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Welcome to Orientation
Welcome to UHD Within the section, you'll be informed of key moments in the history of the University of Houston-Downtown. Additionally, you'll discover some terms and concepts that are unique to UHD, alongside some of the many resources available to all incoming students.
History • UHD is creating an exciting future based on a fascinating past. The university’s history began in 1974, when the assets of the private South Texas Junior College were transferred to the University of Houston. By 1979, the Texas Legislature approved the new institution as a separate entity within the University of Houston System. In 1983, the name was changed to the University of Houston-Downtown.
Today UHD is the second largest institution in the University of Houston System, which includes four distinct universities: the University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Downtown, and UH-Victoria. All four institutions are governed by the UH System Board of Regents. The chief administrative officer at each university is its president.
The history of the university’s campus goes back even farther. The campus’s One Main Building was constructed in 1929 on the banks of White Oak Bayou and Buffalo Bayou. Then known as the Merchants and Manufacturers Building, the building served the city for decades as a center for commerce and manufacturing. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
UHD’s facilities have continued to change since the university’s inception. In the late 1990s, UHD added the Academic Building, with more than 40 classrooms and lecture halls; the Technology Teaching and Learning Center; the Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium; and a food court. While the Academic Building was taking shape, so was the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center, a state-of-the-art facility devoted to student health, recreation, and fitness.
In 2004, the university opened the Commerce Street Building, which houses the College of Public Service, classrooms, academic labs, computer labs, meeting spaces and faculty offices. • In fall 2007, the university opened yet another showcase facility, the Shea Street Building at the corner of Main and Shea Streets. The new home for UHD’s College of Business features a glass-enclosed entrance that provides stunning views of Houston’s downtown skyline. Adjoining this award-winning new building is a multi-story parking facility.
UHD students enjoy the excitement of the nation’s fourth largest city and enjoy being just minutes away from Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center, world-class museums and art galleries, and a wide assortment of restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Getting to and around campus is easy for students with UHD’s free shuttle bus, the city’s light rail line that stops at the University’s front door, and easy access from two interstate highways.
UHD’s innovative wireless campus provides faculty, staff, and students with optimum service and flexibility. In addition to applying for admission and registering for classes online, students can handle much of the “business” of going to college from laptops or desktops while at home or at school. And connectivity makes it easy to meet online with other students for group projects and classes.
Since its founding, the University of Houston-Downtown has continued to grow and provide degrees, programs, and facilities to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff. It is all part of UHD’s commitment to providing access and opportunity to higher education.
UHD-ID & GatorCard • A UHD-ID, or student ID number, is a nine-digit randomly generated number that begins with a 9. It is assigned to you when you apply for admission to the university. If you ever forget your UHD-ID, you can look it up on Student E-Services. Your UHD-ID will never be released over the phone.
The GatorCard is the official identification card of UHD and is required of all currently enrolled students to utilize services on campus (library, computer lab, gym, etc.). An additional functionality of the GatorCard is to provide those students who choose to do so a faster means by which to receive their financial aid refund or tuition reimbursement from the University. • Students must register for classes before they can take their GatorCard photo. After having your photo taken by the Office of Student Activities & Events you should expect to receive your GatorCard in the mail in approximately 7 – 10 business days. Your GatorCard will be mailed to the address you have on file with the University, please make sure it is current and up to date.
There is no fee for your initial GatorCard; however, there is a $15 replacement fee to have it replaced if lost or stolen. If you lose your GatorCard, contact Higher One, the company that distributes the GatorCard, immediately.
& Student E-Services • UHD offers a variety of student e-services on the web that allow students to go online rather than stand in line to perform administrative and academic functions that have traditionally required face to face interaction on campus. UHD’s student e-services functions as a one-stop student portal. In addition to providing access to GatorMail and a range of general information, such as the course schedule and the university catalog, many student-specific functions are available. Students may apply for admission, determine their financial aid status, determine their eligibility for registration, and register for classes if they meet certain requirements, view their grades, update their address and other directory information, and obtain information about their computer account. Students may also make payments on-line for library fines, parking citations, and tuition.
To access Student E-Services, click on the link at the top of the UHD homepage:
Most of the services located under “Online Status & Set-Up” and “Registration & Payment” require you to log-in using your 900 UHD-ID. Whenever you log-in to Student E-Services for the first time, your pin, otherwise known as your password, will be your six-digit birthdate. For example, if you were born on January 27, 1974, your pin would be 012774.
Register & pay here • All admitted students can enter here to register for approved classes, request parking permit (if needed) and pay.
