General Program Requirements

Student Responsibility

Students are responsible for knowing all degree requirements and enrolling in courses appropriate for their chosen degree programs. Students are also responsible for knowing all university regulations regarding student affairs and course work standards required for study undertaken in the university. While this catalog was prepared on the basis of the best information available at the time, all information including statements of fees, course offerings, admissions and graduation requirements is subject to change without notice or obligation. The most recent information regarding degree requirements and academic standards may be obtained from the appropriate dean’s office. Student affairs information may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students or by contacting the individual student services offices.

Classification of Students

Effective fall 2018

Post-baccalaureate students have previously earned Bachelor’s Degrees and are enrolled in undergraduate coursework at UHCL. These students are considered as undergraduate students for all academic purposes and are not eligible to enroll in graduate courses except under the provisions outlined for undergraduate enrollment at the graduate level.

Classification is determined by the Office of the Registrar. Only hours earned at UHCL and hours accepted in transfer from other institutions will count toward the student’s classification.

Degrees Offered

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to confer six degrees in 47 undergraduate majors.

Undergraduate Degrees Conferred

• Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
• Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)

Undergraduate Plans Offered

College of Business

• Accounting B.S.
• Environmental Management B.S.
• Finance B.S.
• General Business B.S.
• Healthcare Administration B.S.
• Healthcare Services B.A.S.
• Legal Studies B.S.
• Management B.S.
• Management Information Systems B.S.
• Marketing B.S.
• Professional Accounting Integrated B.S./M.S.

College of Education

• Addictions Counseling B.S.
• Early Childhood Care and Education B.S.
• Interdisciplinary Studies B.A.S. with a major in Early Childhood Education - Educator of Young Children
• Interdisciplinary Studies B.S.
  • Core Subjects EC-6 Certification (Early Childhood Concentration)
  • Core Subjects EC-6 Certification (Reading Concentration)
  • Core Subjects EC-6 with Bilingual Supplemental Certification
  • Core Subjects EC-6 with EC-12 Special Education Certification (All Level)
  • Core Subjects EC-6 with ESL Supplemental Certification
  • Core Subjects 4-8 Certification
  • Core Subjects 4-8 with ESL Supplemental Certification
  • Science 4-8 Certification
  • Social Studies 4-8 Certification

College of Human Sciences and Humanities

• Anthropology B.S.
• Art and Design B.F.A.
• Behavioral Sciences B.S.
• Communication B.A.
• Criminal Justice and Criminology B.S.
• Fitness and Human Performance B.S.
• Geography B.S.
• History B.A.
• Humanities B.A.
• Literature B.A.
• Psychology B.S.
• Public Service Leadership B.S.
• Registered Nursing B.S.N.
• Serious Games and Simulations B.A.
• Social Work B.S.W.
• Sociology B.S.

College of Science and Engineering

• Biological Sciences B.A., B.S.
• Biological Science B.S./M.S. Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• Chemistry B.A., B.S.
• Chemistry Scholars Plan -Linked B.S./M.S. Degree Plans in Chemistry
• Computer Engineering B.S.
• Computer Engineering Dual Degree Program
• Computer Information Systems Science B.S.
• Computer Information Systems Dual Degree Program, B.S./M.S.
• Computer Science B.S.
• Computer Science, Dual Degree Program, B.S./M.S. 
• Environmental Science B.S.
• Environmental Science Scholars Plan- Linked B.S./M.S.
• Information Technology B.S., B.A.S.
• Mathematical Sciences B.A., B.S.
• Mathematics Scholars Plan- Linked B.S./M.S. Degree Plans in Mathematics 
• Mechanical Engineering B.S.
• Occupational Safety and Health B.S.
• Physics B.S.
• Physics Scholars Plan- Linked B.S./M.S. Degree Plans in Physics
• Pre-Engineering Transfer Track

Enrollment Policies

In conjunction with academic performance standards, the policies listed below are used by the university in monitoring the academic progress of students.

Course Load

Students should be aware that academic work will be at advanced levels and should consider individual abilities when determining an appropriate course load. Course load limits may be set as terms of probation or readmission to the university after suspension. The university limits course loads to a maximum of 19 hours during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester, the limit is 12 hours.

In evaluating their ability to carry a certain course load, students should consider:

• Time available for class preparation.
• Whether an excessive load might endanger academic standing.
• Physical and mental stamina.
• Financial factors of commuting costs, tuition, fees and personal budget.

Under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations, international students are required to maintain full-time enrollment during each fall and spring semester. In addition, no more than three credit hours per semester taken online may count toward full-time enrollment for F and J student visa holders.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status Course Load

A student’s enrollment status is determined by the number of credit hours for which the student is enrolled at UHCL each semester. Enrollment statuses are listed below:

For the summer term, all hours are added together between sessions to arrive at the total number of hours for the summer.

When enrolled in a cooperative education course, students will be considered full-time for purposes of enrollment verification. The above hours requirement may differ for financial aid purposes. Please review the section of the catalog on Financial Aid or contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Resident Credit

Resident credit is defined in two ways:

• Credit awarded for successful completion of academic work undertaken at UHCL.

or

• Credit awarded for successful completion of academic work undertaken at another college or university provided that
  • Students are candidates for degrees at UHCL, and
  • Students have written approval of their faculty adviser and their appropriate associate dean before undertaking academic work elsewhere.

Students should be aware that credits earned elsewhere without prior approval from UHCL are not considered credits “earned in residence” for the purpose of fulfilling general degree requirements.

Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate courses are defined as those courses with course numbers in the 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 range. 1000 and 2000 range are considered lower-level courses. 3000 and 4000 range are considered upper-level courses.

Class Attendance

Regular class attendance is expected of all students. What constitutes an acceptable rate of class attendance is a matter between students and their instructors, although the university expects instructors to maintain reasonable standards. Whenever instructors determine that students’ absences have been excessive, they have the right to request that the appropriate associate dean withdraw the students from the course.

Dropping or Withdrawing from Classes

Drop/Withdrawal Time Frame

Students may drop one or all classes without a grade penalty through the census date of the semester or session. Classes that are dropped through the census date will not be posted on a student’s official or unofficial transcript. Students may drop classes online through their e-services account. Please see the Academic Calendar at www.uhcl.edu/registrar for the census dates of the semester or session.

Students who drop a class or withdraw from all classes after the census date of the semester or session, but no later than the withdrawal deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar will receive one of the following grades: WQ (Student-initiated drop, no evaluation) or WX (Administrative drop or withdrawal, no evaluation). These grades imply no evaluation of a student’s performance prior to the withdrawal. Students may retain auditing privileges with the instructor’s consent.

