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,

Fall has arrived at the University of Houston, bringing with it the annual Faculty & Staff Tailgate during UH’s Homecoming football game. This cherished tradition offers a great opportunity for divisional employees to connect with fellow UH colleagues — and this year was no exception. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the division members who served on the Homecoming Staff Tailgate Committee and helped organize this beloved event. I encourage you to take a moment to view the tailgate photo gallery.

This semester also marked the full rollout of the university’s Shasta chatbot across many A&F departmental websites. Shasta is an AI-powered virtual assistant that provides instant, 24/7 support to students, faculty, and staff for a wide range of departmental services. Implemented by University Information Technology, Shasta is helping to enhance service delivery across campus. Be sure to read the feature article to learn more about how this innovative tool started, and how it’s making a difference.

In October, the UH Police Department hosted National Night Out, an annual event that strengthens police-community partnerships and fosters neighborhood camaraderie. Students gathered in front of Student Center South to enjoy tacos, pizza, and meaningful connections with UHPD officers. You’ll find an article in this month’s newsletter that highlights this campus tradition.

Additional highlights in this issue include:

• A recap of Facilities/Construction Management’s 8th Facilities Forum.
• A feature on Auxiliary Services’ student engagement session for the new dining commons.
• An update on the Bursar’s Office webinar addressing mid-semester questions regarding student fee bills.

These are just a few of the stories featured in this month’s newsletter. I encourage you to explore the full issue to stay informed and connected with all our divisional updates and October accolades. Thank you for everything you do to support our UH community each and every day.

Shasta Chatbot: Ready to Answer Your Online Questions

Shasta, the University of Houston’s innovative AI chatbot, is now across 11 departmental websites, marking a major milestone in its campus-wide rollout. Students, faculty, and staff can ask Shasta questions and receive instant answers 24/7 while browsing these sites.

As of early October, Shasta had facilitated 32,034 chats across the 11 participating departments, achieving an impressive 82 percent resolution rate — meaning the chatbot successfully answered users’ questions without the need for further assistance. Learn more about the Shasta chatbot, its beginnings, and how it has assisted students.

Students Help Shape Future UH Dining Commons

A new dining commons is coming to the University of Houston soon, and students are helping shape its design from the ground up. Before designs are finalized, Auxiliary Services hosted a pop-up student engagement session in Student Center South to gather input on what students want in the new space.

More than 100 students participated in the interactive session led by Shepley Bulfinch, the design firm selected for the project. Poster boards lined the engagement area, each focused on a different theme — seating preferences, lighting and views, campus life and dining, and sustainability and resilience. Learn more about this student engagement session.

Bringing Benefits to You: HR Hosts Seminar at Tech Bridge

For the first time since 2019, UH Human Resources returned to the Technology Bridge to host a retirement seminar — this time at the request of Jacqueline Chee, an accountant in the Comptroller’s Office. While HR regularly offers retirement and benefits seminars on the University of Houston main campus, this session was tailored specifically for Tech Bridge staff, making it easier for employees to attend and engage.

Chee, a Staff Council member, recognized the value of bringing HR directly to the department. Deanna Holmes, HR Benefits Supervisor, led the session and emphasized the importance of demystifying the retirement process. Read more about HR’s retirement seminar at Tech Bridge.

Facilities Forum Educates Attendees, Builds Camaraderie

Approximately 70 facilities employees from the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and University of Houston-Downtown gathered for the 8th Annual Facilities Forum, held at the MD Anderson Library’s Elizabeth Rockwell Pavilion.

Organized by UH’s Facilities/Construction Management department, the forum fosters community, encourages collaboration and idea exchange among colleagues, and features insights from subject matter experts. This year’s theme, Driven by Purpose, Leading with Excellence, was chosen for its alignment with the department’s values and goals. Learn more about this year’s Facilities Forum.

UH Dining Services Targets Tastebuds with Elevated Menus

UH Dining Services continues to elevate campus dining by crafting culinary experiences that students, faculty, and staff can truly savor. Following the completion of phase two of the Cougar Woods refresh this fall, the team has focused on elevating menu offerings at both Moody Towers and Cougar Woods dining commons. Read more about the special menu UH Dining Services had in October.

Teaching Kitchen Serves Up Skills, Spices, and Student Success

UH Dining Services recently hosted a hands-on Teaching Kitchen at Student Center South, spotlighting the health benefits of spices and beans. Led by Thompson Hospitality’s Chef Michael Rivera and VP Beth Casey, the event welcomed 21 participants for a free cooking class focused on accessible, nutritious meals.

