Tulane University1

CAMPUS RESOURCES – LOCAL INSIGHT – HELPFUL INFORMATION

20122013 University of Houston

UNIVERSITY PARENT

GUIDE

54

About Our GuidesUniversity Parent Media works closely with

institutions around the country to bring together

the most relevant, timely information into one

all-inclusive resource.

We have published this guide with the mission of

helping you easily navigate the University and its

surrounding community. Ultimately, we hope these

resources help nurture your connection and

involvement in your student’s college years!

contents

24 | Houston CommunityMake the most of your visit by getting to know the area

24 | Welcome to Houston!

24 | Houston for Free

6 | UH GuideComprehensive advice, information for campus success

6 | Welcome UH Parents and Family Members!

7 | Family Weekend

8 | UH Traditions

10 | Resources for Academic Success

11 | University Career Services

14 | Top 10 Reasons to Live on Campus

16 | Student Life at UH

18 | Student Health Resources

20 | Campus Safety

21 | Financial Services

23 | What is FERPA?

The presence of University of Houston logos and marks in this Guide does not mean the school endorses the products or services offered by advertisers in this Guide.

©2012 University Parent Magazines, Inc.

Make the Most of Your Parent Guide

Hang on to your Guide! Inside you’ll

find information that’s useful all year

long, including important phone

numbers, websites and calendars.

Store your copy in a purse or glove

compartment for convenient reference.

Pass it along to parents of prospective

college students to promote the school.

Please recycle when finished!

Discover more content, tips and local

business information by visiting us online

at: www.universityparent.com/uh

For more information, please contact

University of Houston

Dean of Students Office

252 University Center

(832) 842-6183

www.uh.edu/dos

28 | ResourcesMust-have knowledge to navigate your way

28 | Campus Map

30 | Important Contact Information

31 | Proud Supporters UH

This Guide is produced in partnership with the UH Division of Student Affairs, the Dean of Students Office and University Parent Media.

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UH GUIDE

www.universityparent.com/uh6 University of Houston

UH GUIDE

Coming to college is a big step, regardless

of a person’s background. Students often

face challenges, which may overwhelm

and confuse them as they continue to

evolve and change throughout their

collegiate experience. Parents and family

members can often help make such

obstacles easier to overcome. By building

a relationship with you, we strive to create

an environment where parents and family

members are informed and involved

with their student’s college career.

We hope you will take full advantage of

the opportunities that await you and that

you will continue to play an active role

in your student’s life. We encourage you

to utilize our website at www.uh.edu/

dos/parents as it can provide you with

helpful information about UH programs,

resources, policies and procedures.

Remember to sign up to receive The

Cougar Connection, our monthly parent

e-newsletter, to ensure you receive

important information, updates and tips

Family WeekendThis fall, UH parents and family

members are invited to campus for a

weekend of activities and programs,

including a UH football game! The

goal of Family Weekend is to welcome

our parents to the UH community and

give them the opportunity to learn

about their student’s life here at the

University. Events include a variety

of social and educational activities

for parents and family members

including a Family Picnic, Welcome

Breakfast with UH Administration and

a as Family Tailgate Celebration!

This is a real opportunity to

connect with your student and the

University! Here are a few tips to

help make the most of your visit:

� Attend a session at your

student’s college. This is a great

opportunity to see what your

student is experiencing in the

classroom and how their college

is preparing them for their future.

� Try New Things. There will be

a variety of activities available

during the weekend. Try some

of these new things with your

student, from sporting events

to theater productions, your

student may find a new hobby,

interest or direction as a result!

� Meet & Mingle. Attend

receptions, talk with other

parents and meet administrators

and faculty members. These

people are at your disposal

during the weekend. Plus,

you’ll get a better feel for what

campus life is about and who is

available to your student.

As parents and family members, you are officially part of the University of Houston

family. We recognize the critical role parents can play in their student’s educational

experience. We believe that establishing a positive relationship with parents and

family members is an important factor in the continued success of your student.

and to register for our annual Family

Weekend event that occurs every fall

semester. If you have any questions,

comments or feedback please feel

free to contact us at parents@uh.edu.

Best of luck to you and your

student this year, we look forward

to seeing you on campus!

Sincerely,

Alison Von Bergen

Dean of Students Office

UH Parents and Family Members!Welcome

www.universityparent.com/uh 9

UH GUIDE

8 University of Houston

UH GUIDE

SHASTA

The history of the Cougar mascot dates

back to 1947 when the Alpha Phi Omega

organization sponsored a drive to

purchase the school’s first live mascot. The

name “Shasta” was chosen in a “name-

the-cat” contest held that same year.

