2015–2016A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

4 University of Houston-Downtown

For more information, please contact

UHD Student Activities and EventsOne Main Street 204-SouthHouston, TX 77002(713) 221-8573www.uhd.edu/orientation

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5

| UHD GuideComprehensive advice and information for student success

6 | Welcome to the University of Houston-Downtown!

7 | UHD Academics

13 | UHD Fast Facts (Did you know)

13 | University Life

14 | Extended Educational Opportunities

15 | Financing your Student’s Education: Financial Information

18 | Knowing your Student’s Rights: Student Records and the FERPA Law

20 | Life on campus: Beyond the classroom

26 | Campus Map

28 | Official UHD Student ID Card

28 | The UHD Police and Campus Safety

29 | Frequently Called Numbers

contents

www.universityparent.com/uhd 5

6 University of Houston-Downtown

Dear Parents and Families,

It is our pleasure to welcome you and your student(s) to the gator family! We thank you for making an investment in our university and your student’s educational endeavors. The administration, faculty, staff, and students share your excitement and anticipation as you get ready to embark on a new adventure at the University of Houston-Downtown!

We believe that communication with our students’ families is essential to having a successful college experience. Parents and family members should be

equipped with information and resources to assist their students, and we hope this University Parent Guide provides you with knowledge and information needed to better support your students with their experiences on campus. We also hope you take this guide back home so you are able to use it for future reference whenever you have questions or concerns about university policies and resources.

Thank you for supporting your student’s decision to attend the University of Houston-Downtown, and we look forward to building long-lasting relationships with your students and your families!

Welcome to the University of Houston-Downtown!

www.universityparent.com/uhd 7

College of BusinessB400, Shea St. Buildinguhd.edu/academic/colleges/business

The College of Business is situated in Downtown Houston (One Main Street) in a 150,000 square foot building that opened in August 2007 at a cost of $35 million. The facility contains a technology commons with full electronic support for students, including laptop computer checkout and ample gathering space for students to casually network or work together on team projects.

Our downtown location and close proximity to the Port of Houston (the busiest port in the United States in terms of foreign tonnage, second-busiest in the United States in terms of overall tonnage, and tenth-busiest in the world), provides ready access to Houston’s 22

corporate headquarters of Fortune 500 companies — second only to New York’s 45. The Greater Houston Partnership has a strategic goal of “helping create an additional 600,000 jobs in the next 10 years.” The additional jobs will be in the industry clusters of biotechnology, aerospace and aviation, energy and petrochemicals, health care, information technology, and nanotechnology.

The College of Business has many opportunities for study in all areas of business. If your student wants to become an accountant, stockbroker, or corporate recruiter, we can help them achieve their goal. If students are unsure, we can help them evaluate their interests, set goals, and develop an educational plan that will provide them with a lucrative and rewarding career.

UHD Academics

8 University of Houston-Downtown

College of Humanities & Social Sciences1015-South, One Main Buildinguhd.edu/academic/colleges/humanities

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is committed to teaching, research/creative activities, and service. At the heart of CHSS is the value placed on the diversity of humanity and a belief in education as the foundation of an empowered, free, and engaged citizenry capable of individual creativity and social responsibility. Faculty members demonstrate and students develop this capacity through multiple disciplinary perspectives: historical and theoretical inquiry, quantitative and critical/qualitative analysis, and creative cultural production. CHSS students gain crucial communication skills (critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking) and respect for the breadth of human experience essential for thriving in complex global communities.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers degrees in traditional liberal arts disciplines and interdisciplinary studies and in select applied programs

that serve important needs in our employment and educational market. The college also supports and enriches the broader curriculum and enhances the life of the university community through co-curricular initiatives in the Departments of Arts and Humanities, English, and Social Sciences and in the work of the O’Kane Theatre, O’Kane Gallery, Cultural Enrichment Center, and the Center for Public Deliberation.

College of Public ServiceC400, Commerce St. Buildinguhd.edu/academic/colleges/publicservice

The College of Public Service is a community based center for higher learning dedicated to preparing students to enter professional careers in criminal justice and education. It believes that an educated society creates thoughtful policy and humanistic practices for the betterment of its diverse constituents.The College of Public Service strives to engage in dynamic research that will improve the quality of our area schools and justice institutions, and instill scholarship, integrity, and responsibility in tomorrow’s leaders.

