A&F S.P.I.R.I.T. Newsletter November 2019
11/22/2019, 04:15:01 PM
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

  November 2019

 

A&F S.P.I.R.I.T. of Thanks: In Appreciation  

Thank you, muchas gracias, cám ơn and धन्यवाद--no matter your language of origin, the meaning is the same and especially timely as we enter this special season of thanksgiving and gratitude -- for our colleagues and families and the amazing students we are so honored to support.

In appreciation for the exciting innovative and powerful examples featured within this issue,  the A&F SPIRIT shines brightly as a reflection of the season and the outstanding work from all of you as shown throughout the Division through our valuable departments, programs and services working together toward our common goals. 

It has truly been an incredible year of milestones and momentum -- as well as many "firsts" achieved across the Division.  

Leading into the spirit of the season, let me be the "first" as well to convey a sincere thank you in appreciation for all that you do each and every day through your ongoing commitment to A&F SPIRIT.

Wishing you all a very safe and joyous holiday--

 

Jim McShan
Senior Vice Chancellor and
Senior Vice President
 

 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

 

UH Dining Rolls Out Fleet of Robotic Delivery  

With more than 400 customers on Day 1, see how Shasta was first to check out the innovative new service of autonomous food delivery robots.  Now rolling at the University of Houston, the launch represents the first institution of higher education in the state of Texas to offer robotic deliveries on campus. 

Click here to read the press release and learn more about this revolutionary delivery method now available to all Coogs! Check out the FAQs to learn more and download the app to order.

 

 

 

 

 

Houston Public Media Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of “Sesame Street”

This year marks 50 years since the first episode of “Sesame Street” aired, and America’s first PBS station is celebrating by asking Houstonians to share their favorite childhood memories on social media using the hashtag #ThisIsMyStreet. The digital campaign also features an eight-part series called I Grew Up on Sesame Street that spotlights local residents and their personal relationships with the heartwarming show. Learn more about Houston Public Media’s celebration of Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary here.

 

 

 

 

PAUHS Debut's Mobius Houston: Jewel of the  Temporary Public Art Program 

Culminating in a larger-than-life debut in Wilhelmina’s Grove at the heart of the University of Houston Arts District, Mobius Houston represents the inaugural temporary public art installation commissioned by Public Art of the University of Houston System (Public Art UHS) and artist Marta Chilindrón.

Check out the timelapse video of the installation and view recent PAUHS art scene news coverage in PaperCity Magazine and GlassTire.

 

 

 

President Khator Joined by County, City Leaders to Break Ground on $19M Cullen Boulevard Construction Project

University of Houston President Renu Khator was joined by Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to break ground on the $19 million Cullen Boulevard construction project that will improve mobility and drainage in the area.

Click here to read more.

 

Election Day Coverage and Analysis

Houston Public Media is the region’s one-stop destination for comprehensive, multiplatform election coverage and post-election analysis. From every angle to every platform, Houston Public Media broke down crucial races and candidates’ positions on various issues leading up to Election Day on November 5 and now headed into several run-off races on December 14. Visit Houston Public Media’s election coverage page.

 

UHPD Badge-Pinning Ceremony Celebrated 

Family, friends and coworkers gathered to celebrate the dedication of our UH police and security officers. Click here to view the video from the special badge-pinning ceremony held in the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion and view ceremony photos from this momentous event.

 

Houston Public Media Cracks Open the Astrodome with Two Architects

Design duo James Richards and Ben Olschner spent six months building the structural framework of the scale model of the historic Astrodome. Houston Public Media takes us on a tour of the Astrodome model, telling its history and their concept for revitalizing it.

 

 

Zipcar New Option for Growing COAST Program

The world’s leading car-sharing network, has been officially added to the COAST family.  Zipcar vehicles are available for short-term rentals (by the hour). Those affiliated with UH are eligible for a discounted annual membership. To learn more, click here.

 

 

UH Faculty & Staff Celebrate Tailgate SPIRIT

With more than 600 UH faculty, staff, family members and special guests, Oktoberfest fun was celebrated by all at the annual pre-game event to cheer on the Coogs!   

Click here to view the festivities and read the full story.

 

UHPD to host IACLEA Leadership Training 

UH was selected as host site of tthe First-Line Supervisor Training to be held January 7-10, 2020, as part of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) Leadership Series. The Institute will be modeled on IACLEA’s well-regarded Executive Development Institute (EDI) and prepared for current and aspiring first-line supervisors working on college and university campuses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Off the Press:  On Site: 50 Years of Public Art of the University of Houston System

Illustrated with photography of the collection and accompanied by entries written by artists, scholars and curators, among others, this monograph provides readers a preview to artworks on view to the public every day throughout the University of Houston System.

View the YouTube Flip Book video as well as photos from the celebration book release event, a fun-filled evening featuring stories about the PAUHS history as told by Houston notables Floyd Newsum, Clint Willour and Nancy Hixon. 

Check out coverage in Houstonia Magazine and click here to purchase a copy.

