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,

As we wrap up another successful semester at the University of Houston, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Division of Administration and Finance departments and employees who played a pivotal role in supporting more than 7,040 graduates across 19 commencement ceremonies. Your commitment ensured that this special season was a memorable one for students, their families, and friends. 

This month’s newsletter highlights several commencement-related stories that highlight our collective efforts:

• The Copy and Print team’s work in preparing graduation programs for the UH System universities and other commencement-related printing projects.
• Cullen Performance Hall’s management of the many ceremonies it hosts.
• A comprehensive feature on how various Administration and Finance departments contributed to making commencement a success.

Additionally, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this issue includes a reminder of the resources UH provides to support mental well-being.

May also marks National Police Week, a time to honor law enforcement officers and recognize the vital role they play in their communities. At UH, our police department is dedicated to keeping the campus community safe and informed, because an informed campus is a safer campus. Be sure to read the feature story highlighting UHPD’s efforts, the annual events they sponsor, and the resources they provide to our campus.

Other notable features in this month’s newsletter include:

• The growth of the Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. website and the expanding resources available on this site.
• A recap of the Finals Mania event, which saw nearly 1,000 students attend.
• A feature on Human Resources’ Executive Seminar series, detailing its origins and the insights attendees have gained.

These are just a few of the highlights. I encourage you to explore all the divisional updates and accolades to stay informed about key dates and developments within Administration and Finance.

Thank you for your dedication and the incredible work you do each day to support our community.

A&F & Commencement By the Numbers

The University of Houston Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies saw 7,040 students receive their UH degree across 19 ceremonies, making it the largest number of graduates in the history of the university. And along the way, the Division of Administration and Finance teams were once again pivotal in ensuring students, their friends and family, have a joyous and safe commencement ceremony.

Learn more about the impact A&F had on commencement season.

Cullen Performance Hall Runs Graduations with High Degree of Professionalism

Graduation ceremonies at Cullen Performance Hall are meticulously prepared with backstage teams arranging stage setups, lighting, and ADA-compliant ramps, while front-of-house staff ensure security, organize concessions, and assist guests with tickets and seating.

Spring’s graduation schedule had the hall slated for holding the events for nine colleges during May 8-10, dividing the total number of commencements almost evenly between the Fertitta Center. Learn more about how Cullen Performance Hall’s runs during commencement season.

Copy, Print, and Delivery Services Crafts Commencement Keepsakes

As spring graduation approaches, the Copy and Print Services team at the University of Houston is hard at work behind the scenes, ensuring that thousands of commencement programs are printed and delivered on time for ceremonies across the UH System.

The process begins in late March, once student registration and event planning—led by the Office of Protocol and Special Events—are largely complete. From there, CPD’s graphics and communications manager, Eric Dowding, takes the lead in designing and assembling the programs. Read more about how Copy and Print assist with commencement season.

Moody Towers Shines With ‘Graditude’ For New Graduates 

The University of Houston Dining Services closed out the spring semester at the Moody Towers Dining Commons with a celebration dubbed the ‘Graditude Lunch’, to thank graduates for their patronage during their time at the University of Houston. 

UH Dining Services decorated the dining hall with balloons and brought in a resident deejay, who’s a UH student, to play tunes that filled the commons. An interactive station with a large wall banner was at the front for graduates to post a thank you to the person, professors, family members, and friends who helped them succeed academically. Read more about this unique dining experience for graduates.

Students Attend Finals Mania Event

Nearly a thousand UH students took a break from their studies to participate in the traditional Finals Mania event at Cougar Woods Dining Commons. Music played by the deejay attracted students, while Shasta and volunteers handed out snacks for the week. Cougar Card Services scanned students’ Cougar Cards for entry, and Student Housing and Residential Life set up a table to assist with preparations for the next semester.

Students had breakfast options for dinner, including vegan items like pancakes, roasted breakfast potatoes, and Beyond Meat plant-based sausage patties. Other available items were scrambled eggs, farro peach hot cereal, sausage patties, and French fries. Desserts and pancake toppings were also provided. Read more about Finals Mania.

Office of Administration Enhances Student Experience with Summer Upgrades to Parking and Dining

The Office of Administration is investing $6.75 million in transformative summer 2025 initiatives aimed at enhancing campus life through major upgrades to parking and dining services. These initiatives focus on advancing technology, improving security, and enhancing student experiences. Parking upgrades include a new enterprise parking system and improved gate equipment across all existing gated lots and parking garages.

On the dining side, Cougar Woods Dining Hall will undergo aesthetic and functional improvements, including new signage, tiling, and millwork that will brighten and modernize the space. While maintaining the existing dining stations, the revitalized hall will elevate the overall dining experience. Read more about this summer's upgrades.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to prioritize well-being, reduce stigma, and remind us that mental health is just as important as physical health. At the University of Houston, we believe in supporting every member of our community—and that’s where Coogs Care comes in. Find out about Coogs Care and all the other available resources to faculty, staff, and students.