Student-Initiated Withdrawals

Once students have registered and paid tuition/fees for the course section, they are considered enrolled in the course(s) until they have officially dropped/withdrawn or received a grade. Nonattendance does not automatically terminate students’ enrollment in the course(s) and does not exempt them from any academic or financial responsibilities. Students who stop attending class without officially dropping/withdrawing from the course(s) will receive a final grade based on the coursework completed.

If a student wishes to drop any or all of their classes, they are responsible for doing so online through e-services by the deadlines stated in the Academic Calendar. Withdrawal requests in writing can also be made by mail or by fax to 281-226-7230 and are effective on the date of receipt. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for additional assistance at registrar@uhcl.edu. The student assumes responsibility for written requests for drops/withdrawals that are delayed or not delivered. Drops/Withdrawal requests received after the deadlines stated in the Academic Calendar will not be processed. Student-initiated drops and withdrawals are irrevocable. Retroactive drops or withdrawals are not permitted. Students lose all university privileges on the date the withdrawal from the university is effective.

Course(s) dropped through the published Census Day will not appear on the transcript. Course(s) dropped after the Census Day and through the published withdrawal deadline will appear on the student’s transcript with a grade of WQ. Census Day and withdrawal deadlines are published online in the Academic Calendar.

All outstanding bills and university obligations must be paid/fulfilled. These payments include any payment plans or loan agreements issued by Student Business Services. Contact Student Business Services for additional information. Students receiving financial aid are advised to contact the Office of Financial Aid before making changes in their enrollment status. Reducing semester hours to zero is considered a withdrawal and the Refund Schedule will be followed. Please refer to the Refund Schedule on the Student Business Services’ website for information about deadlines.

Administrative Withdrawals

The university reserves the right to withdraw students from a class or all classes if, in the judgment of the appropriate university officials, such withdrawals are in the best interests of the students and the university. Students may be withdrawn for reasons of health, irresponsible financial conduct, unacceptable personal conduct, Honesty Code violations or other academic infractions, or disregard of official summonses to respond to official requests.

Students who are requesting a current semester medical withdrawal must submit a Student Appeal form to the Office of the Registrar before the end of the current semester if they cannot withdraw themselves by the withdrawal deadline. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for more information regarding deadlines. A medical withdrawal formally drops all courses in a term.

Written appeal for a medical withdrawal should address each of the following:

1. Describe the medical condition/circumstances that required withdrawl from the university.
2. Explain in detail how/why the medical condition/circumstances prevented completion of the academic term.
3. Detail the dates of the onset of the medical condition/circumstances, along with the dates of any treatment received, if appropriate.
4. If no longer attending classes, explain why and when. (Please note: Nonattendance does not exempt the student from academic and financial responsibilities.)
5. If the regular withdrawal process was not used, explain why not.
6. Explain what relief is sought from this request. Be as specific as possible.
   Note: Medical withdrawals do not refund tuition and fees.

Supporting Documentation

You must include a letter from your health care provider(s) or other pertinent sources. The documentation should be on clinic letterhead and should address the following:

• Describe the diagnosed medical or psychological condition or circumstances, and indicate when treatment commenced.
• Explain how the severity of the condition completely prevents the student from attending classes and completing the semester.
• Address potential health/clinical consequences if a medical withdrawal is not granted.

Review Process

1. Submit all materials to the Office of the Registrar. Any missing or incomplete information may delay the consideration of a request.
2. After the materials are received, the request will be evaluated by the Office of the Registrar, who will send notification when it has been approved or denied. The student may be asked to provide additional information to assist the university in its evaluation of the request. The decision of the Office of the Registrar is final.
3. Please note that a medical withdrawal is granted in rare instances where a student is faced with a serious and unexpected condition that completely precludes him/her from being able to function as a student. If a request is approved, the student may be required to submit documentation from a health care provider to indicate his/her ability to function successfully prior to subsequent enrollment. Additional requests for a medical withdrawal are normally not granted for the same circumstances.
4. Withdrawal appeals should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar prior to the close of the following long semester. Appeals submitted after one long semester will not be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• International students, students with a disability and students who are receiving financial aid, veterans and/or other benefits and who are considering withdrawing from the university must meet with the appropriate official (e.g., international student adviser, staff from Disability Services, financial aid counselor or Veteran Services) before withdrawing since there may be legal, certification and/or repayment penalties associated with withdrawing.
• Medical withdrawal typically results in withdrawal from all classes. Students who are considering the medical withdrawal process and wish to drop some, but not all, of their classes for a term should instead contact their academic associate dean’s office for information about administrative drops.
• Student loans: Students who have borrowed from the Perkins or Direct Loan programs are federally required to schedule an exit counseling session. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.
• All outstanding bills and university obligations must be paid/fulfilled. These obligations include any payment plans or loan agreements issued by Student Business Services. Contact Student Business Services for additional information.
• Medical withdrawals do not provide for a refund of tuition and fees.

Six-Drop Rule

In 2007, Texas passed a law (S.B. 1231) which prohibits students enrolling for the first time as a freshman during the fall 2007 academic term or any term thereafter from dropping more than a total of six courses in their entire undergraduate career. This total includes any course a transfer student has dropped at another two-year or four-year Texas public college or university. This rule does not apply to courses dropped prior to the census date (See Academic Calendar at www.uhcl.edu/registrar) or to courses for which the student receives an administrative withdrawal noted with a grade of WX; and, does not apply if the student withdraws from the term or session.

Certain exceptions may be made to the limit if the student can show good cause for dropping more than six courses, including but not limited to a showing of:

• A severe illness or other debilitating condition that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course.
• The student’s responsibility for the care of a sick, injured or needy person if the provision of that care affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course.
• The death of a person who is considered to be a member of the student’s family or who is otherwise considered to have a sufficiently close relationship to the student that the person’s death is considered to be a showing of good cause.
• The active-duty service as a member of the Texas National Guard or the Armed Forces of the United States of either the student or a person who is considered to be a member of the student’s family, or who is otherwise considered to have a sufficiently close relationship to the student that the person’s active military service is considered to be a showing of good cause.
• The change in the student’s work schedule that is beyond the control of the student and that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course.

Students requesting an exemption must complete the Six-Drop Exemption form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar along with supporting documents and evidence of extenuating circumstances. The grade of WX will be assigned to courses for which students receive an exemption and will not count against the Six-Drop Rule.

Drops that Count toward the Six-Drop Limit

The Six-Drop limit applies only to students enrolling for the first time as a freshman during the fall 2007 academic term or any term thereafter at a public college or university in Texas, including UHCL. Drops that count towards the limit are those for which a student receives a grade of WQ on his/her UHCL transcript as well as any equivalent drops reported on that student’s transcript(s) from other Texas public colleges and universities. If a student started college fall 2007 or thereafter, and then transferred to UHCL from an affected Texas public college or university with six drops that are equivalent of WQ, the student may not drop any additional course at UHCL after the census date for the term. If the student transfers with fewer than six drops, the student may drop the remainder of the allowed courses at UHCL.

