The Office of Undergraduate Studies held its second annual Education Connection on August 20th, 2016. The event is a chance for the students, faculty and staff to get to know each other outside of the office and classrooms boundaries.  “We want to allow the opportunity for students to open up to us,” said Teaching & Learning advisor, Chrisdolyn Dawson.  “This helps us to provide them with great advisement and learning for their future success.”

All new students were invited for a half-day workshop designed to help make their transition to UH easier.  Forming “connections” has proven to be an important element in a students’ success.  This fun workshop gave students the tools to help achieve their college goals, learn about student organizations, and introduce them to fellow students who are taking the same classes. 

The Office of Undergraduate Studies had a great time planning this welcome event for new students. Forty-three participants attended this year. Students participated in different types of activities that helped new students make new connections.  “It was an enjoyable and informative event,” said Health Major, Maddie Vaughters. “It was a chance for students to engage with faculty and staff members.” Activities students engaged in included: Student engagement community, round robin, and student organizations.  Students participated in a scavenger hunt which helped familiarize them with the campus as well as other University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE) students.

UH COE faculty and staff deeply care about student success.  We strive to help students plan their career path, reach their goals, and ensure they graduate on time.  Education Connection is the student’s first impression of UH COE as a working unit.  The workshop is a way to collaborate with the students and give them the right tools and connections to achieve their academic goals.   “In COE we are ‘great advisors’ and ‘great advisors’ build positive relationships with their students,” said Dawson.  “We create an environment that is trusting, inclusive, and we don’t judge knowing that every student is unique.” 

A special thank you to our sponsor, Pinks Pizza, whose contribution helped make the event a success!