Comprised of Division features, accolades and achievements, as well as valuable "In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)" news you can use, each edition of the newsletter highlights key information and resources across the Division's departmental, operational and service unit areas. Subscribe to the A&F listserv.

Dear Colleagues,

The fall semester is well underway at the University of Houston, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Division of Administration & Finance. Your collective efforts — across departments and teams — were instrumental in welcoming and preparing more than 13,000 new undergraduate and graduate students, including over 6,700 first time-in-college students, as they began their academic journey.

This month’s newsletter highlights the many ways our division supported the university during the early weeks of the semester.

One exciting update is the refreshed Cougar Woods Dining Commons. Over the summer, UH Dining Services completed Phase II of its renovation. Be sure to read the feature story to see how students — both new and returning — are responding to the updated space.

Another highlight is the return of the UH Campus Store to TDECU Stadium. Now open as part of tailgate festivities for home football games, the store offers a wide selection of UH-branded merchandise, giving students, faculty, staff, and alumni a great way to show their Cougar pride. Don’t miss the feature story on how the store made its comeback.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for October 18, when UH takes on Arizona in our 2025 Homecoming game. The game also coincides with the annual Faculty & Staff Tailgate, a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues, enjoy a meal, and cheer on our team.

Also featured in this month’s newsletter:

• A spotlight on the annual Behind the Badge event, which connects students, faculty, and staff with local law enforcement and campus safety departments.
• An inside look at Human Resources’ inaugural Management Seminar for managers and supervisors.
• Coverage of the Office of Emergency Management’s Hurricane Preparedness event during Weeks of Welcome.

These stories and more reflect the dedication and impact of our division. I encourage you to read the newsletter to stay informed about our latest initiatives and accomplishments.

Thank you for your continued dedication and teamwork. Your commitment to excellence ensures our newest community members feel welcomed, supported, and ready to thrive. Together, we make UH a place where students — and colleagues — can succeed.

UH Campus Store Roars Back to Life at TDECU Stadium

University of Houston football fans were greeted with a welcome surprise at the Cougars’ season opener: the return of the UH Campus Store’s on-site location at TDECU Stadium. Located next to What It Do BBQ on Cullen Boulevard, the stadium store had a brief run during the final two games of the 2024 season. Now, it’s back for the entire 2025 football season—a long-awaited moment for Timothy Jackson, market leader for the UH System.

Before the reopening, merchandise was sold from a trailer, which limited inventory and space. The new setup allows for a broader selection of Cougar gear, though it also requires more preparation. Read more about the reopened UH Campus Store’s on-site location at TDECU Stadium.

Cougar Woods Dining Commons Reopens with Enhanced Student Experience in Mind

Cougar Woods Dining Commons reopened this fall semester after a busy summer of renovations, marking the completion of Phase II of its refresh project. This phase focused on transforming the space into a dynamic hub for dining and connection.

The updated layout now features two distinct zones: a library-style area called the Zen Zone, and a lively social space known as the Social House. To celebrate the reopening, UH Dining Services hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and handed out free popsicles courtesy of Hot Rod Pops. Read more about the reopening of Cougar Woods Dining Common.

Students Have ‘RAD’ Time at Dining Services’ First Year Eats

Nearly 220 students ascended the stairs at the Retail, Auxiliary, and Dining (RAD) Center to be part of the mix of the University of Houston Dining Services’ First Year Eats fall get-together. Students mingled while enjoying an evening of deejayed music, finger foods, wandering waiters, mocktails (cucumber mint mojito, berry spritzer, and lavender lemonade), and raffles.

While UH Dining Services hosts a First Year Eats Mixer event each semester, the fall version is a larger event, so the department opted to hosted at the RAD Center. Learn more about the First Year Eats fall get together.

UH Dining Services Hosts Welcoming Barbecue Event at What It Do BBQ

To kick off the fall semester, UH Dining Services hosted a lively “Welcome Back Barbecue” at What It Do BBQ, located next to the TDECU Stadium. Students, faculty, and staff came by to enjoy delicious food and music, while learning about campus resources and upcoming events.

