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Office of Admissions & Records

International Students

ACADEMIC YEAR

The academic year is composed of the fall semester, spring semester and summer session. The fall and spring semesters are considered to make up the regular academic year of study. The fall semester begins in late August and ends in mid-December. The spring semester begins in mid-January and ends in May. The summer session (June through August) is composed of two five-week terms with a concurrent ten-week session. Enrollment is considered to be optional for international students during the summer, and is not required to maintain F-1 student visa status. During the year, classes are suspended for several special holidays. There is a break between the fall and spring semesters beginning in mid-December and ending in mid-January and there is a one-week vacation in the spring. Check the UHV website (http://www.uhv.edu/oar/calendar.aspx) for specific calendar dates.

SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

Credit for courses at the University is measured in semester hours. Most courses meet three hours per week in the fall and spring semesters and have a credit value of three semester hours. These same courses meet for nine hours a week during the five-week summer term and yield three semester hours of credit. Many graduate courses are taught in the evening only. Some courses are taught through the internet. International students on F-1 visas must maintain a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters. Full-time for graduate students is a minimum of 9 semester hours (3 courses) and 12 semester hours (4 courses) for undergraduate students to comply with immigration requirements. Only one online course may count toward the full course of study requirement each semester.

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING FORM

The Statement of Understanding form indicates that the applicant understands and will comply with the statements it contains. The student should read the statement carefully and also note that any student may be required to take further English proficiency tests on arrival, even if that student is transferring from a U.S. institution. The form containing this statement is available from our website, and is for students attending on an F-1 visa.