TRANSITIONS 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Editor
Pg. 11
College of Medicine making strides
Pg. 13
Looking forward to the Big 12
Pg. 16
Campus greenery
Pg. 18
Law Center coming together
Pg. 20
Centennial Master Plan
Pg. 22
Cougar Red Friday
Pg. 25
Adjusting to college
Pg. 26
Diversity on campus
Pg. 27
UH athletics’ recent success Advice from O-Team
Pg. 29 Pg. 30
Getting involved at UH
Pg. 31
Front and back covers: Christopher Charleston/The Cougar 2
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
SUMMER 2022 ORIENTATION Cougar Connections Campus Resource Fair New Student Orientations Equal Opportunity Services
Student Health Center
Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center
Student Business Services Army ROTC
CAPS
Scholarships and Financial Aid UH Dining
Cougar Card
Learning Abroad
Pre-Health Advising Center Air Force ROTC
LAUNCH
Student Housing and Residential Life
UH Cougars in Wellness Recovery Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life
Community Arts Academy
Student A.D. Bruce Centers Religion Center
Parking & Transportation
UH Writing Center
Center for Student Empowerment
UHin4
USMC Officer Programs UH Libraries
University Information Technology CougarByte UH UH Veteran Athletics Services
Center for Student Involvement
Cub Camp
Campus Store Coog Moms
Get Involved
UHPD
Dean of Students
Campus Safety Career Services
Center for Diversity and Inclusion LGBTQ Resource Center and Women and Gender Resource Center
CampusGandr Campus Recreation
Transfer-Combined Orientations Cougars in Recover
Student Health Center
Pre-Health Advising Center
Blaffer Arts Museum and Public Art UHS
CAPS
UH Dining
Cougar Card
A.D. Bruce Religion Center
Community Arts Academy
Army ROTC
LAUNCH
Get UH Wellness Ivolved Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Parking & Transportation
UH Writing Center
Learning Abroad
Student Housing and Residential Life
Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center
USMC Officer Programs UH Libraries
University Information Technology Center for Student Empowerment Center for Student Involvement
Coog Moms
Campus Store UH UH Veteran Athletics Services Dean of Students
UHPD
Campus Recreation
Campus Safety Career Services
Student Affairs Offices
Academics
Health & Safety
Enrollment Services
Center for Diversity and Inclusion LGBTQ Resource Center and Women and Gender Resource Center
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
3
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION Student Schedule Day 1
8 a.m.
Orientation Check-in | Cougar Village II Grab your nametag and some new UH Cougar swag. Be sure to wear your nametag at all times--it's your ticket to all meals and activities.
Cougar Connection | Ballroom Learn about campus departments that provide services, programs, and resources to support you during your college career.
Bacterial Meningitis | Bayou City Room If there is a Bacterial Meningitis hold on your account, you may submit documentation to have this hold released. This hold will prevent you from enrolling in courses.
TSI View the TSI guide to learn how to remove this hold. Email tsi@uh.edu with your questions.
Make a Payment | Your MyUH Account Make your orientation payment by logging into your MyUH account, clicking the yellow MyUH self-service icon, click Student Financials, and click Make a Payment.
Change Your Major | Space City Room If you are thinking about changing your major, speak with an Admissions staff member to learn if you meet requirements. You must meet the admissions requirements to successfully change your major. This is your only opportunity to have your major changed.
10 a.m.
Welcome to the University of Houston! | Houston Room Our Orientation Team leaders and university administrators will give you a big welcome and provide an overview of our two-day program.
Academic Success | Houston Room Our Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Student Success will share how you can be academically successful as you transition to UH.
Cub Camp | Houston Room Come to Cub Camp, UH's extended orientation, this summer to learn more about UH and bond with the Class of 2026!
11:30 a.m.
Cougar to Cougar Small Group & Lunch | Various Locations Student Orientation Leaders will share helpful information regarding how to navigate life at UH. This session will provide the opportunity to ask important questions about transitioning to UH.
1:30 p.m.
Coog Way of Life | Houston Room Becoming a University of Houston Cougar means getting involved—learn from the experts about how to find your place on campus and leave your legacy.
Cougar Services | Houston Room Learn some need-to-know information from vital campus services such as UH Parking & Transportation, UH Campus Store, Cougar Card Office, and UH Dining.
Cougar Pride and Traditions | Houston Room Join the Spirit of Houston and learn the fight song! UH Athletics will also share how you can support fellow classmates on and off the field. We will also teach you about the traditions that we have on campus.
2:50 p.m.
Special Interest Workshops | Houston Room, Theater Pick one of the following: On-Campus Student Housing & Residential Life (Houston Room) or Commuter Student Services (Theater)
3:25 p.m.
Diversity Isn't Just a Buzzword | Houston Room One of UH's claims to fame is our diversity. Let's talk about how to maximize your experience at one of the most diverse universities in the US.
4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Dinner & Campus Tour | Various Locations Cougar Carnival | UH Recreation Center Meet student leaders from various organizations and play an interactive game all while learning about your involvement opportunities.
7:45 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
#IAmUH | Houston Room A presentation by THE Famous OTeam, where they'll discuss pre-collegiate emotions and concerns you have about transitioning to your new home. You will find common ground with your peers and view a first-hand account about the Student Orientation Leaders journeys to UH!
Coogs Fest | Student Center Basement Take photos at the photo booth, dance with the DJ at the Legacy Stairs, visit the Games Room for bowling, and connect with the Class of 2026.
9:30 p.m.
Candelight Ceremony | Cullen Family Plaza Take part in this beloved ceremony as you become an #OfficialCoog.
4
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION Student Schedule Day 2
7:30 a.m. 7:45 a.m.
