Welcome to CLASS

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) is the heart of the University, dedicated to spurring intellectual curiosity, creativity, and transformative education. Encompassing humanities, social sciences, and health sciences, CLASS is truly a mosaic of disciplines that broaden perspectives, inspire potential, and advance possibilities yet unimagined.

CLASS Announces the New Special Committee on Race and Social Justice

CLASS Statement on Race and Social Justice

Latest News

News Archives

Older Women with Type 2 Diabetes Have Different Patterns of Blood Use in their Brains
A University of Houston researcher is reporting that the brains of older women with Type 2 diabetes do not use as much oxygenated blood as those who don’t have the disease. The research is the first to point to changes in blood use in the brain as the primary reason for diabetes-related deficits in motor function.
Four New Faculty to join the ranks of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) is proud to welcome the newest members of the CLASS professoriate. The four new scholars joining our faculty this fall semester are a diverse group of practitioners and researchers spanning across three academic departments.
CMAS Director Pamela Quiroz Selected as HACU Fellow
Pamela Anne Quiroz, director of the Center for Mexican American Studies at the University of Houston, has been chosen as a Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities fellow. Quiroz is among 26 individuals from colleges and universities across the country selected for HACU’s Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, which is designed to increase the number of Latinos in leadership positions within Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Quiroz will be part of the 2020-21 cohort starting this fall.
UH CLASS Tackles Race and Social Justice: From the Streets to the Syllabus
The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) faculty continuously strives to do its part in creating a better society. To that end, a series of over 20 courses set to launch during the Fall 2020 semester will further conversations on race and social justice.
Racial Discrimination Linked to Suicide
New research findings indicate that racial discrimination is so painful that it is linked to the ability to die by suicide, a presumed prerequisite for being able to take one’s own life, and certain mental health tools – like reframing an incident – can help.
CMAS Study Shows Latino Impact in the Houston Region
A new report from the University of Houston’s Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS) found that foreign-born and native-born Latinos living in the metro area combine for an economic impact of more than $980 million a year.
On the Menu: Free Mental Health Therapy Online for Restaurant Workers
On Tuesdays and Thursdays clinical psychology doctoral candidate Anthony Gioia flips on his computer, goes to a secure website, logs in and starts counseling clients. It’s part of a new University of Houston program offering free mental health care to Texas-based food and beverage employees and their children.
Insufficient Sleep Harms Children’s Mental Health
In a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Candice Alfano, University of Houston professor of psychology and director of the Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, reports the results from an innovative, experimental study showing inadequate nighttime sleep alters several aspects of children emotional health.
$10 Million Grant to Move Middle and High School Instruction Beyond Language
With a five-year, $10 million grant from the Institute of Education Sciences, David Francis, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Chair of Psychology, will create and direct a national research and development center at the University of Houston for English Learners.
O’Connor Named Interim Dean of the largest UH College
Dr. Daniel P. O’Connor, associate dean for Faculty and Research in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) and professor in the University of Houston, Department of Health and Human Performance, has been named as the Interim Dean of CLASS. O’Connor will take the helm as the chief academic and administrative officer of CLASS on July 2, 2020.
Examining Media Coverage of Protests Worldwide
As anti-racism solidarity protests continue around the world, new research suggests mainstream media have a tendency to focus on the violence and spectacle of a protest rather than the substance. That mentality and approach need to change according to Summer Harlow, assistant professor of journalism at the University of Houston Jack J. Valenti School of Communication.
UH Professor to Discuss Pandemic and Racial Tension on Good Morning America
Rheeda Walker, professor of psychology at the University of Houston and a fellow in the American Psychological Association, is scheduled for a live interview on ABC’s Good Morning America with co-anchor Robin Roberts on Wednesday, June 24 during the 7 a.m. CT hour. Walker is expected to discuss coping with life during the isolation of the pandemic, with a focus on racial tensions and George Floyd’s death.
A Message from Provost Short: Dean Tillis appointed Interim President of UHD
Dean Antonio Tillis has been appointed Interim President of the University of Houston - Downtown. His appointment will begin July 2, 2020.
Youngest UH Master’s Graduate has Passion for Learning
Lyric Mandell seems like a typical 20-year-old. She loves to watch Netflix, “90-Day Fiancé,” stay up late, play board games with her family and go bike riding with her bird, a caique named Sugar Ann. But there’s something extraordinary about Mandell. This spring, she was the youngest student to earn a graduate degree from the University of Houston – a master’s in mass communication from the Valenti School of Communication.