I hope that you’ve had a bright start to your new year. We are just a few weeks into the spring semester, and I hope things are proceeding well for you. I have a few items to update you about.
February 7, 2024
As we approach the final exams of the fall semester, I want to commend you. It takes determination and resilience to pursue your degree. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that you will excel in your final exams.
December 7, 2023
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Kittle as the next University of Houston System vice chancellor for student affairs and University of Houston vice president for student affairs. His appointment will be effective Jan.17, 2024.
November 17, 2023
I am pleased to announce that I am appointing a ten-member search committee chaired by Provost Diane Chase to begin our national search for the next VP of Health Affairs and Dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
November 7, 2023
I am writing to announce the retirement of Dr. Stephen J. Spann, vice president for medical affairs and founding dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. After more than four decades in academic medicine, including eight years at the University of Houston, Dr. Spann has made the decision to retire.
October 30, 2023
As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, with students from around the world, I know that this has hit so many of us hard. The University of Houston is a place where we embrace our diversity — that means we accept our differences and show compassion and respect for one another, above all else.
October 16, 2023
U.S. News & World Report released the rankings today and the University of Houston is #70 among all public universities in America!
September 18, 2023
Welcome to the Coogs' House! Whether this is your first semester or you're a returning student, it is my pleasure to welcome or welcome you back to the University of Houston!
August 20, 2023
Welcome to the new academic year! I hope you had a restful summer and are now ready to welcome over 47,000 students and 280 new faculty who are joining the Cougar family for the first time this fall. To the staff who have joined during the summer, we offer you a warm welcome as well.
August 17, 2023
More than 6,700 students graduated in 17 ceremonies from the University of Houston in May. Over the past year, more than 11,000 students received their UH diploma. Considering that the vast majority will live and work in Greater Houston, our efforts have a significant impact on shaping the future of our city.
June 6, 2023
I am pleased to announce that I am appointing a 16-member search committee co-chaired by Senior Vice President Raymond Bartlett and Senior Vice Provost Teri Longacre to begin our national search for our permanent vice chancellor/vice president for Student Affairs for the UH System/UH.
May 3, 2023
There has been a flood of emails in your Inbox from us, but I feel that I should update you on some critical items.
April 3, 2023
I write to you today to seek your help in building a resilient campus…a campus that fosters a culture of care and belonging.
March 29, 2023
The news of the second death on our campus hit us all so very hard this week. As president of the University of Houston, and as a mother who once sent her daughters off to college, hoping for the best, this truly breaks my heart.
March 23, 2023
I hope your semester is off to a strong start and that you had a joyful and restful winter break. Here is a brief update for you.
February 7, 2023
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Diane Z. Chase as the next University of Houston System senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and University of Houston senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Her appointment will be effective February 2023, pending approval by the UH System Board of Regents.
January 10, 2023
Today, I write to inform you of some important organizational changes in my cabinet.
September 15, 2022
Welcome to the University of Houston, land of the red and house of the Coogs! If this is your first semester on campus, please know that we are very happy to have you here. Your professors, advisers, support staff and administrators are committed to your success and are here to help you fulfill your dream of a college education. Here is some information that you will find helpful as you navigate the campus.
August 23, 2022
Welcome back! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer. We are beginning yet another new year with renewed hope and excitement for our students. Campus housing is full, and more than 8,000 undergraduate students are expected to arrive on campus for the first time. Additionally, many of the sophomores and juniors who began their studies at UH in 2020 and 2021 may also be coming to campus for the first time.
August 17, 2022
With the midsummer heat upon us, it is hard to believe that we will be welcoming our students back to campus for the fall semester in just a few weeks.
July 5, 2022
Congratulations and thank you on another successful academic year! Last week, we graduated nearly 6,000 students in multiple ceremonies thanks to you! These graduates are special because in order to graduate they had to climb over the COVID-19 mountain and deal with enormous unpredictability. Needless to say, they could not have made it to the finish line without your guiding hand. Once again, thank you for everything you do every day for our students and our university.