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College of Science & Technology723-North, One Main Buildinguhd.edu/academic/colleges/sciences

The College of Sciences and Technology prepares students for careers or post-graduate study and research in the sciences, technology, mathematics, and computer science. Faculty members provide quality instruction as they bring leading-edge science and technology into the classroom. The college responds to and works with government and industry through cooperative research programs and grants, which enhance the educational environment and experiences of our majors.

The UHD Scholars Academy is an academically competitive program within the College of Sciences and Technology at the University of Houston-Downtown that promotes scholarship and student success for undergraduate students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Along with a rich and rigorous curriculum, the College of Sciences and Technology offers opportunities to do independent research in a number of laboratories,

the Center for Applied Polymer Science Research, Center for Computational Sciences and Advanced Distributed Simulation, Integrative Molecular Life Sciences Laboratory, the Thermal Analysis Laboratory, and the Elemental Analysis Laboratory.

University College655-South, One Main Buildinguhd.edu/academic/colleges/university

Committed to learning across multiple disciplines and from a variety of diverse perspectives, University College fosters the versatility and creativity essential to success in the 21st Century. The College houses two baccalaureate degrees: the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies (BS-ISS) and the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree with a major in Applied Administration (BAAS-AA). Among the academic enrichment programs are Supplemental Instruction, College Success courses, Freshman Summer Success Program, and Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID). Moreover, University College maintains several initiatives that assist undergraduate students in making the most of their university experience as they transition into higher education and beyond.

Core Curriculum

Students seeking a degree from UHD must complete the core curriculum. This collection of general education courses emphasizes the skills and knowledge important in all academic areas. Students must take a minimum of 42 hours in such courses as English composition, speech, mathematics, natural science, computer science, literature, fine arts, behavioral science, and American history and government. The core curriculum requirements, and those courses that satisfy them, are published in the UHD Catalog.

10 University of Houston-Downtown

Course Credit and Numbering System

Progress toward the completion of academic work is measured in terms of semester credit hours. One semester credit hour is normally equivalent to one hour of class work, or from one to six hours of laboratory work per week for a semester. All courses are identified by discipline and number. The first digit of a course number indicates the academic level. Courses in the 1000 series are generally for freshmen, 2000 for sophomores, 3000 for juniors, and 4000 for seniors. The 5000 and 6000 series courses are graduate courses. Undergraduates are not allowed to enroll in graduate courses without permission of the academic department which offers the courses. The second digit indicates the number of semester credit hours that the course carries. The third and fourth digits specify a particular course within its discipline. The three numbers in parentheses after each course title indicate the number of semester credit hours, the number of class hours per week, and the number of additional laboratory or activity hours per week.

Texas Success Initiative

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has contracted with the College Board to develop the New TSI Assessment. The New TSI Assessment was implemented to ensure that one standard instrument and one set of standards for all public institutions in Texas measure academic skills needed to succeed in math, reading, and writing. Any student planning to enroll at a Texas public institution of higher education on or after the Institution’s first day for Fall 2013 and beyond will be administered the New TSI Assessment. Students may qualify for an exemption from TSI and therefore be ready for college-level courses.

Exemptions from TSI testing include:

• Associate (AA or AS) or a baccalaureate (BA or BS) degree from a Texas public institution of higher education

• ACT composite score of 23 or higher with a score of at least 19 on both the math and English sections (scores good for 5 years from original test date)

• SAT score of 1070 or higher with at least 500 on both the math and verbal sections (scores good for 5 years from original test date)

• TAKS (Eleventh grade exit-level) with at least 2200 on MATH and/or at least 2200 on English Language Arts with a writing score at least 3 (scores good for 5 years from original test date)

• STAAR end-of-course (EOC) with at least 2000 on Level 2 of the English III are exempt from the TSI Assessment for both reading and writing, and at least 4000 on Level 2 of the Algebra II EOC (scores good for 5 years from original test date)

• Active duty military, Texas National Guard, or reserves, or were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty in the military, the Texas National Guard, or the reserves after August 1, 1990.

