General Information

Purpose of Catalog
Student Responsibility
Notice of Nondiscrimination and Equal Access
Directory Information
Accreditation
Memberships
Vision, Mission and Purpose
Financial Services
Student Accounts Office Contact Information
Financial Aid

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Purpose of Catalog

The purpose of this catalog is to provide a general description of the programs and activities offered at Houston Christian University.  The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract which may be accepted by students through registration and enrollment in the University.

Inasmuch as the educational process necessitates change, the University reserves the right to establish and revise without notice course offerings, requirements for graduation and degrees, curricula, schedules, charges for tuition and other fees, and all regulations affecting students. Changes will become effective when so designated by the administration and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled. The University further reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the University for cause at any time.

This publication is intended for general information only and does not purport to contain all rules, regulations, and requirements governing HCU students.

Student Responsibility

All Schools and Colleges establish certain academic requirements that must be met before a degree is granted.  Advisors, department chairs, and deans are available to help the student understand and meet these requirements.  However, the student alone is responsible for fulfilling them.  If, at the end of a student’s course of study, the requirements for graduation have not been satisfied, the degree will not be granted.  For this reason, it is important for students to acquaint themselves with all academic requirements throughout their university career and to be responsible for completing all requirements within prescribed deadlines and time limits.  The ultimate results of program offerings depend on the individual student and other factors outside the control of the University. Therefore, Houston Christian University makes no claim or representation relating to the specific outcome of its program and degree offerings with regard to employment or qualification for employment, admission to or preparation for graduate or professional degree programs, or licensing for occupations or professions.

Notice of Nondiscrimination and Equal Access

Houston Christian University complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, and does not engage in prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability in either employment or the provisions of services.  This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and operation of University programs and activities.  However, if a student requires special personal services or equipment, the student will be responsible for the associated expenses.  This includes, but is not limited to, the expense of providing such things as medical technicians, personal tutors, and attendants.

The University is governed by an all Christian Board of Trustees and is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.  As a religious institution of higher education, Houston Christian University is exempt from some provisions of certain civil rights laws, including some provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Directory Information

Houston Christian University has designated the following student information as public or “directory information”: name, local and permanent addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, date and place of birth, major fields(s) of study, classification, dates of attendance, degrees, honors, and awards received, most recent educational institution attended, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, weight and height of athletes, and photographs. Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), the University may, at its discretion, disclose such information for any purpose. However, any enrolled student may ask the University to withhold such information by filing a written request with the Office of Academic Records during the first full week of classes for any term. By doing so, a student may ensure that his/her directory information is not released to anyone other than officials with a legitimate educational need for the information. The University assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of “directory information” indicates that the student approves of such disclosure. 

Accreditation

Memberships

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing 
• American Council on Education (ACE) 
• Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) 
• Association of Texas Graduate Schools 
• Council of Applied Master’s Programs in Psychology 
• Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) 
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas 
• International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities (IABCU) 
• International Alliance for Christian Education (IACE) 
• National Association for Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA) 
• National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) 
• National Collegiate Athletic Association 
• National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements 
• National League for Nursing 
• Southland Conference 
• Texas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education 
• Texas Association of Deans & Directors of Professional Nursing Programs 
• Texas Association of Music Schools 
• Texas Board of Nursing 
• Texas Intercollegiate Press 
• Texas Medical Center 
• Texas Organization of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Education 
• Texas State Board for Educator Certification 
• The College Board 
• Western Athletic Conference 

Student Life

Motivated by our affirmation that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Department of Student Life seeks to develop students of character and competence by providing opportunities to engage in a Christ-centered community focusing on academic success, spiritual formation, interpersonal development, and physical well-being.

There are many opportunities for student involvement and growth both inside and outside the classroom as well as resources to assist students throughout their university experience.  View the Student Handbook at HC.edu/StudentHandbook for more details regarding student resources, policies and procedures, and the Student Code of Conduct. For further questions or feedback contact StudentLife@HC.edu or call 281-649-3238.

Vision

As envisioned by its founders and constituents, HCU is growing into a national metropolitan university that emphasizes the integration of faith and learning and a strong liberal arts foundation. HCU’s vision document, The Ten Pillars 2030 | HCU Vision and Core Convictions, may be found on the University’s website at HC.edu/TenPillars. The Strategic Plan for the university contains Five Imperatives, and is also found at this website. 

Mission

The mission of Houston Christian University is to provide a learning experience that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence as a result of our central confession, “Jesus Christ is Lord”.

Purpose

The University welcomes and extends its resources to those who strive for academic excellence. The faculty, staff, and administration are committed to providing a responsive and intellectually stimulating environment that:

• fosters spiritual maturity, strength of character, and moral virtues as the foundation for successful living;
• develops professional behaviors and personal characteristics for life-long learning and service to God and to the community;
• meets the changing needs of the community and society; and
• remains faithful to the “Nature of the Institution” statement, which is the Preamble to the By-Laws.

