Administration and Finance

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Highlights

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  A&F & Commencement By the Numbers

  The University of Houston Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies saw 7,040 students receive their UH degree across 19 ceremonies, making it the largest number of graduates in the history of the university. And along the way, the Division of Administration and Finance were once again pivotal in ensuring students, their friends and family, have a joyous and safe commencement ceremony. Learn more about the impact A&F had on commencement season. 
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  Cullen Performance Hall Runs Graduations with High Degree of Professionalism

  Graduation ceremonies at Cullen Performance Hall are meticulously prepared with backstage teams arranging stage setups, lighting, and ADA-compliant ramps, while front-of-house staff ensure security, organize concessions, and assist guests with tickets and seating. Spring’s graduation schedule had the hall slated for holding the events for nine colleges during May 8-10, dividing the total number of commencements almost evenly between the Fertitta Center. Learn more about how Cullen Performance Hall’s runs during commencement season. 
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  Bound for Graduation: Copy, Print, and Delivery Services Crafts Commencement Keepsakes

  As spring graduation approaches, the Copy and Print Services team at the University of Houston is hard at work behind the scenes, ensuring that thousands of commencement programs are printed, bound, and delivered on time for ceremonies across the UH System. The process begins in late March, once student registration and event planning—led by the Office of Protocol and Special Events—are largely complete. Read more about how Copy and Print assist with commencement season.
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  Moody Towers Shines With ‘Graditude’ For New Graduates

  The University of Houston Dining Services closed out the spring semester at the Moody Towers Dining Commons with a celebration dubbed the ‘Graditude Lunch’, to thank graduates for their patronage during their time at the University of Houston. UH Dining Services decorated the dining hall with balloons and brought in a resident deejay, who’s a UH student, to play tunes that filled the commons. Read more about this unique dining experience for graduates.

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  Students Attend Finals Mania Event

  Nearly a thousand UH students took a break from their studies to participate in the traditional Finals Mania event at Cougar Woods Dining Commons. Music played by the deejay attracted students, while Shasta and volunteers handed out snacks for the week. Cougar Card Services scanned students’ Cougar Cards for entry, and Student Housing and Residential Life set up a table to assist with preparations for the next semester. Read more about Finals Mania. 
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  Cougars Help Cougars—and Houston—Through New Donation Program

  The Office of Sustainability and Student Housing & Residential Life (SHRL) have teamed up for several recycling workshops this semester, and their latest joint initiative could have a lasting impact on fellow students and Houstonians. At the end of each semester, students living in campus housing often discard items they no longer need. To prevent these items from going to waste, the Office of Sustainability and SHRL launched the “Move-Out, Cougars Donate” program. Read more about this new partnership. 
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  Human Resources Advances Executive Development Through Leadership Seminars

  Over the past year, the Human Resources (HR) department has hosted a series of Leadership Seminars designed to enhance managerial skills, expand knowledge, and support the professional development of executive-level staff. HR has organized three seminars—two in the fall and one in the spring—drawing a total of 347 attendees. Each seminar featured a unique topic presented by a guest speaker. While HR offers the CATALYST Learning Programs to all staff, these seminars were created specifically to provide executive-level employees with in-person training and networking opportunities. Read more about the HR Executive Seminars. 
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  Summer Professional Development Opportunities for Staff

  Enrollment is now available for CATALYST professional development courses this summer. Take advantage of classes to enhance your communication, manage your time and energy, and lead your teams through change. New this year is David Allen’s Getting Things Done, which teaches skills that improve focus and productivity while reducing stress and burnout. There are three additional workshops this summer, open to all benefits-eligible staff members with supervisor approval. To view all available courses, visit the CATALYST website to learn more. 

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  Office of Administration Enhances Student Experience with Summer Upgrades to Parking and Dining

  The Office of Administration is investing $6.75 million in transformative summer 2025 initiatives aimed at enhancing campus life through major upgrades to parking and dining services. These initiatives focus on advancing technology, improving security, and enhancing student experiences. Parking upgrades include a new enterprise parking system and improved gate equipment across all existing gated lots and parking garages. Read more about this summer's upgrades. 
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  Parking & Transportation Upgrades Will Improve Customer Experience

  Big changes are coming to parking operations at the University of Houston, and they’re designed with you in mind. Over the next three months, Parking and Transportation Services will begin a campus-wide rollout of new parking gate equipment and a modernized parking management software system. These improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency, increase convenience, and improve the overall customer experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Read more about the parking upgrades.
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  Changes Coming to Welcome Center Garages

