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Student Centers

November 30th, 2016

Sophia Hepp: Student Employee of the Month

The Students Centers is proud to announce our November Student Employee of the Month! Congratulations to Sophia Hepp, Graphic Designer in CreationStation! Here are some of the things Sophia’s nominators said about her:

“Two Words, Rock Star! Sophia is definitely one of a kind. She exhibits the heart of customer service on any task she completes. We are lucky to have her as a Student Centers employee.”

Niya Blair, Director, Center for Diversity and Inclusion

“Not only does Sophia display professional customer service at all times, but she always has a creative solution to every project. Whether she is training a new student, working on a design project, or interacting with a customer, Sophia takes pride in all she does with CreationStation.”

Alicia Garcia-Valero, Manager, Creation Station

February 25th, 2016

The Student Center will host the UH Watch Party for the Republican Presidential Debate

Join the UH Community and friends at the official UH Watch Party for the Republican Presidential Debate on Thursday, February 25th. The Houston Room, located on the second floor of Student Center-South, will open its doors at 6:30pm to all University of Houston Students, Faculty, and Staff with a valid Cougar ID. There is a limit of one guest per UH Community member. The debate is scheduled to take place from 7:30pm to 10:00pm

The UH Watch Party will feature an exclusive campus feed that will allow for live interactive polling and tweeting with other members of the UH community. Student Government Association (SGA) and students from the Jack J. Valenti School of Communications will serve as emcees throughout the event. Along with the interactivity, there will also be a Fun Photo Booth, providing opportunity for one to take a picture with a candidate or festive election themed items. The popcorn will be popped and ready along with free Refreshments and light snacks while supplies last.

Don't miss all the excitement and historic fun at the #DebateAtUH Watch Party!

January 20th, 2016

Celebrating the Student Center: We ARE 1

On January 20, 2016, the Student Center will be celebrating its first full year of being open. This party will be held in and around the Student Center – South from 11:00am – 2:00pm and will feature giveaways, cake, music, prizes, food discounts, a Free T-shirt and much more.

Additionally, there will be a Cat’s Back Student Organizations Fair from 2:00 – 4:00pm in the Houston Room and Ballroom, both located on the second floor of Student Center-South. Don't miss your chance to be entered into drawings to win a Beats Pill, a FitBit Surge or a $150 iPic gift card.

November 28th, 2016

Stress Free Finals Week

With the semester quickly coming to an end, you may find yourself drowning in a sea of assignments, projects and final exams. Luckily, the University of Houston is coming together to offer you the opportunity to take the pressure off and relax. From November 28th through December 6th different departments will be offering fun, free and helpful events across campus. From feasting on late night breakfast to playing with puppies in the library, you will be able to refuel to attack your finals! There will even be a winter wonderland right here in Lynn Eusan Park complete with snowball fights, sledding, funnel cakes and hot chocolate to take your mind off of the stress. For a complete calendar of events, times and dates, visit the link below to plan your end of semester fun!

November 29th, 2016

Stress Free Finals Kickoff

In celebration of the wonderful events to come, the Student Center would like to invite you to the Stress Free Finals Week Kickoff! On November 29th from 11:30am- 1:30pm we will be holding a relaxing event in the Student Center Plaza. Complete with pizza, smoothies, massages and more. You will be able to unwind as you embark on the journey to the end of the semester. Make plans to join your University of Houston community as we make this finals season the best and least stressful one yet!

April 26th, 2016

Stress Free Finals Kickoff

The year is coming to an end! And you know what that means? Finals! But don’t worry, your Student Center is having their annual Stress Free Finals Kickoff on April 26th, 2016 from 11:30am – 1:30pm in the SC Plaza. Come and enjoy, massages, pizza, wings, and more. Also, students may receive t-shirts that they have missed in past events! So come to unwind and have fun at Stress Free Finals Kickoff! Be sure to check out the social media contest to be able to win a grand prize! For more information check us out on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

April 25th, 2016

Stress Free Finals Week

From April 25th to May 3rd 2016, your Student Center along with other departments are providing activities to help student relax before finals week! There will be multiple activities to help student stress less! Wellness will be providing stress relief puppies, healthy snacks, massages and mediation. The Campus Recreation will be having their Crawfish Boil on the 28th at 4 p.m., and of course there will be Finals Mania. Finals Mania will have late night breakfast in the library and much more! Many other departments will be having activities as well, so be sure to check Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and the website for more information!