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The TSI Assessment

The TSI Assessment is a program designed to help UHD determine if students are ready for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. This assessment will also help determine what type of courses or intervention will best meet your student’s needs to help them become better prepared for college level course work should they need it. If your student is an incoming college student in Texas, they are required to take the TSI Assessment unless they are exempt. Contact Academic Advising prior to testing if you have questions regarding TSI exemptions. Based on your student’s performance on the TSI Assessment, they will be enrolled in a college-level course that matches their skill level or an appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve their skills and prepare them for success in college-level courses.

What is the Mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity?

Before students take the TSI Assessment, they must participate in a mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA). They will not be permitted to take the TSI Assessment until they have completed this activity and provided documentation to the testing center.

To complete the PAA follow these steps:

• Log on to UHD’s Student E-Services click on the TSI Pre-Assessment tab.

• Complete the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA).

• Print the email confirmation of PAA when it arrives in your gatormail account.

• The TSI Assessment does not require an appointment, please visit UHD testing for available days and times or visit the testing center in room S280.

• Bring email confirmation, a valid non-expired government issued ID, and $29.00 test fee on test day.

• Complete the untimed TSI Assessment.

• Report to your Academic Advisor with a copy of your individual score report.

The TSI Assessment

is a program designed

to help UHD determine

if students are ready for

college-level

course work...

12 University of Houston-Downtown

Majors Offered at the University of Houston-Downtown

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Accounting

Enterprise Information Systems

Finance

General Business

Insurance and Risk Management

International Business

Management

Marketing

Supply Chain Management

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES

& SOCIAL SCIENCES

Communications

English

Fine Arts

History

Humanities

Philosophy

Political Science

Professional Writing

Psychology

Social Sciences

Sociology

Spanish

Master of Arts Non-profit Management

Master of Science Professional Writing

Master of Science Technical Communication

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Criminal Justice

Interdisciplinary Studies (Teacher Certifications)

Social Work

Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in:

Bilingual, Elementary, & Secondary Education

Curriculum Instruction

Master of Security Management for Executives

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

& TECHNOLOGY

Applied Statistics

Biology

Biological and Physical Sciences

Biotechnology

Chemistry

Industrial Chemistry

Mathematics

Mathematics, Secondary Teacher Certification

Microbiology

Safety Management

Engineering Technology

Control & Instrumentation Electronics Design

Structural Analysis & Design

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS)

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

13

UHD is:• The second largest public,

four-year University in Houston and 15th largest in Texas.

• Ranked 33rd nationally for graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees and a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution.

• Ranked 37th nationally for graduating African-American students with bachelor’s degrees and a federally designated Minority Serving Institution.

University Information

• Founded: 1974

• President: William V. Flores

• Alumni: 36,820

• One of four distinct universities in the University of Houston System

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) celebrates student success, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, integrity, and service. UHD faculty and staff members are committed to providing students with quality educational opportunities and helping them achieve their educational goals.

UHD is a publicly-supported, urban university located in Houston’s central business district. It draws students from throughout the Greater Houston area. UHD is considered one of the most ethnically diverse liberal arts institutions in the southwest, a distinction that indicates the student body accurately reflects the Houston community’s wealth of cultures, languages, and nationalities. The University offers all students a specially tailored opportunity for quality higher education, as well as small classes and personal interest from faculty.

UHD Fast Facts (Did you know)

University Life

www.universityparent.com/uhd

14 University of Houston-Downtown

UHD Distance Education

UHD has great opportunities for students who live or work in the suburban Houston areas. Courses taken off campus or online may apply to any UHD degree program in which they are ordinarily accepted. Students enjoy the ability to tailor their schedule to meet individual needs by taking courses at multiple locations or using multiple formats.

UHD at Lone Star College – Atascocita15903 Westlake Houston ParkwayHouston, Texas 77044(713) 237-5407

UHD at Lone Star College – Cy-Fair9191 Barker Cypress RoadCypress, Texas 77433(281) 290-3435

Extended Educational Opportunities

UHD at Lone Star College – Kingwood20000 Kingwood DriveKingwood, Texas 77339(713) 221-2766

UHD-Northwest at Lone Star College – University Park Building 1220515 SH 249 Houston, TX 77070 (713) 237-5400distanceed@uhd.edu

UHD Online Programswww.uhd.edu/academic/distance

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UHD Tuition & Mandatory Fees

The amounts shown are provided to better assist in assessing the cost of enrolling at UHD. While this information is intended to be comprehensive, tuition and fees are subject to change without notice by action of the Texas Legislature and/or the Board of Regents of the University of Houston System. Students are responsible for any additional amounts due, including changes to any fees and waivers resulting from audits and corrections. The chart above shows estimated costs for tuition and fees.

