Transitions Magazine

A MAGAZINE FOR NEW STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

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t pac l m i o d oul ip scho c e nc sh side a flag e r us ing amp becom c t f es new s goal o s ’ s UH ity’ tion s a How nivers z i t U rgan interes o the t n ’s tude tudent s f o s reds t every d n u s ed as h o almo v i h UH ring t rrame a e t u a c o H overc o the y oreof how Uo turn int f e B story acles t ay The y obst is tod t man tution i i inst

lu c he t n i o J

Summer 09 | Volume 19

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U N I V E R S I T Y

of

H O U S T O N

WELCOME T O

T H E

P R I D E

FelloW CoUgARS, Thank you for choosing the University of Houston.

We are excited to have you as part of our international family. We are confident that our world-class programs and diverse campus environment will position you for academic excellence and give you a competitive edge when you leave us to embark on your successful career.

I hope you find this magazine a useful first step in exploring your new Cougar home. As the fourth-largest city in the nation, Houston will offer you an exciting urban backdrop for your education. Beginning with Transitions magazine, UH can connect you with enriching academic, cultural, professional and social communities both on and off our campus.

Your time at UH promises to be an experience you will never forget. So, dive into your classes and enjoy the vibrant campus around you!

Welcome to The University of Houston.

Welcome to The Pride.

Renu Khator, President University of Houston

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114 Ezekiel Cullen

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7

UH History

History in the

making

Adversity has transformed UH into a school with big plans for the future || by Ronnie Turner

W

hen Houston Junior College opened its doors for the first time on June 7, 1927, there was little evidence to suggest the tiny institute would grow into one of Texas’ major universities.

The school’s inaugural body had only 230 students and eight faculty members. Houston Junior College didn’t even have its own building, holding classes at a local church and night classes at San Jacinto High School (now the Houston Community CollegeCentral at 1300 Holman St.).

President Edison Ellsworth Oberholtzer had a plan to transform this patchwork operation into a four-year institute of higher learning that would serve Houstonians who couldn’t get into the prestigious Rice University or attend schools outside the city.

Oberholtzer stuck with his plan

and made it work. Thanks in large part to Oberholtzer’s vision, the aptly named University of Houston would eventually serve its initial purpose and so many others.

UH got its foundation when the Houston Independent School District Board of Education granted a charter for the Houston Junior College on May 7, 1927.

Oberholtzer, then the superintendent of HISD, was appointed as the college’s first president.

Oberholtzer pushed for the college to become a four-year

university and the HISD Board of Education unanimously approved a measure Sept. 11, 1933 that made this a reality. The new institute was named the University of Houston and was granted a charter in 1934.

Still, the new university had no land or buildings of its own, continuing to hold day classes at local churches and night classes at San Jacinto High School.

That all changed in 1936 when the heirs of the J.J. Settegast estate and real estate developer

Edison Ellsworth Oberholtzer, the institution’s first president, is to credit for naming UH. San Jacinto High School served as a location for night classes during the University’s beginning.

The Roy G. Cullen Building was one of the first buildings constructed and now houses the Department of English.

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Ben Taub gave UH roughly 108 acres of swamp land in southeast Houston. However, they handed over the deeds with the stipulation that construction must begin on the land by January 1, 1938, or UH would lose the property.

Oberholtzer and Vice President Walter W. Kemmerer immediately went in search of a wealthy philanthropist who could become UH’s first major benefactor. They found the perfect fit in oilman Hugh Roy Cullen. A San Antonio native, Cullen was the epitome of a philanthropist. By the time of his death in 1957, he had given away an estimated 90 percent of his wealth.

Cullen made an initial gift of $260,000 to UH, which was used for the creation of the school’s liberal arts building, named the Roy G. Cullen Memorial in honor of Hugh Roy Cullen’s late son. The elder Cullen also helped organize UH’s first major fundraising campaign and would remain one of

the school’s biggest benefactors.

The new campus opened in 1939 and remained under jurisdiction of the HISD Board of Education until it was privatized with a board of regents in 1945.

Oberholtzer retired from his post in 1949, but not before overseeing the creation of the architecture school (1945), pharmacy school (1946) and law school (1947).

UH continued to receive donations from the Cullen family, the Cullen Foundation, the M.D. Anderson Foundation and the Ford Foundation, but still needed more assistance for its growing campus.

On Nov. 30, 1959, the Board of Regents voted to seek funding from the state.

UH initiated a campaign to join the state’s system of higher education and receive the financial assistance that came with membership.

The campaign was a success as UH was admitted into the Texas State University System in 1961.

The new institute was named the University of Houston and was granted a charter in 1934.

The move was made effective in 1963. From there, the University took off.

Phillip Guthrie Hoffman, president from 1961-1977, was the mastermind behind much of this growth. His expansion plan resulted in 25 new buildings. He also helped establish the University of Houston System, which includes four universities, two teaching centers, a public broadcast educational television station (KUHT-TV) and a distance-learning program.

During this same period, the school’s athletics program made strides. The football team, under the direction of Bill Yeoman, had 17 winning seasons and made 11 bowl appearances from 1962 to 1986. Guy V. Lewis coached the

men’s basketball team from 1956 to 86 and led it to 14 NCAA Tournament berths, five Final Four appearances and two national runner-up finishes.

Dave Williams led the Cougars golf team to an unprecedented 16 NCAA championships during his tenure from 1952 to 1987.

Today, UH is Houston’s largest university and is still growing. It boasts an enrollment of more than 35,000 students and the campus sits on approximately 560 acres of land. U.S. News and Report named UH the nation’s secondmost ethnically diverse university in 2006.

With President Renu Khator on board, the school is continuing its campaign to become Texas’s next flagship university, joining the ranks of Rice, the University of Texas and Texas A&M. As Oberholtzer and others have demonstrated during the last 81 years, no task is too large for UH to handle. 

The annual Frontier Fiesta gives students a night out in an a town named “Fiesta City.” This tradition dates back to 1940 — when Houston was much smaller — and has awarded more than $70,000 in scholarships during the last 15 years.

A group of industrious students started the festival in an attempt to bring together students and the community. The event was discontinued in 1959, but returned with new additions in 1992.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HOUSTONIAN

The Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, which opened in 1950, is the primary administrative headquarters of the UH System.

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9

WHERE’S THE

BEEF?

PHOTO BY JUSTIN FLORES

Students at UH are offered a variety of convenient dining choices || by PHILLIPE CRAIG

I

ncoming students may be wondering, “where’s the beef?” and while they’re at it, where the best smoothie can be found.

The answer to all these questions is right here on campus. Most of these centers of sustenance are usually located near places where students are going to be spending the majority of their time.

Besides, it makes sense to eat on campus between

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classes, not only because of traffic, but also because of the gas students could save.

For starters, there’s the University Center, located behind the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library. Even if you’re not the studying type, you’re bound to spend time at the library. Plus, it’s a quiet place to take a nap after a great meal.

The UC has plenty of dining options. Students who want a restaurant setting can head to Chili’s Too, where alcohol is served. Some of the appetizers from Chili’s are

DINING ON CAMPUS

big enough to be a meal. The hamburgers require two hands and plenty of napkins.

Those with less time can grab a meal from Chick-fil-A or Wendy’s. Students can also get a good meal at Extreme Pita. Don’t forget to try one of the Besides, it makes killer rolls sense to eat on from AFC campus between Sushi. Afterclasses, not only ward, you because of traffic, can cool off but also because with some of the gas students ice cream could save. from Shasta’s Cones and More or satisfy your caffeine fix at Java City.

The UC Satellite, located between the Science and Research 2 and Communication buildings, is another hot spot for dining.

Here, you’ll find another Chick-fil-A and a Kim Son that serves Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.

The Satellite also has a Taco Bell with plenty of menu items for less than a dollar.

Montague’s Deli, which serves everything from stacked sandwiches to decadent parfaits, is another option.

If you’re looking for a healthy snack for the inevitable trek across campus, there’s a Smoothie King with an assortment of drink options. Students can’t go wrong with anything that has bananas or strawberries in it.

Last but not least is Starbucks, where you can get the jolt required for those dreaded 8 a.m. classes.

The Recreation and Wellness Center has several options within walking distance as well, including a Smoothie King inside the building and a Maui Wowi across the street.

This Maui Wowi serves both blended fruit beverages and coffee drinks.

Next door to Maui Wowi is Subway, which is a great place to grab a healthy and inexpensive sandwich for that post-workout meal.

On the same block is the Cougar Den, specializing in libations and spirits for those seeking something stronger than a shake or latte.

One of the most popular places for oncampus dining is near the Welcome Center.

McAlister’s Deli, which serves up some serious sandwiches and baked potatoes, almost

Chili’s Too allows students to take a break and unwind in a true restaurant setting.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN FLORES

PHOTO BY MARIAH DAVIS

PHOTO BY MARIAH DAVIS

Healthy menu choices, including chicken salads, are available at all on-campus dining locations.

The two convenience stores on campus provide healthy and sweet options. Alcohol is not sold at either location.

always draws a lunchtime crowd.

Next to McAlister’s is Tealicious, which is known for its tasty teas and tapioca drinks.

With all of these options, and many more around campus, incoming freshman should accept the freshmen fifteen as a part of life.

They can shed those pounds in the winter, then begin the cycle once again. 

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U N I V E R S I T Y of H O U S T O N THE DEAN of STUDENTS OFFICE When you don’t know where to go for assistance, come to the Dean of Students Office.

That’s the suggestion of the staff members who provide assistance to all students with university-related concerns through the Dean of Students.

Through the Ombudservice, Dean of Students staff members will provide assistance directly to students or make referrals to others on campus who can help.

Promoting a campus environment that provides an opportunity for all students to learn and grow is an important function of the Office. This includes enforcing University policies and working with the University Hearing Board and the Student Traffic Court.

The Dean of STuDenTS office STaff are available

To aSSiST STuDenTS who have queSTionS or concernS.

Fall & Spring Semester Office Hours 8 aM To 8 PM, Monday-Thursday, 8 aM To 5 PM Friday

For more information call

743-5470 or coMe by rM. 252 in The universiTy cenTer, hTTP://www.uh.eDu/DoS

D E A N of S T U D E N T S O F F I C E

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Define your

college experience!