  Changes are coming to the Welcome Center Garages that will make parking easier and more flexible. Starting June 9, there will no longer be separate parking areas for students, faculty and staff in the Welcome Center Garages. This update will help us make more efficient use of garage space, just as we’ve done successfully in the East, Elgin, Gateway, and Stadium garages. This means there will be more parking permits available for students, faculty and staff in these garages, and shorter waitlists. Learn more about the changes coming to the Welcome Center Garage. 
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  The Importance of Duo Security

  This month’s IT Security Awareness message is directed to all UH staff and faculty. As members of the UH community, you play a critical role in safeguarding university data. One of the key tools in this effort is Duo, our two-factor authentication (2FA) system that adds an extra layer of security to your login process. If you receive a Duo push notification that you did not initiate, deny the request immediately. Taking quick action helps protect both your personal information and sensitive university data from malicious actors. Learn more about how Duo protects you. 

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  Copy and Print Wins ACUP+ Award

  The University of Houston’s Copy and Print department were recognized by the Association of College and University Printers (ACUP+) with an ACUP+ Platinum Award in the Offset Single Page category for their Report on Philanthropy brochure that details UH’s philanthropy efforts. The awards were announced at ACUP’s 2025 Conference held in Costa Mesa, California.
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  Recognizing Leadership: Cindy Crews Honored for Excellence

  Parking & Transportation Director Cindy Crews received the Parking Employee Award of Excellence at the 2024 Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference, held April in Galveston. Crews received the recognition for her outstanding leadership and customer-focused initiatives at UH. Under her guidance, the department has made major strides in operational efficiency and service quality while managing a $25 million parking permit program. 
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  Innovation in Action: Lot Spotters Takes the Spotlight

  The department’s Lot Spotters program, launched in March 2024, earned the Parking Program Award of Excellence at the 2024 Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference, held April in Galveston. Lot Spotter was recognized for its creative, cost-effective approach to customer service and issue resolution. Using QR code-enabled signage, Lot Spotters empowers users to quickly report parking-related issues — such as broken elevators, litter, or maintenance needs — via a short online form. 
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  Mental Health Awareness Month

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to prioritize well-being, reduce stigma, and remind us that mental health is just as important as physical health. At the University of Houston, we believe in supporting every member of our community—and that’s where Coogs Care comes in. Find out about Coogs Care and all the other available resources to faculty, staff, and students. 
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  UH/UHS FY2024-25 Key Dates Calendar

  The University of Houston and the University of Houston System have released an updated fiscal year 2024-2025 calendar. This calendar provides deadlines and submission instructions for administrative and financial activities at the end of fiscal year 2024 and the beginning of fiscal year 2025. You can find the new updated calendars and schedules on their website. See the new updated calendars and schedules. 
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  Cougar Red Friday Discounts

  Fridays just got a bit sweeter thanks to discounts from UH Dining Services. Wear red on Fridays to get discounts at Asado Tacos & Bowl, Shake Smart, Melt Lab, and RAD Center eateries like The Burger Joint, The Taco Stand, & The Nook. Additionally, you can eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Cougar Woods or Moody Dining Commons at a reduced price. Check out the full Cougar Red Friday Discounts to learn more.

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  F/CM Sharing Construction Expertise Beyond UH

  Facilities/Construction Management proudly recognizes Assistant Vice Chancellor of Capital Projects Nick Merry for his recent appearance on WORK4C3’s podcast and for serving on the Board of Directors for Construction Career Collaborative (C3). Merry appears in episode 10 of the WORK4C3 podcast and highlights the University of Houston’s recent construction initiatives while supporting C3’s mission to strengthen a safe, skilled, and sustainable craft workforce pipeline. Listen to the entire episode to hear the complete interview. 
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  Facilities Leaders Share Expertise and Gain Insights at 2025 TAPPA Conference

  University of Houston staff members from the Facilities/Construction Management department attended the 2025 TAPPA Annual Educational Conference and Business Partner Fair in Galveston, Texas from April 15-17. One of the key missions of TAPPA is to provide valuable educational programs and networking opportunities to its members and business partners. Learn more about what Facilities leaders learned at this year’s TAPPA conference. 
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  UH Your Money Line

  The University of Houston has a new financial wellness resource dubbed UH Your Money Line. This is a free benefit for UH benefit-eligible employees that provides free, unlimited access to personalized financial coaching through both easy-to-use software and certified live Financial Guides. UH Your Money Line connects you with expert guidance for any financial challenge, big or small. Whether you're dealing with debt, budgeting, retirement planning, or just need a financial check-up, help is available via web, email, phone or text. To get started, create your free account today. 
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  UH Dining Summer Hours

  With the spring semester in the rearview mirror, the University of Houston Dining Services is now operating under summer hours. Before heading out for lunch, review the summer hours of operation. New student orientation sessions and camps will also be active in the summer. Faculty, staff, and camp and conference coordinators are encouraged to schedule any camps and conferences ahead of time with UH Dining Services to avoid conflicts with increased demand for dining commons on orientation dates. 

