Tier one status for UH could mean big changes for UHCL

Jessica O’Rear

The Signal

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced in January that the University of Houston has been categorized as a “very high research activity” university.
Tier One status is given to universities known for top-notch research and academic superiority.

The Carnegie Foundation’s designation makes UH one of only three public Tier One research universities in Texas, alongside Texas A&M and the University of Texas.

“We look forward to further progress in bringing the best and brightest to Houston as we continue to build UH as a research center for Houston and for Texas,” said Carrol Ray, chairwoman for the UH System Board of Regents.

Tier One universities receive national recognition and prestige based on their accomplishments as innovative and scholarly institutions.

“All universities within the UH System should benefit from UH’s elevation to Tier One, as the designation makes the University of Houston name more attractive to high-quality faculty and students,” said Richard Bonnin, executive director of media relations for UH.

Presently, UH grants automatic admission to freshmen who graduate high school within the top 20 percent of their high school classes. Only 50 percent of all freshmen applicants are admitted to UH through the automatic admission procedure.

Starting fall 2012, UH will automatically admit college freshmen who graduate within the top 15 percent of their high school classes. In fall 2014, UH will adjust these standards and automatically admit incoming freshmen within the top 10 percent of their classes.

“College admission is not about selectivity; it is about academic preparedness,” said Bonnin. “Students who are academically prepared to succeed to UH’s flagship campus will find there is room for them in the university. Not all students, however, will be academically prepared and not all will find the flagship campus the right choice for their interest, aptitude or learning style. Fortunately, UH is a system of four independent universities and a number of teaching centers.

“It is our commitment that the UH System will have a place for all students, but some may begin their college education at a UH System university where class size, academic programs and modes of delivery are more conducive to their learning style. Students will find pathways to complete or advance their education at the flagship campus whenever they are academically prepared to succeed.”

As UH raises its admittance standards, UHCL is in the process of seeking permission from the Texas Legislature for a downward expansion, which would allow the university to accept incoming freshmen and sophomores into its student body.

“We congratulate University of Houston in achieving Tier One status,” said UHCL President William Staples. “Tier One status brings national recognition not only to University of Houston, but also to the University of Houston System. It positively impacts our partnerships with UH, as well as benefits the city of Houston, the Houston-Galveston region and the state of Texas.”

Having freshmen and sophomores on campus would call for certain amenities and programs to be in place. Lower-level undergraduates often require dormitories, on-campus transportation and remedial skills building services. Many four-year universities also have organizations such as competitive sports teams, fraternities/sororities, and music and theater programs, which UHCL does not currently offer.

“I have always worked with freshmen and always enjoyed it,” said Tim Richardson, student success center director for UHCL. “It’s a different culture and we will definitely have to be prepared for the change. The atmosphere will shift dramatically, but the freshman process is so important. It’s amazing to watch them grow from the time they enter the university until the time they graduate.”

The downward expansion is still in the process of being approved. UHCL should know by the end of this Legislature session, which is scheduled to end in May but may extend into summer, if the school will be able to open its doors to freshmen.