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Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements

On this page:

Graduate Classification	Post-baccalaureate Status
Planning the Graduate Program	Course Load
Academic Policies and Procedures	Dropping Courses
Withdrawal	Final Examination
Final Grade Reports	Religious Holy Days
Student Records	Graduation
Campus Policies for Graduate Assistants

Academic Regulations

The regulations and degree requirements in this catalog have been approved by the Graduate and Professional Studies Council (GPSC). Since each individual college within the University of Houston establishes and monitors its own graduate program, these university regulations are established as minimal standards for graduate studies at UH. Each individual college or graduate and professional program may have entrance requirements and degree requirements that exceed these established by the university. Each prospective graduate student must contact the individual college or department for information concerning its graduate or professional requirements.

Summary of Graduate Regulations and Requirements and General Information

The following list of statements is not intended to be comprehensive. It represents, however, a distillation of regulations and requirements of most critical concern to graduate students.

1. A student accepted into a graduate program is expected to be enrolled in consecutive fall and spring semesters until the program is completed and the degree awarded. Students who cannot enroll must apply to their college for a leave of absence.

2. Each graduate program has one or more members of the faculty/staff who serve as graduate advisors/ counselors. In most departments, new graduate students will seek advice from these individuals and this relationship will persist until the student has selected his or her graduate advisor.

3. There is no uniform foreign language requirement for graduate degree programs. Students are advised to contact the department of their major for specific requirements.

4. Certain categories of graduate students are required to be enrolled full-time. For fall and spring semesters, full time enrollment is nine semester hours for master's students and nine semester hours for doctoral students. Doctoral students shall not be required to register for more than nine hours except for the following:
   • special professional students;
     
   • doctoral students enrolled in programs with core curricula requiring 12 hours of organized classes during long semesters; and
     
   • doctoral students enrolled in nine credit hours of organized classes who are conducting research related to their dissertation. Students in this category may be required to register for up to three hours of research or dissertation for a total of twelve credit hours during each long term. Students should contact the department of their major to determine the expected semester credit hour load.

5. Foreign doctoral students must be enrolled as full-time students.

6. A student with a post-baccalaureate status (PB) is not a candidate for a graduate degree. If the student is accepted as a graduate student, hours taken as a PB may or may not count toward a graduate degree. It is imperative that PB students check with their intended graduate program or department for specific requirements and restrictions.

7. All graduate programs have a residency requirement and a minimum course hour requirement. Students should consult with the department of their major to determine if there are exceptions to the following generalizations.
   • For the master's degree with thesis option (Plan I), a minimum of 24 hours of course work is required and up to six additional hours of thesis course work (6399 or 7399) may be applied toward the degree. At least 21 semester hours of credit must be earned in residence at the University of Houston.
   • For the master's degree with the non-thesis option (Plan II), a minimum of 36 hours of course work is required. At least 27 hours of credit must be earned in residence at the University of Houston.
   • For a doctoral degree, a minimum of 24 semester hours beyond the master's degree is required. The minimum residency requirement is one academic year of continuous full-time enrollment.

8. Students pursuing a master's degree must complete all requirements within a five-year period of enrollment.

9. Students who enroll as doctoral candidates must complete their degree requirements within ten years of the date of first enrollment with a doctoral degree objective. Failure to comply will result in the candidate being ineligible for that doctoral degree.

10. Doctoral students who fail to complete their dissertation within five years after completion of the comprehensive or candidacy examination must retake the examination.

11. Doctoral students who have begun their graduate research must be continuously enrolled in each long semester unless they have a leave of absence (as approved by the Dean of their college). A doctoral student not on campus, or whose main effort is elsewhere, who is required to register for the sole purpose of satisfying the continuous enrollment requirement, shall be required to register for no more than three credit hours during each long semester.

12. Doctoral students in their last semester are only required to enroll for the number of hours appropriate to their course of study.

13. Not all colleges/departments/programs have formal candidacy procedures and students are advised to contact the department of their major for specific requirements.

14. Graduate Assistants (teaching fellows, teaching assistants, and research assistants) may hold appointments for no more than three years while in pursuit of a master's degree and no more than five years in pursuit of a doctorate. Graduate Assistants may hold appointments for a combined total of no more than six years if pursuing a doctorate directly after entering a graduate program with a baccalaureate degree.

15. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 (B) for all graduate courses attempted is required for all graduate degree programs awarded by the University of Houston. Failure to maintain a 3.00 GPA may result in a warning, probation, suspension, or loss of financial support. Students with a Conditional Admission status must earn a minimum of 3.00 GPA on the first 12 hours of graduate-level course work attempted at the University of Houston.

16. A graduate student who receives a grade of C+ or lower in 12 semester hours of credit attempted at this institution for graduate credit or for application toward a graduate degree, whether or not in repeated courses, is ineligible for any advanced degree at this institution and will not be permitted to re-enroll for graduate study.