February 17th, 2016

Relinquish Your Art Abilities at Snack and Paint!

Come relax, enjoy, and embrace the opportunity to release the artist inside of you at the Student Center Snack & Paint event. Join us on February 17, 2016 promptly at 6:00pm in the Bayou City room. All items such as, canvas, brushes, paint, and of course snacks, will be provided. Don't miss out on the opportunity to wind down and spend time with friends while you Snack and Paint! Also, make sure to participate in the Instagram Social Media contest to win a grand snack bag! For more information, follow the Student Center on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

January 1st, 2016

Ryan Graham: Student Employee of the Month

The Students Centers is proud to announce our Student Employee of the Month for the months of December/January! Congratulations to Ryan Graham, Administrative Student Assistant to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs! Here are some of the things Ryan’s nominators said about him:

“Ryan Graham is one of the most professional student employees that I have ever worked with.  His work ethic is very high, and I believe that other student employees in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services look to Ryan as a leader and a role model. He is a very reliable employee who strives to always stay ahead of the very robust demand in the Assistant Vice President’s area.”

Angela Allen, Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs

“Ryan has been absolutely wonderful in helping those in Student Life and the Dean of Student’s office become familiar with the new Concur travel system. He has personally trained everyone and has assisted with all of their questions. Ryan is a huge asset to the team. Always willing to help, always reliable, and extremely professional.”

Gil Lizalde, Department Business Administrator, Student Life and Dean of Students

October 24th, 2016

Student Centers Recycle Roll Out

Through the efforts of the Student Centers Sustainability and Recycling Committee, the University of Houston Student Centers unveiled 80 new recycling containers on Monday, October 24, 2016. The new recycling containers are located throughout the main hallways of the Student Centers. To kick-off the recycling initiative, the Student Centers is hosting a Recycle Roll Out near the Information Center in the lobby of the Student Centers South Building. Students will participate in a contest to toss a crumpled plastic bottle into one of the new recycling bins.

Each student will also be asked to pledge to be sustainable by placing their thumbprint on the #SCSUSTAIN poster. Participants will receive reusable silverware. To date, approximately 600+ students have pledged to be more sustainable. Along with this pledge, we asked students, faculty, and staff to use hashtag #SCSUSTAIN on social media to document their sustainable behaviors. In addition to the larger blue recycling containers, all event spaces and meeting rooms will contain smaller blue containers to collect mixed recyclables. The new recycling containers are single stream allowing for mixed recycling items.

Single stream containers allow for the collection of mixed recyclables into one recycling bin for easy collection. Clean paper, plastic, aluminum, glass, etc. will now be mixed in one container; thus simplifying the recycling efforts of all participants in the building. The housekeeping partner, MetroClean, has joined in the efforts of recycling. It’s important that items are clean (free from food, grease, moisture) to not contaminate the load.

The new recycling container will also be on display at the UH Sustainability Fest on Monday, November 7, 2016 at Butler Plaza from 11:30am – 1:30pm Other initiatives planned by the SC Sustainability and Recycling Committee include encouraging green supply ordering practices, green meetings, and an educational component through Lunch and Learns.

For additional information, please contact Eve Esch at 713.743.3040 or email emesch@central.uh.edu.

September 22nd, 2016

Full-Time Express Line Opening at Panda Express

Panda Express at the Student Center will offer a full-time express line featuring a limited menu weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Wednesday, Sept. 21.

The express line is located on the left side of Panda Express. Customers who choose this line can enjoy many of the restaurant's signature dishes, including orange chicken, Beijing beef, walnut shrimp, fried shrimp and sweet fire chicken.

Sides available in the express line include egg rolls, spring rolls, fried rice and chow mein noodles. If customers wish to choose from the full menu, the main line is open from 10:30am to 7:00pm Monday through Thursday, and from 10:30am to 5:00pm Fridays.

For more information about dining services on the UH campus, visit UH Dining. Join UH Dining on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to receive the latest dining information.