On behalf of the 46th administration of the Student Government Association at the University of Houston, we would like to welcome you to this exceptional institution.

Since 1927, students have benefited from the excellent education provided by our distinguished faculty and gained professional insight from their active and spirited involvement on campus. As our campus continues to flourish, consider how you will leave your paw print on the cougar nation!

If you are interested in expanding your college horizons and enhancing your knowledge environment, the UH Student Government Association is the ideal organization for you. We are here to make sure that the interests of our students are always represented in the decision making process. The SGA works diligently to serve the concerns and demands of the students. Campus improvement and student satisfaction are two major priorities for the SGA. The SGA operates with three branches similar to those of the U.S. government: executive, legislative, and judicial. More specifically, through SGA you are afforded the opportunity to represent your college and improve your academic experience individually. Through involvement in the SGA or by serving on multiple university committees, you will be provided with countless ways to embrace student life and be proactive on campus. This is a wonderful opportunity for each of you to make a valuable contribution to your university and make a real difference in the lives of your fellow students.

Only one unanswered question about your college experience remains:

How will you make a difference?

Kenneth Fomunung President

Prince Wilson Vice President

Kyrie Ruiz

Speaker of the Senate

Andrea Zambrano

Director of Public Relations

Carlos Reyes

Director of Finance

Mariam Zakaria

Director of External Affairs

Don’t miss your opportunity to be active on campus. Visit our website (UH.edu/sga) to inquire how to enhance your professional sphere by applying for our internship program or serving on the following university panels: Visit us at our office at 51 University Center Rm. 57 or give us a call at 713-743-5220 • Activities Funding Board • A.D. Bruce Religion Center Policy Board • Athletic Advisory Board • Bookstore Advisory Committee • Campus Facilities Planning Committee • Center for Students with Disabilities Advisory Board • Child Care Center Advisory Board • Emergency Planning Committee

• Food Services Advisory Committee • Undergraduate Council • Graduate and Professional Studies Council • Health Center Advisory Board • International Students Advisory Council • Library Committee • Organizations Board • Recreation Advisory Committee • Safety and Security Advisory

Board • Sexual Harassment Board • Scholarships and Financial Aid Advisory Committee • Student Fee Advisory Committee • Student Publications Committee • Student Traffic Court • Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Board • Teaching Excellence Awards Committee

• Title IX Grievance Committee • Transportation and Parking Advisory Board • Undergraduate Admissions Review Committee • University Commission on Women • University Hearing Board • University of Houston Art Acquisition Committee • Web Advisory Committee TRANSITIONS

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U N I V E R S I T Y

of

H O U S T O N

UCS

Start thinking about your Career!

University Career Services is your source for: • Help Choosing Your Major • College Work-Study Jobs • Career Counseling • Vocational Assessments • Job Postings • Internship Programs • Résumé Critiques • Career Fairs and Workshops

UNIVERSITY

CAREER SERVICES

University Career Services • 106 Student Service Center 1 Houston, TX 77204-3040 • 713.743.5100 • 713.743.5111 (fax) ucs@uh.edu

www.career.uh.edu

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The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.

6097 | PMG | SF | RS

U n i ve r s i t y o f H o u s t o n

Department of Public Safety Police

713-743-3333

Fire Marshal

713-743-1635

Parking enForceMent 713-743-5849

www.uh.edu/police

Serving Our University Community

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NEW SITE! WEB

T E G

E N I E L N LI ON N I T

NO

FALL PARKING REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 15TH!

You have better things to do with your time. Avoid the long lines by registering ONLINE.

It’s easy and simple!

Here’s what you do: First, visit our new simpler registration website at www.uh.edu/parking and click on Student Permit Registration.

Log in using your MyUH (PeopleSoft) number and click on Purchase A Permit.

Chose the permit you want, pick the address you want it sent to and last pick how you want to pay for it and that’s it.

Your permit will be mailed to the address you selected starting the first week in August.

Or, if you prefer, we can now hold you permit at our office until you come and pick it up!

Still not convinced! Read the following reasons why registering online makes more sense.

NO WAITING IN LINE! Make the best of your higher education, don’t spend it waiting in line!

ADD TO FEE BILL By registering online, your permit fee is added to your tuition bill before the due date. If you come to the office, you will receive a second bill for your parking permit.

AVOID PARKING TICKETS Students who wait until the last minute to register for parking are more likely to receive a parking citation.

FREE COLOR MAP! Receive your copy of the latest campus map to help you familiarize yourself with the campus and plan your school day.

LIMITED GARAGE PERMITS We usually run out of permits by the first day of school. Order online to make sure you get yours!

Parking & Transportation Services

Room 112, Welcome Center Garage - parking@uh.edu - www.uh.edu/parking - (713) 743-1097 TRANSITIONS

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ingredients

liBrary

s

tanding more than 2 million book titles tall in the middle of UH is the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library, which is ready to serve all of your studious needs with a team of research librarians and powerful multimedia at your disposal.

UH’s library system, which was remodeled in 2004, is designed to tailor to each of the 36,000 students’ various academic needs.

The system is composed of 13 libraries. The most frequently used are the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library and the John O’Quinn Law Library. Students can also take advantage of the University’s electronic libraries, such as the Chemistry and Mexican American Studies libraries.

One of the most unique and powerful tools of the library system is its team of subjectspecialized librarians who are always available to aid students with various research projects.

When students need to conduct research, the specialized librarians can point students to any kind of data ranging from specific statistics to books and periodicals.

The M.D. Anderson Memorial Library’s collection maintains resources tailored to all curricula taught in classrooms, major research the University is conducting and past research.

In addition to print titles, the library offers e-books, research journals and databases, such as JSTOR and LexisNexis. These databases allow students to find information that helps them write critiques for an English course or a research paper for almost any course.

One of the most exciting additions to the

For or succEss succ ss The M.D. Anderson Library has plenty of quiet space for studying or conducting research.

PHOTO By JUSTIN FLORES

Stay on top of class projects by using technological resources from the library || By Zoa khan

library is the Learning Commons, which opened in Spring 2009.

The Learning Commons is designed to aid students in their digital multimedia needs.

Research tools are available, but the processing tools offered at the Commons allow students to complete presentations and projects that require expensive digital equipment.

Need powerful computers to process intensive research? The Learning Commons hosts 18 Dell Optiplex 755 PCs, set up with dual 24-inch widescreen monitors and DVD burners.

Those who prefer a Mac can use one of the five Apple iMacs, featuring the entire Adobe Creative Suite 3 master collection, QuickTime Player, iMovie, iDVD and Mathematica 6.

Students who need to enhance their stellar multimedia presentations can check out

Panasonic digital video cameras, Canon digital point-and-shoot cameras, CanoScan USB scanners and PlanOn DocuPen scanners.

As an incoming freshman or transfer student, it may be difficult to predict what your research and computing needs will be. The UH library system is an incredibly effective ally, providing almost everything you will need to maintain a high GPA. Sometimes students can’t make the trip to the library, but still need to conduct research.

By visiting http://info.lib.uh.edu/undergraduates.html students can still browse the catalogue and log on to electronic databases from home. All that’s needed is your last name and PeopleSoft ID. To find out about other resources the UH library system offers, visit http://info.lib.uh.edu 

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Need a job?

A place to live?

We’ve got you covered.

THE DAILY COUGAR Help wanted and housing ads listed daily in print and online at thedailycougar.com 20

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21

maJor

MajoR r

eceiving your college acceptance letter is exciting, but it comes with a lot of questions.

Questions such as what will I major in and what am I going to do with the rest of my life.

Some people know exactly what they want to do with the rest of their life when they graduate high school. Others have no idea.

Some think they do, but change their minds as soon as they begin to take courses or talk to their friends about their options.

Whether you have no idea what your major is going to be, or have some idea, but still need more information before you make the big decision, you are in luck.

With more than 300 degrees at UH, 112 of which are bachelor’s degrees, you have plenty of options to choose from.

If you take an interest in science, UH has degrees for you. How about music? UH also has you covered. Math,

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Choosing a major is a decision all students must face || By Patricia estrada

psychology, anthropology, interior design, industrial design or health may be an interest for you. With just about every degree you can imagine, and some you can’t, UH has a variety of selections to choose from.

To help you narrow your choices, you could select a degree in one of the University’s most popular colleges. With about 15 departments, 8,419 students and degrees ranging from English to economics, UH’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) is the biggest college at the University.

Want to be part of CLASS? Get a degree in Communication, one of the college’s most popular majors.

You could also go into the English department and get a degree in creative writing and then proceed into the Graduate Program in Creative Writing, which US News & World Report ranked No. 2 nationwide.

While CLASS is the biggest college in terms of student population, it is not the most popular.

C.T. Bauer College of Business is the most renowned college at the University with 5,645 students. Bauer ranks as the top business school in Houston, third among Texas schools and 63rd nationwide. With degrees in account-

PRESSURE ing, finance, supply chain management and marketing, Bauer gives its students a top education with real-world experience.

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is also a good option for students interested in environmental science, chemistry or geophysics. Students who join NSM will learn from more than 170 ranked faculty members, including three National Academy of Science members.

The Conrad H. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, ranked third in the nation in hospitality management in 2002, is also one of the most popular colleges.

The most popular degrees in 2008 included accounting, biology, finance, hotel and restaurant management, marketing, political science, psychology and public relations.

On the more advanced side, UH’s graduate schools offer a great variety of programs with 135 master degrees and 54 doctoral degrees.

The UH Law program ranks 55th in the nation out of

200 law schools. The UH Law Center offers students J.D., L.L.M. and concurrent degrees that allow students to obtain two degrees in less time than individual programs would require.

The Graduate School of Social Work offer students the opportunity to obtain a M.S.W. and doctorate with dual degree opportunities in business, law and public health. Additionally, the college offers certificates in gerontology and political social work.

Despite all the options available at UH, most freshmen (47.6 percent) and sophomores (31.6 percent) in 2008 were undeclared. And this is perfectly acceptable, and in most cases a smart choice. Students who are undeclared are part of University studies; you cannot get a degree in this program. This allows students to take all their core courses before they have to choose a major their junior year, or after taking 45 course hours.

