Administration and Finance

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Highlights

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  Faculty & Staff Tailgate Tradition Continues, Impresses First Time Attendees

  University of Houston faculty, staff, and their families celebrated Homecoming weekend with the traditional Faculty & Staff Tailgate event held before the Cougar’s football match against Utah. The event, a collaboration between the Division of Administration and Finance, Staff Council, and the Faculty Senate, saw 380 attendees made up of faculty, staff, and their families celebrate at the tailgate. Attendees feasted on chicken fajita tacos, nachos, jackfruit tacos, tres leches cake, and numerous other tailgate treats. Read more about this traditional festivity.
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  Houston Blue Merch a Smashing Success at UH Campus Store

  The long-awaited Houston Blue apparel delivered a smashing success for the UH Campus Store. The Houston Blue gear began selling on Friday, November 1st and even before doors opened, a line of eager Coogs awaited their opportunity to nab some of the Houston Blue gear. Houston Blue options included polo shirts, jerseys, hats, mini football helmets, towels, and t-shirts. And while the store did not physically begin selling Houston Blue apparel until opening, online orders began at midnight. Read more about the success of the Houston Blue merchandise.
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  Graduation Celebration Takes Over the UH Campus Store

  A graduation party took over the UH Campus Store on November 15. Graduating seniors had received an invitation through their e-mail to come by the first floor of the store to pick up or order their cap and gown, receive extra commencement tickets they had “won” through the lottery, and have some fun at the Graduation Celebration. Attendees immediately got in the groove due to the atmosphere created by the music played by the deejay — with the occasional Shasta growl mixed in. Read more about this celebration for graduating seniors.
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  2025 Ushers New Seating Setup at Cullen Performance Hall

  Cullen Performance Hall has raised the curtain on a new seating chart for 2025. This is in response to visitors who had become confused in finding their seats in the orchestra and balcony areas when they attended a performance or event. To alleviate this issue, the vertical section designations of left, left center, right center, and right will no longer be in use and the seating numbers will run across the whole width of the rows. Read more about the seating change coming to Cullen Performance Hall.

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  A&F Makes Presence Known at NACAS C3X Annual Conference

  The Division of Administration and Finance was well represented at the 2024 NACAS C3X Annual Conference & Expo in Kissimmee, Florida. This year, Deborah Huebler, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services, and Dr. Esmeralda Valdez, Executive Director of University Services, were among the seven NACAS membered to be honored with the inaugural 2024 Cornerstone of the Profession Award which honors NACAS members who have demonstrated a profound investment in their institutions, and a commitment to volunteer leadership with NACAS spanning at least a decade. Learn more about how A&F represented the division at the annual NACAS Conference.
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  CTAP Delivers Savings for UH Students

  Since the fall of 2023, the University of Houston’s Cougar Textbook Access Program has saved students $20 million compared to the cost of new books. The CTAP program, first launched as a pilot in Spring 2022, gives undergraduate students access to all required course materials on or before the first day of class for the flat fee of $299, plus a $24.67 sales tax, per semester. The astounding savings and the success of the program in just three semesters were touted by UH President and system chancellor Renu Khator during here State of the University speech hailing as one of the ways faculty and staff have raised the bar on support services for students. Learn more about how CTAP has helped students.
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  UH Faculty and Staff Take Advantage of UH Onsite Mammography Screenings

  HR Power UP Employee Wellness brings mobile mammograms to the University of Houston one to two times a year for eligible employees. This fall, HR POWER UP Employee Wellness partnered with The Rose to host 3D mobile mammography screenings in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Realizing the importance of yearly exams, 57 women registered for an on-campus preventive care screening conducted in The Rose’s state of the art mobile mammography unit. HR POWER UP encourages employees who meet exam guidelines but have yet to receive an annual mammography screening to do so.
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  UH Wins 2024 Top Participating Education Company Award

  The University of Houston and HR POWER UP Employee Wellness program received a Top Participating Education Company Award for having the most participants from an education institution in the Hess Houston Corporate 5K in October. The run, named UH Day at the CORP 5K, brought over 100 UH faculty and staff members to the 5K event coordinated by the HR POWER UP Employee Wellness program. The run is the biggest standalone 5K in Houston and 4th biggest corporate run in the country. A highly anticipated event each year, the Corp 5K is a great community team-building opportunity and supports employees' physical, mental and social well-being.

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  Sara Alexander Promoted to Deputy Fire Marshall

  Fire Safety Technician Sara Alexander has been promoted to deputy fire marshal. Alexander was initially hired to manage the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program at the University of Houston-Main, Sugar Land, and Katy. During her time as a technician, Alexander expanded the AED program to several new buildings, replaced all out-of-warranty AEDs, and developed a risk matrix for buildings without an AED. Alexander is a certified fire and life safety educator with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and recently became a TCFP Fire Inspector. The Fire and Life Safety Office looks forward to utilizing and enhancing Alexander’s newly acquired skills.
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  STARS Awards UH Silver Rating

  Facilities/Construction Management is proud to have the University of Houston recognized in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index (pages 67, 76) released by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The new LEED Silver certified John M. O’Quinn Law Building was also recognized in the publication. The UH Office of Sustainability worked diligently to complete and submit a detailed report that measures its sustainability performance in five categories: Academics, Engagement, Operations, Planning & Administration and Innovation & Leadership. A Silver rating was awarded to UH for its 97.7% data accuracy to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS)
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  Office of Administration Leadership Team Available for Presentation

  Is your department, college, or registered student organization interested in learning more about campus amenities such as UH Dining Services, Parking and Transportation Services, UH Campus Store, Cougar Card, Vending Services, Copy and Delivery Services, and Cullen Performance Hall? Book a presentation with the Office of Administration leadership team to learn about these amenities. To request a presentation at your next meeting, please email universityservices@uh.edu. Virtual and in-person options are available.
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  Safety Upgrades at Cullen Performance Hall

  Cullen Performance Hall recently upgraded some of the buildings safety features to be better prepared in the unfortunate circumstance that a fire breaks out. The theater had its entire fire system replaced, this includes adding more smoke detectors, heat detectors, beacons in all the rooms, and a new PA system throughout the theater. The upgrades at Cullen Performance Hall meet the new stricter fire codes and will provide a safer environment for guests and lead to faster evacuations.

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  Save the Date for Staff Appreciation Event set for April 2

  Mark your calendars and save the date for Administration & Finance’s Staff Award Appreciation event set for Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The event, now in its third year, provides an opportunity for the division to gather, share a meal, and celebrate those that demonstrated exceptional service in 2024 via three individual awards in the V.I.S.I.O.N. Award, Silent Service Award, and the Star Performer Award, and two team awards, the Team Innovation Award and Team Impact Award.
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  Office of Administration Releases Impactful Outcomes

  As a way of demonstrating accountability toward goals in their strategic plan IMPACT 2027, in January, the Office of Administration leadership released its annual highlights document Impactful Outcomes, which highlights progress toward strategic goal completion during calendar year 2023. Read Impactful Outcomes from the Office of Administration.
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  UH/UHS FY2024-25 Key Dates Calendar

  The University of Houston and the University of Houston System have released an updated fiscal year 2024-2025 calendar. This calendar provides deadlines and submission instructions for administrative and financial activities at the end of fiscal year 2024 and the beginning of fiscal year 2025. You can find the new updated calendars and schedules on their website. See the new updated calendars and schedules. 
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  Cougar Red Friday Discounts

  Fridays just got a bit sweeter thanks to discounts from UH Dining Services. Wear red on Fridays to get discounts at Asado Tacos & Bowl, Shake Smart, Melt Lab, and RAD Center eateries like The Burger Joint, The Taco Stand, & The Nook. Additionally, you can eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Cougar Woods or Moody Dining Commons at a reduced price. Check out the full Cougar Red Friday Discounts to learn more.

Accolades

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  Mark Rosanes President's Excellence Awards Technical Service and Craft

  Mark Rosanes, a dedicated member of the University of Houston’s University Information Technology department, was recently awarded the President’s Excellence Award in the Technical, Service, and Craft category. With over two decades of service at UH, starting in December 2001 and transitioning to UIT in May 2009, Mark has become an essential part of the campus’ communication infrastructure. Mark’s recognition in the Technical, Service, and Craft category celebrates the technical expertise he has brought to his role over the years. Read more about Rosanes receiving the President's Excellence Award.
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  Assistant Chief of Police Nominated for 911der Woman of the Year

  Assistant Chief of Police Chandra Johnson has been nominated as a 2024 911der Woman of the Year candidate. The honor recognizes the incredible achievements and dedication of women working in the 9-1-1 industry. Johnson’s nomination highlighted her over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, the last 10 of which have been spent at UHPD, where she instituted an evidence tracking system and helped the department become an accredited police agency with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
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  Parking Team Recognized at Conference for APO Designation

  Team members of the Parking and Transportation Services Department at the University of Houston were recognized for becoming an Accredited Parking Organization (APO) by the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI). Members from Parking & Transportation attended IPMI’s annual conference in June where the department received the honor. Parking and Transportation Services are taking steps to achieve APO with Distinction designation for 2025.
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  UH Dining Sr Executive Chef Chad McDonald Wins Awards at NACUFS Nationals

