NSM Faculty/Staff Newsletter

From the Office of the Dean

Student Success Update

Record Summer Enrollment

NSM has record enrollment for the 2020 summer sessions which will be held in an online format. As of May 19, NSM course enrollments and total semester credit hours are up by 48.3% and 58.2%, respectively, compared to the same date in 2019. By comparison, UH course enrollments and total semester credit hours are up by 32.8% and 33.7% respectively, compared to 2019.

Syllabus Language Recommended by UH

Computer and internet access required for course. For the current list of minimum technology requirements and resources, copy/paste/navigate to the URL www.uh.edu/online/tech/requirements. For additional information, contact the Office of Online & Special Programs at UHOnline@uh.edu or 713-743-3327.

Remember that the Interim Undergraduate and Graduate Grade Policies will be in effect for all 2020 summer sessions and a link to the policy should also be included in your syllabus.

Helpful Links

As faculty prepare for continued remote instruction, some useful links related to summer course instruction and grading are provided.

Fall 2020 Enrollment Update

Colleges and universities across the nation are concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fall enrollment. As of May 19, NSM Fall 2020 course enrollments and total semester credit hours are down -2.6% and -2.8% respectively compared to the same date in 2019. By comparison, UH course enrollments and total semester credit hours are down by -1.9% and -1.8%, respectively, compared to 2019.

These numbers have been trending up in the past few weeks. It will be important to maintain this trend in order to minimize planned budget cuts for FY21.

Summer Scholars Academy Kicks Off June 8

The NSM Summer Scholars Academy, an intensive 9-week program for incoming NSM and Engineering students, will kick off on June 8. Despite the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program will host 52 incoming freshmen for an online experience where they will have the opportunity to earn credit for Calculus I, receive a preview to Fundamentals of Chemistry, and set academic and career goals during a College Success course.

Participants completing the program will gain admissions into their first choice major in NSM or Engineering and be offered the opportunity to participate in the NSM Scholar Enrichment and/or the NSF Grant: Improving Undergraduate STEM Education programs which offer student support through to graduation.

UH Stem Center Celebrates 2020 Science & Engineering Fair of Houston Grand Award Winners

The UH STEM Center is excited to share that the 2020 Science & Engineering Fair of Houston Grand Award winners (14 high school students) and their STEM research are being showcased at the Virtual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, May 18–22. The virtual experience includes a mix of live and pre-recorded content as well as interactive sessions with a live Q&A.