By Mike Emery

University of Houston President Jay Gogue did not skip a beat when addressing various issues at the Staff Council Spring Forum. Before any questions were even asked, Gogue was quick to offer details on two topics that have been on the minds of staff members -- parking and staff tuition assistance.

“We have been able to secure funds and I have been informed that we will have a process in place starting in the fall, so that staff members can receive scholarships,” Gogue said to a round of applause. “We’ve set aside $300,000 for scholarships.”

Questions from the audience concerning the details of the scholarships soon emerged, but according to John Rudley, vice president for administration and finance, research was being conducted to review the best ways to make the scholarship process as efficient as possible.

“We’re looking at UH-Downtown and UH-Victoria, where there are programs in place that offer flat scholarships,” Rudley said. “We’ll try to provide flat-rate scholarships the first year, then perhaps improve on that the next year.”

Other details regarding scholarship application procedures and eligibility are being developed.

In regards to parking, Gogue discussed the proposed parking garage, saying that plans will be presented to the UH System Board of Regents in May. The garage will cost approximately $13,000 per parking space and parking rates would increase to pay for its construction and maintenance.

Gogue said a garage would be a step forward in solving parking concerns and making the campus more accessible for first-time visitors.

In addition to the prospective parking improvements, Gogue emphasized making UH a welcome environment for all visitors. He encouraged all staff members to remain helpful to visitors, so that everyone who arrives on campus is just as likely to return.

“I’m told that 70 percent of our students are first-generation college students,” he said. “They come here and sometimes are not informed about where to go or how to get here. It’s not easy if you’ve never been here before. The most important thing we can do for this institution is work with our students, be friendly and tell the UH story.”