In partnership with Cougar Cupboard, UH Dining selects recipes based on pantry availability, ensuring students can recreate meals with ingredients they can access. Dietitian Susan Griffin, MS, RD, LD, also helps shape the menu to maximize nutritional value. Read more about this semester's Teaching Kitchen.

New Experiences Greet Guests of Cullen Performance Hall

Cullen Performance Hall welcomes guests with a fresh approach to wayfinding and engagement, thanks to a new trivia trail designed to make the journey to the venue more enjoyable.

Beginning at the Welcome Center parking lot, visitors are invited to take “Cullen Performance Hall — The Scenic Route,” a clearly marked path along University Boulevard that guides them around nearby construction and toward the hall. But this isn’t just a directional aid — it’s an interactive experience. Read more about these new experiences from Cullen Performance Hall.

Ricoh Pro C9500 Improves CPD Production, Quality

Copy and Print Services has significantly expanded its in-plant capabilities with the installation of the Ricoh Pro C9500, now serving as its primary digital production printer. The C9500 is very user-friendly with its full-view 21.5-inch color touchscreen operation panel that has an integrated media setting system and customizable displays.

Its multiple paper drawers allow for the same paper to be loaded onto two or three trays. The digital printer will automatically switch trays and keep running when one tray empties out. Read more about Copy and Print’s new high capability printer.

Copy and Print Services Scores with Signage

Faced with a sold-out crowd for the Texas Tech-University of Houston game, Parking and Transportation Services and UH Athletics needed additional signs to direct fans — especially those from out of town — to the correct parking lots and to get to the stadium. The departments contacted Copy and Print Services for assistance. The CPD team met the challenge within 24 hours by producing 56 signs for A-frame signs and 116 yard signs for P&T, and six A-frame signs for Athletics.

“The turnaround time from Copy and Print Services was amazing,” said James Wright, director, Parking and Transportation Services. “As always, Nalan and his team went above and beyond to help us meet our needs on very short notice. Their responsiveness and attention to detail made all the difference in ensuring we were fully prepared for the sold-out Texas Tech game.”

Faculty & Staff Tailgate Tradition Continues

The Faculty & Staff Tailgate tradition continued this fall when UH faculty and staff, and their families, celebrated Homecoming weekend before the Cougar’s football match against Arizona.

The 2025 Faculty & Staff Homecoming Tailgate was a collaborative effort of the Staff Council, Faculty Council, Division of Administration & Finance, Office of the Provost, Human Resources, and University Marketing and Communications. Attendees feasted on a Tex-Mex brunch with all the trimmings and numerous sweet baked treats. View the photo gallery to relive the tailgate.

Parking & Transportation Presents: Biketober & Scootober

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and to mark the occasion, Parking and Transportation Services hosted four outreach events and launched a communications campaign to promote pedestrian safety on campus — particularly for bicycle and scooter users. The department dubbed the month Biketober & Scootober to drive (or pedal) the message home. Read more about this initiative from Parking & Transportation.

UH Hosts Webinars to Demystify Financial Aid and Fee Bills

The University of Houston’s Student Business Services (SBS) and Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid hosted two midsemester webinars to help students prepare for spring enrollment. The sessions aimed to clarify common financial questions and support student success. While open to all students, the webinars primarily target freshmen and transfers. Read more about this initiative from the University.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

	UHPD Builds Community Connections at National Night Out The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) proudly participated in the National Night Out event in October. This is an annual nationwide event that fosters police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year’s celebration featured a lively atmosphere with music from a DJ and giveaways from community partners including Family Dollar, 93Q Country, and 97.9 The Box. Students enjoyed a variety of activities, from shooting hoops on an inflatable basketball goal to playing giant Connect Four and testing their strength on the classic high striker carnival game. Read more about this year’s National Night Out event.
	EHS Gets the Word Out on Biosafety and Biosecurity Month For the past 12 years, October has been recognized as International Biosafety and Biosecurity Month, a time to shine the spotlight on biological training ideas, set time aside for reviewing safe laboratory practices, and support responsible and ethical research. To recognize International Biosafety and Biosecurity Month, the Environmental Health & Safety office held three tabling events with EHS Safety Manager and Safety Specialists, to inform and remind faculty, staff and students of this critical component of the research community at UH. Read more about how EHS recognized Biosafety and Biosecurity Month.
	UH Completes Four-Day CERT Training The Office of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with the Office of Fire and Life Safety and the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, successfully completed a four-day Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) training for members of the UH Community. Over the course of the program, participants gained hands-on experience in essential disaster preparedness and response skills, ensuring that UH is better equipped to respond to emergencies on campus and within the broader Houston community. Learn more about this fall’s CERT Training class.
	October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month This October, the University of Houston System joins the global recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As personal and professional lives become increasingly digital, it’s up to all of us to take simple, smart steps to protect our online world. Throughout the month, UIT sent emails, and had digital signage with tips, resources, and practical advice to help the UH community stay safe and secure online in their Inbox, on university social media and on digital signage around campus. Learn more about how UIT observed Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Cougar Cudos

