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Undergraduate Catalog
2001-2003

Academic Regulations and
Degree Requirements

Academic Regulation - Contents

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Academic Regulations

All students have the responsibility to become acquainted with the content of this catalog in order that they may, at all times, be informed and be in compliance with academic requirements, rules, and regulations in force at the University of Houston.

The university 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.

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 breach 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 Office, and the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. 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 shall have the right to a hearing at the college level and the right of a procedural review at the level of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The accused student also has the basic rights of: (1) proper written notification of the accusation and the time and place of any hearings concerning the case; (2) fair hearings with opportunity to meet the accuser; and (3) the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in his or her defense. The student may seek the advice of counsel.

The student may be judged and assigned penalty by the department chair, or a hearing committee of the college, depending on the level to which the case is appealed. Finally, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs 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, 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.

Notations on a Student's Transcript

Scholastic action resulting in a student's suspension or probation for disciplinary or academic violations, performance, or academic honesty policy violations will be entered on the student's transcript until the period of sanction has elapsed. For disciplinary or academic policy violations only, a student may petition the office or college placing the notation for the removal of the notation from the transcript. The request for removal of the notation from the transcript is the student's responsibility.

The general petition form for the removal of the notation is available in the Office of Registration and Academic Records or the college or department of the student's major.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is designed to help students make decisions about their educational and career goals. Faculty and staff in various colleges and departments are available to assist students who have chosen a major. Students who have not yet made a commitment to a major field will be assisted by the University Studies Division staff. Advising is viewed as an ongoing activity and not just as a schedule planning function. Students should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor each semester to review their progress and to make plans for the future. Students are expected to become familiar with their program requirements so that they may exercise personal judgments and have a knowledge base for discussing concerns with an advisor.

Students who have been admitted to a particular college or department should seek advising from that college or department. University Studies Division students should go to the Academic Advising Center, 320 Student Service Center.

Student Classifications

Undergraduate

Undergraduate students' classifications are based on the total number of semester hours earned at the University of Houston and accepted in transfer from other colleges and universities regardless of whether or not the courses involved are applicable to the major or degree plan. Credit awarded by examination and hours earned with a grade of S are counted in determining classification, but not in determining the grade point average.

Classification Number of Semester Credit Hours Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average
Freshman 0-29 semester hours 2.00
Sophomore 30-59 semester hours 2.00
Junior 60-89 semester hours 2.00
Senior and postbaccalaureate 90 or more semester hours 2.00

Law, Optometry, Pharmacy

Special classifications are used for students majoring in the professional areas of law, optometry, and pharmacy.

Postbaccalaureate

The postbaccalaureate classification describes students who have degrees but are not enrolled in a formal graduate degree program. (See the Graduate and Professional Studies catalog  for details.)

Credit for graduate level courses taken by postbaccalaureate students is awarded as undergraduate credit. The grade point average and minimum cumulative grade point average is calculated according to the above listing.

There are restrictions and limitations on the application of postbaccalaureate hours toward a graduate degree. All such hours must be approved by the degree-granting college and department.

Graduate

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

Course Load

Undergraduate Full-time Status

All undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours during a fall or spring semester, eight semester hours during Summer II or III, and four semester hours during Summer I or IV are classified as carrying a full-time course load. Some agencies outside the university may set different guidelines for full-time status and satisfactory academic progress. Students should comply with such guidelines to the extent that they do not contradict university purposes and regulations. Selected colleges and departments may have more restrictive or more permissive policies than the university policies listed below.