Awarding of Grades once the Six-Drop Limit has been Reached

Once UHCL determines that a student has accrued a total of six drops on courses attempted at any Texas public colleges and universities, including UHCL, it will not allow that student to drop any additional course at the university. Once enrolled in a course, the students with six drops can only be awarded A, B, C, D or F grade by their instructor.

Six-Drop Appeals Process

Any student who wants to appeal the initial decision to deny an exemption to the Six-Drop limit may appeal to the Office of the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management for further review. Such appeals must be submitted in writing before the final grades for the course are posted by the instructor.

Students appealing the initial decision can only do so for one of the following reasons:

• To determine whether the process leading to the original decision was fair.
• To determine whether the decision reached regarding the request was based on substantive evidence.

The decision of the associate vice president for enrollment management will be final.

Excessive Hours

Texas Education Code 54.014 specifies that undergraduate students who enrolled for the first time in fall 1999 or later may be subject to a higher tuition rate if they attempt excess hours at any Texas public institution of higher education. This policy applies to students classified as Texas residents and non-Texas residents, who have received a tuition waiver and pay resident tuition. Students who were first-time freshmen between fall 1999 and summer 2006 are limited to 45 semester credit hours in excess of the credit hours required to complete their degree plan. Students who were first-time freshmen beginning fall 2006 or subsequent terms are limited to 30 semester credit hours in excess of the credit hours required to complete their degree plan. If a student has been enrolled as an undergraduate student in any public or private institution of higher education during any term prior to the 1999 fall semester, the student’s credit hours are exempt. Semester credit hours generated by non-resident students paying tuition at the rate provided for Texas residents are subject to the same limitations as hours generated by resident students. Students who are in violation of the limitations set by this law will be subject to the Tuition Recovery Fee of $130 per credit hour to cover the student’s educational costs. For more information contact the Office of the Registrar.

According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules, the following types of credit hours count toward the limit:

• Hours dropped after the 12th class day, reflected in transcripts with a WQ/WX.
• Hours earned with a failing grade.
• Hours earned for courses that do not apply toward the chosen degree plan.
• Hours successfully completed which do apply toward the chosen degree plan.

The following types of credit hours do not count toward the limit:

• Credit hours earned after completing a baccalaureate degree.
• Credit hours earned through examination (AP or CLEP).
• Credit hours earned through remedial and developmental courses.
• Credit hours taken at a private or an out-of-state institution.
• Credit hours earned before graduating from high school and used to satisfy high school graduation requirements.
• Credit hours excluded from the academic record under the Academic Fresh Start program.

Three-peat Rule for Undergraduates

In accordance with Texas Education Code Section 13.105 as of fall 2002 undergraduate, Texas-resident students and students paying resident tuition attempting the same course for a third (or subsequent) time will be subject to the Three-peat Fee for undergraduate hours.

Attempted hours are defined as all hours for which the student is enrolled as of the official census date for the semester or session, regardless of whether the student withdraws from one or all classes after the census date. Please see the Academic Calendar for the census date for each semester and/or session.

The following courses may not be counted toward the Three-peat Rule for undergraduates:

• Independent Study Courses
• Special Topics Courses with Differing Content

Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses

Seniors who are degree-seeking students at UHCL and who wish to take graduate courses may qualify and enroll in them subject to these conditions:

• Students must be enrolled in their last six hours of undergraduate work.
• Students must have a cumulative UHCL GPA of at least 3.000.
• Approval of enrollment arrangement must be given by the associate dean of the college in which the student will pursue graduate coursework.
• If the courses are used to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements, they may not be used to fulfill subsequent graduate degree requirements.

Undergraduate courses are defined as those courses with course numbers in the 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 range. Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate will only calculate in the undergraduate hours earned and in the undergraduate GPA. Post-baccalaureate non-degree-seeking students are not eligible to enroll in graduate courses. This rule does not apply to dual-degree students.

Dual Degrees: Bachelor’s to Master’s

The dual bachelor’s/master’s programs allow students to earn both degrees in five years. Students begin work on their Master’s Degree during the final year of their Bachelor’s Degree.

1. Bachelor’s (minimum 120 hours) to master’s (minimum 30 hours) degrees provide students the opportunity to earn degrees at an accelerated pace. In this program undergraduates with 90 or more credit hours may be allowed to enroll in graduate classes and count up to six graduate credit hours toward their Bachelor’s Degree. The same six graduate credit hours may also count toward a Master’s Degree.
2. Graduate courses utilized for a Bachelor’s Degree cannot be utilized for a graduate degree outside of the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program.
3. No more than six graduate hours can be taken as an undergraduate.
4. In the dual-degree program no more than six hours of graduate work may be counted toward the requirements of both degrees and at least 24 of the required 30 graduate hours must be taken at the 5000 level or 6000 level.
5. Students must apply to the dual-degree program the semester before completing their Bachelor’s Degree requirements.
6. Students interested in this program must meet with a dual degree adviser in their college before enrolling in graduate courses.
7. Students admitted to dual-degree programs should have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 must take the GRE or GMAT (see individual college requirements for appropriate examination and acceptable scores).
8. A student who becomes ineligible to participate in or withdraws from the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program cannot double count any courses for both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. However, courses successfully completed with a 3.0 or better may count toward the Bachelor’s Degree as appropriate substitutions.
9. Students in dual-degree programs receive a bachelor’s degree upon completion of the master’s degree.
10. Students in dual-degree programs not completing the Master’s Degree may apply for graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree.
11. Dual-degree program students must complete the undergraduate residency requirements.

Final Exams

Final exams for the regular fall and spring terms must be scheduled the week following the last day of classes at the day/time indicated on the final exam schedule. Faculty teaching online courses during the regular fall and spring terms can schedule final exams anytime starting on the last day of classes until the end of the week following the last day of classes (the end of the regular exam week). During the summer sessions and fall/spring eight-week sessions, final exams are held on the last day of classes. Students and faculty should refer to the Academic Calendar and final exam schedule found online at www.uhcl.edu/registrar for additional information. Students with exam schedule conflicts must work with faculty to resolve conflicts.

Missed Examinations and Assignments

Students are expected to be present at all announced examinations, including final examinations. Unless satisfactory alternate arrangements are made with instructors, missed examinations will be considered as failed. Students who must be absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day (as defined by the Texas Education Code) will be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. Students needing to reschedule an examination or assignment for a holy day should submit a letter of request or appropriate form to each instructor within 15 days from the first class day of the semester. An instructor should acknowledge receipt where indicated on the form and return a copy to the student. A new date for taking an examination or completing an assignment missed for a holy day shall be set by the instructor. Should an instructor fail to honor the request for rescheduling examinations or assignments for holy days by setting reasonable new due dates, students may appeal the decision to their associate dean. The instructor or associate dean may require a letter of verification of the observed holy day from the religious institution.