But remember, whatever major you choose, perseverance and hard work will take you a long way. College degrees alone will not guarantee you a job, and while they will significantly improve your chances, experience and skills will land you a spot in the workforce. ďƒ­

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23

YOUR GPA

Making

the

Grade

A fun time at college will not be worthwhile to a falling GPA || by Sarah Krusleski

Y

our GPA can make or break your eligibility for scholarships, organizations and even your entrance into the workforce, but many students struggle to balance extracurricular activities and studies.

Accounting junior Eric Tran saw his first semester GPA of 3.85 decline after his freshman year because involvement in activities created a distraction from his courses.

“I definitely want to try to join more clubs, be more involved, maybe try to go for officer positions, but that’s going to take a backseat to my studying,” Tran said.

Another problem for many students is the low amount of time invested in studying. While some students may find an affinity for certain subjects, there are no substitutes for refreshing on the concepts learned in class through habitual studying every night or week.

“What worked for me back in my freshman year was I spent my nights mainly inside the library studying, studying, studying,” Tran said. “I guess picking a quiet place to study for hours and have that focus, that perseverance, is definitely what would help me out, and that’s definitely something that I would recommend for everybody.”

Communication junior Jose Parr said taking extra credit opportunities and re-taking quiz-

Avoiding C’s, D’s and F’s Falling behind in a course leads to poor performance. Follow these tips to stay informed and on task.

»» Go to class: If you go to class, you’re more likely to receive a better explanation of the material. Plus, you can ask questions and find out about extra credit opportunities.

»» Take notes: Powerpoint and handouts are great, but writing notes helps with the memorization process. This also forces you to actively listen to your professor.

»» Work with people who have good attitudes: Doing a class project with a lazy student puts you in a tight spot. To avoid a bad grade, work with ambitious students who will share the load. »» Study on a regular basis: Avoid those dreaded all-night cram sessions. Your brain needs time to rest, so don’t expect to make an A after a sleepless night of studying. »» Keep your priorities straight: College should be one of the most important things in your life. It’s okay to take an occasional break, but stay organized and create more than enough time to be prepared for exams and projects.

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TRANSITIONS

zes can improve grades, but better study habits and test grades made a stronger impact.

“I think my study habits are atrocious and tests are the biggest percentages in grades,” Parr said.

Parr copes with his poor habits by studying for tests earlier than the night before.

“At least if I get distracted I still have time to come back and continue studying,” Parr said.

“I don’t make straight A’s.”

Psychology senior Alicia Whitmire has several techniques for coping with the overwhelming amount of material covered by exams.

“I think the best study habit freshman year was diagramming some of my notes, and reading a little before class,” Whitmire said.

Whitmire created plenty of studying material by recording lectures and taking detailed notes. She also suggested taking a break during study sessions to avoid anxiety.

However, Whitmire’s study skills were not without flaws.

“I think the biggest habit I should break would be to study on my bed, or have a lot of distractions,” Whitmire said. “I do this because I can be a bit comfy when I study, perhaps too comfortable. I don’t think I will break this habit, but I may try to study in different areas of the room or away from my room.”

College is the time to prove your independence and ability to buckle down, despite adversity. While studying can be the least interesting part of college, a great GPA stands out in a crowd.

“You go to class, you learn it, you go home, you review. That’s going to be my daily ritual,” Tran said. 

online resources

WebCT Vista and PeopleSoft give students and professors more control on what they can do outside of the classroom.

WebCT allows professors to post quizzes, assignments and outof-class discussions. Students can access podcasts and discussion boards.

PeopleSoft gives students a place to pay tuition, apply for financial aid, request transcripts and view graduation status.

JUST ONE

u

cLI LIccK

H is ready for the future as its WebCT Vista software is progressively shifting to Blackboard Vista.

With more students coming in and more classes being offered, the University is marching toward a more efficient and intuitive online utility for students and professors. The transition allows students to manage courses in both systems. Blackboard Vista is expected to be fully functional by 2010.

WebCT Vista, which was adopted into UH’s system in Fall 2004, set a new standard for the fast-paced electronic style of learning.

“I find (WebCT) very useful when it comes to receiving information from teachers and other students in your course,” art education junior Germain Quintilla said.

The system serves as a virtual classroom that continues students’ learning off-campus. WebCT also allows professors to post take-home quizzes,

AWAY By mattheW manalo

notes, syllabi and out-of-class discussions.

“It is nice to have WebCT. It makes everything flexible,” finance sophomore Diaz Adrian said.

“Most of the students try to balance all their classes, work and extracurricular activities. The software was designed to manage most of them in one place. It was made to create a comfortable environment for students and professors.”

WebCT and Blackboard Vista aren’t the only software making students’ and professors’ lives easier. The campus portal and PeopleSoft student information systems were also integrated in 2004. Since then, PeopleSoft has been updated to better serve students and professors.

PeopleSoft is becoming the link between users and the University to manage various secured activities. These range from adding and dropping classes and paying tuition and fees, to viewing academic records and applicant status and searching for classes.

“I like being able to use PeopleSoft to pay for my classes online as opposed to driving all

Connect to a modern-day campus

the way to campus,” graphics communications sophomore Paris Jomadiao said. “I also like how I can use it to do a lot of school-related things from the comfort of my own home. As a commuter student, it saves a lot of time and gas.”

PeopleSoft keeps students informed about any holds on their accounts. Plus, Cougars can view a temporary copy of their transcript.

Professors can also access their class rosters through PeopleSoft.

Although the software isn’t always perfect, it gives users an extensive line of services. PeopleSoft was designed to help students handle many requirements, from enrollment to graduation, and so far it has been successful. “(The software) is well organized. It gives you all the tools you need,” psychology sophomore Maria Nadine Frias said. “Overall, UH is wellequipped with the best online services to help both professors and students handle the needed requirements for a high standard of learning.” 

TRANSITIONS

25

Transfer

Turning point Switching schools can be a pain and a breath of fresh air

E

very semester, transfer students receive a fresh start or continue a blossoming academic career at UH. More than half of each year’s entering class transferred from another college. Some transfer students may have attended a community college to save money and stay close to home before attending a university. Others changed schools for a new beginning in the Bayou City.

This fall, political science junior Aaron Stout will spend his first semester at UH after living at home and attending Lone Star College for two years.

“I wanted a more college atmosphere,” Stout said. “Living at home is nice, but I want to move on, change my surroundings and see how I adjust.”

Stout chose UH so he could study political science while staying close to his friends. Anthropology and history alumna Kris Hall changed schools after her ex-husband accepted a job in Houston. “(UH) was affordable, had a beautiful campus, and most of all, offered interesting history and archeology classes,” Hall said. “I finally found my academic niche.”

Stout and other transfer students can use the Transfer Center, in Room 100 of the Welcome Center, as a great resource. The Transfer Center offers advising to transfer students, with counselors assigned to different regions of the U.S. Students can inquire about scholarships and other opportunities geared toward those who are studying under non-traditional circumstances.

Students who have a military background, started a family, or have other unique situations will find The Transfer Center quite helpful.

Completed transfer applications are usually processed in a little more than one week. The process usually takes more time when applica-

26

TRANSITIONS

tion deadlines approach. Transfer students must be in good standing at their previous institution and have at least a C-average to study at UH. Transfer students are also required to fulfill the admissions requirements of their chosen colleges.

Like traditional incoming freshmen, transfer students must attend orientation and pay an application fee. Those with a high GPA can join the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, which recognizes transfer students’ academic achievements.

But the move to the University can be a headache for transfer students, who must navigate through UH’s intimidating financial aid process. Many have unique hurdles that they to leap, adding to the stress that all students experience.

“The financial aid process was horrid,” Hall said. “The stupid counselor wanted me to change my information on my application to my maiden name because I got married in the middle of the year. I had no intention of using a false name to apply to the school and it took me getting the head of financial aid involved to sort it out.”

Hall said after this experience, she went straight to the head of the Department of Financial Aid every time she had a problem.

Stout has experienced his own difficulties with transferring credits from Lone Star College to UH. He said entering UH as a junior has forced him to occasionally talk with the University to find out if his classes will transfer and count toward his degree.

“My advice would be to constantly check with the school to see when and if there are any changes, and be sure to talk to an adviser,” Stout said.

Students can also log on to UH.edu to see which courses can be transferred for credit.

Older transfer students have several options.

The Adult Admission Program allows students who are older than 25 and haven’t studied at a

|| BY Sarah Krusleski

regionally-accredited college in more than five years to apply without sending transcripts. The program is designed to help older students begin their academic career anew.

Another option is Academic Fresh Start. Fresh Start allows students to wipe away courses taken more than 10 years ago, allowing them to focus on their future without the hindrance of past mistakes.

Despite receiving help from the Transfer Center, Stout said he still had reservations about changing schools three years into his academic career.

“Dropping in the middle of a college during junior year is sort of like jumping straight into the deep end,” Stout said. “There’s no adjusting to the changes, (because) that’s what freshman and sophomore year were for.”

Hall said students with concerns about adjusting to campus life should get involved by talking to their professors after class, introducing themselves to other students and finding out where like-minded students hang out on campus.

“I never went right home after classes, but stayed to participate in clubs and honor societies,” Hall said. “Participating and being present in class, rather than passively accepting education like many do in high school, will get you far.

The debates that have started in class and then extended after class have spawned some of my longer friendships at the University.”

Despite the stresses of transferring, Stout said he feels confident about making friends at UH. “Who wouldn’t want to be friends with me?” Stout said with a laugh. “I have to start making applications to be sure the people are awesome enough.”

Transfer students and those interested in transferring can contact the Transfer Center at 713-743-1010. The admissions and transfer information in this article and answers to more questions can be found online at http://www.uh.edu/ admissions/undergraduate/apply-transfer/ 

Welcome center FINDING

helP

An abundance of services are available at the Welcome Center:

uH’s FRONT DOOR The Welcome Center is the first stop for many new Cougars || By mattheW keever

» Freshmen » » » » »

admissions/ consulting Scholarships/ financial aid Parking Transfer services Dining Kiosks with self-service computers

W

hen students first step foot on campus, the sensation can be a bit overwhelming. Cougars need not worry because the Welcome Center makes life easier, providing numerous services in one building.