Accolades

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  Mark Rosanes President's Excellence Awards Technical Service and Craft

  Mark Rosanes, a dedicated member of the University of Houston’s University Information Technology department, was recently awarded the President’s Excellence Award in the Technical, Service, and Craft category. With over two decades of service at UH, starting in December 2001 and transitioning to UIT in May 2009, Mark has become an essential part of the campus’ communication infrastructure. Mark’s recognition in the Technical, Service, and Craft category celebrates the technical expertise he has brought to his role over the years. Read more about Rosanes receiving the President's Excellence Award.
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  Assistant Chief of Police Nominated for 911der Woman of the Year

  Assistant Chief of Police Chandra Johnson has been nominated as a 2024 911der Woman of the Year candidate. The honor recognizes the incredible achievements and dedication of women working in the 9-1-1 industry. Johnson’s nomination highlighted her over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, the last 10 of which have been spent at UHPD, where she instituted an evidence tracking system and helped the department become an accredited police agency with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
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  Parking Team Recognized at Conference for APO Designation

  Team members of the Parking and Transportation Services Department at the University of Houston were recognized for becoming an Accredited Parking Organization (APO) by the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI). Members from Parking & Transportation attended IPMI’s annual conference in June where the department received the honor. Parking and Transportation Services are taking steps to achieve APO with Distinction designation for 2025.
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  UH Dining Sr Executive Chef Chad McDonald Wins Awards at NACUFS Nationals

  UH Dining Senior Executive Chef Chad McDonald won third place at the NACUFS Culinary Challenge as part of the NACUFS 2024 National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Representing the Southern Region for the second consecutive year, McDonald’s fruit de mer put him among the top three, winning an American Culinary Federation (ACF) gold medal in the process. McDonald bested his performance from a year ago where he won an ACF silver medal.
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  UH Fire Marshal Selected for Texas Fire Marshals Association University Committee

  Executive Director of Fire and Life Safety/Fire Marshal Chris McDonald was recently appointed to the Texas Fire Marshals Association’s University Committee. He is one of ten committee members chosen from several Texas universities and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The committee exchanges safety information, code enforcement, and technical developments. It also fosters better understanding between local and state governmental agencies and develops high professional standards among university fire marshals. 
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  OEM Director Elected Secretary of the State Office of Risk Management’s Continuity Council

  Ginger Walker, Director of Emergency Management, was recently elected to the position of secretary for the State Office of Risk Management’s Continuity Council. The council is a forum consisting of federal, state, local, tribal, and private entities.  The council allows members to share ideas, concepts, best practices, and participate in presentations and conferences to strengthen continuity of operations planning programs among agencies of the State of Texas. 
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  DaNesha Allen Presents at NACAS South CX

  Director of Food Service, and Director of Contract Compliance, DaNesha Allen gave two presentations at this year’s NACAS South Conference. Allen co-presented Stories in the Data - Breaking Down Data Silos to Drive Better Outcomes in Auxiliary Services with dining colleagues from Auburn University, University of Tennessee - Knoxville and The Solution Design Group. The presentation showcased how UH and the universities use RevenueVision. 
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  UH Dining Services Recognized with Loyal E. Horton Dining Silver Award

  The University of Houston’s Dining Services was honored with a NACUFS 2024 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award. The department won silver in the Residential Special Event of the Year category that awards a university department for an outstanding event taking place in residential dining for its strong focus on the student experience. UH Dining Services received recognition for its Diwali celebration that took place at Cougar Woods Dining Commons. The celebration is part of the department’s Cultural Event Series. 
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  Dr. Emily Messa Receives Fulbright Specialist Award to Kuwait at American University of Kuwait

  Dr. Emily Messa, University of Houston System Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and University of Houston Senior Associate Vice President for Administration, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award. Dr. Messa will soon complete a project at the American University of Kuwait in Kuwait to exchange knowledge and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities in the U.S. and overseas through educational and training activities. Read more about Dr. Messa’s Fulbright Specialist Award.
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  Dana Wimer Receives Award at NACAS South Annual Conference

  Dana Wimer, Director of Facilities with the Office of Administration, received the New Professionals Award/Scholarship at the NACAS South Annual Conference held at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. The award grants Wimer full conference registration for the 2025 NACAS South Annual Conference. Wimer’s nomination letter pointed out her immediate impact in supporting various facilities in the auxiliary services division
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  Copy & Print Honored with Three ACUP+ Awards