17. Each program/department/college has specific requirements for the preparation of the thesis or dissertation. A minimum of the original and two copies of the manuscript must be submitted to the college office no later than the deadline specified in the academic calendar. The original and one copy are retained by the M.D. Anderson Library for public access, and the other copy goes to the student's major department.

18. An official transcript showing that a prior bachelor's degree or equivalent has been conferred must be on file prior to graduation from UH with a graduate degree.

19. A graduate student is normally entitled to graduate under the degree provisions of the printed catalog in effect at the time of the first completed semester of enrollment.

Graduate Classification

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 student at the University of Houston. All graduate students must go through the formal application process in order to obtain the graduate student classification.

Post-baccalaureate Status

The post-baccalaureate status is designed for applicants who have earned one or more degrees at an accredited institution and who are seeking another undergraduate degree, who wish to enter a non-degree program, or who wish simply to further their education by taking courses in varying fields of study. Students who received their prior degree at another institution should apply to the Office of Admissions to be admitted as a post-baccalaureate. Students who received their prior degree at the University of Houston and wish to change their classification to post-baccalaureate should submit a general petition to the department of their major or, if undeclared, Academic Advising.

An applicant who is not accepted for graduate study or who is unable to complete the admission application prior to registration may place a request with the Office of Admissions to be admitted as a post-baccalaureate student. This may enable the applicant to enroll in classes prior to (or instead of) being admitted to a graduate studies program.

Planning the Graduate Program

Graduate students should consult their program's graduate advisor before each registration. Students are required to fulfill the special requirements of the particular degree program in addition to the general requirements stipulated by the university.

Study Beyond the Master's Degree

Students who complete the master's degree program (or equivalent, if permitted by the department) and continue graduate study must file a petition to record a change to the doctorate or nondegree objective status and, if applicable, to the new major field. A general petition form may be obtained from the office of the dean of the particular college.

Applicable Graduate Credit

Each college will determine how many hours earned at UH and applied to a graduate degree can be applied to another UH graduate degree. A maximum of 12 approved credit hours may be applied to a graduate degree in this manner. Students are urged to begin such discussions prior to their enrollment in a second graduate degree program.

Graduate credit is not granted for correspondence courses, extension courses, advanced standing examinations, and courses taken prior to admission to a graduate program. The Time Limitation section specifies additional restrictions.

Students may petition, however, to have graduate credit granted for course work completed as post-baccalaureate students under the following conditions:

1. The course must be at the 6000 level or higher.

2. If the course is below the 6000 level, the student must have conformed to the same standards required of graduate students similarly enrolled.

Students may apply advanced courses taken while they are classified as post-baccalaureate toward a graduate degree, but there are limitations that particularly affect those whose goal it is to earn a graduate degree at the University of Houston. Because of these restrictions, prospective post-baccalaureate students should consult the department of their major before enrolling in advanced courses. These restrictions include the following:

1. Enrollment in graduate-level courses in some colleges is either prohibited (i.e., the College of Business Administration) or severely limited (i.e., the Cullen College of Engineering).

2. Application of course work completed as a post-baccalaureate student toward a graduate degree is subject to approval by the individual college or department after the student enrolls at the graduate level. A maximum of 12 semester hours may be applied to a graduate degree in this manner. Additional restrictions may be imposed by the colleges and departments.

Note: International students who hold F-1 or J-1 visas cannot be admitted as post-baccalaureate students.

Students who would like more information on post-baccalaureate status should consult the Undergraduate Studies Catalog, the undergraduate application brochure, and the Graduate Admission Application Booklet.

Changes of Major, Degree, and Classification

Students who have previously enrolled and who wish to change their major field of study, degree objective, or classification should file the appropriate petition with the dean of the college where they will continue the graduate program.

Double Degrees, Double Majors, and Minors in Graduate and Professional Programs

Several colleges have approved double degree programs. Students interested in potential double degrees or double majors should talk with their departmental graduate advisors to learn more about such options.

The University of Houston does not require completion of a minor, but individual degree programs may encourage completion of course work outside the department. Doctoral students should read the section Ad Hoc Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree Option.

Ad Hoc Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree Option

Departments granting Ph.D. degrees are authorized to modify their regularly established Ph.D. degree course requirements in individual cases to permit a larger component of course work outside the department. In these instances, the dean of the college in which the sponsoring department is located must approve the design of the ad hoc interdisciplinary curriculum. The dean also approves the names of the faculty drawn from both the sponsoring department and supporting departments responsible for directing the student's progress through the curriculum and dissertation. A copy of the form indicating the dean's approval is forwarded for the record to the office of the provost. Doctoral-level graduate students interested in this option should consult the director of graduate studies in the appropriate department about its availability within the department.