Recommended Course Load

An undergraduate student should recognize that course work in college will require a significant amount of work outside the classroom - traditionally recommended at 2-3 hours for every hour in class. That ratio will vary with subject, but the underlying principle will not: Being in college is a time-consuming activity. Any other commitments while enrolled in college courses should be balanced against the time required to attend to one's college classes and assignments. Taking a recommended 3:1 ratio for the sake of illustration, a student carrying a 12 semester-hour course load should plan to devote an additional 36 hours per week to course-related work. That would represent a total recommended time commitment of 48 hours; 15 semester-hours would obligate one to perhaps 60 hours of work a week for satisfactory performance during the fall and spring semesters. These course demands need to be kept in mind when deciding whether to live on-campus or off-campus. Students living off-campus need to allow time in their schedule for commuting. Working students need to consider how many hours remain in the 168 hours of the week after deducting time for eating, sleeping, recreation, and other extracurricular activities. Students who work while going to school should balance their work-related activities against the hours needed to study. Starting with a 15 semester-hour load, it is recommended that the total enrollment load in a fall or spring semester be reduced by one course (3 semester-hours) for every 12 hours of work.

First-time-in-college freshmen are encouraged to enroll in no more than 15 semester hours.

Maximum Course Load

The course load for undergraduate students is dependent on the curriculum for which they enroll. For those students who expect to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree in about four years, the maximum undergraduate course load each fall or spring semester is as follows:

College Semester Hours
College of Architecture 21
Bauer College of Business 18
College of Education 18
Cullen College of Engineering 19
Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management 18
College of Liberal Arts, and Social Sciences
     Freshman 16
     Sophomore, Junior, Senior,
     Postbaccalaureate		 19
     Student on Probation/Academic
     Notice 		12
Law Center (see the Graduate and Professional Studies catalog)
College of Natural Sciences and
     Mathematics 		18
     Student on Probation/Academic
     Notice 		13
College of Optometry 23
College of Pharmacy 19
Graduate School of Social Work
     (see the Graduate and Professional Studies catalog)
College of Technology 18
University Studies Division
     Freshman 16
     Sophomore, Junior, Senior,
     Postbaccalaureate		 18
     Student on Probation/Academic
     Notice 		12

The maximum undergraduate course load for summer sessions, regardless of college or major, is as follows:

Session Hours
Summer I 7
Summer IV 7
Summer I and IV 14

One-half of the hours in Summer II or III should be added to any Summer I or IV hours to determine total course load for Summer I or IV.

An undergraduate or postbaccalaureate student who is on Academic Probation or Academic Notice shall enroll in no more than 13 hours in a fall or spring semester for all majors except majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the University Studies Division, both of which allow no more than 12 hours in a fall or spring semester. An undergraduate or postbaccalaureate student who is on Academic Probation or Academic Notice shall enroll in no more than 5 hours in Summer I or IV, or 10 hours in Summer II or III.

These totals include all courses for which students may enroll. Permission to take course loads above these maximums must be obtained in advance of registration from the dean of the college of the student's major.

Overload

No student may enroll in a course load exceeding the college's suggested course load for a specific semester as listed in the Maximum Course Load Table without prior written permission of the dean of the college of the student's major. Students who enroll in an overload without this permission may be dropped from selected courses at the discretion of the dean and may not receive a tuition refund.

To be considered for a course overload, the student must submit a petition to the dean and should meet the following criteria:

  1. Have a 3.00 minimum grade point average in the preceding two summer sessions (minimum: 12 semester hours) or in the preceding fall or spring semester (minimum: 12 semester hours) at the university, or

  2. Be in good academic standing in the college if in the last semester before graduation.

Students should consult the appropriate college section of the catalog for any additional conditions that must be met to qualify for an approved petition for an overload. A student must file the petition for overload prior to registration or add/drop.

The maximum overload permitted in any college by an approved petition is a load totaling 22 hours for a fall or spring semester, nine hours in a summer session I or IV, and 15 hours for any combination of summer enrollments.

Refer to the Graduate and Professional Studies catalog  for information on graduate course overloads.

Grading System

A Excellent, superior achievement
A-
B+
B Good, exceeding all requirements
B-
C+
C Average, satisfactorily meeting all requirements
C-
D+
D Poor, passing
D-
F Failing or withdrawal while doing failing work
I Incomplete
S Satisfactory
U Unsatisfactory
W Withdrawal while passing a course or while no evaluative data were available

In the case of Foundations courses (ENGL 1300, MATH 1300, READ 1300), and Senior Honors Theses, an "in progress" grade may be awarded.(See Grade Explanations below for information about "in progress" grades).