Dining Services representatives welcomed guests, introduced campus meal plans, and highlighted Grubhub services. Additionally, a prize wheel giveaway was incorporated into their tabling activities to enhance engagement. Read more about the smoky and delicious event.

Facilities Team Completes Bridge Reconstruction at Architecture Koi Pond

The Minor In-House Construction (MIC) team from Facilities/Construction Management successfully completed the reconstruction of the bridge spanning the Koi Pond, located adjacent to the Architecture Building. The new bridge not only improves access for Facilities Services to maintain the pond but also enhances the area's visual appeal.

Originally installed in 2009, the Koi Pond was designed as a peaceful retreat for the campus community. Over time, it has seen upgrades like a new filtration system and more koi fish. The newly reconstructed bridge adds to its charm and tranquility. The MIC team was proud to contribute to the enhancement of this peaceful space, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining and improving the campus environment.

Delivery Services Busy with Student Packages

The Delivery Services team has had plenty of business with the influx of students for the fall semester. Packages have been arriving daily, as students receive items they ordered online or were sent from family members. Once at the Central Sorting Facility, items are grouped by residential halls so they can be placed on the appropriate vehicle for delivery to residential lockers or placed in the facilities will call to be picked up. Delivery Services then notifies students that their package has arrived and where to collect it.

Cullen Performance Hall Implements New ADA Process

Cullen Performance Hall prides itself as a venue for everyone in the community. As part of this goal, the theater has made it easier for patrons to reserve accessible seating locations that meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act on its seating chart when purchasing tickets online.

Four spaces are available in the back rows of the far stage left and the far stage right sections of the orchestra area. The eight wheelchair spaces are located near the entries/exits for ease of access. Each space is paired with a companion seat next to them. Read more about this innovation from Cullen Performance Hall and learn about how it's now easier for individuals with ADA accommodations on campus to purchase tickets.

Parking and Transportation Enhances Student Outreach Through Tabling Events

To better connect with students, Parking and Transportation Services hosted two tabling events in September, offering helpful information and on-the-spot answers to common questions. At each event, the department displayed two large posters—one detailing shuttle services and another explaining how to park correctly so the license plate reader can scan plates properly.

In addition to helpful information, the department also handed out a variety of giveaways. Over the course of the two events, staff engaged with 55 students, fielding a wide range of questions about Parking and Transportation services. Read more about what questions students had for Parking & Transportation.

HR Expands Leadership Series with First Seminar for Managers and Supervisors

After successfully hosting a series of Leadership Seminars for executive-level staff, the University of Houston’s Human Resources department expanded its initiative by holding its first seminar tailored specifically for managers and supervisors — and it exceeded expectations. A total of 88 managers and supervisors attended the seminar.

Prior to this event, HR had hosted three executive seminars, each featuring a guest speaker and a unique leadership topic. Post-event surveys collected feedback and suggestions, which ultimately inspired the creation of seminars for mid-level leaders. Read more about the first HR management seminar.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

