited to 15 semester hours including graduate work. Students may receive permission to enroll for graduate credit through a mixed program petition, which must be filed with the appropriate college office immediately after payment of tuition and fees.

Dropping Courses

The last day to drop or withdraw from a course without receiving a grade is generally four weeks after the first class day of a fall or spring semester, three weeks after the first class day of a summer session II or III, and two weeks after the first class day of a summer session I or IV.

The last day to drop or withdraw from a course with a grade of W or F (or U) is generally four weeks prior to the last class day of a fall or spring semester, six class days prior to the last class day of a summer I, II, or IV, and three weeks prior to the last class day of a summer III. Consult the class schedule for specific dates.

Enrollment in a course may be terminated in any one of the following ways:

  1. After late registration through the last day to drop or withdraw from a course without receiving a grade, most students may drop courses without any signature.

  2. After the last day to drop or withdraw from a course without receiving a grade, and until the last day to drop or withdraw from courses, undergraduate students who wish to drop a course must obtain the signature of the instructor, who will assign the letter W or a grade of F (or U). Business majors must also secure permission from the Undergraduate Programs Office in the College of Business Administration. Athletes must also secure permission of the Assistant Director of Athletics. International F-1 students must also have permission of an international student counselor.

  3. An instructor may drop students for any one of the following reasons:
    1. Lack of prerequisites or corequisites for the course listed in the latest catalog, but only through the last day for dropping courses. Students who have not met the prerequisites will be dropped without a tuition refund if the drop date is after the refund date. (Students who enroll in a course for which they are not eligible and then remain in the course knowingly misrepresent their academic records or achievements as they pertain to course prerequisites or corequisites and are in violation of the university's academic honesty policy.)

    2. Excessive absences, but after the last day for dropping courses only with the approval of the dean of the college in which the course is being offered.

    3. Causes that tend to disrupt the academic process (except those actions involving academic honesty, which come under the jurisdiction of the academic honesty policy), but after the last day for dropping courses only with the approval of the dean of the college in which the course is being offered. Students may make timely appeal through the office of the dean of the college in which the course is taught.

  4. After the last day for dropping courses, undergraduate students may drop or be dropped by their instructor from a course with a W or F (or U), as determined by the instructor, only with the approval of the dean of the college in which the course is offered and only for rare, urgent, substantiated, nonacademic reasons.

Students are expected to commit themselves as early as possible, but at least by mid-semester, to courses for the remainder of the semester.

The effective date recorded for termination of enrollment for all matters relating to University of Houston records will be the date the student drops the course through the Voice Information Processing (VIP) system or the date the current enrollment change request form, written request, or drop report is received by the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, regardless of the date of last attendance.

Students are responsible for verifying whether they have been dropped from a course with the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building. (Students may also use the VIP system to check their enrollment status.) Before dropping courses, international students must see an international student counselor, and athletes must see the Assistant Director of Athletics.

Students who drop courses by the twelfth class day and are still enrolled in the university at the end of the semester will be mailed a credit balance bill or a bill reflecting their enrollment changes after the twentieth class day. Students enrolled in the summer session who drop courses by the fourth class day will be mailed a credit balance bill reflecting their enrollment changes after the tenth class day. See Tuition and Fees Refunds section.

Reinstatement

Students who are dropped by the instructor or who drop a course may, if extraordinary circumstances prevail, be reinstated by securing written permission from the instructor. The prescribed forms may be obtained in the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building.

Withdrawal

The term withdrawal applies to the dropping of all courses for which students are registered at the University of Houston, and it may be initiated by students.

General Withdrawal

In addition to following the procedure for dropping a course, students must return all library books and laboratory equipment and have their University of Houston record clear in every respect. Students who wish to withdraw may do so through the VIP system up to the last day to drop or withdraw without a grade or they may come to the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, or write:

Office of Registration and Academic Records
University of Houston
Houston, Texas 77204-2161

The recorded date for withdrawal will be 1) the date the withdrawal is completed through VIP, or 2) the date the completed form is submitted to the Registrar's office, or 3) the date the letter requesting withdrawal is received.

Students whose enrollment in a course is terminated on or before the last day to drop or withdraw without receiving a grade (a date listed in the academic calendar and in the class schedule) will not have courses appear on permanent records, and grades will not be assigned. When terminations are made after this date, the message and date of withdrawal will appear, grades of W (withdrawal, either passing or with no evaluative data available at the time of drop) or F (withdrawal, failing) will be assigned by the instructor at the close of the semester, and the courses and grades will appear on the permanent records.