Grade Assignment

Grades are awarded in courses in which students are officially enrolled after the last day to drop or withdraw from a course without receiving a grade. This date is indicated in the academic calendar for each enrollment period.

Grade Explanations

  1. Passing grades for which semester hours of credit are awarded are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and S. (Pharmacy students should refer to the College of Pharmacy section.)

  2. The grades of S (satisfactory) and U (unsatisfactory) may be awarded in certain specified courses.

  3. The grade of I (incomplete) is a conditional and temporary grade given when students are passing a course but, for reasons beyond their control, have not completed a relatively small part of all requirements. Students are responsible for informing the instructor immediately of the reasons for not submitting an assignment on time or not taking an examination. The grade of I must be changed by fulfilling the course requirements within one year of the date awarded, or it will be changed automatically to an F (or to a U in S/U graded courses). The grade of I may not be changed to a grade of W, but may only be changed to another letter grade.

    Students should understand that the only way to have an I (incomplete) changed to a passing grade is to fulfill the specific course requirements by the appropriate date. Students should not re-register for courses in which they previously received an "I" grade. Students must contact the instructor of the course in which the student received an "I" grade to make arrangements to complete the course requirements. If the instructor requires the student to participate in all or part of the same class in another semester, the student should not re-register for the course. After the course work is completed, the instructor will submit a change-of grade form to change the "I" grade to the grade earned. The student should understand that both grades, the original "I" and the earned grade, will appear on the transcript.

  4. The grade of W (withdrawal) indicates that the student was passing or that no evaluative data were available at the time the student dropped the course. The grade of W is assigned to a course only after the last day to drop or withdraw without receiving a grade (four weeks after the first day of classes in a fall or spring semester), and before the final day to drop or withdraw (four weeks prior to the last day of classes in a fall or spring semester). Students are responsible for initiating action to drop or withdraw from classes. 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 a grade of F (or U in S/U graded courses) will be awarded unless the conditions for a grade of I have been met.

  5. An "in progress" designation in place of a grade indicates that the student is proceeding satisfactorily but must re-enroll to obtain a final grade.

Grade Point Average

Grade points are awarded as follows for each semester hour in which students receive a grade.

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

The grade point average is the quotient obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the number of semester hours in which students receive a letter grade. Grades of S, U, I, and W are not assigned grade point values and are not used in the computation of the grade point average.

A change in grade (other than I, incomplete) will affect the academic status of the semester in which the grade was earned and all subsequent semesters. 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.

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

Cumulative Grade Point Average

The cumulative grade point average is based upon all work taken at the University of Houston, including courses that are repeated, for which grade point values are assigned.

A repeated course, including courses repeated during a summer session, is equivalent to a new course both in the determination of classification and in computing the cumulative grade point average.

 

Fulfillment of Grade Requirements for a Degree

The cumulative grade point average shall be used to determine the fulfillment of grade requirements with the following differences:

  1. The grade of I shall be computed as F.

  2. Upon approval by the dean of the college of the student's major, a maximum of six semester hours, eight in the case of laboratory courses, taken during the first 30 semester hours of undergraduate course work at the university may be eliminated from the computation. The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will not eliminate any semester hours of undergraduate course work from the computation of the graduation grade point average for a bachelor's degree.

    1. Neither these grades nor the courses for which they were awarded are removed from the student's official academic record.

    2. These eliminated courses shall not be used to fulfill any degree requirement.

    3. Grades may not be eliminated for courses subsequently repeated.

    4. These exceptions shall be used only to allow a student to achieve the minimum grade point average for graduation.

     

Academic Fresh Start for Current and Former Undergraduate Students

Former or current University of Houston undergraduate students may elect under the university's Academic Fresh Start Program to have all academic course work completed at the University of Houston ten or more years prior to the semester of election removed from consideration by the University and by the dean of the college of their major for any academic purpose. 1 These purposes include but are not limited to determining their classification, academic standing, course prerequisites, degree requirements, grade point average, eligibility for graduation, and eligibility for honors. Students who elect this option cannot use any of the course work that has been removed from consideration for any academic purpose.