Office of Administration Presents at 2019 NACAS C3X 

At the pinnacle industry event featuring more than 650 Auxiliary Services professionals from more than 300 higher institutions, the Office of Administration team members were selected to share best practices, exchange the knowledge and connections that are paramount to their work.

Click here to see photos from the conference.

Serving Up Tradition: A Call for Volunteers

Come join the fun by volunteering at this long-standing tradition providing students with a welcome break from preparing for finals. 

Click here to learn more and sign up to register as a Faculty and Staff volunteer celebrating the annual passion for pancakes!

Equal Opportunity Services Hosts Civility Training

This month, EOS hosted Civility Training for discussion surrounding how we all play a role in creating inclusive environments, as well as ways we can show our teammates that we value their voices. All participants received a certificate and many thanks for their commitment to supporting inclusive environments. Click here for more information and contact EOS to request training opportunities.

Easily Add Parking Meter Time By Phone

More than 300 customers to date have taken advantage of the new "extend-by-phone" feature added to all UH parking meters. The ability to quickly add meter time remotely by phone provides convenience and an auto-prompt reminder of the option prior to the time expiration.

To learn more, visit the Word on the Street blog for detail.

 

 

 

NACAS Affinity Group Luncheon Co- Chair Esmeralda Valdez Leads by Example

With this month's issue, we debut the SPIRIT Spotlight, a signature profile of Division staff who represent the A&F S.P.I.R.I.T. 

As Executive Director, University Services, Esmeralda Valdez, is the leader behind the scenes of essential services such as Cougar Cards, Copy, Print and Delivery, Sustainability and more, where her 27+ years experience prove perseverance, networking and outreach to others are a winning combination as an inspiration to all. Click here to read more about her instrumental career journey.

 

 

UH Hosts Regional National Association of Campus Card Users

The University of Houston Cougar Card office hosted regional members of the National Association of Campus Card Users (NACCU) as part of the NACCU near you best practices and higher educational peer learning opportunities.  Presentations including the Cougar Card enhancements and rollout of UH Auxiliaries robotic food delivery.

Click here to see photos from the day, which included a surprise visit from Shasta.

 

 

New Parking Enforcement Tool Coming Soon

The Barnacle, an innovative bright yellow traffic immobilization enforcement tool deployed on the vehicle windshield, will be used in certain situations in lieu of towing, providing a safer, convenient and cost-effective solution for drivers and staff alike.

Check out the barnacle benefits here.

A&F ACCOLADES

    

 

 

 

Dr. Emily A. Messa Appointed to NACAS Board

At the NACAS C3X Annual Conference recently held in Arizona, Dr. Emily A. Messa was elected and sworn in as new Board leadership was installed. Her role will encompass enhancement of the national organization membership experience across higher education institutions nationally.

Click here to read the press release and learn more.

The National Association of College Auxiliary Services Professionals plays a pivotal role in furthering industry-leading best practices and the professional development of auxiliary services professionals.

 

Mayor's Proud Partners Awards Honor UH 

Facilities/Construction Management, along with other UH partners were honored for key projects, including the Fertitta Center and Bench Stock Inventory Disposal Project along with two Honorable Mentions for the Science Building Renovations and Parking Garage 5 construction at the Keep Houston Beautiful Awards held Nov. 14. 

Click here to read more and see photos from the recent Awards ceremony recognizing these honors.

 

UH Receives 2019 Security Magazine Top Ranking for Third Consecutive Year

The University of Houston received top billing in the recently released 2019 Security 500 report, which includes annual rankings across 17 sectors. For the “Education-University” sector, the University of Houston ranked in the Top 30 for 2019.

As the only public university in Texas to be listed in the 2019 Ranking and only one of two from Texas overall for the year, the 2019 top ranking continues a three-year Top 40 placement in the annual report where UH received  #30 in 2018 and #37 in 2017.  

Click here to view the sector results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UH Named "Top Participating Education Team" at 2019 Houston HES Corporate 5K  

 

Nearly 70 employees  participated in the annual 4-day run/walk event in Memorial Park where Team UH was named the top participating education team for the third consecutive year.

The multi-day event promoted "UH Day" during one of the four-day series as a health and wellness activity with partners in the corporate community. 

Click here to see photos from the event and view the winners list.

 

 

 

UH Fire Marshal’s Office Sets Precedent with "Excellence" Accolades from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Association

As the first university fire marshal’s office to ever earn this annual award open to County, Municipal and University Fire Marshal Offices evaluated in eight categorical fire prevention activities, the UH Fire Marshal's office was awarded the 2019 Achievement of Excellence Bronze Level Award at the TXFMA Annual Conference recently held in Austin.

 

 

UHPD Receives Special Commendation Letter from HPD Chief Art Acevedo

In response to the UHPD support at the Democratic Debate, Chief Acevedo conveyed "the exceptional teamwork displayed by your officers proves that the Houston area is comprised of the most professional and devoted public servants in our country.  I would like to commend their extraordinary actions for an exceptional job well done." 

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