Grading Policies

Description of Letter Grades

• Performance in the range of A represents exceptional scholarship and intellectual initiative in accomplishing course goals and objectives.

• Performance in the range of B represents solid or significant achievement in accomplishing course goals and objectives.

• Performance in the range of C represents average or satisfactory achievement in accomplishing course goals and objectives.

• Performance in the range of D represents the minimally acceptable performance in accomplishing course goals and objectives.

• An F performance represents unsatisfactory or below minimally acceptable achievement in accomplishing course goals and objectives.

Grades of “+” or “-” are refinements of the letter grades, represent grade point variations and may be used at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading System

WQ* Student-initiated frop, no evaluation

WX* Withdrawal or administrative drop, no evaluation

NG* No grade submitted, contact instructor

I* Incomplete–no credit, unless work is not completed on time, then an F is given

CR*+ Credit

NC*+ No credit

IP*++ In Progress-No Credit

*These grades are not included in computing the grade point average

+CR/NC awarded only for CLEP, master’s option and TexES course work

++IP awarded for some undergraduate internships

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The grade point average is a measure of a student’s academic achievement. Grade point averages are computed by multiplying the grade point earned by the number of credit hours in each course, and then dividing the sum of all grade points obtained by the total number of hours attempted.

The cumulative grade point average is based on the grade points earned since admission to UHCL excluding those hours for which grades are shown with asterisk (*) above. GPAs will round at three decimals. Grades earned for transferred courses are not calculated into grade point average at UHCL.

Incomplete Grade and Incomplete Grade Contract

A grade of Incomplete (I) may be given at the discretion of the instructor to students who are making satisfactory progress in a course. Incompletes are typically given for emergency situations that occur after the withdrawal date but prior to the end of the semester, and which prevent the student from completing course requirements. When assigning the grade of I, instructors provide students with an Incomplete Grade Contract that outlines the work to be accomplished before the incomplete can be converted to a final grade and specifies a deadline date. This contract constitutes an agreement between instructors and students. A grade of I must be resolved within the time limit set by instructors; however, such limits may not be extended beyond the grade submission deadline for the next long semester following the semester in which the incomplete was assigned. Failure to resolve an incomplete will result in its conversion to a final grade of F on students’ permanent records. An I can be converted to a final grade only. A statement denoting the lapse will appear on the transcript.

Students should not re-register for a course to complete a grade of I. Incomplete grade contracts are submitted to the appropriate associate dean’s office.

Students on academic probation, who have outstanding I grades, will remain on probation until all incompletes are resolved. I grades are not calculated in the GPA. An Incomplete which has been changed to a grade or has been converted to an F will be recorded and academic action taken during the semester of the grade change.

In Progress Grade

Some undergraduate internships require a grade of In Progress (IP) until a final grade is earned. The IP grade will not automatically convert to an F if not resolved within a specified time.

Grade Changes

Grade changes are allowed for only one of the following three reasons:

• Removal of an incomplete grade.
• Result of a formal grade appeal or hearing process.
• Correction of instructor error.
• Other than removing an incomplete, grades will not be changed on the basis of extra work submitted after final grades are assigned.

Only the course instructor may assign grades for students in a course. Grade changes may be made by the instructor or the associate dean in the absence of the instructor. After one long semester, a grade change submitted by an instructor must be approved by the associate dean for the program in which the course is taught. Grade changes must be filed in the Office of the Registrar within one year after the original grade is posted. Grade changes resulting from the completion of In Progress (IP) or Incomplete (I) work may only be initiated by the instructor of record or the associate dean. Academic action that results from a grade change will be taken during the semester of the grade change. The changed grade will be the final grade used to compute the GPA.

Repeated Courses

As of fall 2008, if students repeat a course, it is with the understanding that the last grade earned in the course is the one counted toward fulfillment of degree requirements and hours earned. Only the hours and grade points earned on the last attempt will be counted in the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation and in determining academic standing. Any repeated courses where the final attempt was made prior to fall 2008 will be counted in the GPA calculation and in determining academic standing. With prior approval of the appropriate associate dean, students may repeat courses at another college or university to raise a grade, including F, earned at UHCL. However, the original grade earned at UHCL will remain a part of the academic record. Courses repeated at other institutions are treated as transfer credit. They will not be considered resident credit and will not be included in the UHCL GPA. Only grades earned on repeated courses taken at UHCL will be counted in the UHCL GPA. Note: While the last grade earned will be used to calculate GPA and academic standing for the most recent term, academic standing history will not change. In addition, some courses are repeatable for credit and repeating a course will not change the GPA. For example, each attempt of Special Topics courses will count towards the GPA.

Grade Reports

Students can access their semester grades online at www.uhcl.edu/eservices. The student’s password is required for this confidential access. Grades can also be obtained by requesting a transcript. Grade reports are not mailed.

Interim Grade Reports

To help undergraduate students monitor their academic performance, faculty members teaching 1000 and 2000 level courses will provide six-week progress grades for students with unsatisfactory performance. Six-week progress grades are provided in fall and spring semesters only. Interim grades are advisory grades and are not recorded on the student’s permanent record.

Procedures for Entering Interim Grades

Faculty will report grades of D or F through E-Services. Interim grade rosters for 1000 and 2000 level courses will be available starting the Monday of the sixth week of class through Tuesday of the seventh week of class. The Office of the Registrar will notify faculty of the availability of interim grade rosters and the reporting deadlines each spring and fall semester. Students will be able to view interim grades in E-Services once the faculty deadline to enter grades has passed. Interim grade reports will be provided to academic advisers who will contact students experiencing difficulties.

Academic Appeals

Academic appeals include those appeals related to grades and academic programs or degree requirements. In all instances, the university expects that every attempt will be made initially to resolve such disputes informally through discussions by all relevant parties prior to initiating formal procedures.

Appeals of Academic Program or Degree Requirements

All appeals relating to specific program requirements (e.g., residency requirements, master’s degree option decisions) require that students submit a written petition to the associate dean of the degree-granting college detailing the grounds for the appeal. The associate dean will respond in writing with a decision. The student may appeal this decision in writing to the dean within 15 working days of notification. The dean’s decision is final.