Students are responsible for initiating action to drop or withdraw from classes on or before the last day to drop a course. Students who fail to do so will be retained on the class rolls even though they may be absent for the remainder of the semester. In such instances grades of F (or U in S/U graded courses) will be given unless mitigating circumstances warrant grades of I (incomplete).

University Withdrawal

In addition to suspension for academic or disciplinary causes, students may be withdrawn by the university for medical or financial reasons.

  1. Financial Withdrawal

    Students who make payment on their account with checks which are returned to the university for insufficient funds or who fail to pay by designated deadlines will be withdrawn from the university without refund. Students who are financially withdrawn after the last day to drop or withdraw without a grade will receive "W" or "F" grades only for the semester.

    Note:Students with two or more returned checks must make payment on their account by cash, cashier's check or money order. No checks--personal or otherwise--will be accepted.

  2. Financial Responsibility

    Students incur charges for a variety of services provided by the university. It is the expectation, as well as a condition of enrollment at the University of Houston, that students satisfy their financial responsibilities in a timely fashion. Individuals who fail to do so will incur the sanctions outlined in this section.

    Students who illegally enroll at the University of Houston by (a) failing to pay past due balances at any other University of Houston campus, (b) providing the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid with false information for purposes of obtaining financial assistance, or (c) presenting a check for enrollment expenses that is returned by the university's bank, will have 10 calendar days to legitimize their enrollment. The 10 days will begin on the date the university mails notification to the student specifying what action the student must take to correct existing deficiencies. Failure of a student to respond within the 10-day period to a notice of a returned check for the initial fee payment will result in the student being financially disenrolled from the university.

    Students who write or produce two bad checks (unless due to bank error) to the university for tuition and fees, or for any other university obligation, forfeit check-writing privileges for one year and must petition for future eligibility. (This means that students must meet financial obligations by cash or cashier's check only. No personal checks from the student or anyone representing the student will be accepted.)

    In addition, a student who has tendered to the university a check returned unpaid by the bank will be assessed a $20 service charge. Any time payment is not made by the due date indicated, a late fee will be assessed, and a financial stop placed on any balance of $10 or greater.

    Students who fail to make their first payment indicated on their initial fee bill will be canceled from their courses for non-payment and their records will reflect no enrollment. Students who make their initial payment then fail to make subsequent payment by the final payment deadline provided will be subject to the following sanctions:

    • A $50 severance of service fee will be assessed on balances greater than $300.

    • Financial stops will be placed on balances of $10 or greater, preventing further enrollment until cleared by the Student Financial Services Office.

    • Credit and grades for the work done that semester may be withheld. Grades of "A", "B", "C", or "D" will be changed to "W" for the students who fail to pay by the end of the semester; grades of "F" or "U" will be unchanged. The Registrar's Office will hold the original grades on file for six months after the end of the semester. If payment is received within that period, the passing grades may be reinstated.

    • No degree will be conferred to a student or former student until financial obligations have been satisfied.

    • University housing may be denied.

    • Transcripts or statements regarding courses or prior credits will not be provided to or on behalf of a student who is in default on any payment to the university.

    • Non-payment by the end of the semester will result in transfer of the student's account to the Collections Office and assessment of a collection fee of at least 25 percent of the outstanding balance.

    Grade changes as a result of non-payment, dropping courses, or withdrawing from the university will not relieve the student of unmet financial obligations to the university. Stopping payment on a check used to pay tuition and fees is not sufficient notice of withdrawal from the courses and will not release students from their financial obligation for those courses.

    The University of Houston is a state of Texas institution of higher education, which means that payment of a specified portion of the student's account balance (determined by the payment plan a student chooses) is a condition of enrollment. Courses will be canceled for students who do not pay their minimum registration and tuition fees by the assigned time. Should courses be canceled, students may register or re-enroll during the next registration cycle if one exists.

  3. Medical Withdrawal

    1. Policy: Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Students

      1. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) may grant medical withdrawals at any time to students who must withdraw for medical reasons from all courses for which they are registered at the University of Houston.

      2. Students who receive medical withdrawals after the last day to withdraw without receiving a grade shall receive a grade, an I, or a W in each course for which they were registered.

      3. Students who receive medical withdrawals must obtain permission from the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs to enroll again at the University of Houston.

