September 4th, 2019 – The University of Houston is proud to have been selected as a member of the 2019-2020 NASPA Lead Initiative cohort.

This marks the fourth time that the University of Houston has been honored with this recognition. Out of approximately 1,200 institutions that have a membership with NASPA, under 70 institutions have been selected as a Lead Institution. This group of institutions represents a network of colleges and universities with a deep commitment to promoting Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) opportunities for students, the campus, and the community. Selection to this cohort was based on current civic engagement work and the areas of institutional focus for future growth.

Under the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) provides opportunities for civic engagement and leadership development at the University of Houston. As a Lead Institution member, CSI staff will have the opportunity to participate in professional development, networking, and resource sharing with other Lead Institutions. Ultimately, this involvement will support the creation of new CLDE initiatives, and enhance the effectiveness of existing programs.

During the 2016-2017 year, CSI accomplished a number of initiatives including capturing the impact of service on our students, initiating the EPIC (Engaging People In Conversation) Question, and promoting education and awareness of social issues by engaging with the UH community during the 2016 Presidential Election. Additionally in the 2017-2018 year, CSI was able to coordinate a donation drive to assist the Houston community that was impacted by Hurricane Harvey, promoted education and awareness about how to end human trafficking, and launched the Impact Living Learning Community. During 2018-2019, 56 students earned the President's Volunteer Service Award, a 70% increase from the year before. Students logged 21,172 volunteer hours through Get Involved, a 36% increase from 2017-2018. As CLDE initiatives continue to gain traction on campus, we are able to capture a more complete picture of the impact UH students are making in the community.

“The Center for Student Involvement hosts a range of civic engagement programs and initiatives that contribute to our students becoming more engaged citizens both on campus and in the greater Houston community. We strive to instill the value of giving back to the community in our students, as this is a priority for the University of Houston. As a NASPA Lead Institution, the University of Houston and the Center for Student Involvement have continued our commitment to serving and impacting our campus, the city of Houston, and beyond.”

More about the Center for Student Involvement: CSI provides involvement opportunities for students at the University of Houston. Over 500 student organizations are registered with CSI and it is the central location for leadership programs and civic engagement opportunities. CSI staff support six university sponsored organizations with the planning and implementation of campus programs, events, and traditions. The Center for Student Involvement creates an inclusive and accessible environment that provides meaningful and diverse learning and involvement opportunities to impact student success.