Shasta has since retired, but her character

and energy live on in every aspect of life

at the University of Houston. Her fighting

spirit is represented by our energetic

student mascot at most sporting events.

COUGAR SIGN

The Cougar sign, made by folding in

the ring finger of the hand towards the

palm, has several stories explaining its

meaning. The true story of its origin,

however, dates back to 1953; the first

time UH played the University of Texas

in football. During the trip to the game,

Shasta’s front paw was caught in the

car door and one toe was cut off. The

opposing team mocked UH by imitating

the cougar’s injury. The Cougars soon

adopted that gesture as a symbol of pride.

CLASS RING

So many University of Houston traditions

reside in the hearts of students and

Alumni, but the UH class ring is the only

tradition that is always with you. The

ring is presented each semester at a

formal ring ceremony. Tradition dictates

that current students must wear the

ring facing inward, with only alumni

wearing the ring facing outward.

FRONTIER FIESTA

Each year a piece of the campus

is transformed into a town called

“Fiesta City” the site of a student run

festival featuring live concerts, variety

shows, carnival booths, multicultural

performances, a barbecue cook-off and a

bake contest. Founded in 1940, Frontier

Fiesta continues to promote scholarship,

� Get to know your student’s

friends during the weekend.

You may even want to

suggest ahead of time that

a group of their friends and

families attend one of the

meals or events together.

� Check out campus facilities

while you’re visiting. The pool

is open, why not go for a swim?

Roam around the University

Center, visit nature nooks on

campus and soak it all in.

� You’ll have the opportunity

to take a family photo during

the weekend. Send it to

your student via email or

regular mail once you get

home as a happy memento

� Put yourself in Visitor Mode.

You’re on your student’s

turf this weekend. Let them

take the lead and show you

their place with pride, and

have a wonderful visit!

UH Traditionscommunity and education in UH students,

staff and faculty as well as the community

attracting 20 – 35,000 each year.

RUB THE COUGAR PAW

In 2003 John and Rebecca Moores,

two alumni filled with Cougar Spirit

and Pride, commissioned the Cougars

overlooking Cullen Plaza. They were

sculpted by the famous Alaska based

artist R.T. “Skip” Wallen. Each weighs

in excess of 1,000 pound and together

they symbolize the University’s Courage,

Pride and Tenacity. The Cougars are

part of the UH tradition – so is winning.

The campus community and alumni

“Rub the Paw” for good luck, especially

during the week before Homecoming

to show support for the team.

EVERY FRIDAY IS DECLARED COUGAR RED FRIDAY. Wearing red

on Friday is more than just a tradition; it

is who we are. We wear red to show our

pride and passion for the University. It is

our visual identity. The color unites us, to

live and to celebrate together, and behold

our individual achievements as a singular

legacy of the pride. We encourage our

campus community and those all around

the city to wear Red on Fridays.

All family members

must register to

attend Family

Weekend!

Complete details, including

the schedule and registration

information are located

on our website at www.

uh.edu/parents/events.

10 www.universityparent.com/uhUniversity of Houston 11

UH GUIDE UH GUIDE

Our UCS center offers many

resources and services including:

� Help students choose the right

major through vocational testing,

personality assessments and

exercises to explore careers

for different degrees

� Guidance and support through

one-on-one career advising,

resume critiques, mock interviews

and job search strategies

� Assistance with finding job

search opportunities and on-

campus and off-campus jobs

� Provide various workshops,

career fairs, employer databases,

online job banks, career

resource library and on-campus

recruitment opportunities

Your student can gather career-related

info from a variety of sources. Some

individual academic colleges also

have their own Career service center.

So encourage your student to take

advantage of all resources and visit

UCS as well as their college Career

Service Center (if applicable).

Encourage Your Students to

Have a Career Action Plan:

FRESHMEN

� Explore majors and career

options through UCS

Academic Advisors can assist your

student in determining what classes

they should take, developing their

degree plan, and answering questions

pertaining to academic polices and

expectations. We encourage students

to meet with their academic advisors

regularly to ensure that they are on

the correct path for college success!

Your student’s advisor is based on their

major. Students who have declared

their majors are served by advisers in

the department of their major. Students

who have not declared a major will be

advised and assisted by UScholars

Academic Advising professionals to

make an informed decision about a

major field of study. All students must

declare a major by the beginning of

their sophomore year (30 credit hours).

