The Future of UHD

A glimpse into UHD’s forward-thinking vision

At the University of Houston-Downtown, we’re shaping a dynamic future as an anchor institution for the Greater Houston region. Since 2021, UHD has embarked on a comprehensive planning process—including a strategic plan, academic master plan, campus master plan, and Quality Enhancement Plan—focused on innovation, growth, and community engagement. Through these efforts, UHD is enhancing its campus, expanding academic opportunities, and strengthening its ties with Houston to create a vibrant, impactful university for all.

Our Mission

The University of Houston-Downtown is a community of diverse faculty, staff, students, and regional partners dedicated to nurturing talent, generating knowledge, and driving socioeconomic mobility for a just and sustainable future.

UHD / future

The Future of UHD

2022-27 Strategic Plan: A New Paradigm

In 2021, Dr Blanchard initiated a Listening Tour of 21 focus group sessions with feedback from more than 1,200 attendees. That feedback informed an Institutional Compass, serving as our directional guide to strengthen justice, empower student success, advance institutional excellence and infrastructure, and grow as an anchor institution. These values are the foundation of our Strategic Plan, a plan that sets forth a wide-ranging set of priorities to move us ahead in the coming years through the following eight strategic goals.

Enhancing Student Success

Strategic Learning Partnerships

Dynamic Learning Environment

Engaged Faculty & Staff

Sustainable Operations

Elevated Visibility & Recognition

Impactful Knowledge Creation

Enhancing Student Enrollment

Academic Master Plan (AMP)

The Academic Master Plan (AMP) at the University of Houston-Downtown provides a clear and strategic framework for developing new academic programs that align with the institution’s mission and market demands. Starting with innovative program ideas, the process involves thoughtful dialogue among faculty, the AMP Committee, and the University Curriculum Committee.

This ensures that all ideas are vetted through long-term, medium-term, and short-term planning. Once the Notice of Intent is submitted, the program progresses through official university processes and external approvals, ensuring it meets institutional and industry standards. The AMP is designed to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, transparency, and agility, ultimately preparing students for success in a dynamic global economy.

Campus Master Plan

The Campus Master Plan at the University of Houston-Downtown is a strategic blueprint designed to align the university's physical campus development with its overarching mission and vision for growth. This comprehensive plan focuses on enhancing the student experience by creating flexible learning environments, improving multimodal access, and fostering a strong sense of community and pride on campus.

With projects like the Gator Expansion and improved wayfinding, the plan also aims to integrate UHD more closely with downtown Houston, reflecting the university’s role as a vital part of the city’s urban core. The Campus Master Plan ensures that as the campus evolves, it remains a functional, welcoming, and innovative space that supports academic excellence and student success.

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UHD @ 1801 Main Street: The Launchpad

Through a partnership with Downtown Houston Plus, UHD is expanding to 1801 Main Street and will occupy the entire tenth floor of that building, utilizing 17,000 square feet of office and classroom space. With a focus on post-degree progress, UHD@1801 Main (“The Launchpad”) will house a Career Center Annex, Continuing Education Office, and the Office of Alumni Relations. Plans are also underway for a new Idea Hub and Entrepreneurship Center, bringing together students, faculty, staff and community members to explore ideas, prototypes and business plans that foster innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and economic impact.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

A Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) provides a unifying purpose and goal for a university, as well as a clear view of exactly how an institution will fulfill the promise it makes to its students. The focus of UHD’s forward-looking student success initiative is Transferable Skills for the 21st Century.

This comprehensive plan will ensure students graduate equipped with skills essential for long-lasting professional and personal success in today's dynamic world and will detail the path toward delivering socioeconomic mobility, accessible education, and degrees that hold value far into the future.

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