Academics

Enrollment FAQs

Students often have questions about topics such as Enrollment, Academics, Fee Payment and Admissions. This list of Academic Policy links and Enrollment FAQs are meant to help students find the information they need most quickly and easily as they plan their semester.

Academic Policies

Where can I get online information on important academic policies?
  • Provost's Student Interest
    Stay informed on academic policies that affect your academic progress and graduation.
  • Dropping Courses Policy (6 Ws)
    Find out about the new policy that limits undergraduates to six (6) dropped courses.
  • Undergraduate Enrollment Cap
    Be aware of the limit on coursework that can be taken at the in-state rate.
  • Repeated Course Cap (Three-peat rule)
    Remember that students who attempt a course with the same content for a third or more time will be charged a premium tuition rate.
  • Undergraduate Tuition Rebate
    Plan ahead to fulfill the requirements for this $1000 rebate upon graduation: limit on courses taken, limit on time to graduate, Texas residency, etc.
  • Graduation Pledge
    Check out the requirements for earning up to $3000 towards tuition and fees: complete 30 hours at UH each academic year in your declared major, sign pledge with your advisor, etc.
  • Undergraduate Catalog
    Contains undergraduate degree requirements, academic regulations, and more.
  • Graduate Catalog
    Contains graduate degree requirements, academic regulations, and more.

Admissions

What do I need to do in order to apply for admission to the University?
You can apply to UH using the TX Common Application. The website is www.applytexas.org. To learn more about Admissions deadlines, requirements, and more, see the Admissions pages.
When is the deadline to apply?
There are different Admissions deadlines for incoming freshmen, Transfer Students, International Students, and Graduate Students. To learn more about Admissions deadlines, requirements, and more, see the Admissions pages.
Where can I get a copy of my acceptance letter?
The Office of Admissions will be able to provide you with a copy of your acceptance letter.
How long does it take for Admissions to evaluate my transcript?
It usually takes Admissions 4 to 6 weeks to evaluate your transcript. Admissions will do everything they can to make sure it is evaluated as soon as possible. If you need additional information about a transcript to be evaluated for an upcoming semester, please go to the Office of Admissions in the Welcome Center.
Where do I turn in my transcripts from my high school or previous college or university?
The Office of Admissions will accept transcripts from other institutions.
What courses are transferable from another university/community college to UH?
Please go to the Welcome Center and visit with a Transfer Counselor in the Office of Admissions or visit the Transfer Credit section of the UH website.

Adds/Drops and Enrollment

Important dates.
Check the Academic Calendar for important dates, such as when to register for classes, when to drop classes, exam periods, holidays and more.
What is the difference between dropping and withdrawing?
To drop a course means you are going to maintain enrollment for the academic semester. To withdraw means you will not be taking any more courses; you are canceling your enrollment for the semester.
I have a Negative Service Indicator (stop) preventing me from enrolling. What do I do so that I can get it removed and enroll?
Please contact the office that has put the indicator on your account.
Can I still drop my class with a Q?
No, Q drops are no longer available. Summer 2007 was the last semester. For more information about dropping courses, see the Undergraduate Catalog or Graduate Catalog.
When can I withdraw from my courses and get a full refund?
You must withdraw from all courses prior to the first day of class to receive a 100% refund. Refund information is available on the Costs & Financial Aid site and the Student Financial Services (Bursar) site.
When can I drop a course(s) and get a full refund?
You must drop a course (while maintaining enrollment) prior to the appointed Official Reporting Day (ORD) date to receive 100% refund on that course. Refund information is available on the Costs & Financial Aid site and the Student Financial Services (Bursar) site.
How do I add courses?
Until the end of the registration period, students can add courses in myUH (PeopleSoft) . After the registration period ends, students must obtain dean's approval. They should contact your departmental advisor. Students who registered and paid by the payment due date will not be charged late fees for adding classes; any additional tuition and fees will be added to their payment plan.
How do I drop a course?
Until the Official Reporting Day (ORD), courses can be dropped online at myUH (PeopleSoft) . Students who drop by the ORD will receive 100% refund for dropping course(s) while maintaining enrollment. See the Costs & Financial Aid site and the Student Financial Services (Bursar) site for more refund information.
 

After the ORD, students must submit an Add/Drop form to drop a course by following these steps:

  1. Pick up an Add/Drop form at the Registration and Academic Records service desk in the Welcome Center or from your Department. You will need one form per course.
  2. Complete the form in its entirety and sign it. Obtain course instructor's signature.
  3. Submit the completed form to Registration and Academic Records service desk in the Welcome Center by 7:00pm on the Add/Drop due date.
  4. Continue to attend the class until the drop has been approved and entered, and the 'W' grade is visible in myUH (PeopleSoft) . Undergraduates who have exceeded their 6-'W' grades limit must complete all courses.
Students should review the Undergraduate Enrollment Cap, Repeated Course Cap (Three-peat rule), Dropping Courses Policy (6 Ws) and Undergraduate Tuition Rebate (PDF, 28KB) information to avoid additional costs and penalties. Also, see information about attempted hours.
How do I late register?
Go to myUH (PeopleSoft) . You may late register until the last day of enrollment at 5:00 p.m. A $20.00 late registration fee will be assessed.

