Dear Cougar Community,
My thoughts are with you and your families as you recover from the devastating disruption of the winter weather this past week. Once again, UH and the people of Houston have displayed amazing resilience. What a helpless feeling to lose power and water at the same time! It’s unbelievable how quickly much of our city can came to a standstill. And to face such hardships while already struggling with the challenges of the pandemic verges on the incredible.
As we resume our classes and operations tomorrow, we do so with the same three commitments that we have made in the past during difficult times: maximum flexibility, full support and heart-felt compassion for each other and for our students, all of whose lives continue to be impacted. We understand that many communities in our region and state are still reeling. Once again, I am personally asking all supervisors and faculty to be flexible and compassionate in accommodating the needs of those still recovering.
Dedicated staff worked tirelessly to meet the needs of students in residence halls and other essential service areas have been exemplary. Your welfare is important to us, as is our commitment to meeting our educational mission. On Friday, faculty and students received an update from the Provost regarding the rest of the semester. Faculty and staff will receive weather emergency information from Human Resources on Monday. But the most important information is to know that this University cares about you, and we will all work together to get back on track and move forward.
I thank you in advance for your dedication and commitment as we transition into the post-storm recovery and yet still manage the coronavirus pandemic. We are Texas Strong; we are Houston Strong, but above all, we are Cougar Strong!
Wishing you the best,
Renu Khator