Grade Appeals

All appeals relating to specific course grades require that students first seek a satisfactory solution with the instructor. If this is not possible or the instructor cannot be reached, the student must send a written statement detailing the grounds for the appeal to the associate dean of the college in which the grade was earned. This written request must be received by the associate dean within 45 days from the calendar date when grades are available as reported in the UHCL class schedule for that semester. The associate dean will then initiate the appropriate procedures to review the appeal. The student will be notified in writing of the decision. The student may appeal this decision in writing to the dean within 15 working days of notification. The dean’s decision is final on all grade appeals.

Academic Standards

The university expects students to meet certain standards of academic performance in order to maintain good standing and degree candidacy. The academic performance standards stated in this catalog apply to all students regardless of the catalog under which they entered the university.

Academic Status

Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better in course work at UHCL. Each college may establish standards beyond the university’s minimum cumulative GPA requirement. A minimum of 2.000 cumulative GPA is required to graduate. The last attempt of all course work taken as an undergraduate will be used in calculating the grade point average and determining academic status even when those courses are not counted toward degree requirements.

Academic Probation

Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.000 will be placed on academic probation. Students who are on academic probation must earn a minimum 2.000 semester GPA on course work each subsequent semester until the grade point deficiency is removed. Students will be removed from academic probation when their semester grade point average is 2.000 or higher and their cumulative grade point average is at or above 2.000. Only course work taken at UHCL will be applied toward the grade point deficiency. Students on academic probation, whose cumulative GPA meets minimum requirements, will remain on probation until all incompletes are resolved. Students who leave the university on academic probation will be readmitted on academic probation. Academic probation will be noted permanently on students’ academic records.

Academic Probation Counseling

Undergraduate students placed on academic probation will be placed under mandatory academic counseling until such time that the student returns to good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0). The academic probation counseling program is a comprehensive program that requires the student to meet with their academic advisers to evaluate the support needs of the individual. In collaboration with resources and individuals across campus, the student’s academic adviser will assist the student in developing an academic plan that guides the student’s return to good academic standing.

Academic Suspension

What is Academic Suspension?

If you are on academic probation and your semester GPA falls below the required 2.0 for undergraduates or 3.0 for graduate students, you will be placed on academic suspension. Reinstatement from academic suspension is not automatic. You must petition the administrator indicated below in order to request consideration for reinstatement from suspension. If you are suspended, until you are reinstated, you will not be able to enroll, audit, or visit classes for a period of time, as follows:

•  First suspension - one semester
•  Second suspension - one year
•  Third suspension - after one year

When can you return to UHCL?

Reinstatement Process for First or Second Suspension 

After serving your suspension period, before you can apply for reinstatement to UHCL, you must:

Determine whether you will remain in the degree program for which you were previously enrolled. If you are not seeking to change majors upon your return, you will need to submit a request for reinstatement to the associate dean of your college. If you intend to change your degree program, you will need to speak to an academic adviser in the college of your desired program, complete an Academic Record Change form, and send that form along with your reinstatement petition to the associate dean of the college housing your desired program.

Your written reinstatement petition should address 1) the circumstances that led to your academic difficulties, 2) how your circumstances have changed and 3) what steps you intend to take to improve your academic performance if you are reinstated. If you took courses at another institution while under suspension at UHCL, you should attach a copy of transcripts showing your academic activity. Be sure to ask institutions you have attended during your absence from UHCL to send your transcripts to the UHCL Office of Admissions. You may also be asked to provide additional documentation to support the identified circumstances that led to your academic difficulties. If you are applying for reinstatement after a year of non-enrollment at UHCL, once you are reinstated, you will need to submit a new admissions application and pay the appropriate application fee.

Reinstatement decisions will be made by the associate dean of your college or of the college to which you wish to transfer to in consultation with the department chair and designated program faculty. The international student adviser should be notified of the decision, if applicable. In addition to consultation with the faculty, the associate dean will consult with any and all appropriate offices who could have knowledge of the student (Ex: academic advising, student success, etc.). Decisions made by the associate dean may be appealed in writing to the dean of the college within 15 calendar days of the associate dean’s communication of the reinstatement decision.

Reinstatement Process for Third Suspension

If you have been suspended for a third time, you may petition for reinstatement by writing to the associate dean of your college after a year of sitting out from your work at UHCL. Reinstatement is not automatic. The gravity of the circumstances and the academic history will be considered in determining if the petition should be granted. You may not apply for early reinstatement after the second suspension.

Your written petition should address 1) the circumstances that led to your academic difficulties, 2) how your circumstances have changed and 3) what steps you intend to take to improve your academic performance if you are reinstated. If upon reinstatement you wish to change majors, you must include a completed Academic Record Change form with your petition. If you took courses at another institution while under suspension at UHCL, you should attach a copy of transcripts showing your academic activity. Be sure to ask institutions you have attended during your absence from UHCL to send your transcripts to the UHCL Office of Admissions. You may also be asked to provide additional documentation to support the identified circumstances that led to your academic difficulties.

The final decision to reinstate after the third suspension will be made by the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs in consultation with your program faculty, college administrators and all appropriate offices who could have knowledge of your situation.

Early Reinstatement 

If extenuating circumstances beyond your control affected your academic performance, you may submit a petition in writing for early reinstatement to the associate dean of your college or the college to which you are transferring. You may only apply for early reinstatement after the first or second suspension. No early reinstatement will be considered for the third suspension. Early reinstatement is not automatic. The gravity of the circumstances and the academic history will be considered in making a determination on whether the petition should be granted. The final decision to grant early reinstatement will be made by the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs in consultation with your program faculty, college administrators and all appropriate offices who could have knowledge of your situation.

Your written petition for early reinstatement should address 1) the circumstances that led to your academic difficulties, 2) how your circumstances have changed 3) the basis for your request to return from academic suspension early and 4) what steps you intend to take to improve your academic performance if you receive early reinstatement. If upon early reinstatement you wish to change majors, you must include a completed Academic Record Change form with your petition. If you took courses at another institution while under suspension at UHCL, you should attach a copy of transcripts showing your academic activity. Be sure to ask institutions you have attended during your absence from UHCL to send your transcripts to the UHCL Office of Admissions. You may also be asked to provide additional documentation to support the identified circumstances that led to your academic difficulties and reason for early reinstatement.

After Reinstatement

Once you are reinstated, your academic standing will change from academic suspension to academic probation. You will be placed under mandatory academic counseling until you return to good standing. This designation means that as long as you are on probation you will have a registration hold that will require you to meet with your academic adviser in order to register for classes. The administrator authorizing your reinstatement may also stipulate additional conditions until you return to good standing, such as limiting the number of hours you may take, specifying courses that must be completed, or designating the course delivery mode for classes to be taken.

If students are allowed to enter the university after academic suspension, they enter on academic probation and will remain in that status until their cumulative GPA meets the minimum requirement of 2.000 for undergraduate students. A student who is reinstated must undergo mandatory advising and a registration hold will be placed on his/her record until such time that he/she returns to academic good standing. Disciplinary suspensions are not covered by this policy. For details of the UHCL disciplinary policy, see the Student Handbook.