May 20, 2022
Last year, we announced the University of Houston’s bold, new vision to become a Top 50 public university. We knew that achieving this goal would not be easy. No. It would challenge us to stretch to a higher level … to think in ways that we’ve never thought before – and that’s exactly why we made it our vision.
March 29, 2022
I am pleased to announce that I am appointing a 16-member search committee co-chaired by Drs. Catherine Horn and Ramanan Krishnamoorti to begin our national search for the next Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost for the UH System/UH. The Search Committee will be assisted by SP&A Executive Search and will complete its work during the spring semester with the hope of filling the position by summer 2022. I thank the committee members for undertaking this very important task.
February 2, 2022
With mixed emotions, I announce that Paula Myrick Short, University of Houston System senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and University of Houston senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, has decided that she will retire, due to family health issues, in August 2022.
January 26, 2022
Thank you for your collective efforts in making the soft opening of the spring semester a success. The past few weeks have been uncertain at times, but you accepted the challenge with fortitude and made it work.
January 25, 2022
Welcome back and Happy New Year. I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. In the days since the end of the fall term, we’ve continued to monitor the spread of the Omicron variant, which now accounts for 95% of all COVID-19 infections in the U.S. While Omicron is believed to be less severe, its infection rate is still a cause for serious concern.
January 7, 2022
As we close out the year, I am in awe of you and grateful for the comeback we have had. The pandemic has been very challenging for all of us. Thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine and your determination to make it happen, we made the full return to campus with success. We’re back!
December 9, 2021
We started the semester with cautious optimism that we could fully return to campus with success. And thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine and your precautionary actions, we accomplished that goal. Thank you for helping make this vision a reality and for giving our students the immersive experience they deeply missed.
December 9, 2021
Today, I am appointing Richard Walker, vice chancellor and vice president for student affairs and enrollment services at UH System and UH, to serve as interim president at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, beginning Oct. 9.
October 7, 2021
We thought we would have a much more normal semester, but the spread of COVID-19’s Delta variant has made it a very anxious time once again. I thank you for persevering in face of physical, mental and emotional challenges. We are doing everything possible to add value to our students’ learning experience, and we can take satisfaction from that. Here is a quick update for you.
September 10, 2021
Today is a monumental day in the trajectory of the University of Houston as we formally accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference. While on the surface this decision impacts our athletics program, it truly is a transformational change for our institution. Our mission is about “connecting potential with opportunity” and today’s announcement is about just that.
September 10, 2021
I am pleased to announce another significant step forward with the appointment of Dr. Bettina Beech to the newly created cabinet level position of Chief Population Health Officer, effective Sept. 1.
August 18, 2021
While I trust that we all will take personal responsibility and safeguard ourselves from the virus, I also know that some institutional decisions regarding vaccinations, masks, testing and instructional formats are necessary to keep our community safe. I write to you today to present these decisions.
August 10, 2021
While I trust that we all will take personal responsibility to mitigate the risk of the COVID-19 spread as we open for Fall Semester on August 23, I also feel that some institutional decisions regarding vaccinations, masks, meetings, exemptions and course delivery are necessary to keep our community safe.
August 10, 2021
I write to update you today on important budgetary decisions for the current year (FY 2020-21) as well as for the next year (FY2021-22).
July 8, 2021
As we approach the end of this tumultuous, pandemic-plagued semester, it’s only natural to wonder what awaits us this summer and fall. While we cannot be certain of the future, we have to plan for it now – and we must do so based on the information available today and with the ability to alter the course should the circumstances change. With this in mind, I would like to offer you guidelines about the process and a timeline for our campus reopening.
May 10, 2021
Congratulations on completing a very challenging semester! A double congratulations to the seniors graduating next week! With the improvement in the fight against COVID-19, we now have plans in place for the UH community to return to normal during the next few months. For those of you not graduating this spring, please read on to learn about the coming semesters.
May 5, 2021
We are almost at the end of the academic year, and what a year it has been with the global pandemic, an economic downturn, issues related to social injustice and hate crimes. Even during these times, our UH community has continued to educate students, conduct research and serve the community.