      4. Under extenuating circumstances, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs may apply this policy retroactively.

    2. Procedures

      1. Students (or their appointed representatives if they are unable to act for themselves) who seek to withdraw for medical reasons from all courses for which they are registered at the university shall request medical withdrawals in writing from the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, submitting all appropriate documentation, including a statement from their physician or psychologist, with their written requests.

  4. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) shall

    1. review each request and its accompanying documentation,

    2. make inquiries and seek recommendations from instructors of record and others as appropriate,

    3. decide whether to approve or deny the request,

    4. inform both the student and the dean of the college of the student's major of the decision in writing, and

    5. if the request is approved, place a medical withdrawal enrollment "stop" on the student's record.

  5. If the medical withdrawal is requested with an effective date after the last day for a student to withdraw from classes without receiving a grade, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs shall, in making inquiries and seeking recommendations from each instructor of record, notify each that if approved, the withdrawal will normally result in a grade of W.

  6. If the instructor believes the student is entitled to a final grade of something other than a W, the instructor shall recommend that grade-A through F, S or U, or Incomplete (if requested by the student) in writing to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

  7. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) shall determine the student's final grade when approving the request, and shall inform the student, each instructor of record and each instructor's dean, Registration and Academic Records (which will enter the assigned grades into the student's record), the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, and Student Financial Services.

  8. Students who receive medical withdrawals and later seek to return to the university shall submit a written request to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, including a statement from their physician or psychologist, justifying their readiness to resume their studies.

  9. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) shall

    1. review each request to resume study at the university,

    2. make inquiries and seek recommendations as appropriate,

    3. decide whether to approve or deny the request,

    4. inform both the student and the dean of the college of the student's major of the decision in writing, and

    5. if the request is approved, remove the medical withdrawal enrollment "stop" from the student's record. (This action does not remove any other "stops" that may have been placed on the student's record by other university officials.)

Student Records

Change of Address

All students must file changes of address and name with the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building.

Students will not be excused from penalties on the grounds that communications mailed from the University of Houston were not received if they have failed to report a new address.

Change of Major

A change of major is a formal procedure requiring official approval and documentation. Students must submit an Undergraduate General Petition form requesting a change of major. This form is filed by the student in the department in which she or he wishes to major. Approval from both the department chair and the college dean is required. Students should consult an advisor in the department of their intended major for help with the change of major process.

The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs has approved the following guidelines for a change of major. (Note:This policy does not apply to the Colleges of Architecture, Law, Optometry, or Pharmacy, or to the Graduate School of Social Work.)

  1. Students changing majors within the university shall meet the same requirements as students seeking admission to an academic unit (department, school, or college) from outside the university who have completed the same number of semester credit hours.

  2. Students applying to transfer from one unit to another within the university shall not be required to supply copies of any records which are already on file within the university (such as transcripts). Performing and Fine Arts departments may require additional documentation for transfer. For more specific information, students should contact the unit into which they wish to transfer.

The university offers vocational and academic counseling and planning assistance to students having difficulty choosing a major. The Counseling and Testing Services and Career Planning and Placement offices provide resources and support to students seeking career-related information. For academic information, as well as for help in coordinating career goals with academic plans, students may meet with academic advisors in the various departments and colleges, and the University Studies Division.

Change of Name

University records of a name are based upon applications for admission. Subsequent name changes, along with copies of documentation, should be promptly reported to the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building.

Confidentiality

Students' records are released for use by faculty and professional staff for authorized campus-related purposes. At its discretion the University of Houston may provide "directory information" to the general public without student consent. Directory information is defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act as

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Major and minor fields of study
  • Date and place of birth
  • Degree/degrees received
  • Dates of attendance
  • Height/weight (athletes only)
  • Most recent previous educational institution attended
  • Participation in officially recognized sports and activities

Students who do not want public information to be released are responsible for notifying the office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, Houston, Texas 77204-2161 either by formal written request or by completing the Request to Withhold Public Information form during the first week of class to ensure that information is not released by the university or published in the Student Directory. Students are responsible for requesting the release of their information once a request for withholding public information has been placed on record.

The University of Houston is allowed by law to disclose information from a student's education records without the written consent of the student only as indicated below:

  1. To school officials who have a legitimate educational or administrative interest in the records.

  2. To other schools in which the student seeks to enroll.

  3. To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, and state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs.

  4. In connection with a student's request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount, or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.