Classes/Courses

How does the course numbering system work?
The first two digits of a course number are significant. The first indicates the scholastic level: 1000 series, freshman, 2000 series, sophomore; 3000 series, junior; 4000 and 5000 series, senior; 6000, 7000, and 8000 series, graduate. The second digit indicates the number of semester hours credit given for the course. The number given corresponds exactly with the semester hours of credit given. For additional information regarding course numbers, contact a department or faculty advisor.
How will I know if my classes are cancelled during inclement weather?
Students are encouraged to listen to any of the television and radio outlets or to check newspapers or news bureaus for information on the status of the university during a weather emergency. The Office of Media Relations will notify these outlets throughout any weather crisis to make sure the information reaches the university community in a timely manner. Special efforts will be made to insure that the latest information on the status of the university will be on the late television news (10:00 p.m.) and the early morning television and radio drive-time news (5:30 a.m.).
What time are classes dismissed?
Classes are dismissed 10 minutes prior to the last time shown in the class schedule.

myUH (PeopleSoft)

How do I log into myUH (PeopleSoft) ?
Go to myUH (PeopleSoft) . Use myUH (PeopleSoft) ID and password.
I can’t access my myUH (PeopleSoft) account. I enter my myUH (PeopleSoft) ID , and it says that it re-set my password to my account, but I haven’t gotten that email and it has been a couple of days.
Perhaps the email address in myUH (PeopleSoft) we have for you is not accurate. The IT Help Desk in PGH, room 116 can update your email address. It will process overnight, and then tomorrow when you ask the system to reset your password, it will go to your preferred email address. Or you can email support@uh.edu. You may also call IT support at (713) 743-1411.
How do I obtain my myUH (PeopleSoft) ID ?
For 2007-2008, you have a new myUH (PeopleSoft) Page and a new ID that will replace your HA#. Please see below for instructions on obtaining your new myUH (PeopleSoft) ID .
  1. Log on to Enrollment Services Online.
  2. Under Fall 2007 Services, click Retrieve your new myUH (PeopleSoft) ID . This link will provide your new myUH (PeopleSoft) ID and temporary password.
  3. Log on to myUH (PeopleSoft) . You will log in using your new myUH (PeopleSoft) ID and temporary password. Once you log in, you will be immediately prompted to change your password.
  4. To report problems retrieving your myUH (PeopleSoft) ID , please call (713) 743-1010 (M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).
Can I update my name and/or ID# in the system?
If you are a new student and not currently enrolled, you'll need to go to the Admissions Office in the Welcome Center. If you are a currently enrolled student and have not worked for the UH System, you'll need to go to the Welcome Center Registration and Academic Records counter. If you've been employed by the UH System, you'll need to contact the UH Human Resources Department. Please note that you'll be required to complete a name change form and submit supporting documentation such as marriage license, naturalization certificate, divorce decree etc along with a picture ID with the new name.

Financial Aid

Where can I get information on UH financial incentives towards graduation?
  • At the Graduation Pledge website check out the requirements for earning up to $3000 towards tuition and fees: complete 30 hours at UH each academic year in your declared major, sign pledge with your advisor, etc.
  •  At the Undergraduate Tuition Rebate website find out the requirements for a $1000 rebate at graduation: Texas residency, limit on courses taken, limit on time to graduate, etc.
When will my financial aid disburse (pay) to my account?
In order for your funds to disburse, you must:
  • Accept/Decline Financial Aid Awards
  • Satisfy all application and disbursement requirements listed in your To Do list under Financial Aid at myUH (PeopleSoft)
  • Meet the conditions of the award

Each semester financial aid will disburse (pay) to your student account on the first day of class. To check if your financial aid has been disbursed, visit your Account Summary under Finances at myUH (PeopleSoft) . First-time borrowers for a Stafford Loan will not receive their loan funds until thirty days after the semester begins.
If you have financial aid remaining after your tuition has been paid, UH will forward the balance to you within 72 hours. You must activate your Cougar1Card and select how you would like to receive your funds:

  • balance transfer to your Cougar1Card
  • direct deposit to your private bank account
  • mailed paper check

If your financial aid is disbursed at the beginning of the semester and you reduce your number of enrolled hours within the drop/add period, your aid will be adjusted to reflect your semester registration. If your reduced enrollment results in less eligibility for aid, you will be charged for the overpayment of financial aid - creating a balance due on your UH student account. Any past due balance will prevent future registration at UH.

