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 month of October brings with it cooler fall weather and the university’s Homecoming football game, a tradition dating back to 1946, and with it, the Faculty/Staff Tailgate Event. This event, October 26, provides a great opportunity for divisional employees to connect with fellow UH employees. I hope you and your family can attend the tailgate and stay to cheer on our Cougar football team using the Faculty/Staff ticket discount promotional code on the event website.

This month, we are also launching the Division of Administration and Finance Staff Appreciation and Awards website, and the opening of the nomination form for A&F Division Awards. Please save the date for the A&F Staff Appreciation Luncheon and Awards Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2024.

Also, please review the Staff Appreciation and Awards website to review the award categories and criteria. I encourage all of you to nominate a colleague or team who have demonstrated excellence in their work this past year. Award submissions are due by Friday, November 15, 2024. The planning committee is currently hard at work to ensure a wonderful celebration to recognize employees for their achievements during 2024.

Other highlights in this month’s newsletter include:

• An update on the fall outreach events from UHPD, including National Night Out and Coffee with a Cop.
• An announcement about the upcoming A&F holiday event, Making Spirits Brighter.
• Cougar Red Friday promotions from UH Dining Services.

These are just a few of the feature articles, events, and highlights from this month’s newsletter. I encourage everyone to review the October newsletter, and I hope to see you and your family at the UH Faculty/Staff Tailgate.

Thank you for all you do every day to support our UH community.

Nominations Open for the 2025 A&F Staff Appreciation Event

Administration and Finance employees can now nominate their colleagues across five categories for the 2025 A&F Staff Appreciation Event. The individual awards are the V.I.S.I.O.N. Award, Silent Service Award, and for the first time, the Star Performer Award. The team awards are Team Impact Award, and Team Innovation Award. Please review the specific award criteria then nominate your colleague, or colleagues, using the nomination form.

Oktoberfest celebration showcases German cuisine and culture

The University of Houston community got a taste of Germany cuisine during this month’s Oktoberfest celebration at Moody Dining Commons as part of UH Dining Services’ Culinary Inspired Event Series. While not an original event in the series, this year marks the second consecutive year that Oktoberfest is celebrated. And like last year, the celebration was in partnership with musical performers Das Ist Lustig, the Modern and Classical Language Department, and the Learning Abroad program. Read more about this year’s Oktoberfest celebration.

Lululemon and Brand Name Cosmetics Now Sold at UH Campus Store

Lululemon lovers rejoice! The UH Campus Store now carries Lululemon products branded with the UH colors and logo. And while it’s the first semester the campus store carries these products, it’s already labeled a successful addition. The UH community has an array of Lululemon products to choose from, such as leggings, hoodies, t-shirts, cross body bags, leggings, polos, and tank tops to name a few. Read more about these new additions to the UH Campus Store.

Students get a taste of Trill Burger at Cougar Woods

The uber popular Houston hamburger spot Trill Burger made its pop-up debut at Cougar Woods in October giving University of Houston students an opportunity to sample Trill Burger. And the UH community was more than thrilled to sample the burgers with Cougar Woods packed with students lined out to the door. In the end, 650 students got a taste of Trill Burger, and by all indications, the pop up was a roaring success. Read more about Trill Burger's pop-up at Cougar Woods.

Facilities/Construction Management Engages at TCUF Conference  

Staff members from the Facilities/Construction department attended the 2024 Texas College & University Facilities Professionals Conference (TCUF) in September. This year’s theme was Live, Learn and Play. Attendees engaged in various workshops that included topics related to how facilities and staff in higher education can balance wellness, knowledge and growth. During the conference, the UH Football Operations Center construction project was highlighted in a workshop to demonstrate how the addition to the stadium embodies the essence of 'live, learn, play. Read more about how F/CM engaged at the TCUF Conference.

Human Resources Attends CUPA HR Annual Conference

The Human Resources executive team participated in the 2024 CUPA-HR Annual Conference and Expo. The team presented to a large audience of higher education HR professionals on the topic "Using AI to Create Professional Development Content."

The session showcased an innovative approach to integrating AI tools into learning and development programs, specifically highlighting how the University of Houston leverages AI to design and deliver training videos for busy staff and executives. This dynamic presentation emphasized the importance of accessible training solutions in today’s fast-paced environment.