  5. If required by a state law requiring disclosure that was adopted before November 19, 1974.

  6. To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the college.

  7. To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.

  8. To parents of an eligible student who claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes.

  9. To comply with a judicial order of a lawfully issued subpoena.

  10. To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.

  11. As it relates to directory information unless the student restricts directory information.

  12. To an alleged victim of any crime of violence of the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted against the alleged perpetrator of that crime with respect to that crime.

    A student has the right to inspect his or her educational records and to challenge the contents. To review records, a student must make a request in writing to the Custodian of those records (See Custodians of Records below). The written request must identify as precisely as possible the record or records he or she wishes to inspect. If a student wishes to challenge or amend information in his or her files, the student may appeal in writing to the Custodian of the record.

Custodians of Records

Registrar
     108 Ezekiel W. Cullen
Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid
     26 Ezekiel W. Cullen
Director of Student Financial Services
     6 Ezekiel W. Cullen
Director of the Student Health Center
     100 Health Center
Director of Counseling and Testing
     226 Student Service Center
Director of Career Planning and Placement
     106 Student Service Center
Dean of Students
     252 University Center
Deans of the appropriate college

Undergraduate Inter-Institutional Agreement

The University of Houston has two reciprocal arrangements, one with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Allied Health Sciences, and the other, the Inter-University Consortium for International Studies, with the University of St. Thomas and Texas Southern University. These programs enable undergraduate students to take, for residence credit, a limited amount of course work not available at the University of Houston. Details about the program may be obtained from:

Office of Admissions
University of Houston
Houston, Texas 77204-2161

For information about graduate-level inter-institutional programs, refer to the Graduate and Professional Studiescatalog.

Veterans and Dependents GI Bill

Veterans and dependents who wish to claim education benefits should go to Veterans' Services, room 27, University Center Satellite, for information and assistance. Recertification is necessary each semester for veterans who wish to continue drawing benefits. Enrollment certification cannot be processed until a degree plan/ requirement checklist and Advisor Verification of Veteran Enrollment form for the semester certified is in the veteran's file and initial payment for courses is made.

The Office of Registration and Academic Records is responsible for submitting certifications for educational benefits to the Veterans Administration under federal guidelines. Requests for enrollment certification including all documentation should be made in room 104 Ezekiel W. Cullen. The verification clerk will be available to answer questions Monday and Thursday between 2 and 4 p.m. or by appointment. However, requests for certification may be made in 104 Ezekiel W. Cullen during regular office hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Degree Requirements

Degrees Granted
Graduation Under a Particular Catalog
General Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree
Bachelor of Arts Degree Special Requirements
Bachelor of Science Degree Special Requirements
Requirements for a Minor
Core Curriculum
Core Curriculum Requirements
History and Constitutions Requirements
Double Major
Additional Bachelor's Degree
Degree Requirement Waiver
Graduation Application
Graduation with Honors

Degrees Granted

Bachelor of Accountancy (B.Accy.)

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

Bachelor of Music (B.M.)

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (B.S.Ch.E.)

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S. Cp.E.)

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.)

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (B.S.I.E.)

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (B.S.Pha.)

Bachelor of Science in Technology (B.S.Tech.)

Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

Master of Hospitality Management (M.H.M.)

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

Master of Music (M.M.)

Master of Science (M.S.)

Master of Science in Accountancy (M.S.Accy.)

Master of Science in Administration (M.S.Admin.)

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (M.S.B.E.)

Master of Chemical Engineering (M.Ch.E.)

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (M.S.Ch.E.)

Master of Civil Engineering (M.C.E.)

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.)

Master of Science in Computer and System Engineering
     (M.S.Sys.E.)

Master of Electrical Engineering (M.E.E.)

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (M.S.E.E.)

Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (M.S.Env.E.)

Master of Industrial Engineering (M.I.E.)

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (M.S.I.E.)

Master of Science in Materials Engineering (M.S.Mat.E.)

Master of Mechanical Engineering (M.M.E.)

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)

Master of Science in Occupational Technology (M.S.O.T.)

Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (M.S.Pet.E.)

Master of Science in Pharmacy (M.S.Pha.)

Master of Science in Physiological Optics (M.S.Phys.Op.)

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Master of Technology (M.Tch.)

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.)

Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Graduation Under a Particular Catalog

Students normally are entitled to graduate under the degree provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of their first completed semester of enrollment. These exceptions apply:

  1. A catalog more than seven years old shall not be used.

  2. The programs of students who interrupt their enrollment at the University of Houston for more than 13 months shall be governed by the catalog in effect at the time of the students' reentrance to the university. For these purposes, enrollment is defined as registration for and successful completion of at least one three-semester-hour course during a semester or summer session. Students forced to withdraw for adequate cause before completion of a course may petition the dean of the college of their major for a waiver of this provision at the time of withdrawal.

  3. Students who change their majors at this university, provided they do not interrupt their enrollment at the University of Houston for more than 13 months, are entitled to graduate under the general degree requirements in effect at the time they enrolled at the university, but must satisfy the college and major degree requirements in effect at the time the change of major becomes effective.

  4. Students who add a second major at this university, provided they do not interrupt their enrollment at the University of Houston for more than 13 months, are entitled to graduate under the general degree requirements in effect at the time they enrolled at the university, the college and primary major degree requirements in effect at the time their primary major became effective, and the major degree requirements of the second major (and, if the second major is in a different college from the primary major, the degree requirements of that college) in effect at the time their second major became effective.

  5. At the discretion of their college dean, students will be required to comply with all changes in the curriculum made subsequent to the years enrolled. Deletions and additions of courses will be of approximately equal credit so that no student will have an overall appreciable increase of total credits required for graduation.

  6. Any first-time college students who entered a Texas junior college on or after the beginning of Fall 1983 qualify, upon transfer to the University of Houston, to graduate under the catalog in effect when they entered the junior college provided:

    1. They followed the core curriculum provisions of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

    2. They did not interrupt their enrollment at the junior college for more than 13 months

    3. They transferred to the University of Houston within three calendar years of their initial enrollment at a Texas junior college
If studies are interrupted for more than 13 months at the junior college before transfer to the University of Houston, then they must qualify for graduation under the catalog in effect upon return to the junior college or upon matriculation at the University of Houston.

Degree Plan

Students are responsible for all requirements of the catalog under which they are graduating. Application for a degree plan should be made to the dean of the college or departmental advisor as soon as the student has completed 60 credit hours. Before certification for graduation can be made, copies of the degree plan must be on file in the college dean's office and in the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building.

General Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree

All candidates for a bachelor's degree at the University of Houston must meet certain minimum requirements. Additional requirements may be imposed by the individual department or college. Students should refer to the department or college section of this catalog for complete requirements and total number of hours prescribed for the specific degree.

The following are the minimum requirements for a bachelor's degree:

  1. Students must complete at least 120 semester hours of courses. At least 36 of the 120 semester hours must be advanced, according to the requirements of respective degree plans.

  2. Students must complete core curriculum requirements (see Core Curriculum Requirements) with approved courses or by examination. 2

  3. Students must complete all course requirements of the major as specified in the college section of the catalog, some of which may also satisfy university core curriculum requirements.

  4. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in courses attempted at the university.

  5. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in courses attempted in the major at the university.

  6. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in all core courses attempted at the university

  7. In addition to these general requirements, candidates for graduation must meet all special degree requirements as specified in the appropriate college sections in which the major is completed.

  8. Students cannot satisfy any degree requirements in their major with advanced courses that were completed more than seven years before the semester in which the degree is awarded, unless they receive permission from their college dean.

  9. No more than 30 semester hours of correspondence work and extension class credit may be applied to a bachelor's degree. The maximum correspondence credit applicable to the degree is 18 semester hours, with no more than six hours applicable toward the major.

  10. Students must complete at least 30 semester hours in residence.

    1. These residence hours are not to include credit by examination, special problems, or individual research courses taken at the University of Houston.

    2. A minimum of nine semester hours of advanced work in the major field must be completed in residence.

  11. The last 30 semester hours to be applied toward a bachelor's degree must be taken in residence.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Special Requirements

Candidates for any Bachelor of Arts degree must complete at least six semester hours at the 2000 level in one foreign language. Students may satisfy part or all of this requirement by foreign language courses at a higher level or by placement examination with credit.

Deans may waive this requirement for students majoring in their college who can demonstrate that they meet at least one of the following requirements: students 1) presented a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score to qualify for admission to the university or 2) successfully completed ENGL 1309 and 1310 in residence or 3) completed at least eight years of formal education in schools where English was not the primary language of instruction.