August 1st, 2016

Introducing the NRG GO Station – Now Available at the Student Center

Do you find yourself constantly running out of cell phone battery power? The NRG Go Pack is the perfect solution for you! These pocket-sized on-the-go power packs are just $2.00 a day at the Student Center and will have most phones charged in just over an hour! You can even use your phone while it is charging. The Go Pack will work with Apple iPhones and most Android, Windows, and Blackberry phones that use micro-USB charging plugs. The Go Pack will generally provide one full charge of your phone and a slower charge to your tablet.

This new and innovative concept places an NRG Go Station, with just over 100 NRG Go Pack devices, in a number of locations around the Houston area. Aside from the Student Center, these stand-alone NRG Go stations can be found at Christian’s Tailgate and Celtic Gardens in the Downtown and Midtown areas of Houston.

With a few simple clicks on a touch screen, the battery pack will be yours to use for up to seven (7) days. Another bonus is that the Go Station accepts all major credit cards and gift cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club. The next time you need to boost your phone’s power to get you through the day or if you want to try it out, stop by the Student Center front lobby to pick one up! If you want more information, you can also visit http://www.nrg.com/home/power-on-the-go/portable-power/p2/.

Marth 7th, 2016

My Safe Spring Break

Spring Break is just around the corner! And what better way to kick off the break than with the Student Centers’ My Safe Spring Break event! Join us, Monday, March 7th from 11:30am – 1:30pm in the Student Center Plaza as we provide students with fun activities, useful information and much more.

This event will have many activities that students can engage in, such as a ice cream eating contest happening at 12:30pm. Participants are encouraged to sign up ahead of the event. Additionally, we will be providing eye-opening interactive activities such as fatal vision goggles and a distracted driving simulation. Smart Cougars will be there providing information on safe sex, Cougars in Recovery will be providing activities about substance abuse giving students the opportunity to win prizes. Also, UH Wellness will be providing free sunscreen, and other partners such as CSI and TDECU will be there assisting students on how to have a safe spring break!

Don’t miss out on the chance to eat delicious food, win prizes and join in the fun! Come out and have a blast at My Safe Spring Break! Be sure to check out the Safe Spring Break tips provided below! For more information be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

MY Safe Spring Break Safety Sheet

On the go...

  • If you are hailing a taxi, ask ahead for a typical price. This is especially important in countries where taxis don’t have meters. If there is no meter, you must negotiate the fee before you agree to the ride. The front desk of your hotel is a great resource to tell you how much a ride should cost.
  • If you are going to carry a backpack, consider getting a small lock for your zipper and keep the key in your pocket. Another theft reduction is to carry your backpack on your front instead of your back in crowded areas.
  • If you are in a foreign country, take some time before your trip to familiarize yourself with basic road signs and rules of the road for that country. Travel books by Frommers and Lonely Planet are great resources as are your rental car facilities.

In hotels...

  • When you check in at the front desk, use discretion in saying your room number out loud for anyone in the lobby to hear. No one outside of your group of friends needs to know your exact location.
  • Reserve a room that’s above the 1st floor but below the 6th floor. First floor rooms are easier to break into, and rooms above the sixth floor are sometimes too high for fire ladders to reach.
  • Using the Do Not Disturb sign won’t prevent housekeeping from being able to enter your room, but will highly reduce the likeliness of that happening. If you are going to have housekeeping in your room, leave your valuables in the safe when you are gone.

At the ATM...

  • Try to go the ATM in groups, but avoid getting overly complacent about safety just because you’re traveling in numbers.
  • When you approach the ATM, do a full 360 degree scan, looking completely around you to see if anyone is hanging out where they shouldn’t be. If someone is creeping you out, go to another ATM.
  • When entering in your pin number, use your other hand or your body to cover the keypad. Just because you don’t see someone watching you doesn’t mean there couldn’t still be a camera capturing what you type.

While Drinking...

  • If you do decide to drink, know the liquor laws of wherever you’ll be vacationing.
  • Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs
  • Eat before drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause alcohol to affect you much quicker and can make you sick and those bowls of snack mix aren’t much substance to go on.

In the water...