Academic Modifications for Students With Disabilities

Students with disabilities needing modification to existing academic requirements (i.e., reduced course load, extension for amount of time for graduation, etc.) should contact the Center for Students with DisABILITIES to file an A.D.A. petition form. Modifications that do not fundamentally alter the nature of the program and are not unduly burdensome will be considered.

Course Load

The following graduate course load regulations apply to all graduate students with the exception of those students who fall under alternative regulations as specified in individual college programs. Graduate assistants should also consult the section entitled Campus Policies for Graduate Assistants. Nine semester hours is considered a full-time course load for a fall or spring semester for master's students. Nine semester hours is considered a full-time course load for doctoral students registered during any fall or spring semester. Doctoral students shall not be required to register for more than nine hours except for the following:

1. special professional students;

2. doctoral students enrolled in programs with core curricula requiring 12 hours of organized classes during long semesters;

3. doctoral students enrolled in nine credit hours of organized classes who are conducting research related to their dissertation. This last category of students (c.) may be required to register for up to three hours of research or dissertation for a total of twelve credit hours during each fall and spring term.

Full-time enrollment is expected of the following categories of graduate students:

1. Students who receive financial support from the University of Houston campus in the form of scholarships, academic fellowships, teaching fellowships/assistantships, research fellowships/assistantships, or other forms of support at a level comparable to teaching fellowships/assistantships.

2. Students who are making significant use of such campus resources as the library, the computer center, office space, laboratory space, other research facilities, and faculty time.

3. Students who are meeting residency requirements.

4. Visa-holding students (F-1 or other temporary visas). Students in the above categories who fail to meet the full-time enrollment requirement may forfeit financial assistance and other privileges.

Note: Public school teachers cannot be enrolled for more than six hours while teaching and are considered full-time students while taking six semester credit hours.

Students taking only thesis/dissertation hours are required to register for a minimum of three hours per long semester. Students whose programs require six or more hours of thesis/dissertation credit do not necessarily have to register for more than three hours in their final semester. Doctoral students in their last semester are required to enroll for the number of hours appropriate to their course of study.

Residency Requirement/Transferred Courses

In a graduate program that requires a thesis, at least 21 semester hours of credit required for the master's degree must be earned in residence at the University of Houston. For programs of 36 semester hours, at least 27 semester hours must be earned in residence.

In doctoral programs, minimum residence requirements are set by the individual departments, but in no case shall the requirement be less than one academic year of continuous full-time enrollment.

Continuous Enrollment

In general, graduate students are expected to be enrolled in consecutive long semesters (i.e., fall and spring semesters) until the degree program is completed and the degree is awarded. The graduate student who is not enrolled should not expect to be able to use the facilities of the University of Houston campus. Students who cannot enroll in a given semester must apply to their college for a leave of absence in order to remain in good standing. Students should contact the office of the dean for individual college regulations on enrollment.

Doctoral students who have begun their graduate research must be continuously enrolled in each long semester unless they have an approved leave of absence. A doctoral student not on campus, or whose main effort is elsewhere, who is required to register for the sole purpose of satisfying the continuous enrollment requirement, shall be required to register for no more than three credit hours during each long semester.

Continuous Registration and Credit for Thesis or Dissertation

Students who are working on theses or dissertations (including students who are registered in absentia) are expected to comply with the enrollment requirements as set forth in the sections entitled Course Load and Continuous Enrollment. Advice or assistance from a member of the faculty in the preparation of the thesis or dissertation should not be expected unless the student is officially enrolled.

Students are required to be continuously enrolled (i.e., each fall and spring semester), including the semester in which the thesis or dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the university. Failure to enroll in thesis or dissertation courses may delay graduation and may result in the loss of financial assistance and other privileges. A student not enrolled for a semester or term may not receive payment for teaching, research, or other university services during that semester or term. The student should consult the dean of the college for individual college requirements regarding summer registration for thesis or dissertation credit hours.

Students may register in absentia for thesis or dissertation courses if arrangements are made through the department of their major at least two weeks before the registration period. Registration for all other students must be completed in the prescribed manner during the announced registration period. The thesis or dissertation course is considered part of a student's current course load.

"Thesis (or dissertation) in progress" is shown without a grade on the student's permanent record for each registration period until the semester or term in which it is graded. However, a graduate grading system of S (satisfactory), U (unsatisfactory), or I (incomplete) may be elected by a department. Such grades in the thesis or dissertation courses are not considered in computing a student's grade point average. A final grade of B or better is required on the completed thesis or dissertation. A grade of C indicates that the thesis or dissertation is not acceptable.

The college office will send a copy of the Certification of Submission of Thesis/Dissertation form (showing submission of the thesis or dissertation to the college office) to the student's department chair. The chair then reports the thesis or dissertation grade to the Office of Registration and Academic Records.

A maximum of six semester hours may be earned for the master's thesis and a maximum of 12 semester hours may be earned for the doctoral dissertation, although the student may enroll in these courses until the degree is granted.