Safety Upgrades at Cullen Performance Hall

Cullen Performance Hall recently upgraded some of the building's safety features. The theater had its entire fire system replaced, this includes adding more smoke detectors, heat detectors, beacons in all the rooms, and a new PA system throughout the theater.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

	Jenga, Tacos, and Smiles at National Night Out National Night Out at the University of Houston made its outdoor return after being moved to an interior space last year at the last minute due to the inclement weather. The 372 attendees made up of students, faculty, and staff joined in the National Night Out festivities which included shooting on an inflatable basketball goal, giant Jenga, improvised group dancing, snow cones, and many resources related to student on-campus safety. Learn more about this year’s National Night Out celebration.
	UHPD Hosts Coffee With A Cop at Moody Towers The University of Houston Police Department held a Coffee With a Cop event this month at the university's Moody Towers and shared coffee, bagels, and conversations with residents. The event, typically held at the Student Center South once a month, was spurred by a request from a residential advisor during a meeting with UHPD. Read more about what students and UHPD talked about during this event.
	UH Fire Marshal’s Office shines in recent audit by TCFP The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) conducted two audits of the UH Fire and Life Safety Office and the Fire and Life Safety Office training facility. The audits included: Reviewing individual employee training and continuing education records. Reviewing Fire and Life Safety Office’s standard operating procedures. Appraising the online training portal.  The University of Houston Fire and Life Safety Office received no violations, a testament to their commitment to safety and compliance. TCFP is the state agency that regulates Texas fire departments, fire marshal offices, fire service training facilities, and certified fire service individuals. TCFP conducts these unannounced audits on a regular basis.

Cougar Cudos

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

Mark Rosanes Receives President's Excellence Award 

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.

UHPD Recognized by Harris County for National Night Out

The University of Houston Police Department was recognized with a Certificate of Recognition from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for their National Night Out efforts. The department was presented with the certificate during the National Night Out event. For UHPD Chief Ceaser Moore, the recognition is an indication of how involved UHPD is with the community. 

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.

Office of Administration Leadership Team Available for Presentation

Is your department, college, or registered student organization interested in learning more about campus amenities such as UH Dining Services, Parking and Transportation Services, UH Campus Store, Cougar Card, Vending Services, Copy and Delivery Services, and Cullen Performance Hall?

Book a presentation with the Office of Administration leadership team to learn about these services. To request a presentation at your next meeting, please email universityservices@uh.edu. Virtual and in-person options are available.

Social Security and Medicare Basics

Join the Human Resources Benefits team for the final session of this fall’s Annual HR Retirement Seminar, “Social Security and Medicare Basics,” Friday, Nov. 8 from 9 – 10 AM, in the MD Anderson Library, Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion. For most Americans, Social Security is an essential source of income for retirement. Attend to gain a better understanding of how it works and how Social Security can benefit you when you retire.

You’ll also receive recommendations for creating and using a My Social Security account as well as helpful tips for avoiding Social Security scams. Also included will be Medicare Basics to help prepare you for when the time comes to enroll. This special presentation by the Social Security Administration is open to all benefits-eligible employees. No registration is required.

Save the Date: A&F Making Spirits Bright Holiday Party

The holiday season is upon us, and the Division of Administration & Finance is celebrating in style with the A&F Making Spirits Bright Holiday Party on Wednesday, Dec. 4th from 2 to 4 p.m., in the Student Center South Houston Room and Multipurpose Room. Mark your calendars now and RSVP to welcome the holiday season with an afternoon full of fun. We plan to have multiple ways to engage so be prepared to enjoy some treats, listen to some festive music and ultimately have a joy filled afternoon. RSVP today to reserve your spot.

Inaugural Coog Docs 5K!

HR POWER UP Employee Wellness invites you, your friends and family to participate in the Inaugural Coog Docs 5K! Benefiting the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, the Color Run + Walk for Children’s Mental Health will take place Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 7:30 AM, at the University of Houston’s College of Medicine, 5055 Medical Circle. Great fun for the entire family, the Coog Docs 5k features two entry categories - the 5K In-person run beginning at 7:30 AM and the 1K Kids and Family Walk beginning at 9:00 AM.

Celebrity guest Carl Lewis, one of the most decorated athletes of all time, will kick off this inaugural College of Medicine event! REGISTER now to take part! (Use code UH2024 to receive a $5 discount on the entry fee!) Park for free at McGregor Park, run/walk the course, and then join President Khator, family and friends for the Awards Ceremony and Celebration that follows.

UH Parking Presents: Biketober

Parking & Transportation is hosting a spooky bike registration event on October 30 in front of the MD Anderson Library. The event will feature a spinning wheel game with various prizes, including UH Parking swag, candy, stickers, and Halloween-themed treats and toys. The toys will include fun items such as vampire teeth, slings, and plastic spiders. These simple and festive elements are designed to get students into the Halloween spirit while promoting bike and scooter registration for the semester.