While many will agree that a University of Houston education is quite rewarding, future Cougars might have even more reason to echo this sentiment.

During a recent Faculty Senate meeting, Donald Foss, senior UH vice president for academic affairs and provost, discussed a bold new proposal aimed at boosting the university’s retention rates.

Entering freshmen who complete 30 hours in good standing on campus within 12 months would be eligible for $500 toward the next year’s tuition and fees. If they’re still motivated by what they are learning and by the financial rewards and complete 60 hours after two years, they will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Those who can keep up this academic pace and have 90 hours under their belt in three years will receive $1,500 toward their fourth year at UH. Credit hours that are transferred from other institutions are not applicable toward these scholarships.

“This is really putting the university’s money where its mouth is in respect to wanting to support students and encourage them to graduate in four years,” Foss said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for students to stay on target and to save money during the course of their education.”

The program is designed to reward students who are consistent with their academic goals without dropping out for a semester. National research, as well as studies conducted on the UH campus, have proven that students who drop many courses or drop out for periods of time often do not graduate, said Ed Hugetz, UH associate vice president for planning and university outreach.

This proposed plan, Foss said, will be discussed further and voted on during the next UH System Board of Regents meeting May 18. If approved, students can begin taking the first courses that would count toward the annual 30-hour scholarship this summer.

“This would give students a head start in taking money from us,” Foss said.

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu