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 move through the spring semester, I am proud to reflect on the meaningful progress taking place across our campus operations. This quarter’s highlights demonstrate how thoughtful investments, service innovation, and a strong commitment to safety and community continue to shape a positive campus experience.

One example of this progress is the opening of the new UHPD substation at the Welcome Center Garage. In addition, we are nearing completion on significant enhancements to campus lighting, and I am grateful to the many teams whose coordination and collaboration made these improvements possible. Together, these investments strengthen campus safety by expanding police presence in highly visible, accessible spaces and improving the overall campus environment.

Beyond these initiatives, this quarter also reflects the operational excellence happening behind the scenes through ongoing facility improvements, safety preparedness efforts, and cross‑functional collaboration. These efforts underscore how sound stewardship and student success remain deeply connected across our organization.

I am especially grateful for the dedication and professionalism of our staff. This quarter also gave us an opportunity to pause and celebrate our teams during a recent Staff Appreciation Luncheon, recognizing the commitment and service of those who support our campus every day. The moments of community highlighted this quarter serve as an important reminder that behind every initiative, system, and facility are individuals whose work makes a difference.

Thank you to everyone whose contributions are reflected in these articles—and to all who continue to support the University of Houston through service, collaboration, and care for our campus community.

Yee-Haw! Dining Services Goes Texan at Cougar Woods

Students, faculty and staff who made their way to Cougar Woods Dining Commons on Feb. 26 were greeted by a festival-like scene featuring a mini petting zoo, local vendors, the smoky aroma of barbecue from the pit, and country music echoing through the dining hall. Those in attendance praised the event’s atmosphere and sense of connection. Read more about the Go Texan Day celebration from UH Dining Services.

F/CM Supports UH Fleet with New Fueling Station

Facilities/Construction Management (F/CM) recently unveiled a new fueling station, located next to the University of Houston Police Department. Its purpose is to support the University’s fleet with two additional dispensers, which doubles the number of vehicles that can fill their tanks at a time. F/CM played a crucial role in managing the design and construction phases, ensuring code compliance and adherence to the University’s standards. Read more about the new fuel stations.

F/CM Strategic Teams Deliver Dynamic Ideas

Earlier this year, Facilities/Construction Management (F/CM) hosted the 2025 Strategic Teams’ final presentations. This event, the fourth held in 12 months, was an exciting showcase of the hard work the teams poured into their assigned projects.

Each year, F/CM senior leadership creates three-to-four Strategic Teams, selecting members across all F/CM units. F/CM senior leadership decided to draw members from across the department to ensure democratic decision-making, increase the shared pool of experience and creativity, and break down siloes between units. Read more about F/CM’s Strategic Teams.

Cougar Card Office introduces Cougar Card benefits, spotlights Grubhub+

Cougar Card Office set up a tabling event during the week of Valentine’s Day in the Student Center South to create some sparks on the benefits the Cougar Card provides students, faculty, and staff. The department highlighted the University ID’s on-campus uses and informed guests on the free Grubhub+ membership that is available to the UH community. Read more about Cougar Cards' outreach efforts.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

	UHPD Celebrates New Welcome Center Substation with Food, Music, and Community Music played, balloons marked the entrance, barbecue filled the air, and students gathered for cookies, photos, and conversation as UHPD officially opened its newest campus location at the Welcome Center Parking Garage this February. The celebration reflected the purpose of the space itself—visible, welcoming, and embedded in the everyday life of campus. Although the ribbon‑cutting took place in February, the substation has been operational since January. Learn more about the new UHPD substation.
	Office of Emergency Management and Fire and Life Safety Conduct Shelter In Place Drills Each semester, the Office of Emergency Management and Fire and Life Safety team up with Student Housing and Residential Life to conduct Shelter-In Place drills for all the residential facilities on campus. Shelter-In-Place drills are needed to ensure the residents of each of the facilities know how to respond in the event of an actual sheltering requirement. Sheltering-In Place is used when there may be a hazardous outdoor atmosphere like a hazardous material releases concerns or severe weather. Learn more about sheltering in place for severe weather, general shelter in place tips, and hazardous materials.
	Lab Personnel Get Safety Reminders from EHS During Lab Safety Awareness Week Environmental Health & Safety promotes lab safety all year round but for one week in February they take it up a notch for Lab Safety Awareness Week. Now in its fourth year, Lab Safety Awareness Week recognizes the efforts of laboratory health and safety programs, while providing EHS an opportunity to speak directly with faculty, staff and students. Lisa Benford, director of Environmental Health and Safety, notes that Lab Safety Awareness Week is an important time in the year for the department and touts the meet-and-greet events the department hosts during the week. Read more about how EHS engaged students during Lab Safety Week.

Cougar Cudos

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

A&F Celebrates Employees at Annual Staff Appreciation Event

The Division of Administration and Finance held its annual Staff Appreciation event to recognize, celebrate, and reflect on the individual and collective accomplishments within the division in 2025, while acknowledging team members who met years of service milestone. Relive the Staff Appreciation Event by visiting the event page to see all the winners and photos.

Campus Store Adds CougarQ

Ahead of the spring semester, the University of Houston Campus Store implemented the use of CougarQ to facilitate textbook pickup for students. Adding CougarQ allows students to sign up and get in line (virtually) to pick up their college textbooks. The process is similar to what Cougar Card Services has for students when they apply for a Cougar Card. Adding CougarQ will give students a more streamlined process and reduce wait time for students.

Tornado Preparedness

While tornado season does not officially begin until later in Spring, recent activity shows that we can have tornados at any time of year. With that in mind, the Office of Emergency Management wishes to share some tips on what to do when on campus or off when there is an active tornado warning. Read the tips to learn more about tornado preparedness.