Comprised of Division features, accolades and achievements, as well as valuable "In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)" news you can use, each edition of the newsletter highlights key information and resources across the Division's departmental, operational and service unit areas. Subscribe to the A&F listserv.

Dear Colleagues:

During this winter holiday month, I want to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to all of you for the incredible support that each of you provide daily to the university community.  I am so proud of all our efforts in moving forward the goals from our Vision 2027 strategic plan this year. We will share more about our division-wide accomplishments and accolades early in the new year with all of you.

I hope that each of you enjoyed the Rocking Reindeer holiday festivities and were able to spend time connecting and networking with colleagues from across the division.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find helpful campus information to wrap up the fall semester and prepare the university for the winter holiday break.

Additional items in this month’s newsletter include:

• A feature from the traditional Finals Mania event.
• A photo gallery from our Rocking Reindeer holiday party.
• Sustainable tips for the holiday season.
• A holiday health reminder from Occupational Health Services.

I wish you and your families a wonderful and healthy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2024, recharged and ready to build on the division’s great year.

A&F's Rocking Reindeer Celebration

The Division of Administration and Finance took a break from their hectic December schedule to celebrate the holiday season at their Rocking Reindeer Celebration. The event was full of fun activities, finger foods, snacks, coffee, and other drinks for the attendees. The DJ played cheerful holiday songs, creating an upbeat atmosphere. Moreover, 41 lucky attendees won raffle gift cards, adding to the festive spirit of the event. Relive the event by viewing a photo gallery from the celebration.

Finals Mania Fuels Students for Finals Week

Finals Week for the fall semester fell on the first week of December, and to help University of Houston students fuel up for their test-heavy week, Administration and Finance’s Office of Administration and University Libraries hosted Finals Mania in the M.D. Anderson Library. The twice-a-year event, a tradition dating back to 2008, sees UH administrators serving students breakfast food and beverages. Read more about this semester’s Finals Mania event.

End of Year Office Tips

Administration and Finance wishes all faculty and staff a safe and peaceful holiday season. To make the best of your holiday break, we have prepared a safety checklist to help you prepare your office for the winter break. Take a moment to browse through these tips. Read the checklist to learn more.

Sustainable Tips for the Holiday Season

This holiday season will see many University of Houston faculty and staff close their office doors and head home to spend time with friends and family. Before heading out for the holiday season, follow these sustainable tips to reduce energy use. Read the sustainability tips for the holiday season.

Resident Winter Break Safety Tips from UHPD

The University of Houston Police Department wishes each campus community member a safe and peaceful holiday season. To make the best of your holiday break, UHPD has provided a checklist to aid you while away from your apartment, or residential room. Take a moment to browse through these tips.

HR Welcomes New UH Football Head Coach Willie Fritz

One of the first steps to becoming a new Coog is completing your I-9 verification at the Human Resources Center. This past week, the HR team had the pleasure of helping new Head Coach Willie Fritz with this process and welcoming him to the Coog Family!

Cougar Cudos

To nominate a fellow staff member, fill out the Cougar Cudos Nomination Form.

UH Assistant Fire Marshal Completes Executive Leadership Course

Marcus Hicks, Assistant Fire Marshal, graduated in November from the Fire Executive Management Training at the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) located on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. 

The Fire Marshal Professional Development Program is a cooperative effort between LEMIT and the Texas Fire Marshals’ Association, providing fire executives with the skills necessary to effectively manage fire marshals’ offices and deliver a high level of service to their communities. Marcus is one of only 200 fire safety professionals in Texas to complete this program successfully. 

UH Dining Services Winter Hours

The end of the fall semester, and the start of winter season ushers in new operating hours for some University of Houston dining services. With less students, faculty, and staff on campus, UH dining establishments alter their hours. Before heading out to your favorite dining spot, check UH Dining’s website to see its operating hours.

Learn the New Process for Managing Absences

For benefit-eligible employees, a new process for managing absences, previously known as Request Absences, went into effect on December 4th. While the procedure is new, it’s still easily manageable. Learn more about these changes to ensure your requested absences are input correctly.

Deer Oaks EAPServices Helps You Navigate Your Holidays

A reminder that Deer Oaks EAP Services, the university’s employee assistance program, has a wide variety of helpful seminars available on its website that provide useful tips and information for managing stress, keeping your life in balance, and more. On this holiday month, EAP recommends the seminar, Navigating Your Holidays. All UH benefits-eligible employees can access Deer Oaks EAP Services at no cost. Learn more about the holiday seminar and about Deer Oaks EAP.

Holiday Health Reminders from Occupational Health Services

A reminder from UH Occupational Health Services to take care during the holiday season. The department offers some tips to keep you and your family healthy this holiday season. Read the health tips to learn more.