Human Resources Advances Executive Development Through Leadership Seminars

Over the past year, the Human Resources (HR) department has hosted a series of Leadership Seminars designed to enhance managerial skills, expand knowledge, and support the professional development of executive-level staff. HR has organized three seminars—two in the fall and one in the spring—drawing a total of 347 attendees. Each seminar featured a unique topic presented by a guest speaker.

While HR offers the CATALYST Learning Programs to all staff, these seminars were created specifically to provide executive-level employees with in-person training and networking opportunities. Each three-hour seminar costs $100 and includes a full breakfast bar. Read more about the HR Executive Seminars.

Cougars Help Cougars—and Houston—Through New Donation Program

The Office of Sustainability and Student Housing & Residential Life (SHRL) have teamed up for several recycling workshops this semester, and their latest joint initiative could have a lasting impact on fellow students and Houstonians.

At the end of each semester, students living in campus housing often discard items they no longer need. To prevent these items from going to waste, the Office of Sustainability and SHRL launched the “Move-Out, Cougars Donate” program—offering students a sustainable alternative for their unwanted dorm belongings. Read more about this new partnership.

F/CM Sharing Construction Expertise Beyond UH

Facilities/Construction Management proudly recognizes Assistant Vice Chancellor of Capital Projects Nick Merry for his recent appearance on WORK4C3’s podcast and for serving on the Board of Directors for Construction Career Collaborative (C3).

Merry appears in episode 10 of the WORK4C3 podcast and highlights the University of Houston’s recent construction initiatives while supporting C3’s mission to strengthen a safe, skilled, and sustainable craft workforce pipeline. During the interview, Merry shared his personal journey in the construction industry and provided insight into what it takes to lead major capital projects in higher education. He emphasized the importance of safety and workforce development, and ensuring equal opportunities within the field.

Listen to the entire episode to hear the complete interview.

Facilities Leaders Share Expertise and Gain Insights at 2025 TAPPA Conference

University of Houston staff members from the Facilities/Construction Management department attended the 2025 TAPPA Annual Educational Conference and Business Partner Fair in Galveston, Texas from April 15-17. One of the key missions of TAPPA is to provide valuable educational programs and networking opportunities to its members and business partners. 

This year’s attendees from F/CM included David Oliver, John King, David Bergman, Davd Geis, Tiffaney Brown, Magda Brady, Brad Schmidt, Carolyn Cross-Taylor, Yesenia Ramirez, Maite Trasancos, Dornese Senegal, J’Monte Hooey, and Jennifer Rea. Learn more about what Facilities leaders learned at this year’s TAPPA conference.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

	Stay Cougar SAFE Website Empowers Campus Safety  The Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. website has become the go-to hub for University of Houston students, faculty, and staff seeking campus safety resources, updates on safety initiatives, and information about related events. Since its relaunch in 2022, the site has seen remarkable growth across all key engagement metrics. Read more about how the Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. site has grown.
	Honoring Service: UHPD in the Spotlight for National Police Week May marks National Police Week, a time to honor law enforcement officers and recognize the vital role they play in their communities. At the University of Houston, this provides a time for the community to recognize the vital role of the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UHPD is the primary law enforcement agency for UH sites, with jurisdiction across at UH-Victoria, UH at Sugar Land, and UH at Katy. UHPD officers are certified Texas peace officers, committed to safety, professionalism, and community engagement. Learn more about UHPD.
	Hurricane Preparedness Guide National Hurricane Preparedness Week is observed in May, and in Houston, it signifies the time to prepare for the hurricane season which begins June 1. To help prepare you and your loved ones for hurricane season, the Office of Emergency Management has developed a Hurricane Response Guide to assist the campus community with tips for pre-storm preparation, post-storm recovery, and campus management during a storm. The guide also provides tropical weather terms and breaks down what steps the campus will take in a hurricane. See the Hurricane Preparedness Guide to learn more and see what items you should have in your hurricane readiness kit.
	OEM Assists Departments with Emergency Planning The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) partners with departments across campus to create emergency response plans that are practical, accessible, and tailored to each building or event. Through Building Emergency Response Plans (BERPs), departments are equipped with tools to respond to a variety of emergencies, from evacuations to shelter-in-place protocols. OEM also supports special event planning by helping assess potential risks, establish communication strategies, and coordinate safety measures. These efforts are strengthened through close collaboration with the University of Houston Police Department and the Fire Marshal’s Office, ensuring that all plans meet established safety standards and regulatory requirements. To keep our community prepared and resilient, these emergency plans are reviewed and updated annually, incorporating lessons learned and changes in infrastructure or operations. Together, OEM builds a safer, more responsive campus environment. Learn more about these initiatives.

