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2013

UH Weeks of Welcome Requesting Departmental Open House Information

The UH Weeks of Welcome Committee coordinates and develops a comprehensive calendar of events and programs during the first two weeks of the fall semester. Some of the types of events highlighted through Weeks of Welcome include welcome back mixers, luncheons, athletic events, concerts, interest meetings for student organizations, and major traditions like the Cat’s Back program. We would like to add departmental open houses for 2013.

Departmental Open Houses would be a way for students to connect with services around campus that may be overlooked during the hustle and bustle of the first two weeks of the fall semester. To entice students to attend these open houses, the Weeks of Welcome Committee will incentivize participation through an online scavenger hunt. Students will not be able to complete the scavenger hunt unless they attend a department’s open house.

For the Open House, all we ask is that the Open House events hosted by departments are engaging in nature, something beyond just an overview of your office.  Some already-scheduled open houses are using programming activities, promotional items, Q&A sessions with faculty and staff, and other ideas to engage students.

If departments are interested, the scavenger hunt for the open houses is being conducted Tuesday, September 3 through Friday, September 6. We hope you, and your department, would like to become a part of the “Weeks of Welcome”.

2013

UH WOW 2013 Set to Kick-Off Fall Semester

The University of Houston Weeks of Welcome (UH WOW 2013), which begins Thursday, August 22 through Friday, September 6, is set to kick-off. These two weeks of activities are designed to enhance student success and student engagement. Some types of events highlighted through UH Weeks of Welcome include mixers, luncheons, athletic events, concerts, interest meetings for student organizations, department open houses and major traditions like the Cat’s Back Event.

UH WOW 2013 has gone interactive, providing two FREE downloadable phone applications (apps) for your phone or tablet. This year the entire UH WOW 2013 event schedule is available via the Guidebook phone app. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to win great prizes, learn more about university offerings, and traditions as part of the UH WOW 2013 scavenger hunt, which is a picture based hunt powered by the Scavenger Hunt with Friends phone app.

Along with sharing this information with fellow cougars, please take advantage of these free interactive tools for yourself and join all of the UH WOW 2013 excitement.

2013

Weeks of Celebration for the Opening of the NEW UC - Phase 1

January 2014, marks the official completion of Phase 1 of the University Center Transformation Project. The UC North offices, which include the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life, Center for Student Media, Center for Student Involvement, LGBT Resource Center, Veterans' Services, Women’s and Gender Resource Center, International Student & Scholar Services and student organizations offices and carrel spaces, will be open to serve and support the entire UH campus.

The University Center Phase 1 Opening, will also feature the new Student Government Association Senate Chamber, a 450-seat Theater, Woodforest National Bank, the new two-level Barnes and Noble Bookstore @ the University of Houston, Creation Station, and the Games Room, along with new food options featuring a full service Starbucks, McDonald's, Panda Express and Chick-Fil-A. In celebration, many opening events have been planned to showcase these new and relocated resources in the building.

The NEW UC Opening festivities kick-off with the UC North Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, January 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in the UC North Collaborative Lounge. The week of events are highlighted by the World Trade Center Artifact Dedication on January 29th at 1:00 PM and the Theater Opening on January 30th starting at noon. The New UC opening events will include free food, musical performances, Cougar merchandise, movies, step show performances, a comedian, and much more.

2013

UC Valentine’s Day Gift Mart Update

Due to the continued power outage at the University Center, the 2013 UC Valentine’s Day Gift Mart will be cancelled. However, those wishing to Stuff-A-Bear with SPB, will still have an opportunity on February 14th as part of the Coca Cola Free Movie night. Animals will be available for stuffing beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Cullen Performance Hall just before the showing of Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2.

2013

UC Set To Host Valentine's Day Gift Mart

Worried about what to give that special someone? Don't be! Various off-campus vendors along with campus organizations will be available on Wed., February 13 in the UC Houston Room from 11:30am – 1:00pm to provide several gift and service options, making the UC your one-stop-shop for Valentine's Day.

Additionally, SPB will host its fifth-annual Stuff-A-Bear booth; Little Shasta's Cones will be giving away free mini ice cream cones and much more. If you are a member of a student organization looking to fund raise and would like to have your own space, there are still free booths available to reserve.

2013

UH Day of Remembrance

As we approach the end of the semester and begin to reflect on the academic year, it has become a tradition to acknowledge and celebrate the lives of UH community members who we’ve lost during the year. Join the Campus Ministries Association (CMA) and fellow Cougars for the “UH Day of Remembrance”, which is the 2013 Annual Campus Memorial Service, for all UH students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who passed away this year.

This non-denominational service will take place on Thursday, April 25 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the University Chapel located in the A.D. Bruce Religion Center.

April 30th, 2013

Walkways Between University Center and M.D. Anderson Library Impacted by UC Utility Work for Two Weeks in May

Two consecutive projects will take place in the area, first on May 13 and May 14, the second on May 20 through May 24, 2013. Work will be conducted daily roughly from 6:30AM through 4:00PM. Pedestrian pass-through by the work sites will be available at all time. Steel plates will be available to cover work area for emergencies.

The First Project involves installation of two underground pipes traversing the walkway west of the former UC Underground area.  Pedestrian passage is as indicated during work sessions; while temporary barricades will be set up to isolate the work area. Outside of work hours steel plates will be set down, barricades removed, and the walkway/fire lane should function as normal.

The Second Project involves installation of the storm sewer directly west of the existing UC building, coming close but not affecting the food truck area and the southwest entry ramp into UC.  Barricades will be set up to define the pedestrian passage and isolate the work area, for the entire week of May 20.

2013

Scale Transformed University Center Model Makes Debut in UC Administration Services and Operations Office

Though much of the University Center has been closed for construction, the UC Transformation Project has been committed to offering the university community previews of the future of the UC. Toward this end, we have commissioned a scale model of the New UC, built from the digital architectural renderings themselves.

Beginning immediately, the University Center Administration Services and Operations Office (UC Room 242) is hosting the scale model in its reception area.  Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to stop by and view the future of the UC. Office hours are from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

May 9th, 2013

University Center Circle to Close Throughout Summer

Houston, May 9, 2013 – Beginning Monday, May 13, and lasting through Friday, Aug. 9, the University Center transformation project will expand the existing work site to include two additional areas to accommodate construction.

The UC circle – encompassing the drop-off loop, island and sidewalks leading up to the existing main entrance on both sides of the circle – will be fenced in and closed to the public from May 13 through Aug. 9. Additionally, a 60-square-foot area at the southwest corner of the UC will be enclosed for construction activities.

The work will not impact the operation of food trucks. However, the adjacent southwest ramp entrance to UC will be closed May 15-17. During that time, access to all of the UC will be through the northwest ramp by the west loading dock only.

Throughout the closure, access to UC activities and services from University Drive will be available via protected walkways connected to the southwest ramp, as indicated in the maps below. When the work is completed, access to the UC will be through a new protected south entrance and the southwest ramp will be closed to allow other construction activity to continue in that area.

Wednesday, April 10th, 2013

University Center Transformation Project to Hold "Topping Ceremony" for UC North

The University Center Transformation Project continues at a breakneck pace toward the opening of Phase 1 at the beginning of 2014. While nine months of construction are left between now and Phase 1 completion, the steel structure for UC North, the new home for student involvement on campus, will be complete in early April.

To commemorate the final steel structure at the highest point of the building, a “Topping Out” ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 10th, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, inside the UC North Construction Site. At 2:00pm, students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to sign one of the beams inside UC North, permanently making their mark on one of the most exciting new buildings on campus. At 3:00pm, the formal Topping Out Ceremony will occur. After a few remarks from individuals involved with the project including Tadd Tellepsen, President of Tellepsen Corp., a tall pine tree will be hoisted to the top of the building to signify growth – both literally in terms of new construction and metaphorically with regard to student development.

Both events are open to the entire University community.

2013

UC to Offer “Test Drives” for Lounge and Dining Furniture

The University Center Transformation Project continues to make strides toward providing a Tier One University Center that will serve as the home away from home for students and the rest of the campus community for decades to come. In less than a year, the first phase of the Transformed UC will open, featuring the transformed Games Room, new dining options, the comprehensive home for student organizations, and more.

One of the most exciting features of the new building will be the expansive lounge spaces located throughout the UC. Before we finish building the new, Tier One lounge space, though, we need your help testing the furniture!

A number of possible furniture options for the transformed UC are being brought to campus for students, faculty, and staff to try first-hand before selections are made. On February 21st, from 9:00am – 12:00pm, the UC is hosting a furniture open house in the Fort Worth Room (UC 247). Stop by, take a ‘test drive’, and provide feedback on your favorite options all morning. Evaluations from the open house will be a major factor in the final decision.

2013

UC To Experience Simplex Fire Alarm Testing Beginning October 28, 2013

The UC Project Contractor Tellepsen, Simplex (the fire alarm system vendor), and ultimately the UH Fire Marshal’s Office will be testing all fire alarm system components for all renovated and new space within the University Center beginning Monday, October 28 and lasting through an estimated end date of Saturday, November 30. These testing procedures and inspections are required to obtain approval for the future occupation of all new and renovated space. Announcements will be made during testing each day indicating that testing is in progress. Simplex staff will be monitoring the fire alarm panel and systems at all times during testing.

Please expect that we will experience multiple alarms each day during testing periods. During identified testing periods when alarms and visual strobes are activated, building occupants and users will not be required to evacuate the University Center unless instructed that there is a real fire. If an announcement is made over the intercom to evacuate the University Center in the event of a real building emergency all occupants and users will be required to comply with all instructions. Once testing has been completed each day an announcement will be made over the intercom.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the UC Administrative Services and Operations Office at 832-842-6260.

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

Jump start your Spring Break at the UC Safe Spring Break Backyard Luau!

To jump start your Spring Break and to allow you to relax after all those mid-terms, the University Center wants to help YOU to not only enjoy your break, but to also return safe and sound.

To promote a safe spring break, the University Center will host its annual spring break event, themed this year as Backyard Luau!

This event will be held on Wednesday, March 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the UC Front Circle.

Festivities will range from customizable giveaways including Tie Dying UC t-shirts for FREE (while supplies last), FREE Skin Cancer screenings by M.D. Anderson, fun obstacle courses, and many more exciting activities and other safe break tips & goodies!

Additionally, there will be FREE mini cones provided by Little Shasta's.
Also, don't miss the chance to win some of our awesome prizes like gift cards to:

  • Sun Glass Hut
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Ticketmaster

Plus a chance to win a Schwinn Cruiser Bicycle

Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and come join in on the fun!

April 6th, 2013

Rock the Block 2013

Join your fellow University of Houston students and help make a lasting impact in our local community – April 6th – 9am – 3pm!

The Metropolitan Volunteer Program (MVP) has partnered with the Southeast Houston Transformation Alliance (SEHTA) and Agape Development Ministries to organize a massive neighborhood clean-up in the third ward community surrounding the Agape Development Ministries community center in partnership with SEHTA (Southeast Houston Transformation Alliance) on Keep Houston Beautiful Day.  This is an area that was once bustling with action and leading in Houston’s growth and development as the shopping hub of our city, but has since become severely polluted with litter. Accordingly, it needs our help to create a clean, welcoming environment for its residents and their children. MVP is dedicated to making positive change in the Houston community through volunteering and if your share our mission; this is your opportunity to do so!