In addition, the UScholars advisors

Resources for Academic Success

University Career Services

� Schedule an appointment

with a career counselor

� Participate in career

inventory assessments

� Establish relationships with

upperclassmen, faculty

members and administrators

� Get involved with the Center

for Student Involvement and

join a student organization

Many students don’t set foot in University Career Services (UCS) until they’re a senior,

frantic to get their resume critiqued so they can find a job. Yet, it’s wise to visit this

helpful office early on – even during the first year – because career counselors can

help students get on track and explore career options they may not have known

about otherwise.

provides advice and support for students

interested in pre-professional programs

(dentistry, medicine, nursing, physical

therapy, veterinary medicine, and law).

Learning Support Services (LSS) offers

workshops on a variety of subjects such

as improving learning skills, improving

test taking strategies, and writing a

research paper, provides learning

strategies counseling designed to

reduce math and test anxiety,

improve study habits, and teach

active learning methods and offers

peer tutoring for undergraduate

students in an a variety of topics.

The Writing Center, a free tutorial service

available to all students, offers one-

on-one consultations with peer tutors/

writing consultants who assist students

from all disciplines with their writing

assignments. Writing Consultants do not

simply proofread students’ papers for

grammatical errors. They help students

develop and structure ideas--organize

their thoughts--so that they learn how

to think about the process of writing.

The Math Tutoring Center provides

students with one-on-one tutoring

for help with homework and for

preparation for exams for their

undergraduate mathematics courses.

Where can I find my major advisor?

Names, office locations, and phone

numbers for each academic department

are listed at http://www.uh.edu/provost/

stu/advisorlist.html. Also see: http://

www.uh.edu/departments/

UScholars

Academic Advising

http://uscholars.uh.edu

or (832) 842-2100

Learning Support Services (LSS)

http://las.uh.edu/LSS

or (713) 743-5411

The Writing Center

www.uh.edu/writecen

or (713) 743-3016

Math Tutoring (Math Lab)

http://casa.uh.edu/casa

12 www.universityparent.com/uhUniversity of Houston 13

UH GUIDE

SOPHOMORES

� Identify four to seven career field

options of interest and research

different majors that interest you

would compliment these careers

� Shadow alumni or professors

in your career interest areas

� Begin to establish a resume

– attend a resume workshop

if you need help

� Take an active leadership role

in a student organization

� By the beginning of the sophomore

year (30 credit hours) your student

needs to declare a major- they

can talk to their academic advisor

about course selections

JUNIORS

� Create/update your resume

and have it reviewed by

a UCS counselor

� Practice interviewing skills

with a UCS counselor

� Attend campus career fairs

and practice networking

� Learn how to market yourself and

join a professional organization

associated with your related

major of career interest

� Begin to build a professional

wardrobe for interviews

SENIORS

� Update your resume to ensure

it effectively conveys your

skills to an employer

� Develop a prospective list

of employers and research

these companies

� Utilize the Campus Recruitment

and JOBank services

� Ask three people to serve as

references, remember to give

them a copy of your resume

so that they are familiar with

your skills and qualifications.

� Sign up for on campus interviewing

and begin job search

� Apply to graduate and

professional schools

www.universityparent.com/uh 15

UH GUIDE

14 University of Houston

UH GUIDE

1. Achieve Academic Success. Research indicates that students

who live on campus are more satisfied with their college experiences, earn

higher grades and are more likely to graduate than their commuting peers.

2. Saves Time and Money. You don’t have to waste time buying

gas, fighting traffic and hunting for a parking space before class.

3. Convenience.You are just a short walk from your classes,

campus activities, sporting events, and student services such

as advising, health services, and dining areas.

4. You Don’t Have to Cook! While kitchens are available, the dining halls

offer affordable meal plans and exciting menu options. Campus living also provides

easy access to national franchises such as Starbucks, Chili’s Too, Wendy’s, Chick

Fil-A, Taco Bell, Subway, Pizza Hut, Smoothie King, Java City and McAlisters.

5. It’s a Blast! Don’t just study, join student organizations,

attend athletic events, concerts, conferences and special lectures.

Experience everything the campus has to offer.

6. Enjoy Exercise and Recreation 7 Days a Week. Not only are you close to our award winning 264,000 square- foot Campus

Recreation & Wellness Center that is open 7 days a week, but most

residential facilities have 24-hour fitness areas on site.

Reasons to Live on CampusTop 10

7. No Hidden Costs! For most student residents one

housing payment includes rent, furniture, utilities, cable television,

high speed internet, and local telephone service.

8. Make New Friends. It’s much easier to get acquainted

with your peers when you are living down the hall from them and

participating in activities that take place right where you live.

9. Experience a Supportive Environment. With college

life comes transition. You’re not alone academically or socially when you

are on campus. Mentors, counselors, student leaders, peer advisors and

professional staff are available for support.

10. Explore Living/Learning Communities. Students who live on

campus have the opportunity to participate in small living/learning communities

that focus on areas such as business, the arts, wellness and sustainability.

UH Housing

www.housing.uh.edu | (713) 743-6000

View our housing brochure scan here.

16 www.universityparent.com/uhUniversity of Houston 17

UH GUIDE UH GUIDE

The reason we emphasize this is because

students who are involved in some type

of campus activity are shown to receive

better grades, are more likely to graduate,

are more satisfied with their collegiate

experience and are more marketable

when searching for a job or applying

for graduate school. This is because

involved students are developing and

practicing the skills they learned in

the classroom in their organizations!

Through involvement within campus

organizations students are able to:

� Meet new people (both

other students as well as

UH faculty and staff)

� Develop their leadership skills

� Make a difference on

and off campus

� Purse and try new interests

� Network and build their resume

� Develop their time management

and communication skills

� Increase their cultural awareness

� Find their “niche” at UH

� Have fun!

Student Life departments at the University

of Houston consist of six student-focused

centers. These areas provide everything

your student may need including food,

student organizations, child care,

Student Life at UH

leadership development, fraternity and

sorority life, leisure services, graphic

services, colleagues in faith, and much

more. Visit us at www.uh.edu/sl.

The Center for Student Involvement

and The Center for Fraternity and

Sorority Life provides leadership and

involvement opportunities for students.

There are more than 350 student

organizations at the University of

Houston. There are organizations based

on campus traditions, student interests

and hobbies, social fraternities and

sororities, honors organizations, and

major academic focused organizations.

There is something for everyone, and if

your student doesn’t find an organization

that fits their needs, they can start one.

Opportunities to play in sports clubs

(including fencing, tae kwon do and team

handball), on intramural teams (such

as table tennis, soccer and dodge ball)

and even simple “pick-up” games of

basketball can be found within Campus

Recreation. The UH Campus Recreation

and Wellness Center offers world-class

exercise equipment and facilities for an

assortment of recreational activities.

There, students, staff, faculty and alumni

can be found working out, rock-wall

climbing, enjoying aquatics activities

and more—all under one roof!

We encourage all students to become involved in some type of activity, occurring outside

the academic classroom, which contributes to students’ overall learning throughout their

college experience.

18 www.universityparent.com/uhUniversity of Houston 19

UH GUIDE UH GUIDE

UH HEALTH CENTER

The UH Health Center provides

comprehensive outpatient health care

program consisting of a walk-in clinic,

medical specialty clinics, dental clinic

and pharmacy that are all affordable

and easily accessible. Students can

visit the Health Center to see a general

physician during office hours without

an appointment on a first come, first

serve basis; specialty clinics require an

appointment. The cost is minimal for all

students and even less if your student

carries the university recognized health

insurance. Additional information about

campus health insurance can be found

at http://www.uh.edu/admin/hc.

DENTAL OFFICE ON CAMPUS

UH is the first and only University in Texas

to provide high-quality dental services

through the Health Center. Students

have no reason to skip dental visits

while in school or frantically squeeze

in visits during semester breaks. The

state of the art dental office is capable of

addressing all routine, basic, and major

dental needs including emergencies.

Student Health Resources

Dental insurance is accepted including

the student dental insurance. An in-

house discount payment plan is also

available that provides 2 routine visits and

significant discounts on any other work the

student may need during the year. Large

discounts are also available for Wisdom

Tooth Removal, Invisalign Orthodontics,

and Teeth Whitening. For more

information please call: (713) 227-6453

or visit http://uh.edu/admin/hc/dental/

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL

SERVICES (CAPS)

Another resource available to students is

a variety of counseling services including

confidential individual, couple and group

counseling through our Counseling and

Psychological Services (CAPS). Students

may seek counseling for a wide array

of emotional health issues including:

stress, depression, anxiety, academic

problems, homesickness, transition

issues and relationship concerns. All

currently enrolled students at the

university are eligible for CAPS

services, most of them are free.

THE UH WELLNESS CENTER

The UH Wellness Center is a campus

wide prevention and education program

aimed at promoting a healthier, safer

environment for the University of

Houston. It does so through providing

outreach, education, and support

to the university community. Its

goal is to inform students on how

to improve their own personal well-

being. Outreach programs include

issues of self-esteem, sexual decision

making and safer choices, alcohol

and other drugs, stress management,

communication skills, emotional

wellbeing, and values clarification.

For more

information about

these student

resources visit:http://www.uh.edu/admin/hc/

http://www.caps.uh.edu

www.las.uh.edu/wc

20 www.universityparent.com/uhUniversity of Houston 21

UH GUIDEUH GUIDE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

� When will my financial aid disburse

to my student financial account?

Financial aid funds begin

disbursing to students on

the first day of classes.

� How does my student apply

for a scholarship at the

University of Houston?

For most UH-funded scholarships,

your application for admission

serves as your scholarship

application as well. Others

require that you submit the

Campus Safety

Financial Services

The Office of Student Financial Services, also known as the Bursar’s Office, is

responsible for the billing of tuition and fees for admitted students. This involves

creating payment plans to help student get their accounts paid off as well as actually

sending the bills.

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid offers students a wide range of

scholarships, fellowships, and other types of financial aid. A Financial Aid Officer is

available to help your student with any concerns they might have about the financial

aid process. Officers are located in room 120 of the Welcome Center and are assigned

to students based on the student’s last name.

The University of Houston

takes the safety and security

of our campus community very

seriously. The University of

Houston Emergency

Operations Center is your

single resource for up-to-the-minute

information about campus emergency

incidents including school closures or

announcements about unfavorable

weather conditions. To ensure your

student receives emergency email

notifications and text messages, please

have them verify their information in the

myUH system (student instructions).

Parents and family members can also join

our mailing list to receive notifications.

The University’s Department of Public

Safety strives to maintain a safe

environment for all individuals on

campus. Some of their services they

offer the university community are:

Emergency call boxes have been

placed at various locations on the

University of Houston campus.

Call boxes connect directly to our

University Police Communications

Division and can be used to request

police assistance, escorts, assists with

vehicle problems, and information.

Our security escort service is designed

for community members who have

safety concerns and desire having

another present when traversing the

campus. Based on availability, either a

UHDPS Police Officer, Security Officer,

or Cougar Patrol member will escort

students, faculty and staff to locations

beginning and ending on campus.

As part of the Operation I.D. program,

UHDPS has engravers program that

students may borrow to engrave

their belongings. Engravingvaluables

with a driver’s license number or

other identifying information will aid

police agencies in identifying you

as the property’s owner while also

preventing a thief from choosing

to steal your belongings because

they are more identifiable.

If your student has a bicycle on campus,

UHDPS encourages students to

register their bikes for free at either the

UHDPS Police Department located

at 3869 Wheeler St or the Online

Bicycle Registration Form. A reflective

numbered registration sticker will be

provided to be affixed to the bicycle

frame to make identification by police

easier. Registration may provide the

only means of returning a stolen bicycle

once it is recovered by police.

FAFSA and provide additional

documentation. Check our

Scholarships page for details.

� I’m not eligible for a Stafford or

Perkins loan. What are my options?

Many banks and other private lenders

offer educational loans to help you pay

for your education. Interest rates may

not be as low as the federal programs

can offer, but some lenders are able

to offer attractive loan options.

22 www.universityparent.com/uhUniversity of Houston 23

UH GUIDE UH GUIDE

� What records does FERPA cover?

FERPA regulations give privacy

protection to all students’ “educational

records”. Education records are

broadly defined as “those records

that are directly related to a student

and are maintained by an educational

agency or institution or by a party

acting for the agency or institution.”

Examples of FERPA records include

grades, transcripts, discipline

records and class schedules.

� What information can

I have access to?

FERPA allows the University to

release information referred to as

“Directory Information” without a

student’s permission. This type of

information is generally considered

not to be harmful or an invasion

of privacy if released. Directory

Information includes, but is not

limited to, name, address, telephone

number, major, degree sought,

dates of attendance and honors.

� Will the University let me know

if my child gets in any trouble

related to drugs or alcohol?

The University may, without the

student’s permission, release

certain information to parents or

guardians of students under the age

of 21 found responsible for violating

any law, rule or university policy

pertaining to drugs or alcohol.

� Will I be notified if my son or

daughter is hurt or in danger?

If there is an emergency involving

one of our students, the university will

attempt to notify the students’ parents.

� Why can’t I access my

student’s records?

Though we recognize the important

role of parents, we feel that, as part

of the development process, it’s

important to treat our students as

adults. This involves communicating

directly with the students instead

of with the parents. The best way

to get the information you want

is to simply talk to your son or

daughter. We encourage parents

to communicate with their students

about their academic progress.

Open communication will help

ensure that you are included in the

important decisions and situations

your students will face in college.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (a.k.a. FERPA or the Buckley

Amendment) protects a student’s right to privacy concerning their academic records

and information. The University of Houston will not disclose any information without

the written consent from the student, with some exceptions as stated by FERPA. There

are some types of information such as grades, financial aid, or class schedules that

parents might like to receive but under FERPA, parents can not have access to these

records unless the student gives written permission to the University. This means that

even if you are paying the bills, you can not access your student’s educational records.

What is FERPA? � What is the difference between

subsidized and unsubsidized loans?

Subsidized Stafford Loans are based

on financial need, and the government

pays the interest to the lender while

you are in school at least half-time, as

well as during any deferment periods.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are not

based on need, and borrowers are

responsible for all interest accrued

on the loan. Interest payments can

be deferred until graduation.

� How will I receive my loan?

Your funds will be received

electronically and will be applied

to your student account. Any

remaining funds will be credited

to your Cougar One Card.

� How can my student apply for an

Emergency Tuition Loan, Short

Term Loan, or Installment Plan?

Log on to myUH (PeopleSoft). Click

UH Self-Service located at the top

left-hand of the page. Under Learner

Services, click on Student Financials

then click on Payment Plans.

NOTE: A “paid” status must be

accomplished to be eligible for a

UH Book Loan. Please note, the

Installment Pay Plan is unavailable

during Summer Sessions.

24 25For more info about Houston, visit: www.universityparent.com/uh

HOUSTON GUIDE HOUSTON GUIDE

Houston for FreeIt’s easy to enjoy budget-friendly

sights that make cents.

Spend your day exploring Houston’s

hotspots, while saving big with a well-

edited list of the city’s most-loved free

things to do. Fortunately, for locals and

visitors alike, several of Houston’s most

memorable attractions won’t break

the bank, in fact they won’t even cost

a dime. In Houston, it’s easy to enjoy

budget-friendly sights that make cents.

Miller Outdoor Theatre might be one of the

best reasons to visit (and live in!) Houston.

Open from March through November,

the venue hosts a range of performances

including classical music, ballet, dance,

film, Shakespeare and more. The

theater, set inside Hermann Park,

also allows patrons to BYOB (no

glass containers, please!), so pack

a picnic and settle in for the show.

Downtown’s new 12-acre Discovery

Green park has something going on all

the time. In the spring and fall, spend

happy hour listening to local musicians

perform in the amphitheater, pick up

fresh produce at the Green Market on

Sundays and, in the winter, enjoy ice

skating on Kinder Lake (for a small fee).

The Menil Collection - a local treasure,

global destination and one of the top

free attractions in Houston - opened

to the public in June 1987 to house

the art collection of philanthropists

John and Dominique de Menil. Widely

considered one of the greatest of

the twentieth century, the collection

consists of more than 16,000 works

dating from the Paleolithic era to the

present day. Although historically vast,

it uniquely resists the conventional

museum model of the encyclopedia.

Instead, within the four areas that

to Houston!Welcome

America’s fourth-largest city

is a cosmopolitan destination,

filled with world-class dining,

arts, hotels, shopping and

nightlife. Take a stroll through

the historic Heights, spend

the day exploring the Museum

District or head down to Space

Center Houston. Later on,

grab a bite in one of dozens

of award-winning restaurants,

or hang out with the cool

kids on Washington Avenue.

There’s always something to

do in this Southern hospitality

meets urban chic city. Come

explore YOUR Houston!

26 27For more info about Houston, visit: www.universityparent.com/uh

HOUSTON GUIDE HOUSTON GUIDE

largely define the collection -

Antiquity, Byzantine and Medieval,

Tribal, and Twentieth-Century Art

(with a concentration in Surrealism)

– one finds a selective – and even

wonderfully eccentric – approach

to collecting and displaying art.

Dubbed the Garage Mahal, the Art

Car Museum is unlike anything you’ve

ever imagined. It’s the only place you’ll

find the antennae and wing-cloaked

Roachster or the Honda motorcycle

that has been transformed into a

shiny red rolling stiletto art car.

The Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark

is the creme de la creme of the

grinding and boarding world. The

$2.2 million, state-of-the-art facility -

thought to contain the largest cradle

in the world - is located close to

downtown, near Eleanor Tinsley Park.

Tucked on the west side of Memorial

park is the Houston Arboretum and

Nature Center, a 155-acre nature

sanctuary that educates visitors on

how to protect native plants and

animals in the city. Walk the center’s

five miles of trails and visit the

sanctuary’s interactive exhibits free of

charge. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Designed by architect Philip

Johnson more than 20 years ago,

the Galleria-area Water Wall offers a

refreshing respite for visitors seeking

a mid-afternoon break. The 64-foot-

tall fountain - built to look like a

“horseshoe of running water” - sits

among 1,118 oak trees at the base

of the 64-story Williams Tower.

Set sail on a free, 90-minute boat tour

of the Port of Houston. While on board

the 90-passenger boat, you’ll learn

about the history of the seaport and be

able to watch ocean freighters and barges

navigate the 50-mile channel. The tour

is free, but reservations are required.

Houston’s Contemporary Arts Museum

focuses on showing new work from

national and international artists.

In addition to hosting exhibits, the

CAMH also offers lectures, special

programs and a stellar shop chock-

full of unique books and gifts.

Dedicated to remembering victims of the

Holocaust and honoring the survivors,

the Holocaust Museum Houston works

to educate future generations about

the dangers of hate and prejudice.

Check out the education center

and the permanent exhibit, Bearing

Witness: A Community Remembers,

which focuses on stories of Holocaust

survivors living in the Houston area.

See the work of local and national

artists who focus on using materials

like fiber, metal, glass, clay and wood at

the Houston Center for Contemporary

Craft. Located next door to Lawndale

Art Center, the HCCC has innovative

exhibits and unique gifts in the Asher

Gallery. Admission is always free.

Located in the Museum District, the

Lawndale Art Center is a staple of

Houston’s art scene. Four galleries are

contained in the art deco structure,

which serves as a backdrop for annually

changing exhibits and events like Dia

de los Muertos and The Big Show.

Set in Houston’s Third Ward, Project

Row Houses is a nonprofit art initiative

aimed at creating a positive place for local

artists to work. Some of the shotgun-

style houses are dedicated to art and

photography, while others are devoted

to the literary and performing arts.

Rothko Chapel is a serene place to

meditate in the middle of Houston’s

Museum District. Founded by John

and Dominque de Menil (of Menil

Collection fame), Rothko is a non-

denominational chapel and exhibit

space for modern art that draws

thousands of visitors each year.

Visit T’afia any Tuesday,

Wednesday or Thursday evening

for free appetizers with the

purchase of a cocktail. Dine on

tasty dishes like chickpea fries and

sliders while sipping blojitos and

ratafias, T’afia’s namesake cocktail.

Tour the city with the help of

a personal Houston Greeter.

The program, made up of local

volunteers, provides two-to-

four hour hosts that are able

to show newcomers or visitors

local attractions that might be of

interest to them. The service is

free, and METRORail provides free

passes for visitors and greeters.

www.houstongreeters.org.

Editorial Content is courtesy of the

Greater Houston Convention and

Visitors Bureau, which can be found

at http://www.visithoustontexas.com/.

Photos courtesy of Greater Houston

Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Miller Outdoor Theater photo (pg

24) courtesy of Greater Houston

Convention and Visitors Bureau

and photographer Leroy Gibbins

28

Campus Map

RESOURCES

29www.universityparent.com/uhUniversity of Houston

30 www.universityparent.com/uhUniversity of Houston

RESOURCES This Guide brought to you by these

Proud Supporters of UH

Places to Live

Bayou Oaks5019 Calhoun Rd.Houston, TX 77004(713) 747-3834www.bayouoaks-uh.com State-of-the-art amenities with a unique community feel to provide a premier student living experience students. Minutes away from campus.Please see ad on p. 28.

Cambridge Oaks Apartments4444 Cullen Blvd.Houston, TX 77004(713) 748-2606

www.cambridgeoaksUH.com This on-campus community provides students an independent life style focused on academic success.Please see ad on p. 2.

Catalina Village Apartments 3560 Dixie Dr.Houston, TX 77021(713) 747-7238www.catalinavillageapts.com Like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Incredibly casual yet utterly luxurious. It would

be hard to find a more suitable location than Catalina Village.Please see ad on facing page.

The Plaza Museum District 1615 Hermann Dr.Houston, TX 77004(713) 874-1311www.plazamuseumdistrictapts.comLocated in the heart of the museum district, The Plaza Museum District is just minutes away from the Houston Medical Center or downtown!Please see ad on p. 13.

Dellwww.Dell.com/DellU University of Houston students get the best price on consumer PCs from Dell. Plus, get 10% off Dell mobility products. If you find a better price on your day of purchase, contact a Dell University sales specialist and we will beat that price.Please see ad on p. 19.

UH Bookstores 126 University Center4800 Calhoun Rd.Houston, TX 77004(713) 748-0923www.uh.bncollege.com Welcome to your UH Bookstore. It all starts here! We are your official provider of all things UH. From required course materials and more.Please see ad on p. 17.

Where to Shop

Harris County Federal Credit Union 1400 Franklin St.Houston, TX 77002(713) 755-5160www.hcfcu.com Whatever your lifestyle and financial goals, our checking accounts have it all: convenience, flexibility, and a choice of features. An ATM or Visa® Check Card is available with each checking account.Please see ad on p. 12.

Houston Athletics3100 Cullen Blvd.Houston, TX 77204(713) 462-6647www.UHCougars.com Don’t let your student have all the fun! Join the Houston family and be a part of the game day experience!

Student Services

Football tickets available!Please see ad on p. 9.

METRO - SE Rail Line5330 Griggs Rd., Suite A104Houston, TX 77021 (713) 343-4350www.gometrorail.org The SE rail line connects the UH community to historic 3rd Ward, growing East End and EADO district, and Downtown - right from your campus!Please see ad on p. 28.

University of Houston Health Center 100 UH Health CenterHouston, TX 77204(713) 743-5136www.uh.edu/admin/hc Keeping your student healthy

is important toward student success as they pursue their studies and career at UH.Please see ad on p. 18.

University of Houston Dental OfficeHealth Center, Building 525, 4800 Calhoun Rd.Houston, TX 77004(713) 227-6453www.uh.edu/admin/hc/dental.htm Large discounts are available for routine, basic and major dental work including Wisdom Tooth Removal, Invisalign, and Teeth Whitening.Please see ad on p. 11.

Wells Fargowww.backstage.wellsfargo.com Your path to financial stability starts here.Please see ad on back cover.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Houston1700 Smith St.Houston, TX 77002(713) 739-8800www.cpdowntown.comWe offer special rates for UH events or just a special trip to visit your student! Visit our website for special University Packages! Please see ad on p. 22.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Houston Medical Center 8080 Main St.Houston, TX 77025(713) 665-4439www.8080main.com Stay you at our hotel with a

Places to Stay

complimentary hot breakfast and stay connected with complimentary wireless high speed internet. Call us today!Please see ad on p. 21.

Marriott at the Texas Medical Center6580 Fannin St.Houston, TX 77030(713) 796-0080www..com/HOUMCWe are only minutes away! Featuring Driscoll’s Restaurant, Paladora Lounge and Starbucks. Near Reliant Park, Houston MetroRail and the Houston Museum District.Please see ad on p. 20.

For advertising inquiries, please contact UPM Sales Consultant

Sharon Haddad at (866) 721-1357 or email: ask@universityparent.com

Important Contact InformationThis is a list of commonly requested phone numbers and websites. A more

extensive list for University Offices and University Colleges and Academic

Departments are available on the UH website.

Academic Advising

(832) 842·2100

Athletic Tickets

Athletics Office

(713) GO-COOGS [(713) 462-6647]

(1-877) COUGAR-5 [(877) 268-4275]

Bookstore

(713) 748-0923

Campus Recreation and Wellness Center

(713) 743-9500

Center for Student Involvement

(832) 842-6245

University Career Services

(713) 743-5100

Cougar One Card Office

(832) 842-2273

Counseling & Psychological

Services (CAPS)

(713) 743-5454

Dean of Student’s Office (Oversees

Parent and Family Programs)

(832) 842-6183

Center for Students with Disabilities

(713) 743-5400

(713) 749-1527 (TDD)

Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life

(832) 842-4955

Health Center

(713) 743-5151

(713) 743-3333

(UHPD, call afterhours and ask for the

Health Center physician on call)

Residential Life and Housing

(713) 743-6000

Information Technology

(713) 743-1411

Meal Plans

Dining Services

(832) 842-5989

Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

(832) 842-1010, option 5

Parking/Police

Department of Public Safety

(713) 743-3333 (police, non-emergency)

(713) 743- 5849 (parking enforcement)

Tuition, Fees, Student Accounts

Student Financial Services (Bursar’s Office)

(832) 842-21010, option 6

(Customer Services)

University Center

(832) 842-6154

Vice President for Student Affairs

(713) 743-5390