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AAC: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As people learn to navigate new and complex processes, and begin to see how all the pieces fit together, questions naturally arise. You will find that many of the questions which come up for you are shared by others as well.
We hope that these frequently asked questions and their answers will be of help to you as you start your academic career here at the University of Houston.
Select from the categories below to get started:
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Prospective Students / General Information
- I am considering attending the University of Houston for the first time. Where can I get some basic information about the university and degree offerings?
The University of Houston web site has much information regarding academics and campus information. Please take some time to browse the UH Web site at http://www.uh.edu/
- I keep calling the university to get information but the phones are usually busy. What can I do to get through to a “real person” who can answer my questions?
Most Customer Service Representatives can be reached at 713-743-1010. Use this number to call Admissions, Scholarships and Financial Aid, and Registration & Academic Records. For Student Financial Services [Bursar], press 6 to speak to a Customer Service Representative. For Registration and Records, press 4, then option 5 to speak to a Customer Service Representative. You may also telephone the Call Center at 713-743-2255.
- How can I get a catalog and a class schedule?
The Undergraduate Studies Catalog is available on the Internet; go to http://www.uh.edu/academics/catalog/. Course listings are available online; go to http://www.uh.edu/students/ and click on "Course Listings".
- What undergraduate degrees are offered at UH? What GPA is required?
See overview of Colleges and Majors: http://www.uh.edu/academics/majors-minors/majors.php
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Admissions / Enrollment
Admissions Process
- How do I apply for admission to UH? What are the requirements and deadlines?
Visit the Office of Admissions website. To view the Academic Calendar for a specific academic year, go to: http://www.uh.edu/academics/catalog/academic-calendar/. Admission deadlines are also published on the website. You may also call the Office of Admissions at 713-743-1010 to speak to a Customer Service Representative.
- Who may I contact if I have questions regarding my admission status?
Those with admissions decisions questions may contact the Freshman Admission Hotline (713/743-9595) or the Transfer Admission Hotline (713/743-9630) to speak with an Admissions On-Call Counselor or receptionist. Students may also check their current admission application status by accessing myUH (https://myuh.uh.edu/).
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Enrollment
- I got my acceptance letter in March for the Fall semester, but it doesn’t say when registration is. How do I find out when I should register?
For more information on registration, visit the Courses and Enrollment pages. You may also call the Office of Admissions at 713-743-1010 to speak to a Customer Service Representative. Registration dates and schedules are published on the website. The course listings for the summer and fall semesters are generally available online beginning the last week in March; course listings for the Spring semester are generally available beginning the last week in October.
- I indicated Business as my major on my admission application but I was accepted as a "UScholars" or “USD” major. What happened?
Certain majors at UH (Architecture, Business, Engineering and Music) have different admission requirements than other majors. To compare these, go to: http://www.uh.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply-freshman/admissions-criteria/ then click on "Special Major Requirements”. You can then see whether or not you meet the special requirements for admission to one of these majors. Transfer students with 15 or more semester hours completed can refer to http://www.uh.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply-transfer/admissions-criteria/ to review transfer admission requirements for Architecture, Business, Engineering, or Music.
- How do I know if a course is open?
See Open Sections lookup: go to http://www.uh.edu/students/ and click on "Course Listings" in the left-hand column.
- My advisor helped me choose four courses for next semester but two of them are already filled. Is there any way I can get into a filled section of a course?
You need to take action:
- Keep checking the online course listings (http://www.uh.edu/students/ and click on "Course Listings"); a new section of the course may have been added, or someone might have dropped the course
- Call or stop by the department offering the course to ask if any additional sections are likely to be added; if so, when? Is there a waiting list?
Schedule a course that would be a good alternative; consult with an advisor first.
- Wait until the semester begins. Many courses will have space available within the first week of classes. Attend the class you would like to enroll in even if you haven't been able to enroll in it. That way, you will be sure you really want the course, and you will not have missed anything if the course becomes available.
- Ask the course instructor to sign a form giving you permission to enroll in the course over the limit. Be sure to follow department and college procedures in using this method; not all departments authorize their instructor to do this. If the department/college does process your request, double-check your schedule to be sure that the course you added doesn't conflict with other courses already on your schedule. Don't settle for courses that are not appropriate just because they are available. Keep working on your schedule until you are satisfied with it.
- I am a new student and I have an “enrollment hold” on my record. What does this mean and how do I get the hold cleared?
