Veteran's Preference in Employment
In compliance with Texas State Senate Bill (S.B.) 805, the University of Houston–Downtown is committed to providing a preference in employment to eligible veteran, disabled veteran, surviving spouse of veteran and orphan of veteran applicants who meet minimum qualifications and any special qualifications for the position to which they apply. The required preferences do not compel the University to appoint a veteran, disabled veteran, surviving spouse of a veteran or orphan of a veteran. However, they do require that those who meet the veteran preference eligibility be appointed when their application assessment, combined with the veteran's preference, is equal to, or higher than that of a non-veteran.
The University of Houston–Downtown is committed to hiring military talent, knowing first-hand that recruiting from the military community can lead to a strategic competitive advantage. For more details regarding the Veteran's Preference in Employment, please contact our Veteran's Employment Liaison in Human Resources at careers@uhd.edu.
FAQs about Veteran's Preference in Employment
Who's covered?
A person who served in the active military, naval, or air services (including Air National Guard and National Guard) and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions, notwithstanding any action by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on individuals discharged or released with other than honorable discharges.
- a veteran with a disability whose disability is service connected;
- a veteran;
- a veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried; and
- an orphan of a veteran if the veteran was killed while on active duty.
Is there a special interview process for veterans who qualify for this preference?
An individual who qualifies for a Veteran's Preference in Employment, is entitled to a preference in the interview process over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. However, the Veteran's Preference statute does not guarantee the veteran (or those who qualify) a job. Positions at the University of Houston–Downtown (UHD) are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Also, please note that all offers of employment are tentative and based upon successful completion of a background check. As such, all individuals who qualify for a Veteran's Preference and are extended a job offer, will be required to provide a copy of his or her DD214 (or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs) as part of the background check.
How do I know what positions at UHD qualify for a Veteran's Preference?
All positions at UHD qualify for a veteran's preference with the exception of student employee and other designated positions.
Who can I speak to if I have questions regarding the Veteran's Preference?
You may contact the Veteran's Employment Liaison at careers@uhd.edu.
If I have a complaint regarding an employment decision who may I contact?
Chapter 657 of the Texas Government Code provides that an individual entitled to a Veteran's Employment Preference who is aggrieved by a decision of a State agency or institution, relating to hiring or to retention of the individual in the event of a workforce reduction, may appeal the decision by filing a complaint with the governing body of the agency. Please visit Chapter 657 or www.texas.gov. You may also contact the Veteran's Liaison at the University of Houston-Downtown.