In order for students to maintain good standing and receive appropriate grades and credits for their work, they must adhere to the School’s academic policies, procedures and standards.
The School requires a high level of academic achievement from our students, and the School has defined criteria for a student in good standing and a student in academic jeopardy. A letter grading system is used to assess the student’s level of achievement.
Grading System
“A” indicates excellent; “B” indicates good; “C” indicates unsatisfactory and may require students to repeat the course; and “F” indicates failing; “P” indicates passing; “W” indicates that the student has withdrawn; “I” indicates an incomplete grade, meaning that course requirements have not been satisfied. All letter grades are reported without modification of plus (+) or minus (-). Grades recorded for courses dropped after the withdrawal deadline will be recorded as “F.” After a student accumulates their fourth (4) “W” grade, they will be subject to academic action, including dismissal from the program.
Grade point averages (GPA) are computed at the end of each semester using the following academic standard:
A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
I = not counted
P = not counted
W = not counted
F = 0 points
Graduate level courses in which a grade of “B” or better has been earned may not be repeated for credit. Any student receiving a grade of less than a “B” in a required course must retake the course and receive a grade of “B” or higher to continue on in their academic program.
Grade Reports
Students may access their official term grade reports online through myUTH.
Grades of “C”
A grade of “C” is not considered a satisfactory grade. Therefore, all grades of “C” require retake. For a course to count towards any degree plan, a “B” or better must be earned. All grades of “C” are applied to the academic transcript but will not count towards degree progression.
When students earn a grade of “C” in a Required Course, the student must retake the course. Students may only earn two grades of “C” in any two required courses. A third grade of “C” will result in dismissal.*
When students earn a grade of “C” in an Elective Course, the student must retake the course. Students may take another appropriate elective to fulfill the elective requirement for which the “C” grade was earned.
*Students are not permitted to earn more than two grades of “C”. A graduate student of this school will be dismissed if a third grade of “C” is earned in any course, including concurrent or inter-institutional courses.
Grades of “I”
An incomplete or “I” grade may be given when course requirements have not been satisfied. A student must have completed at least 50% of the course curriculum requirements for a grade of “I” to be issued. A student must submit an Incomplete Grade Form to receive an incomplete or “I” grade. Students must remove a grade of “I” the academic semester following receipt of the “I” grade, or the incomplete grade will be converted to a grade of “F.” During the semester in which the “I” grade coursework is being completed, the student is not permitted to overenroll (e.g. enroll in more than a fulltime course load). Grades of “I” will not be used in calculating the grade point average. All “I” grades must be removed from a student’s record (course requirements satisfied) before the student is eligible for graduation. A student must be actively enrolled at UTHealth Houston in the semester they expect to graduate. Note that students are not permitted to request an “I” grade in consecutive semesters.
Grades of “F”
Students are not permitted to earn a grade of “F”. A grade of “F” will result in automatic dismissal from the school.
Grades of “W”
Students who elect a grade of Withdrawal (“W”) for a required course, must retake the course and earn a grade of “B” or higher to continue on in their academic program. When retaking a course after electing for a grade of “W”, a grade of “W,” “C,” or lower in the subsequent course is grounds for academic action, including dismissal from the program.
Only two grades of “W” will be allowed for a single elective course. After the second “W” grade is earned, the student is no longer eligible to register for that elective course.
The original grade of “W” will remain on the student transcript. Students are not permitted to earn more than four grades of “W” during their academic program. All enrollments in courses, including repeated courses, will be reflected on the student’s transcript.
Grades of “Pass/Fail”
The courses that are graded on a pass/fail basis are described in the course description section of the catalog. In these instances, a symbol of “P” is used to designate “pass” and an “F” to designate “fail.” Hours for courses taken pass/fail that are passed are not entered in the grade point calculation; however, hours for courses taken pass/fail and failed are included in the grade point calculation. Students are not permitted to earn a grade of “F”. A grade of “F” will result in automatic dismissal from the school.
Each program establishes the maximum number of semester credits a student can take on a Pass/Fail basis during his or her study in that program. A maximum of three credit hours of Directed Study can be applied toward the Certificate program. A maximum of six credit hours of Directed Study can be applied toward the master’s and doctoral programs.
GPA Calculation
Grade point average is calculated using grades and credit hours for courses except for those courses in which a grade of “I,” “W” or “P” is recorded. The grade achieved in a repeated course is included in the calculation. Those courses taken through concurrent enrollment are not used in calculating the grade point average. Courses obtained by Petition for Equivalency Credit (PEC), which are graduate courses transferred from other institutions, are not used in the calculation of the grade point average.