Located at the corner of Calhoun Road and University Drive, the Welcome Center serves students with academic advising, consulting for incoming freshmen and transfer students, and a wide array of helpful information for students new to the big campus.

The Welcome Center is in place to assist students. New students are urged to visit the center in lieu of finding the best parking spots, figuring out how to register and determining how to pay for classes on their own. The center is easily accessible from all sides of campus and has a large parking garage, usually housing open spots.

The Welcome Center, Inside the center, transfer students can check on their applications, speak to an adviser which opened in 2006, combines a four-story parking about declaring a major, check on transcripts and enroll or drop classes. The center garage with a building full of also hands out free maps of the campus, which come in handy if you have classes in academic services. multiple buildings.

DAILy COUGAR FILE PHOTO The center also offers students the choice between using self-service comcom puters and speaking with a representative. The kiosks are quite useful, but students who still have questions can find a representative who will provide personal assistance and answer queries in further detail.

“When new or prospective students arrive on the campus, they are faced with a variety of decisions. It’s important to take some of the guesswork out of where they need to go for vital enrollment information,” Donald Foss, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost said in a press release. “It’s also essential that they know how to navigate the campus. The Welcome Center is the perfect place to begin a campus visit, as well as an ideal spot for students to start planning their academic futures.”

The Welcome Center is busy at the beginning of each semester. The time students spend waiting to see an adviser or talk with a representative will be longer than usual, but students shouldn’t feel discouraged. Instead, just step outside and enjoy a sandwich or beverage at McAlister’s Deli, Tealicious or any of the other vendors located at the center.

Other than during the start of the academic year, when the center tends to be busiest, Cougars can expect quick help from someone who is well informed.

Students’ best interests are the priority of the Welcome Center and its representatives. Detailed information about the hours of operation for each office in the building is available at http://www.uh.edu/welcomecenter 

TRANSITIONS

27

services

At

Your Service

UH has your back, providing all your on-campus needs || by Sarah Krusleski

C

ollege can be overwhelming, but students will find plenty of support from the University’s services and departments.

Every freshman aiming for a perfect GPA should get to know the University’s services of tutors, advisers and special programs.

Refer to the University’s Web site for contact information and office hours for your advisers, because their counsel will be invaluable for navigating the confusing and sometimes fluctuating degree requirements. Some questions about credits and financial aid will be directed to the counselors at the Welcome Center.

There’s no need to sweat about an upcoming test with the variety of services offered on campus. Students who can’t tell the difference between a preposition and a pronoun can visit the Writing Center located in Agnes Arnold Hall. The Writing Center always has three to five consultants on hand to help students fine-tune writing skills and papers. Learning Support Services, located across the plaza from Agnes Arnold Hall in the Social Work Building, Room 321, has tutors on hand for many different subjects, from college algebra to second-year Arabic. Be sure to check the school Web site for each tutor’s hours.

If you want to test out of credit hours or take important exams, such as the GRE or GMAT, go to University Testing Services on the second floor of the Student Service building.

Students with other individual circumstances can also expect assistance from the University. Students coming from challenging circumstances can help themselves rise by looking into the Urban Experience Program, which will help them find internships, scholarships and other resources crucial to success.

The International Student & Scholar Services Office in the Student Service Center gives advice to students from abroad.

Students coming from a military background can speak to Veterans Services in the University Center.

The Justin Dart Jr. Center for Students with DisABILITIES pro-

28

TRANSITIONS

vides textbooks, software, electronic equipment, interpreters and other assistance for impaired students.

No student should forget about their health while dealing with academics, and the University offers many convenient services on campus. The Health Center, located near the Quadrangle residence halls, has general practitioners, and specialists on call for students.

Anyone needing a new pair of glasses or an eye exam can visit the University Eye Institute on Calhoun Road. Students with hearing or speech difficulties can visit the Speech, Language & Hearing Clinic.

Students feeling depressed, overwhelmed or battling other demons can visit the Counseling and Psychological Services in the Student Services Building.

If you just want to exercise to burn off calories and stress, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center provides a gym membership, which is included in your student fees, to all students as well as weekly aerobics and yoga classes.

The University provides services to help students deal with other day-to-day matters. Student Legal Services, located in the UC, provides counsel to students who have legal disputes with parties unaffiliated with the school. The Women’s Resource Center in the UC Satellite provides a haven for all students, with weekly movie showings and book clubs.

Mothers can look into enrolling school-age children at the University’s charter school, a private school program located on campus next to Melcher Gymnasium that teaches kindergarten through fifth grade students. New mothers may also enjoy privacy inside the Women’s Resource Center lactation rooms.

Students interested in starting or joining an organization for any purpose can visit Campus Activities at the UC Underground.

Those who want to join religious organizations can head to the A.D. Bruce Religion Center to take part in prayer or quietly meditate on their own in the chapel.

Information on these services and others at the University can be found at http://www.uh.edu/students/services.php 

PHOTO BY YVETTE DAVILA

Counselors are always available when the Welcome Center is open. They can provide advice and instruction on on-campus academic services.

The University has self-service computers inside the Welcome Center, allowing students to avoid a long wait to speak with a representative.

PHOTO BY YVETTE DAVILA

Your career in

journalism graphic design photography business advertising (and more)

starts here.

Get real-world experience in a variety of fields you’ll never get in a classroom.

We accept students from all majors and classifications.

For detailed job descriptions and to print out an application, visit www.uh.edu/sp/jobs or come by Room 151 Communication Building.

THE DAILY COUGAR 30

TRANSITIONS

ÂŽ

Amenities

Theatre room Coffee bar Private courtyard Retail space Wi-fi throughout Study lounges Roof terraces Sky lounge Exercise room

Exclusive Services Part-time concierge Part-time valet Barnes & Noble bookstore Mini-market Dry cleaners Salsa classes Wine & cheese tasting

Schedule a Tour Today!

832-842-LOFT (5638) www.uh.edu/CalhounLofts

Located on Campus TRANSITIONS

31

Your potential. Reach it.

In a rapidly changing global marketplace, students need every advantage.

At the University of Houston Bauer College, momentum is driving unprecedented success.

Experience what it’s like to be in the right place at the right time. www.bauer.uh.edu

■ BusinessWeek ranked Bauer one of the top 40 public undergraduate business colleges. ■ The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine ranked the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship as the No. 1 undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the U.S. ■ Bauer’s Program for Excellence in Selling has the deepest curriculum, largest enrollment and highest corporate support of any university program in selling and sales management. ■ Bauer’s Global Energy Management program for undergraduates in Finance was recently cited as one of the nation’s top “niche” programs by BusinessWeek. Bauer also offers a comprehensive carbon trading course that is the first of its kind in the U.S. ■ Bauer placed first in the U.S. and third in the world in a 2008 stock analysis competition sponsored by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, beating Rutgers University, Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and other top-tier schools. ■ Academic Analytics ranked Bauer’s finance department No. 8 for faculty productivity and its marketing department No. 9, putting Bauer alongside Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania, Kellogg at Northwestern and Smeal at Pennsylvania State University. ■ Bauer offers highly recognized accounting programs.

The Professional Program in Accountancy (PPA) allows students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees, have an internship and be ready for the CPA exam in five years. The Internal Auditing Program is one of 19 in the world recognized by the Internal Auditing Education Partnership Program.

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. DO 09-0071 32

TRANSITIONS

r e t n e c e welcom Visitor Center

Admissions

• Campus Tours • Campus Information • Admissions Events

• Freshman Admission Counseling • Transfer Admission Counseling • International Admission Counseling

Student Financial Services

Registration & Academic Records

• • • • •

• • • • •

SFS Cashier’s Office Cash and/or Check Payments Tuition and Fees Information Refunds and Tax Information Fee Waivers

Pick Up Transcripts Transfer Credit Evaluation Enrollment Verification Residency Reclassification Veterans Certification

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Parking & Transportation

• Grant and Loan Advising • SFA Form Submissions (in person) • Scholarship Advising • Work Study Advising • Disbursement Information

• Purchase Parking Permits • Paying Parking Citations • Acquire Metro Q Cards

FOR MORE INFOR ATION, GO TO: WWW.UH.EDUM /WELCOMEC ENTER

Located at Entrance 1

(on the corner of Calhoun Rd and University Dr)

TRANSITIONS

33

Our Mission: “Cultivate student learning and development by providing quality programs and services for a diverse campus community�

The University of Houston has over 400 student organizations.

Find out more about how you can get involved!

Finding a home at UH...

Making lifelong friends...

Higher grades...

Faster graduation rates...

Higher graduation rates...

More job offers...

Better quality interviews... and many more values to offer...

Visit the Department of Campus Activities in the University Center Underground (51 UC) or online at www.experienceuh.com 34

TRANSITIONS

W E N E H T T MEE R CARD :

A G U CO CAMPUS

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nd od, a for fo rs and d e s Towe are u ounts the Moody (RFoC). c c A s in lan cilitie used eal P at all  M ONLY be ll dining fa used g the e a n b a H n c r n a cludi nts c holtze ccou cilities, in Ober A h s fa Ca gar ugar K campus r Cou o o C s n .  la AR res eal p ARAM ience Sto est m .uh.edu u n q e e r v y y Con ts ma ttp://m tuden nline at h s L L  A h plans o Cas

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AWESOME! HOW DO I GET ONE?

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VISIT WWW.UH.EDU/COUGARCARD CALL 713-743-CARD TRANSITIONS

35

The University Center and Associated Facilities...

l l A t r I e h t e e r WheComes Tog VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE

H OUSTON UNIVERSITY OF

BOOKSTORE

DANCE ON Cougar 1Card

Visit us online at...

www.uh.edu/ucaf

36

TRANSITIONS

Department of Residential Life and Housing

Freshman Year Residential Experience Program

Join a select group of incoming freshmen for an experience like no other!!

BENEFITS

• Move in 1-week before all on-campus residents • Live on floor with students who have the same or similiar major as yourself • Participate in the Backstage PASS Freshman Summer Transition Program • Enjoy tons of academic, cultural, and social programming • Work directly with the University Staff to ensure your academic success • Have live-on mentors that will assist you with academic, career, and personal goals • Develop enhanced academic, social, and leadership skills • Establish lifelong friendships • Have an AMAZING Freshman Year!!