April 13, 2021
I hope you and your family are safe and healthy. I write to you today to provide further guidance on the COVID-19 safety protocols following Gov. Abbott’s March 2 Executive Order that will lift the statewide mask mandate and allow Texas businesses to resume operating at 100 percent capacity effective March 10.
March 5, 2021
My thoughts are with you and your families as you recover from the devastating disruption of the winter weather this past week. Once again, UH and the people of Houston have displayed amazing resilience. What a helpless feeling to lose power and water at the same time! It’s unbelievable how quickly much of our city can came to a standstill. And to face such hardships while already struggling with the challenges of the pandemic verges on the incredible.
February 21, 2021
During this unprecedented winter storm, we hope you are staying safe and warm. The winter storm system is dangerously cold and has resulted in significant damage, including loss of water and power for many of us. We will continue to remain closed through Thursday, Feb. 18. Faculty are being asked to adjust deadlines for assignments and tests due to the impact of widespread power outages and Blackboard being temporarily unavailable.
February 16, 2021
Happy New Year and welcome back! We are starting the new semester with mixed emotions – excitement, anxiety and anticipation.
January 13, 2021
As we approach the close of a very challenging year, I sincerely hope that the vaccines and other advances in treatment will soon get us on a path to a stable recovery. Even under the best of scenarios, we anticipate the lingering effects of the pandemic will last until 2023. During this time, we will do our best to keep everyone safe and mitigate an adverse impact on our ability to fulfill our mission or to advance toward our vision.
December 21, 2020
I hope that you and your families continue to be safe and healthy. I further hope that your studies are going well, and that you are progressing toward your degree despite all the challenges posed by this global pandemic. These are difficult times, but I am very proud of the resiliency and tenacity that you have shown.
November 11, 2020
Resiliency is a part of our culture and the pandemic has certainly tested it. We are serving more students than ever and performing at a higher level than ever on research and scholarship measures. We have also concluded our $1 billion campaign by raising $240 million over the goal. Congratulations on our many successes! Once again, I am humbled to be with you as we work our way through the current crisis. Here are some important items to share with you.
November 9, 2020
For those of you who are new to our campus, let me say welcome to the University of Houston. And to those who are returning, I'm so pleased to say welcome back.
It is understandable that many of you are approaching the fall with anticipation and concern given the pandemic we continue to navigate. I can imagine this is especially true for our freshman class and your families.
August 17, 2020
I hope you and your families are safe and healthy and that you are excited about the start of this fall semester. It is understandable that many of you are also approaching the fall with anticipation and concern given the pandemic we continue to navigate. It is sometimes difficult to grasp the physical, emotional and financial toll it has taken on all of us.
August 17, 2020
I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. In three weeks, we will begin perhaps the most unusual and challenging fall semester. Thank you for your patience and dedication as we plan to fulfill our mission of providing learning opportunities to our students in as safe an environment as possible.
August 3, 2020
President Renu Khator shared significant news items that impact the University community. She addressed revised COVID-19 return to work protocols - including new face mask requirements, the establishment of a $1 million research fund for faculty and the University’s next steps toward addressing race relations and social justice.
June 24, 2020
I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. These are unsettling times due to the pandemic’s impact on the nation’s economy and public health. I know that you value your education and its positive influence on your future. We value your education, too, because we know that as we emerge from this crisis, we will need leaders and thinkers like you to shape our common future.
June 12, 2020
The George Floyd tragedy and the issue of racial injustice continues to trouble us deeply. Last week, I shared a letter with you expressing our mutual pain and frustration following this sad, senseless death. In it, I wrote, “Our mission as an institution and our responsibility as human beings compel us to take a stand.” Today, I am writing to tell you about the initial steps we are taking to fulfill that mission and meet that responsibility.
June 10, 2020
At the University of Houston, we feel compelled to ask if there is more we can do as an institute of higher education to address the problems that have been thrust to the forefront and touched us deeply.
June 8, 2020
Gov. Greg Abbott’s most recent executive order allows institutions of higher education to open their physical campuses June 1. Today, President Renu Khator addressed the UH community about the University’s Phase 2 reopening Monday, June 8, on a voluntary basis, the anticipated next steps for the fall semester as well as budgetary items.
