Welcome to Cougar First Impressions! As a volunteer, your role is essential in helping
students feel supported
and confident as they navigate campus. Here’s everything you need to know before you
arrive:
CAMPUS FAMILIARITY
1. Walk the Campus
Explore the routes from your volunteer table to key locations:
-
- Classroom buildings
- Parking areas
- Residence halls
- Student Center
- UH Campus Store (Bookstore for Cougar Textbook Access Program)
- Campus Recreation and Wellness Center
- M.D. Anderson Library
- Campus dining and vending locations
2. Download the UH Go App
Get familiar with the UH Go mobile app, the online campus map, and the physical campus map to assist students effectively.
3. Know the Passenger Pick-Up Zone
Passenger pick-up is in dedicated lanes near Parking Lot 21C (located off MLK, north
of University Dr.). Be ready to direct
students and families.
4. Parking Photo Tip
If your table is near a parking area or garage, encourage students to take a photo of the location to help them find it later.
STUDENT SUPPORT TIPS
5. Hydration Reminder
Encourage students to stay hydrated throughout the day — especially in the August heat!
6. Bring Highlighters or Markers
Use them to help students mark walking paths to their classes on the physical campus map.
7. Game Day Alert
Remind students about the Thursday night football game and suggest arriving early for evening classes due to increased traffic and activity.
CAMPUS PROJECTS & SERVICES
8. Know the Centennial Master Plan & Lighting Projects
Be prepared to explain ongoing campus improvements to students and visitors. Access the Centennial Master Plan website and Campus Lighting website for more details.
9. Transportation Services
Familiarize yourself with:
- Cougar Ride (evening on-demand rides)
- Cougar Line (campus shuttle)
- Ride and Dine (transportation to dining locations)
10. Pedestrian Safety Awareness
Know the UH pedestrian safety policy. Report unsafe scooter, bicycle, or golf cart behavior to UHPD.
CLASS SCHEDULE NAVIGATION
11. Building Initials & Locations
Learn how to decode building initials on class schedules and use the physical map to find full building names.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Emergency Contacts: Know how to reach UHPD, Student Health Center, and Counseling and Psychological Services.
- Accessibility Services: Be aware of accessible routes and know how to connect students with the Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center.
- Welcome Tips: Have a few friendly phrases ready like “Welcome to UH!” or “You’ve got this!” to create a warm atmosphere.
- Lost & Found Info: Direct students to UHPD if they lose something on campus