Enrollment Status
Students who matriculate in McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics fall into one of the following categories.
Any degree or certificate seeking student enrolled at UTHealth Houston who is not admitted to a degree program or certificate program in McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics can complete a maximum of 12 semester credit hours and must maintain a 3.0/4.0 grade point average.
Full-Time Student
Full-Time Student: A graduate student enrolled in a program for at least nine semester credit hours (SCH) each during the fall and spring semester, or six semester credit hours in the 12‐week summer session. Only those credit hours in UTHealth Houston courses taken for credit are counted in the calculation of credits designating a full‐time student.
Part-Time Student
Part-Time Student: A graduate student enrolled in a program for fewer than nine semester credit hours (SCH) each during the fall and/or spring semester, or fewer than six semester credit hours in the 12‐week summer session.
Certificate Student
Certificate Student: A student admitted to a certificate program seeking a certificate of completion of 15 semester credit hours. Enrollment in a certificate program does not entitle a student to admission to a degree-seeking program.
Non-Degree Student
Non-Degree Student: A student who is admitted to McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics for one or more courses but not admitted to a degree or certificate program. Enrollment as a non‐degree student does not entitle a student to admission to a program. A non‐degree student is not eligible to receive a degree. Non-degree students will not be allowed to register for practicum/doctoral courses. Non‐degree students can complete a maximum of 9 semester credit hours and must maintain a 3.0/4.0 grade point average.
Accelerated Masters Student
Accelerated Masters Student: A student who is presently enrolled in a bachelors-level academic program at another accredited institution that has a signed Program Agreement with McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics and has been admitted to McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics to complete a graduate certificate at the same time as completing an undergraduate degree.
Concurrent/Inter‐institutional Student
Concurrent/Inter‐institutional Student: Concurrent and inter‐institutional students can complete a maximum of 12 semester credit hours and must maintain a 3.0/4.0 grade point average.
Student Enrollment
Students enroll each semester by using myUTH. There is no on‐site enrollment. Enrollment dates are announced in the online Registration Schedule found on the Office of Registrar website.
Student in Good Standing
To be considered in “good standing” and making “satisfactory academic progress” at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, a student admitted to a graduate degree program must be following the degree plan; must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above; and must not be on academic probation or suspension as determined by the Associate Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs. To remain in good standing a graduate student may earn no grade less than a “B” during their program.
Each student will develop a degree plan with written approval of their academic advisor. The student must file a signed degree plan each academic year that includes the required and/or elective courses as specified for their certificate or degree program.
Academic Probation
Probation is an official warning status for a defined period of time that informs the student of unsatisfactory academic and/or professional performance, and provides the student an opportunity to improve. Any student who does not adhere to the academic and professional standards of McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics is subject to probation or dismissal by the Associate Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs.
Criteria upon which grades are based are given at the beginning of each course in the course syllabus. Professional standards include appropriate dress, attendance, conduct, and any particular standards required by the program. If a student has questions regarding academic and professional requirements or if assistance is needed in meeting the standards, the student should consult with the course instructor or advisor.
Following the completion of the semester in which any of the following occur, the Associate Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs will place a graduate student on academic probation if the student
- receives a grade of less than “B” (“C”) in a course while at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics or enrolled in a concurrent or inter-institutional course;
- earns a calculated cumulative grade point average (GPA) of less than 3.0 or
- fails to make satisfactory academic progress toward the degree.
The graduate student is removed from academic probation at the end of the following registration period when no grade below “B” is assigned in a graduate course, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is achieved, and any other cause for probation is removed or remedied.
A McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics graduate student will be dismissed if a third grade of “C” is earned in any course, including concurrent or inter-institutional courses.
Any student on academic probation is not eligible to receive McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics scholarships and awards. Any student on academic probation is not eligible for student employment at UTHealth Houston (including Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, Graduate Research Assistant, Graduate Assistant, and Teaching Assistant positions).
Student Conduct and Discipline
All students are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with UTHealth Houston policies regarding student conduct. Students are referred to the UTHealth Houston Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOOP) Policy 186, Student Conduct and Discipline.
Course Attendance Policy
Leave of Absence
The purpose of a leave of absence is to provide students time away from campus for personal reasons. The authority to grant a leave of absence and permission to return from a leave of absence resides with the Associate Dean for Student, Faculty, and Community Affairs. Each leave is individualized based on the needs of the student and handled on a case-by-case basis. A leave of absence may not exceed a period one year. If a student is absent for more than one year, the student must apply for readmission to the program. For additional information, please contact the school’s Office of Academic Affairs.