Courses that are removed from consideration under provisions of the Academic Fresh Start Program will not be removed from the student's academic record, but the student's UH transcript shall be annotated to identify the courses that have been removed from consideration.

Any academic probations and suspensions that resulted from course work removed from consideration under this program will not be counted in any future determination as to whether the student is placed on academic notice, academic probation, or academic suspension.

There may be implications for financial aid and veterans benefits for students enrolled under Academic Fresh Start. Students should contact these offices for more information.

Students may elect to use the provisions of this Academic Fresh Start Program only once at the University of Houston. Certain benefits of the state law pertaining to Academic Fresh Start do not apply to UH students. See an advisor for details.

Former and current undergraduate students may obtain more information on this Academic Fresh Start Program by contacting the dean of the college of their major or the University Studies Division.

For more information on the Academic Fresh Start Program for undergraduate transfer students, refer to Academic Fresh Start For Undergraduate Transfer Students in the Admissions, Advising, Orientation, and Registration section of this catalog.

Examinations

Within Semester Examinations

Examinations in undergraduate courses within the semester shall be given during the scheduled time and day of the class as designated in the printed class schedule. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the dean of the college and the Provost. All classroom and laboratory examinations are subject to this campus policy.

When it is known prior to the beginning of the semester that there will be examinations scheduled at times other than the regularly scheduled time period for the class and for which written approval has been obtained, such examinations shall be footnoted in the printed class schedule.

When examinations are to be scheduled at times other than the regularly scheduled time period for the class and where written approval has been obtained, and in recognition of students' needs and responsibilities within and outside the university, written notification (e.g., course syllabus) shall be provided to the students during the drop/add period for the semester.

Final Examinations

Final examinations shall be 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 students' needs 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 shall be no required undergraduate class meetings, other than for final examination purposes, after the last day of classes. There shall be no final examinations during the reading period (see the Academic Calendar section of the catalog).

 

Final Grade Reports

Grades are now available through the Voice Information Processing (VIP) system. Service is available for students 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. Students have 90 days after the posting of a grade to appeal. To appeal a grade, students must submit a completed General Petition Form or written request to the department where the course is offered no later than the close of the semester/summer session following the posting of the grade. 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.

Scholastic Requirements

Law, optometry, and pharmacy students should refer to the scholastic requirements specified in the appropriate college section of this catalog.

Undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students are expected to maintain a 2.00 (C) minimum cumulative grade point average, which is the minimum permitted for graduation. They are subject to scholastic action any semester or summer session in which one or more semester hours are attempted. The summer sessions are considered a unit equivalent to a semester.

Academic Notice, Academic Probation, and Suspension

The standards below apply to all undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students enrolled. Students who entered under a previous catalog will be held to these standards.

  1. Freshman students who earn less than a 2.00 grade point average in the first semester of enrollment at the University of Houston shall be placed on Academic Notice. All new students are encouraged to take 16 hours or less in their first semester at this university. Students on Academic Notice are not on Academic Probation and cannot be suspended. Students on Academic Notice mustbe advised by the University Studies Division and their major departments.

  2. Students are placed on Academic Probation if their cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00. Freshman and sophomore students on Academic Probation are urgedto seek advising in their major departments. They may also consult the advisors in the University Studies Division.

  3. Students on academic probation whose semester or summer session grade point average is below 2.00 are placed on academic suspension at the close of that semester or summer session.

    1. The first academic suspension is for a period of at leastone semester (fall or spring or summer).

      1. Students placed on academic suspension at the end of a fall semester are not eligible to re-enroll until the following summer.

      2. Students placed on academic suspension at the end of a spring semester are not eligible to re-enroll until the following fall.

      3. Students placed on academic suspension at the end of a summer session are not eligible to re-enroll until the following spring.

    2. The second academic suspension is for a period of at least 12 months.

    3. After their third academic suspension, students are ineligible to enroll at the University of Houston.

  4. Students on academic probation whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.00 but whose semester or summer session grade point average is 2.00 or higher will remain on academic probation.