For more information about the FYRE Program: fyre@uh.edu 713-743-6881 www.housing.uh.edu/fyre TRANSITIONS

37

Campus ReCReationerience it!

Exp

natatorium, Outdoor Leisure Pool, Whirlpools & sauna

53-foot climbing Wall

Basketball, volleyball, & Badminton courts

combat Room, child care, Locker Room & showers

Racquetball courts, Multi-Purpose Rooms

& Much More...

fitness Zone & indoor track

pRoGRams GRams AquAtics/sAfety

fitness

swim Lessons, scuBA & trips, Master swim, century club, & first Aid/cPR

Group exercise, Personal training, fitness Assessments, & Martial Arts

OutdOOR AdventuRe Outings, Gear shop, educational Workshops, L.i.f.t & Resource Guide

fAcuLty & stAff Annual Golf tournament, cougar distance challenge & family nights

sPORts cLuBs

collegiate non-varsity competition & Leadership

intRAMuRAL sPORt

League, individual competition & tournaments

yOuth

Martial Arts, swim Lessons, summer camp & family nights

The Department of Campus Recreation reports to the Division of Student Affairs through the Division of Student Development.

713-743-PLAy 38

TRANSITIONS

www.uh.edu/recreation

TRANSITIONS

39

Commuter Meal Plans Select 300 $300 Cougar Cash Select 500 $500 Cougar Cash Select 800 $800 Cougar Cash Select Plan 20 Plus (approx. $6.50 per meal) 20 all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester+$35 Cougar Cash $165 per semester Select Plan 40 Plus (approx. $6.25 per meal) 40 all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester+$100 Cougar Cash $350 per semester Select Plan 80 Plus (approx. $5.25 per meal) *BEST VALUE* 80 all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester+$150 Cougar Cash $570 per semester

Residential Meal Plans

Cougar Cash (available to upperclassmen) $1250 per semester RFoC 21 (approx. $3.87 per meal) *BEST VALUE* 21 all-you-care-to-eat meals per week+$120 Cougar Cash $1490 per semester RFoC 15 (approx. $4.33 per meal) 15 all-you-care-to-eat meals per week+$165 Cougar Cash $1260 per semester RFoC 9 (approx. $5.47 per meal) 9 all-you-care-to-eat meals per week+$320 Cougar Cash $1150 per semester RFoC 140 (approx. $6.75 per meal) 140 all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester+$525 Cougar Cash $1470 per semester

Convenience.

Options. Value.

If only all choices were this easy

Sign up. Chow down.

Get a meal plan today.

713.743.FOOD 40

TRANSITIONS

www.uh.edu/dining

No matter where you are,

There’s always something good to eat.

University Center Satellite Oberholtzer Residence Hall

Moody Towers

Philip Guthrie Hoffman(PGH)

Bauer College of Business KIMSON

R E S T A U R A N T

Campus Recrea�on & Wellness Center

University Center

Bates Law

R

Express

®

Dining Services: 713.743.FOOD Visit us at www.uh.edu/dining TRANSITIONS

41

start out on top.

Start raiSing the bar.

Start commanding attention.

Start higher.

start one step ahead.

Start moving up.

start leading from day one.

start strong. sm

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. If you want to be a leader in life, joining Army ROTC at University of Houston is the strongest way to start. It provides hands-on leadership development. Plus you can earn a full-tuition, merit-based scholarship up to $150,000. After graduation, you’ll begin your career as an Officer. With a start like that, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

To get started, contact CPT Richard Selvera or visit www.class.uh.edu/rotc/army.

ASK ABOUT FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS! WE OFFER MONTHLY STIPENDS FOR SPENDING AND BOOKS! ENROLL IN MILITARY SCIENCE TODAY WITH NO MILITARY OBLIGATION! CONTACT CPT RICHARD SELVERA TODAY AT 713-743-3883 OR RFSELVER@CENTRAL.UH.EDU ©2008. paid for by the united states army. all rights reserved.

42

TRANSITIONS

TRANSITIONS

43

EARN OVER $100,000 BEFORE GRA DUATION!

NAVY NUCL EAR PROPU BECOME A LSION OFFIC ER! BENEFITS:

• $15,000 SIGN-ON BONUS +$2,000 UPON COMPLETION OF TRAINING

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• AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE • EARN UP TO $3,000 A MONTH • US CITIZEN • FULL MEDICAL AND DENTAL • PHYSICALLY QUALIFIED • NO UNIFORMS. NO DRILLS. • GPA OF AT LEAST 3.0 • ALL MAJORS ELIGIBLE W/ 1 YEAR OF CALCULUS AND PHYSICS

FOR MORE INFORMAT •

CALL: 1 - 8 0 0 • OR E-MAIL - 8 5 3 - 6 6 0 0 , : N AV Y O F F I

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UP FOR THE NUPOC PROGRAM * SIGN UP TO 30 MONTHS BEFORE GRADUATION 44

TRANSITIONS

ION: Y .M I L

Where Tradition

Begins

TRANSITIONS

45

VETE

RAN S’ SE RVIC ES O FFIC E

T

he U Cente niversity of r depen tha t supp Houston V orts s etera dants tu n and s ) ocial in a wide dent vete s’ Ser vice r activi s Offi a a all un r ns an r a yo tie ce iv amen ersities in s through f specializ d their fam is an Edu out th ed re ca tion ities f the st ilies ( s e or Ve teran ate of Tex year. Th ources, se spouses a al e s to u as wi n Servi th its UH VSO i r vices, pro d sam 1700 gram ces a se. o s sq. ft n . facil del facility Aid d Resou i t f y or and m Ass veterans’ in rces for an y V ist in prepa transition eteran Com from s ration p u t mil e r Ass fo ist un lab and stu r admissio itary to stu its in de n and throu inform dy area regist nt life gh ing ve ration Hinso GI Bill an Pro n- Hazelw d other pr terans’ abou ogram t Pro vide annual ood s incl compensa uding vide w tion progr ammi Ass the ork-s n t i g u s , d t w y i orksh Come emplo Soc n schola ops a y b nd se Colleg y and bec ial Activiti rship rese ment minar es ome a arch iate S s oc pa role is critica iety, and b rt of the s tuden pursu ecom l in fu t it e lfi colleg of Tier One lling the m part of a c organizatio o n, th e exp i mm s s t s atus. i erienc Work, on of both unity of “v e Veterans e !

G U ’ et s More O COO H tudy, info c and p and the V s help vets GS! all: (7 lay to C ” gethe S organiz Your 13) 74 at r in an 3-549 unforg ion in 0/548 ettabl 6/549 e

3

LOCATIONS 3919 Scott Street @ Wheeler Phone: 713-748-2233

*Two blocks away from campus

20 PIECE

Scott Street @ O.S.T (Inside HEB) and other participating locations

FAMILY MEAL 20 pcs. chicken mixed, 2 lg sides of your choice, 6 pcs. bread, 4 peppers

EVERYDAY SPECIALS

10 PIECE SPECIAL

3 Legs, 4 Thighs, 3 Wings (chicken only)

KING SPECIAL

3 Wings, 1 Leg, 1 Thigh, Small Drink, Dirty Rice or Frenchy Fries 46

TRANSITIONS

W W W.

ChICkEN.COm

Hoş geldiniz

o d i n e v n e i 臨 B 歡迎光 e u n e v n ie B n e m m o lk il W

Benvenuto

स्वागत

Hoan nghênh

Welcome to the University of Houston,

the most ethnically diverse major research university in the United States

This message brought to you by the

COUNCIL OF ETHNIC ORGANIZATIONS 4800 CALHOUN RD., HOUSTON, TX 77204 | (713) 743-2255 | WWW.UHCEO.NET

TRANSITIONS

47

Relax.

UH Librarians are online to help you with your research. Ask or e-mail your subject librarian at http://info.lib.uh.edu/librarians.html 48

TRANSITIONS

tts n e d s n e u t S Students Welcome e m o c l W W elco We

Got A Maintenance Issue? We Are Ready To FIX IT: Θ Elevator Malfunctions Θ Plumbing Problems Θ Heating, Lighting & A/C Issues Θ Parking Lot Lights, Security Cameras & Emergency Phones Θ Landscaping & Exterior Lighting Concerns Θ Building Problems or Suggestions

Call Customer Service Center Ext. 34948 (FIX-IT)

www.uh.edu/plantops

.D. I r a oug ar C r u ul yo g e w r o Sh any or $5! t e g to gf n o l ’ foot ethIn

om ut S S ’ t tha lla abo to ho teS law Center73

a 8 ly at b • 13-743-5 n o D 7 goo PteD e C offer baCon C a S ICken .

Plan meal

k Ch melt, CheeSe Stea y a w b y u PhIll DeS: S exCluy Club, anD r e f f thIS o Ch, Subwa ran

TRANSITIONS

49

LAUNCH

PAD

UH’s $110 million loft development isn’t a small pipe dream, it’s a giant leap toward a flagship campus || By matt miller

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION By JORGE ROBLES

calhoun lofts

W

hile UH works toward flagship status, it is putting the finishing touches on one of the biggest construction projects in its history.

Calhoun Lofts, UH’s newest residential facility, sits adjacent to the C.T. Bauer College of Business and the Law Center. Juniors, seniors, and graduate and professional students, are eligible to live in the luxurious facility. Residents will move into their units beginning in August, when the type of students who move can help UH reach national research status.

“Calhoun Lofts should bring in a new kind of student; the kind with more cash,” sociology senior Trent Baker said. “I think it’s a great

thing for the University because statistics show that students who come from an upper middle-class background tend to do better in school than poorer students. This isn’t the case all the time, but the stats back it up.

“Better students and more money leads to a better chance at becoming a national research university. The lofts are supposed to be a place for mature students; the students who want to go to a flagship school.”

Two public universities in Texas — the

TRANSITIONS

51

calhoun lofts

‘ttHE Futur FuturEE oF cAM AMpus pus LIFE’

COURTESy OF CALHOUN LOFTS

Each unit includes a refrigerator, stove, microwave, sink and granite countertops in the kitchen.

