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,

Welcome to the Fall 2025 semester!

I hope you had a chance to relax and recharge over the summer and are feeling refreshed as we begin a new academic year. This fall, we welcome students to an evolving University of Houston campus, where exciting transformations are underway.

As part of the Centennial Celebration and ongoing campus improvements, several construction projects—most notably along University Drive and around the Cullen Fountain area—are in progress. These changes call for heightened awareness and courtesy from all of us as we navigate campus. In this month’s newsletter, you will find helpful tips for safely and respectfully sharing campus spaces during this time of transition.

Throughout the summer, many Administration and Finance departments actively supported new and transfer students through orientations and resource fairs. Departments such as Cougar Card Services, Parking and Transportation, Auxiliary Services, Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness, Equal Opportunity Services, the UH Campus Store, UH Dining Services, and the University of Houston Police Department provided essential information to help our newest Coogs prepare for their first year. Be sure to check out the photo gallery showcasing these departments in action.

Summer also marked the launch of Phase II of the Cougar Woods Dining Commons upgrades. Enhancements include new air curtains, a generator installation, and a redesigned layout to improve traffic flow. You can read more about these improvements in our feature story.

This newsletter also highlights safety-related programs and services offered by A&F departments, along with vehicle theft prevention tips from UHPD.

Additional highlights include:

• A feature on Human Resources’ annual Benefits & Wellness Fair and its impact on faculty and staff.
• A recap of A&F’s participation in Take Your Child to Work Day.
• A spotlight on new features and amenities at the UH Campus Store, including a new optometry kiosk.
• The Office of Finance’s year-end calendar and schedule, outlining key dates and deadlines for the 2025–26 financial year.

These are just a few of the stories featured in the August newsletter. I encourage you to take time to explore all the updates and stay connected with our division’s work. I am deeply grateful to each of you for your continued dedication to serving the UH community.  Let’s have a wonderful fall semester.

A&F Departments Inform New Students at Orientations and Resource Fairs

Departments from the Division of Administration spend part of their summer educating incoming University of Houston freshmen, transfer students, and their parents with all the necessary information to ensure their student's first year at UH is a success. On hand to share information were Cougar Card Services, Parking & Transportation Services, Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness, Auxiliary Services, and the University of Houston Police Department. See how these departments engaged with new Coogs.

A&F Engages with Kids During Take Your Child to Work Day

The University of Houston Police Department, Fire & Life Safety, and Environmental Health & Safety took time out of their workday to participate in Take Your Child to Work Day in June. The day, observed at UH during June, welcomes children from faculty and staff to get a glimpse into the work being done at the University of Houston. Read more about how A&F engaged in Take Your Child to Work Day.

Cougar Woods Dining Commons Tackles Projects During Summer

While for most, the summer is a time for relaxation and vacations but at Cougar Woods Dining Commons, crews are busy working on multiple projects at the dining facility. These include the Phase II refresh, an air curtain project, a generator project, and general facility improvements, such as new cabinetry, the replacement of HVAC exhaust fans, and lighting improvements. Read more about all the exciting new projects underway at Cougar Woods.

UH Employees Put Boots on the Ground at HR’s Wellness & Benefits Fair Bootcamp 

The University of Houston’s Recreation Center was buzzing with energy as benefit-eligible faculty and staff gathered for Human Resources’ annual Wellness & Benefits Fair. This year’s event drew an impressive 1,475 attendees, making it one of the most well-attended fairs in recent years.

The fair offers employees a valuable opportunity to engage directly with health and wellness providers, ask questions, and gather information about their benefits. Read more about this year’s Wellness & Benefits Fair.

Optometry Kiosk Part of New Campus Store Experience

A vision by the College of Optometry led to a chance conversation that became a reality: a new kiosk at the UH Campus Store in the Student Center South. Dr. Andrew Archila, associate dean for Clinical Operations and a clinical professor, approached Timothy Jackson, market leader, University of Houston System, to explore ways the college could get more visibility at the bookstore. Over the past two years, the concept navigated administrative approvals with the kiosk officially opened in July. Read more about the optometry kiosk and the other new features at the UH Campus Store.

Parking & Transportation Paving the Way for Fall Semester

Parking & Transportation is paving the way for the fall semester by reinvesting in the campus lots and garages. One of the upgrades Parking & Transportation is undergoing is in lot 19C and Zone C where standing water would pool after rain. The standing water would create hazardous conditions. This summer, crews have repaved the parking lot to alleviate the situation. Read about all the upgrades Parking & Transportation is working on this summer.