  5. Students on academic probation will be removed from that status when their semester or summer session grade point average is 2.00 or higher and their cumulative grade point average is at or above 2.00.

Summer visiting students are not subject to academic probation or suspension while in that status. If, however, they are later admitted as regular students, the grades that they earned in their summer visiting status will be included in all subsequent calculations of their cumulative grade point average at the university.

Without regard to these regulations, the dean of a college may place on academic probation, retain on probation, or suspend any majors in that college whose academic records are deficient. The dean also may remove from academic probation or academic suspension any majors in the college whose academic progress warrants such action.

 

Readmission from Academic Suspension

  1. Only the dean of the college may readmit students on academic suspension from the University of Houston. Only the Assistant Vice President for University Studies may readmit University Studies Division students.

  2. Readmission from academic suspension is neither automatic nor guaranteed. Students seeking readmission must submit to the dean of the college in which they wish to earn their degrees:

    1. A written petition justifying their readiness to resume their studies at the university.

    2. Transcripts showing at least a 2.00 grade point average on all college work completed elsewhere while on academic suspension from the University of Houston.

    3. Transcripts of all other completed college work.

    4. University Studies Division students must submit their petition and transcripts to the Assistant Vice President for University Studies.

  3. Students seeking to change their majors from the college from which they were suspended to another college must submit a "change of major" request along with a petition for readmission from academic suspension to the college of the intended major.

  4. Colleges may have additional policies and procedures pertaining to readmission from academic suspension; therefore, students seeking readmission should consult the appropriate college section in this catalog or request information from the office of the academic dean for specific college requirements.

Dean's List

The Dean's List is compiled each semester by the colleges. To qualify for this recognition, undergraduate students must earn a 3.50 minimum grade point average (the grade of S is not counted) on nine or more semester hours completed during the semester. Students who earn a grade of I (except in a senior honors thesis course), D, F, or U during the semester are excluded from consideration for the Dean's List. Some colleges have additional requirements for the Dean's List. For information, consult the catalog for the college of major or contact the office of the dean.

 

Class Attendance

Properly enrolled students are required to attend the first day of class. Failure to attend may result in the student being dropped from the class.

The university has no specific policy regarding the number of excused absences, but expects students to attend class regularly. Students whose absences are determined by their instructors to be excessive may be dropped from the course. Unavoidable absences should be reported to the instructor as soon as possible.

Absences caused by participation in a campus-sponsored activity are considered official if the sponsor of the activity has received approval from the appropriate university administrator. Students must make up the work missed even though the absences are official.

 

Maintaining a Learning Environment

In order to respect the learning process and the dignity and rights of all persons, students and instructors are expected to maintain a classroom environment conducive to academic excellence. Students should deactivate cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices likely to interrupt a class. Students anticipating possible emergencies should make the instructor aware of the situation beforehand. Disruptive behavior of any kind compromises the academic process and will not be tolerated.

 

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 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.

 

Course Enrollment Restrictions

  • Freshmen who have fewer than 24 semester hours may not take a course on the 2000 level except when the actual prerequisites for the courses have been fulfilled. Sophomores may take 3000-level courses and juniors may take 4000-level courses when the prerequisites for the courses have been fulfilled.
  • Students are limited to a maximum of three enrollments in a specific 3000- or 4000-level course. An enrollment shall be defined as having occurred in any case in which a grade is awarded (including U, S, W, I, F, or any passing grade). This rule will not apply to courses that may be repeated for credit when topics vary.

  • Courses numbered 6000 or higher are normally limited to graduate students and postbaccalaureate students. Seniors may request permission from their department or college to enroll in these classes.

Dropping Courses

The last day to drop or withdraw from a course 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 a summer session II or III, and two weeks after the first class day of a summer session I or IV.

The last day to drop or withdraw from a course 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 a summer I, II, or IV, and three weeks prior to the last class day of a summer III. Consult the class schedule for specific dates.

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

  1. After late registration through the last day to drop or withdraw from a course without receiving a grade, most students may drop courses without any signature.