University of Texas and Texas A&M University — are classified as flagship schools. Unless students are accepted to one of these two schools or Rice — Texas’ only private flagship school — they have to leave Texas to attend a national research university.

The complex is one of UH’s stepping-stones to becoming Texas’ next flagship school, but it should also help change the campus’ environment. “(Calhoun Lofts) should build the future of campus life,” Teeba Rose, Calhoun Lofts marketing manager said. “You rarely have to leave campus because there are so many accommodations for the students that will live here.” the sPecs Efficiencies (381 square feet), one-bedroom (492 square feet) and two-bedroom (668 square feet) lofts are available for 12-month agreements. Furnished efficiencies will cost $830 per month, while the furnished one-bedroom will be $1,120 per month. Furnished two-bedroom lofts will cost $821 per person each month, but require two residents.

All lofts will include a refrigerator, stove, microwave, energy efficient double-pane windows and granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. Two-bedroom units will

52

TRANSITIONS

also come with a dishwasher in the kitchen and a dual sink in the bathroom.

All furnished units will include a chest of drawers and a desk with a chair. Efficiencies will come with a daybed.

Furnished one and two-bedroom units will have a love seat, a dining table with chairs and a full-size bed in each bedroom.

Although the prices may appear steep, students will receive much more than a place to stay if they decide to live in the lofts. Utilities will be included in the rent, and will cover water, gas and trash service. Calhoun Lofts will pay the first $25 of each resident’s monthly electric bill.

AT&T’s U-verse 100 package will be included in the rent, but won’t be optional. The service includes a DVR, cable television, wireless and wired Ethernet and local landline telephone service. Wireless Internet will be available throughout the building, allowing residents to surf the Web in the lobby and on the balconies.

Climate control will be another feature of Calhoun Loft’s utility services. Concrete ceilings will keep units insulated, while the web-interfaced thermostat in each unit will give residents the power to set the temperature of their units.

“Other lofts in the city cost about the same or more than

Calhoun Lofts, but you only have your unit,” Rose said. “In those places, you have to pay for utilities and you have to drive all over the place (to run errands). (At Calhoun Lofts), your rent includes utilities. Plus, just about everything you need is here.”

THE FEATURES Almost all of the amenities college students can think of will be available at Calhoun Lofts. Bookworms will find a 24-hour study lounge on each floor. The more laid-back student will be able to shoot the breeze with friends while enjoying a gorgeous view of Houston from one of two roof terraces.

“You can see Reliant Stadium, the Med Center, downtown and Minute Maid Park all from (the roof),” Rose said.

Students will be able to satisfy their caffeine fix at Calhoun Loft’s coffee bar. Procrastinators who have only a few hours to write the dreaded research paper will be able to work in the 24-hour computer lab.

Errands and chores are a huge part of students’ lives, but Calhoun Lofts has it covered. Twenty-four-hour laundry rooms, which include washing machines, dryers, a television, tables and chairs, will allow students to keep their clothes clean. While waiting for their whites to dry, residents will be able to work out in the exercise room on the first floor, or use the cardio equipment on every other floor.

Residents who need to fill an empty fridge or pantry won’t have to drive. A public courtyard, mailboxes and 10,500 feet of retail space are being built outside of the lobby. A mini-mart that will carry a large variety of grocery items will be included in the retail space.

Students who are looking for reading material can stop by the bookstore that will be inside of the retail area. A dry cleaning service will also be available, making errands easier to run.

“It’s like living in the city without having to leave campus,” Rose said. “A lot of the things you might go out and do in the city can be done here. People who live here will save time, gas and money.”

The spacious lobby could become the best part of the building. Friends will be able to relax on couches while watching their favorite show on the big-screen television.

Residents who are running low on cash will be able to stop at the ATM. Additional features of the complex will include a private courtyard, meeting spaces and a special-events kitchen that will offer a cooking class for around $20. Part-time valet and concierge services will be another highlight of living in Calhoun Lofts.

Bored students with nowhere to go will be able hang out in the multi-purpose room, which will offer a yoga program, social mixers and a conversational language night.

Those who want to have a fun night in the city can drive to downtown in less than 15 minutes.

THE SERVICES Numerous students who live in an off-campus apartment complex have had plenty of problems with the maintenance personnel. Residents of Calhoun Lofts won’t experience these difficulties.

“The people who stay here will turn in a job ticket to maintenance and after their stuff is fixed, we’ll have a follow-up process with residents to make sure (the maintenance employees) did a good job,” Rose said.

Safety is one of Calhoun Lofts’ priorities. The complex will be equipped with back-up generators, which should allow students to dodge electrical blackouts. Graduate assistants will monitor security, while surveillance cameras watch every floor to keep residents safe and honest. In addition, numerous smoke detectors and fire extinguishers will be placed in convenient spots throughout the building.

Pets won’t be allowed at Calhoun Lofts, but engineering senior Matt Williams believes this will help prevent distractions and noise.

“It’s good that they’re not letting people (bring pets),” Williams said. “Most students wouldn’t be able to study if there’s a dog barking. Most of us are too busy to worry about taking care of pets, but some students still may have tried to bring their cat or something. It wouldn’t work out.”

Students who are interested in applying for a loft can visit http://www.housing.uh.edu/calhounlofts/index.html Residents who refer a friend will receive $50 and be put into a drawing for a 42-inch LCD television. For more information, call 713-743-6000 or visit the Calhoun Lofts office at 4700 Calhoun St. UH hopes the lofts will help lift students and the school to greater heights, giving some of Texas’ brightest students a good reason to earn their degree in Houston. “(Calhoun Lofts) is like those places you visit and wish you could stay,” Rose said. “The value of this place is hard to match.” 

Furnished one and two-bedroom lofts come with a love seat, a dining table with chairs and a full-size bed in each bedroom.

COURTESY OF CALHOUN LOFTS

TRANSITIONS

53

The largest residence hall, the Moody Towers, stand 18 stories each and house more than 1,100 students.

housing

lIVINGTHE

UNIVERSITY

R

esiding on campus allows students to fully experience college life.

It is easier to get to class, make new friends and stay involved.

Sure, the rooms may be smaller than what you have at home, and sharing a bathroom with strangers always takes some getting used to, but the benefits far outweigh these slight inconveniences.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN FLORES

Cambridge Oaks offers students the freedom of living in their own place at an affordable price.

DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO

The Quadrangle contains five residence halls that house Terry Scholars and honors students.

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TRANSITIONS

For students wishing to live on campus and make the most of their college experience, UH has several housing options available.

By far the tallest and most recognizable buildings at UH, the Moody Towers, is also the largest residence hall on campus. The rooms contain stationary furniture and floors are single-gender with community bathrooms.

Rooms are double-occupancy and single suites are available to upperclassmen and graduate students. Connected at the base by a lobby, the Towers also contains one of the two residential cafeterias. All residents are required to purchase meal plans.

The Quadrangle is another on-campus housing option. Built in 1950, the Quad comprises of five, four-story buildings in a courtyard setting. The floors are co-ed with single-gender suites. The majority of rooms are double-occupancy, with each suite sharing a bathroom. The second campus cafeteria is in Oberholtzer Hall, located at the center of the courtyard, and meal plans are required for all students who live in the Quad.

Cougar Place is a cheaper on-campus living option. Located close to the Quad, rooms at Cougar Place consist of single-bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Some of the rooms come

WAY PHOTO BY JUSTIN FLORES

by Sarah tucker

with a kitchenette. Summer housing is also available at Cougar Place.

For those looking for more apartment-style living on-campus, Bayou Oaks, Cambridge Oaks and Cullen Oaks are the best options.

Independently run, Cambridge Oaks offers a variety of floor plans and has the only residential pool on campus. Both Cullen Oaks and Bayou Oaks come with fully furnished rooms and different floor plans to choose from. Bayou Oaks has townhouses for selected sororities and fraternities.

All of these complexes come with 12-month leasing options, laundry facilities, full kitchens, cable television and connection to the University’s Ethernet network.

The newest addition to UH’s residential areas is Calhoun Lofts. Opening in Fall 2009, the Lofts will offer furnished or unfurnished one and twobedroom floor plans for graduate, professional students and upperclassmen. The Lofts will also offer exclusive amenities, such as a coffee bar, dry cleaner and theater room for residents.

All of UH’s residential areas are smoke-free and require a resident’s Cougar Card to gain entry. More information about on-campus living, including rates and availability, can be found at http://www.housing.uh.edu 

organiZations

cAn’t BEA BEAtt ’EM?

JOIN ’EM JOIN ’EM

Meet people or blow off steam by joining an on-campus organization || By Zoa khan

s

tudents who are looking for fulfilling and fun activities to do between studying and going to class have come to the right place.

UH offers more than 400 student organizations to select from. Students can join an academic professional development organization, such as the Academy of Student Pharmacists.

According to UH’s Web site, the ASP “provides an opportunity for pharmacy school students to work for the community in a capacity that will benefit both the community and the pharmacy profession.”

Other organizations include The Women of the Word, which is a good organization to join for women who believe in “empowering women to provide an environment for spiritual growth and fellowship.”

One of the most rewarding organizations is The Daily Cougar, the official campus newspaper. The Cougar prints Monday through Friday during the spring and fall semesters and Tues-

days and Thursdays during the summer semester. The Cougar is entirely run by students and is constantly looking for the next star reporter.

Students who aren’t interested in writing can join the Cougar’s production or advertising staff.

Those who seek to represent students should consider the Student Government Association.

SGA is one of the few student groups officially recognized by the Texas Legislature.

According to its Web site, SGA is “committed to understanding the needs of students and ensuring their future at the University of Houston is bright.”

Those interested in sports or games will find many clubs to join, including: cycling, ice hockey, kendo, soccer, swimming, handball, water polo, bowling, kayak, chess, tango, ping pong, racquetball, Taekwondo, motorsports and boxing.

UH is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation and it is certainly reflected in the student clubs, proving people from around the world are proud to be Cougars. UH has clubs for students of all backgrounds and origins, from China to Bangladesh.

Those who want to shape the world at UH can join clubs like Amnesty International, Human Rights Alliance or Black Student Union.

These clubs seek to improve the world for all people, but specialize in the issues that influence the group most.