Financing your Student’s Education: Financial Information

The Cashier’s Office & Payment Information

The Cashier Office accepts and processes payments from students for tuition, fees, and miscellaneous items. The Cashier’s Office can assist in explanation of Student Account Statements and can provide additional assistance regarding payment options and deadlines.

Payment Deadlines

It is important to be aware of our payment deadlines so that you can remind your student(s) to make arrangements to

Estimated Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (varies by semester)

Full-time student with 12 or more credit hours.

Direct Costs Texas Resident Non-Texas Resident

Tuition & Fees $5,516 $14,204

Books and Supplies $1,167 $1,167

Indirect Costs

Living Expenses with Parents $4,265 $4,265

Living Expenses not with Parents $8,532 $8,532

Transportation $2,844 $2,844

Miscellaneous $3,926 $3,926

16 University of Houston-Downtown

pay tuition and fees on time to maintain enrollment. It is the responsibility of the student to know the due dates for all payments and to meet the deadlines. Payment deadlines are available online in the Academic Calendar at www.uhd.edu or in the Student Registration Bulletin.

Payment Options

Full Payment – Allows students to pay their tuition and fees in full by check, money order, cashier’s check, credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and/or VISA), or cash.

Installment Plan – Allows students to pay their tuition and fees by installment. The number of installments available is determined by the date the installment plan is established and is equal to the number of months left until the end of the semester. The first payment must be made at the time the installment loan is created with the remaining payments due the first day of each month until the end of the semester. Installment Plans are available online and in person at the Cashier’s office.

Payment Methods

Web – Students may access student e-services online to make full or installment payments using a credit card or electronic check.

Mail – Students can send payments via standard mail for processing. Please ensure that all mailed payments follow the below listed requirements.

• Make check/money order payable to University of Houston-Downtown. No third party checks accepted.

• Checks must be preprinted — we do not accept temporary checks.

• We do not accept postdated checks — any check received will be processed upon receipt.

• We must have the driver’s license of the person that signed the check.

• The UHD student ID number must be on the face of the check.

• The check must be for no more than the total amount due. We do not give cash back.

• The check must be from an American bank. We do not accept checks drawn on foreign banks.

• Classes will NOT be saved with less than the minimum required amount. Payment must be received by the payment deadline for each semester. (UHD does not receive mail on Saturdays.)

Fax – Students can fax a Credit Card Authorization Form and applicable copies of identification to the Cashier’s Office for payment processing. The Credit Card Authorization form is available online at www.uhd.edu.

In Person – Students can pay in person in the Cashier’s Office (Suite 310S) by check, money order, cashier’s check, credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and/or VISA), or cash. Your student must present a valid Government-issued ID or Student ID to be able to make payment in person or inquire about their account.

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Financial Aid Awards – Once a student’s file is complete, most financial aid awards will be credited to their account automatically when the student registers for the same number of hours for which they were awarded or approximately 10 days prior to the first day of the semester. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their account to verify that financial aid has been posted by the payment deadline. Account status can be reviewed and tracked online through student e-services.

Emergency Tuition Loans

UHD offers emergency tuition loans to students who are unable to make their first installment payment either because financial aid funds are not yet available or because of temporary financial hardship. In order to be eligible for an emergency tuition loan, students must be registered for all classes they intend to take for the term, classified as a Texas resident for tuition purposes, and not have any financial holds or have made the appropriate arrangements with the Student Accounting Office. Students can request emergency loans online through student e-services during the period specified in the Academic Calendar found online www.uhd.edu. Emergency loans are not available for the May/Winter mini-semesters.

