Administration and Finance

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Highlights

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  A&F Assists with Frontier Fiesta

  Since 1939, Frontier Fiesta has been a mainstay at the University of Houston in spring. The three-day event is filled with cook-off competitions, musical performances, carnival booths, and more recently, numerous fun events like paint by number and laser tag. Frontier Fiesta is one of many UH traditions that gets assistance from A&F departments. Learn more about how A&F assists with Frontier Fiesta.
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  Flat-Fee CTAP Program Being Implemented for Fall 2023

  Effective Fall 2023, the University of Houston Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP) will provide undergraduate students, regardless of major or number of hours taken, access to required course materials before the first day of class for one low flat fee. Read the article to learn more about how CTAP will make course materials more affordable for students.
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  A&F Annual Advisory Committee Program Set for April 18

  The Division of Administration and Finance will host its Annual Advisory Committee Program on Tuesday, April 18, at the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion inside MD Anderson Library. The annual event recognizes and celebrates the work of students, faculty, and staff advisory committee members for the 2022-23 academic year.
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  Houston Public Media Celebrates Women’s History Month

  Every March since 1987, Congress and U.S. Presidents have designated the month as Women’s History Month. Houston Public Media is proud to celebrate the accomplishments and vital contributions of women in history with documentaries and stories that center women’s experiences in history — and the present day. Learn more about the special programs airing this month.
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  I SEE U with Eddie Robinson

  This month on I SEE U, host Eddie Robinson had a candid chat with multiple Grammy-nominated Texas gospel, blues, and soul artist Ruthie Foster. Foster, a central Texas native, grew up surrounded by farming and in a family full of gospel and blues artists. As a teenager, Foster traveled to churches around the region singing gospel music. Hear this, and many other women celebrated during Women’s History Month at Houston Public Media.
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  IPMA In-Plant Awareness

  IPMA In-Plant Awareness dedicated to showcasing and recognizing the contributions of in-house design, printing, mailing, and distribution professionals. For 74 years, the University of Houston’s In-Plant, more commonly known as Copy, Print, and Delivery Services, has provided a multitude of stationery and delivery services. Learn more about UH's In-Plant and the work they do.
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  #Walk30 Aims to Get the Campus Moving

  HR Power Up Employee Wellness, in conjunction with University of Houston organizations, UH Population Health, UH Campus Recreation, UH Wellness, and the Houston nonprofit Fit Houston, has launched the #Walk30@UH initiative. The community-wide initiative encourages the campus  to walk 30 minutes daily. Read more about this initiative.

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  Get to Know Your Building Coordinator

  Do you know your Building Coordinator? This is the opportune time to learn who your Building Coordinator is for the building(s) you may occupy. Each building is assigned building coordinators who becomes the point of contact to help facilitate building communications, support facility capital planning, and represent user needs within building. Find out who your building coordinator here.

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  UH Health Launches the UH Family Care Center

  The UH Family Care Center, providing comprehensive, affordable healthcare to the local community, including faculty, staff, and students. The center accepts most major insurance plans, including BCBS Health Select of Texas & Medicare. The centers location is in Health 2, Suite 1001E, and open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with same-day appointments available. Call 832-UHCARES to book an appointment.

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  Meet the Cougar Access Control Services team

  A new team, the Cougar Access Control Services, was formed at the beginning of 2023 to create a one-stop shop for anything and everything related to access where keys or cards are required. The Cougar Access Control Services team comprises three departments, Key Access Services, Lock Shop, and the Electronic Access Control team. Learn more about this new team.
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  Parking and Transportation Town Hall Recap

  Parking and Transportation held their Spring 2023 Town Hall in March to address frequently asked questions and provide updates on upcoming university projects that could affect the campus community. Topics included an update on virtual permits, how UH joining the Big 12 will impact parking, and more. Read more about these changes and watch the full town hall video below.
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  UH CONCISE Program Kicks Off Partnership Engagement

  Facilities/Construction Management, Parking and Transportation, the University of Houston Police Department, UH Athletics, Fire & Life Safety, and other UH departments met in February to discuss a new program aimed at helping the university facilitate better partnership collaboration from a logistics standpoint. You can read more here.
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  HR Talent Acquisition Promotes Hiring Initiatives to Veterans

  Human Resources Talent Acquisition is on the move promoting hiring initiatives through community engagement. Nikki Duncan, Ed D, Director of Talent Acquisition & Development had the distinct honor of presenting to Women Veterans on why they should consider careers in higher education. Duncan gave them examples of the many different careers that are represented in higher education from skilled trades, engineers, academic advisors, accountants, security, and many more.
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  Facilities/Construction Management Focuses on ADA Compliance

  Facilities/Construction Management continues to create an environment of accessibility by ensuring appropriate standards for new construction with regards to the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS).To help address areas on campus that are not directly tied to an active construction project but might need a compliance assessment, Facilities/Construction Management manages a conservative yearly budget to help with these requests. Learn more about F/CM efforts to be ADA compliant.

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  Cougar Card Upgrades System to Help Campus Community

  The new Cougar Card system consolidates multiple icons into one in AccessUH. Previously, the campus community had to visit three icons, Meal Plans, Cougar Card Online, and Cougar Card Upload. But with the new system, all three functions are housed under one icon, Cougar Connect.

  Additional features of the new system include setting up automatic deposits and low fund alerts for ShastaBucks or Cougar Cash and the ability to request money from family and friends through the system. Learn more about this upgrade.

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  OEM Transitions to New COOP Program

  The Office of Emergency Management will begin transitioning from the original paper-based Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) Program to Veoci, an Incident Management Program. Veoci, which is managed and used daily by the Office of Emergency Management, will easily allow departments, divisions, and colleges to develop and maintain their COOP all year round. This transition is scheduled to launch campus-wide at the end of March.
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  HR Welcomes New Member to its Talent Acquisition Team

  Welcome the newest member of the Talent Acquisition team! Frank (Franklin) Martinez is Human Resources new Srenior Recruiter that will cover the division of Administration & Finance. He is a Marine Corps Veteran, having served over 11 years. While in the Marine Corps, he obtained his bachelor's degree in psychology from Saint Leo University.
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  New Discount Program Available for Faculty and Staff

  This year, HR POWER UP Employee Wellness is excited to introduce a new faculty and staff discounts and deals provider, PerkSpot. Through PerkSpot, a variety of local and national discounts are available on products and services including theme parks, event tickets, travel, name brand items and more! Offered through a personalized online portal, discounts are available to employees based on their identified interests and can be easily accessed from home or on-the-go. Start saving right away. Visit PerkSpot online and “Create Your Account” today!
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  UH Dining Services Upcoming Events & Reminders

  UH Dining's limited menu in March comes from Mondo Subs, who will offer a Pork Banh Mi and McAllister’s Deli with their Chicken and Gnocchi Soup. Additionally, Moody Dining Commons will feature a Spicy-inspired lunch on March 29. On March 21st, UH Dining will host its Teaching Kitchen class. To stay connected with the latest activities and promotions, hours of operation, and daily dining commons menus, visit dineoncampus.com/uh. visit dineonecampus.uh.
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  UH Dining Has Its Second 3-Star, and First 4-Star Certified Green Restaurant

  The University of Houston Dining Services was honored this month by being recognized as 2022-23 Excellence Silver Award in the Contracted Services, Housing, Residence, Life, and Related category from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). This recognition marks the first time UH Dining Services has won a NASPA Excellence Award. Read more about what UH Dining Services did to win the Silver Award.
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  UH Dining Services Wins NASPA Excellence Silver Award

  The University of Houston Dining Services was honored this month by being recognized as 2022-23 Excellence Silver Award in the Contracted Services, Housing, Residence, Life, and Related category from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). This recognition marks the first time UH Dining Services has won a NASPA Excellence Award. Read more about what UH Dining Services did to win the Silver Award.
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  UH Dining Services Featured in the Houston Chronicle

  A recent story in the Houston Chronicle titled, ‘Houston-area colleges are upping their campus dining game for Gen Z: 'Not your mom-and-pop' menus’ featured the University of Houston’s Dining program for its delicious menu options. Charles Pereira, vice president of operations for UH System Dining, spoke on how the department aims to continue to create diverse and authentic food experiences for students. Read more about this endeavor from UH Dining at the Houston Chronicle.

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  Earth Month Events Scheduled for April

  The Office of Sustainability, along with partners UH Dining Services, Student Centers, Cougar Cupboard, Coastal Center, Metropolitan Volunteer Program, Cougar Closet, and Environmental Cougar Organization, will recognize and celebrate Earth Month with UH Earth Week from April 17 – 21. Learn more about the events planned for UH Earth Week.
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  HUB Virtual Spot Bid Fair

  The Historically Underutilized Business is hosting a virtual bid fair hosted by Senator Royce West on May 23-24. Each college and division is being asked to provide 5 HUB eligible opportunities. Read more about the HUB Virtual Spot Bid Fair and how you can submit your items.
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  Last Call for CATALYST Learning Programs in Spring

  CATALYST Learning Programs are professional development courses in a variety of topics for all benefits-eligible staff members, from individual contributors to senior leaders. So far this semester, HR has offered courses on productivity, coaching, communication, and leadership skills. There’s one more chance to join the fun this spring semester! On April 13th, senior leaders and managers with direct reports are eligible to attend FranklinCovey’s Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Ignite Everyone’s Intelligence.
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  UHPD to Host Bicycle Registration Drive Events

  The University of Houston Police Department will host several bicycle registration events to encourage the campus community to register their bicycles. Registering the bicycle is free and allows the rider the ability to lock up their bicycles on the university’s two bikeep stations located at Butler Plaza and the University Lofts. Learn more about this endeavor and the dates for the registration events.
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  Public Art UHS Debuts "Frank Stella Fridays"

  Public Art UHS is thrilled to announce "Frank Stella Fridays" as a new experiential offering! The artist's monumental "Euphonia" (1997), at the UH Moores Opera Center, will now be publicly accessible on Fridays between 12 pm - 3. These informal docent-led viewing hours are free and open to everyone. Registration is not required. For more information about visitor parking and holiday closures, please visit Public Art’s website at publicartuhs.org
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  What’s New in UH Dining

  UH Dining has new and exciting food offerings available on campus, including new food trucks (Fry Guys and Manna From Heaven Gourmet Food), Farmer’s Fridge machines (serving salads, grain bowls, breakfast items, and more) at Student Center South, and UH at Sugar Land, and a Chick-fil-A pop up available at UH Technology Bridge.

  Nam Nguyen has transitioned to Interim Senior Director of Catering for Fresh Fork Catering and will lead catering offerings for the UH community. To stay connected with the latest activities and promotions, hours of operation, and daily dining commons menus, visit dineoncampus.com/uh.

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  Public Art UHS Offers a Series of Free Painting Workshops

  Paint en plein air using gouache or watercolor with artist, educator and University of Houston MFA alumna Isabelle Zimmerman. Explore how public artworks interact with the environment and create dynamic compositions inspired by different public art sites on the University of Houston campus. Drop in on one session or join us for all three, they are all free and open to the public. To view the schedule and to RSVP, visit publicartuhs.org.
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  Cougar Red Fridays

  Reminder alert: If you wear a red shirt on Friday, you can get an all-you-can-eat lunch for $6 at Cougar Woods Dining Commons or the Moody Towers Dining Commons.
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  Facilities in Review Magazine

  The latest edition highlights awards and recognition that Facilities/Construction Management has achieved. Some of the features in this edition include how Project Management software revolutionizes customer service and a look at the new facilities team for labs and research, to name a few. Read the ‘Facilities in Review’ magazine to learn more.

Accolades

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  Congrats to A&F Cougar Cudos Honorees!

  Cougar Cudos goes to Anthony Carpenter from the Purchasing Department, to Sheena John from Tax Accounting, to Brooke Kaiser from University Services, and Tiffany Taylor-Denson from the Department of Business Affaris.t

  To nominate a fellow Staff member and learn more about Cougar Cudos.

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  Dr. Emily Messa appointed to NACAS Foundation Board

  Dr. Emily Messa, Senior Associate Vice President for Administration, was appointed Vice President for the NACAS Foundation Board. The Foundation's Board of Directors work hand in hand with the NACAS Board of Directors to establish the foundation's goals and objectives.
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  Esmeralda Valdez named NACAS Volunteer of the Year, joins Board of Directors

  Esmeralda Valdez, Executive Director of University Services, was named National Association of College Auxiliary Services Volunteer of the Year. Valdez received the award at the NACAS C3X 2022 Annual Conference & Expo, held in Las Vegas. The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exceptional volunteer work at the regional and/or national level. Additionally, Valdez was appointed to the NACAS South and National Board of Directors.
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  UH Dining Scores High Remarks in Recent Survey