People interested in going Greek will find plenty of Deltas, Sigmas and Omegas. UH has fraternities and sororities of all kinds, from the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity to Sigma Phi Omega, which is a sorority for Asian-Americans.

Students who are looking for a religious sanctuary can join one of UH’s spiritual organizations. The Baptist Student Ministry, Bhakti Yoga Society, Catholic Student Organization and Hindu Students Council are just a few of the organizations that promote faith and goodwill.

The variety of interests on campus expands with each incoming student. People who can’t find a club that’s right for them can always consider starting their own organization or club. UH is a gateway to culture, religion, sports and many other aspects of life.  DAILy COUGAR FILE PHOTOS

TRANSITIONS

55

LET THE

GAMES BEGIN Although 2008-09 was not a great year for athletics, UH is primed for a turnaround in 2009-10 || by Phillipe Craig

C

ougar fans have plenty to look forward to this year. The football team tasted postseason success for the first time since before most of us were born, and the basketball squad nearly crashed the dance for the first time in 17 years.

Everywhere you look, UH teams are either winning titles or on the rise. Athletics is poised to take fans for one heck of a ride.

Ever wonder what your student ID is good for? It gives students free admission to home games. Whether it’s spending an afternoon at Robertson Stadium watching Shasta do push-ups after every score, or a weeknight hoops game at Hofheinz Pavilion,

56

TRANSITIONS

students have plenty of ways to get away from textbooks and homework.

Football UH football has experienced a renaissance in recent years. The Cougars have returned to the high scoring, pass-happy glory days of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

Although fans might not see the flat tops and mullets of those teams, led by Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware, they will recognize the high-scoring offense the Cougars put on the field.

The offense starts with head coach Kevin Sumlin, the man who paces the sidelines each week. In his first year at the helm, Sumlin executed a seamless transition to a system that spreads the field and utilizes

PHOTO BY GREGORY BOHUSLAV

Athletics Shortstop Blake Kelso fields a grounder. The Cougar baseball team finished 27-31 last season.

Forward Qa’rraan Calhoun finishes with authority against East Carolina. Calhoun averaged 10.2 points per game.

DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO

The UH men’s track and field team swept the indoor and outdoor conference championships, marking the Cougars’ first outdoor title since 2005.

PHOTO BY DAVID SHIH

DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO

speed in open spaces from an Art Briles’ system known for scoring in bunches.

Sumlin has made this team his. He already has fans saying, “Art who?” Under Sumlin’s leadership, UH earned its first bowl victory in 28 years.

On the field, junior quarterback Case Keenum has became the leader of the No. 2 offense in Football Bowl Subdivision in both passing yards and total offense per game in 2008. Shasta might need a bigger jersey if Keenum and company have another 5,000yard, 41 point-per-game season.

Sophomore wide receiver Tyron Carrier has emerged as a two-sport standout, spending his springtimes tearing up the track for the Cougar track and field team and leaving defenders in the dust on the football field

in the fall. He was named to 2008 All-C-USA Second Team and 2008 C-USA All-Freshman Team and became the first freshman in school history with more than 1,000 receiving yards (1,026) in a season.

Sophomore running back and 2008 CUSA Freshman of the Year Bryce Beall also hopes to see continued development after amassing 1,247 rushing yards last season.

After a warm-up game against Northwestern State in the home opener, UH takes on national power Texas Tech three weeks later in front of a national TV audience. If you’ve never sat in the student section, this will be the game to experience it.

UH football players celebrate after earning the program’s first bowl victory since 1980.

DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO

Sophomore wide receiver Tyron Carrier has emerged as a twosport standout, spending his springs tearing up the track for the Cougar track and field team and leaving defenders in the dust on the football field in the fall.

Now or Never The men’s basketball squad is hoping

TRANSITIONS

57

Athletics for a different kind of postseason invitation this year, a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Head coach Tom Penders has guided the Cougars to postseason play four out of the last five years, with last season’s squad losing to eventualchampion Oregon State in the College Basketball » PENDERS Invitational.

Couple this with losses to perennial powerhouse Memphis in the last two C-USA tournaments, and this year could be a make or break season for Penders.

The conference could come down to addition and subtraction. The Cougars return four starters from last season while former Memphis head coach John Calipar and his prized recruits have headed to Kentucky. Don’t be surprised if the Cougars go dancing next March, and not at a downtown nightclub.

The best of the rest The baseball and softball teams are looking for bounce-back efforts after a disappointing 2009. One year removed from a pair of deep postseason runs, both squads have a core of returning young players with another year of experience under their belt.

If history has shown anything, you can’t keep either program down for long.

If this trend continues, the diamonds may be the place to be in spring.

The men’s track and field team was UH’s best squad in 2009. After sweeping the Conference USA indoor and outdoor championships and sending Carrier, Chris Carter and Ivan Diggs to the NCAA Championships, UH track is in good hands under head coach Leroy Burrell.

Students will have plenty of opportunity this year to join the “redvolution.” Don’t forget the answer to the question on everyone’s mind: Whose house? Coogs’ house!

Don’t forget, the games are free with a student ID. 

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TRANSITIONS

1.

Spirit 101

3.

1984 HOUSTONIAN

COTTON BOWL » In the 1977 Cotton Bowl, the Cougars defeated the University of Maryland Terrapins, 30-21, under Hall of Fame coach Bill Yeoman.

COUGAR PAW » While Shasta was traveling to the University of Texas for a football game, a digit on her paw was severed by a cage door. Longhorns mocked the wound by bending their thumb over the ring finger against their palm. In 1976, Cougars held up the sign as UH went on to defeat the Longhorns 30-0.

2.

Fred Couples » Getting his start with the Cougar golf team, Couples went on to win the 1992 Masters and 14 other PGA tournaments.

Phi Slama Jama » From 1982-84, the UH men’s basketball team was nicknamed “Phi Slama Jama.” The “fraternity” included Hakeem Olajuwon (pictured above), Clyde Drexler, Rob Williams and Greg “Cadillac” Anderson.

7.

HOUSTONIAN 1977

4.

Alma Mater » All hail to thee, / Our Houston University. / Our hearts fill with gladness / When we think of thee. / We’ll always adore thee / Dear old varsity. / And to thy memory cherished / True we’ll ever be.

5.

FIGHT SONG » Cougars fight for dear old U of H / For our Alma Mater cheer. / Fight for Houston University / For victory is near. / When the going gets so rough and tough / We never worry ‘cause we got the stuff. / So fight, fight, fight for red and white / And we will go to victory.

Olympics » UH athletes have won 35 Olympic medals, including 16 gold. UH head track and field coach Leroy Burrell is a former record-holder in the men’s 100-meter dash.

8.

9.

The official COLORS » Scarlet and Albino White.

Scarlet represents “courage and perseverance,” while Albino White embodies “the purity and perfections of a heart, mind and soul that is dedicated to serve faithfully.”

Heisman » In 1989, Andre Ware became the first black quarterback to win the Heisman. Ware remains the only athlete in UH history to win the award.

Stay Fit

The fun way to Stay fit & trim

Outdoor Adventure Rock Wall is 52 feet tall and has 6,000 square feet of climbing area.

UH’s various activities, exercises to choose from allow students to stay active on campus || by Sarah Krusleski

U

H offers students many opportunities to work up a sweat and avoid the freshman fifteen with several student organizations and a fee-paid membership to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

At the Recreation Center, students can lift weights, work out on various machines, scale rock walls, run around an indoor track, shoot hoops and swim.

The center’s indoor natatorium has 50-meter lanes, as well as diving boards, for those seeking a full-length swim. During warmer months, students may opt to lounge on the outdoor pool’s deck, relax in the center’s sauna or play a game of volleyball.

Keeping in shape can be easier with the support of your friends.

Several student-led organizations have popped up during the last few years for cycling, martial arts, Ultimate Frisbee and other popular sports. The Rec Center hosts several intramural tournaments for mem-

bers each semester, with options such as basketball, dodgeball, soccer and more.

Many students may enjoy the Rec Center’s weekly group yoga, aerobics and fitness workouts. Students who work for the University part-time can participate in the annual golf tournament and Cougar Distance Challenge, which challenges faculty and staff to do more walking in exchange for fun prizes.

Outdoor Adventure gives fans of the outdoors an opportunity to take kayaking, hiking, camping, surfing, climbing and cycling trips with other students. The intensity of the trips varies. Some trips take students climbing on Enchanted Rock, while others may entail a relaxed bicycle ride through a farmer’s market.

Students can also shed calories by riding around campus on their bicycle. Walking to and from your car is a good start, but getting involved in one of the many options UH provides for the active student will help people stay in good shape.

Information on these topics and more can be found at http://www. uh.edu 

DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO

DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO

PHOTO BY JUSTIN FLORES

The Rec Center includes basketball courts, where students can unwind by playing a game of H-O-R-S-E.

Shed those pounds Don’t let UH’s numerous dining locations get to your belly. The Rec Center has several activities that help students stay in tip-top shape.

»» Intramural sports: About 30 activities are planned each academic year for students. Students can participate in only one or all events. »» Outdoor Adventure: Climb the rock wall, bike or go for a hike. »» Personal training: One-on-one instruction that uses health education and challenging workouts tailored to each student’s needs.

The 264,000 square foot Campus Recreation and Wellness Center opened in Spring 2003.

DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO

The natatorium is 30,473 square feet and holds 1.3 million gallons of water.

TRANSITIONS

59

aRT

Art on

campus

From paintings to plays, UH has plenty to ponder on

by Sarah tucker

S

tudents at the University of Houston are lucky. They receive an education and have the opportunity to attend world-class concerts, plays and art exhibits on campus for free or at reduced prices.

The Moores School of Music accommodates choral concerts, small ensembles, orchestra concerts, operas and guest recitals yearly. Recent choral performances have included Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem and Karl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The annual December concert is popular and features popular Christmas songs, performed by UH choral groups.

The Moores School of Music is also home to various ensembles, such as A student favorite, the choral ensemble Floreat and the “Sandy in Defined contemporary music ensemble Aura.