  2. After the last day to drop or withdraw from a course without receiving a grade, and until the last day to drop or withdraw from courses, undergraduate students who wish to drop a course must obtain the signature of the instructor, who will assign the letter W or a grade of F (or U). Business majors must also secure permission from the Undergraduate Programs Office in the College of Business Administration. Athletes must also secure permission of the Assistant Director of Athletics. International F-1 students must also have permission of an international student counselor.

  3. An instructor may drop students for any one of the following reasons:
    1. Lack of prerequisites or corequisites for the course listed in the latest catalog, but only through the last day for dropping courses. Students who have not met the prerequisites will be dropped without a tuition refund if the drop date is after the refund date. (Students who enroll in a course for which they are not eligible and then remain in the course knowingly misrepresent their academic records or achievements as they pertain to course prerequisites or corequisites and are in violation of the university's academic honesty policy.)

    2. Excessive absences, but after the last day for dropping courses only with the approval of the dean of the college in which the course is being offered.

    3. Causes that tend to disrupt the academic process (except those actions involving academic honesty, which come under the jurisdiction of the academic honesty policy), but after the last day for dropping courses only with the approval of the dean of the college in which the course is being offered. Students may make timely appeal through the office of the dean of the college in which the course is taught.

  4. After the last day for dropping courses, undergraduate 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, substantiated, nonacademic reasons.

Students are expected to commit themselves as early as possible, but at least by mid-semester, 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 the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building. (Students may also use the VIP system to check their enrollment status.) Before dropping courses, international students must see an international student counselor, and athletes must see the Assistant Director of Athletics.

Students who drop courses by the twelfth class day and are still enrolled in the university 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 enrolled in the summer session who drop courses by the fourth class day will be mailed a credit balance bill reflecting their enrollment changes after the tenth class day. See Tuition and Fees Refunds section.

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. The prescribed forms may be obtained in 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, and it may be initiated by students.

 

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 through the VIP system up to the last day to drop or withdraw without a grade or they may come to the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, or write:

University of Houston
Office of Registration and Academic Records
102 E.Cullen Building
Houston, Texas 77204-2027

The recorded date for withdrawal will be the date 1) the withdrawal is completed through VIP, or 2) the completed form is 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 (a date listed in the academic calendar and in the class schedule) will not have courses appear on permanent records, and grades will not be 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 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 may be withdrawn by the university for medical or financial reasons.

  1. 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.

    Note: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.

  2. 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 10 calendar days to legitimize their enrollment. The 10 days will begin on the date the university mails notification to the student specifying what action the student must take to correct existing deficiencies. Failure of a student to respond within the 10-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, cashier's check, money order, or credit card 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 on 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 students from their financial obligation 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 courses be canceled, students may register or re-enroll during the next registration cycle if one exists.

  3. Medical Withdrawal

    1. Policy: Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Students

      1. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) may grant medical withdrawals at any time to 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 a grade, an I, or a W in each course for which they were registered.

      3. Students who receive medical withdrawals must obtain permission from the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs to enroll again at the University of Houston.

      4. Under extenuating circumstances, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs may apply this policy retroactively.

    2. Procedures

      1. 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 Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, submitting all appropriate documentation, including a statement from their physician or psychologist, with their written requests.

  4. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) shall

    1. review each request and its accompanying documentation,

    2. make inquiries and seek recommendations from instructors of record and others as appropriate,

    3. decide whether to approve or deny the request,

    4. inform both the student and the dean of the college of the student's major of the decision in writing, and

    5. if the request is approved, place a medical withdrawal enrollment "stop" on the student's record unless otherwise noted by physician, clinical psychologist or licensed clinical practitioner.

  5. 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 Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs 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.

  6. If the instructor believes the student is entitled to a final grade of something other than a W, the instructor shall recommend that grade-A through F, S or U, or Incomplete (if requested by the student) in writing to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

  7. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) shall determine the student's final grade when approving the request, and shall inform the student and each instructor's dean, Registration and Academic Records (which will enter the assigned grades into the student's record), the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, and Student Financial Services Department.