  Congratulations to the University of Houston Dining department as it made CollegeXpress list for Best Food on Campus. The list recognized the colleges and universities whose students rated the food as excellent in a recent survey.
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  Alexcis Mendoza Wins Chartwells President’s Circle Award

  Congratulations to UH Dining and Chartwells District Marketing Manager Alexcis Mendoza on being awarded the Chartwells President’s Circle Award for her outstanding contributions to ‘Living the Brand. Read more about Mendoza and Chartwells President’s Circle Award.
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  Dr. Emily Messa Selected for Fulbright Specialist Roster

  Congratulations to Dr. Emily Messa, University of Houston System Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice President for Administration, on being recommended for the Fulbright Specialist Roster for a four-year term. Read more about Dr. Messa's selection to the Fulbright Specialist Roster.
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  F/CM Employee Excellence Awards

  Facilities/Construction Management has recognized department team members who contributed to the success of the academic year. For the first time in two years the recognitions were in person. The inaugural Strategic Teams were acknowledged for the projects they proposed in 2021. The 2022 Strategic Teams were also announced. Read more about Facilities/Construction Management's forum.

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  Ginger Walker Presents at the Annual PRIMR Conference

  Ginger Walker, Director, Emergency Management with the Office of Emergency Management, presented to the Preparedness Response Innovation Mitigation Recovery (PRIMR) Conference at the University of North Texas on March 7th. Read more here!
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  Meet Roland Shaw, Payroll's New Executive Director

  Roland Shaw, the new executive director of payroll, has a wealth of experience that he brings to the role. Shaw graduated from TSU with an Economics degree and began his professional career with the Houston Independent School District. Read more here!
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  Allen DeForde Wins TPTA Parking Employee Award

  Parking and Transportation Services Assistant Director Allen DeForde is the 2022 Parking Employee Award of Excellence winner from the Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA). The announcement was made at TPTA’s annual conference in April. Read more here!

Departments

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  Campus Safety

  University of Houston is committed to ensuring a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and all visitors to our campus.
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  Equal Opportunity Services

  The Office of Equal Opportunity Services acts on behalf of the University as a neutral fact finder that enforces the University’s Equal Opportunity Policies.
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  Facilities/Construction Management

  Facilities Planning and Construction delivers exceptional and enduring projects that maximize value and support the University's Tier One strategic initiatives through superior facilities planning and project management services.
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  Office of Finance

  The Office of Finance is the source for all financial information, training, reports and policies at the University of Houston. All finance-related forms, calendars and references can be found here.
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  Houston Public Media

  Houston Public Media is a service of the University of Houston and supported with financial gifts from the community. Houston Public Media combines broadcast and digital assets to serve residents of Southeast Texas with quality local news and entertainment, as well as national programming from NPR and PBS. With a combined weekly audience of more than 1.5 million, Houston Public Media is committed to delivering content that expands minds and possibilities with trusted information.

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  Human Resources

  To attract, develop, motivate, and retain a diverse and engaged workforce committed to supporting and enhancing the mission of the University.  We accomplish this through providing Tier One customer service and partnering with the UHS community to maximize the potential of our greatest asset- Our Employees.
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  Police Operations

  The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) strives to enable students, faculty, staff and visitors to be safe while pursuing their on-campus endeavors. 
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  PAUHS

  With nearly 700 pieces, the UH System has one of the largest and most significant public art collections in the entire country. This new publication will be a platform for announcing the latest news involving the collection, highlighting various pieces, programs and events, and providing links to relevant news about the public art field.
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  Office of Administration

  An exemplary portfolio of on-campus services ranging across third-party dining, parking, shuttle and bookstore operations among the program areas of Auxiliary and University Services, as well as system master planning through the UH System-wide Public Art Committee, an advisory committee to the UH System Board of Regents, and fundamental initiatives of best practices in sustainability, assessment and evaluation.
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  Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

  The University of Houston is an open campus filled with people who care about each other. Because of its open accessibility, all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to exercise a sense of personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, and the safety and well-being of others. While crime can happen anywhere, when we act as a community that knows and cares about the safety of others, ourselves and our property, we lessen the likelihood of being victimized, and we showcase our Cougar Pride.
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  UIT

  University Information Technology - Infotech - offers support across the board for all student, faculty, and staff IT requirements.