Disability Accommodations
UTHealth Houston is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all members of the University community and to individuals who access services or programs of the University who have or had an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to an individual with a disability to enable the individual to participate in University academic programs, services, and activities, so long as it does not create undue hardship or fundamentally alter the essential elements of a program or position.
Students seeking disability-related accommodation must contact University Relations & Equal Opportunity (UREO) to initiate the accommodation process. Accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis considering the student's individual limitations, accommodation needs, and the operational realities of the university. If the requestor is determined to be a qualified individual, the requestor, the designated Section 504 Coordinator and applicable faculty will engage in an interactive process facilitated by UREO to determine if it is possible to grant reasonable accommodation.
Accommodations are not retroactive, and require advance notice to implement. To allow adequate time to evaluate the required documentation, engage in the interactive process, and make arrangements for any accommodation to be provided, requestors are strongly urged to contact UREO as soon as possible.
The school is not required to grant accommodations that constitute a fundamental alteration of the program or course. Specifically, the school does not have to modify a requirement, including attendance, that is essential to the educational purpose or objective of a program or class. Decisions regarding essential requirements of a course or program will be made by a group of people who are trained, knowledgeable, and experienced in the area through a careful, thoughtful, and rational review of the academic program and its requirements. Decision-makers will consider a series of alternatives for the essential requirements, as well as whether the essential requirement(s) in question can be modified for a specific student with a disability.
For additional information on the disability accommodation process, please see HOOP Policy 101, Disability and Pregnancy Accommodation.
A list of UTHealth Houston 504 Coordinator’s by school can be found here.
Academic Grade Grievance Procedure
In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades or evaluations, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the faculty member with whom the grievance originated. Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. The faculty member’s judgment is final unless compelling evidence suggests differential treatment or mistake. If the evidence warrants appeal, the student must submit a request in writing within 30 days of the date of the evaluation in question and, in the case of a final grade for a course, within 30 days of the date the Registrar recorded the grade of the course in question. The request for the appeal with supporting evidence must be submitted to the Associate Dean for Student, Faculty, and Community Affairs, and the appeal must be resolved by no later than the end of the semester after the semester in which the grade was earned. Upon receipt of the request, the Associate Dean for Student, Faculty, and Community Affairs will review the case and submit a copy of the appeal to the appropriate Standing Committee of the Faculty Governance Organization for review and recommendation. The Standing Committee of the Faculty Governance Organization will review the request and render its recommendation in writing to the Associate Dean for Student, Faculty, and Community Affairs within 15 business days. The Associate Dean for Student, Faculty, and Community Affairs will submit a written recommendation to the Dean. The student will be notified in writing of the Dean’s decision within seven business days of the Associate Dean for Student, Faculty, and Community Affairs’ recommendation. The determination of the Dean is final.
Academic Dismissal and Appeal
A student who is on academic probation for one semester and who does not achieve the minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and the individual course grades necessary to be removed from probation, or remove the cause of probationary status, will be notified of dismissal from the program by the Associate Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs and will not be allowed to continue in the program.
The student may request a reconsideration of the dismissal by submitting a written request to the Dean within five business days of receipt (electronic or hard copy) of the dismissal letter. The student must also send a copy to the Chair of the Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee of the Faculty Governance Organization. The student must provide evidence in support of the request for reconsideration of the dismissal. The Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee will review the request and render its recommendation in writing to the Dean within 15 business days. The student will be notified in writing of the Dean’s decision within seven business days of the Committee’s recommendation. The determination of the Dean is final.
Reapplication Following Dismissal
Should a student reapply and be readmitted to the program from which he or she was dismissed, the student will be placed on academic probation for one semester. If the student fails to raise his or her cumulative GPA within that semester to 3.0, or if the student makes a course grade below that required to be removed from probation, or otherwise fails to meet standards to be off probation, the student will be dismissed from the School and may not be readmitted.
Five-Year Rule
In order to keep its programs and coursework relevant and current, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics allows students to apply completed course credits to a certificate, master’s, or doctoral program for no more than five (5) years after the course was successfully completed, with a grade of “B” or better.
These successfully completed courses may be applied at a later date toward the certificate/degree requirements for other academic programs at the school if the course is part of the program’s current curriculum. If the grade earned and recorded on the student’s transcript (by semester and year) exceeds the Five-Year rule, the course credits will expire and the course must be repeated to meet the program requirements, where applicable.
If the expired course no longer exists in the school Catalog of Courses during the semester a new or returning student enters the program, the student must take a new course to complete the program requirements.