Cougar Cudos

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

Copy and Print Wins ACUP+ Award

The University of Houston’s Copy and Print department were recognized by the Association of College and University Printers (ACUP+) with an ACUP+ Platinum Award in the Offset Single Page category for their Report on Philanthropy brochure that details UH’s philanthropy efforts. The awards were announced at ACUP’s 2025 Conference held in Costa Mesa, California.

Recognizing Leadership: Cindy Crews Honored for Excellence

Parking & Transportation Director Cindy Crews received the Parking Employee Award of Excellence at the 2024 Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference, held April in Galveston. Crews received the recognition for her outstanding leadership and customer-focused initiatives at UH. Under her guidance, the department has made major strides in operational efficiency and service quality while managing a $25 million parking permit program.

Crews has also championed sustainability through the COAST (Coogs on Alternative and Sustainable Transportation) initiative and collaborated closely with the Student Government Association on programs like the highly successful food drive for citation waivers. Her ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership underscores her commitment to professional growth and educational excellence.

Innovation in Action: Lot Spotters Takes the Spotlight

The department’s Lot Spotters program, launched in March 2024, earned the Parking Program Award of Excellence at the 2024 Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference, held April in Galveston. Lot Spotter was recognized for its creative, cost-effective approach to customer service and issue resolution.

Using QR code-enabled signage, Lot Spotters empowers users to quickly report parking-related issues — such as broken elevators, litter, or maintenance needs — via a short online form. The system provides real-time feedback to the department, allowing for faster response times and more proactive maintenance. Despite requiring minimal investment, the program has significantly improved the upkeep of campus parking facilities, boosted operational awareness, and strengthened engagement with the UH community.

Parking & Transportation Upgrades Will Improve Customer Experience

Big changes are coming to parking operations at the University of Houston, and they’re designed with you in mind. Over the next three months, Parking and Transportation Services will begin a campus-wide rollout of new parking gate equipment and a modernized parking management software system. These improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency, increase convenience, and improve the overall customer experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The upcoming upgrades will impact every parking garage and gated lot on campus. All gates will be replaced with new, state-of-the-art hardware. At the same time, Parking and Transportation Services is transitioning to a new parking management software platform that offers a more user-friendly interface and streamlined functionality. Read more about the parking upgrades.

Summer Professional Development Opportunities for Staff

Enrollment is now available for CATALYST professional development courses this summer. Take advantage of classes to enhance your communication, manage your time and energy, and lead your teams through change. New this year is David Allen’s Getting Things Done, which teaches skills that improve focus and productivity while reducing stress and burnout. There are three additional workshops this summer, open to all benefits-eligible staff members with supervisor approval. To view all available courses, visit the CATALYST website to learn more.

UH Your Money Line

The University of Houston has a new financial wellness resource dubbed UH Your Money Line. This is a free benefit for UH benefit-eligible employees that provides free, unlimited access to personalized financial coaching through both easy-to-use software and certified live Financial Guides. UH Your Money Line connects you with expert guidance for any financial challenge, big or small. Whether you're dealing with debt, budgeting, retirement planning, or just need a financial check-up, help is available via web, email, phone or text. To get started, create your free account today.

UH Dining Summer Hours

With the spring semester in the rearview mirror, the University of Houston Dining Services is now operating under summer hours. Before heading out for lunch, review the summer hours of operation. New student orientation sessions and camps will also be active in the summer. Faculty, staff, and camp and conference coordinators are encouraged to schedule any camps and conferences ahead of time with UH Dining Services to avoid conflicts with increased demand for dining commons on orientation dates.

Changes Coming to Welcome Center Garages

Changes are coming to the Welcome Center Garages that will make parking easier and more flexible. Starting June 9, there will no longer be separate parking areas for students, faculty and staff in the Welcome Center Garages. This update will help us make more efficient use of garage space, just as we’ve done successfully in the East, Elgin, Gateway, and Stadium garages. This means there will be more parking permits available for students, faculty and staff in these garages, and shorter waitlists. Learn more about the changes coming to the Welcome Center Garage.

The Importance of Duo Security

This month’s IT Security Awareness message is directed to all UH staff and faculty. As members of the UH community, you play a critical role in safeguarding university data. One of the key tools in this effort is Duo, our two-factor authentication (2FA) system that adds an extra layer of security to your login process. If you receive a Duo push notification that you did not initiate, deny the request immediately. Taking quick action helps protect both your personal information and sensitive university data from malicious actors. Learn more about how Duo and how it protects you.