	Campus Community Engages in Safety Awareness at Annual Behind the Badge Event Students, faculty, and staff received a dose of campus safety information from various University of Houston departments at the annual Behind the Badge event. While the event offers the UH community an opportunity to interact with law enforcement agencies — including the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) — it also highlights campus departments that, while not directly involved in safety enforcement, provide essential resources and services that support a safe campus environment. UHPD was joined by Fire & Life Safety, the Office of Emergency Management, Parking & Transportation, Student Health Center & Campus Pharmacy, The Forensic Center, FIXIT, and Equal Opportunity Services. Read more about the Behind the Badge event.
	Coffee, Conversation, and Campus Safety The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) kicked off the fall semester with its first Coffee with a Cop event, welcoming over 230 students, faculty, and staff to Student Center South. Attendees enjoyed coffee, Cougar punch, and cookies while connecting with the officers who help keep our campus safe. Students lined up early for refreshments, and by the halfway mark, only coffee and punch remained. Events were also held at UH Sugar Land and Katy, bringing total attendance across all three locations to 500. Read more about the department’s first Coffee With a Cop event of the semester.
	National Preparedness Month September is National Preparedness Month and the Office of Emergency Management encourages all students, faculty, and staff to take these three simple steps to be prepared for any disaster: Make a Plan, Build an Emergency Kit, and Stay Informed. Consider the different hazards you may encounter in Houston and think about what you may need in those situations. Know how you would evacuate, where you would go, and how you would communicate with others during an emergency. Be sure your emergency kit has at least three days of supplies and check out the OEM website for helpful checklists on what should go in your kit. Finally, there are many ways to stay informed about local disasters, but it is important to keep your contact information updated in AccessUH, so you can receive timely alerts from the UH Alert system. Find additional resources by visiting the UH Office of Emergency Management’s Be Prepared website.
	OEM Spotlights Hurricane Preparedness and Safety The University of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recently hosted a hurricane preparedness event at Student Center South, joined by Fire & Life Safety and meteorologist Dan Reilly of Reilly Weather. The event aimed to educate the campus community on how to stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane. To draw attention, OEM hosted a bean bag toss game. Winners received clear waterproof bags — ideal for storing vital documents during severe weather or for a day at the beach. Learn more about this informational event from OEM.
	OEM Holds Tabletop Exercises to Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Response The University of Houston Office of Emergency Management department recently hosted two tabletop exercises designed to challenge departments across campus to think critically about emergency response and recovery. An exercise is a single component of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), which is a federal program designed to identify and improve aspects of preparedness, response, and recovery on campus. By facilitating these tabletop exercises, OEM continues to reinforce a vital concept of their core mission: preparing the UH community to face any hazard with strategic plans, strong communication, and increased resilience. Read more about these tabletop exercises.

Cougar Cudos

To nominate a fellow staff member, fill out the Cougar Cudos Nomination Form.

UH Electric Apprentice Highlighted by Electrical Construction & Maintenance Magazine

Facilites Management Electrical Apprentice Rubin Logan has been named to Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Electrical All Stars. Logan has been an apprentice for three years working alongside Master Electrician Lonnie McWilliams. During his apprenticeship, he replaces, tests, and installs receptacles, troubleshoots heavy equipment like boilers, chillers, and water towers. Logan aims to become a master electrician and is attending a four-year electrical school.

UH Remembers 9/11 on 24-Year Anniversary of Attacks

Members of Administration and Finance were among the invited participants of the University’s moment of remembrance, held at the 9/11 Memorial located at the Student Center South. The event marked the 24-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It honored the victims, the first responders, and those who continued their efforts throughout the aftermath and the years that followed.

The solemn ceremony consisted of a color guard procession, the laying of a wreath, brief tributes by UH administrators and military personnel — who each followed their remarks by placing a rose on the monument — and the playing of “Amazing Grace” by a local high school bagpiper. Photos from that tragic day were displayed near the southeast entrance of the student center, closest to the memorial, serving as a visual timeline of the events. A&F was represented by the University of Houston Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, and Fire Life & Safety.

A&F Staff Appreciation Nominations To Open in October

Nominations for the 2026 A&F Staff Appreciation Event will open in October. Staff can nominate colleagues across five categories. The individual awards are the V.I.S.I.O.N. Award, Silent Service Award, and Star Performer Award. The team awards are Team Impact Award, and Team Innovation Award. More information will follow in the coming weeks.

Mindful Museum

HR POWER UP invites you to take a break to reflect and meditate with the Mindful Museum series offered by the Blaffer Art Museum! On October 14 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., join us in the Blaffer galleries to slow down, become centered, and engage with art through mindfulness and presence. Reflect on the different pieces of art and participate in a guided meditation inspired by the museum’s exhibition. Mindful Museum sessions create a welcoming space where art and well-being meet in meaningful ways. Sessions are open to faculty, staff and students.