June 2, 2020
The sad and senseless death of George Floyd hits close to home for the University of Houston. Mr. Floyd was a member of our community, and we join hundreds of other universities and millions of Americans in condemning this brutal event and the larger failing in our culture that allows such atrocities to continue. We share in the tremendous pain our community and nation are experiencing. Please read President Renu Khator's letter to our UH community for more information.
June 1, 2020
Now that the efforts to reopen the state and the city have begun and we have successfully completed this very challenging semester, it is time to look beyond the immediate horizon. Since this pandemic will continue to challenge us until a vaccine is found, we must address questions like the safe reopening of the campus, the long-term financial health of the University, and life in the new normal.
May 19, 2020
As “Houston’s University,” UH is doing its part in our city’s fight against COVID-19. We invite you to share these stories of committed Cougars making a difference.
May 8, 2020
I want to take a moment to send a special message to each of you during this week when we had planned to celebrate you completing your degree at the University of Houston with our traditional commencement ceremony.
May 6, 2020
I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. We have come to the end of this very unusual spring semester. Thanks to your efforts, which included transitioning thousands of classes and services online, more than 6,000 students will graduate next week. Congratulations … to all of us! Here are some important updates for you.
April 30, 2020
Looking forward to the summer, not even our most knowledgeable health experts can predict with certainty when the threat of COVID-19 will subside. But we do know it will be with us for some time and so will the need for social distancing. That is why my leadership team and I have made the decision to continue delivering remote instruction for all four summer sessions, which begin June 1, and the May mini-session.
April 3, 2020
Today, Harris County issued a Stay at Home order beginning at 11:59pm tonight through April 3. What does this mean for us?
March 24, 2020
During this very difficult situation, we have been listening intently to you and your families. Preserving health and safety has been first and foremost in every step we have taken and every decision we’ve made. In the final analysis, our students and UH community are who matter most to us. With that in mind, the following decisions have been made.
March 19, 2020
Most of you are working from home but some of you are on campus keeping the essential services going and/or leading the troops. My team and I thank you all, but particularly those who are on campus. I wanted to let you know that after careful consideration and consultation, we have made the following three decisions. You can refer to my letter to students for more details.
March 19, 2020
Since my last communication regarding the university’s response to COVID-19, President Trump as well as state and local officials have announced additional efforts to slow its spread, or “flatten the curve." The purpose of this communication is to put things in perspective and offer you additional guidelines as it comes to your day-to-day decision-making.
March 17, 2020
No matter what part of the world you live in, you are a valued member of our family. If there is any way we can be of help to you by providing information and/or connections, please let us know. The University of Houston and the UH Alumni Association are here for you.
March 16, 2020
To allow you to address professional and personal matters in response to the city of Houston and Harris County emergency health declarations and to do our part in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, we are taking the following actions.
March 11, 2020
The safety of our faculty, staff and students is our top priority. We must take all necessary precautions suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but we must also commit to playing our role in containing the outbreak of the virus in our community. With this in mind, I am providing you with the following information.
March 9, 2020
As we continue to see more and more news about the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), I know that you and your families must be anxious, because we all are. As I assured you last Wednesday, we continue to follow closely the global spread of COVID-19 and its potential impact on our university communities. There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 on our campuses; however, there have been some cases identified in and around Houston. According to reports, all of these cases involve foreign travel. With this in mind and after extensive consultation, I am asking that you please adhere to the following.
March 9, 2020
Let me wish you a Happy New Year and welcome you back to our University for the spring semester. The University of Houston continues to expand and excel thanks to the energy, intelligence and enthusiasm you provide, and I want to thank you for that.
January 22, 2020
Once again, the people of Houston showed their resilience in the midst of horrible flooding. Some of you had homes flooded. Others had cars damaged or were stuck in traffic for hours on freeways trying to get home or to your children’s schools. What a helpless feeling! It’s unbelievable how quickly much of our city can come to a standstill.