Residence Hall Check-Out | Cougar Village II Rise and shine! Be downstairs with all of your belongs to check out of the residence hall.
Grab and Go Breakfast | Space City Room Math Placement Test for STEM | CASA Need to take a math placement exam? We will meet in the lobby, grab breakfast, and take you to complete the exam.
9:10 a.m.
Behind the Classroom Doors | Houston Room A chance to learn some academic insights and tips for a successful transition to the academic rigor during your rst year at UH.
9:45 a.m.
Take Charge of Your Enrollment | Houston Room Learn what is needed to successfully enroll in courses after your academic advising meeting. You will also receive important information related to managing your myUH self-service student account.
10:50 a.m.
Special Interest Workshops | Choose One Honors College Meeting | Space City Jumpstart Your Career | Houston Center for Student Empowerment & First Generation College Students | Multipurpose Learning Abroad | Skyline Veteran Services and Military Connected Students | Heights
11:20 a.m.
Orientation Closing Remarks | Houston Room It’s not goodbye, it’s, “See you in the fall!”
11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.5 p.m.
Cougar to Cougar Small Group & Lunch | Various Academic Colleges Connect with your Student Orientation Leader one final time and discuss any final questions and concerns. Your Student Orientation Leader will be excited to send you off with any last information and pro-tips!
College Meeting & Academic Advising | Various Academic Colleges Learn about expectations, enrollment instructions, and policies that may impact timely degree completion. Academic Advisors will help you register for courses to ensure an on-time graduation goal.
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
5
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION Family and Guest Schedule Day 1
8 a.m.
Orientation Check-in | Heights Room Grab your nametag and some new UH Cougar swag. Be sure to wear your nametag at all times--it's your ticket to all meals and activities.
Cougar Connection | Ballroom Learn about campus departments that provide services, programs, and resources to support you during your college career.
10 a.m.
Welcome to the University of Houston! | Houston Room Our Orientation Team leaders and university administrators will give you a big welcome and provide an overview of our two-day program.
Academic Success | Houston Room Our Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Student Success will share how your student can be academically successful as they transition to UH.
Cub Camp | Houston Room Come to Cub Camp, UH's extended orientation, this summer to learn more about UH and bond with the Class of 2026!
11:30 a.m.
Family & Guest Orientation Welcome with the Dean of Students' Office | Houston Room Let's review the family schedule and important topics for your student’s transition to the Cougar Family. Dean of Students will share how to be involved and discuss resources for Parents & Families.
12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
Lunch | Ballroom Coog Way of Life | Houston Room Becoming a University of Houston Cougar means getting involved—learn from the experts about how your student can find their place on campus and leave their legacy.
Cougar Services | Houston Room Learn some need-to-know information from vital campus services such as UH Parking & Transportation, UH Campus Store, Cougar Card Office, and UH Dining.
Cougar Pride and Traditions | Houston Room Join the Spirit of Houston and learn the fight song! UH Athletics will also share how you can support fellow classmates on and off the field. We will also teach you about the traditions that we have on campus.
2:50 p.m.
Special Interest Workshops | Choose One On-Campus Student Housing & Residential Life | Houston Room Commuter Student Services | Theater
3:25 p.m.
Student Support, Inclusion, & Safety | Ballroom Learn how UH is looking out for your student and the different resources we offer to keep them safe.
4 p.m.
Cougar-to-Cougar Supporters Small Group | Various Locations A Parent Orientation Leader will lead you in discussion with other parents, family members, and guests about your student's transition into UH.
4:30 p.m.
Family & Guest Reception with UH Administrators | Rockwell Pavilion Come meet the people who will support your student during their time at UH!
5:30 p.m.
Coog Moms Mixer | Rockwell Pavilion Meet Coog Moms! They know transition can be a rough time and want to support you. Join them to play bingo and mingle with parents who know what it's like to send a Cougar off to college.
6 p.m.
Dinner on Your Own Students, family, and guests will be together for these sessions
6
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION Family and Guest Schedule Day 2
8 a.m. 9 a.m.
Supporters Meet-Up & Breakfast | Ballroom Find supporters from the regions you live in and chat with them over breakfast. Our Family and Guest Student Orientation Leaders will also be there to give you great conversation starters.
Welcome Back! | Ballroom Family and Guest members will learn what activities their student participated in yesterday and develop an understanding of the importance of their continued engagement on campus.
Academic Advising Explained | Various Academic Colleges During this session, family members will lean about the College Leadership's expectations for their students chosen academic discipline. They will also learn about policies which may impact their student's timely degree completion and receive enrollment instructions.
10:10 a.m.
Coog Talk | Ballroom Student leaders will teach you how to speak the language of a UH student. Learn how to increase communication with your student and grow in your understanding of UH terminology.
10:50 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
Special Interest Workshops | Choose One Honors College Meeting | Space City Jumpstart Your Career | Houston Room Center for Student Empowerment & First Generation College Students | Multipurpose Room Learning Abroad | Skyline Veteran Services and Military Connected Students | Heights
A Parent's Guide to College Transition with Mara Affre | Theater Join Mara Affre, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services, as she shares tips to help you transition your student to UH.
12:10 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 2 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
3 p.m.
