Mission
(Approved 2/2017)
The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV), a dynamic destination institution serving Texas and the world, is dedicated to providing every student educational and leadership opportunities to become a successful professional and an engaged global citizen. Innovative educational activities challenge students to make meaningful connections between their learning and their lives in a complex world. UHV promotes economic development and advances quality of life through teaching, research, and service excellence.
History
The University of Houston-Victoria is one of four separately accredited institutions that comprise the University of Houston System. UHV is the only institution offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programs within a 100-mile radius of Victoria, Texas.
UHV was founded in 1973 as an upper-level, off-campus center to provide upper-level and graduate programs for students within the Coastal Bend region. In 1978, the university was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1983, Senate Bill 235 was passed by the Texas Legislature establishing the University of Houston-Victoria with permanent status as a degree-granting university. The university was initially organized into three academic schools: School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business Administration, and School of Education. In 2004, the School of Education was renamed the School of Education & Human Development, and in 2016 it was changed again to the School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development. A fourth school, School of Nursing, was approved in December 2007 and operated under UHV until fall 2015 when it transitioned to the University of Houston. In fall 2016, UHV was approved to begin offering the BSN program under the School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development.
The Victoria campus includes the University West building, which was built in 1992 and purchased from Victoria College five years later. The University Center was completed in March 2000. A 13,000-square-foot addition to University West was completed in February 2004. University North building was completed in 2015. A student center, along library and bookstore, will be completed in fall 2019. The Texas State Legislature has approved Capital Construction Bonds and the preliminary planning has begun on a STEM building. UHV shares a library with Victoria College. The university also purchased Town Plaza Mall in July 2017, which will be renovated to house various offices, archives, storage space and spare class space.
The university expanded its outreach efforts in 1996 when UHV classes were offered at two UH System teaching centers at Cinco Ranch and Sugar Land in Fort Bend County. The purpose of these collaborations was to expand access to quality higher education courses and programs to residents of Greater Houston. UHV classes in business, education and other fields are now offered at a teaching center in Katy.
UHV was an early pioneer in providing distance learning classes online and through Interactive Television. By the first decade of the 21st century, UHV had become a national leader in making entire degree programs available online. During that same decade, new programs were developed, and additional faculty members were hired as enrollment nearly doubled.
In 2009, Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation that expanded the university’s mission to include admitting freshmen and sophomores, a process referred to as downward expansion. During fall 2010, UHV enrolled its inaugural class of freshmen and opened its first residential facility, Jaguar Hall - part of the major transformation involved in making UHV a destination university. Also that fall, the UHV men’s and women’s golf and soccer teams began play. They joined baseball and softball, which began three years earlier when UHV fielded athletics teams for the first time. By fall 2012, UHV opened its second residential facility, Jaguar Court, Jaguar Suites opened in fall 2013, and ground has been broken on a fourth residence hall.
With an overall enrollment of nearly 4,500 students, UHV has been growing quickly. Offering 70 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and concentrations, UHV provides a wide range of academic choices as well as some of the lowest tuition rates in the state.
Accreditation
The University of Houston-Victoria is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and specialist degrees (Level IV). Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Houston-Victoria. More information may be found on the SACSCOC FAQ website.
The UH-Victoria School of Business Administration is fully accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) to offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business. AACSB may be contacted by visiting the AACSB website or at 777 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Suite 750, Tampa, FL 33602-5730, Telephone 813-769-6500.
Mental Health Counseling programs in the School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510, Alexandria, VA 22314; Telephone number 703-739-6209. For more information visit the CACREP website.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing at University of Houston-Victoria is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K. Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001; Telephone number 202-887-6791. For more information visit the CCNE website.
Alumni Relations
The Alumni Relations Department is responsible for developing engagement between UHV’s more than 20,000 graduates and their alma mater. Alumni Relations offers alumni recognition programs, and a variety of value-added opportunities including volunteering, networking events, and various educational, cultural and sporting events. In addition, registration on UHV Connect, a web-based community, allows alumni to submit contact information updates, connect with fellow graduates, register for events, and receive updates and news related to UHV. For more information about Alumni Relations, please call (361) 570-4869 or email alumni@uhv.edu.