Dean’s List

At the end of each semester, all undergraduate students who earn nine or more credit hours during a fall or spring semester (or six or more credit hours during a summer semester) will be considered for the Dean’s List. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must be in the top 10% of eligible students in their colleges, based on semester GPA. Students who receive any form of the grades of I, D, NG, NC, or F during the semester are not eligible for the Dean’s List.

Academic Honesty Policy

Preamble and Code

Academic honesty is the cornerstone of the academic integrity of the university. It is the foundation upon which the student builds personal integrity and establishes a standard of personal behavior. The university can best function and accomplish its mission in an atmosphere of the highest ethical standards. The university expects and encourages all students to contribute to such an atmosphere by observing all accepted principles of academic honesty. This policy is designed to encourage honest behavior and is jointly administered by faculty and students.

HONESTY CODE: The Honesty Code is the university community’s standard of honesty and is endorsed by all members of the University of Houston-Clear Lake academic community. It is an essential element of the university’s academic credibility. It states:

I will be honest in all my academic activities and will not tolerate dishonesty.

Section I: Responsibilities

Joint Responsibility: Students and members of the faculty are jointly responsible for maintaining the academic integrity of the university by following the Academic Honesty Code and by refusing to participate in or tolerate scholastic dishonesty.

Student Responsibility: All students at the University of Houston-Clear Lake are expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in all academic work attempted while enrolled at the university. This standard of conduct includes reporting incidents of alleged violation of the honesty policy to the instructor involved or, if necessary, to the appropriate academic dean. Each student acknowledges, by the mere act of turning in work for a grade that he or she has honored the Academic Honesty Code.

Faculty Responsibility: Faculty are responsible for helping students comply with the Academic Honesty Policy by noting the Honest Code on the class syllabus. Instructors should help minimize student temptation to violate the code by enacting adequate security precautions in the preparation, handling and administering of graded work. Instructors are responsible for discussing incidents of alleged violation of the Honesty Code with the student involved, outlining authorized penalties for violation of the Honesty Code and notifying the student’s academic dean of record and the Dean of Students when a determination has been made that a student has violated the Honesty Code, regardless of which type of academic sanction the instructor chooses to administer.

While all students are expected to maintain the highest standards of personal academic honesty, it is recognized that some students may not meet these standards. This policy is designated to address, in a uniform manner, cases of alleged violation of the Honesty Code.

Section II: Violations

Honesty Code Violations: Any conduct or activity by a student intended to earn or improve a grade or receive any form of credit by fraudulent or dishonest means is considered an Honesty Code violation. In addition, engaging in any conduct including the following examples which a reasonable person in the same or similar circumstances would recognize as academic dishonesty is considered a violation. Examples of violations of the Honesty Code include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Acquiring information:
   1. Acquiring information for any assigned work or examination from any source not authorized by the professor.
   2. Working with another person or persons on any assignment or examination when not specifically permitted by the instructor.
   3. Observing the work of other students during any examination.
   4. Using, buying, selling, stealing, soliciting, copying or possessing, in whole or part, the contents of an un-administered examination.
   5. Purchasing, or otherwise acquiring and submitting as one’s own work, any research paper or other writing assignment prepared by others.
2. Providing information:
   1. Providing answers for any assigned work or examination when not specifically authorized by the instructor to do so.
   2. Informing any person or persons of the contents of any examination prior to the time the examination is given.
3. Plagiarism:
   1. Incorporating the work or idea of another person into one’s own work without acknowledging the source of that work or idea.
   2. Attempting to receive credit for work performed by another person, including papers obtained in whole or part from individuals or other sources.
   3. Copying copyrighted computer programs or data files belonging to someone else.
   4. Conspiracy - agreeing with one or more persons to commit any act of academic dishonesty.
4. Fabrication of information:
   1. Falsifying the results obtained from a research or laboratory experiment.
   2. Presenting results of research or laboratory experiments without the research or laboratory experiments having been performed.
   3. Substituting for another student to take an examination or to do any academic work for which academic credit will be received. Changing answers or grades after an academic work has been returned to the student and claiming instructor error.
   4. Submitting work for credit or taking an examination and employing a technique specifically prohibited by the instructor in that course, even if such techniques would be acceptable in other courses.
5. Abuse of resource materials:
   1. Mutilating, destroying, concealing, stealing or altering any materials provided to assist students in the completion of academic work, including library books, journals, computer files, microfilm and microfiche files, materials placed on reserve by the instructor or any such materials as the instructor may provide or assign.
   2. Copying any data files or copyrighted computer program(s) for one’s own personal use or the use of others.
   3. Copying without permission of the owner, or mutilating or destroying any copyrighted media, printed or electronic (for example, film, video, music, graphics, art, photography or manuscript).
   4. Failing to report to the instructor any incident in which a student witnesses an alleged violation of the Academic Honesty Code. Details regarding the Academic Honesty Enforcement Procedures, Resolutions, Sanctions and Academic Honesty Council can be found in the Student Handbook in hard copy and online at the UHCL website and in the Faculty Handbook online at the UHCL website. Further policies governing alteration or misuse of university documents or furnishing false information to university officials may also be found in the Student Handbook or online at the UHCL website.

Records

The Dean of Students shall retain a copy of all Honesty Code Violation forms. If the sanction imposed is a final grade penalty, suspension or expulsion, the registrar’s office is notified and a record of the notification is maintained in the registrar’s office according to the prescribed operating procedures of that office. If the student is found in violation of the Honesty Code and the penalty is anything except suspension or expulsion, the form does not become a part of the student’s permanent record or transcript. Instead, it is retained by the dean of students. If the student is found in violation of the Honesty Code and the penalty is suspension or expulsion, the record becomes part of the student’s permanent academic file and the notation of “Disciplinary Suspension” or “Disciplinary Expulsion” is placed on the transcript. In the case of suspension, the notation will be removed at the conclusion of the specific suspension period at the written request of the student. In the case of expulsion, the entry is noted permanently.

University Degree Requirements

University undergraduate degree requirements include lower-level, core curriculum and upper-level requirements.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements for Bachelor of Applied Science Degree

All candidates for a Bachelor of Applied Science degree at UHCL must meet certain minimum requirements. Additional requirements may be imposed by the individual department or college. Students should refer to the department or college section of this catalog for complete requirements and total number of hours prescribed for the specific major.