Bachelor of Science Degree Special Requirements

Candidates for any Bachelor of Science degree must complete at least 12 semester hours in the formal sciences, i.e., mathematics, computer science, formal logic, or statistics, at least six semester hours of which must be in mathematics. Courses applied to this requirement must either be core-approved mathematics/reasoning courses or have as prerequisites at least six hours of such courses. Students may satisfy part or all of the formal science requirement by examination, provided that examinations for placement without credit be taken only at the University of Houston. Students who place out of MATH 1310 or MATH 1330 by taking the non-credit placement examinations will have their formal science requirement reduced accordingly. Placement without credit does not reduce the total number of hours required for the bachelor of science degree.

Requirements for a Minor

In most fields of study at the undergraduate level, students may earn a minor by satisfying certain requirements. The general requirements are as follows:

  1. Students must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours of work in the minor field.

  2. At least nine of the 15 semester hours must be advanced.

  3. At least six of the nine advanced semester hours must be taken in residence.

  4. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on courses attempted in the minor at the University of Houston.

    Departments and colleges may include additional requirements but cannot require more than 21 semester hours of work in the minor field of study.

    Not all departments and colleges offer minors, but those that do provide academic advice for the students who seek minors in their areas.

    Students should consult the general and departmental requirements listed in the college sections of this catalog for more detailed information on the availability of and requirements for minors.

Core Curriculum

Senate Bill (SB) 148, enacted in 1997 by the 75th Texas Legislature, requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to adopt rules that include "a statement of the content, component areas, and objectives of the core curriculum" which each institution is to fulfill by its own selection of specific courses.

The University of Houston has adopted the core curriculum guidelines described below. These are predicated on the judgment that a series of basic intellectual competencies (reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy) are essential to the learning process in any discipline and thus should inform any core curriculum and indeed, all of undergraduate education. Although students can be expected to come to college with some experience in exercising these competencies, they often need further instruction and practice to meet college standards and, later, to succeed in both their major field of academic study and their chosen career or profession.

Reading:

Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials-books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum should offer students the opportunity to master both general methods of analyzing printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual disciplines.

Writing

Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine qua non in any composition, they do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or that the writer has much of anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process including how to discover a topic and how to develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities can be acquired only through practice and reflection.

Speaking

Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this competency includes acquiring poise and developing control of the language through experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and through the media.

Listening

Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking; it is used to address an identified task.

Computer Literacy

Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available.

Core Curriculum Requirements

All bachelor's degrees require completion of a core curriculum. Beginning in Fall 1999, University of Houston students who must complete the requirements of the new core curriculum are as follows:

  1. All undergraduate students entering the university for the first time, whether as first-time-in-college students or as transfer students, unless they are transferring from a Texas junior/community college and satisfy all of the following conditions:

    • initially enrolled at the Texas junior/community college no later than summer 1999

    • transferred to UH within three years of their initial enrollment at the Texas junior/community college

    • did not interrupt their enrollment for more than 13 months.

  2. All former students returning to the university for a bachelor's degree program who have interrupted their enrollment for more than 13 months.

  3. All postbaccalaureate students who enroll in a bachelor's degree program unless they are University of Houston graduates who have not interrupted their enrollment for more than 13 months.

  4. All continuing students who obtain permission from the dean of the college of their major to graduate under the degree requirements of the new core.

    Other students, including most students enrolled at the University of Houston prior to Fall 1999, will not be required to satisfy the new core requirements; instead, they may choose to satisfy either the old core curriculum (see previous catalogs) or the new core curriculum. Students choosing to complete the old core must complete certain portions of it by Summer 2001; if they do not, they must complete the new core. Further information on core eligibility and on courses that satisfy core curriculum requirements can be obtained by consulting the core curriculum website (www.uh.edu/academics/corecurriculum), the current class schedule, or an academic advisor.

I. Communication
(6 hours English rhetoric/composition)

The objective of a communication component of a core curriculum is to enable the student to communicate effectively in clear and correct prose in a style appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.

II. Mathematics
(3 hours college-level algebra or equivalent)

The objective of the mathematics component of the core curriculum is to develop a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply basic mathematical tools in the solution of real-world problems.

III. Institutionally Designated Option:
Mathematics/Reasoning
(3 hours)

The University of Houston includes in its core curriculum courses that build students' skills in mathematical and logical thinking, including approved courses in mathematics, logic, computer science, statistics, and music theory.

IV. American History
(6 hours)

The objective of the history component of a core curriculum is to increase students' knowledge of how historians discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.