Academic advising is mandatory for all first-semester students (freshman and transfer) at UH; therefore, all new UH freshmen (i.e., all new students with less than 30 college hours) have an advising hold placed on their record after being admitted to the university. Your advising hold will be cleared at Orientation. If you cannot attend Orientation, meet with an advisor in the department or college of your major for advising. Your advising hold can be cleared through your College Dean's Office or through the UScholars Academic Advising Center (832-842-2100).
- How can I check for enrollment stops?
Log into your student account on myUH at https://myUH.uh.edu/
- I'm all set to register for my courses. How do I enroll?
Log into your student account on myUH at https://myUH.uh.edu/. Click on the "Enrollment" icon, then click on "Add Classes". You will be able to enroll in courses presuming that all of your enrollment holds have been cleared (see previous question). Instructions regarding tuition/fee payment and deadlines are also on the Enrollment Services website.
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New Student Orientation
- I got an acceptance letter from the university, and it mentions new student orientation.
Should I attend orientation? What are the dates?
Please plan to attend Orientation. If you are a first-time-in-college freshman, orientation is mandatory. You should receive an Orientation leaflet from the Dean of Students Office, 252 University Center, 713/743-5470.
Select an Orientation conference date that corresponds to your major. If you have not yet declared a major, choose the earliest Orientation possible.
Call the Dean of Students office if you did not receive an Orientation brochure. Information about Orientation is also available through the
Dean of Students office web site: http://www.uh.edu/dos/
At orientation you will:
- Receive general information about the University and its degree programs
- Be screened for TSI compliance (Students must take a TSI test before enrolling unless exempt.)
- Be advised on course selection
- Receive your transfer evaluation (transfer students only)
- Register for your courses
Please contact the Dean of Students office at 713-743-5470 or visit http://www.uh.edu/orientation/ for orientation dates and how to sign up.
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Academic Advising
Choosing a Major / Changing Your Major
- How do I change my major?
- I’m having trouble deciding on a major. Where can I get some help?
University Career Services in room 100 of the Student Services Center offers computer-based career search tools, workshops, and assessment tests to assist students with career choice. Also see UScholars' Tips for Choosing a Major [.htm].
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Finding Your Advisor
- Where can I find my major advisor?
Names, office locations, and phone numbers for each academic department are listed at http://www.uh.edu/provost/stu/advisorlist.html. Also see: http://www.uh.edu/departments/
- I went to my department to be advised but I was told that there was only one advisor and that he/she would be on vacation for the next 2 weeks. I work full time and cannot come back later. Who can advise me today?
If your departmental advisor is not available to advise you, you should go to the advisor in the dean’s office (sometimes called Academic Affairs office) of the college of your major (go to http://www.uh.edu/provost/stu/advisorlist.html to find your college advisor.)
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Academic Policies
- I was suspended from UH. Can I be readmitted to the university?
Students suspended from UH may apply for readmission through the college of their major if they are eligible for readmission. General information on readmission is available in the Undergraduate Studies catalog. Specific readmission instructions for most colleges are listed on their web sites. Students whose major is listed as USD or UScholars should see the Academic Advising Center Readmission Requirements reference page for general readmission instructions.
- My instructor dropped me from a course because I "lacked the prerequisite". What are prerequisites for courses and where can I find them?
A prerequisite is a course or other requirement (e.g., a placement score) that must be taken and passed prior to enrolling in another course. You can find the prerequisite for any course in the current Undergraduate Studies catalog. If you are unsure about the prerequisite for a course, consult the catalog, your advisor or the instructor prior to enrolling in the course.
- Where can I get more information on UH academic policies, such as Academic Notice and Probation?
Consult the Policies: Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements sections of the current Undergraduate Studies catalog. The current Student Handbook is also a good source for finding academic policies.
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Core Curriculum
- Why must students complete a “core” curriculum?
In addition to being a requirement for graduation, the University's 42-hour core curriculum is informed by a series of basic intellectual competencies - reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy - that are essential to the learning process in any discipline and includes courses in the disciplinary areas listed above. These courses are intended to provide students with the opportunity of understanding how these disciplines present varying views of the individual, society, and the world and of appreciating the methods by which scholars in a given discipline organize and evaluate data. The perspectives acquired in these studies describe the potential, as well as the limitations, of these disciplines in understanding the human experience.
- What are UH Core Courses?