Volunteers who assist in the neighborhood clean-up will work in teams of 5 students to collect litter in their assigned neighborhood blocks. In addition, MVP, with the help of its volunteers, will host a large Block Party for the children in the area which will include a live DJ, food, carnival-like games, prizes, a bouncy house and much more! Several of the UH Sororities and Fraternities will be assisting MVP in making this Block Party memorable for the kids in the community to empower them with the knowledge and motivation to keep Houston clean.

Supplies, transportation from campus, and lunch will be provided on the day of the event for volunteers. Free t-shirts and prizes will also be given! The more volunteers we have, the bigger the impact we can have on this neighborhood. So grab some friends and join us on Saturday, April 6 from 9:00am – 3:00pm.

2013

Temporary Closure of Northwest UC Ramp

As part of the UC Project Phase 1 there is scheduled work that needs to be completed on the University Center north exterior surface (capstone removal).  To ensure the safety of all UC occupants, patrons and guests it is necessary to temporarily close the northwest ramp to pedestrian traffic as follows:

Tuesday, March 5th: 7:00AM – 3:30PM
Wednesday, March 6th: 7:00AM – 3:30PM
*Second day work may conclude earlier if no delays occur.  The ramp will be opened as soon as possible. 

For your awareness the ramp will be closed with red caution tape and the contractor will have a worker present during the scheduled hours to redirect pedestrians to the south entrances.

The northwest exterior exit door which provides access from the second floor will remain accessible at all times.

If any questions or concerns please contact the UC Administrative Services and Operations Office in UC 242 or by phone at 832-842-6260.

2013

New UC Tours Open to University Community

The first phase of the Transformed University Center Complex opens its doors in January 2014.  Prior to the opening of phase one, the university community is invited to take behind-the-scenes tours of the construction site of the New UC. Locations visited during the tours include the new ballroom and theater spaces, the new enclosed arbor, the new food services options, and the new UC North – the hub of campus involvement and student services.

Tours will run every Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM beginning October 16th. Each tour has a capacity of 20 people.

Due to demand, we are requesting you select your available times so we can schedule you for the first available time slot. We will reach out to confirm your time and date within 48 business hours of your request. If you have any additional date/time constraints, please note this in the “Comments” section of the form.

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Don't Miss the New Lynn Eusan Park Stage Ribbon-Cutting

Early this spring the Lynn Eusan Park Stage received a major ‘facelift’ and is now set to open. The reconstructed stage was relocated and expanded to better serve the needs of the campus community. On Wednesday, April 17th at noon there will be a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, celebrating the completion of the new Lynn Eusan Park stage. As part of the ceremony, there will be a NPHC step performance and musical performances from students, along with FREE Ice Cream cones provided by Little Shasta’s.

The new stage is now located adjacent to Cougar Village and the Conrad N. Hilton School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, which is identified by the black circled location noted on the map below.  The dashed lines indicate current campus traffic patterns, showing its location at the center of foot traffic along the southern side of campus.

New features include lighting and sound system enhancements, which will support events such as small to mid-size concerts, speeches, plays, and outdoor movie screenings. When not being used for events, the area around the stage and the stage itself will be an excellent location for outdoor lounging and other activities.

“We are truly excited for the impact this stage will have on student life on campus,”

“We are truly excited for the impact this stage will have on student life on campus,” said   Keith T. Kowalka, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs – Student Life. “Centrally located near several residence halls and just a few steps from the M.D. Anderson Library and University Center, the new stage in Lynn Eusan Park will be the premier hub for outdoor programming for the entire campus.”

013

We may be under construction, but the UC is still open!