The University offers a broad range of programs and services committed to liberal arts education that are designed to promote the growth of the whole person. The undergraduate programs familiarize students with the principal bodies of knowledge, cultural viewpoints, belief systems, and aesthetic perspectives that affect them and their world. The graduate programs provide advanced educational opportunities to develop ethical and capable scholars and practitioners who can contribute to their academic disciplines and to society. The integration of scholarship, service, and spirituality essential to liberal arts education is nurtured in an environment of open inquiry.

The University enrolls men and women of diverse talents and abilities. Students are encouraged to think critically, to assess information from a Christian perspective, to arrive at informed and reasoned conclusions, and to become lifelong learners. The University prepares its graduates to enter the work force of the twenty-first century, to pursue advanced study, to assume leadership roles, and to be competitive in a global society.

The University faculty, staff and administrators promote learning, scholarship, creative endeavor, and service. These leaders are committed to the Preamble to the By-laws and to the fulfillment of the vision and mission of the University.

Financial Services

Tuition and Fees

Information regarding undergraduate and graduate tuition and fees can be found at HC.edu/CostToAttend, or you may call (281) 649-3471 to have information sent by mail.  The University reserves the right to change tuition, fees, and charges should conditions make it necessary.  The Student Account’s Office is open for business from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Payment of Accounts

Tuition, room and board and fees are payable at the time of registration but due one week before the semester begins. Students must complete their financial arrangements with the Student Accounts Office on/before the census date to prevent a $150 late financial settlement fee from being assessed and a hold placed on their student account. HCU does provide a deferred payment plan for the convenience of students and parents that are expecting any form of financial aid (there is a $50 per semester enrollment fee to utilize the deferred payment plan). The basis of the plan is as follows: The total expenses of the semester (less any financial aid) are divided into monthly payments with each installment due on the 1st of each month for Fall/Spring plans (payment will be due the 15th of each month for Summer plans). The month that the first payment is due is dependent upon the plan that is selected and the student may choose to enroll in a payment plan at the time of registration. Students that have not financially settled by the deadline are placing themselves at risk of being dropped from their classes.  

Payments made in person may be in the form of debit/credit cards. In addition, payments (including debit/credit card, ACH, and international wire) can be made online 24/7 by accessing their TouchNet account through HuskyNet. Fees for tuition, room and board become the responsibility of the students in accordance with the refund policy below. Failure to make payments of any indebtedness to the University when due, including but not limited to tuition, housing or rental charges, student loans, special fees, library or parking fines, is considered sufficient cause, until the debt is settled with the appropriate office to (1) bar the student from classes, (2) withhold diploma or transcript, and (3) prevent further registration. This policy will be equally enforced against debts discharged through bankruptcy, as far as the law allows.  

Assistance from one of the staff members of the Student Accounts Office is available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. by calling (281) 649-3471. Our mailing address is: HCU, Student Accounts Office, Brown Administrative Complex Room 146, 7502 Fondren Road, Houston, TX, 77074-3298. Our Web address is HC.edu/student-accounts/, and our email address is StudentAccounts@HC.edu. Please submit check payments and money orders with student name and Husky ID number to Houston Christian University, PO Box 4897, Dept. 502, Houston, TX, 77210. 

Financial Aid

If you plan to use financial aid to cover the cost of your educational expenses, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using HCU’s School Code 003576.  Financial aid may be awarded to students in the form of work study, grants, loans, or a combination of all of these.  Use the links below for additional information. 

• Follow the Apply for Aid guide available at HC.edu/finaid/applying-for-aid/ to assist you with completing your financial aid application.   
• Glossary of Terms used in financial aid are available at HC.edu/finaid/resources/glossary-of-terms/.  
• Receiving aid and applying to the student’s accounts is available at HC.edu/finaid/applying-for-aid/receiving-aid/.  
• Scholarships, loans, forms, polices and other information can be found at HC.edu/finaid/.  

Although the primary responsibility for meeting postsecondary educational expenses rests with students and their families, the financial aid programs have been established to assist students who can establish need.  Visit the Financial Aid webpage HC.edu/FinancialAid which contains information about deadlines, types of aid offered, scholarships, payment information, withdraw and return of aid process, satisfactory academic progress, rights and responsibilities, forms, resources, and contact information.    

Assistance from the Financial Aid Office is available Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm by calling (281) 649-3749. Our mailing address is: HCU, Financial Aid Office, Brown 138, 7502 Fondren Road, Houston, TX, 77074-3298. Our contact information is available at HC.edu/FinancialAid and our email address is FinancialAid@HC.edu.

Online students can email OnlineFinancialAid@HC.edu or call #855-428-1960, option #4 or #281-649-3400, option #4.