Lunch & Current Student Panel | Ballroom Financing Your Student's Education: UH in 4, Scholarships & Financial Aid, & Student Business Services | Ballroom Learn about the University of Houston’s comprehensive plan for on-time graduation. Additionally, representatives from Scholarships and Financial Aid and Student Business Services will discuss everything you need to know about tuition and fees, how to make payments, deadlines, and financial resources including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Networking Sessions | Various Locations
Student Health on Campus | Space City In this session guests will meet the Student Health Center, UH Wellness, and the Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center to learn about student health insurance, care on campus, accommodations, etc. LAUNCH Tutoring, Coaching, and Workshops: The Formula for Student Success | Ballroom At the university level, the academic demands increase. Learn about how your student can receive course tutoring and academic support to navigate this new environment. Career Services | Skyline Staff from the Career Services office will share information about how students can search for internships and on-campus employment. They will also learn how to use new software designed to make this process more efficient.
Closing Remarks & Letter to my Student | Ballroom
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
7
TRANSFER-COMBINED ORIENTATION NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION Student Schedule
8:30 a.m.
Orientation Check-in | Ballroom Grab your nametag and some new UH Cougar swag. Be sure to wear your nametag at all times--it's your ticket to all meals and activities.
Enrollment Services Resource Fair | Space City Meet with Scholarships and Financial Aid, Office of the University Registrar, or Student Business Services to take care of any items related to your enrollment.
Bacterial Meningitis | Bayou City Room If there is a Bacterial Meningitis hold on your account, you may submit documentation to have this hold released. This hold will prevent you from enrolling in courses.
TSI View the TSI guide to learn how to remove this hold. Email tsi@uh.edu with your questions.
Make a Payment | Your MyUH Account Make your orientation payment by logging into your MyUH account, clicking the yellow MyUH self-service icon, click Student Financials, and click Make a Payment.
Change Your Major | Skyline Room If you are thinking about changing your major, speak with an Admissions staff member to learn if you meet requirements. You must meet the admissions requirements to successfully change your major. This is your only opportunity to have your major changed.
Know Your Options | Choose one If you were admitted to the University of Houston under your second or third choice majors, we encourage you to attend one of these drop-in sessions for understanding and FAQs: Engineering | Third Ward Business | Downtown Natural Sciences & Mathematics | Midtown
9:30 a.m.
Welcome to the University of Houston! | Houston Room Our university administrators will give you a big welcome and provide an overview of today’s events.
Academic Success | Houston Room Our Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Student Success will share how you can be academically successful as you transition to UH.
Coog Way of Life | Houston Room Becoming a University of Houston Cougar means getting involved—learn from the experts about how to find your place on campus and leave your legacy.
Cougar Services | Houston Room Learn some need-to-know information from vital campus services such as UH Parking & Transportation, UH Campus Store, Cougar Card Office, and UH Dining.
11 a.m.
Lunch & Cougar Connection | Moody Dining Hall and Ballroom Dine like a Coog at one of our dining facilities on campus, then join us back in the Student Center South to meet with campus resources and departments that will help you be successful at UH.
12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
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Take Charge of Your Enrollment | Houston Room Learn what is needed to successfully enroll in courses after your academic advising meeting. You will also receive important information related to managing your myUH self-service student account.
Academic College Meeting, Advising, and Course Registration | Various Academic Colleges Learn about expectations, enrollment instructions, and policies that may impact timely degree completion. Academic Advisors will help you register for courses to ensure an on-time graduation goal.
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
TRANSFER-COMBINED ORIENTATION NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION Family and Guest Schedule
Students, family, and guests will be together for these sessions
8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m.
Family & Guest Check-in | Heights Room Grab your nametag and some new UH Cougar swag. Be sure to wear your nametag at all times--it's your ticket to all meals and activities.
Welcome to the University of Houston! | Houston Room Our university administrators will give you a big welcome and provide an overview of today’s events.
Academic Success | Houston Room Our Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Student Success will share how your student can be academically successful as they transition to UH.
Coog Way of Life | Houston Room Becoming a University of Houston Cougar means getting involved—learn about how your student can find their place on campus and leave their legacy.
Cougar Services | Houston Room Learn some need-to-know information from vital campus services such as UH Parking & Transportation, UH Campus Store, Cougar Card Office, and UH Dining.
11 a.m.
Lunch & Cougar Family Overview | Houston Room Enjoy a catered lunch at your own pace. Orientation staff will share important reminders for your students’ transition to the Cougar Family. You’ll also learn about the resources available to students within the Dean of Students Office.
11:45 p.m.
Cougar Connection | Ballroom Browse campus resources and departments to learn how your student can takes advantage of the Coog Life and ensure success on campus.
12:30 p.m.
Take Charge of Your Enrollment | Houston Room Learn what is needed for your student to successfully enroll in courses after their academic advising meeting. This session also covers important information related to your student’s myUH self-service student account.
1:30 p.m. 2 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
3 p.m.
Coffee & Coog Talk | Multipurpose Room Learn about all the great opportunities at UH from the experts… the students! They will teach you the language of a UH Cougar and inform you of the best way to support your student in transition.
Networking Session (Choose Two) | Various Locations Career Services | Multipurpose Room Staff from the Career Services office will share information about how students can search for internships and on-campus employment. You will also learn how to use new software designed to make the search process more efficient. LAUNCH Tutoring, Coaching, and Workshops: The Formula for Student Success | Skyline At the university level, the academic demands increase. Learn about how your student can receive course tutoring and academic support to navigate this new environment. Student Health on Campus | Bayou City In this session guests will meet the Student Health Center, UH Wellness, and the Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center to learn about student health insurance, care on campus, accommodations, etc. Campus Safety | Heights Join this session to learn about the many resources on campus related to your student’s safety from Sergeant Dina Padovan of the UHPD.
Financing Your Student’s Education | Multipurpose Room Representatives from Scholarships and Financial Aid and Student Business Services will discuss everything you need to know about tuition and fees, how to make payments, deadlines, and financial resources including scholarships, grants, and loans.
3:30 p.m.