As part of UH Weeks of Welcome, the University Centers (UC) will be hosting one of many department open houses on campus. On Wednesday, September 4th, from 11:30am-1:30pm join all of the festivities highlighted by a Flag Raising ceremony to celebrate the opening of NEW UC circle at 1:00 p.m. Throughout the event, students will have an opportunity to explore the resources and offices inside the UC and get a glimpse of what’s coming in the future. While the students are exploring the UC, they’ll be “decoding” a special sentence to turn in for a FREE t-shirt (while supplies last), FREE food (while supplies last), and be entered into a drawing for $250 Ticketmaster gift card. By participating in an ice cream eating race and a cup stacking contest, students will also have chances to win prizes, including either a camera or Portable Beats speakers.

In addition, there will be novelties and activities sponsored by student organizations and other campus departments. This is one open house that you don’t want to miss so grab some friends and come join in on the fun.

March 21st – 24th, 2013

University Centers and Student Housing & Residential Life Present Cougar Casino at Frontier Fiesta

The University Centers invites you to try your luck at our annual Cougar Casino event at Frontier Fiesta. The Cougar Casino maintains the western-themed traditions of Frontier Fiesta by putting on a Wild West casino for all students, faculty, staff, and alumni to enjoy.

Brought to you in association with Student Housing & Residential Life, the Cougar Casino offers a variety of casino games, which include Blackjack, Texas Hold‘em, and Roulette. As part of all the excitement, all players will be able to exchange their winnings for tickets that will enter them into a grand prize drawing. The casino will also be giving out daily door prizes each hour throughout the event.

The Cougar Casino doors swing open at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, March 21st & 22nd respectively, and close both evenings at 10:00 p.m. All the Fiesta excitement continues with Family Fun Day beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 24th. The Cougar Casino re-opens for the day at 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The grand prize drawings will take place at 8:15 p.m.; all participants must be in attendance to claim their prizes.

The Grand Prizes this year will be revealed via Facebook (find Univ. Centers) and Twitter (follow @UHUC) on Wednesday, March 20th.

The University of Houston’s Frontier Fiesta is one of the most recognized events on campus. Come out, show your support, test your luck and most of all, celebrate and enjoy one of University of Houston’s valued and long-standing traditions.

March 21st – 24th, 2013

The University of Houston Honors Constitution Day

Constitution day is celebrated on September 17th, the anniversary of the day the framers signed the document.  The week of observance at the University of Houston will begin Monday, September 16, and continue through Friday, September 20. The purpose of this week is to encourage the UH community to continue learning and appreciating this living document which, despite its birth over 200 years ago, still plays an integral role in our everyday lives.

2013

Clinton Global Initiative University 2014

Apply to Join President Bill Clinton Along with hundreds of students and youth-serving organizations at the Clinton Global Initiative University 2014 Meeting. Applications due:  January 17, 2014

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is looking for students to represent the University of Houston at the Clinton Global Initiative University 2014 (CGI U 2014). Each year, CGI U hosts a meeting where students, national youth organizations, topic experts, and celebrities discuss solutions to pressing global issues. CGI U 2014 will be held at Arizona State University in Phoenix Arizona March 21-24th.

The University of Houston has joined the Clinton Global Initiative University Network, a growing consortium of colleges and universities that support, mentor, and provide seed funding to student leaders, who develop a Commitment to Action for CGI U.  University of Houston students who complete the CGI U application process and are formally accepted to attend CGI U 2014 will be eligible for travel and Commitment to Action funding and will be contacted by the Center for Student Involvement with further information and instructions. 

Commitments to Action:  translates practical goals into meaningful and measurable results on local and global levels. Commitments are new, specific, and measurable initiatives that address social or environmental challenges on campuses, in communities, or in different parts of the world. Varying in scope and duration, many commitments are the result of new and diverse partnerships between students, universities, nonprofits, and national youth organizations, with members combining efforts to expand the impact of new ideas. In 2013, fifty five University of Houston students applied to CGI U and thirteen were accepted representing five Commitments to Action. 