September 23, 2019
Our FY2019-20 has started with a bang: first, the ceremonial signing of the bill to create the UH College of Medicine, followed by the announcement of the largest gift in the University’s history, and then the announcement of funding for the new UH Law Center building.
September 5, 2019
As we pass the midway point to another successful semester at the University of Houston, I hope you find time to be outdoors and enjoy this beautiful April weather in Houston. Here are some items of interest for you.
April 17, 2019
Each year, the city celebrates its Western heritage with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – and the University of Houston likes to join in the festivities.
February 19, 2019
Another spring semester is underway, and I’m delighted to welcome you back from what I hope was a wonderful winter break. I’m invigorated by the enthusiasm, intelligence and dedication I see around me everywhere on campus. You continue to improve our University every day and, for that, I thank you all.
January 17, 2019
Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order designating Wednesday, Dec. 5, as an official Day of Mourning for our 41st president, George H.W. Bush. In keeping with his order, the University of Houston will be closed – however, all scheduled final exams and other essential activities will continue. Only essential staff as designated by division vice presidents are expected to report for work. Essential staff will be allowed another day off for observance within the week.
December 4, 2018
The University of Houston takes immense pride in the progress it has made as a comprehensive research institution during the past decade.
August 28, 2018
The University of Houston takes immense pride in the progress it has made as a comprehensive research institution during the past decade.
August 28, 2018
This ambitious program will focus on increasing everything related to our research efforts by 50 percent during the next 5-year period.
June 18, 2018
Upon the recommendation of the faculty search committee, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Stephen J. Spann as the founding dean of the College of Medicine effective Feb. 23.
February 26, 2018
One of our city’s most cherished traditions, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, kicks off next week.
February 22, 2018
At the University of Houston, we are committed to providing an environment free from any kind of misconduct, harassment and fraud.
February 19, 2018
The academic year, 2017-18, has been unusual, with weather, and not the academic calendar, dictating when and how we start the semester.
January 23, 2018
November 20, 2017
September 4, 2017
September 4, 2017
August 28, 2017
August 23, 2017
August 18, 2017
June 20, 2017
June 1, 2017
April 6, 2017
February 28, 2017
January 30, 2017
January 24, 2017
January 24, 2017
December 6, 2016
October 6, 2016
September 27, 2016
September 7, 2016
August 25, 2016
July 14, 2016
June 21, 2016
May 19, 2016
September 1, 2015
January 19, 2016
January 27, 2016
April 15, 2015
April 8, 2015
March 25, 2015
March 17, 2015
January 26, 2015
May 15, 2014
February 17, 2014
February 7, 2014
January 23, 2014
December 9, 2013
June 5, 2013
May 13, 2013
April 29, 2013
January 23, 2013
December 5, 2012
September 5, 2012
May 23, 2012
March 1, 2012
January 25, 2012
November 16, 2011
October 7, 2011
September 22, 2011
September 21, 2011
September 9, 2011
August 24, 2011
July 25, 2011
May 26, 2011
March 29, 2011
February 9, 2011
January 28, 2011
December 17, 2010
November 8, 2010
November 4, 2010
October 19, 2010
June 8, 2010
March 11, 2010
February 15, 2010
December 17, 2009
December 10, 2009
November 17, 2009
November 11, 2009
October 29, 2009
October 29, 2009
October 23, 2009
October 23, 2009
October 8, 2009
October 8, 2009
September 28, 2009
September 28, 2009
September 27, 2009
September 27, 2009
September 16, 2009
June 21, 2009
June 11, 2009
June 1, 2009
June 1, 2009
May 1, 2009
April 23, 2009
April 23, 2009
April 2, 2009
April 2, 2009
March 30, 2009
March 30, 2009
January 29, 2009
January 29, 2009
January 21, 2009
January 13, 2009
September 17, 2008
August 21, 2008
August 19, 2008
August 12, 2008
August 8, 2008
June 18, 2008
June 1, 2008
May 30, 2008
April 23, 2008
March 12, 2008
February 27, 2008
February 21, 2008
February 13, 2008
January 30, 2008
January 22, 2008