Seamless Arrival Starts With a Plan: Parking & Transportation Tips for Fall Start

Construction is well underway for the upcoming Centennial Celebration at UH in 2027 and with new transportation features in place, it’s good to plan ahead before arriving on campus. Some tips to follow include:

• Know Your Assigned Parking Area Before You Arrive
• New Gate Technology
• Arrive Early During the First Week

See the full list of tips to make your fall semester as smooth as possible.

Pedestrian and Driver Etiquette Tips for Fall Semester

As the university undergoes essential construction improvements, it’s important for pedestrians and drivers to work together to ensure everyone’s safety. Whether you’re walking to class, or operating a utility vehicle, following a few simple etiquette guidelines can help faculty, staff, and students, all share campus spaces respectfully and responsibly. Read the handy guidelines ahead of the fall semester.

Shasta Chatbot Ready for Online Questions

Shasta, the University’s new AI chatbot, is now live on all the Office of Administration departmental websites, marking the second phase of its campus-wide rollout. Employees can access Shasta 24/7 while browsing the pages of the Auxiliary Services, University Services, and Parking and Transportation. The chatbot serves students, faculty, staff, and the public by answering questions and offering assistance with the services provided by these teams.

Department team members, acting as bot managers under the guidance of University Information Technology, are administering Shasta. It is a hypo-generative AI that learns from website content and user interactions. Visit your team’s website — and those of the other departments — to interact with the new AI chatbot. Ask Shasta questions and help it learn! Learn more about the Shastabot.

Facilities/Construction Management Restructuring Announcement 

Facilities/Construction Management has undergone a slight restructuring that includes the creation of a new unit: Facilities Customer Relations & Communications (FCRC). FCRC will be comprised of two dedicated teams:

• Customer Relations Team – This team includes Customer Relations Managers and Customer Liaisons who will continue to manage and strengthen relationships with campus customers. Known as the FIXIT Frontline, they handle service requests and work orders with efficiency and care, working closely with other F/CM teams to ensure the right response is delivered every time.
• Communications Team – Led by Assistant Director Erica Vazquez, this team will oversee outreach initiatives such as Outage Notifications and the Building Coordinator Program. Their mission is to expand and refine how we communicate with the campus community—delivering clearer, more timely information to a broader audience.

This restructuring represents a great opportunity for F/CM to continue evolving. Read more about the restructuring at F/CM.

Copy, Print, and Delivery Services Supports UH’s Fall Semester Preparations

As the fall semester approached, Copy, Print, and Delivery Services played a vital role in supporting the University of Houston’s efforts to welcome new and returning students. This year, the team printed, assembled, and mailed 31,514 admission packets to prospective students. Each packet included a banner/poster, a sticker sheet, and a gift voucher, all produced by Copy and Print Services. Additionally, the team printed 2,000 campus maps to help students navigate the university. The department also created signage for various campus units:

• 40 signs for Student Housing & Residential Life to assist with move-in
• 24 banners and 32 detour signs for Facilities/Construction Management, supplementing the 24 signs installed during the summer
• 6 detour signs for Cullen Performance Hall

These efforts by Copy, Print, and Delivery Services contributed to a smooth and welcoming experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors across campus.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