Time Limitations on Completion of Degree Requirements

Students who are enrolled as graduate students at the University of Houston must complete the usual master's degree program within five years of the date of enrollment at the University of Houston campus. Transfer credit may not apply to any master's degree if the course credit is more than five years old at commencement.

Students who enroll as doctoral candidates must complete their degree requirements within ten years of the date of first enrollment with a doctoral degree objective. Failure to comply will result in the candidate being ineligible for that doctoral degree.

Doctoral students who fail to complete their dissertation within five years after completion of the comprehensive examination must retake the examination. With the exception of programs for which another termination date has been specified, no degree will be granted for a graduate program not completed within five years of its deletion from an issue of the University of Houston catalog.

Termination of Enrollment in a Graduate Program

A satisfactory rate of progress toward the degree is required throughout a student's enrollment. A department may terminate enrollment at any time if the rate of progress is not satisfactory. A student whose enrollment is terminated will be notified, with an explanation, in writing by the chair of the department of the major. Copies of this notice and explanation will be sent to the dean of the student's college.

Scholastic Average

A minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) for all graduate courses attempted is required for a graduate degree; failure to maintain this average may result in a warning, probation, or suspension.

Grade points are assigned as follows: four for each semester hour of A, three for B, two for C, one for D, and zero for F. Plus or minus grades may be assigned at the discretion of the instructor with corresponding grade points as follows:

A	4.00		B-	2.67		D+	1.33
A-	3.67		C+	2.33		D	1.00
B+	3.33		C	2.00		D-	0.67
B	3.00		C-	1.67		F	0.00

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

The grade of I (incomplete) must be changed by fulfillment of course requirements within 12 months of the date awarded or it will be converted automatically to an F or U (in S-U graded courses).

In the case of a student enrolled in the graduating semester, a grade of I which has not been changed by the date of graduation will have the effect of an F or U. 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.

Although grades of D+ and lower are included in the computed grade point average, the university awards no credit toward the degree for courses in which the student receives a grade below C-.

The cumulative grade point average and the Four-C Rule (see below) are based upon all of the student's work taken at the University of Houston, including repeated courses for which grade point values are assigned. Grades of S, U, I, and W are not assigned grade point values.

Certain graduate courses, as specified annually by the department, may be graded as S (satisfactory), U (unsatisfactory), or I (incomplete). In the catalog, these courses are referred to as S-U graded courses. Such grades will not be included in computing a grade point average.

Four-C Rule

A graduate student who receives a grade of C+ or lower in 12 semester hours of credit attempted at this institution for graduate credit or for application toward the graduate degree, whether or not in repeated courses, is ineligible for any advanced degree at this institution and will not be permitted to re-enroll for graduate study. The Termination of Enrollment section above specifies other regulations.

Foreign Language Requirement

There is no uniform foreign language requirement for graduate degree programs. This requirement is determined by the appropriate college or department. Further information may be obtained from the respective colleges and departments.

Academic Policies and Procedures

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 breaches 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, and the provost. The policy is printed in the Student Handbook. 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 will have the right to hearings at the college level and the right of a procedural review by the office of the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. The accused student also has the basic rights of proper written notification of the accusation and the time and place of any hearings concerning the case; fair hearings with opportunity to meet the accuser; and the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in the defense. The accused student may seek the advice of counsel.

The accused student may be judged and assigned penalty by the department chair, or a hearing committee of the college, depending on the level at which the case is appealed. Finally, the provost of the university 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, provost and 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.

Grievance Policy for Graduate, Professional
and Post-baccalaureate Students

The following university-wide procedures for graduate and professional studies students apply to the redress of grievances concerning academic and instructional matters, and other issues for which there are no other existing grievance procedures.

1. Every effort shall be made by the graduate/professional student and the faculty member(s) involved to settle their differences amicably and informally to redress the grievance. If appropriate or necessary, the department chair shall participate in this informal effort to resolve this grievance. If appropriate, the aid of a disinterested mediator should be sought to aid resolution.

2. In the event that an informal resolution is not possible, the graduate/professional student may petition the department Chair by filing a formal written complaint within 10 working days after the decision is mutually made that the grievance cannot be settled informally. The letter should provide details regarding the complaint and redress. After receipt of the letter, the department Chair must respond in writing within 10 working days, according to the department's established procedures for dealing with such matters.

3. In the event that a resolution is not possible at the departmental level (1 and 2, above), the graduate/professional student may petition the Dean of the College or his/her designee by filing a formal written complaint. If resolution is not possible at the College level (using established College grievance procedures), the student may refer the grievance to the Graduate and Professional Students Grievance Committee (GPSGC) administered by the Graduate & Professional Studies Council under the purview of the vice provost for graduate studies.