UHD Class Schedule & e-Syllibi • Students can click on this button to search for classes and view the syllabus of each class. • Choose the semester to search for classes. • Choose the location of where you wish to attend classes.
Courses and Degree completion programs • UHD offers many freshman and sophomore courses online plus upper-level course work for undergraduate completion degrees and one graduate degree completely online. Not only are all the online courses completely transferable to other accredited institutions, the curricula in the online courses that UHD offers are identical to their on-campus counterparts.
Online Course evaluations • All admitted students currently enrolled in a course may access the course evaluation here.
Check you bacterial meningitis vaccination status • Once you apply to UHD, you may check your Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination status by clicking on this button. This is the screen below you will see. Enter your Network ID or 900 Number and password to enter the site.
GatorMail • All admitted students are issued a GatorMail email account. Students can obtain their GatorMail username via Student E-Services (www.uhd.edu/eservices) under “My Personal Profile and Emergency Alerts”. Your password for GatorMail will be the same password that you use for Student E-Services. UHD assigns student email accounts as a means of communication between faculty, staff, and students. Students should check their email on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay current with University-related communications.
GatorKnows • GatorKnows provides 24 hours a day and 7 days a week self-service help for prospective students, current students, faculty, staff, and anyone else interested in UHD. Search our Frequently Asked Questions to find your answers or click the Email a Question link to ask a more specific question. http://uhdinfo.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/uhdinfo.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=kAezSeKj
Student Services and Enrollment Management • The University of Houston-Downtown’s Division of Student Services and Enrollment Management, under the direction of the Vice President, offers a wide variety of services, programs and activities designed to augment the academic experience of students. • The division includes the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management, Admissions, Registrar, Career Services, Student Health Services, Scholarships and Financial Aid, Student Activities & Events, Sports & Fitness, and Testing Services. • Suite 380-South, 713-221-8100 http://www.uhd.edu/vp/index.html
The Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management serves as a resource to students by distributing information, assisting with problem resolution and interpreting university policies, rules and procedures. This office is also responsible for carrying out the university’s student discipline policies. Among the information Student Services and Enrollment Management provides to students and the university community are the UHD Student Handbook, UHD Registration & Information Bulletin and the Campus Information Board.
Registrar • Suite 330-North, 713-221-8999 http://www.uhd.edu/registrar/index.html • The Registrar's Office maintains all student academic records including registrations and grades. The responsibility of this office is to provide valuable and reliable service and academic data to all UHD students, faculty, and staff as well as to state and federal agencies. The Registrar's Office issues transcripts and diplomas, and certifies loan deferments and veterans' benefits (http://www.uhd.edu/registrar/veterans.html). Students should contact this office in addition to the Financial Aid Office to officially notify the university of a name change when applicable.
Scholarships and Financial Aid • Suite 330-North, 713-221-8999 http://www.uhd.edu/financial/index.html • 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. • The priority deadline for fall is April 1 of each year. • The UHD School code is 003612 • Student Financial Aid Flowchart
Career Services • Suite 340-North, 713-221-8980 http://www.uhd.edu/career/index.html • Each student and alumni is unique, and Career Services will work with you to find out which services you need and how to help you reach your goals. Generally, your needs will be determined by where you are with your education. Career Services usually helps: • Decide on a major. • Develop job search skills needed to find work while in school, including resume help, interview guidance, and how to start a job search. • Access employers via eRecruiting and Career Fairs • Develop career options related to a particular major. • Improve job search skills suitable for seeking a more professional job or an internship related to a particular major or field while in school or once graduated, including resume reviews, practice interviewing, and networking guidance. • Decide about graduate school • Access employers via eRecruiting and Career Fairs • Field Experience (Internships)
Student Health Services • Suite 320-North, 713-221-8137 http://www.uhd.edu/health/index.html • 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. Appointments are recommended for these services. Routine laboratory services, pregnancy testing, and confidential HIV testing and counseling are provided. The pharmacy fills in-clinic prescriptions at low cost and offers some non-prescription medications for sale. Nurses provide counseling on a wide variety of health issues and offer special screenings and services throughout the year. In addition, educational brochures on a variety of health-related subjects are available as are applications for student health insurance.
Student Counseling Services • Suite 320-North, 713-221-8248 or 713-221-8121 (Toll-Free 24 hrs - 1-800-346-3549) http://www.uhd.edu/counseling/index.html • The UT Employee Assistance Program (UTEAP) provides counseling services to UHD students Monday through Thursday, during each semester. Student Counseling Services is designed to help you maximize your health and effectiveness at home, school or work. Through this program, you receive confidential, personal support for a wide range of issues, from everyday concerns to serious problems. Whether you 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. You have access to both online --through 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.