  • Drinking + sun can equal a bad sunburn and an even worse hangover. Sun can maximize the effects of alcohol so keep this in mind when you party poolside or at the beach.
  • Know the flag system for water safety:
    • Red Flag: Stay out of the water because of strong undertow and riptides.
    • Yellow Flag: Use CAUTION in the water. There are some undertow and riptides possible.
    • Blue Flag: Calm water. Swim safely
  • Drinking in the hot tub might sound like a good idea, since pretty much every MTV video makes it look glamorous. But lo and behold, MTV is not an educational resource. (shocker!) Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. The effects of alcohol are felt sooner and stronger in a hot tub. It can lead to unconsciousness and drowning.

Let’s talk about sex...

  • First, don’t believe the hype about our hook-up culture. Not everyone is hooking up. Choices to have sex or not to have sex are extremely personal and shouldn’t be influenced by anyone’s mandates but your own
  • If you do choose to have sex, make sure it’s protected. Stock up on protection before you leave home so you never find yourself in a compromised situation. While other methods of birth control may avoid accidental pregnancies, condoms are the best way to prevent STD’s. Always carry two in case one breaks. The responsibility for having safe sex is equal for men and women. Anyone who plans on engaging in sex should have protection.
  • Decide before even head out for a party or on a trip, what you want your personal boundaries to be in regards to intimacy. Then set your boundaries early and reinforce them often. If you meet someone and decide to get cozy, but don’t to have sex, be up front with them. You can say something like, “I really want to make out with you, but that’s as far as things are going to go. Cool?” Don’t ever let anyone talk you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with.

Leaving the country...

  • Know your local equivalent to 911. Who do you call in an emergency?
  • Do not take shortcuts. Stay on well-traveled streets.
  • Check your phone before you leave the US to be sure that you are enabled to use it overseas in case of emergency.

*This list was abbreviated by the Student Centers Marketing Team. For a more complete list of safety tips please visit www.safespringbreak.org.

Sunday, Aril 24th, 2016

March of Dimes

Right now, babies need all the help they can get. Premature birth affects about 450,000 babies here in the United States. We’re walking in March for Babies to get the message out about this terrible problem and you can help. Please make a secure donation to help us reach our goal. Together we can help the March of Dimes fight prematurity so more babies can get the strongest start possible.

February 10th, 2016

Fall in Love! I <3 #Mystudentcenter Valentine’s Gift Market

On February 10, 2016, the Student Center will be hosting an I <3 #Mystudentcenter Valentine’s Gift Market. This event will be held in the Student Center-South Multipurpose room from 11:30am – 1:30pm, and will offer a variety items for students to purchase for their Valentine.

The event will host multiple vendors that will sell baked goods, coffee, jewelry, beauty products and much more! Furthermore, Students will have the opportunity to win an awesome Valentines Care Basket by showing their love of the Student Center on social media. Come out and join us for the opportunity to purchase your loved one a delightful gift!. For more information follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and see below for the social media contest details!

I <3 #Mystudentcenter Instagram Contest

How much do you love your Student Center?

  1. Follow @UHStudentcenter
  2. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, take a selfie, group photo, or video showing how or why you love the Student Centers so much!
  3. Tag @uhstudentcenter and hashtag #MyStudentCenter

Contest will begin February 1st and end February 8th at 11:59pm

Rules

  • Must be following @UHStudentcenter, tag @UHstudentcenter and hashtag #MyStudentCenter to be eligible to win.
  • Contest entries are only allowed via Instagram.
  • Participants profiles must be public
  • All participants must attend the I <3 #MyStudentCenter event on Wednesday, February 10th 11:30am – 1:30pm in the SC South Multipurpose Room
  • Winner will be chosen on February 9th and will be contacted via Instagram.
  • Participant must be in the photo or video taken whether it’s a selfie or group.
  • Participants must submit their entries by 11:59pm on February 8th.
  • Photo/video submissions depicting violations of the UH Student Code of Conduct will result in disqualification and may lead to further disciplinary action.
  • All photos/videos submitted to complete tasks will be reviewed by the Student Center Marketing Department. All decisions by sponsors are final.
  • Prize winners must go through enrollment verification before receiving any prize, which will confirm enrollment in at least 3 credit hours at the University of Houston central campus and that all accounts are in good standing.

Prize: February Care Basket!

Gift Basket Value: $100.00

October 24th – November 1st, 2016

Fall Fest

Did you know that fall is our favorite season? We love it so much we have a whole week of events to help us celebrate. Fall Fest 2016 will be Monday, October 24th through Tuesday, November 1st. From pumpkins to The Purge, we will have you covered. Explore some of the highlighted events in Masculinity Week as well as Asexuality Awareness Week. We have something for everyone during Fall Fest ’16. Below is a list of events.