How do I accept my financial aid award?
  1. Log on to myUH (PeopleSoft) .
  2. Click UH Self-Service located at the top left-hand of the page.
  3. Under Learner Services, click on Financial Aid.
  4. Click on Accept/Decline Awards
  5. Click on Aid Year 2008
  6. Review your award package and click Accept/Decline Awards.
Where do I view my financial aid requirements?
  1. Log on to myUH (PeopleSoft) .
  2. Click UH Self-Service located at the top left-hand of the page.
  3. Under Learner Services, click on Financial Aid.
  4. Click on To Do Lists to access the additional information required by our office. All financial aid forms are available online. As we receive the information, it will no longer be listed under the To Do List.
How can I check the status of my Financial Aid?
There are many ways to check the status of your financial aid. Your best resource is to log into your myUH (PeopleSoft) account to look for updates. You can also call a Financial Aid customer service representative at (713) 743-1010 option 3, send an e-mail to Ask Shasta, or stop by the Welcome Center and sign in to speak to a Financial Aid advisor.
How do I avoid disenrollment if I receive financial aid?
You should take action as indicated below:
  • If you have been awarded AND have accepted your financial aid (your Account Summary screen will still show “pending financial aid”) - make sure you have paid (or selected a payment plan option) for any balance remaining that your aid does not cover.
  • If you have been awarded but have not accepted your financial aid – make sure you accept your award and pay (or select a payment plan option) for any balance remaining after your financial aid applies to your account.
  • If you have recently been awarded your financial aid, you have received an email directly to you regarding your financial aid award and your account.
  • If you have have not yet been awarded your financial aid, you have received or will receive an email directly to you regarding your financial aid award and your account.
How will I be contacted by the Financial Aid office?
The Financial Aid office communicates with students via e-mail. E-mail will be sent to your preferred e-mail address in myUH (PeopleSoft) . If you have not set a preferred e-mail, then it will be sent to your UH e-mail address. You can also check the status of your financial aid on myUH (PeopleSoft) .
When does Financial Aid disburse?
Financial aid is scheduled to disburse on the first day of class. Contact the Scholarship & Financial Aid Office for details.
Am I going to be dropped from my classes on the fee & tuition payment deadline if financial aid doesn’t disburse until after the deadline?
If you have already accepted your financial aid awards, and you can see them as anticipated aid that will cover your entire bill, then you will not be dis-enrolled. If your aid is packaged, but does not cover the entire balance, then you are responsible for making arrangements to have the difference paid for before the fee and tuition payment deadline. If you have recently been awarded your financial aid, you have received an email directly to you regarding your financial aid award and your account. If you have not yet been awarded your financial aid, you have received or will receive an email directly to you regarding your financial aid award and your account.
Where do I turn in my Hazelwood application?
All Hazelwood applications must be turned in at Welcome Center, Student Financial Services Counter by 5:00 p.m. on the fee and tuition payment deadline.

Email

How can I check my UH e-mail?
You can access your UH e-mail address by going to UH e-mail click on the “forgot my password” section and register as a new user. You will then be able to access your UH e-mail account in approximately 10 minutes. You can also forward your UH e-mail to your personal account by logging into your myUH (PeopleSoft) and selecting campus personal information and updating your destination address.
How do I get a UH email address?
Email addresses will have to be requested from IT at (713) 743-1411 or in person PGH, Room 116.
How do I update my student email address?
  1. Log on to myUH (PeopleSoft) .
  2. Select UH Self-Service
  3. Select Campus Personal Information.
  4. Follow the instructions to update your Phone Number and Email Address. You must have at least an updated Destination address at which you can receive official UH email.
How do I change my UH e-mail password?
  1. Go to UH e-mail
  2. Click on Change your password (This will take you to the UH e-mail log in screen.)
  3. Enter your username
  4. Enter your current password (This will take you to the Sun Java System Access Manager page.)
  5. Click Change
  6. Enter your current password
  7. Enter your new password
  8. Re-enter the new password
  9. Click the OK button. Your password will be changed
Whenever changing a password, make it easy for you to remember, but not easy for someone else to guess.