  UH Dining Senior Executive Chef Chad McDonald won third place at the NACUFS Culinary Challenge as part of the NACUFS 2024 National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Representing the Southern Region for the second consecutive year, McDonald’s fruit de mer put him among the top three, winning an American Culinary Federation (ACF) gold medal in the process. McDonald bested his performance from a year ago where he won an ACF silver medal.
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  UH Fire Marshal Selected for Texas Fire Marshals Association University Committee

  Executive Director of Fire and Life Safety/Fire Marshal Chris McDonald was recently appointed to the Texas Fire Marshals Association’s University Committee. He is one of ten committee members chosen from several Texas universities and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The committee exchanges safety information, code enforcement, and technical developments. It also fosters better understanding between local and state governmental agencies and develops high professional standards among university fire marshals. 
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  OEM Director Elected Secretary of the State Office of Risk Management’s Continuity Council

  Ginger Walker, Director of Emergency Management, was recently elected to the position of secretary for the State Office of Risk Management’s Continuity Council. The council is a forum consisting of federal, state, local, tribal, and private entities.  The council allows members to share ideas, concepts, best practices, and participate in presentations and conferences to strengthen continuity of operations planning programs among agencies of the State of Texas. 
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  DaNesha Allen Presents at NACAS South CX

  Director of Food Service, and Director of Contract Compliance, DaNesha Allen gave two presentations at this year’s NACAS South Conference. Allen co-presented Stories in the Data - Breaking Down Data Silos to Drive Better Outcomes in Auxiliary Services with dining colleagues from Auburn University, University of Tennessee - Knoxville and The Solution Design Group. The presentation showcased how UH and the universities use RevenueVision. 
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  UH Dining Services Recognized with Loyal E. Horton Dining Silver Award

  The University of Houston’s Dining Services was honored with a NACUFS 2024 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award. The department won silver in the Residential Special Event of the Year category that awards a university department for an outstanding event taking place in residential dining for its strong focus on the student experience. UH Dining Services received recognition for its Diwali celebration that took place at Cougar Woods Dining Commons. The celebration is part of the department’s Cultural Event Series. 
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  Dr. Emily Messa Receives Fulbright Specialist Award to Kuwait at American University of Kuwait

  Dr. Emily Messa, University of Houston System Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and University of Houston Senior Associate Vice President for Administration, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award. Dr. Messa will soon complete a project at the American University of Kuwait in Kuwait to exchange knowledge and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities in the U.S. and overseas through educational and training activities. Read more about Dr. Messa’s Fulbright Specialist Award.
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  Dana Wimer Receives Award at NACAS South Annual Conference

  Dana Wimer, Director of Facilities with the Office of Administration, received the New Professionals Award/Scholarship at the NACAS South Annual Conference held at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. The award grants Wimer full conference registration for the 2025 NACAS South Annual Conference. Wimer’s nomination letter pointed out her immediate impact in supporting various facilities in the auxiliary services division
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  Copy & Print Honored with Three ACUP+ Awards

  The Copy and Print department received three Production & Impression awards from ACUP (Association of College and University Printers). Copy and Print won Gold in the Offset Single-Page category for its President Suite Ticket Holder and Gold in the Offset Multi-Page category for its History Magazine—Agents of Change. The final award Copy and Print received was in the Offset Multi-Piece category, where it nabbed Gold for its Happy Holidays Card—Document Solutions. 
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  Matt Oltremari Receives Award at NACAS South Annual Conference

  Auxiliary Services Program Director & Analyst Matt Oltremari received the First Timers Award/Scholarship at the NACAS South Annual Conference held at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. The commendation grants Oltremari full conference registration and hotel stay for the 2025 NACAS South Annual Conference. Oltremari’s nomination letter brought attention to his role, first as a Communication and Outreach Manager, and now as a Program Director & Analyst with Auxiliary Services, and his selection to be a presenter at NACAS. 
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  Cougar Card Services Receives NACAS Outstanding Collaboration Award

  Cougar Card Services was honored at the NACAS South Conference with the Outstanding Partner/Collaboration Award. Cougar Card Services shares the award with Atrium, a campus card management system. The award recognizes a unique, innovative, or distinctive partnership that benefits the university, its respective community, and business partners. Cougar Card Services began using Atrium a year ago and has seen positive effects, such as 93 percent of new on-campus residents having their card by the first day of the Fall 2023 semester. 
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  F/CM receives AssetWorld Steve Deines Achievement Award

  Facilities/Construction Management received the AssetWorld Steve Deines Achievement Award at the AssetWorld Conference in Allen, Texas. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in facilities and workplace management using innovative technologies that improve AssetWorks’ suite of products. Read more about how F/CM has used FIXIT to generate meaningful key performance indicators. 
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  Dr. Emily Messa Recognized at NACAS C3X with Distinguished Service Award