   The GPSGC will consist of 2 graduate/professional students and 3 faculty members, none of whom will be from the department or program in which the aggrieved is enrolled. The faculty members will be appointed by the Chair of GPSC on an ad hoc basis. The GPSC Chair will also select the student members from a pool of graduate students provided by each of the Colleges. The chair of the committee will be elected by the members of the GPSGC.

4. The GPSGC may review all documents pertaining to the grievance. No record of the hearing will be required and the deliberations will be completed with reasonable speed. If a recording is made (at the discretion of the Committee), it should be made available to all parties in the dispute. Counsel for each of the parties involved may be present with that person, but will not be allowed to speak at the hearing. Expert resources should be available to the committee in an advisory capacity as needed.

5. The GPSGC will report its findings, the rationale for the findings, and its recommendations in writing to the vice provost for graduate studies, who will make a decision within 10 working days following receipt of this information. The vice provost for research and graduate studies will forward a copy of this decision in writing to the aggrieved, the faculty member, the dean of the college and to the GPSGC.

6. The aggrieved or the faculty member may file a written appeal of the decision made by the vice provost for graduate studies with the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. The provost's decision, presented within 10 working days, will be final.

7. a. A graduate assistant with a pending grievance regarding employment will retain salary and privileges until the final decision or the end of the contract period, whichever occurs first.

   b. A graduate/professional/PB student with a pending grievance regarding academic issues, if employed as a graduate assistant, will retain privileges and/or salary, subject to a review of the individual situation by the department/college.

Dropping Courses

The last day to drop a course or withdraw 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 summer sessions II and III; and two weeks after the first class day of summer sessions I and IV. The last day to drop a course or withdraw 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 summer sessions I,II, and IV, and three weeks prior to the last class day of summer session III. Graduate students who are in a warning status because they failed to maintain a B average the previous semester may not drop a course without the recommendation of the graduate advisor and the approval of the department chair. Note: The university publishes the dates for dropping and withdrawing in the Academic Calendar listed in each semester class schedule.

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

1. Before the first class day and including the last day to drop or withdraw without a grade, students who wish to drop a course may do so without signature of the instructor.

2. After the last day to drop a course without receiving a grade, and until the last day to drop courses, graduate students who wish to drop a course must obtain the signature of the graduate advisor and the instructor, who will assign the letter W or a grade of F (or U). Business, engineering, and law majors also must obtain permission from the dean of the college.

3. An instructor may drop students only through the last day for dropping courses for the following reasons: excessive absences; if the prerequisites or corequisites for the course listed in the current catalog have not been met; or for causes which tend to disrupt the academic process (except those actions involving academic honesty which come under the jurisdiction of the Academic Honesty Policy). Students may make a timely appeal through the office of the dean of the college in which the course is taught. Students are responsible for keeping copies of their drop forms and 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.)

4. After the last day for dropping courses, graduate 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, and substantiated nonacademic reasons. Students are expected to commit themselves as early as possible (at least by midsemester) 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 that same office.

Students who drop courses by the twelfth class day and are still enrolled 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 may then elect to have a refund mailed to them or have the credit remain on deposit toward future charges.

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 and meeting with the departmental graduate advisor, if appropriate. The prescribed forms may be obtained from 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. Withdrawal may be initiated by a student after consultation with the departmental graduate advisor.

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 during the scheduled periods of touchtone voice response (VIP), or go 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 the date

1. withdrawal is completed through VIP, or
2. the completed forms are submitted to the Registrar's Office, or
3. 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 (see date listed in the academic calendar and in the class schedule) will not have these courses on their permanent record or grades 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 students' 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 my be withdrawn by the university for medical or financial reasons.

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.

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.

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 ten calendar days to legitimize their enrollment. The ten days will begin on the date the university mails notification to the student specifying what action the student must take to correct existing difficiencies. Failure of a student to respond within the ten-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 in 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 you from your financial obligations 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 your courses be canceled, you may register or re-enroll during the next registration cycle if one exists.

Medical Withdrawal for Graduate and Professional Students Policy

1. The dean of the college of the student's major (or designated representative) may grant medical withdrawals at any time to graduate and professional 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 an I, a W, or in some instances a grade, in each course for which they were registered.

3. Graduate and professional students who receive medical withdrawals must obtain permission from their college dean to enroll again at the University of Houston.

4. Under extenuating circumstances, the dean may apply this policy retroactively.

Procedures

1. Graduate and professional 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 dean of the college of their major, submitting all appropriate documentation, including a statement from a licensed physician, psychologist, or professional social worker, with their written requests.

2. The dean shall
   
   1. review each request and its accompanying documentation,
      
   2. decide whether to make inquiries and seek recommendations from appropriate sources of information,
      
   3. decide whether to approve or deny the request,
      
   4. inform both the student and the instructors of record of the decision in writing, and
      
   5. if the request is approved, place a medical withdrawal enrollment "stop" on the students' record.

3. 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 dean 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.