Monday, October 24th

#SCSUSTAIN presents Recycling Roll-Out

11:30am – 1:30pm
SC South Information Center Lounge
Hosted by Student Center

Come witness the unveiling of the new recycling bins that will be located in your Student Center. Play a game of #SCSustain basketball to win prizes.

Tuesday, October 25th

Fall Fest Kick-Off

11:30am – 1:30pm
Student Center Plaza
Hosted by Student Center

Come out and celebrate fall with carnival games and prizes. There will be free snacks and pumpkin decorating!

Wednesday, October 26th

Asexuality Awareness Week Tabling

11:00am – 12:00pm
Student Center Plaza
Hosted by LGBTQ Resource Center

Asexuality Awareness Week is an international campaign that seeks to educate about asexual, aromantic, demisexual, and more experiences.

Male Survivors Discussion

5:00pm – 6:30pm
Wellness Center
Hosted by UH Wellness and Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity

A facilitated discussion around topics of male survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Learn more about myths, barriers, and pathways for improvement.

Thursday, October 27th

“The Devil Wanna Put Me In A Bow-Tie”

5:30pm Reception, Lecture 6:30pm
SC Theater
Hosted by CLASS, CDI, & WGRC

Negotiating Black Masculinity in America Featuring Dr. Mark Anthony Neal.

Mark Anthony Neal is a Professor of African & African American Studies, and the founding director if the Center of Arts, Digital Culture and Entrepreneurship at Duke University- where he offers course on black Masculinity, Popular Culture and Digital Humanities.

Monday, October 31st

Dia de los Muertos Celebration

11:00am – 2:00pm
SC South Tables
Hosted by United Greek Council

Learn the significance of Dia De Los Muertos and the marigold. There will be mask making, face painting, Marigold making and a photo booth all to commemorate the Day of the Dead.

Tuesday, November 1st

Purge: Election Year

4:00pm, 7:00pm, and 10:00pm
SC Theater
Hosted by SPB

Come enjoy free popcorn and create your own purge masks while you watch a thriller.

Thursday, October 11th, 2016

Cougar Resource Fair @ Lynn Eusan Park

Are you still learning how to navigate the University of Houston? Come explore the services and programs your school has to offer at the Cougar Resource Fair. Through games, prizes and informational interactions, you will be able to actively learn how to get plugged in on campus.

The Cougar Resource Fair brings a wide variety of organizations and departments to your convenience. Not only will you gain knowledge of opportunities, but could also walk away with prizes! For every organization present, you have the chance to play a game and earn tickets. These tickets will be used in three separate drawings for gift cards and other prizes. The more tables you visit, the more likely you are to win!

This fun-filled and enlightening event will take place on Thursday, October 13th from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Please make plans to join your fellow students, and UH community in seeking out opportunities for your own development and involvement.​

March 1st, 2016

The Student Centers Cougar Casino at Frontier Fiesta

The Student Centers invites you to try your luck at our annual Cougar Casino event at Frontier Fiesta. Come and enjoy 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 grand prize drawings, which occur at the end of each night. The casino will also have door prize drawings each hour throughout the event.

The Cougar Casino doors swing open at 6:00pm on Thursday and Friday, March 24 & 25 and close both evenings at 10:00pm. All the excitement continues the next day, Saturday, March 26 from 2:00pm – 7:30pm.

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. For more information be sure to follow the Student Centers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

August 1st, 2016

Student Center Welcome Back

This year's Student Centers' Welcome Back will be our most unique event yet! In homage to the late Andy Warhol, we're hosting a pop-art themed event in which students will help us paint a banner that will be hung on the outside railing near the Legacy Lounge. We will be giving away popcorn, sno-cones, and (of course) our highly demanded free t-shirts that you can add tie-dye effects to! Plus, there will be free ice cream from our one and only Shasta’s Cones and More! There will be other great departments such as Auxiliary services and Smart Cougars providing beneficial information. There’s more! Don’t miss out on the art tours of the newly installed three art pieces in the Student Center! For more information check out the Weeks of Welcome website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Make sure to stop by to see all we have to offer!