V. Government
(6 hours)

The objective of a government component of a core curriculum is to increase students' knowledge of and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.

VI. Humanities
(3 hours)

The objective of the humanities in a core curriculum is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Humanities courses and require substantial writing (at least 3000 words, including at least one piece of work done outside of class and returned to the student prior to the end of the semester or term with the instructor's written evaluation of grammar, style, and content).

VII. Visual and Performing Arts
(3 hours)

The objective of the visual and performing arts in a core curriculum is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in the visual and performing arts, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Critically oriented Performing/Visual Arts courses require substantial writing (at least 3000 words, including at least one piece of work done outside of class and returned to the student prior to the end of the semester or term with the instructor's written evaluation of grammar, style, and content). Experientially oriented Performing/Visual Arts courses require graded assignments in a performing or visual art.

VIII. Natural Sciences
(6 hours)

The objective of the study of a natural sciences component of a core curriculum is to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the natural sciences, and to enable the student to understand the bases for building and testing theories.

IX. Social and Behavioral Sciences
(6 hours, of which 3 hours must be writing intensive)

The objective of a social and behavioral science component of a core curriculum is to increase students' knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity. Writing intensive courses require substantial writing (at least 3000 words, including at least one piece of work done outside of class and returned to the student prior to the end of the semester or term with the instructor's written evaluation of grammar, style, and content).

Core Curriculum Requirements Hours
Communication 6
Mathematics 3
Mathematics/Reasoning 3
U.S. History 6
American government 6
Humanities 3
Visual/Performing Arts 3
Social Behavioral Sciences, of which three hours must be writing intensive 6

History and Constitutions Requirements

Senate Bill 254, passed by the 54th Legislature and amended by House Bill 935 of the 60th Legislature, provides that no individuals may receive an undergraduate degree unless they have credit for six semester hours or its equivalent in American history and six semester hours credit in the constitutions of the United States and Texas. Three semester hours of each six-hour requirement may be satisfied by advanced placement or advanced standing examination. Students may satisfy the state requirements in American history and in the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas in any one of the following ways:

  1. American History: HIST 1376 or 1377 and 1378 or 1379 or equivalent.

  2. Up to six semester hours of courses in United States history at the 2000 and 3000 levels, as long as one course falls into the general chronological time period before 1877 and the other course falls into the general time period after 1877. Students may also choose to take one 2000- or 3000-level course in United States history in combination with either HIST 1376/ 1377 or 1378/ 1379, as long as the time period of this 2000- or 3000-level course is not the same as the time period covered in HIST 1377 or 1378. Only three semester hours of Texas history may count toward fulfilling the United States history requirements.

  3. Up to six semester hours of courses in United States history at the 4000 level, according to the guidelines in 2, above, as long as students have received the permission of the appropriate instructor or have successfully passed the advanced placement or advanced standing exam in United States history.

Students may satisfy the state requirements in the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas in any one of the following ways:

  1. By successfully completing POLS 1336 and 1337.

  2. By successfully completing either POLS 1336 or POLS 1337 and three hours of advanced political science credit from the following: Substitutes for POLS 1336: POLS 3349, 3365, 3366, 3367; Substitutes for POLS 1337: POLS 3355, 3364, 3369.

  3. By receiving three hours of credit in American government by examination (AP or CLEP) and three additional hours of advanced political science credit from the subfields of public administration, public law, and American politics, or from POLS 3331, 3349, 4361, and 4366.

  4. By successfully completing POLS 1336H and three additional hours of advanced political science credit from the subfields of public administration, public law, and American politics, or from POLS 3331, 3349, 4361, and 4366.

For additional information on advanced placement and standing, consult the Counseling and Testing Service, 200 Student Service Center.

Double Major

At the University of Houston, students may earn a baccalaureate degree with two majors (i.e., a double major) provided they meet all the following requirements:

  1. The baccalaureate degree must be the same for both majors (e.g.: B.A., B.S., B.B.A., B.F.A.).

  2. Students must satisfy the college and major degree requirements for their primary major that were in effect at the time they were admitted into the primary major and those for their second major in effect at the time they were admitted into the second major.

  3. Students may not add a second major to a baccalaureate degree they have already received.

  4. Students may not receive official university recognition in a single degree for having earned both a major and a minor in the same field of study.

  5. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum grade point average in all courses attempted in each major at the university.