	2024 Campus Safety Service Metrics In 2024, 21,515 University of Houston students, faculty, and staff received safety training at UH, while Parking & Transportation Services provided 5,842 after-hour rides. These safety service metrics are just a small fraction of the full safety metrics from 2024. These metrics showcase how UH keeps the campus community safe. Take a look at the full 2024 Campus Safety Metrics, including how many times UHPD checked parking lots, garages, and buildings, and how many security cameras are on campus, and much more.
	Stay Safe, Stay Informed: UH Campus Safety Resources At the University of Houston, several departments within the Division of Administration and Finance offer a wide range of safety resources for students, faculty, and staff. Some of these sources include Community Emergency Response Training, CPR/AED Training, Fire Safety Training, and Active Shooter Training, to name a few. Read more about these campus safety resources ahead of the fall semester.
	Drive Safe, Park Smart: Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips from UHPD  The University of Houston Police Department is providing proactive steps faculty, staff, and students can take to protect their vehicle from thieves. At the University of Houston, students, faculty, and staff benefit from robust security measures provided by UHPD. The department patrols the university's six parking garages, eight parking lots, and 16 gated lots. Additionally, surveillance technology such as the Sky Watch Tower—equipped with cameras—enhances visibility and monitoring across campus parking areas. While these efforts significantly deter theft, individuals can take further action to safeguard their vehicles. Read the practical tips to help keep your car secure both on and off campus.
	Campus Safety renamed Environmental Health & Emergency Preparedness The Campus Safety department has been renamed Environmental Health & Emergency Preparedness.  This change, first proposed in the department’s five-year strategic plan, better aligns with its mission. The name change does not affect the department's individual units — Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Fire & Life Safety (FLS), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) — all of which will continue to operate under their current structures and responsibilities.  Learn more about Environmental Health & Emergency Preparedness and the services they provide to the University of Houston.
	OEM Installs New Weather Station The Office of Emergency Management has installed a new weather station to enhance severe weather preparedness and ensure compliance with the National Weather Service’s StormReady certification program. The weather station provides real-time data that helps OEM monitor changing conditions and make informed decisions before and during hazardous weather events. The new station is more accurate than the previous model, including an expanded temperature range that can be more accurately monitored and a lightning detection system. This investment comes just in time for hurricane season and reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to protecting the campus community through proactive planning and improved situational awareness.
	OEM Presents at Risk Professionals Symposium Ginger Walker, the Director of the University of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management, recently spoke at the 2025 Risk Professionals Symposium hosted by Prairie View A&M University. Walker shared insights on disaster preparedness and institutional resilience. The presentation highlighted Houston’s broader capacity to manage emergencies across jurisdictions, then narrowed in on how OEM operates within a higher education setting. “It’s always a pleasure to share lessons learned and share mitigation strategies with colleagues from all over Texas,” said Walker. She emphasized the critical role of OEM in supporting preparedness, response, and continuity planning efforts across campus for the students, faculty, and staff. This collaboration ensures that UH remains ready to address a wide range of hazards through a coordinated approach.
	Big XII Emergency Management Leaders Convene to Strengthen Campus Preparedness This summer, OEM, along with other emergency management professionals from Big XII universities, gathered for a regional meeting focused on strengthening emergency preparedness, response, and recovery across campuses. Hosted as part of an ongoing collaboration among Big XII institutions, the meeting included roundtable discussions on critical topics such as emergency alerts, warning sirens, severe weather protocols, and campus crisis communication. Participants also discussed multi-agency coordination efforts related to the upcoming FIFA World Cup events, with a particular focus on host cities and surrounding universities that may be impacted. The Big XII emergency management network continues to play a vital role in advancing safety and preparedness standards across the conference institutions.
	UHPD Releases Coffee with a Cop Dates The University of Houston Police Department will have four Coffee With a Cop events in the fall semester. This event sees UHPD greet and meet students, faculty, and staff while sharing coffee and pastry. The department bills the event as “no agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers on your campus.” The Coffee with a Cop Dates are September 10, October 8, November 5, and December 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m at the Student Center South food court.
	CRASE Training Provided by UHPD UHPD has released fall dates for its CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) Training for students, staff, and faculty. This free training course is built on the Avoid, Deny, and Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004. The campus community can expect discussions on the history and prevalence of active shooter events, civilian response options, medical issues, and considerations for conducting drills. Fall semester CRASE training dates are August 13, September 24, October 24, November 20, and December 3, at M.D. Anderson Rockwell Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
	UHPD Officers Take IACLEA’s Active Assailants Course UHPD Officers took part in an Active Assailants Course from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), largest professional association devoted to excellence in campus public safety and law enforcement. The officers learned about the psychology and behavior of active assailants, effective communication and coordination strategies, and best practices for law enforcement, EMS, public safety, and fire response. The course included case studies, historical perspectives and engaging content to enhance preparedness and response capabilities for the UH campus community. The training ensures UHPD is equipped with pertinent knowledge to handle these high-stress incidents effectively.
	EHS Attends ExxonMobil’s Partners in Academic Laboratory Safety (PALS) 2025 Workshop Environmental Health & Safety's Program Manager Casi Contreras and Safety Specialist Xia Yang represented EHS at the 2025 Partners in Academic Laboratory Safety (PALS) Workshop hosted by ExxonMobil in Houston, Texas in July.  Participants visited ExxonMobil’s Spring Campus and Baytown Technology & Engineering Complex (BTEC) facilities, where they explored state-of-the-art labs and discussed topics such as Field Operational Safety Leadership (FoSL), incident investigation, and the development of safety training resources. Lab tours were led by ExxonMobil safety and technical experts and served as a platform to exchange strategies on engineering controls, hazard assessments, and safety culture. Read more about what EHS learned at the workshop.
	UHPD Chief Moore Attends Big XII Chief's Conference UHPD Chief Ceaser Moore attended the Big XII Chief’s Meeting & Conference ahead of the fall semester. Moore, along with the Chiefs of the 16 teams that make up the Big XII. The conference, held at Iowa State University, delved into topics such as threat assessments, and mental health advocates program, to name a few.  “Discussing issues with fellow Big XII police chiefs serves as a force multiplier,” said Moore. “We have common problems yet sometimes different strategies, funding models, and nuanced problems. We collaborate and improve the service of all police departments in the Big XII.”

