MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

  January 2019

Happy New Year!   ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!   नव वर्ष की शुभकामनाएँ

Chúc Mừng Năm Mớie

As we kick off the New Year, no matter your language of origin, the meaning of this traditional greeting is the same worldwide, and we, within the Division of Administration and Finance and throughout the UH community, are a diverse reflection of that dynamic, global landscape.

With diverse perspectives and insight, we collectively bring renewed focus as we welcome the New Year with the hope and promise of a future that is here and now — providing the opportunity to take us to new heights in support of the strategic goals in the S.P.I.R.I.T. of Service Excellence.

It’s especially fitting that the month of January is named after the Roman god of doors, Janus, because this month is the door to the year.

Within this month’s issue, you’ll note the vital connection to the look forward within our significant achievements, highlights and progress underway as we continue to move forward with our key strategic objectives across the Division in support of the University’s transformation.

Most importantly, this connectivity underpins the path forward as outlined in the recent Welcome Back Message from the Office of the President.

Let’s not only celebrate this work to date, but also continue the positive momentum as we move ahead with the promise and hope of new beginnings in 2019.

Thank you in appreciation for all that you do as a daily representation of the A&F S.P.I.R.I.T. — keep up the great work!

Best regards,

Jim McShan
Senior Vice Chancellor and
Senior Vice President
 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

More Food Options on Campus with Opening
of Mondo Subs, Student Center Satellite

With the grand opening  of Mondo Subs featured on CoogTV and the reopening of the Student Center Satellite, the campus dining landscape has expanded this semester as part of the overall UH Dining Vision Plan.

Newly Launched Young Leaders Council
Unites Diverse Group of Young Professionals

Learn more about the inaugural class and mission of Houston Public Media Young Leaders Council, a reflection of a milestone chapter in the station's history, one that thrives on deepened community relationships and engaging future generations. The council represents a cross section of the communities Houston Public Media serves, and works to spread its mission.

UH System Public Art Program Honored for 50th Anniversary in Glasstire: Texas Visual Art

As the year turns to 2019, the University of Houston System will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Public Art of the University of Houston System (PAUHS). The collection of public artworks by acclaimed local, regional, national and international artists represents a wide range of media and style. It includes nearly 700 pieces spanning across the UH System that are for the public to enjoy. Click here to read more.

UH BCycle and UH Zoned Parking Featured
in Houston Chronicle Media Coverage

BCycle stations installed at UH starting last August have already logged more than 5,000 uses by 575 riders. While small when compared with the school’s 45,000  students, the bikes are gaining in popularity, especially for cross-campus trips. Click here to read more.

Become a SKYWARN Storm Spotter Through Training Offered on Campus This Spring

The UH Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the National Weather Service, will host this valuable training for faculty, staff and students March 5. Storm Spotters are a group of trained volunteers who learn to view the skies during severe weather and relay reports back to the NWS.

Numerous Events and Activities Helping
UH Community Spring Back to Sustainability

From meetups to recycling and more, check out the numerous events, initiatives and ways you can participate in a Green Spring 2019 as UH continues the momentum on the Path to Platinum.

New Propane-Powered Campus Cougar Line

Shuttles featured on UH Moment

Check out the recent coverage on the new eco-friendly shuttles fueled by LNG that were launched in the fall and are now transporting students, faculty and staff all across campus.

CERT Course Teaches UH Community

Valuable Skills to Use in an Emergency

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) is an eight-week course held on campus that prepares UH faculty, staff and students to help themselves, their families and their neighbors in the event of a disaster. You will learn skills to help emergency responders save lives and protect property. Training is free. More information can be found online. Interested? Register here!

A&F ACCOLADES

UH Police Chief Selected to Lead
Panel Discussion at National Conference

Long-time law enforcement veteran Chief Ceaser Moore was invited to lead a distinguished panel discussion at the National Safety Summit, an annual conference for college and university safety, security and emergency management administrators to learn about new technologies and programs, meet colleagues from other campuses, and to share information and knowledge. The summit will be held Feb. 26-27 in Las Vegas.

Just Released: Public Art of the UH System
Director and Chief Curator Published!

Hot off the press, Dr. Maria Gaztambide’s "El Techo de la Ballena: Retro-Modernity in Venezuela" was released Jan. 15 through the University of Florida Press. Dr. Gaztambide is director and chief curator of the Public Art of the University of Houston System and previously served as the associate director of the International Center for the Arts of the Americas at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.