Athletics
The Athletic Department provides student athletes the opportunity to be part of a competitive intercollegiate athletic program through its membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and conference affiliation in the Red River Athletic Conference [RRAC]. The department sponsors six sports: baseball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, and softball. In our 12 year athletics history, Jaguars sports teams and individuals have captured 11 regular season or post-season conference championships and qualified for NAIA national championships 14 times and 18 Jaguars have been named NAIA All-Americans. UHV seeks student athletes who are committed to being successful not only on the field but in the classroom. It is the intent of the department, its administrators and coaches to provide a competitive and disciplined environment that will support student success. In conjunction with the NAIA, the department is committed to the Champions of Character Program, which promotes five core values in athletics: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership.
Building and Office Hours
Building hours are posted outside the main entrance of each facility. Individual office and departmental hours may vary, but are normally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, unless posted otherwise.
Campus Safety and Security
The safety and health of the campus community is a primary concern of the university. However, a safe and healthful environment does not happen by chance. As a student and a member of the campus community, you must assume an active role in your own safety and the safety of others. Learn to be observant and aware of your surroundings. If you notice suspicious activity or observe a crime, make mental notes of circumstances, descriptions, and times. Do not hesitate - call 911 or Campus Security! Never assume someone else has reported an incident. If you don’t carry a phone, dial 9- 911 from any campus office phone.
Keep Informed!
Check your campus e-mail account at least weekly! Your university assigned e-mail account is the primary way the university communicates information, such as general news, financial aid information, monthly safety information and so on, to you. You can access your e-mail account through a portal on the UHV website. If you have a safety or security related question or want to report an unsafe condition or other security matter, please e-mail campussafety@uhv.edu
Campus Carry
On June 13, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill No. 11 (S.B. 11), also known as the “campus carry” law. S.B. 11 amends Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code to allow carrying of handguns by license holders on college campuses beginning on August 1, 2016. See the Campus Carry website for more information.
Clery Act Annual Security Report
The University is committed to providing a safe and secure university environment. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics (Clery Act) is the landmark federal law, originally known as the Campus Security Act that requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses.
The Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act requires colleges and universities to report specific fire safety information and statistics in residential complexes owned or controlled by the university. For ease of reporting, all required elements of both reports have been merged into a single report entitled the “Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.”
Campus Police compiles and publishes this Annual Security Report on or before October 1. The annual report can be viewed and downloaded from the Annual Security Report website. You may also call (361) 570-4858 or email campussafety@uhv.edu and request a copy of this report.
Daily Crime Log (Clery Act)
The purpose of the Daily Crime Log is to record criminal incidents and alleged criminal incidents that are reported to the campus police or security department or through incident reports.
The Daily Crime Log is an “evergreen” document, in that when additions or changes are necessary, the existing file will be replaced with a new file reflecting the new information.
Visit the Daily Crime Log website to view the report. A copy of the Daily Crime Log is maintained in the Department of Student Affairs and is available for viewing during normal business hours.
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
The Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) require an institution of higher education such as the University of Houston-Victoria to certify it has adopted and implemented programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and use or distribution of illicit drugs both by students and employees both on its premises and as part of any of its activities.
The University acknowledges its obligation to be in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and conducts a biennial review to determine if the University fulfills the requirements of these Federal regulations. The Division of Student Affairs, together with Student Life & Services, Safety Office, Human Resources/Affirmative Action, is responsible for conducting the review and reporting on the findings. The document summarizing the latest biennial review is available on the Campus Safety Manual website [“Biennial Alcohol and Other Drug Review”].
Community College Partners
Dual admissions programs are in place with Blinn College, Coastal Bend College, Houston Community College, Victoria College, Wharton County Junior College, and Lone Star College. Course articulations are in place or being developed with Austin Community College and North Harris Montgomery Community College District. Each of these community colleges offers quality instruction in general lower-division programs and prepares students for baccalaureate studies. A student entering one of these colleges can work with a UHV advisor to complete a “2+2” degree program that will lead directly into junior and senior coursework.
UHV and the community colleges are separate institutions working in true partnership. Because of this cooperation, the people of the region enjoy the best educational opportunities without leaving their homes, families, and work. Information about admission, specific degree plans, and study programs is available at the admission offices of UHV and at each of the community colleges.
Complaint Resolution
Student Complaints Process
All students have a right to register complaints or grievances regarding their experience at the University of Houston-Victoria and to receive a timely response from the appropriate university official. Before beginning a complaint, students should first try to work within the policies and processes to resolve any issues. Complaints and grievances are the last resort, when working within normal processes is not getting results. Complaints and grievances must be resolved by working with the area of the university most closely related to the issue. Therefore, there are several different ways to start a complaint.