  The Copy and Print department received three Production & Impression awards from ACUP (Association of College and University Printers). Copy and Print won Gold in the Offset Single-Page category for its President Suite Ticket Holder and Gold in the Offset Multi-Page category for its History Magazine—Agents of Change. The final award Copy and Print received was in the Offset Multi-Piece category, where it nabbed Gold for its Happy Holidays Card—Document Solutions. 
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  Matt Oltremari Receives Award at NACAS South Annual Conference

  Auxiliary Services Program Director & Analyst Matt Oltremari received the First Timers Award/Scholarship at the NACAS South Annual Conference held at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. The commendation grants Oltremari full conference registration and hotel stay for the 2025 NACAS South Annual Conference. Oltremari’s nomination letter brought attention to his role, first as a Communication and Outreach Manager, and now as a Program Director & Analyst with Auxiliary Services, and his selection to be a presenter at NACAS. 
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  Cougar Card Services Receives NACAS Outstanding Collaboration Award

  Cougar Card Services was honored at the NACAS South Conference with the Outstanding Partner/Collaboration Award. Cougar Card Services shares the award with Atrium, a campus card management system. The award recognizes a unique, innovative, or distinctive partnership that benefits the university, its respective community, and business partners. Cougar Card Services began using Atrium a year ago and has seen positive effects, such as 93 percent of new on-campus residents having their card by the first day of the Fall 2023 semester. 
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  F/CM receives AssetWorld Steve Deines Achievement Award

  Facilities/Construction Management received the AssetWorld Steve Deines Achievement Award at the AssetWorld Conference in Allen, Texas. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in facilities and workplace management using innovative technologies that improve AssetWorks’ suite of products. Read more about how F/CM has used FIXIT to generate meaningful key performance indicators. 
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  Dr. Emily Messa Recognized at NACAS C3X with Distinguished Service Award

  UH System Sr. Associate Vice Chancellor and Sr. Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Emily Messa was honored at the 2023 NACAS C3X Conference with the Robert F Newton Award for Distinguished Service. This is the most prestigious award recognizing an individual who has displayed extraordinary and outstanding service to NACAS and to the profession. Congrats, Emily!
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  UH Wins Best Integration at 2023 Appademy Awards for Bikeep Integration

  UH received a 2023 Appademy Award for Best Integration for the Bikeep Smart Bike Parking system that Parking & Transportation and UIT helped implement. The Appademy Awards recognize universities and colleges for outstanding digital experiences in their campus mobile apps.
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  Evan Broadbent Receives Professional Continuity Practitioner Certification from FEMA

  Evan Broadbent, Emergency Management Specialist in the Office of Emergency Management, participated in the Continuity Excellence Series provided by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). As a result, Evan has earned his Level 1, Professional Continuity Practitioner Certification. Broadbent has been able to incorporate his Continuity Practitioner skills to bring the UH Continuity Program to the next level.
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  Roy G. Cullen Receives LEED Gold Certification

  The University of Houston’s Roy G. Cullen building, one of the first-ever buildings in the university, went through an interior renovation that has now garnered national recognition by being awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level. The recognition comes via the U.S. Green Building Council, which recognizes buildings and communities prioritizing sustainability in their design, construction, and operation. Read more about Roy Cullen’s interior renovation and its LEED certification.
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  Ginger Walker receives the C. F. McElhinney Award

  Ginger Walker, Director of Emergency Management, was recognized with the Charles F. McElhinney Award for Distinguished Service at the President’s Staff Excellence Awards Ceremony. She was joined by her family, her OEM team, her supervisor, and Senior Vice Chancellor for A&F, Raymond Bartlett, to celebrate her recognition. Walker has served the University for 26 years and was recognized for her dedication, leadership, lasting impact on the University, and her collaborative spirit. Read more about Ginger’s recent recognition.
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  Dr. Emily Messa Receives a 2023 Library Excellence Award

  University of Houston System Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice President for Administration Dr. Emily Messa received the Dean's Advocate Award at the 2023 Library Excellence Awards. The award recognizes a UH employee who has collaborated with UH libraries during the past year.

  Messa received the award for being an advocate and partner in finding opportunities for improving the student experience, plus building a relationship with Dean Jackson in support of UH libraries. Read more about the 23rd Library Excellence Awards.