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

The Cat's Back: Spring 2013

The campus is set to welcome students back for the 2013 spring semester. In celebration, the Student Life area with in the Division of Student Affairs will host the Cat's Back: Spring 2013 event. Don't miss all of the fun on Wednesday, January 16 from 11:30am – 1:30pm in and around the University Center.

This new spring tradition will feature a Student Organizations Fair, free food, fun Interactive activities, and chances to win great prizes. Additionally, this event will give students another chance to claim a Cat's Back Cougar Card. This inaugural event's purpose is to help welcome new and returning students while connecting them to campus involvement via student organizations and programs.

Come out to the UC and learn more about how to "Get Involved" on campus, while celebrating the start of the new semester.

April 20th, 2013

UH Welcomes Alpha Epsilon Pi to the Fraternity & Sorority Community

On Saturday, April 20th, the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity was officially welcomed to the University of Houston Fraternity & Sorority Community as the Upsilon Eta chapter. Members of the undergraduate colony, alumni, university administrators, family and friends, and representatives from the international fraternity descended upon the Grotto Restaurant on Westeheimer Rd. on April 20 to celebrate the colony’s accomplishments and welcome them as an officially chartered chapter. Representatives from the predominantly Jewish fraternity arrived on campus during the Spring 2011 semester and began communicating with educating men on campus about the mission and values of the fraternity. Male students were given the opportunity to build and grow the organization from the ground up with mentorship and guidance from the international fraternity, local alumni, and university administration.

“We are incredibly proud of our growing fraternity & sorority community here at UH” said Jason Bergeron, Director of the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life. “The leadership of Alpha Epsilon Pi have demonstrated that they are men of strong moral character who will continue a tradition of values-based leadership within the University of Houston community, greater Houston community, and the surrounding Jewish community. We are excited for their continued impact here at the University.”

Matthew Boutin-Bloomberg, the outgoing President of the new Upsilon Eta chapter reinforced his pride in the organization. “The charting of Alpha Epsilon Pi to me as the president of this fraternity represented the validation of all the work hard I put in helping build this fraternity. I am a re-founding father so I have personally seen the progression that has lead to charting and I think I can speak for the rest of the re-founding fathers in saying the event was surreal. Building this fraternity with the rest of my brothers has been one of the proudest accomplishments not only at the University of Houston but my life. I graduate this May but I will always look at my time in AEPi at UH with fondness and appreciation.”

The mission of the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life: Through close collaboration with students and other stakeholders, the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life (CFSL) empowers the growth of high achievers and values-based leaders by providing a measurable, meaningful, and transformative fraternity & sorority experience. With a commitment to individual student development, the Center creates opportunities for lifelong relationships, innovative thinking, civic engagement, and overall student success.

The purpose of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity is to provide the opportunity for a Jewish man to be able to join a Jewish organization whose purpose is not specifically religious, but rather social and cultural in nature. Alpha Epsilon Pi is a Jewish fraternity, though non-discriminatory and open to all who are willing to espouse its purpose and values. Founded in 1913 at New York University, the international fraternity celebrates its Centennial (100 year anniversary) this year.

January, 2013

Do you Have Game and Want to Represent Your University?

Come out to the University Center this January and February, and compete for your chance to represent the University of Houston by participating in one of three tournaments co-sponsored by Association of College Unions International (ACUI). Tournaments include; Men’s & Women’s 9-Ball, Men’s & Women’s Table Tennis, and Madden Football 2013 (XBOX).  These tournaments are open to all University of Houston central campus students enrolled in at least 3 semester hours.

Campus winners and runner-ups will receive trophies, t-shirts and the opportunity to represent UH at the ACUI Region 12 Recreation Tournament, which will be held Friday February 22 and Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Sam Houston State University, located in Huntsville, Texas. Additionally, your transportation, lodging, meals and tournament entry fees will be covered.

“This is a great way to visit other parts of our region and to meet students from other schools, as well as represent the University of Houston.”

Bill Schwehr, Assistant Director, UC Leisure Services