See the approved list of UH Core Courses:
http://www.uh.edu/academics/catalog/policies/degree-reqts/current-core/
- Are core courses the same for all majors?
In general, yes. However, choice of core courses in certain core areas, especially Math/Reasoning and Natural Sciences, can be highly affected by your choice of major. For example: BIOL 1310 [for non-science majors] will not fulfill any requirements for a student who is a Biology major. Talk to the advisor in the department of your major about how your choice of major could affect which core courses you take.
- Am I required to have a minor?
Some baccalaureate degrees require a minor, but not all. Check with an advisor in the department of your major or intended major.
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Course Scheduling & Registration
- Will my advisor help me make my schedule?
No; academic advisors will help you with proper course selection relative to Core Curriculum, college and major requirements. The times you choose for your classes are up to you, but your advisor can make recommendations that will help you build an effective schedule.
- Will my advisor register me in my courses?
No; all students will enroll in courses through https://myUH.uh.edu.
- If I take PSYC 1300 at 9:00 am MWF and MATH 1310 at 10:00 am MWF will I have time to get from one building to the other?
Yes; all courses dismiss 10 minutes prior to the stated end of the class. For example, a class listed as meeting from 9-10am MWF actually meets from 9-9:50. This should give you enough time to get to your next class.
- How do I pay for my classes? What are the deadlines?
Check http://www.uh.edu/admissions/financial/payment/billing-due-dates fee payment information and deadlines.
- How much can I expect to pay for my classes?
Check http://www.uh.edu/admissions/financial/undergraduate/tuition-fees/ for an approximate amount for a typical full-time course load for fall and spring. Click the links in the left-hand column of the same page for a breakdown of tuition, required fees, college fees and course fees.
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Transferring Courses from Other Schools
- I have a course that transferred as an elective but I think it is the same as BIOL 1310. How can it be accepted to fulfill the Core Natural Science Requirement?
See “Petition for Course Equivalency Evaluation” on the UScholars Petitioning [.htm] resource page.
- Will the community college or other university at which I took courses automatically send my transcripts to UH?
No. You have the responsibility to request that the school from which you are transferring courses send your official transcript to the UH Office of Admissions as soon as possible.
- How can I find out how a course would transfer from another university?
Contact the office of Registration and Academic Records, rm. 128-Welcome Center, phone 713.743.1010, or go to their website, http://www.uh.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply-transfer/transfer-credit/
- Can I take another course at a 2-year community college after I have transferred to UH?
Yes, but with the following restrictions: Students will be allowed to apply toward a baccalaureate degree at the university a maximum of 66 semester hours of course work transferred from a community college. If a student transfers more than 66 hours from a community college, the dean of the college of the student’s major at the University of Houston will determine which of the hours, not to exceed 66, will apply to the University of Houston degree. However, to earn a degree at the university, the last 30 semester hours must be completed in residence on this campus.
- Will the GPA that I earn at other schools on coursework transferable to UH average in with my UH GPA?
No. Only grade points earned at the University of Houston are averaged for the degree, and only grades earned at the University of Houston are used to determine your academic standing. For example: earning 15 semester hours of A's at a community college will not help you academically if you are on probation at UH.
- How many credits may be transferred from another 4 year college?
Any course in which a grade of C- or higher was earned may be transferred; however, certain majors require a grade of C or higher (not C-) in major course work. (For example: students must earn a grade of C or higher in all pre-business courses for a BBA). You may apply a maximum of 66 lower-level (freshman and sophomore level) transfer hours as are applicable to your core and major requirements; however, you must complete at least 30 semester hours in residence [at UH]. These residence hours are not to include credit by examination, special problems, or individual research courses taken at UH. A minimum of 9 semester hours of advanced coursework in your major must be completed in residence, and the last 30 hours applied toward a bachelor's degree must be taken in residence. However, certain colleges and majors have further restrictions on transfer hours. Check with an advisor in the department or college of your major for details.
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Grades and Grade Point Average
- If I repeat a course, will the previous attempt(s) be dropped from my GPA calculations?
No. All attempted courses taken at UH, including repeated courses, are used to calculate your cumulative UH grade point average (GPA).
- What is the grading system used at UH?
A 4.00 scale is used. For more information, see: http://www.uh.edu/academics/catalog/policies/academ-reg/index.php#grades
- How do I get my final grades?