4. If the instructor believes the student is entitled to a final grade other than a W, the instructor shall assign that grade-A through F, S, U, or Incomplete (if requested by the student)-and in writing notify the dean of the college of the student's major.

5. The dean of the college of the student's major shall communicate the final grade when approving the request, and shall inform the student, each instructor of record, each instructor's dean (in cases where the student is taking courses in another college), Registration and Academic Records (which will enter the assigned grades into the student's record), the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, and the Bursar's Office.

Reinstatement

1. Graduate and professional students who receive medical withdrawals and later seek to return to the university shall submit a written request, including a statement from their licensed physician, psychologist, or professional social worker, to the dean of the college of their major justifying their readiness to resume their studies.

2. The college dean shall
   1. review each request to resume study at the university,

   2. decide whether to make inquiries and seek recommendations as appropriate,

   3. decide whether to approve or deny the request,

   4. inform both the student and others, as appropriate, 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.)

Final Examination

Final examinations are 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 the student's need 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 will be no final examinations during the reading period.

Classroom and Laboratory Examination

For purposes of security, and to ensure that assistance is available, it is expected that someone familiar with the examination being administered, either the instructor or a designate, will be present in the room during the examination period. It is recognized that such an expectation is not always appropriate, for example, when an honor code is in effect, when the class is a graduate seminar, or when the format of the examination makes it unnecessary.

Final Grade Reports

Automatic mailings of final grades at the end of the semester are being phased out as grades are now available through the Voice Information Processing (VIP) system. Service will be available 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. 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.

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 provost and 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.

Student Records

Change of Address

All students must file changes of address and/or 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 Name

The university records students' names 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 only for use by faculty and professional staff members 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 Education Rights and Privacy Act as:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Date and place of birth
• Dates of attendance
• Most recent previous educational institution attended
• Height/weight (athletes only)
• Major and minor fields of study
• Degree(s) received
• 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 in writing 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 will disclose information from a student's education records only with the written consent of the student, except with regard to the law that provides for disclosure without consent 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, or 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

Final Comprehensive Examination

In some departments, the program for the master's degree may not include a thesis but may require a final comprehensive examination. Graduate students are expected to enroll each semester until completion of the degree program and award of the degree. During the term in which the final comprehensive examination is taken, graduate students in nonthesis programs are considered to be full-time students and are expected to comply with the enrollment requirements as set forth in the section above entitled Course Load for Graduate Students.

Application for Candidacy

Graduate students must be approved for candidacy for a degree in accordance with the procedures approved by the individual college or department. In general, master's students should file applications for admission to candidacy with the college office as soon as the following have been completed: at least 12 semester hours of graduate work at this institution; the department's qualifying examination, if required; and all special requirements of the college and the department of the student's major. After the college office has verified completion of these requirements, the student will be sent a formal notice of admission to candidacy for the degree.

Doctoral students should file for candidacy after completing the department's comprehensive qualifying or proposal examination. Doctoral candidates must file for candidacy at least one semester prior to graduation (e.g., in the summer for fall graduates).

Candidacy application forms for graduate students are available in the college offices. Not all colleges or departments have a formal candidacy procedure. Students should check with the office of the dean of their college or their departmental advisor to determine their requirements.

Approval of Thesis or Dissertation Proposal

Students must receive approval of their thesis or dissertation proposal from their thesis or dissertation committee, which is appointed by the dean of the college upon the advice of the appropriate department chair. In some departments, students may not begin research prior to admission to candidacy without the approval of an advisor. The thesis or dissertation must present evidence of a mastery of the literature in an area of study, a significant contribution to knowledge, and the ability to conduct independent research.

Every thesis, dissertation, or other research project involving the use of human subjects must be approved by the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects before research is started. Students should consult their faculty advisors for information. For additional information or an application form, contact the Office of Research Policies, Compliance and Committees, 316 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, (713) 743-9215.

The final draft of the thesis or dissertation must be completed and submitted to the advisory committee as early as stipulated by the committee, but no later than the deadlines specified in the academic calendar.

Preparation of Thesis or Dissertation

Suggested Form for Thesis or Dissertation

As a general rule, the format and style of presentation should conform to the most acceptable standards of scientific and scholarly writing in the discipline. For instances in which this general rule is an inadequate guide, reference should be made to a style manual approved by the college or department.

Before preparing the thesis or dissertation, the student should obtain a copy of the guide for the preparation and submission of theses and dissertations from the appropriate college office.

Binding and Distribution of Thesis or Dissertation

The original and two copies of the approved thesis or dissertation should be submitted to the appropriate college office for binding as early as possible, but no later than the deadline specified in the academic calendar. Students who fail to meet these deadlines may be required to refile applications for graduation for a subsequent semester.

The original and one copy of the thesis or dissertation are retained by the M. D. Anderson Library for public access, and one copy goes to the student's major department. The college will send a copy of the Certification of Submission of Thesis/Dissertation form to the student's department chair. Binding fees for theses and dissertations vary. Graduate students should check with the dean of the college for specific procedures and requirements.

