08
March
2021
|
09:20 AM
America/Chicago

UHD Enrollment Remains Strong for Spring

Headcount is 3.5 Percent Improvement Over Previous Spring Term

Summary

By Mike Emery

The University of Houston-Downtown has faced its share of challenges during the past year. With an ongoing pandemic and weather emergencies, the University has responded to a number of events that have tested the mettle of both the institution and its students.

Regardless of any obstacles, UHD’s enrollment continues to trend upward. This spring, 13,889 students are enrolled. This total represents a 3.5 percent increase in UHD’s total headcount and a 3.6 percent increase in semester credit hours (SCH) — with a total of 133,150 SCH recorded for spring.

“Despite the many uncertainties facing our city and community, Houstonians continue to count on our University,” said UHD Interim President Antonio D. Tillis, Ph.D. “UHD remains the University of choice for students seeking to continue their academic journeys and ultimately contribute to the economic growth of our region. UHD’s enrollment growth reflects not only students’ confidence in our institution, but the hard work of faculty and staff in ensuring their success.”

This Spring marks UHD’s fifth consecutive academic term with increased enrollment. In fact, during the fall 2020 and summer 2020 terms, the University posted record enrollment numbers despite COVID-19’s effects on the community. Enrollment at UHD has been growing consistently for two consecutive years overall.

"UHD’s quick response to the pandemic and its support of students have been key to retaining and recruiting students," said Daniel Villanueva, Vice President of Enrollment Management.

“The University has invested in technology, scholarship funding, and designing engaging enrollment events for new and returning students,” he said. “In addition, our faculty is second to none and has shown a true commitment to our student population by not only ensuring that students have the best opportunity to learn in this virtual environment, but also by supporting our students through perhaps the most challenging academic time in their lives.”

This semester, UHD’s courses remain 100 percent online (through March 14) as a result of COVID-19 levels in the city. University resources such as the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence, Information Technology’s Technology Teaching & Learning Center, Virtual Lobby and the Keep on Teaching & Learning website have assisted both faculty and students with the transition to virtual courses. Other initiatives such as the recent Food Fair and Health Fair also provided assistance for the Gator Community through grocery giveaways. In addition, eligible students have are being equipped with computers, webcams and WiFi devices and other technology from UHD Technology Services.

Beyond these support mechanisms, Villanueva credits the strength and commitment of the entire UHD Community in growing the campus and its student body. The solidarity of the Gator Family, he said, has helped the University rise above any challenges raised by the pandemic or weather events.

“The continued enrollment growth at UHD is really a campus-wide effort,” Villanueva said. “Faculty, staff, and UHD’s administration should be proud of the growing number of lives we’re impacting each semester. Not all higher education institutions are growing, but UHD has found a recipe for success and we’ll continue to strengthen our partnerships, remain innovative in course delivery and student services, and award scholarships to help serve our students.”

 

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.