Book Loans

UHD offers Book Loans in the fall and spring semesters to aid in the process of purchasing necessary books and supplies in the beginning of the semester for your student. Book loans are available in the amount of $300 for students registered in 6 or more credit hours and $150 for students registered in 1-5 credit hours. These loans can only be utilized at the on-site Barnes & Noble campus bookstore and are available for use the next business day after they are issued. Book loans are not available during the summer or mini-semesters.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

The UHD Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid offers a variety of financial aid programs to assist undergraduate and graduate students in meeting educational costs. The programs include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study, which may be awarded in various combinations and amounts to meet individual student needs. Because funds are limited in many programs, it is important to begin the application process early and complete the necessary applications properly and on time. Priority deadline is April 1 of each year.

Most federal and state aid is awarded on the basis of proven financial need rather than academic achievement. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, talents, and special skills rather than proven financial need.

Financial Aid does not have to be approved or awarded before a student can register classes; however, the student is responsible for meeting all payment deadlines until their financial aid is approved or awarded.

Book loans are

available in the

amount of $300

for students

registered in 6

or more credit

hours and $150

for students

registered in 1-5

credit hours.

18 University of Houston-Downtown

Knowing your Student’s Rights: Student Records and the FERPA Law

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (1974), also known as the Buckley Amendment, helps protect the privacy of student records. The act provides for the right to inspect and review educational records, to seek to amend those records, and to limit disclosure or information from the records. The act applies to all institutions that are the recipients of federal funding.

UHD has a policy in conformity with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) covering the release of student records.

Student rights include the following:

• Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the university receives the request.

• Students have the right to request amendment of their education records that they believe are inaccurate or misleading.

• Students have the right to consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

• Students have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

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An educational record (with certain exceptions) is any record from which a student can be personally identified and maintained by UHD or an authorized party. Educational records include any records in the possession of an employee that are shared with or made accessible to another individual. The records may be handwritten, print, magnetic tape, film, email, or some other medium.

The information that UHD has designated as Directory Information is what the Institution may disclose without violating FERPA. For a list of what the University has designated as Directory Information, please see the Student Handbook. UHD notifies students annually of their rights under FERPA and informs them of what constitutes Directory Information. Students may, if they desire, request that Directory Information not be released. The request to withhold Directory Information must be submitted in writing to the Registrar’s Office. The confidentiality request form is available online at www.uhd.edu/registrar.

Students who are currently enrolled or formerly enrolled regardless of their age or parental dependency status are protected by FERPA law. FERPA does not apply to deceased students.

Gaining Access to Your Student’s Records

Students must authorize the Registrar’s Office to release their academic transcripts and student information. In addition to the student, the following parties may have access to student information: any third party who has the student’s signed consent, school officials who have a legitimate educational interest, or a person in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order. Please note that a reasonable attempt to notify the student will be made prior to complying with the subpoena or order as dictated by law.

Parents may gain access to student records if the student is a dependent student as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. A copy of the parents’ most recent Federal Income Tax form, indicating that the parents declared the student as a dependent, must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office to document dependency.

Disclosure of Educational Records to School Officials

In accordance with FERPA and at its discretion, UHD will disclose information from a student’s education records without the written consent of the student 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 University police, 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 in an official capacity another school official in performing his or her official duties.

For added information regarding the FERPA law, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

Students who

are currently

enrolled or

formerly enrolled

regardless of their

age or parental

dependency status

are protected by

FERPA law.

20 University of Houston-Downtown

Life on campus: Beyond the classroom

U-Online and E-Serviceswww.uhd.edu/eservices

In our ongoing effort to provide better, faster, and more convenient access to our students, both on and off campus, UHD has created the U-Online portal. Students can access e-services from home, work or school to look up open classes, check their registration eligibility, print their schedule of classes, pay their tuition/fee bill, access their semester grade, check the status of their financial aid, register online, change their address, request transcripts, check their university email, and log in to Blackboard Vista.

Gatormail: The Student Email Account

UHD assigns student email accounts (accessible on e-services) as a means of communication between faculty, staff, and students. The use of email services should be for legitimate educational purposes. The Office of Student Services & Enrollment Management governs access to student email services. Please encourage your students to use their student email addresses. Many departments, including Financial Aid & Scholarships, will solely use gatormail to contact students. This also the way the university contacts students regarding emergency alerts and university updates and information.

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Life on campus: Beyond the classroom

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)

There are automatic teller machines (from Higher One) located in the 3rd floor of the One Main building across from the Registrar’s Office and three additional ATM machines in the cafeteria, the Commerce Street Building, and the Shea Street Building. We currently do not have a banking facility on campus, but students can use the ATM to withdraw from their GatorCard (no fees) or any other banking institution.