Microfilming of Theses or Dissertations

A microfilming fee is required in addition to the binding fee. This fee-the cost of microfilming plus a $5 administrative charge-will provide for microfilming the complete thesis or dissertation and publishing an abstract of 350 words or less.

A University Microfilms Agreement form must be completed by the student at the time the thesis or dissertation is presented to the college. An extra copy of the abstract and abstract title page must be furnished with the agreement. Ordinarily, the microfilm of the dissertation will not be copyrighted. If desired, copyright registration may be requested as provided by the agreement form for a fee. If a thesis is copyrighted, it must also be microfilmed.

Publication

Any published article or book should include a note indicating that the material is, or is based upon, a thesis or dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designated degree at the University of Houston.

Graduation and Graduation Application

The application for graduation should not be confused with the application for candidacy.

Degrees are not awarded automatically upon completion of all scholastic requirements. An official transcript showing that a prior bachelor's degree or its equivalent has been conferred must be on file prior to graduation from UH with a graduate degree. In addition, to be considered a candidate for a degree, the student must submit an application for graduation to the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building. (Graduate students in the Cullen College of Engineering must initiate their application for graduation with their academic advisor.)

Applications should be filed either the semester prior to or in which the student plans to graduate. Applications are available in the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building. Deadlines for filing the application for graduation are listed in the academic calendar. Candidates for graduation who have been previously disapproved must reapply for graduation at no additional charge.

Any student who expects to graduate in a given semester must be enrolled for that semester. This regulation applies to students who have not submitted a thesis or dissertation by the deadline of the previous semester. Certification for graduation is performed by the dean's office in the college of the student's major. Diplomas usually are mailed about one month after graduation. However, students may indicate on the graduation application form that they will pick up their diplomas in the Office of Registration and Academic Records.

Graduation Under a Particular Catalog

A student normally is entitled to graduate under the degree provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of the first completed semester of enrollment.

The following exceptions apply:

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

2. The program of the student who interrupts enrollment (for reasons other than involuntary military service) for more than 13 months will be governed by the catalog in effect at the time the student re-enters the university. For these purposes, enrollment shall be defined as registration for and successful completion of at least one course during an academic term. A student forced to withdraw for adequate cause before completing a course may petition for a waiver of this provision at the time of withdrawal.

3. The program of the student who changes a major from one college to another within the university will be governed by the degree requirements in effect at the time the change of major becomes effective.

4. With the exception of programs for which another termination date has been specified, no degree will be granted for a graduate program not completed within five years after it has been deleted from a bulletin.

5. Students may choose to meet the degree provisions of a catalog published later than that which is in effect at the time of the first completed semester of enrollment. The University of Houston 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.

6. Students must meet requirements specified in the section on Time Limitation.

Campus Policies for Graduate Assistants

Graduate assistants are graduate students enrolled full time who hold an appointment requiring the performance of such duties as classroom instruction, academic advising, reading papers and examinations, supervision, research, or other administrative responsibilities. The term graduate assistant encompasses the teaching fellow, teaching assistant, and research assistant.

Teaching fellows (graduate students with primary responsibility for teaching a course for credit) must have completed a minimum of 18 semester hours of graduate credit in their teaching field, must be in good standing, and must be making satisfactory progress toward the degree. Teaching fellows may be listed as the instructor of record.

Teaching assistants (graduate students who do not have primary responsibility for teaching a course for credit and who perform under a faculty member's direct supervision) must be in good standing and must be making satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Research assistants are graduate students who are engaged in research activities under the direction and supervision of a principal investigator.

Each college or department establishes its own guidelines for selecting and awarding teaching assistantships and fellowships and for assigning the duties of its teaching fellows and teaching assistants. Any exception to this policy must be approved in advance by the dean of the college and the provost. The following policies applying to all graduate assistants are inclusive, but not exhaustive. Departments and colleges may develop additional policies and procedures.

Appointment Procedures

The appointment of graduate assistants is the responsibility of the deans of the colleges and is based upon the recommendations of the departments. The specific offer and all related conditions are the responsibility of the department.

The University of Houston has a standard contract that must be used in the appointment of graduate assistants. Any conditions of appointment beyond those stipulated in the contract will be specified by the appropriate departmental officer.

Qualifications for Appointment

To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, students must have an undergraduate degree or its equivalent, be admitted to a graduate program, and be prepared to devote full-time efforts toward the degree. In order to serve as classroom instructors or in other roles that require communicating (both comprehending and being comprehensible) with students in spoken English, graduate applicants must demonstrate proficiency in spoken English. This proficiency requirement may be satisfied by one of the following criteria:

1. Completion of baccalaureate degree requirements at a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an institution in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the United Kingdom at which English is the medium of instruction.