The following are the minimum requirements for a Bachelor of Applied Science degree:

1. Students must complete at least 120 semester credit hours. A minimum of 45 hours of the 120 semester hours must be advanced (3000-4000 level) course work according to the requirements of the respective major.
2. Students must complete the University Core Curriculum requirements (refer to Core Curriculum Requirements section of this catalog).
3. Students must fulfill the statutory requirements of the Texas State Education Code, including the following:
   1. Six hours of U.S. History (three hours may be Texas History).
   2. Six hours of Constitutions of the United States and Texas.
4. Students must complete at least 25% of the credit hours required for the degree (i.e., 30 semester credit hours for a 120 credit-hour program) through instruction offered by UHCL to fulfill the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) residency requirements.
5. Students must complete the final 30 semester hours of 3000 and 4000 level course work in residence at UHCL.
6. Students must complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of upper-level (3000-4000 level) coursework in the major in residence at UHCL.
   Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 on course work completed at UHCL with grades of C or better on at least 30 hours of resident upper-level work. Grades of C- or below cannot be applied toward the 30 hours of resident upper-level work.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Nursing

All candidates for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at UHCL must meet certain minimum requirements. Students should refer to the department or college section of this catalog for complete requirements and total number of hours prescribed for the specific degree.

The following are the minimum requirements for a B.S.N. degree:

1. Student must complete an associate’s degree in nursing or equivalent degree. Some of the credits earned as part of the A.D.N. will be applied toward the 120 semester credit-hour requirement for the B.S.N. degree.
2. Students must complete the University Core Curriculum requirements (refer to Core Curriculum Requirements section of this catalog).
3. Students must fulfill the statutory requirements of the Texas State Education Code, including the following:
   1. Six hours of U.S. History (three hours may be Texas History).
   2. Six hours of Constitutions of the United States and Texas.
4. A minimum of 45 hours, including 30 upper-level hours in nursing, must be taken in residence.
5. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 on course work completed at UHCL with grades of C or better on at least 30 hours of resident upper-level work. Grades of C- or below cannot be applied toward the 30 hours of resident upper-level work.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements for Bachelor of Art, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Social Work Degrees

All candidates for a bachelor’s degree at UHCL must meet certain minimum requirements. Additional requirements may be imposed by the individual department or college. Students should refer to the department or college section of this catalog for complete requirements and total number of hours prescribed for the specific major.

The following are the minimum requirements for a bachelor’s degree:

1. Students must complete at least 120 semester credit hours. A minimum of 45 hours of the 120 semester hours must be advanced (3000-4000 level) course work according to the requirements of the respective major.
2. Students must complete the University Core Curriculum requirements (refer to Core Curriculum Requirements section of this catalog).
3. Students must fulfill the statutory requirements of the Texas State Education Code, including the following:
   1. Six hours of U.S. History (three hours may be Texas History).
   2. Six hours of Constitutions of the United States and Texas.
4. Students must demonstrate writing proficiency by completing nine hours of lower-level (1000-2000 level) and upper-level (3000-4000 level) English composition course credit with a minimum grade of C- or better. Some majors may require higher grades in English composition.
5. Students must complete at least 25% of the credit hours required for the degree (i.e., 30 semester credit hours for a 120 credit-hour program) through instruction offered by UHCL to fulfill the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) residency requirements.
6. Students must complete the final 30 semester hours of 3000 and 4000 level course work in residence at UHCL.
7. Students must complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of upper-level (3000-4000 level) coursework in the major in residence at UHCL.
8. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 on course work completed at UHCL with grades of C or better on at least 30 hours of resident upper-level work. Grades of C- or below cannot be applied toward the 30 hours of resident upper-level work.

Requirements for a Minor

Students may earn a minor by satisfying certain requirements.

The general requirements are as follows:

1. Students must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours in the minor field.
2. At least nine of the 15 semester hours must be 3000 level or higher.
3. At least six of the nine 3000 or higher semester hours must be taken in residence at UHCL.
4. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on courses attempted in the minor at UHCL.

Minors may include additional requirements but will require no less than 15 semester hours of work in the minor field of study. The 15-hour limit excludes prerequisite courses.

Minors must be completed prior to graduation. Minor hours do not need to be completed within a student’s primary program of study (typically 120 hours). Minor hours do not alter excess hour fee requirements.

Minors may be associated with a disciplinary program or may be interdisciplinary. Interdisciplinary minors will comprise a planned integration of two or more disciplines with program and college approval.

Not all programs offer minors, but those that do will provide academic advice for the students who seek minors in their areas.

Substitutions in a minor can be initiated by either the major- or minor-granting department, but must be approved by both departments.

Students should consult the requirements listed in the catalog.

A minor is displayed on the transcript after graduation but is not displayed on the diploma.

Time Limitation on Course Work Prior to Admission

Upper-level (3000-4000 level) credit earned more than seven years prior to the most current admission to undergraduate study at UHCL may not be counted unless approval is granted by the dean of the college. It is the prerogative of the department chair, in consultation with the faculty member responsible for the corresponding rubric to determine whether the courses meet current standards of the discipline; and, whether students can demonstrate sufficient retention of the previous content. The department chair will forward the recommendation to the dean of the college.

Additional Bachelor’s Degrees

Students possessing a bachelor’s degree from UHCL or another accredited institution may earn an additional bachelor’s degree in a different major by satisfying the following:

• Fulfillment of UHCL’s core curriculum requirements as previously noted. These requirements maybe fulfilled through prior course work and/or additional current course work, advanced placement credit, correspondence credit or CLEP credit.
• Completion of an approved CPS subject to the following provisions:
  • Fulfillment of all requirements of the specific degree program.
  • Completion of a minimum of 30 hours of upper-level course work, which must be taken in residence.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.000 on course work completed at UHCL, and grades of C or better on at least30 hours of resident upper-level course work. Grades of C- or below cannot be applied toward the 30hours of resident upper-level work.

Students pursuing additional bachelor’s degrees after the conferral of the first bachelor’s degree will be classified as post-baccalaureate and considered as undergraduates for all purposes including standards for academic performance. Credits earned and applied toward any previously earned bachelor’s degree will be reviewed by either the director, chair or coordinator of the program for applicability toward an additional bachelor’s degree.

Double Degrees

Students pursuing a double degree must meet the requirements below. Students who want official university recognition for more than a double major must earn more than one bachelor’s degree.

The degree objectives for double degree-seeking students can be different (e.g., B.A. and B.S.) or the same. The decision to seek double major or double degree should consider the combination of degrees and necessary hours for completion of major requirements.

• Student must officially declare and complete the degree requirements for both degrees. One degree will be referred to as the primary degree and the other will be referred to as the secondary degree. Students will be held to the catalog requirements in place at the time of declaration for each degree.
• Two separate degrees will be awarded.
• In order to complete a double degree, a student must earn a minimum of 30 additional advanced semester hours for the secondary degree; these 30 hours are in addition to the minimum total hours required for the primary degree.
• The primary degree should be the degree with the highest minimum total hour requirement.
• A minimum of 150 credit hours is needed for two degrees.
• Coursework that is required or may be counted by both degrees based on catalog requirements can be used towards both degrees.