  UH System Sr. Associate Vice Chancellor and Sr. Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Emily Messa was honored at the 2023 NACAS C3X Conference with the Robert F Newton Award for Distinguished Service. This is the most prestigious award recognizing an individual who has displayed extraordinary and outstanding service to NACAS and to the profession. Congrats, Emily!
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  UH Wins Best Integration at 2023 Appademy Awards for Bikeep Integration

  UH received a 2023 Appademy Award for Best Integration for the Bikeep Smart Bike Parking system that Parking & Transportation and UIT helped implement. The Appademy Awards recognize universities and colleges for outstanding digital experiences in their campus mobile apps.
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  Evan Broadbent Receives Professional Continuity Practitioner Certification from FEMA

  Evan Broadbent, Emergency Management Specialist in the Office of Emergency Management, participated in the Continuity Excellence Series provided by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). As a result, Evan has earned his Level 1, Professional Continuity Practitioner Certification. Broadbent has been able to incorporate his Continuity Practitioner skills to bring the UH Continuity Program to the next level.
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  Roy G. Cullen Receives LEED Gold Certification

  The University of Houston’s Roy G. Cullen building, one of the first-ever buildings in the university, went through an interior renovation that has now garnered national recognition by being awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level. The recognition comes via the U.S. Green Building Council, which recognizes buildings and communities prioritizing sustainability in their design, construction, and operation. Read more about Roy Cullen’s interior renovation and its LEED certification.
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  Ginger Walker receives the C. F. McElhinney Award

  Ginger Walker, Director of Emergency Management, was recognized with the Charles F. McElhinney Award for Distinguished Service at the President’s Staff Excellence Awards Ceremony. She was joined by her family, her OEM team, her supervisor, and Senior Vice Chancellor for A&F, Raymond Bartlett, to celebrate her recognition. Walker has served the University for 26 years and was recognized for her dedication, leadership, lasting impact on the University, and her collaborative spirit. Read more about Ginger’s recent recognition.
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  Dr. Emily Messa Receives a 2023 Library Excellence Award

  University of Houston System Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice President for Administration Dr. Emily Messa received the Dean's Advocate Award at the 2023 Library Excellence Awards. The award recognizes a UH employee who has collaborated with UH libraries during the past year.

  Messa received the award for being an advocate and partner in finding opportunities for improving the student experience, plus building a relationship with Dean Jackson in support of UH libraries. Read more about the 23rd Library Excellence Awards.

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  UH Law Center, College of Medicine, received LEED Certification

  The University of Houston’s John M. O’Quinn Law Building and the College of Medicine Building received national recognition this spring by being awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. The certification comes via the U.S. Green Building Council. For a building to receive the certification, it earns points and adheres to prerequisites that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials used, health, and indoor environmental quality. Read more about this achievement.
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  Houston Public Media Wins Two Edward R. Murrow Awards

  Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) has been honoring outstanding broadcast and digital journalism achievements with the Edward R. Murrow Awards. Among the most prestigious in news, the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. 

  This year, Houston Public Media is honored to win two Regional Murrow Awards for the compelling work on Below the Waterlines, Houston after Hurricane Harvey, and the Latino Voter Engagement Project. Listen to the award-winning podcasts.

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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 Wins National Business Award for Occupational Health Initiatives

  The University of Houston made history in April as it became the first higher education institution to be named a recipient of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) Business Recognition Award from the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. The 2023 AAOHN Business Recognition Award recognizes a business that supports the health and safety of their workers through a strong Occupational Health and Safety Program. Learn more about why UH was selected for this special honor.
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  Cougar Woods Dining Commons Earns 4-Star GRA Certification

  UH’s Cougar Woods Dining Commons earned a 4-star GRA (Green Restaurant Association) Certification, making them the only dining establishment in Texas with that designation. Cougar Woods Dining Commons is also the only Texas university with this rating.

  The Green Restaurant Association awarded Cougar Woods Dining Commons the certification due to its green points in categories like water efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable food, and chemical and pollution reduction. Read more about how Cougar Woods Dining Commons earned the certification.

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  UH Dining Chef Chad McDonald Wins Regional Cooking Competition

  Congrats to UH Food Services Senior Executive Chef Chad McDonald for winning the gold at the NACUFS Culinary Competition. Chef McDonald wowed the judges with a Char Siu Wonton Noodle Soup. Judges were impressed with Chef McDonald’s cooking skills, culinary technique and taste. Chef McDonald now moves on to the national level competition at the NACUFS National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Read more about Chef McDonald’s victory.

• 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.

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 competitive 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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  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.