2. A minimum score of 220 (or a renormed score of 50) on the Test of Spoken English (TSE), 220 (or a renormed score of 50) on the Spoken Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) Test, or 17 (out of 25) on the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Oral Interview. The TSE is administered at TOEFL test centers on TOEFL test dates. The FSI Oral Interview and the SPEAK Test administration may be arranged with the Office of Counseling and Testing.

Students scoring below the required minimums should enroll in LCC 6034, English for International Teaching Assistants and Faculty. This semester-long, noncredit course, offered through the Language and Culture Center, focuses on English pronunciation, including individual sounds, stress, intonation, fluency, and overall comprehensibility; orientation to U.S. academic culture; and teaching skills, including non-verbal communication, explaining, presenting, fielding questions, and leading a discussion. Students will sit for the SPEAK examination at the conclusion of the course and the same minimum score as above (220, or a renormed score of 50) will be required to meet the English language proficiency requirement at that time.

As it is not always possible for an applicant to demonstrate proficiency in English prior to arriving on campus, conditional appointment as a graduate assistant may be extended to allow demonstration of proficiency upon arrival. Such authorization requires the written consent and support of the student's academic advisor and approval by the dean of the college of the student's major and the provost. Until proof of proficiency is presented, the student may not be assigned to an instructional role.

Duration of Appointment

Although a one-semester appointment is possible, the appointment of a graduate assistant is normally for the full academic year (fall and spring semesters). Summer employment is not guaranteed and will be based on departmental needs. Graduate students may hold assistantships for no more than three years in pursuit of a master's degree, no more than five years in pursuit of a doctorate, and for no more than six years if pursuing a doctorate directly after entering a graduate program with a baccalaureate degree. Normally, no individual may hold an assistantship at the University of Houston for more than a total of six years. Any exception to this policy must receive the approval of the dean of the college and the provost.

Conditions of Service

The following policies are applicable to all graduate assistants; departments and colleges may prescribe additional conditions of employment.

1. Satisfactory progress as defined by the college or department must be made toward the degree.

2. The full-time course load per semester is nine semester hours for master's students and nine semester hours for doctoral students. (See the section on Course Load for summer requirements.)

3. Graduate assistants must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (A=4.00).

4. Graduate assistants are not allowed to teach courses which carry graduate credit or to enroll in courses for which they are assigned assistantship responsibilities.

5. International graduate assistants must successfully complete a speaking test of English before assuming actual teaching duties. The graduate assistant must achieve a satisfactory score on such a test before assignment of teaching duties.

6. The normal appointment for a graduate assistant is a full-time equivalency (FTE) work load of 50 percent. This entails a work load which may not, on the average, exceed 20 hours per week, including time spent in preparation, in the classroom or laboratory, in reading papers and examinations, or any combination of these or other assigned activities.

7. In rare instances, assistants may receive up to 75 percent appointment with the stipend increased proportionately and the required course load decreased proportionately. This will be acceptable if justified on an individual basis, if understood to involve an exceptional set of circumstances, and with the approval of the dean and the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

8. Graduate assistants will not be assigned as instructors of record (i.e., having full responsibility for a course) until they have earned a master's degree or its equivalent, have completed 18 graduate semester credit hours in their teaching field, or are enrolled in a doctoral program. Exceptions must have the approval of the college dean.

9. While graduate assistants need to have access to space and facilities to carry out their assignments effectively, it must be recognized that, from department to department, there will be constraints that limit these privileges. The following privileges, however, can be listed: a) In addition to the services and facilities available to them as students, graduate assistants will be issued specific documentation or a faculty/staff identification card entitling them to appropriate parking, library and computer privileges, bookstore discounts, and access to any other privileges that might accrue in the future, and b) graduate assistants will have access to a desk and chair, file space, mailbox, and appropriate supplies for the duties assigned. Department conditions allowing, they should have access to a typewriter, duplicating equipment, and a telephone.

1. A 3.00 minimum cumulative grade point average and grade point average for the current academic year.
2. The report of the graduate advisor or coordinator.
3. A formal evaluation by the faculty mentor supervising the graduate assistant's work.
4. The length of time in an assistantship position.
5. The length of time in the degree program. Reappointments are not automatic for assistants; final decisions will be based on departmental needs and available financial resources.

Stipends

The minimum stipend for graduate assistants is $600 per month for a 50 percent appointment. For graduate assistants who have completed a master's program or its equivalent and are enrolled in a doctoral program, the minimum stipend is $700 per month for a 50 percent appointment.

Insurance Coverage for Graduate Assistants and Lecturers

State legislation allows the University of Houston to extend to qualified graduate assistants the option to enroll in the university's group medical insurance programs. All coverage plans are identical to the plans offered to regular benefits-eligible faculty and staff of the university.

Graduate assistants are not eligible to participate in state retirement programs and other benefits extended to regular benefits-eligible employees.