Closing Session | Multipurpose Room Family members and guests will have one more opportunity to get their questions answered.
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
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STUDENT CENTERS CONFERENCE & RESERVATION SERVICES The Student Centers is a multipurpose building where students can relax in-between classes, grab food & participate in various events throughout the year. Our Conference & Reservations team is eager to help you or your organization reserve meeting & event spaces. With 3 facilities & 19 event spaces, you’ll be sure to find a place where you belong.
CREATIONSTATION Student Centers’ graphic design & print shop, CreationStation, offers a wide range of services including design, printing, lamination & passport photos.
GAMES ROOM The Games Room offers bowling, billiards, table tennis & other amusement games! It’s available for individual or group usage for open play & by reservation.
SHASTA’S CONES & MORE Stop by Shasta’s Cones & More, a student-run ice cream shop featuring a number of ice cream flavors, candy & beverages.
Follow us @uhstudentcenter to stay up-to-date with the latest news & events happening throughout the year!
10 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear readers, M
y name is Jhair Romero, and I am honored to welcome you to the University of Houston as the executive editor of this year's Transitions magazine. Transitions is an annual publication geared towards first-year students and transfers, and inside you'll find stories about what's going on around our wonderful campus, including the constructions of the new College of Medicine and UH Law Center buildings and the recent successes of UH Athletics. You'll also find some stories and tidbits about campus life and University traditions. Although I have been at UH for four years, I still remember being a freshman and reading Transitions at my orientation, just as you are now. I remember those two days well. I was a
little scared to begin this new chapter of my life, but I was also excited for everything that came with starting college. I walked a lot (I hope you wore comfrtable shoes) and sat through hours of orientation programs, but those first two days I spent on this campus were an incredible introduction to what my life would be like at the University of Houston. It's safe to say that this university has not disappointed. Take full advantage of what this campus has to offer. Get involved in any and all the student organizations that interest you. You get what you put into college, and the payout is always worth it. I have had amazing opportunities and experiences here, and I made life-long
friends. With time, you will get there, too, and I extremely excited to see what you all accomplish during your time here. I urge you all to take as much in as you can. Four years sounds like a long time, but I promise that you'll be walking across the stage at your commencement ceremony before you know it. Enjoy it, and make this journey yours.
Jhair A. Romero
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
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CAMPUS
RECREATION
Strengthening The Pride
Programs
Facilities
Swim Lessons
Outdoor Adventure
Indoor Track
Volleyball Courts
Lifeguard Training
Open Recreation
Cardio Machines
Sand Volleyball Courts
Instructor Training Certification
Youth Camp
Free Weight Area
Multi-Purpose Rooms
Member Services
Climbing Wall
Outdoor Leisure Pool
Group Fitness
Student Employment & Leadership
Basketball Courts
Natatorium
Intramural Sports
Multi-Activity Court
Whirlpools
Personal Training
Racquetball Courts
Sauna
Sports Clubs
Squash Courts
Social Lounge
Badminton Courts
Lockers & Showers
Cycling Studio
Day Lockers
Outdoor Field & Tennis Court
Equipment Check-out Gear Rental
@uhrecreation #UHREC uh.edu/recreation
12 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
DONATE TO IMPACT Text CAMPUSREC to 71777
UH’s new College of Medicine continues making strides in community By Aminah Tannir
T
he College of Medicine has taken large strides in community health since it opened, but it’s also looking forward to quite a few milestones in the next four years. The first milestone would be moving and settling in its new home, an $80 million facility featuring research spaces and anatomy and simulation suites just off campus. The move will take place this summer. Its class size has increased from 30 to 60 students, and dean Dr. Stephen Spann said he hoped to reach the goal of recruiting a class of 120 students by 2024. Another big milestone the college aims to reach is full accreditation by January 2024. Accreditation is awarded by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and is done in a three step process, Spann said. LCME’s preliminary accreditation was granted in
February 2020, and its provisional accreditation is set to be awarded sometime this June, according to the UHCM timeline. More growth in UHCM’s graduate medical education programs and residency programs, both in partnership with the family hospital HCA Houston Healthcare, is something Spann also wishes to see. Over the next few years, more projects are planned to roll out as well as the continuation of research into health disparities and determinants as part of UHCM’s commitment to improving community health in Houston. A new program called the Health Commons is currently in the works. Spann said this would be an organization that would aim to better integrate social and medical care. This initiative would have primary medical care providers, social care agencies and workers
and community leaders from Third Ward and East End and UHCM working together. “Because we know that social determinants of health are responsible for 80 percent of preventable illness, disease and death in our country, we want to address those early,” Spann said. “We want to find ways to do a better job of addressing those upstream to prevent downstream illness in the cost of care.” As for campus presence, Spann said UHCM already has quite a few collaborations with other UH colleges and hopes to see an expansion in these collaborations. The college lectures occasionally at the Honors College and will be interacting with business students in healthcare management courses. Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to enter research and clinical shadowing programs hosted by the school. Some future endeavors
regarding academics include a Bachelor of Arts and Medical Doctorate track, where undergraduate students will get guaranteed admission into the College if they meet academic standards, Spann said. With all of these programs looking to expand as UHCM grows, Spann said it’s a great institution to be a part of and it will ultimately grow into an exceptional medical school. “We’re still in the very early stages but I think we’re seeing success,” Spann said. “I think we’ve got a great group of medical students, great faculty, great facilities and great support from the University. So I think it’s going to continue to be an upward trajectory.”
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022 13
AUG
20
PARTY IN THE PARK
AUG
4-7pm; Lynn Eusan Park
30
PLAYFAIR
AUG
6-8pm; Lynn Eusan Park
31
SC WELCOME BACK
AUG
11am-2pm; Student Centers
31
AUG 24 & 25
CAT'S BACK
AUG
4-6pm; Student Centers
31
AUG
GLOW PARTY
SEPT
7-10pm; Lynn Eusan Park
1
WOW DAY OF SERVICE
SEPT
AUG
21
AUG
23
25 AUG
26 AUG
26
12-4pm; Student Centers
CAGE RAGE
5:30-8:30pm; TDECU Stadium
14 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
2
CULTURAL TASTE OF HOUSTON 11am-2pm; Lynn Eusan Park
COMMUTER KICK-OFF
11am-2pm; Butler Plaza
WELCOME TO HOUSTON
11am-2pm; SC Circle Drive
GREEK-A-PALOOZA
4-6pm; Lynn Eusan Park
SHASTA'S OPEN HOUSE
11am-3pm; Across Campus
INFRARED
7-10pm; SC- Ballroom
The College of Medicine building is set to be completed this summer after two years of construction. Courtesy of UH
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
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With UH set to move to the Big 12 in the near future, the Cougars have finally earned a spot in the Power Five.
File photo/The Cougar
FRIENDSHIP.
Scholarships & Resources
COMMUNITY.
Mentorship & Leadership
BE YOURSELF HERE.
In-Person & Virtual Events
@uhlgbtq
16 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
Student Center North, Rm. 201
Looking forward to UH joining the Big 12 L
ast September, UH’s longawaited dream of getting into a Power Five conference became a reality as the University announced it had accepted an invitation to join the Big 12. This announcement came after a waiting period of 25 years as the University has been bouncing around conference after conference looking for a permanent home among one of college sports’ power conferences after getting the short end of the stick when realignment happened following the disbandment of the Southwest Conference. In 2016, the Big 12 was rumored to be expanding, and UH was one of the schools that would be considered for one of the new spots. The expansion never happened, forcing the University to wait five more
By James Mueller years before it finally secured its seat at the table among college athletic’s elite conferences.
once the four schools officially join is still being discussed.
New Big 12
Timeline
Along with BYU, Cincinnati and UCF, UH will form the new Big 12 with Texas and Oklahoma set to leave for the SEC no later than 2025. Once all four schools officially join, the Big 12 will consist of 12 teams again for the first time since 2011 when Colorado departed for the Pac-12 and Nebraska went to the Big Ten. By the summer of 2012, the Big 12 was down to eight members as Missouri and Texas A&M left for the SEC. Whether the Big 12 will go to an eight or nine-game conference schedule in football as well as if it will divide the conference into two divisions
UH athletic director Chris Pezman and head football coach Dana Holgorsen were among those who attended the Big 12’s annual spring meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, during the first week of May as UH prepares for its future in its new conference. The University hopes to begin competing in the Big 12 in the fall of 2023, but there are still details that need to be ironed out for that to happen as UH is currently under contract to remain in the American Athletic Conference through 2024. In order for the University to begin competing in the Big 12 in 2023, it must reach an
agreement with the AAC on the exit fee which UH is required to pay if it is to leave the conference early. The Houston Chronicle reported that the initial exit fee the AAC asked for was $45 million, but that number is still being discussed. While UH will continue to compete in the American Athletic Conference for the duration of the 2022-23 college athletic calendar, all signs point to the Cougars officially jumping ship to the Big 12 in the fall of 2023.
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
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Yes, Scarlet Red is one of UH’s official colors, but there is still plenty of greenery across campus. In fact, after Hurricane Ike destroyed a third of the University’s trees in 2008, Facilities has actively worked on making our campus more lush than ever before. That’s why you’ll notice trees tagged with silver badges around campus. These “legacy trees” are specially monitored and taken care of in order to make campus beautiful. Christopher Charleston/The Cougar
18 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
The Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center or “Dart Center” welcomes you to the University of Houston! Students with disabilities have many opportunities at the Dart Center to get involved and work with our staff to ensure your experience is an inclusive and equitable one. If you are a student who may have received accommodations in high school either a 504 or IEP plan, other universities/community colleges, have a physical disability, mental health, low vision or blind, Deaf/hard of hearing, and other health related challenges please feel free to reach out to us. Here are some of the exciting things the Dart Center can provide: • Classroom accommodations • Physical access • Housing • Event access • Transition information
• Disability advocacy • Assistive Technology • Sign language interpreters • CART or Communication Access Real Time • Student centered events and volunteer opportunities
For more information please visit our website, call, or email. We are excited to meet and work with you on your academic goals for success! Go Coogs!!!
uh.edu/accessibility • 713-743-5400 • jdcenter@central.uh.edu
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022 19
The UH Law Center’s new building is set to open this fall, replacing the mostly underground complex that has sustained considerate storm damage.
Courtesy of UH
NEW COOG CHECKLIST Prepare a transportation plan Visit: uh.edu/parking Upload a photo for your Cougar Card Visit: uh.edu/cougarcard Learn about the Cougar Textbook Access Program Visit: uh.edu/af-auxiliary-services/ctap Select a meal plan Visit: dineoncampus.com/uh Learn about campus mail services Visit: uh.edu/cpd
We look forward to seeing you soon!
20 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
™
Nationally recognized Law Center improving with brand-new building complex By Sydney Rose
O
ver the course of 75 years, the UH Law Center has made a name for itself and continued collecting accomplishments for its facility, faculty and students. More are expected with the new law building in the works. The Law Center’s associate dean for alumni and community relations Sondra R. Tennessee has worked in this department for 25 years and said there has been talk of constructing a new building since she started working there. “For as long as I have been at the Law Center, there has been a desire to build a new law school building. This new building will be source of pride for everyone who is connected to the Law Center,” Tennessee said. “The students spaces are very nice with lots of natural light, unlike our current building.” The building is set to open and be in operation by Fall 2022. This new part of the Law Center was named after the late lawyer and alumnus John M O’Quinn to recognize his gift of $16 million. “Through the leadership of Dean Baynes, support from President Khator, the Legislature and our wonderful Law Center alumni and friends, we raised over $93 million to build the new John M. O’Quinn Law Building,” Tennessee said. Other accomplishments have come to the UH Law Center over the past year as it is home to three top 10 law programs, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings. The UH Law Center’s Environment, Energy and Natural Resources program ranks 28th nationally as well. One highlight to mention regarding the appeal of attended UHLC is the Law Center is being ranked as one of the top two law schools to go to in Texas, according to Law. com’s annual ratings. It is ranked 27th in the country. As counted since 2021 the Law Center has over 800 students enrolled and more than 13,000 alumni. The UH Law Center received the distinction of Diversity Champion by the
INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine. The Law Center is the only law school in the country to receive the recognition. “It is an honor for Insight Into Diversity to acknowledge the Law Center’s diversity efforts for the sixth time,” said assistant dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Metropolitan programs Meredith J. Duncan. “We are delighted to be recognized, not only for what we are doing here at the Law Center, but also for our deliberate efforts toward diversifying the legal profession as a whole through our Pre-Law Pipeline Programs.”
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UH will look much different in the coming years as the Centennial Master Plan plays out.
Thomas Dwyer/The Cougar
22 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
As centennial approaches, group works on documenting 100 years of UH history A
s the centennial anniversary of the University approaches in 2027, the Center for Public History, Houston Public Media and M.D. Anderson Libraries are collaborating to curate the “100 Years of Stories: Documenting a Century at the University of Houston” project. Undergraduate and graduate students at UH are working as a part of this project to research the knowledge and share the stories of UH over the course of these 100 years. The project idea started in 2020 and has been in the works to make content before 2027. “So many people associated with UH – whether alumni, faculty or administrators – have made contributions to the Houston community and beyond, and we wanted to tell those stories,” said the editor of CPH’s Houston History magazine Debbie Harwell. “It seemed like a perfect partnership for CPH to combine the efforts of our student researchers and writers with Houston Public Media and their team of insightful storytellers. (This) as well as the folks in Special Collections at the library, who are the keepers of the University’s historical documents.” The funding for the 100 Years of Stories project came from a friend and patron of the University Carey C. Shuart. Shuart has aided in supporting the Center for Public History on this specific venture over the course of the three years it was projected to take to finish. “Growing up in Houston, none of us had any idea of Houston becoming an international city. Nor did we have any idea of the University of Houston becoming a Tier One University,” Shuart told CPH. “But both things have transpired and there are many stories to tell about how this was accomplished. I hope these stories will increase our understanding and describe how some of these things happened. It was not magic, but it often seemed magical.” The Center for Public History, as well as Houston Public Media, takes on students to assist with the work of telling the stories. Harwell said her favorite part is working
By Sydney Rose with the students to guide them through the process of creating a story. This goes from the initial topic idea to the finished magazine article. “They learn so much in that process about how to do historical research and how to convey what they find to a broad audience in a popular medium. It is completely different from writing a traditional research paper,” Harwell said. “They are so proud – and so am I – when they hold the print magazine in their hands and see their byline on the page.” The project will include commitments of 10 video and radio spots researched by students and produced by Houston Public Media, as well as two partial issues and one full issue of Houston History devoted to these stories. As the project is currently in its second year, one partial issue will come out this spring and the other will follow after 2023. Houston History also has its own magazine website for people to read back issues and current issues will not be readily available until a further date
after publication. A large part of the project is highlighting the stories of the Houston community as well as the University’s history. “So many people and institutions in Houston have their roots at UH, but I feel like the community is not always aware of that. Hopefully, we are bringing those stories to light,” Harwell said. “My favorite part of this project is all the people we have had the chance to meet and the stories I have learned more about. They are all amazing! They inspire me and our students.” There is a possibility for the project to continue for years to come, working all the way up to 2027. “We would love the opportunity to continue the project up to the centennial,” Harwell said. “We have so many more stories we could tell! It is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on UH’s accomplishments while training our students in public history and providing them (with) valuable job skills for the future.”
TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022 23
DID YOU KNOW YOUR CAMPUS HAS A DENTAL OFFICE? Comprehensive Dentistry in Health Building 2, Suite 1001G
(832) 380-9475 campus-smiles.com/UH 24 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
Proud to be a Coog? Then show it! Every Friday, UH has a tradition of wearing red around campus to show your school spirit. President Renu Khator once said, “Cougar Red Friday is a celebration of all things Cougar.” So, when you get to campus this fall, make sure you’re ready to be decked out in red every Friday. Here are Homecoming King and Queen Jordan Booker and Jayce Ball doing just that during last year’s Homecoming celebrations.
Sean Thomas/The Cougar TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022 25
Transitioning from high school to college T
By Logan Linder
ransitioning from high school to being thrown into the fast-paced environment that is college seems incredibly daunting at first. I advise you to take a step back and a deep breath and remember that everyone before you has been in the exact position as you right now with the same worrying thoughts. My anxiety was at an all-time high the summer leading up to my first semester of college, but something that helped me get a handle on my college experience was browse through the different organizations on GetInvolved. I also looked through Cougar Pathway and applied for on-campus jobs. This helped me get an idea of what my extracurriculars would look like, and along with my classes, I figured
out my entire schedule before the start of the semester. When classes started, I befriended a few of my peers, but we only came to each other with class-related questions. It wasn’t until a few months later that I made friends who I still keep in contact with, so don’t stress about immediately needing to connect with people. In high school, the end of my junior year was online and cut short, and while my senior year was entirely in-person, my school changed the grading scale and teachers were allowed to make tests open-note. These accommodations let me breeze through my senior year, causing me to worry about the work I would be assigned in college. During my time at the University, we’ve never been
online, so I had to learn how to get over my security blanket of wishing everything was online. My main fear when going into college was that I had become too used to the light workload in high school and would be fully unprepared for what college would bring. I was hit with my professors assigning all of our work at once, sprinkling the due dates in whenever they felt like it. Because of this, I needed to constantly be aware of my assignment due dates and plan accordingly. Many of my classes overlapped, and I’d end up having multiple assignments due on the same day. It took me a month or two to figure out what study habits and techniques worked for me and aspects of my routine I needed to change. While it is a hassle to essentially rework my entire
study routine each semester, it’s less anxiety-inducing when you’ve figured out what’s the most efficient for you. Coming into college as a freshman, many are unsure of what they want to do in their lives. Some come in without a major. Others think they know what they want to major in but end up changing it two years too late. Parents and the rest of the world will likely tell you that you need to have your life figured out when going into college and that it’s all about setting up your future career. While parts of this are true, this adds unneeded stress and takes the fun out of college. I managed to meet a few of my best friends, hopefully lifelong ones, which I wouldn’t have done if I didn’t take time out of my studies to be social and explore college.
Celebrate Spiritual Diversity A.D. Bruce Religion Center strives to welcome all. We embrace people of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, nationality, cultural background, theology, political views or anything else that might otherwise divide us.
For more information, visit uh.edu/adbruce 26 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
@ADBRCUH
How UH makes students feel welcome W
By Logan Linder
ith the University ranking as the second most ethnically diverse research university in the country, administration must take different approaches to appeal to minority groups and make them feel welcome. For those wanting to become involved in campus life and involved with diverse groups on campus, here are just a few of the many ways the University helps make all students feel welcome:
Get Involved Through the AccessUH portal, students can browse a variety of events and organizations, with numerous options to become a part of something that’s the right fit for you. With specific organizations like the Vietnamese-American Pharmacy Student Society and Asian Business Student Association, to broader groups like Active Minds and Campus Recreation, there are clubs fit for every student.
International Education Week Each year, the University participates in International Education Week. Celebrated throughout the U.S., IEW focuses on celebrating academic and cultural exchange programs, with the University hosting a week of different events to celebrate their students. Each year holds different activities, with the most recent IEW consisting of a mixer for international students, a salsa dance workshop, learning the basics of a new language and more. They also had game nights and hosted Cultural Explosion, which showcases diverse groups
across campus through their different cultural dances.
Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center For those in need of accommodations or other disability resources, the newlynamed Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center aims to assess students’ needs. The center provides accommodation services, confidential records and access to resources including the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic and the Urban Experience Program. The center is committed to helping students with disabilities succeed at the University, as stated on their website.
LGBTQ Resource Center Located in Student Center North, the LGBTQ Resource Center prides itself on being a safe space at the University, where students of all sexualities and identities are welcome. The center hosts wellness and support groups, social events and even provides resources for those wanting to become better allies. The center itself has a library with LGBTQ-related books, free pride pins and contraceptives, and couches and chairs with a quiet space to relax and study.
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Transgender resources For those using a name aside from their legal name, students are able to dictate their preferred name in the University’s system, which is then printed on their Cougar Card and class rosters. Through Living Learning Communities, gender inclusive housing is offered. All-gender and single-stall restrooms are located across campus.
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TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022 27
28 TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022
Looking back at UH athletics’ recent successes W
ith Houston’s sights set on joining and competing in the Big 12 in the near future, UH has at least one year remaining in the American Athletic Conference. Until then, there is much to look forward to in UH athletics for the 2022-23 academic calendar. Here is an outlook on what’s to come heading into next year:
Football The UH football team completed it’s best season under head coach Dana Holgerson with an 11-2 overall record, an appearance in the AAC title game and a Birmingham Bowl victory over Auburn. The Cougars are poised to make a leap forward from last season with the power duo of junior quarterback Clayton Tune and sophomore wide receiver Nathaniel Dell entering next season with another year of experience and training together. Despite star running back Alton McCaskill suffering a torn ACL in offseason training, the Cougars will still have key players return on both sides of the ball, including defensive linemen D’Anthony Jones and Derek Parish, as well as linebacker Donavan Mutin.
Men’s basketball Coming off its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament with two-straight Elite Eight appearances and a Final Four appearance in 2020, the UH men’s basketball team are favorites to once again win the AAC regularseason and tournament titles heading into next season. With several key players returning from last season’s team, the men’s basketball team is entering next season with two ESPN Top 100 recruits in Jarace Walker (10) and Terrance Arceneaux (66) in addition to Emanuel Sharp, who joined the
By Armando Yanez
program early last season and will be eligible to play next season.
Women’s basketball For women’s basketball, the Cougars will look to ride on its AAC Tournament and NIT momentum from last season and compete for a conference title. Heading into her junior season, guard Laila Blair sits 296 points shy of 1,000 for her career as she strives to become the 27th member in the UH women’s basketball 1,000-point club. Under head coach Ronald Hughey entering his ninth season, the Cougars will look to finally get over the hump reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010-11.
Track and field The men’s track & field team have been a force in the last decade with seven-straight AAC Indoor titles while the women’s team has won its AAC Indoor competition two of the last four seasons. With the World Athletics Championships on the horizon, four Cougar athletes have been the opportunity to represent their nations in the competition. Sophomore runner Shaun Maswanganyi (South Africa) and graduate Brianne Bethel (Bahamas) represented their respective countries at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and could do so once again at the WAC. Sprinter Cecilia Tamayo-Garza and pole vaulter Antonio Ruiz could represent Mexico at the in their respective events.
Volleyball The volleyball team will look to compete in the AAC once again after just missing out on the NCAA Tournament last season. As head coach David Rehr prepares for his fourth season with the Cougars, key returning
players are senior middle blocker Rachel Tullos, junior setter Annie Cooke, as well as the reigning AAC libero of the year in junior Kate Georgiades. Georgiades was selected to train with the collegiate U.S. volleyball team as she will aim to lead the Cougars back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since
Soccer The women’s soccer team are coming off a 13-5-2 overall record last season, its best season since 2010 when it finished 12-5- on the year. With the retirement of former head coach Diego Bocanegra after five years at UH, the team will look to continue its recent success with new head coach Jaime Frias, who was hired Feb. 16.
Frias served as an assistant coach at Virginia since 2019, helping win four ACC titles in the process and will now return to his hometown to carry on his success with the Cougars.
Swimming and dive As for the UH swimming and dive team, the Cougars have been dominant for the better part of the last decade, having been crowned AAC champions in each of the last six years. With junior Chase Farris coming off a her second-straight performance at the NCAA Championships in as many years, along with second-year head coach Tamica Jamison at the helm, the swimming and dive team will look to compete for a seventh-straight conference title.
COOGS LIVE ON CAMPUS. HERE’S WHY: CONVENIENCE STUDENT INVOLVEMENT COMMUNITY ACCESS TO RESOURCES • Bayou Oaks • Cougar Village I • Cougar Village II
• Cougar Place • Moody Towers • The Quad
• University Lofts
READY TO APPLY? SCAN HERE Apply today at uh.edu/liveoncampus Follow us @UHHOUSING TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022 29
EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR YASY STEPS TO GET YOUR 3 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR STEPS TO GET YOUR Advice from the O-Team! 3 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR COUGAR CARD 3 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR TEPS TO GET YOUR COUGAR CARD GAR CARD COUGAR CARD 3 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR OUGAR CARD COUGAR CARD 3PSEASY STEPS TO GET YOUR TO GET YOUR 3 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR CARD YAR STEPS GET YOUR COUGAR CARD YTO STEPS TOTO GETCOUGAR YOURCARD COUGAR GET YOUR CARD 3 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR RGAR STEPS TO GET YOUR TCARD YOUR GAR CARD CARD GET YOUR CARD COUGAR CARD AR CARD D RD Shasta Strong
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DaVante Banks
“College is what you make it, there are so many things to experience all you have to do is put yourself out there and try.”
Shasta Strong
Shasta Strong
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Jennifer Benavides
“Don’t wait for change. Be the change.”
Nadia Galindo
“Everyone you meet is going to have different experiences, so don’t compare yourself or how you live your life to the person next to you. ” AccessUH
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Getting involved on campus is easier than you think A
large part of the college experience is dependent on the people you surround yourself with and the communities you take part in, so how you spend your time getting involved on campus can impact you over your college career. So many opportunities can come a student's way based on what clubs or organizations they choose to take a part in. Whether it is something to help you advance in your major, a way to highlight a hobby or an activity you have always wanted to give a try, there are so many benefits that help mold your time at UH. For myself, I took the opportunity to join organizations on campus that drew my interest, and as a result, I got to meet likeminded individuals who ended up being some of the closest friends I made at the University. After joining The Cougar, I
By Sydney Rose
was able to better the skills I needed before graduation as a journalist all while making close connections and benefiting from friendships with people who loved the same things I did. Joining a group on campus can have this impact no matter what you plan on doing with your life, it’s a way to bond over a common goal with people who get it. I cannot fully explain just how impactful meeting people in your same major in an environment outside of class is. With what many people deem as their ‘class friends,’ there is less of a connection because you are always tied to this academic setting. Being in the same organization as your friends makes the environment more freeing and fun. Having fun is the main idea when getting involved because why do something if you
don’t enjoy it? There is a multitude of selections to choose from when looking for a group to join, whether you want something that impacts the UH community like the Student Program Board or Metropolitan Volunteer Program, or an organization that highlights more of your identity, there are a wide array of options. Another thing to look out for when you get to campus is Cat’s Back, which acts as a collection of many on-campus organizations and clubs that are looking for new members. Even if you are not fully sure what you want to be a part of, this gives you a chance to talk to some members and get a feel for each group. Another lesson I learned over the years in college is that you do not have to spend the whole time you are enrolled at UH in the same clubs. People grow and
new opportunities arise that you should always leave yourself open for. It’s never too late to become a new member. It was not until my junior year that I took a part in the Residence Halls Association on campus and there was a healthy mix of people who had been in the organization for years and those who were just joining like myself. It acted as another chance for me to explore what the college experience had to offer and make new connections with people I otherwise would not have known. Putting yourself out there will forever be a massive part of getting involved, all it takes is that first step of interest in a group. There are so many opportunities waiting for you, all you need to do is find what best fits you and make the most out of the experience.
THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
WELCOMES
NEW COUGARS! In addition to being a full-service police department, we provide safety ride programs, bicycle registration, and meet and greet opportunities to support the UH community. Please visit our website to learn more about our department’s programs and services.
uh.edu/police We look forward to seeing you this fall!
The University of Houston Police Department is an IACLEA Acredited Law Enforcement Agency. TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022 31
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