New Meal Plans for Faculty and Staff

Like eating at on-campus eateries such as Cougar Woods and Moody Dining Commons and Absurd Bird to name a few? Good news, UH Dining Services now has specialized meals plans for faculty and staff to choose from. The meal plans are the Block 50, that gives users 50 meal swipes plus $150 in Cougar Dining Dollars, and the Block 100, which gives the user 100 meal swipes plus $275 Cougar Dining Dollars.

Faculty and Staff can learn more about these meal plans and sign up for them through the Cougar Card Portal on access.uh. Plus, new signees receive a basket of 10 FREE tenders from Absurd Bird when they sign up for a faculty/staff voluntary meal plan today.

Register Your Bicycle or Scooter at UH This Fall

University of Houston faculty, staff, and student have no doubt noticed the growing number of bicycles and electric scooters zipping around campus this semester. With their popularity on the rise, it’s more important than ever to register your bicycle or scooter with the university.

Registering your bike or scooter helps protect it from theft. If it’s ever stolen, the UH Police Department can use your registration details and sticker ID to help recover it. Learn more about the importance of registering your bicycle or scooter. Additionally, Parking & Transportation will have two bike and scooter focused events to encourage bicycle and scooter registration. Learn more about these upcoming events.

Discover What’s New with UH – Your Money Line

HR Benefits is pleased to share that UH – Your Money Line, our financial wellness and coaching benefit, has some exciting new features! Explore goal tracking, personalized financial podcasts, and a refreshed desktop experience — all designed to help you take control of your financial future. Don’t forget to use Employer Code: UH when logging in. Download the app and log in by September 30 for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Plus, be sure to check out two upcoming estate planning webinars this month. Register today to learn more.

Faculty & Staff Tailgate Set for October 18

Please Save the Date for this year’s Faculty/Staff Homecoming Tailgate celebration set for October 18. The Homecoming Game will see the University of Houston Cougars football team battle the University of Arizona Wildcats. While the game time has yet to be confirmed, we encourage you to Save the Date and plan to join in the Homecoming festivities to enjoy fun, food, and fellowship during the 2025 Homecoming Game. More details will follow soon.

Join Human Resources to 'Fall into Financial Wellness'

Human Resources invites you to our Annual Retirement Seminar held at the M.D. Anderson Library, Elizabeth Rockwell Pavilion, with two great opportunities to learn all about retirement planning:

• Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m
  • Meet with representatives from Social Security and leading retirement vendors — Corebridge Financial, Fidelity, TIAA, Voya, and Texa$aver. Learn practical steps you can take now to set yourself up for a smooth and confident retirement.
• Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Get answers directly from the experts! Representatives from TRS and ERS will be available to discuss retirement benefits and what you need to know as you prepare for this important life transition.

Don’t miss this opportunity to plan and take charge of your financial future!

UH Day at the Corp 5K

UH Coogs, begin rallying your colleagues to Run or Walk with TEAM UH during this year’s UH DAY AT THE CORP 5K!  Buddy up with some favorite co-workers or organize a group from your department/division to participate. Then, plan to join HR POWER UP Employee Wellness on Thursday, Oct. 23 between 4 – 6 p.m. in beautiful Memorial Park for this fun physical and mental health break.

Following your participation in the Run/Walk, join your teammates in the Hospitality Village at the Team UH Tent for food, water, camaraderie and fun. In the village, there will be live entertainment, giveaways and more. Remember, you don’t have to run to participate in this employee wellness activity as more than half choose to walk! Make this year, the year you participate. Learn more about this race and register today.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Kicks Off in October

Heads up, Coogs! Cybersecurity Awareness Month Kicks Off in October. This year’s theme is Stay Safe Online, and it highlights simple, effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and the university from online threats.

In the coming weeks, the University Information Technology department will disseminate emails and information detailing ways you can stay safe online such as campus-wide digital signage that will highlight key cybersecurity habits, the advantage of using strong passwords and password manager to name a few. Stay tuned for more details.