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

Ginger Walker Highlighted by University of Houston

Office of Emergency Management Director Ginger Walker was featured recently by the university’s communications department. Walker gave the communication department a behind-the-scenes look at the Emergency Operations Center. She also participated in a Q&A where she answered questions about OEM’s role on campus, how the EOC works, her storied 25-year career at UH, and much more. Read the feature to learn more about Walker’s role and how the EOC operates.

Cougar Card Services Shines During Fall Start-Up

During Move-In Week and the first week of classes, Cougar Card Services issued over 4,500 ID cards with a 96%+ satisfaction rate. Nearly all new residential students—97%—received their cards before the first day of class. More than 3,000 users scheduled pickups via CougarQ, and express service earned praise from students and families.

Assistant Director Daisy Del Fierro praised the volunteers who supported photo approvals, card printing, and customer service: “Their commitment makes a huge difference every year.”

Cullen Performance Hall Shines on Return of Homecoming Concert

Cullen Performance Hall served as the venue for the Homecoming concert featuring Detroit rapper Babyface Ray on Oct. 16. The Student Program Board event was a tremendous success, with free admission tickets selling out and a long standby line forming outside. The CPH team rose to the occasion by managing the tickets, preparing concertgoers’ arrival, and handling the audio and video.

“Working with the Cullen Performance Hall for the 2025 Homecoming was wonderful,” said Kaitlin McMaryion, program manager, Center for Student Involvement. “The team showed amazing hospitality working with student leaders, the staff of the Center for Student Involvement, and myself. Sarah (Breaux, front of house manager, CPH) was understanding, patient, and kind for the first Homecoming concert in Cullen Performance Hall since 2018!”

Explore the Interactive UH Campus Map: Emergency Call Boxes, Vending Machines, Art Walks, and More

Did you know the University of Houston offers an interactive campus map? This dynamic tool allows students, faculty, and staff to easily locate essential campus features by selecting options from the map’s menu. Some of the available layers include:

• Emergency call boxes
• Vending machines
• Outdoor Wi-Fi zones
• Art installations

In addition to these practical features, the map highlights five unique walking paths that showcase the beauty and spirit of UH:

• DaVinci Walk
• Cougar Pride
• Recreation Trail
• Centennial Walk
• Art Walk

Whether you're new to campus or simply exploring, the interactive map is a great way to discover something new and start exploring today!

Order Custom Holiday Cards From CPD Today

Make an impression this Yuletide season with family, friends, and co-workers by ordering custom holiday cards through Copy and Print Services. You can provide an image you like, show your UH spirit, and offer a personalized message. Graphic designers are on hand to assist you with layout and branding.

A special card from you will bring extra cheer to the upcoming festivities. Be sure to place your order by Nov. 26 — before the Thanksgiving break — to ensure the cards are produced in a timely manner and meet delivery deadlines. For more information or to place an order, email cpd@uh.edu.

RSVP: A&F ‘Oh What Fun Holiday Party’

The Division of Administration and Finance is hosting a holiday party to close out the fall semester. The party, dubbed ‘Oh, What Fun Holiday Party’, is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, from 2-4 p.m. in the Student Center South, Houston Room and promises a festive event filled with holiday music, eats, and a grand time. To reserve your spot for this holiday party, RSVP by November 14.

Fall into Financial Wellness

Join HR Benefits, Tuesday, December 2, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the MD Anderson Library, Edith Rockwell Pavilion, for part two of the annual Fall into Financial Wellness Seminar. Presenting will be TRS and ERS who will discuss how the state retirement plan works and the different medical benefit options available during retirement, including important information on Medicare preparation.

During the seminar you’ll also learn about the Six Pillars of Financial Wellness form Voya Financial and a new, emerging collaborative initiative with UH Population Health for UH faculty who are planning to or already have retired. See a full schedule of sessions.