Cougar Cudos

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

Delivery Services Team Receives Stamp of Gratitude on National Postal Worker Day

On July 1, National Postal Worker Day recognizes the hard work and achievements of postal workers nationwide. At the University of Houston, it’s a time to celebrate the dedicated efforts of the Delivery Services team in providing their services to ensure that letters and packages make it to their destinations for students, faculty, and staff. Read more about National Postal Workers Day.

A&F Employees Received Staff Council Scholarship

Two A&F employees were the recipients of a 2025-26 Women Gender Resource Center Scholarships at the 2025 Staff Council Awards & Scholarship Ceremony. Jennifer Rea, Executive Director, Facilities Construction Management, and Maia Solomon, Emergency Management Specialist, Office of Emergency Management each received the scholarship. Rea is pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration while Solomon is currently attaining a Doctorate of Public Policy. 

UHPD Lead Security Officer Alan Pravel Recognized 

University of Houston Lead Security Officer Alan Pravel is being praised for assisting a UH PHD candidate in need of assistance the day before his dissertation. The candidate, a Department of Economics student, needed to enter his assigned room to set it up but discovered that it was locked. Pravel arrived, but none of the keys he had worked. Eventually, using professional tools and without damaging the door, he managed to open it successfully.

“This was not just a small favor. Had the issue not been resolved, I would have faced the same problem the next morning during my official defense—an event that marks the culmination of years of work. Officer Pravel didn’t just help me access a room; he saved my dissertation defense,” said the PHD candidate. 

Officer Pravel’s professionalism and determination reflect the values UHPD strives for.

UHPD Officer Darell Portis Receives Recognition

UHPD Security Officer Darell Portis is being highlighted by Student Housing for his outstanding assistance to a community member. Officer Portis demonstrated exceptional compassion and professionalism, ensuring the individual’s safety and comfort during a challenging situation by providing the pedestrian with personal shoes and water. His calm demeanor, attentiveness, and dedication to helping others while on duty were truly commendable, reflecting the highest standards of service.

“Officer Portis’s actions not only provided immediate support but also instilled confidence and reassurance. I strongly endorse Officer Portis for their exemplary conduct and commitment to the University of Houston community,” said Andrew Webb, Student Housing and Residential Life Assistant Director. 

The actions, professionalism, and kindness shown by Officer Portis reflect the values UHPD strives for.

UH Dining Services Receives Honorable Mention by NACUFS

UH Dining Services has earned the Honorable Mention Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for Residential Special Event of the Year. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS), highlights UH Dining’s commitment to creating memorable student experiences on campus.

UH/UHS FY2025-26 Key Dates Calendar

The University of Houston and the University of Houston System have released an updated fiscal year 2025-2026 calendar. This calendar provides deadlines and submission instructions for administrative and financial activities at the end of fiscal year 2025 and the beginning of fiscal year 2026. Read more about the UH/UHS FY2025-26 calendar and schedule.

Centennial Construction Reminder

A reminder that UH is currently undergoing a transformation as part of the Centennial Construction project in preparation for the university’s Centennial Celebration in 2027. The university’s main entrance, University Drive, is closed for public vehicular traffic through 2026 for construction work.

Additionally, the area located between the E. Cullen Building and Charles F. McElhinney Hall is being transformed into Centennial Plaza. Construction work on this project will see some pedestrian pathways impacted by the construction fencing, but ADA-compliant pathways are available for access to area buildings. See a map of the centennial project construction to see the affected areas and read more about the Centennial Construction Project.

POWER UP Your Fitness

This summer HR POWER UP and Athletics teamed up to offer UH Faculty and Staff Fertitta Center Fitness Walks that occurred every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 5 weeks. Employees were able to enjoy the cool and quiet of the Fertitta Center all while connecting with their colleagues and getting in their steps. While this activity has now concluded, there are still opportunities to be active on campus.