UHD Dining Services3rd Floor, One Main Building

On the third floor of the Academic Building, you will find the University Food Court, a Starbucks, and Smoothie King for your student’s enjoyment. During the Fall and Spring semesters, the Food Court offers a wide variety of lunch options including Chick-fil-A, Subway, Grille Works, Bene Pizzeria, and a Salad Garden, as well as a large assortment of “Grab’N’Go” items for convenience and a F’real milkshake machine. Stop by the Grille Works in the morning for breakfast tacos, pancakes, hash-browns, grits, breakfast sandwiches and more! In addition Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Subway are here to conquer those afternoon cravings.

Student Employment & Job Opportunities

Students can also apply for student assistant positions on campus. Student can do so by visiting the Office of Employment Services and Operations (uhd.edu/about/hr/employment.html). Students can be employed by various on-campus offices and services including the bookstore and campus dining services. Working on campus is convenient and a great opportunity for students to learn and network with on-campus staff and administration. All student assistants are employed part-time (20 hours or less a week) in an effort to assist them in balancing their course load and job responsibilities.

Parking & Transportation354-North, One Main Building(713) 221-8127

The Parking Office coordinates student, staff, and faculty parking at UHD. With the exception of the VISITORS parking area, a permit is required to park on any of the UHD parking area lots. UHD parking permits and prices, maps of parking areas, and parking regulations are available in the parking office and online at uhd.edu.

22 University of Houston-Downtown

City of Houston parking meters and private parking facilities are located within easy walking distance of the university and are controlled by the City of Houston. Please call (713) 247-5100 for any problems with metered parking areas including parking tickets issued in these areas.

UHD Shuttle Bus Service

Parking and Transportation Services coordinates the shuttle bus service. The shuttle bus is free for UHD students and circulates the campus continuously every 15–20 minutes. The shuttles operate from the Daly St. Lot, to the One Main Building, to the Commerce St. Bldg, (corner of Franklin St. & Fannin St.), to the Shea St. Garage. Shuttle bus hours are: 6:30 a.m.–10:45 p.m., Mon.–Thurs. and 6:30 a.m.– 6 p.m., Friday (shuttle buses do not operate on weekends and UHD holidays).

Metro & Metrorail @ UHD

The University is served by numerous Metro bus routes. The northernmost Metrorail station is located directly in front of UHD. Schedules, map routes, and a Metrorail ticket dispenser are located in the Cashier’s Office or from Metro Route Information, (713) 635-4000. The Metrolift can be reached by calling (713) 225-0119.

Locker Rental

Student can rent student lockers for books and personal belongings. UHD offers a 12 x 35 x 18 combination locker on the 2nd floor of the One Main Building. Lockers are rented at a cost of $15 for the entire semester and can be renewed at the end of the semester.

The UHD Bookstore351-North, One Main Buildingwww.uh-downtown.bkstore.com

Welcome to the UHD Bookstore, your one stop shop for all your rental, digital, new, and used textbook needs. Shopping early will provide your student with the best selection of rental and/or used textbooks. We offer both an in-store and online shopping experience to suit your needs. When shopping online, you can follow the link from the UHD Bookstore website by selecting current students and clicking on bookstore or by clicking on the textbook link as your student registers for classes. Once in our website, you can see all of the materials for your student’s classes and choose the option that is best for you. The website will show pictures of the books as well as the ISBN information. We offer easy, in-store pickup, or you can have your books shipped directly to you. The website also offers a full selection of UHD apparel and gifts. When shopping in store, please bring your student’s class schedule so we can match the books to their instructor and have you on your way. Need a refund? No worries. UHD bookstore offers a full refund during the first week of classes, provided books are in original

www.universityparent.com/uhd 23

condition and accompanied by a receipt. If your student drops a class, we offer an extended refund period through the fourth week of class. Students should simply go to the registrar for a drop slip and bring their book, in original condition, along with their receipt to the store for a full refund. If your student needs a snack, drink, or souvenir while on campus, they can stop by the store to see our wide selection. When you have questions, please call the bookstore at (713) 221-8145, email us at SM512@bncollege.com or simply stop by. The bookstore is open Mon.–Thurs. from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to noon. We offer extended hours during the first two weeks of classes and during finals, so check our website for details, www.uhdbookstore.com. Finally, welcome to UHD and we look forward to serving you at the bookstore.