Double Majors

Students may earn a baccalaureate degree with two majors (i.e., a double major) provided they meet all the following requirements:

• The baccalaureate degree must be the same for both majors (e.g., B.A., B.S.). Students must select a primary major and a secondary major. The college of the primary major will issue the university diploma.
• Students who pursue a double major between a College of Business program and another UHCL program outside of the College of Business must select the business major as their primary major and reside in the College of Business as the department of record.
• Students must satisfy the college and major degree requirements for their primary major that were in effect at the time they were admitted into the primary major and those for their second major in effect at the time they were admitted into the second major.
• Students may not add a second major to a baccalaureate degree they have already received.
• Students must meet minimum grade requirements required by the respective college for each major.
• Students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of advanced work in residence in each major.
• Coursework that is required or counted by both majors based on catalog requirements can be used towards both majors. Courses required by both majors will count towards both majors in content and hours.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake does not recognize more than two majors for a single baccalaureate degree. Students who want official university recognition for more than a double major must earn more than one baccalaureate degree.

Students pursuing a double major who complete all degree requirements for one major but not the other may graduate by dropping the incomplete major, and graduating with only the single completed major.

Curriculum Requirements

Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world; develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world; and, advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning (THECB, 2013). The core curriculum at UHCL contains 42 semester credit hours, encompassing nine component areas. Each component area has a minimum credit hour requirement and a set of specific courses that may be used to satisfy the requirement. The chart below details the courses that comprise UHCL’s core curriculum and its Texas common course number (TCCN) equivalents.

Core Curriculum Requirements

Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world; develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world; and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning (THECB,2013). The core curriculum at UHCL contains 42 semester credit hours, encompassing nine component areas. Each component area has a minimum credit hour requirement and a set of specific courses that may be used to satisfy the requirement. The chart below details the courses that compose UHCL’s core curriculum and its Texas common course number (TCCN) equivalents.

Two 1-hour Natural Science Labs (Note: Labs are the co-requisites to the Life and Physical Sciences listed).

Assessment

UHCL may use educational assessment tools. “Educational assessment” is defined as the systematic collection, interpretation, and use of information about student demographics, educational environments, learning outcomes, and professional success. These assessment tools will not affect student grades but will provide faculty with confidential detailed information that will be used to improve student learning, courses, curriculum, and program accreditation.

Freshman and Sophomore Students Taking Upper-Level Courses

Students with less than 48 hours of college credit at the 1000/2000 level cannot enroll in 3000/4000 level courses.

English Composition I and II Requirement

All students who enter the university are required to complete WRIT 1301 - Composition I  and WRIT 1302 - Composition II  or their equivalents within the first 30 hours of their degree program.

Non-Course-Based Options

UHCL offers non-course-based options (NCBO) for students who do not pass one or more areas of the TSI Assessment and are required to take NCBO per the TSI guidelines. Students placed in NCBO will also be placed in the entry-level college course for the subject area(s) needing improvement based on the TSI Assessment results. Participation in the NCBO and the companion college level course is mandatory during the first semester of enrollment. The NCBO are non-credit courses and are offered free of cost to students.

Graduation under a Particular Catalog

Degree-seeking students should file Candidate Plan of Study (CPS), normally in the first semester of enrollment. Graduation requirements will be those of the UHCL catalog in effect when the CPS is signed and dated by the appropriate dean’s office and will be effective on that date.

Students transferring within a year directly to UHCL from a Texas public community college may petition the college’s associate dean to have the initial CPS use the degree requirements of the catalog ineffective when the students began the last period of continuous enrollment at the community college or a subsequent catalog. The effective date of the CPS will be either the date the students began the last period of continuous enrollment at a college prior to transferring to UHCL or January 1 of the academic year of the catalog used.

If students maintain continuous enrollment, they are entitled to graduate under the degree provisions on the CPS. Failure to enroll in and satisfactorily complete at least one course in a 12-month period shall break students’ continuous enrollment for the purpose of the CPS. The associate dean may require revision of the CPS of students who have not maintained continuous enrollment. The revision may bring the plan into conformance with provisions of any catalog issued after the effective date of the plan. Students may, with the approval of their adviser and associate dean, amend their CPS to comply with the provisions of catalogs issued after the effective date of a previously filed CPS. When degree requirements change because of changes in standards set by regulatory authorities, licensing authorities or accrediting agencies, CPSs for all students in affected programs may be revised. In such cases, the university will seek to alter the CPS only to the extent required to meet the new standards.

Degree requirements must be completed within seven years from the effective date of the CPS. Exceptions may be granted by the appropriate dean. Undergraduate students exceeding the time limit will automatically come under the provisions of a more recent catalog, the specific edition to be determined by the appropriate dean’s office.

Applying for Graduation

Degrees are not awarded automatically upon completion of degree requirements. To be considered a candidate for graduation, the student must submit an online application for graduation via their student E-Services account. Degree candidates must officially apply for graduation within the first three weeks of the semester in which they plan to graduate, but no later than the date specified in the Academic Calendar. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for online graduation application dates and deadlines to avoid additional late fee charges. To be eligible to apply for graduation, students must have completed or be enrolled in the final courses required to meet graduation requirements. A non-refundable fee is required of all students who intend to complete their degree regardless if they choose to participate in the commencement ceremony. If students do not successfully complete their degree requirements at the close of the semester for which they have applied, they will be required to reapply and pay another fee during the subsequent semester in which they intend to graduate. Students who elect to participate in the commencement ceremony must “walk in” the semester they graduate. As there is no commencement ceremony in the summer, students who graduate in August will be eligible to participate in the December ceremony. Diplomas are mailed after the final approval is received from the graduating student’s school. Diplomas are mailed to students 10 to 12 weeks after the end of the semester. Diplomas are mailed to the mailing address on record at the time of graduation. Students who graduate from UHCL must complete a new application and pay the applicable application fee in order to continue taking classes.

Latin Honors

Undergraduate students who have applied to graduate and have completed their degree requirements with exceptionally high scholastic averages will be eligible for Latin Honors. To be considered as a candidate for Latin Honors a student must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at close of the semester prior to applying for graduation.  The final cumulative GPA at graduation will be used to determin Latin Honors.  

Unless determined differently by a student’s college, graduating students will be awarded Latin Honors within the following grade point averages ranges:

Summa Cum Laude:  3.90 to 4.00

Magna Cum Laude:  3.75 to 3.89

Cum Laude:  3.5 to 3.74