II.
THE PROCESS USED TO DEVELOP THE QEP
UHD Institutional Profile Situated in the third largest metropolitan area in the United States, University of HoustonDowntown (UHD) is a federally qualified Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution and is one of the most ethnically diverse liberal arts institutions in the Southwest, with a student body that is 43% Hispanic, 26% African American, 18% White, and 10% Asian/Pacific Islander. UHD’s rich diversity accurately reflects the Houston community, which includes a wealth of cultures, languages, and nationalities. As one of four component universities within the University of Houston System, UHD offers an array of baccalaureate programs and a limited number of masters programs. While primarily a transfer institution, UHD also welcomes some 900 new freshmen each fall. Approximately 61% of its 14,439 students receiving some form of need-based federal financial aid. Approximately 70% of UHD’s students are first-generation college students. In 2014, UHD end its open-admissions policy and implemented more selective admissions standard, but it retains its fundamental commitment to provide Houstonians access to quality, affordable academic programs and career preparation. The University also engages with the Houston community to address its needs and has forged robust community partnerships over the years. Indeed, a symbiotic relationship exists between the University and the city, which requires an informed and engaged citizenry to maintain its prosperity. UHD was the only institution in Houston and one of only five institutions in Texas to earn the 2015 Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University’s mission statement identifies the University’s programmatic latitude, its focus on academic and career preparation, its dedication to diversity and inclusivity, its strong commitment to serving the students and the Houston Metropolitan area as a whole, and its tripartite commitment to teaching excellence, service, and scholarly research. DRAFT
Mission Statement The University of Houston-Downtown is a comprehensive four-year university offering bachelor's and selected master's degree programs and providing strong academic and career preparation as well as life-long learning opportunities. Located in the heart of the city, the University reflects the diversity of the Greater Houston Area, and through its academic programs, engages with the community to address the needs and advance the development of the region. UHD is an inclusive community dedicated to integrating teaching, service and scholarly research to develop students' talents and prepare them for success in a dynamic global society.
To fulfill its mission, the University of Houston-Downtown has developed a strategic plan to meet six over-arching goals, including student success; student access; programmatic advancement; research, scholarship, and creative activities; external partnerships; and administrative and infrastructure investment. Within these goals, specific objectives relate to enhancing academic achievement, expanding community engagement programs, and strengthening community partnerships.
3