Office of External Communications

Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2006

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

HOUSTON, May 25, 2006 – The first few steps from a high school environment to a university can be challenging for some students. At the University of Houston, however, selected entering freshmen will have an opportunity to make a smoother transition into college academics and campus life by taking “The Jump.”

Offered for the first time this summer, “The Jump” is a program that allows selected incoming UH freshmen the opportunity to take their first two college courses – counting toward six credit hours -- for the price of one during a five-week session, July 10 – Aug. 11. Incoming freshmen chosen for this program also will have a chance to interact with UH faculty, staff and students to learn more about the university and how to adapt to life as a college student.

Students taking “The Jump” will be enrolled in two courses that are required of all UH students: English composition and either American History or U.S. Government.

“Many times, students graduate from high school and don’t realize how different life will be at a university. They soon learn that classes are larger and lectures are conducted at a quicker pace,” said Agnes DeFranco, interim assistant vice president for Undergraduate Studies. “Students taking the two ‘Jump’ courses will have the same classmates in both of their classes. This allows them to connect with each other and develop bonds during this initial transition from high school to college.”

“The Jump” will also feature academic advising from various colleges and a student mentors program sponsored by UH’s Scholars’ Community. William Kellar, executive director of the Scholars’ Community also will conduct four workshops.

“It is never too early for students to get a strong focus on their academic careers at UH, and it is never too early for them to begin thinking about career options after graduation,” said John Antel, dean of UH’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

Participating “Jump” students will also be eligible for UH’s new Graduation Pledge Scholarships that rewards incoming freshmen who participate in the program for every 30 hours completed in one academic year. In this scholarship plan, students entering UH who comply with program guidelines such as completing 30 hours in 12 months will receive $500 to apply toward their next year of classes. If they complete another 30 hours in 12 months, the Graduation Pledge Scholarships reward them with $1,000 to apply toward their third year of studies. After another 30 hours of courses in 12 months, students will receive a $1,500 scholarship for their fourth year at UH.

Enrollment for “The Jump” is currently available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The registration deadline is June 15. To be eligible for “The Jump,” students must have taken the Texas Higher Education Assessment test or be exempt from this exam. Students can verify their eligibility online at www.uh.edu/thejump. They also can request information by calling 713-743-4001 or by e-mailing thejump@uh.edu.

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.