  6. Students must complete a minimum of nine semester hours of advanced work in residence in each major.
Students pursuing a double major must identify one of the two majors as the primary one for purposes of establishing an academic home of record. Students pursuing a double major should apply for one degree plan for bothmajors to the dean of the college or departmental advisor of their primary major no later than the beginning of their junior year. The college of the student's primary major will issue the university diploma.

Students pursuing a double major who complete all degree requirements for one major but not the other may graduate with a single major but only after they obtain written approval from the dean of the college of their primary major (and, if their second major is in a different college, from the dean of that college) to change from double- to single-major status.

The University of Houston does not recognize a triple major or any number of majors above two for a single baccalaureate degree. Students who want official university recognition for more than a double major must earn more than one baccalaureate degree.

Additional Bachelor's Degree

Before being awarded a second bachelor's degree, a student must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours in addition to the minimum hours needed for the first degree, regardless of whether the two degrees are awarded simultaneously or successively. For the third and further bachelor's degree, students must earn a minimum of 30 additional semester hours for each additional bachelor's degree. The minimum number of hours a student must earn for a third or further bachelor's degree will be based on the total number of hours required for the previous bachelor's degree with the greatest number of hours.

All requirements are exactly the same for a second or additional baccalaureate as for the first degree.

Degree Requirement Waiver

Students may petition to waive university or college degree requirements with good reason. A petition should be filed with the major department, and it will be forwarded to the office of the dean of the college. College requirements may be decided by the dean, but university requirements (e.g., the writing proficiency requirement and waivers to core curriculum requirements) must be forwarded to the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for final action.

Binding and Distribution of Honors Thesis

The original and two copies of the approved honors thesis should be submitted to the office of the dean of the college responsible for the academic field of study in which the thesis was written for binding as early as possible, but no later than the official closing date of the semester. Students who fail to meet these deadlines may be required to refile applications for graduation for a subsequent semester.

The original copy of the thesis is retained by the M.D. Anderson Library for public access, one copy goes to the Honors College, and one copy goes to the major department/college responsible for the academic field of study in which the thesis was written. Binding fees for theses vary. Students should check with the office of the dean of the college responsible for the academic field of study in which the thesis was written for specific procedures and requirements.

Graduation Application

Degrees are not awarded automatically upon completion of scholastic requirements. To be considered a candidate for a degree, students must submit an application for graduation to the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building.

Candidates for graduation, previously disapproved, must reapply for graduation at no additional charge. Applications should be filed either the semester prior to or the semester in which students plan to graduate. Applications are available in the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building. Applications for the 1999-2000 academic year will be accepted on or before:

Fall Graduation September 17, 1999
Spring Graduation February 18, 2000
Summer Graduation June 23, 2000

Diplomas will be mailed within four to six weeks following the closing day of the semester of graduation.

Cap and Gown

Students are responsible for ordering and paying for caps and gowns at the University Bookstore for all commencement exercises.

Graduation with Honors

Undergraduate students who have completed the graduation requirements of the Honors College, including a senior honors thesis or senior honors project, are graduated with "University Honors and Honors in Major." Undergraduate students who have completed all requirements of the Honors College except for the thesis or project are graduated with "Membership in the Honors College." See University Honors College.

Undergraduate students who successfully complete a senior honors thesis or senior honors project and who are not members of the Honors College are graduated with "Honors in Major."

Undergraduate students who complete their degree requirements will graduate with the stated honors if they achieve the following grade point average both in all courses attempted at the University of Houston and in all courses in their major attempted at UH.

3.75 to 4.0Summa Cum Laude
3.50 to 3.74Magna Cum Laude
3.25 to 3.49Cum Laude

Students who have completed a portion of their requirements at other institutions may be awarded baccalaureate degrees with honors when they meet all requirements and complete a minimum of either 72 semester hours or 60 advanced semester hours at the University of Houston, including hours awarded by the university through credit by examination. Candidates' cumulative grade point average on all course work attempted at the University of Houston will be the basis for determining honors.

1 Certain provisions of the Right to an Academic Fresh Start enacted by the Texas legislature in 1993 (provision (d), relating to admission to a postgraduate or professional program) do not apply.

2 See Course Credit by Examination, Placement without Credit Examinations, and Advanced Standing Examinations.

Files Archived: October, 2001

For applications and admissions information: admissions@uh.edu

Undergraduate Catalog Online Disclaimer
Undergraduate Catalog Online at University of Houston
Comments to: academics@uh.edu