New Off-Campus Students
I am completing my program at an off-campus location. As an off-campus student, may I enroll in online courses?
Yes, off-campus students may use any combination of on-campus, web-enhanced and online instruction.
How do I pay for courses?
Tuition payments may be made online through E-Services. Students will need to have a student ID number, password and credit card to pay for courses online. Click on the following link to access payment website. http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/AR/EASE/Main.
What library services are available to me at my off-campus location?
Library services may be accessed remotely via the internet from any computer. Students have borrowing privileges and have access to library catalogs and online databases. Click on the following LIRARY link in right navagation. For a complete description of library services for distance education students, visit www.uhcl.edu/library.
How do I get more information about an off-campus program?
What are web-enhanced courses?
Web-enhanced courses are face-to-face classes that may have between one and seven meetings replaced with Web activities.
I want to complete courses at an off-campus location. Where do I send my transcripts?
All transcripts should be mailed to the Office of Admissions, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058.
Can I meet with an advisor to go over my transcripts before I apply?
Yes. Distance Education Academic Advisors are available to evaluate student transcripts either through a face-to-face meeting or click on the following link for DE Academic Advisor contact information: http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/DE/Advisor.
Can I register at the off-campus site and pay for classes there?
Is there a computer lab available at my off-campus location?
Some of our off-campus locations provide students with computer labs and/or laptops. Refer to DE advisor for details.
Do I need to purchase a parking permit for my off-campus location?
Currently, only classes taken at UHCL and Texas Medical Center require a valid parking permit.
Where are UHCL off-campus centers located?
Online Students
Once admitted to an online program, how do I register for a course?
I am registered for an online course. What do I do now?
Students that registered for online courses must secure a WebCT/Blackboard account.
Will I have to make any trips to the Clear Lake campus during the course of my online program?
No. Students who enroll in 100% online programs will not be required to travel to the UHCL campus. Please check course footnotes in E-services to confirm any on-campus requirements.
What computer technology will I need to participate in an online degree program?
I am having problems with my WebCT/BlackBoard account, whom do I contact?
Students may contact the University Computing and Telecommunications (UCT) department by email at webctsupport@uhcl.edu or by telephone at (281) 283-2828 for assistance with their WebCT/Blackboard accounts.
Will my diploma or transcript indicate that the program completed is an online degree?
No, your diploma or transcript will not indicate that the program is an online degree.
Can I use the computer labs at the off-campus centers if I enrolled in an online program?
Yes. All students may use computer labs at any of the UHCL off-campus centers. Students may need to present their student ID card to gain access to computer labs.
Will I be able to have office hours with my instructor?
Yes. Instructors have assigned office hours and students may meet with instructors during office hours or may schedule an appointment with the instructor. Students should check the course syllabus through WebCT/Blackboard to view instructors' assigned office hours.
Am I ready for an online course?
General Questions
Where can I obtain my UHCL Student ID card?
Distance Education Advisors schedule dates at the beginning of each semester to take student ID photos at most off-campus sites. Student ID cards are then mailed to students. Refer to your DE Advisor for specific site information.
How do I purchase textbooks?
Students can order textbooks online. Ordering online allows you to specify your delivery method, either shipped to you or held for in-store pickup. A confirmation email is sent when order has been processed. Delivery takes within 2 days after receipt of notification e-mail from the UHCL bookstore. www.uhclearlake.bncollege.com.
Is tuition different for online, web-enhanced, and face-to-face courses?
No. Tuition does not differ for online, web-enhanced or face-to-face courses.
Do I need to go to the UHCL campus to apply for financial aid, loans, and VA benefits?
No, the office of Financial Aid forms and services are accessible online via the internet. Visit www.uhcl.edu/finaid or call 281.283.2480. There is also a link to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASA) www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Does UHCL provide student services (counseling, tutoring, etc) off-campus or online?
Yes. However, due privacy issues, some services may not be fully available off-campus or online. For example, students requesting personal counseling may have to travel to the UHCL Counseling Services department to receive counseling services.
Are Academic Advisors available to off-campus and online students?
I am completing my program at an off-campus location. Are scholarships available?
Yes. Students may apply for scholarships through the UHCL Financial Aid department website. Information on scholarships is listed at www.uhcl.edu/scholarships.
How do I obtain my candidate plan of study (CPS) if I am an off-campus or online student?
Candidate Plans of Study are mailed to off-campus and online students; however, students may obtain a copy of a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) by contacting the appropriate DE Academic Advisor and schedule an appointment or click on the following link http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/DE/Advisor.
Can I enroll in Educational Management courses offered at other off-campus centers?
Educational Management students can take courses at any UHCL off-campus center that offers the required courses in the degree plan.
Are the semesters for online courses different? Can I begin an online course at anytime during the semester?
No, online courses follow the UHCL academic calendar and the same academic start and end dates. Students must register for courses during the UHCL registration dates and begin coursework at the beginning of the semester.
Current Off-Campus Students
If I am enrolled in a UHCL on campus class, can I attend any of the sections at the off-campus sites?
No. Students not officially enrolled in an off-campus course may not attend an off-campus course sections.
Can I meet with an advisor at an off-campus location?
Yes. Distance Education Academic Advisors are available to meet students at off-campus locations. Click on the following link for DE Academic Advisor contact information and to schedule an appointment.
I need to sign my Candidate Plan of Study. Whom do I contact?
You may contact the Distance Education Academic Advisor located at your off-campus location for information on signing and submitting Candidate Plans of Study. Click on the following link for DE Academic Advisor contact information: http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/DE/Advisor.
How do I apply for Graduation?
Where do I find room assignments at my off-campus location?
Classrooms for off-campus locations may be found on the DE website at www.uhcl.disted.edu. Classroom assignments may also be found at off-campus locations.
Are there services available for students with disabilities?
Yes. Students may request assistance by contacting the Department of Disability Services at (281) 283-2627. For more information on requesting assistance, click on the following link http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/UAO.
Can I apply for graduation at an off-campus location?
I have grievance with my instructor off-campus, who can direct me to solve my problem?
Students should consult Student Life Policies Handbook for procedures on filing a grievance with an instructor. Contact a DE Academic Advisor to secure a copy of the handbook.
How do I order a cap and gown?
Texas Medical Center
Can I obtain an entire degree at the TMC Campus without attending courses at the UHCL campus?
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree may be completed through a combination of courses taken at the Texas Medical Center; online; or at UH-Clear Lake.
How much is parking at TMC and which parking Garage can I use to park?
Is there tuition reimbursement through my Medical Center Employer?
Many TMC employers provide tuition reimbursement for employees, however, you will need to contact your human resources department to determine whether you are eligible for tuition reimbursement through your employer.
UH System Center
What is my "home university"?
Your home university is always UHCL even though a student is enrolled at an off-campus site or in online courses.
Are all UH colleges the same?
No. Although each university is part of the UH System, each university is separately accredited, has its own academic programs and has its own admissions requirements.