Note - This Five-Year Rule is not applicable to credits earned during a period of continuous enrollment while studying at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics. Our students who maintain satisfactory program enrollment over a period of more than five (5) years, can apply all courses taken during their program tenure at the School, so long as the earned grade is a B or better and the student has not exceeded the stated time limit to complete the program in which they are enrolled.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit for equivalent graduate courses taken elsewhere may be awarded and used to meet degree requirements if their equivalency to a McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics degree program course is approved through a Petition for Equivalency Credit (PEC). The maximum number of transferable semester credit hours is 3 for the certificate program, 12 for the master’s program, 36 for the PhD program, and 21 for the Doctor of Health Informatics (“DHI”) program. Contact the Office of Academic Affairs for information.
Courses that are being accepted at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, including courses through a dual- or joint-degree program, can only be transferred in if the grade earned in the course is a “B” or higher. Courses for which grades of less than “B” were earned will not be accepted for transfer. Transfer credits are subject to the Five-Year Rule based on the semester and year the original credits were posted to a student’s official transcript.
Applicants who are presenting course work from universities or colleges outside the United States to meet admission or graduation requirements are referred to the section on International Applicants in this catalog for additional requirements.
Petitioning for Course Equivalency
A student who wishes to receive credit for a graduate course which he or she has taken at another institution and which is similar in content to any course offered at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics is to submit required documentation for a Petition for Equivalency Credit (PEC) to the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics Office of Academic Affairs during their first academic year.
Credit is only given to courses that match the current school Course Catalog. Courses for which grades of less than “B” were earned will not be accepted for equivalency. Courses must have been completed within the last five years to qualify. The submitted syllabus from the course taken must be from the semester and year the student completed the course. Syllabi from any other semester or year will not be accepted and the PEC will be denied. Course equivalency credits are subject to the Five-Year Rule based on the semester and year the original credits were posted to a student’s official transcript.
Any exceptions to the policy must be approved by the Associate Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs. For additional information, please contact the school Office of Academic Affairs.
Transfer between Academic Programs
A student who is enrolled in a minimum of one (1) credit hour is eligible to transfer from one Academic Program to another. A change in Academic Program can only occur once during the course of academic study. The Academic Program must be at the same level or a lower level program.
A Change of Academic Plan Request Form must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs with a new goal statement outlining the student’s goals in the new program. Students are not permitted to change their academic plan in their final semester of any degree program. Changes to academic plans cannot be made retroactively.
If approved, the student is expected to complete their Academic Program for the newly requested plan. At the time of program completion, re-application to McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics is required for any subsequent program of study.
Reentry after Non‐Attendance
A student who has not enrolled in two consecutive registration periods (including the summer session) will have an academic hold placed on their myUTH account by the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics Office of Academic Affairs. Students with an academic hold will need to meet to discuss academic degree plan with their academic advisor to have the hold removed and be allowed to enroll in future courses. A student who has not enrolled for three or more consecutive registration periods will be dismissed and must reapply for admission to the program and the School.
Deferment for Newly Admitted Students
A newly admitted student is allowed up to one year for deferment for certain programs. McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics Office of Academic Affairs must be notified of all deferments in writing before the start of the semester. A student who defers admission will be governed under the catalog in effect during his or her first semester of enrollment at the school. Any newly admitted student who does not enroll for three consecutive registration periods shall no longer be considered an admitted student. This means the student must reapply for future admission to any program or degree offered at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics.
Deferment is not available in the Doctorate in Health Informatics (DHI) program. If a DHI student wants to defer admission, that student will need to reapply for a future semester.
Resignation from the University
A student who withdraws from all courses enrolled at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at the end of, or prior to, completing a scheduled semester, should notify his or her advisor and the Office of Academic Affairs in writing by submitting the UTHealth Houston Resignation Form, which can be found on the Registrar’s website.
Clearance for Resignation, Graduation, or Dismissal
Any student who submits for resignation or is dismissed from, or completes a program in McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics must complete the official student clearance process. Such clearance is necessary to ensure that the student has met all obligations to specified offices in McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, UTHealth Houston, and the Texas Medical Center. A student clearance form and instructions for completing the clearance process may be obtained from the school’s Office of Academic Affairs.
Registering/Adding a Course
Prior to course registration, students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor or advising committee to determine the appropriate courses and course load for the upcoming semester. If a permission code is required for course registration, the student must request instructor approval via email and forward the instructor’s approval to the Office of Academic Affairs at SBMIAcademics@uth.tmc.edu. Following this, the student must use myUTH to add the course to their schedule. Refer to the Office of the Registrar’s, School of Biomedical Informatics Academic Calendar for deadline dates for adding a course for any semester or session. A student will be unable to add a course after the official reporting date.
Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course
To drop a course during the add/drop period the student must go to myUTH. Courses which are dropped during the add/drop period are not reflected on the student’s transcript. Please refer to the Refund Policy on the Registrar’s Office website to determine what percentage, if any, students will receive as a refund for tuition paid prior to dropping the course.
To withdraw from a course after the 12th class day and before the last day to withdraw (listed on the Office of the Registrar’s, School of Biomedical Informatics Academic Calendar for the semester) the student must submit a signed Add-Drop/Withdrawal Form to the Registrar’s Office. Students must obtain signatures of the course instructor(s) and the Associate Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs in order to drop the course(s). The student must return the completed form to the Office of the Registrar before the deadline for dropping a course. The grade recorded on the transcript will be a “W” - withdrawal. The “W” will not be calculated as part of the GPA.
If a student does not officially withdraw from the course, a grade of “F” will be assigned. A grade of “F” is recorded if a course is dropped after the deadline stated in the academic calendar for that semester or session.
A student, who withdraws from all courses enrolled at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at the end of, or prior to, completing a scheduled semester, should notify his or her advisor and the Office of Academic Affairs in writing by submitting the UTHealth Houston Resignation Form, which can be found on the Registrar’s website.
Auditing a Course
McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics does not allow auditing of classes within the school. If a student is interested in auditing a course at another UTHealth Houston School, they must contact that school for more information. There is an audit fee of $25 attached to an approved course for audit.
Concurrent/Inter-Institutional Enrollment
McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics students may take courses for credit at area state colleges and universities through concurrent/inter-institutional enrollment. Courses taken by concurrent enrollment will not be calculated into the student’s GPA. Students from other institutions concurrently enrolled at the school may complete a maximum of 12 semester credit hours at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics and must maintain a 3.0/4.0 grade point average in those courses. Information about participating institutions and procedures for concurrent enrollment can be found on the Registrar’s Office website.
General Degree Requirements
In order to receive a degree or a certificate from the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, the student is required to fulfill certain academic, in residence, and degree candidacy requirements. An enrolled student must be in good academic standing and must have completed all the curricular requirements of that program before being eligible for a degree or certificate.
In Residence Requirement
The term “in residence” refers to the minimum number of semester credit hours that must be earned at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics. A student must fulfill his or her in residence requirement in order to receive any academic degree or a certificate from this school. Refer to each degree section for specific semester credit hour minimum requirements.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is the cornerstone of the academic integrity of a university. It is the foundation upon which the student builds personal integrity and establishes a standard of personal behavior. Because honesty and integrity are such important factors, failure to perform within the bounds of these ethical standards is sufficient grounds to receive a grade of "F" in any course and be recommended for disciplinary actions from McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics.
The following are examples of academic dishonesty:
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Unauthorized collaboration
- Collusion
- Falsifying academic records
- Misrepresenting facts (e.g. providing false information to postpone an exam, obtain an extended deadline for an assignment, or even gain an unearned financial benefit)
- Any other acts or attempted acts that violate the basic standard of academic integrity (e.g. multiple submissions – submitting essentially the same written assignment for two courses without authorization to do so.)
Refer to the Student Conduct and Discipline section in the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics Student Handbook or to HOOP 186 Student Conduct and Discipline and Appendix A - Unacceptable Student Conduct for more information.
Plagiarism/Self-Plagiarism
For grade generating assignment submissions, students must always submit their own work.
Exception: If group work is allowed or required by the assignment or course.
Student should always provide citations to indicate inclusions from others’ work in their papers and assignment submissions.
Students should not reuse in whole or in part their own previously submitted assignments, papers, text, data, etc. without explicitly indicating prior dissemination. This includes all graded/published artifacts of one’s academic career including time at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics.
Students must have instructor permission if they plan to reuse a previous assignment submitted in another course for a grade.
Plagiarism may include:
- Words or ideas taken from someone else without acknowledgment
- Giving incorrect information about the source
- Changing the sequence or structure but using ideas without citation
- Not including material in quotes if directly taken from someone else’s material and/or copying any amount of other’s material.
Per the Exam Proctoring Policy found here, students’ submitted work may be subject to evaluation from Turnitin for plagiarism prevention, and graded exams and quizzes will require the use of Proctorio, an online proctoring software.
Refer to the Student Conduct and Discipline section in the Student Handbook or to HOOP 186 Student Conduct and Discipline and Appendix A - Unacceptable Student Conduct for more information.