Sports and Fitness Jesse H. Jones Student Life Centerwww.uhd.edu/sports&fitness

Sports & Fitness provides members with programs and facilities that offer vigorous, fun-filled, health-promoting physical activity conducive to wellness and personal development. Through a well-equipped recreational facility, fitness programs, intramural sports, and club sports, members will be motivated to embrace a healthy lifestyle, which may ultimately enhance their quality of life.

Student Activities & Events204-South, One Main Building www.uhd.edu/sae

The Department of Student Activities & Events wants every student to become involved while matriculating at UHD. We help students achieve their goals inside and outside of the classroom. The Department of Student Activities and Events is committed to providing a broad range of co-curricular, educational, developmental, cultural, and social experiences that will enhance the overall student experience at the University of

Houston-Downtown and help students adjust to UHD. It is our ultimate goal to help the University of Houston-Downtown retain students and successfully matriculate students. We are responsible for several university initiatives including Commencement, Leadership Development, Community Involvement Greek Life, Student Organizations, Campus Activities, and Event Reservations. We also have a Student Lounge area where students can play games, relax, study, make new friends, and interact with student organizations.

UHD Student Organizations

UHD student organizations offer a variety of co-curricular activities and provide an avenue for students to acclimate to UHD. Students can enrich their learning experience by joining the organization that matches their interests or create an organization to fit their needs. Student organizations are open to all currently registered UHD students. We have over 65 active student organizations on campus. For more information, visit Student Activities in South 204 or visit the student organizations home page at uhd.edu/sae!

UHD Greek Life204-South, One Main Building

Going Greek is one of the many elements of a vibrant student life at UHD. Students can join one of our 9 active fraternities and sororities and wear their letters proudly across campus. Students participating in the Greek system are afforded opportunities for leadership and community engagement. Nationally, the all Greek male and female GPA are higher than the all-female and all-male GPA. Greek students are typically retained and graduate at a higher rate than the average student. So encourage your student to Go GREEK!

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It is the mission of Greek Life to foster a quality fraternal and sorority experience for members and contribute to the University community by:

• Enhancing student development through membership in fraternities and sororities.

• Promoting the development of a community comprised of values-based organizations, including both individual chapters and the governing councils.

• Engaging students in values-based decision making and programming consistent with the four common pillars of Greek life:

• Academic Excellence

• Leadership Development

• Community Service

• Brotherhood/Sisterhood

ACADEMIC STUDENT RESOURCES

Academic Computing Lab800-South, One Main Building

The Academic Computing Lab provides resources and user support for instructional activities at UHD. There are more than 250 computers using the Windows operating system in S800, including four computer-equipped classrooms. Additional computer and distance-learning classrooms are available in the Technology Teaching and Learning Center located on the 7th floor of the Academic Building. To access the lab you must be currently enrolled with a valid UHD student ID card.

Academic Support Center925-North, One Main Building

The Academic Support Center houses the Math Lab, Statistics Lab, and the Writing and Reading Center. Each lab provides

one-on-one tutoring with UHD faculty members and peer tutors to develop mathematical, reading, and writing skills. The ASC has study areas, learning aids (textbooks, calculators, videos, and pamphlets), Writing Proficiency Test (WPE) materials, and computing equipment for student use. The ASC is open to all currently enrolled UHD students and students may attend as often as they like.

W. I. Dykes Library5th Floor, One Main Buildingwww.uhd.edu/library

The W. I. Dykes Library occupies the north portion of the fourth floor and the entire fifth floor of the One Main Street building. The library may be entered from the Main Street elevators or stairs. In Fall 2008 the library opened up additional space on the north tower of the fourth floor. This new area houses the library’s computer lab, thirteen group study rooms, two practice presentation rooms, two library classrooms, an events room, vending machines, and a comfortable reading room where students are able to study or relax between classes.

