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,

January brings a fresh start to a new academic semester for our students, faculty, and staff. With the spring semester now underway, I want to congratulate every Administration and Finance department that played a role in preparing the campus for the start of classes. I appreciate your individual and collective efforts in ensuring a smooth and successful launch for our students, faculty, and staff.

This month also marks the release of the Division of Administration and Finance’s 2025 Annual Highlights publication. Now in its sixth edition, the Annual Highlights showcases the division’s accomplishments in 2025 and the many ways our 1,129 full‑time employees and numerous business‑partner contractors help lead the charge in supporting student success. I encourage you to take some time to read the publication and celebrate the division’s outstanding achievements.

As part of our ongoing commitment to campus safety and transparency, I also want to encourage all staff to visit the Stay Cougar Safe website. Staying informed is an important part of keeping our community safe.

In addition to the Annual Highlights, the January newsletter features information about training opportunities offered by several Administration and Finance departments, including Fire & Life Safety, the University of Houston Police Department, and Human Resources.

Other notable items, reminders, and divisional updates in this month’s newsletter include:

• A feature story on UHPD’s first Coffee with a Cop event of 2026.
• An introduction to the 2026 A&F Communications Council and the departments they represent.
• A reminder to RSVP for the A&F Staff Appreciation Event.

These are just a few of the many updates included this month. I am grateful to all of you for the outstanding work you do every day to support our campus community and strengthen student success. I look forward to another productive and successful year for the division.

Administration and Finance Presents the 2025 Annual Highlights

The 2025 Annual Highlights publication, now in its sixth year, presents the division-wide metrics, division advancements, and achievements of A&F employees and departments. The information and infographics in the Annual Highlights showcase the commitment, dedication, and the division’s outstanding work and support for the University of Houston. Recap a terrific 2025 by reading the Annual Highlights.

Savor the Comfort: Celebrate National Soup Month in January at UH Dining

As a starter, side, or main meal, soup showcases flavors from cultures around the world. While it is most often served hot, some varieties - such as gazpacho and vichyssoise - are traditionally enjoyed chilled. The Campbell Company designated January as National Soup Month in 1984. At Cougar Woods and Moody Towers dining commons, guests can enjoy two soup selections — usually one containing meat and one vegetarian — during regular lunch and dinner service. Learn more about National Soup Month.

Houston Public Media launches Galveston County News Bureau

Houston Public Media launched its Galveston County News Bureau with Julianna Washburn as its dedicated bureau reporter. This marks the organization’s second regional bureau, following the Fort Bend County Bureau that launched in 2024. These bureaus strengthen Houston Public Media’s commitment to delivering hyperlocal news and information across Greater Houston.

A&F Engages Students in UH Winter Student Employment Fair

Parking and Transportation Services’ business partner Reimagined Parking, and UH Dining Services, took part in the University of Houston's Winter Student Employment Fair earlier this month held in the Student Center South, Ballroom. The employment fair hosted 13 employers from withing the University and drew 473 attendees eager to get real-world work experience. Thanks to the employment fair, Reimagined Parking hired 12 students that will work on campus.

New Year, New Devices

If you’re starting the new year with a new device, it's important to keep it safe from cybercriminals. A secure device helps protect your sensitive data, from personal information to financial details like credit card numbers. Before you dispose of your old electronics, make sure your personal data stays protected. Back up data, remove external storage, and perform a factory reset. Read more essential cyber tips for new and old devices from UIT.

Meet the A&F Communications Council

The A&F Communications Council is comprised of representatives that represent the broad departments that encompass the division. Below is a complete list of the council representatives.

• Copy & Print | Kathy Fieldcamp
• Auxiliary Services | Dakota Rogers
• University Services | Robert Hackett
• Human Resources | Elizabeth de Leon
• Cougar Card Services | Daisy Del Fierro
• Houston Public Media | Trinity Higinbotham
• Equal Opportunity Services | Mandisa Oliver
• Administration and Finance | Hazel Mascarenhas
• UHPD Police | Crime Prevention Office Amir Watkins
• Facilities/Construction Management | Erica Vazquez
• University Information Technology | Catherine Ellett
• Parking & Transportation Services | Brandon Richard
• Environmental Health & Emergency Prepardedness | Nadège Jean