The following steps establish the process to be followed by all parties for complaints in areas other than those related to discrimination, sexual misconduct, or student conduct.
- The student should become familiar with the policies and processes related to the issue. Most policies and processes can be found in the Student Handbook or Academic Catalog, and there are resources available for many common issues at the eforms webpage (https://eforms.uhv.edu).
- The student should attempt to resolve the issue with the person most directly involved, or with that person’s supervisor or department head. If the issue can be resolved through discussion, and if all people involved are satisfied with the resolution, this is considered an informal complaint, and no documentation is required.
- If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached through discussion, the student may file a formal written complaint and submit it to the supervisor or department head of the person most directly involved in the issue.
- A formal written complaint may be filed through the link on this page. Complaints submitted by email or letter are also considered formal.
- If the student is not satisfied with the resolution reached by the supervisor or department head, the decision may be appealed to a committee or administrator, as defined by the policy governing the type of complaint.
- If the student is not satisfied with the resolution reached by the committee or administrator, the decision may be appealed to the appropriate vice president, who will review whether university policies or procedures were followed in providing service to the student.
- The appropriate vice president may approve, reject, or modify the decision within 10 business days of receipt. The vice president will inform the student and the department of his or her decision in writing. The vice president’s decision is final.
- If the student is not satisfied with the final decision of the vice president, the student may file a written complaint to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=AC6FA0BC-F5DB-16DE-6B667C083DFB5B98)
- The university will maintain a record of complaints for a minimum of five years and in accordance with state and/or national records maintenance standards. Records of non-academic complaints will be kept in the Office of Student Affairs. Records of academic complaints will be kept in the Office of the Dean of the school in which the complaint is filed.
Complaint Process for Out-of-State Online Students
Students who are enrolled in online courses or programs and who do not live in Texas may resolve grievances according to the same process described above. If a resolution is not achieved, the student may file a complaint with the Texas State Portal Agency for the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. Contact information can be found on the NC-SARA website. For questions concerning the complaint process or the new U.S. DOE regulations affecting distance education, please contact the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.
Location and Facilities
Victoria, center of the South Texas Crossroads in the heart of the Golden Gulf Coast, is a still-expanding historic city on the banks of the Guadalupe River. More than 150 years old, it is one of the first three towns chartered by the new republic when Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836. Famous battles of the Texas revolution were fought at nearby sites.
Pioneer charm and high-tech industry mingle in the city of 62,000 inhabitants, near the Gulf of Mexico on a popular coastal route between Houston and Mexico. It is a short distance by car to Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi. The Victoria area is the home of many petrochemical industries, such as DuPont, Alcoa, Dow, Formosa, INVISTA, BP Chemicals, and Equistar Chemicals. Victoria is surrounded by vast expanses of ranch land, held by descendants of early Texas settlers and offers economic as well as cultural diversity.
Outreach and Partnerships
Small Business Development Center, located in the University North Building, is part of the largest management assistance program servicing the small business community in the United States. The Small Business Administration administers the program while implementation rests with each SBDC state or region through cooperative agreements with local universities. To fulfill its mission on strengthening small business by promoting growth and increased productivity, the UHV SBDC provides management and technical counseling and training to the area’s small businesses. In addition, the university’s SBDC provides information services and access to experts in a variety of fields. To support regional economic development efforts, the SBDC also forms partnerships with community organizations and local, state, and federal agencies to provide a focal point for broad networks of public and private resources at the community level. Phone: (361) 485-4485 or Toll-free: (877) 895-7232. Email: sbdc@uhv.edu
LEAD (Letting Education Achieve Dreams) is a program whose mission is to raise the education attainment level of residents of the university’s service region. In response to national, state, and regional concerns and legislation, LEAD implements strategies aimed at narrowing the gap between work force needs and educational preparation by working directly with potential university students. Through collaboration with community colleges, high schools and community organizations, LEAD programs work to promote higher education, especially among historically underserved and under-represented populations. LEAD also serves to facilitate the transfer or admission of those prospective students into the university.
Teaching Centers
UHV offers many of its programs in the Houston area at the UHV Katy location. A number of UHV faculty and staff are located there. Additionally, UHV delivers courses to other sites within the service region.
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