Career Development Center

The UHD Career Development Center will help currently enrolled students and graduates of UHD with career decisions relating to which major suits them and what careers are possible with a particular major; coaching through the job search process: how to get started, how to network, how to write a resume and cover letter, and how to conduct an interview; contacting employers through the UHD job posting database, career fairs, and the on-campus interviewing process; and obtaining career-related experience through Field Experience, an internship program that offers academic credit. Students can also pick up self-help material or make an appointment with a career counselor.

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Counseling Services

The UT Employee Assistance Program (UTEAP) provides counseling services to UHD students. The Student Counseling Program is designed to help students’ maximize their health and effectiveness at home, school, or work. Through this program, students receive confidential, personal support for a wide range of issues, from everyday concerns to serious problems. Whether students want advice about a financial concern, need to talk to someone about drug use, or are simply feeling overwhelmed by school life, we can help. Students have access to both online (www.uteap.org) and in-person support for a wide range of issues. All records, including medical information, referrals, and evaluations, are kept confidential in accordance with federal and state laws.

Disability Services

Disability Services assists students with placement testing, priority registration and scheduling, academic counseling, and academic accommodations. The staff also advises instructors on classroom accommodation techniques, provides assistance with locating tutors, and is a faculty or student and community or agency liaison.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. Clinicians provide the same primary care found in most physicians’ offices (including women’s health) and offer referrals to specialists in the community when necessary. Routine laboratory services, pregnancy testing, and confidential HIV testing are provided. The nurse provides health counseling on a wide variety of health issues and offers select services throughout the year.

Veterans Services

Veterans Services assists students who are eligible to receive veteran and dependent education benefits. A student must be admitted to the University and registered for courses in a degree-seeking program in order to be certified for veteran and dependent education benefits. The certifying official ensures that proper paperwork is completed, certified, and submitted electronically to the Department of Veterans Affairs so that payment of education benefits can begin.

University of Houston-DowntownUniversity of Houston-Downtown26

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28 University of Houston-Downtown

The UHD Student ID is the official identification card of the university and is required of all currently enrolled students to utilize services on campus. Students need to bring a fee statement showing that an initial payment for the current or next semester has been made or a current class schedule and a valid photo ID in order to take their photo for their id.

ON-CAMPUS EMERGENCY: (713) 221-8911ON-CAMPUS NON-EMERGENCY: (713) 221-8065

The UHD Police Department provides comprehensive police services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our goal is to work with students, faculty, and staff to ensure a safe and secure learning and working environment. Services provided by the police such as police escort and motor assistance are available online. Information on campus safety and security, including four-year crime statistics, is provided on the UHD Police Department website at www.uhd.edu/campus/pd. Also available are safety and crime prevention information; campus policies on alcohol, firearms, and sexual assault; and crime alerts.

Official UHD Student ID Card

The UHD Police and Campus Safety

University of Houston Downtown

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OFF CAMPUS DIAL (713) 221 - EXTENSION

ON CAMPUS DIAL THE EXTENSION

Room number Ext.

Academic Advising S320 8006

Academic Computing Lab S800 8540

Admissions (Freshman and Transfer) S350 8522

Admissions (International and Graduate) N325 8555

Bookstore (Barnes & Noble) S351 8025

Business, College of B400 8017

Career Services N340 8980

Cashier’s S310 8198

Counseling Services N320 8248

Disability Services S409 5227

Employment Services & Operations S910 8060

Food Services A308 8462

Frequently Called Numbers

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Room number Ext.

Humanities & Social Sciences, College of S1015 8009

Information Hotline N355 8000

Information Technology S700 8031

Library S500 8182

Math & Writing Lab N925 8669

Parking N354 8127

Police N118 8065

President’s Office S910 8001

Public Service, College of C400 8194

Registrar’s Office N330 8999

Scholars Academy N723 5354

Scholarships & Financial Aid (FAX 8648) S330 8041

Sciences & Technology, College of N723 8019

Sports & Fitness (Student Life Center) SLC 8225

Student Accounting & Collections S310 8601

Student Activities S204 8573

Student Government Association S244 8570

Student Health Services N320 8137

Student Services & Enrollment Management S380 8100

Study Abroad Programs S380 8003

Testing Services S380 8027

University College S655 8007

Veterans Affairs S244 8622

University of Houston – Central (713) 743-1000

University of Houston – Clear Lake (281) 283-7600

University of Houston – Victoria (512) 576-3151

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