Please contact your department’s representative to share items for inclusion in the A&F newsletter.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

	The Facts About Safety on Campus The University of Houston is steadfast in its commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone to learn and to work. The Clery Act of 1990 (a federal law) requires all universities and colleges to disclose information about crime and safety on and around campuses. This federal database presents a good source for comparing university performance across our state and the nation. Read the key takeaways, and how UH compares to other Texas universities when it comes to safety on campus.
	UHPD Answers Questions, Shares Campus Safety Info at Coffee With a Cop The University of Houston Police Department hosted its first Coffee With a Cop event of the year, and amidst passing out free cookies, brownies, coffee, and Cougar Red Punch, officers engaged with students and shared vital campus safety information. January’s Coffee With a Cop gathering also served a second purpose: introducing the department’s newest team members. Four new officers and a security lead attended, and Crime Prevention Officer Amir Watkins noted that the event gave them their first face‑to‑face interactions with students. Future Coffee With a Cop events are scheduled for Feb. 11, March 11, April 14, and May 5. Read more about this month’s event.
	UHPD Opens Substation at Welcome Center The University of Houston Police Department has opened a new substation located in the Welcome Center. The substation now gives the UHPD a station at both ends of campus. While smaller than its headquarters on Wheeler, students, faculty, and staff can expect the same service as the main station including, walking in to ask a question, report a crime, check lock and found items, safe trade location, and safety escorts to name a few. The substation is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Learn more about the community services UHPD offers.
	Fire & Life Safety Offers CPR/AED Training The Fire & Life Safety department offers free CPR/AED training for UH students, faculty, and staff. The four-hour course is a hands-on, instructor-led course that covers adult, child, and infant CPR/AED, with real practice and real skills attendees can use when it matters most. Once completed, attendees will get a two-year American Heart Association Certification, plus will receive $10 ShastaBUCKS credit on their Cougar Card. Upcoming dates for the training are: Jan. 28, Feb. 13 and 25. Additionally, the department will also host a training at the UH Sugar Land campus on Feb. 20. Learn more about this training from Fire & Life Safety and how to register.
	Winter Weather Preparedness With several more weeks of winter to go, the Office of Emergency Management encourages the community to take a few simple steps to stay safe and prepared. Preparation starts with awareness and planning, including having essential items readily available on campus or at home can make a significant difference during winter weather events. Some items to consider keeping in the kit: Extra Clothes or Blankets Bottled Water Nonperishable Foods Emergency Contact Information Portable Phone Charger or Power Bank Additionally, staying informed is a must for all campus community members. All students, faculty, and staff should ensure their contact information is up to date to receive official university alerts and notifications – UH Alerts – during emergency events. Learn more about staying ready for winter weather.

Cougar Cudos

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

CPR Training Makes a Difference Beyond Campus

While waiting for his daughter at an off-campus cheerleading gym in the greater Houston area, Assistant Fire Marshal and CPR Instructor Philip Rey was made aware of a medical emergency inside the facility. A 17-year-old male athlete had collapsed immediately following a practice performance and was exhibiting seizure-like activity.

Luckily, the gym staff had received general CPR training through their employer. With their general knowledge and Rey's assistance in guiding the response and reinforcing high-quality CPR, care began immediately. Rey's assistance played a major role in the 17-year-old's survival. Read more about how Rey jumped into action.

Houston Public Media Names Laurie Ramirez Station Manager

Following a national search, Houston Public Media has appointed longtime media executive Laurie Ramirez as station manager, effective immediately. Ramirez will oversee day-to-day operations and provide strategic leadership across the newsroom, programming, technology and broadcast operations for KUHT TV 8 (PBS), KUHF News 88.7 (NPR) and Houston Public Media’s digital platforms.

A University of Houston alumna with more than 23 years at Houston Public Media, Ramirez most recently served as interim station manager and executive director of content. She has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic direction, leading major initiatives to expand hyperlocal content, grow audiences, and modernize multi-platform production, positioning the station for continued growth through 2030.

National Eye Care Month

January is observed as National Eye Care Month and at the University of Houston faculty and staff can enjoy exclusive discounts on exams, contacts, glasses, and more at the UH Eye Care Center.

