In an attempt to meet the need for flexibility, the university offers classes in a variety of formats and at several locations. Students can complete selected bachelor’s degrees at centers close to their home or office. Alternatively, they can choose to take coursework online. Many of UHCL’s degree programs offer web-enhanced classes. Students and faculty can make use of the online environment to supplement traditional classes, decreasing the amount of time students actually spend in the classroom.
Online and off-campus education at UHCL facilitates and supports the delivery of UHCL courses, degrees and certificate programs as defined by the UHCL catalog.
Course Delivery Formats
Online and off-campus education is any instruction that takes place outside the UHCL campus classroom setting. University of Houston-Clear Lake offers students the opportunity to supplement their on-campus coursework. Classes offered through online and off-campus instruction are regular UHCL classes taught by UHCL faculty with the same pre-requisites and requirements as classes taken on campus. Classes are offered in a variety of formats that provide options for students:
- Online (Internet) - All classes s delivered via the Internet use a course management tool called Blackboard. No face-to-face instruction, student interaction or face-to-face student group interaction is required. Courses offered online provide an environment for flexible learning and teaching while delivering the same high-quality content as in a traditional setting. Some online courses require proctored exams. UHCL’s online classes are NOT open entrance/open exit or traditional correspondence courses. Students are free to do their work online any time it fits into their weekly schedules and assignments are due as specified in the individual course syllabus.
- Web-enhanced (Hybrid) - With this format, classroom instruction is delivered and course requirements are fulfilled via a combination of face-to-face instruction at the UHCL campus, off-campus sites and online. In a web-enhanced class, an instructor can deliver all instruction online but require students to attend a mandatory orientation, class presentations and in-class examinations. The number of face-to-face meetings is determined by the instructor and can be found in the footnotes for the class on the UHCL class schedule. The web-enhanced format is popular both on the UHCL campus and at the off-campus learning centers.
- Off-campus courses - UHCL offers courses for selected degree programs at off-campus learning centers. Courses at our off-campus learning centers may be offered face-to-face in a traditional classroom or as a web-enhanced class.
UHCL is committed to using the most current instructional techniques to ensure comparable learning outcomes between course work delivered in a traditional, web-enhanced or online format. It is recommended that students have their own computer with access to the Internet prior to registering for an online class. The university and off-campus centers have fully equipped computer labs that students may use at no charge.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for online or web-enhanced instruction are identical to those for students participating in degree programs on the UHCL campus. Students interested in participating in a distance education program must indicate so on the UHCL Application for Admissions. Program options at different off-campus learning centers and programs offered online are identified in the admissions application.
Registration
Upon successful completion of the application process, students can register for classes online through E-Services. Tuition and fees can be paid by credit card or students can arrange to make installment payments. Students who register to take classes at an off-campus location must attend classes at that specific location.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
UHCL provides quick and easy access to financial aid and scholarship information to students participating in distance learning. Eligibility for this assistance is just the same as for on-campus students. All forms, a complete list of scholarships, timelines and instructions are available online at the Financial Aid website. Financial assistance is available to distance education students, as it would be for on-campus students. Please refer to www.uhcl.edu/finaid for more information.
Student Services
The Online and Off-Campus Education office has developed unique advising procedures to serve the needs of its students. Advisers are available to assist students via face-to-face appointments, telephone or email. Academic advising is available at each of the off-campus locations. To schedule an appointment, please email disted@uhcl.edu or call 281-212-1615.
UHCL also provides student services to off-campus and online students. For assistance in accessing these services, call the Online and Off-Campus Education office at 281-212-1615 or the Welcome Center at 281-283-2722. Services include:
- Student photo IDs available at off-campus locations
- Academic advising for students in online programs
- Career exploration online and at UHCL Pearland
- Online tutors in writing and specific content areas; tutoring is also available at the UHCL Pearland and Texas Medical Center.
- Online bookstore
- Online course support
- Online study skills assessment
- General university information via email and phone from the Welcome Center
- Online access to the online student news publication, The Signal
- Disability services, available both online and off-campus
- Virtual library services
- Counseling information available online and personal counseling available at the UHCL Pearland Campus
Please note that UHCL email is the official method of communication between the university and students. Students will receive official UHCL notifications (i.e., financial aid award packages) through their UHCL email accounts. It is the students’ responsibility to check their accounts regularly.
Online Programs
All online programs and certificates offered by UHCL can be found at www.uhcl.edu/online.
Off-Campus Programs
All off-campus programs offered by UHCL can be found at www.uhcl.edu/off-campus-education.
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