Parking & Transportation

Explain to me about the Garage Parking.
The University of Houston’s new state-of-the-art parking garage will provide 1500 spaces for students, faculty/staff and visitors. The garage is designed with customer safety and convenience as key elements. Some features are: Equipped with 14 security cameras connected to UHDPS; Emergency call boxes (15) located throughout the facility; Enhanced lighting; Glass enclosed elevators and stairwells for good visibility; Centralized Pay-on-Foot stations for visitors; no cashier located at exits.
Will a garage permit allow me to park in other parking lots?
Vehicles displaying a garage permit must park in the parking garage weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. They may park in student or economy lots weekdays after 5:00 p.m. and all day on weekends.
Can I appeal a citation I don’t think I should have received?
Yes, students and faculty/staff can appeal a citation in written or oral form to the PTS Program Coordinator. A citation must be paid or appealed within 21 calendar days of issuance. Some violation fines will be reduced to half price if paid within 48 hours.
What if I got a citation I don’t feel that I deserve, can I ignore it?
If you got a ticket you shouldn't ignore it. If the officer made a mistake, we need to correct it. If you disagree with a ticket, appeal it within 21 days. Simply saying you didn't do anything wrong or that the officer made a mistake is not sufficient.
Are citations written between sessions and holidays?
Yes, citations are written by Parking Enforcement Assistants and the University of Houston Public Safety Department throughout the year, 24 hours a day, whether school is in session or not. Each semester, there is a grace period during the first two weeks of class. Please contact PTS for the valid dates.
Does the University participate in the METRO UPASS program?
Yes, the University of Houston is a participant of the METRO UPASS program. Passes can be picked up at Parking and Transportation Services, Room 1 of the E. Cullen Building and University Center (UC) Information Booth.
What happens if my permit is lost or stolen?
You should immediately complete a lost/stolen report and obtain a replacement permit. The cost for a replacement permit is $25.00. If a reported lost or stolen permit is found on a vehicle, the car will be immobilized (booted/towed) and the violator will be charged $150.00 ($100 use of lost/stolen permit, $50 tow, plus any other violations). Permit holders are responsible for citations issued to their permit regardless of vehicle ownership.
Is my permit transferable to other vehicles?
Yes, you can transfer your permit to another vehicle. Permits are not transferable from person to person.
How can I avoid getting a citation?
Purchase and properly display your permit. Do not park in Fire Zones or someone’s reserved space. Do not park in Disabled spaces without displaying the proper permits. Park between the striped lines and don’t block driving lanes. Obey timed parking zones, such as loading zones and meters. When in doubt contact the office of Parking and Transportation Services or refer to the parking rules and regulation-campus map brochure.
What should I do if my parents or a friend comes to visit me on campus?
Visitors must obtain and display a temporary parking permit. Permits are available at the Information Booths at Entrance 1 or Entrance 15G.
What happens if I park for a minute or was told by a friend or professor to park in a location and I receive a citation?
If you even stay for a minute or two, your vehicle is still as illegally parked as if it had been there all day. If you are in doubt, contact Parking and Transportation Services for answers. A professor or friend may intend to be helpful, but they will not be responsible for the citation you receive.
How can I pay for my citation(s)?
You can pay in person at the Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) office, mail in your payment (envelope and bottom portion of citation) to the office, or on-line on Citation Payment.
Where is Parking and Transportation Services located? What are your office hours?
We are located in E. Cullen Building, Room 1. Office hours are Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You can call us at (713) 743-1097.
Are the shuttle services free?
Yes, Parking and Transportation Services provides a free campus shuttle service to the campus community. Routes and times are subject to change depending on demand so we suggest that you contact our office for the most current schedule.

Transcripts

How do I get a transcript?
If you would like your transcript mailed you may complete your request online. Transcripts are $10 and you may pay for it online with check or credit card. Drop a check payment in the drop box at the Welcome Center or you may pay with cash in Room 6 E. Cullen. You may request them in person at the Welcome Center in the Registrar’s Office, Room 128. You may request by fax at (713) 743-9050, or by mail at: University of Houston, Registration and Academic Records, 102 E. Cullen, Houston, TX 77204-2027
How much are transcripts?
Transcripts are $10.

Other

How late does the Welcome Center stay open?
ADM, RAR, SFA, SFS: Mon-Tue 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Wed-Fri 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (ADM tours only -Sat 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
May I drop my health insurance?
Contact the Health Center at (713) 743-5151. International students will need to show proof they have another form of health insurance.
What types of services does Information Technology Service Center provide?
Computer accounts; Password resets; email; IT Training; Software sales; Free software downloads; wireless network connection; classroom equipment; desktop support; Web publishing
How do I change my major?
Please complete a General Petition and submit it for approval to the department you would like to major in.
What is a Texas Success Initiative (TSI) hold?
Academic Advising places this service indicator (hold) on your record when you have not satisfied all portions of the THEA exam. Please contact the Academic Advising Office in the Student Service Center, Room 320 to have the service indicator (hold) removed.
Where do I get my Cougar ID card?
The Cougar1Card Office is located in the University Center (UC) on the second floor next to Woodforest National Bank (Room 270)