Conveniently located inside the J. Davis Armistead Building, next to the Recreation & Wellness Center, the on-campus clinic makes it easy for faculty and staff to fit their annual eye exam in their busy schedule. Learn more about the UH Eye Care Center and all the discounts available to faculty and staff.

Contact Cougar Card Office for IDs, Event Check-In Devices

The Cougar Card Office  team is available to assist UH staff and faculty with obtaining their first Cougar Card or replacing a damaged, worn, or lost card. To replace a Cougar Card:

• Damaged/worn cards — If your card no longer works or the photo is faded from normal wear, the $20 replacement fee may be waived when you trade in the damaged card.
• Lost cards or negligent damage — A $20 replacement fee applies and must be paid in-office. Payments accepted: Debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and ShastaBUCKS.

Cougar Card Office also has event check-in devices that are available through short-term or annual rentals by filling out the rental form. The easy-to-use handheld devices allow users to track attendance, gain informational data from Cougar Cards, and verify guests, adding more security. Learn more about the Cougar Check-in Devices.

Rent a Space at Cullen Performance Hall for Your Event

Cullen Performance Hall has three rental options to hold your next event, meeting, or celebration: the full theater, the stage, or the lobby. Each location has optional services that can be provided, such as catering, ushers, security, and setup. For more information, visit the CPH website or fill out the rental form to speak with a member of the team.

Copy, Print and Delivery Services Open for Business, Tours

January is a great time to place your copy, print, stationery, graphic design, and promotional item orders for the spring semester with Copy, Print and Delivery Services. The University’s full-scale print shop and mail and delivery unit provide the benefit of being on campus. Competitive and/or reasonable prices are available on all print and copy jobs. For those interested in seeing the CPD team in action, tours, which can last up to an hour, are available by emailing mailto:cpd@uh.edu.

Meal Plans for Faculty and Staff

UH Dining Services has distinctive meal plans for faculty and staff. Meal plans are accepted at Cougar Woods and Moody Dining Commons, as well as eateries inside the RAD Center and the Student Center. 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. Additionally, new signees receive a basket of 10 FREE tenders from Absurd Bird when they sign up for a faculty/staff voluntary meal plan. Learn more about Faculty/Staff meal plans.

UH Campus Store Goes Cashless

Effective February 1st, the University of Houston’s Campus Store is going cashless. Campus store shop goers can pay via credit, debit, ShastaBUCKS, or ZIP. For those Coogs that only carry cash, use the Ready Credit ATM kiosk at the Student Center South, next to the Farmer’s Ridge vending machine. Simply insert cash, and receive an easy-to-use debite card.

RSVP | A&F Staff Appreciation Event

Reserve your spot at the 2025 Staff Appreciation Event, scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 11 a.m. in the Student Center South, Houston Room. The 2025 Staff Appreciation event, now in its fourth year, will allow the division to celebrate individuals and teams who demonstrated outstanding exceptional service in 2025.

During the event, A&F will award 20 individual awards in the V.I.S.I.O.N. Award, Silent Service Award, and the Star Performer Award category, and five team awards in the Team Innovation and Team Impact Award category. Learn more about the A&F Staff Appreciation Event and RSVP to secure your spot.

ePerformance Evaluation Reminder

Human Resources reminds employees to complete the 2025 ePerformance evaluation by the Jan. 30 deadline. Human Resources leadership reminds employees to complete the 2023 ePerformance evaluation by the Feb. 2 deadline. To complete your ePerformance evaluation (once your manager has shared the document with you), log into AccessUH, head to P.A.S.S. HR, and then select "Performance".

From the menu on the left-hand side, select "Current Documents" and click on the available document labeled Performance Document. Next, select "Review Manager Evaluation" from the left hand, then "View". The page will display your manager’s evaluation. Once you’ve read through it, select “Acknowledge” to finish the process. Learn more about ePerformance.

2026 Upcoming CDD Training Workshops

The Coaching, Documentation, and Discipline (CDD) Training Workshop is designed for individuals in managerial roles who are responsible for developing employees through effective coaching, performance management, and, when necessary, discipline.

This workshop provides practical tools and guidance on navigating the Progressive Discipline Process and completing accurate, appropriate documentation. Eligibility requirement: Participants must have direct reports and be benefits-eligible. To register, click onto AccessUH via PASS for CDDH01 CDD Training. To more information on the CDD training, check out our Staff Virtual Library.