Advising Resources

Welcome to our Advising Resources Hub, your go-to destination for navigating your academic journey with confidence. Discover tools, tips, and support for course selection, career exploration, and personal development. Explore our resources and succeed in your academic pursuits today.

General Guidance for Students:

• How to find your assigned CSE Academic Advisor
• Your CSE academic advisor and their contact information are available in Navigate. See your assigned academic advisor. Our office is in Bayou 3611.
• CSE Graduate Students: How to find your assigned CSE Faculty Advisor
• All graduate students are assigned faculty advisors upon acceptance into a master's degree program. The faculty advisor's name and contact information are noted on the formal acceptance letter.
• Are they in the same place as CSE Advising (B3611)? No, faculty advisors are housed in their respective departments.
• To make an appointment with your faculty advisor, please contact them by email, phone, or in person during office hours. Please note that faculty advisors are actively involved in teaching classes and conducting academic research, which may result in limited availability.
• Holds vs To-Do List
• Holds: Academic holds are restrictions placed on a student's account that prevent them from accessing certain services or completing certain actions until specific conditions are met. These holds can vary widely but typically relate to outstanding obligations or requirements that the student needs to address. Students are usually notified when a hold is placed on their account and provided instructions on resolving it. Until the hold is lifted, the student may be unable to register for classes, receive transcripts, or access other academic services. Go to E-Services -> Student Center ->Holds Section: Click the link to find out who you must contact to resolve the hold.
• To-Do List: Items on your "To-Do List" do not prevent registration. They are there to let you know that something is pending. Go to E-Services -> Student Center ->To-Do List Section: Click the link to find out who you must contact to resolve the item.
• CPS vs Advisement Report
• CPS: A Candidate Plan of Study serves as a guide for students to track their progress toward degree completion and ensures they meet all academic requirements. The CPS can only be updated by academic advisors.
• Advisement Report: Your Advisement Report is similar to the CPS. The advisement report is an online degree plan tool to help students track their academic progress and plan their course of study effectively. It breaks down the courses required for graduation, tracks completed and remaining requirements, and may offer suggestions for future courses. It also allows you to run a "what-if" analysis feature to explore alternative majors or minors.
• Advising Appointment vs Enrollment Appointment Date
• Advising Appointment: An advising appointment is where you meet with your academic advisor to discuss your degree plan and can be made at any time.
• Enrollment Date: The Office of the Registrar assigns every current student a unique early enrollment date. This date is the earliest day and time you can enroll in the following term. If you miss enrolling on your first opportunity (your assigned enrollment date), you can still register until classes start (if the course you want is open).
• Course Selection: Use your Candidate Plan of Study and your Advisement Report in E-Services to see what courses you still need. Once you verify that you have the prerequisites, you can enroll in the course if your account has no holds.
  
  
• Grade Requirements: Different courses and sections of your degree plan have different minimum grade requirements. Pay attention to the minimum grade requirements listed on your plan and in the UHCL catalog.
  
  
• Graduation Application: The Office of Academic Records handles all aspects of graduation. Diplomas are mailed 10 to 12 weeks after the official closing of the semester to the primary mailing address on file. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Academic Records at graduation@uhcl.edu.

Support Services:

• Student Success Center
• Success Coaching helps students gain skills in areas like note-taking, Organization, Time and task management, Critical thinking, Test strategy, Public speaking, Motivation, Communication with faculty, and being successful in an online class through various methods such as one-on-one meetings and workshops.
• Tutoring: Online tutoring appointments must be requested through the Navigate portal.
• Peer Mentoring helps students become more comfortable and confident with all aspects of university life, grow in leadership, and develop the skills necessary for success.
• Writing Center offers FREE appointment and drop-in consultations with peer writing consultants over Microsoft Teams. In these sessions, you can discuss your writing with your consultant, whether you're just getting started or editing your final draft.
  
  
• Accessibility Support Center coordinates a variety of services for students with disabilities to ensure they receive equal access to all aspects of UHCL and allow them to participate fully in university life.
  
  

• Pathways to STEM Careers is a grant program that enables UH-Clear Lake to develop and enhance support services and strategies to increase student success among low-income, Hispanic, and Latino students in the College of Science and Engineering.

Personal Concern Resources:

• Counseling and Mental Health Center offers free and confidential therapy to currently enrolled UHCL students.
  
  
• Center for Student Advocacy and Community empowers students by providing essential services, resources, and education that foster learning, critical thinking, self-advocacy, and student success.
  • Basic Needs "Persistence" Grant
  • Hawk Pantry & Food Access
  • First-Generation Scholars
  • Gowns for Grads
• Student Financial Aid Office: The financial aid office at UHCL assists students in navigating the complex landscape of funding their education, offering guidance on applying for scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, they provide invaluable resources and support to help students understand their financial options, manage expenses, and alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
  
  
• Scholarship Information: We have various scholarship options for new and current students. If you have any questions or concerns about meeting the requirements of any scholarship, you can speak to the Student Financial Aid office.
  • College of Science & Engineering Scholarships

Additional Student Resources:

• Academic Calendar
• Career Services
• Class Schedule
• Courses and Syllabi
• Dean of Students
• Education Abroad & Scholar Services
• E-Services How to Guides for Students
• Final Exam Schedule
• GPA Calculator
• Office of Academic Records (Registrar)
• Strategic Partnerships
• Student Policy Handbook

General CSE FAQ's:

How often should I meet with my academic advisor?
Students should meet with their academic advisor regularly throughout their academic career, ideally at least once per semester. However, there are specific times when meeting with an advisor is particularly crucial:

• Before registration
• When planning a course of study
• When experiencing academic challenges
• Before making significant academic decisions: This includes decisions such as: dropping a course, changing majors, withdrawing from the university, pursuing study abroad opportunities, etc.
• To discuss long-term goals

How do I know that I have been accepted into my major?

• New undergraduate students (both freshmen and transfer) will receive an admission letter and packet from the Office of Admissions with information on the next steps.
• Continuing undergraduate students change their major with their academic advisor.
• Graduate students (new or those changing majors) will receive an admission letter from the College of Science & Engineering that lists the semester, major, any assigned foundation courses, and faculty advisor information.

I didn't get accepted into my major! Why?

Any time a student is denied admission to a CSE program, they will receive a notification letter signed by the College of Science and Engineering Associate Dean. This letter will list the reason(s) for denial. You can also speak with the Program Director of the program.

I'm a new CSE graduate student. What should I register for in my first semester?

• CSE Graduate students should register first for any assigned foundation courses that must be completed and then for program core courses.
• Course Selection: Use the contact information in your admission letter to contact your Faculty Advisor with any questions about what to take.
• Enrollment Issues: If you have trouble registering for a class, please contact your assigned CSE Academic Advisor.