Office of External Communications

Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2006

Contact: Contact: Mike Emery
713.743.8186 (office)
713.415.6551 (pager)
pemery@uh.edu

HOUSTON, May 18, 2006 – The UH System Board of Regents approved a new scholarship program focused on boosting the university’s student retention rates and encouraging graduation within four years. UH’s Graduation Pledge Scholarships will reward students for maintaining steady enrollment while remaining in good academic standing.

Incoming, first-time-in-college students at UH who complete 30 credit hours toward a degree on campus within 12 months will be eligible for scholarships of $500 to apply toward the next year’s tuition and fees. If they complete 60 hours after two years, they will receive scholarships of $1,000. Those completing 90 hours within three academic years will receive $1,500.

“This is really putting the university’s money where its mouth is in respect to wanting to support students and have them graduate in four years,” said Donald J. Foss, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This is a tremendous opportunity for students to stay on target and save money during the course of their education.”

Credit hours that are transferred from other institutions are not applicable toward these scholarships.

Students can begin taking courses that will count toward these scholarships during the 2006 summer session. After enrolling in classes, they will have a full semester to decide whether they can commit to the hours required by Graduation Pledge Scholarships. To participate in this program, students must decide on a major and meet with an adviser to sign a pledge agreement form. Information regarding the scholarships will be made available to incoming students during their campus orientations.

About the University of Houston
The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate, civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and service with more than 35,000 students.

For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.