Definition of terms used by SCE Academic Advisors that we hope will assist students through the admission and acceptance process:

Students who have applied for admission to UHCL and who meet general university documentation and admission requirements are admitted and will be notified when they are eligible to register for classes. Students receive several letters from the Admissions Office leading up to registration.

 

Students whose admission files have been completed with all documentation are reviewed in SCE for acceptance into the degree program for which they applied. When students are accepted by SCE, this means they have met general university requirements for admission and have met specific program foundation, GPA and test score requirements. ). Students receive a formal letter from the School of SCE notifying them of their acceptance, or if denied, the reason(s) for denial, and what they must do in order to initiate a second review. The acceptance letter gives students important information about the next step toward establishing a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS).

 

All accepted degree-seeking students must file a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) during the semester in which they are enrolled and accepted into a degree program. After Program Acceptance Committee review, students must have a formal acceptance letter from the Associate Dean to be eligible to establish a CPS. Until an approved CPS is completed, the student's degree candidacy is pending and the inclusion of UHCL credit is subject to rules stated in the UHCL catalog.

 

Once the Program Acceptance Letter is received, the student must make an appointment to meet with one of the academic advisors to draft the Candidate Plan of Study (CPS). The academic advisor will review with the student degree requirements, transfer credit, and UHCL courses to be completed, and will assist the student to set up the CPS draft and assign the faculty advisor. The student will meet the faculty advisor for approval of the CPS Draft and to discuss career options, degree electives and transfer courses in question. When the CPS Draft has been signed by the faculty advisor and student, it will be returned to the advising office. The final CPS will be typed and then audited by the academic advisor. The student will be notified to come to the Advising Office and sign the final CPS. After it has been signed by the student, it is sent for final approval to the faculty advisor and the Associate Dean. The original approved CPS is held in the student's academic file and a copy is mailed to the student. Subsequent requests to substitute courses or vary from the requirements as stated on the approved CPS must be documented on a CPS Change Form and submitted to the faculty advisor for approval. (See "FORMS" at the sidebar of the SCE Advising home page).

All graduate students are assigned faculty advisors upon acceptance into a Master's degree program, and faculty advisor name and contact information are noted on the formal acceptance letter. Graduate worksheets are then prepared by the academic advisor and sent to the student's assigned faculty advisor. The worksheets will include courses in-progress, and may also list foundation courses that were identified by the faculty admissions committee, or applicable graduate transfer courses. Students are notified by campus e-mail when they may contact the faculty advisor to set up an appointment to discuss career options for the plan and coursework that will be required for the degree. This is an opportune time to ask questions about Thesis or Capstone requirements and careers in the field of study. Once the faculty advisor and student agree on the courses, they will sign the worksheet and it will be sent back to the advising office for processing. The final CPS will be typed and then audited by the academic advisor. The student is notified when it is ready for signature. After the student has signed the final CPS, it is sent to the faculty advisor and the Associate Dean for final signatures. The original is held in the student's academic file and a copy is mailed to the student.

All transfer courses must be graduate level, not older than five years, awarded a grade of "B-" or better, not applied toward another degree, and approved by the faculty advisor and Associate Dean. Six hours may be requested during normal development of the CPS. No more than twelve hours of graduate transfer credit may be applied to a degree. To apply more than 6 hours of graduate transfer credit or address other questions concerning your degree, discuss your intentions with your faculty advisor. If your faculty advisor supports your initiative(s) he or she will do so by signing the CPS draft worksheet.   You then may submit a written request to the following address or you may email your request to sceadvising@uhcl.edu. University of Houston-Clear Lake 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Suite 3611 Houston, TX 77058 Attn: Associate Dean, School of Science and Computer Engineering You will receive a letter informing you of the decision. If your CPS is in the development process and your request is approved, the courses will be included on your CPS. If you submit a request after establishing your CPS, submit a CPS change form for approval.