Student Activities and Events • Suite 204-South, 713-221-8573 http://www.uhd.edu/sae/ • The Office of Student Activities and Events encourages and challenges students to become involved in non-academic components of campus life that enrich their campus experience, offer opportunities to develop leadership and other skills and allow them to make friends from a variety of educational and cultural backgrounds. The Office of Students Activities and Events coordinates the functions of the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board and a variety of clubs and organizations. Student Activities and Events is also responsible for Commencement, Crossroads Festival, Cultural on the Bayou, One Main Event, UHD Activities Day, the Community Involvement Center, Project Leadership UHD and the Campus Information Center.
Student Organizations • The varied personal and professional interests of UHD students are aptly reflected in the range of active clubs and organizations on campus. Professional organizations and departmental clubs provide opportunities for individuals with similar interest and goals to meet. There are also social clubs, cultural organizations and special interest groups. All clubs offer student educational opportunities as well as personal enjoyment.
Student Publications • Dateline Suite 260-South, 713-221-8569 Bayou Review Suite 250-South, 713-221-2716 • The Dateline is a student-run newspaper. With guidance from a faculty advisor and the Student Publications Advisory Committee appointed by the president, students are provided with a wide range of experience in journalism. • The Bayou Review is a literary journal, with biannual publication of poetry, essays, reviews, photos and drawings. The journal seeks to promote arts and humanities at UHD and to provide a forum for students who have an interest in creative writing.
Sports and Fitness • Student Life Center, 713-221-8225 http://www.uhd.edu/sportsandfitness/ • Sports and 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 sport clubs activities, members will be motivated to embrace a healthy life-style, which may ultimately enhance their quality of life. • Membership The programs and services of Sports and Fitness are open to all UHD students, faculty and staff at no additional fees. UHD Alumni Society members may purchase a Sports and Fitness Membership for a fee. • Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center The three-level, 30,000-square-foot Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center includes two gymnasiums equipped for basketball, volleyball, and badminton; a multipurpose studio designed for aerobics, martial arts, and dance classes; and a fitness center with state-of-the-art weight equipment and cardiovascular units. Lockers and showers are available.
W. I. Dykes LIbrary • The W.I. Dykes Library (www.uhd.edu/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 stairwells. The north side of the fourth floor houses the library’s computer lab, thirteen group study rooms, two presentation practice rooms, two classrooms, an events room, vending machines, and a comfortable open seating lounge where students are able to study or relax between classes. • The UHD Online Catalog lists the books and journals available in the W.I. Dykes Library, most University of Houston central campus libraries and the University of Houston-Clearlake library. Books from other UH system libraries may be requested electronically by clicking the request button in the online library catalog. Access to the catalog and electronic databases from a home computer, wireless locations or from UHD computer labs supports research 24 hours per day.
Reference librarians at the Information Desk offer assistance in utilizing library resources. Reference help is also available through the library’s Ask a Librarian email service, linked throughout the library’s website. • The library has two computer workstations reserved for visually impaired students. Anyone with special physical or communication needs can ask for assistance from any library service desk or phone the library to schedule an appointment for special services. The library also provides services for UHD distance students through the ILL Department. Distance students will find forms for requesting books and articles at http://www.uhd.edu/library/ILL/index.html on the library’s website.
Your GatorCard serves as your library card and must be presented when checking out materials. The library is open seven days a week during fall and spring semesters and Monday through Saturday during summer sessions. Check with the library for intersession and holiday hours. For reference information call 713-221-8187; for circulation information call 713-221-8186.
Campus Bookstore • The upper level (third floor) of the university bookstore is located near the Main Street entrance of the One Main Building. It offers school supplies, clothing, insignia items, and snacks. The lower level (second floor) houses new and used textbooks that can alternatively be ordered online at http://uh-downtown.bkstore.com/. Students can sell their textbooks back to the bookstore at the end of each semester.
Student Parking & Campus Safety • Student parking is available at UHD in four different areas: the Daly Street Lot (North Main at Daly), the Shea Street Lot (North Main at Shea), the Naylor Street Lot (North Main at Naylor) and the Washington Street Lot (Washington at Travis and Washington at Louisiana). Shuttle bus service is available from the Daly Street Lot, providing service at regular intervals to the One Main Building, Shea Street Building, and Commerce Street Building. Students who park in any UHD parking lot are required to register their vehicles with the Parking Office and obtain a permit to display on the vehicle. The university reserves the right to control the availability of student parking areas to meet the demand for parking for special events. The parking fee is subject to change by the Board of Regents.