  8. Students who receive medical withdrawals and later seek to return to the university shall submit a written request, including a statement from a physician or psychologist, to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs justifying their readiness to resume their studies.

  9. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) shall

    1. review each request to resume study at the university,

    2. make inquiries and seek recommendations as appropriate,

    3. decide whether to approve or deny the request,

    4. inform both the student and the dean of the college of the student's major 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.)

     

Student Records

Notes: Most requests or change of information forms are available at department web sites (e.g., Registration and Academic Recordes). Go to www.uh.edu for further information.

Change of address

All students must file changes of address and 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. Current mailing address information may be reviewed by calling the Voice Information Processing (VIP) System. See the class schedule for instructions.

Change of Major

A change of major is a formal procedure requiring official approval and documentation. Students must submit an Undergraduate General Petition form requesting a change of major. This form is filed by the student in the department in which she or he wishes to major. Approval from both the department chair and the college dean is required. Students should consult an advisor in the department of their intended major for help with the change of major process.

The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs has approved the following guidelines for a change of major. (Note:This policy does not apply to the Colleges of Architecture, Law, Optometry, or Pharmacy, or to the Graduate School of Social Work.)

  1. Students changing majors within the university shall meet the same requirements as students seeking admission to an academic unit (department, school, or college) from outside the university who have completed the same number of semester credit hours.

  2. Students applying to transfer from one unit to another within the university shall not be required to supply copies of any records which are already on file within the university (such as transcripts). Performing and Fine Arts departments may require additional documentation for transfer. For more specific information, students should contact the unit into which they wish to transfer.

The university offers vocational and career planning services through University Career Serices and through Counseling and Psychological Services. For academic information, as well as for help in coordinating career goals with academic plans, students may meet with academic advisors in the various departments and colleges, and the University Studies Division.

Change of Name

University records of a name are 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

Student Records: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Notice of Student's Rights. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights are as follows:

  1. Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the ­University receives the request.
  2. Students have the right to request amendment of their education records that they believe are inaccurate or misleading. If the University denies a student requested amendment, the student has the right to a hearing regarding the requested amendment to his/her education record.
  3. Students have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
  4. Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Such complaints may be sent to the:

    Family Compliance Office
    U.S. Department of Education
    400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20202- 4605

 

Directory Information

At its discretion the University of Houston may provide "directory information" to the general public without student consent. "Directory information" is defined by FERPA as follows:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Major and minor fields of study
  • Date and place of birth
  • Dates of attendance
  • Degrees/awards received
  • Most recent previous education institution attended
  • Participation in officially recognized sports and activities
  • Height/weight (athletes only)
  • Most recent previous educational agency or ­institution attended
  • E-mail address

If a student does not want "directory information" regarding him or her to be released, the student must notify the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 102 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, Houston, Texas 77204-2027 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 "directory information" has been placed on record.

Disclosure of Education Records

The University of Houston will not disclose information from a student's education records without the written consent of the student, except in the following instances in which FERPA authorizes disclosure without prior student consent:

  1. To school officials who have a legitimate educational or administrative interest in the records. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including the University's police department and health care staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a person assisting another school official in performing his or her official duties. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities.
  2. To other schools in which the student seeks to enroll.
  3. To authorized representatives of the U. S. Secretary of Education, the U. S. Comptroller General, and state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs; and the U. S. Attorney General for law enforcement purposes.
  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. To state and local officials or authorities in accordance with state law.
  6. To organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the University to develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; administer student aid programs; or improve instruction.
  7. To accrediting organizations to carry out their ­functions.
  8. To parents of "dependent" student as defined under the federal tax laws.
  9. To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
  10. To appropriate parties in connection with a health or safety emergency.
  11. As it relates to "directory information" unless the student restricts "directory information".
  12. To alleged victim of any crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense regarding the final results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted against the alleged perpetrator of that crime or offense with respect to that crime or offense, regardless of whether the student was found to have committed the violation.
  13. To the public regarding the final results of any disciplinary proceeding in which the student was alleged to have committed a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and pursuant to the disciplinary proceeding the student was found to have violated a University disciplinary rule or policy.
  14. To parents of a student who is under the age of 21 regarding the student's violation of federal, state, or local law, or any University rule or policy, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled ­substance.
  15. To the court where the student has initiated legal action against the University or the University has initiated legal action against the student.