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  UH Law Center, College of Medicine, received LEED Certification

  The University of Houston’s John M. O’Quinn Law Building and the College of Medicine Building received national recognition this spring by being awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. The certification comes via the U.S. Green Building Council. For a building to receive the certification, it earns points and adheres to prerequisites that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials used, health, and indoor environmental quality. Read more about this achievement.
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  Houston Public Media Wins Two Edward R. Murrow Awards

  Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) has been honoring outstanding broadcast and digital journalism achievements with the Edward R. Murrow Awards. Among the most prestigious in news, the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. 

  This year, Houston Public Media is honored to win two Regional Murrow Awards for the compelling work on Below the Waterlines, Houston after Hurricane Harvey, and the Latino Voter Engagement Project. Listen to the award-winning podcasts.

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  UH Dining Services Wins NASPA Excellence Silver Award

  The University of Houston Dining Services was honored this month by being recognized as 2022-23 Excellence Silver Award in the Contracted Services, Housing, Residence, Life, and Related category from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). This recognition marks the first time UH Dining Services has won a NASPA Excellence Award. Read more about what UH Dining Services did to win the Silver Award.
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  UH Wins National Business Award for Occupational Health Initiatives

  The University of Houston made history in April as it became the first higher education institution to be named a recipient of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) Business Recognition Award from the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. The 2023 AAOHN Business Recognition Award recognizes a business that supports the health and safety of their workers through a strong Occupational Health and Safety Program. Learn more about why UH was selected for this special honor.
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  Cougar Woods Dining Commons Earns 4-Star GRA Certification

  UH’s Cougar Woods Dining Commons earned a 4-star GRA (Green Restaurant Association) Certification, making them the only dining establishment in Texas with that designation. Cougar Woods Dining Commons is also the only Texas university with this rating.

  The Green Restaurant Association awarded Cougar Woods Dining Commons the certification due to its green points in categories like water efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable food, and chemical and pollution reduction. Read more about how Cougar Woods Dining Commons earned the certification.

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  UH Dining Chef Chad McDonald Wins Regional Cooking Competition

  Congrats to UH Food Services Senior Executive Chef Chad McDonald for winning the gold at the NACUFS Culinary Competition. Chef McDonald wowed the judges with a Char Siu Wonton Noodle Soup. Judges were impressed with Chef McDonald’s cooking skills, culinary technique and taste. Chef McDonald now moves on to the national level competition at the NACUFS National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Read more about Chef McDonald’s victory.

• Esmeralda Valdez named NACAS Volunteer of the Year, joins Board of Directors

  Esmeralda Valdez, Executive Director of University Services, was named National Association of College Auxiliary Services Volunteer of the Year. Valdez received the award at the NACAS C3X 2022 Annual Conference & Expo, held in Las Vegas.

Departments

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  Campus Safety

  University of Houston is committed to ensuring a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and all visitors to our campus.
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  Equal Opportunity Services

  The Office of Equal Opportunity Services acts on behalf of the University as a neutral fact finder that enforces the University’s Equal Opportunity Policies.
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  Facilities/Construction Management

  Facilities Planning and Construction delivers exceptional and enduring projects that maximize value and support the University's Tier One strategic initiatives through superior facilities planning and project management services.
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  Office of Finance

  The Office of Finance is the source for all financial information, training, reports and policies at the University of Houston. All finance-related forms, calendars and references can be found here.
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  Houston Public Media

  Houston Public Media is a service of the University of Houston and supported with financial gifts from the community. Houston Public Media combines broadcast and digital assets to serve residents of Southeast Texas with quality local news and entertainment, as well as national programming from NPR and PBS. With a combined weekly audience of more than 1.5 million, Houston Public Media is committed to delivering content that expands minds and possibilities with trusted information.

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  Human Resources

  To attract, develop, motivate, and retain a competitive and engaged workforce committed to supporting and enhancing the mission of the University. We accomplish this through providing Tier One customer service and partnering with the UHS community to maximize the potential of our greatest asset – Our Employees.
  
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  Police Operations

  The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) strives to enable students, faculty, staff and visitors to be safe while pursuing their on-campus endeavors. 
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  Office of Administration

  An exemplary portfolio of on-campus services ranging across third-party dining, parking, shuttle and bookstore operations among the program areas of Auxiliary and University Services, as well as system master planning through the UH System-wide Public Art Committee, an advisory committee to the UH System Board of Regents, and fundamental initiatives of best practices in sustainability, assessment and evaluation.
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  Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

  The University of Houston is an open campus filled with people who care about each other. Because of its open accessibility, all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to exercise a sense of personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, and the safety and well-being of others. While crime can happen anywhere, when we act as a community that knows and cares about the safety of others, ourselves and our property, we lessen the likelihood of being victimized, and we showcase our Cougar Pride.
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  UIT

  University Information Technology - Infotech - offers support across the board for all student, faculty, and staff IT requirements.