On Wednesday, August 27, take a walk to Butler Plaza to enjoy the first Maker’s Market of the semester, now occurring every 4th Wednesday of the month. Shop handcrafted goods, art, and more from local vendors – all accepting Cougar Cash. You can also join UH Wellness for Sunrise Yoga at 7AM and Sunset Yoga at 7 PM on the A.D. Bruce Religion Center lawn, Tuesday, September 9. If you’re looking for something even more active, join the CRWC, Friday, Sept. 5, 10:45 AM – 1 PM, at the Student Centers Plaza for the Dance Party. Participate in Zumba, line dancing and more. These free activities are open to all students, faculty and staff.

Fall Vaccination Clinics

This fall plan to protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID during one of several vaccination clinics to be held on campus. Coordinated by HR POWER UP Employee Wellness and the Student Health Center, clinics are open to students, faculty, and staff and will be conducted by H-E-B Pharmacy on different days and locations throughout the campus, Sept. 10 - Sept. 17.

Considered preventive care, the Flu and the new COVID vaccinations (plus pneumonia/shingles for 50+) will be 100 percent covered and available at no cost to students with the UH student health insurance plan (SHIP) and employees with BCBSTX HealthSelect and Consumer Directed HealthSelect insurance plans. Look for an email with additional details and registration links to come soon.

Cougar Card Office Seeks Volunteers to Welcome New, Returning Coogs

Looking for a meaningful way to support the University community? Cougar Card Services invites faculty and staff to volunteer during this Fall Move-In Week and the start of the semester — Aug. 20-22 and Aug. 25-26 — at the Welcome Center, Suite 151. Last fall, Cougar Card Services — supported by volunteers — successfully issued cards to returning students, new staff, and a record-breaking 6,200 incoming freshmen. To volunteer, sign the Cougar Volunteer Interest Form. If you have any questions, please contact Daisy Del Fierro at 713-743-6027 or via email at dkdelfierro@uh.edu.

Deadline to Secure Pricing with CPD

There is still time to review your upcoming needs and submit any remaining print or promotional items requests to Copy, Print and Delivery Services. By placing your orders before the fiscal year ends, you can:

• Lock in current pricing before any potential rate changes take effect.
• Ensure your projects are scheduled early and avoid the fall rush.
• Maximize your remaining budget by applying it to future needs.

Email CPD at cpd@uh.edu or call 713-743-5900. The deadline to submit requests is Friday, Aug. 29, to take advantage of current pricing for your future print and promotional needs.

Behind the Badge set for September 22

The annual Behind the Badge community engagement event is set for September 22 at the M.D. Anderson Rockwell Pavilion from 3 – 5 p.m. Event attendees can expect to meet and interact with university departments supporting safety on campus such as UHPD, Fire & Life Safety, the Office of Emergency Management, and more. Local law enforcement agencies like Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and more.

CERT Training Registration Now Open

Registration for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training is open for the fall semester. The course, organized by the Office of Emergency Management and Fire & Life Safety, will be held over two weekends beginning on September 19th, and ending on September 27th. CERT Training participants will learn how to prepare themselves, their families, and neighbors in the event of a disaster. The training will include disaster preparedness, fire suppression, search and rescue, and terrorism awareness to name a few. Register today to save your spot and learn more about CERT Training.

OEM to Host Hurricane Preparedness Event

The Office of Emergency Management is hosting a Hurricane Preparedness Event on August 26 as part the university’s Weeks of Welcome events. The event will be held at the Student Center South Lobby from 1-2 p.m. Students, faculty, and staff can expect hurricane preparedness related information, games, and prizes. Learn more about OEM.

Coming Soon - UH DAY AT THE CORP 5K

HR POWER UP Employee Wellness will once again host UH DAY AT THE CORP 5K on Thursday, October 23rd, in beautiful Memorial Park between 4:30-6:45 p.m.. Now in its 9th year, the Corp 5K Run/Walk is the third largest 5K in Houston and is among the largest corporate runs in the country. Designed to promote employee wellness and team-building, the activity brings together employees from over 200 companies each year.

After your participation in the Run/Walk, you’ll be able to join your UH Colleagues in the Team UH Tent in the Hospitality Village for entertainment, refreshments and more. Remember, you don’t have to be a runner to participate. More than 50 percent of attendees are walkers. Look for an email in the coming weeks announcing registration and your opportunity to obtain FREE or discounted entry to this year’s UH DAY AT THE CORP 5K!