Procedure to Inspect Education Records

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.

Procedure to Amend Education Records

If a student believes the information in his or her education record contains information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights of privacy, the student should submit a written request for amendment to the appropriate custodian of the record (See the list of Custodians of Records below). The written request should clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights of privacy. The University will notify the student within a reasonable time regarding whether or not the record will be amended. If the University denies the student's request for amendment of his or her record, the student has the right to a hearing regarding the requested amendment. **  Note: This procedure does not govern grade appeals.

Procedures for a Hearing Under FERPA

  1. To request a hearing pursuant to the University's denial of a student's request to amend information in his or her education record that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights of privacy the student should submit a written request for a hearing that clearly identifies the part of the record the student wants changed and specifying why it is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights of privacy to the custodian of the record that the student seeks to challenge.
  2. The University will hold a hearing within a reasonable time after receiving the student's written request for a hearing.
  3. The University will give the student notice of the date, time, and place, of the hearing reasonably in advance of the hearing.
  4. The hearing will be conducted by an individual who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing. The hearing official will be appointed by the vice president to whom the custodian of the records in question reports.
  5. The student will be provided the opportunity to present evidence supporting his or her allegation that his or her education record contains information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights of privacy. The student may, at his or her own expense, be assisted during the hearing by one individual, including legal counsel. The student must notify the hearing official no later than three (3) business days before the hearing that he or she will have legal counsel present at the hearing.
  6. The custodian of the record in question and the author of that record (if appropriate) will also be provided an opportunity to respond to the student's allegations.
  7. Upon hearing all of the evidence, the hearing official will render a written determination within a reasonable time after the hearing. The written determination will include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the hearing official's ­determination.
  8. Any information in the student's education record that is determined to be inaccurate, misleading, or a violation of the student's rights of privacy will be amended with the correct information and the student will be notified in writing of the change.
  9. If it is determined that the student record is correct and does not merit amendment, the University will notify the student of his or her right to place a statement in the education record commenting on the information in the record, and/or presenting any reasons for disagreeing with the University's decision.
  10. Any statement placed by the student in his or her education record shall remain a part of the record for as long as the record is maintained by the University.

Custodians of Records

Registrar and Director of Registration and Academic Records
     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 Learning and Assessment
     210 Student Service Center
Director of University Career Services
     106 Student Service Center
Dean of Students
     252 University Center
Dean of the appropriate college

Undergraduate Inter-Institutional Agreement

The University of Houston has two reciprocal arrangements, one with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Allied Health Sciences, and the other, the Inter-University Consortium for International Studies, with the ­University of St. Thomas and Texas Southern University. These programs enable undergraduate students to take, for residence credit, a limited number or courses not available at the University of Houston. Details about the program may be obtained from:

University of Houston
Office of Admissions
122 E. Cullen Building
Houston, Texas 77204-2023

For information about graduate-level inter-institutional programs, refer to the Graduate and Professional Studies catalog.

 

Veterans and Dependents GI Bill

Veterans and dependents who wish to claim education benefits should go to Veterans' Services, room 27, University Center Satellite, for information and assistance. Recertification is necessary each semester for veterans who wish to continue drawing benefits. Enrollment certification cannot be processed until a degree plan/requirement checklist and Advisor Verification of Veteran Enrollment form for the semester certified is in the veteran's file and initial payment for courses is made.

The Office of Registration and Academic Records is responsible for submitting certifications for educational benefits to the Veterans Administration under federal guidelines. Requests for enrollment certification including all documentation should be made in room 104 Ezekiel W. Cullen. The verification clerk will be available to answer questions Monday and Thursday between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. or by appointment. However, requests for certification may be made in 104 Ezekiel W. Cullen during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Files Archived: February 5, 2003