Grade reports are not mailed to students at the close of a semester. Your grades are available on myUH (myUH.uh.edu)
- What do I have to earn on how many hours to have a 2.00 (or 2.5 or 3.0) cumulative grade point average?
Refer to the online transfer GPA calculator at: http://www.uh.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply-transfer/gpa
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Dropping Courses
- What will happen if I drop a class?
If you drop a class and are no longer a full-time student, it could affect your financial aid, student housing, VA benefits, health insurance, or scholarships. Be sure to check with those offices before taking any drop action.
- Can I drop a course anytime during the semester?
No. Every semester there are two drop periods. The first period -- usually through the 12th class day of the semester -- allows you to drop a class for a refund (without dropping all classes) through myUH (myUH.uh.edu) without retaining any record on your transcript. The last day to drop without receiving a grade for the semester is listed in the Academic Calendar. The second period -- usually about 5 weeks before the last class day -- allows you to withdraw from a course and receive a "W" on your transcript. Students may drop a course using the appropriate form. Instructor signature is required. Students with questions concerning their course progress or grade should meet with their instructor. Students who drop courses during this period are subject to the "Six 'W'-grades Limit". Click here for more information. The last day to drop for the semester is also listed in the Academic Calendar. Also check the Academic Calendar for other important dates.
- If I stop attending class, won't the instructor just drop me, or won't I be dropped automatically?
No. Instructors may sometimes say they'll drop you from the course, but it is your responsibility, not the instructor's, to make sure that you have been properly and officially dropped from any course. If you simply stop attending class and don't drop the course officially, the instructor may very well give you a final grade of F in that course.
For more detailed information from the Undergraduate Catalog on dropping courses, see: http://www.uh.edu/academics/catalog/policies/academ-reg/index.php#drop_course
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Pre-Health Professions
- What courses should I take for admission to Medical (Dental) School?
Refer to the Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Prerequisites information in this website.
- Where can I receive pre-medical, pre-dental and allied health advising?
Come to the UScholars Academic Advising Center, rm. 56-University Libraries. It is often best to call before coming. Contact the UScholars front desk at 832-842-2100.
There is also more detailed pre-health information on our website: see Pre-Health/Pre-Law/Post-Baccalaureate information for students.
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UH Resources for Student Academic and Personal Support
- Academic Advising is available for declared majors in the college or department of their major. See: http://www.uh.edu/provost/stu/advisorlist.html. The UScholars Academic Advising Center, rm. 56-Library, provides support for students in transition, freshmen students on Academic Notice, TSI (Texas Success Initiative)-eligible students, pre-health professional students and prospective students.
- Learning Support Services, 321 Social Work, offers tutoring in most subjects and workshops in reading and study skills and exam preparation.
- CASA (Math Lab), 222-Garrison Gym, provides help for lower level math courses.
- Geosciences Learning Center, 9 Old Science, offers support for Geosciences courses.
- UH Writing Center, 217 Agnes Arnold, offers writing tutoring, walk-in or by appointment.
- University Career Services, 106 Student Service Center, offers computer-based career search tools and major choice workshops.
- University Counseling and Psychological Services, 226 Student Service Center, offers personal counseling and academic workshops in choice of major, time management, test anxiety, making the adjustment from high school to college, etc.
- The Dean of Students Office, 252-University Center, offers problem-solving services to all students with questions or concerns that may affect their campus life. University policy interpretation, student behavior code, and code enforcement through university judicial procedures are also responsibilities of the Dean of Students office. Call 713-743-5470 for more information.
- Student Information and Assistance Center, located at the front of the University Center, provides information on a variety of campus-related services and activities and serves as a drop-off, delivery and distribution point for many UH departmental forms and documents. For more information call 713-743-5060.
- Ombudservice is comprised of Designated Problem-Solvers located in each major department of the university who serve as liaisons with other departments and colleges to help facilitate resolution of student problems in the areas of registration, parking, housing, etc. Contact the Dean of Students office, 713-743-5470, for more information.
- The Health Center provides treatment of minor illness and injury for students at a reasonable cost. Patients are seen on a walk-in basis; appointment are necessary for specialty clinics. Call 713-743-5151 for more information.
- For detailed information on all UH student services, see the Student Handbook at http://www.uh.edu/dos/publications/handbook.php
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For Additional Information
- You'll learn a lot the more you explore! See also: AAC Resources.
- Please contact an advisor if you have any questions about meeting degree requirements or fulfilling any of your academic responsibilities.
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