A permit is required to park on any of the UHD parking area lots. Permits are issued by semester: For Fall and Spring, $50 for student lots, $75 for Shea Street garage, and $60 for Night garage parking only; For Summer sessions, $25 for student lots, $50 for Shea Street garage, $35 for Night garage parking only. Parking permits, maps of parking areas and parking regulations are available in the Parking Office. A map is also available at the back of this publication. • A student with a valid permit may park, day or night, at the Daly Street parking lot located at 500 North Main, the Naylor Street parking lot located at Naylor and North Main, the Washington Street lot located between Milam and Louisiana Streets and the Shea Street Garage, located at North Main and Shea Street. Shuttle buses run on regular intervals, Monday through Friday, between the University, the Daly Street parking lot, Commerce St. Building and Shea Street Building.
The University of Houston-Downtown Police Department is committed to assuring your safety and security on campus. The Police Department provides comprehensive police services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Offices are located on the first floor of the One Main Building, Suite 118-North. • Information on campus safety and security, including services such as vehicle jump starts and unlocks and five-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, crime alerts, campus policies on alcohol, firearms and sexual assault, and more.
Computer Services & Labs and Technology Centers • The University of Houston-Downtown provides state-of-the-art computing equipment and software to its students, faculty, and staff. The university offers wireless computing services campus-wide (www.uhd.edu/wireless) as well as lab environments and a technology commons to support general student lab and classroom computing needs. A Technology Teaching and Learning Center is available for faculty and staff technology training and support. Also, most of the classrooms throughout the university are equipped with computer presentation systems. • The Academic Computing Labs are located in Suite 800-South in One Main and in Suite C300 in the Commerce Building. Several electronic classrooms are available within these two labs, as well as within the Technology Teaching & Learning Center (A700). There are more than 640 computers represented in these areas, as well as several laser printers, scanners and laptops for student checkout (available in S800 & C300). The Comet Lab, located in the Commerce Street Building (Suite C300), has similar capabilities and support as the computer lab in Suite 800-South. The Comet Lab is available to serve all students, faculty and staff. All computers are equipped with the same software available in 800-South. The Commerce Lab also features scanners and laser printers.
The Technology Commons area is location in Suite B200 in the Shea Street Building. There are 70 laptops available for students to checkout for use in the Shea Street Building. Students can sit and relax in the Technology Commons area in leather chairs with built-in tables; or they can sit at one of the café-bistro style tables. There are also three electronic classrooms in the Technology Commons, which are utilized primarily for academic classes but are often opened as lab space when not occupied by classes. • Each of these facilities (S800, B200 and C300) is available to any currently enrolled students, has several electronic classrooms as part of the facility, and provides special devices to aid students with disabilities. The Student Technology Services group, which manages and operates the labs, also provides documentation as well as group and individual consulting to its constituents. Laptops are available for short-term student checkout at each of these locations. Presentation systems equipped with computers and projectors are also available in the electronic classrooms.
The Academic Computing Lab hours during semesters are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. During the last few weeks of classes, lab hours are extended until 12 midnight on Monday through Thursday and until 9:00 pm on Sunday. Special purpose labs are also available to students. The Department of Engineering Technology maintains several computer labs. The Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences has six computer classrooms of PCs for instruction in computer science, mathematics, and statistics. The Department of Natural Sciences has a Science Learning Center that contains two electronic classrooms, and a Science and Technology Demonstration Laboratory. The College of Business has three classrooms for teaching programming, word processing, keyboarding, and computer information systems. The Department of Arts & Humanities and English also have several computer labs. The Academic Support Center also offers learning support software for individual work in developing reading, writing and mathematical skills. There are over 40 specialized departmental computing labs that service subject-specific needs.
Student Accounts and Passwords • Your student account name can be found in student e-services under "My Personal Profile & Emergency Alerts." The password for Academic Domain, Blackboard Vista, GatorMail, and Linux is the same as your e-serivces PIN. Your PIN or password is good for only 120 days. After the 120 days you will be required to reset your password through student e-services. • How to Change Your Password: • Go to e-services (www.uhd.edu/eservices) • Click on "My Personal Profile & Emergency Alerts" • Enter your Student ID number and PIN • Click on "Change PIN" and follow the directions • The Academic Computing Labs are located in Suite 800-South in One Main and in C300 in the Commerce Building. There are over 630 computers represented, as well as several laser printers and scanners. The Technology Commons area, B200 in Shea Street Building, provides a relaxed atmosphere for students to use their laptops. Several computers and printers are also available. Laptop checkout and computer-equipped classrooms are available in each of these locations.
Unlocking Your Academic Potential The In’s and Out’S of UHD Courses
Grading System • The following grades are included in the calculation of grade point averages:
