A&F S.P.I.R.I.T. Newsletter June 2019: Innovation and Service Excellence
06/28/2019, 01:05:01 PM
Cougar Milestones Email Header

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

  June 2019


Innovation and Service Excellence: Hallmarks of the A&F S.P.I.R.I.T.

Across our campus community, you have likely noticed much "housecleaning" underway. From resurfacing parking lots to exterior cleaning of buildings and the beautification of our landscape by our terrific grounds crews, there are many ways we are all contributing to get ready for the successful launch of the new academic year.

But what you might not also see is the behind-the-scenes work that our infrastructure of services provides as well.  A recent example showcased in this issue is the debut of the newly rebranded and reimagined UH Campus Store — providing affordability of open educational resources, content and courseware, a diverse selection of digital technologies, a price-matching policy and year-round buyback programs.

As we continue through the summer sessions, I would encourage you to use this time to not only reflect on our successes, but also look forward to the next steps of continuous improvements from which we all can learn and contribute.


Best regards,

Jim McShan
Senior Vice Chancellor and
Senior Vice President
 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Emily Messa Co-authors Article
in NACAS College Services Magazine

Associate Vice Chancellor/Associate Vice President for Administration Dr. Emily Messa previews the upcoming 2019 NACAS C3X Annual Conference & Expo, for which she serves as an appointed C3X NACAS Planning Committee member.

Young Coogs Have Fun Participating in
Activities for Take Your Child to Work Day

The Office of Sustainability was among numerous departments across campus who hosted activities for UH's third annual Take Your Child to Work Day. The June 7 event, which was spearheaded by Staff Council, included free lunch at Moody Dining Commons, courtesy of A&F Division leadership.

Bookstore Reopens Under Follett Higher
Education Group with New Name, Website

Rebranded and refreshed, the newly named UH Campus Store in the Student Center South has debuted under its new contracted service provider, as has all the bookstore locations within the University of Houston System, including the one at UH Sugar Land.

Valuable Tips, Resources Available to UH
Community to Prepare for Hurricane Season

With hurricane season now underway, the University of Houston Office of Emergency Management offers tips and important information to help the UH community be ready in case a major storm strikes the area this summer. It is offering hurricane preparedness training and has valuable storm preparedness resources online.

PAUHS Hosts Reception for Artist
Margo Sawyer at Area Art Gallery

Public Art of the University of Houston System & Nancy Littlejohn Fine Art held a reception and private viewing last month with artist Margo Sawyer, whose "Synchronicity of Color: Victoria" was installed last fall in the three-story high atrium of the University North building at the University of Houston-Victoria.

Training Helping Prepare Group of Students
to Become Inaugural A&F Ambassadors

A group of 10 students has been going through orientation to prepare for their roles as the first A&F Ambassadors. Their job will be to connect with the student body and provide accurate, informative and timely education and outreach about the Division's processes and services.

Upcoming A&F C.A.R.E.S. Symposium
Showcases Assessment Projects Success

The July 30 event in the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion provides an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the valuable assessment work undertaken by staff from the numerous departments within the A&F Division, including Parking and Transportation Service's assessment of the zone parking initiative.

Third Quarter Spending Totals Released
for University of Houston's HUB Program

College/Division HUB spending totals through the third quarter of FY19 have been posted. The UH Historically Underutilized Business Program is committed to expanding opportunities to promote the development of growing businesses, improve the local economy and give back to the community.

Annual Benefits and Wellness Fair Gives
Staff Chance to Ask Questions, Win Prizes

Employees will be able to visit with vendors and ask questions before making their open enrollment benefits selections. Those who attend the July 10 event are asked to bring a non-perishable item to be donated to the Peeps Pantry. Each item will count as one entry into a prize drawing.

56th Student Government Association
Administration Honored by A&F Division

The Student Government Association's 56th Administration sat down to dinner with representatives from A&F and the Office of Administration as a way to thank the SGA for their partnership and to listen to ideas, suggestions and concerns the current administration has regarding A&F's service areas.

Several University MAPP Policies
Updated with Approved Revisions

The University of Houston's Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures – or MAPP – is the authoritative source of policy/procedure information for administrative processes at the University. The need to update or revise a MAPP policy sometimes occurs. Here are the latest to be revised.

PBS and Houston Public Media Bringing
Viewers the Universe
 All Summer Long

Explore the universe and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. The journey begins July 1 with "Moonwalk," a multi-platform, multi-generational series of conversations between local voices in aerospace. The centerpiece will be American Experience’s documentary series, "Chasing the Moon."

Facilities Planning and Construction
Offering Internship to Current UH Student

The unique learning experience is being offered to a current UH student to help give real-life work experience in the field of construction management.  The internship provides the opportunity to get an inside look at the industry, while gaining  knowledge and experiences beyond the classroom. 

A&F ACCOLADES

Copy, Print and Delivery Services Receives
National Printing Honors for Projects

The department was recognized as a Best in Category winner in the Printing Industries of America's 2019 Premier Print Awards. It won for its President's Report and Envelope entry in the Business and Annual Reports category. Two other of its submissions earned an Award of Recognition and a Certificate of Merit.

After Four Decades of Service to UH,
UIT's Phil Booth Decides to Retire

After working at the University of Houston for 41 years, Phil Booth decided to call it a career and enter retirement. The long-time employee's last day at UH was last month. Before leaving, he was honored and thanked by his colleagues in University Information Technology at a reception.

Human Resources' Ashley Waggoner
and UIT Develop Student Training System

This online training platform is available on AccessUH for non-employee students who are required to complete compliance programs for their role at the University of Houston.  This will eliminate the need for departments to create ePOIs for their students to access the training. 

Ricardo Beltran Receives Prestigious
Global Information Security Certification

The functional analyst for UH's Facilities/Construction Management recently earned his GIAC GICSP – Global Information Assurance Certification and Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional Certification. He has worked for Facilities for four years.

Staff Appreciation and Recognition Event
Celebrates Work of Facilities Employees

Facilities/Construction Management held a staff appreciation and recognition event to highlight the excellent impact and phenomenal service of employee contributions. Facilities celebrated the end of another great spring semester and to announce the return of the Employee Excellence Award.

Jerry Bogna Honored with Distinguished
Service Award from State Association

The Texas Association of Physical Plant Administrators recently bestowed the recognition in the field of facilities management to UH's director of Corrective and Preventive Maintenance at the organization's annual conference.

Cougar Milestones Email Header

View web version