Space,” features Each year, the school also hosts the a sculpture of a International Piano Festival in February female in a box and the Immanuel and Helen Olshan and is located at Texas Music Festival in the summer. the East Entrance Tickets to all of these events are of the Science available to faculty, staff and students at and Research 1 affordable prices. Guest lectures and reBuilding. citals that are part of the A.I. Lack Series Master Classes are free. More information regarding events can be found online at http://www.music.uh.edu For art-lovers, Blaffer Gallery is a wonderful place to visit. Located in the Fine Arts Building, Blaffer Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Past exhibitions have included photographs by Andy Warhol, Houston-area artists and established artists of many mediums. Future exhibitions include contemporary artists Josephine Meckseper and Jon Pylypchuk.

Blaffer Gallery also displays graduate students’ works at the School of Art Masters Thesis exhibit each semester. Guided tours are available by student docents, as well as Brown Bag Gallery tours and art salons to discuss the works. All events are free and open to the public.

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TRANSITIONS

More information about upcoming events and exhibitions can be found at http://www.class. uh.edu/blaffer For those who prefer the theater, School of Theatre and Dance brings a wide-range of impressive theatrical and dance shows to students at an inexpensive price. Most performances occur at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts.

Past performances include Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Louis Sachar’s Holes, as part of the Theater for Young Audiences program, and The Good Woman of Setzuan. The Annual Houston Shakespeare Festival, founded

by Dr. Sidney Berger, is performed at the Miller Outdoor Theatre and often features many UH students onstage or behind the scenes.

Performances for the 2009-2010 season include Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, The Rocky Horrow Show and Dangerous Liaisons, based on a novel by Choderlos de Laclos.

For fans of dance, each semester features the Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase and a dance concert. Tickets to all School of Theatre and Dance performances are $10, unless otherwise noted. More information about events can be found at http://www.theatredance. uh.edu UH is also home to various sculptures and other types of art, located around campus. A student favorite, “Sandy in Defined Space,” features a sculpture of a female in a box and is located at the east entrance of the Science and Research 1 Building.

The 5,000-squarefoot Stella Project is one of the many attractions at the Moores Opera House.

PHOTO BY LANA FLORES

Other popular sculptures include the untitled collection of chairs around the Athletics and Alumni Center and “A Comma A,” the curving multi-language sculpture located at the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library plaza, as well as inside the library on the third-floor balcony. A list of other artworks on campus,

including sculptures, mosaics and photographs can be found online at http://www.advancement.uh.edu/arttour/index.htm. Walking art tours are also available.

Taking part in the fine arts at UH will not only give students something to do, but also allows them to show support for fellow Cougars. Students should take advantage of these quality performances and exhibitions — alumni tickets are not always as cheap. 

TRANSITIONS

61

CITY LIFE

B

ooks, research papers and tests; these are all part of the college experience. But so are fun times with your new friends.

Although there are a lot of activities present on campus, such as the University Center Games Room, sporting events, the wide range of dining services and the shows and plays at the Moores Opera House, sometimes it’s good to go off campus and get to know the city.

If you are a fan of sports, the city of Houston is home to five professional sports teams: the Rockets, Texans, Astros, Aeros and Dynamo. Whether it’s

All work and no play makes you a dull student || by PATRICIA ESTRADA

FUN

baseball, football or soccer you are interested in, there is always a game going on. All of these teams have ticket specials, which are usually posted on their Web sites.

Maybe you’re not a sports fan, but there’s a lot to do in the Bayou City.

If you are interested in shopping, one of Houston’s nine malls has what you are looking for. Both Memorial City Mall and the Galleria have iceskating rinks open to the public year-round.

Those with a big appetite will enjoy the wide range of foods, from TexMex to authentic Mexican, Thai, Indian and Mediterranean. It could be said that food from any place in the world can be found in Houston.

Students looking for good and cheap Tex-Mex should stop by Chuy’s on Richmond Avenue and Kirby Drive. Ask for It could be said the green sauce when you get tortilla chips that food from and salsa. Taco Milagro, on the same streets, any place in offers low-priced Mexican food. On Thursday the world can through Saturday nights, the restaurant turns be found in into a salsa club.

Houston.

Not everyone likes Mexican food or wants to eat it all the time. Those who are in the mood for Asian food can head to Thai Village in Rice Village for a great atmosphere and cheap, delicious Thai food. Cafe Nirvana on Dairy Ashford Road and Memorial Drive offers $10 all-you-can-eat Indian buffet.

Students in the mood for great Mediterranean buffets can go to Dimassi’s, Fadi’s or Aladdin’s. Prices vary, depending on what you order. Niko Niko’s on Montrose Boulevard makes excellent Mediterranean dishes, but don’t forget your student I.D. for a student discount.

While the pizzas aren’t pink at Pink’s Pizza, located on West Gray Avenue, they are absolutely delicious.

Those who take preference to the bar scene have tons of places to visit, such as sports bars, piano bars, pubs or clubs.

Looking for a place to relax before an Astros or Rockets game? Lucky’s Pub,

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TRANSITIONS

AND the city GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

on St. Emanuel Street between Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center, has happy-hour from 4 to 7 p.m.

On select evenings, Lucky’s has Guitar Hero and Rock Band night, giving gamers and wanna-be rockers a chance to shine.

Howl at the Moon on Hadley Street in Midtown is a fun piano bar. Thursday nights are college nights, so bring your student ID to get in

free and purchase $1 domestic beers.

Pub Fiction on Smith Street, also in Midtown, is a great place for those who want to dance and listen to some live music. Thursday nights are usually ‘80s night.

For more information on what do to in Houston, you can always refer to The Daily Cougar, Houston Press or Houston Chronicle. 

Houston’s Discovery Green is a unique 12-acre park located near George R. Brown Convention Center, Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park.

TRANSITIONS

63

commute

STOP&Go t

raffic conditions in this big, bustling city are the worst. So if UH’s newest students find themselves stuck in traffic, weaving in and out of lanes, exiting and entering the freeway in hopes of shaving a few minutes off their commute, they will most likely be disappointed.

Trust us. We’ve all tried it.

One downside of being a commuting Cougar is traffic. No matter where students live, aside from on-campus residence halls, traffic will be part of their college experience.

A 20-minute commute one day may take an hour and 30 minutes the next, but the best way

Commuting to campus can be a painful experience || By mattheW keever

to avoid this problem is to stay consistent in timing trips to campus. A few alternative, lesserknown routes to and from campus do exist.

They may help students save time and ease the pain of driving to campus every day.

Students taking Texas Highway 288 to get to campus should forget about exiting on to Interstate 45. Instead, exit South MacGregor Way, head east to Scott Street and drive north.

From there, Wheeler Avenue, Holman Street and Elgin Street are all easily accessible.

Most of the traffic on Scott Street comes southbound from the freeway early in the morning and heads north as the afternoon rolls around. Students driving the opposite direction on Scott Street will spend less time waiting behind other cars at red lights.

cALcuLAtE Your COMMUTING COSTS

Think commuting is saving you money? you’d be surprised to find out how much your daily commute is costing you. Use this handy worksheet to determine your total commuting cost for the semester.

exAmple: A drive from Sugar Land to UH in a compact car, 4 days a week.

22

Miles to campus

2

×

Round trip

=

44

»

Total daily mileage

×

$0.10 Cost per mile

×

4

No. of days per week you drive to campus

×

14 Weeks per semester

= $ 246.40

TOTAL SEMESTER COMMUTING COST

Worksheet: Fill in the blanks using the charts below and determine yOUR commuting cost.

×

2 Round trip

=

Total daily mileage

×

COMMON commutes city

Cost per mile see chart below

»

»

Miles to campus see chart below

×

No. of days per week you drive to campus

×

14 Weeks per semester

=

cost PER MILE

miles to uH

Baytown

26 miles

Cypress

31 miles

Clear Lake

20 miles

Humble

27 miles

Katy

34 miles

Pasadena

20 miles

Pearland

21 miles

Spring

28 miles

Sugar Land

22 miles

Tomball

38 miles

Woodlands

37 miles

South MacGregor Way, a somewhat-residential street, is only busy from around 8 to 9 a.m. westbound and 4 to 5 p.m. eastbound. For Cougars going to school during the day, this street is a surefire route to quickly arrive at Texas Highway 288, especially compared to getting on I-45.

If Highway 288 is backed up, Cougars can keep themselves busy at the numerous coffee shops and cafés, which offer free Wi-Fi, near the freeway.

$0.10 compAcT » Corolla, Focus, Cobalt, Civic

$0.12 mid-Size » Camry, Taurus, Altima, Accord

$0.15 Truck/SuV » 4-Runner, F-150, CR-V, Explorer

$0.06 HYbrid » Prius, Fusion, Insight

$ yOUR TOTAL SEMESTER COMMUTING COST

Cost per mile figures were determined using 12,000 average miles driven per year, a gas cost of $2.40 per gallon and were based on the mile per gallon of the Toyota model in the class.

Cougars who insist upon taking or who cannot avoid I-45, should exit Scott Street or take Spur 5 to the University entrance. The Cullen Boulevard exit tends to back up with traffic, especially early in the fall semester. Cullen Boulevard is the most frequented road entering campus as it is the main entryway to UH. The bottom line is Cougars need to allot themselves enough time to get to class. Being on the safe side and planning to arrive early is every Cougar’s best bet. Shortcuts do not exist in

Houston. Some avenues may be less frequented than others, but timing is more important.

Traffic in Houston is never certain. Tenthousand new Cougars will be driving to campus beginning in late August, so it’s a good idea to get to UH with time to spare.

With the University Center, UC Satellite, M.D. Anderson Memorial Library and many other informative and fun places to rendezvous with friends and meet people, students won’t be upset if they arrive earlier than planned. 

TRANSITIONS

65

cAn’t FIND

A SPOT Preparation, luck may be keys to finding a place to park at UH || By larissa gonZaleZ

f

or most UH students, living in the largest city in Texas usually means a daily commute to and from the University. As if traffic congestion weren’t enough, most students who commute to campus also have to deal with congested parking spaces.

If you drive to UH and plan to be punctual to your classes, the reality is you will have to plan your daily routine in advance. If you think you can show up five minutes before class to find parking, think again — you may find there is no parking, with a long wait time for a space to open up.

Some students have said looking for parking caused them to be late to class and, in the worst cases, forced them to miss class due to inadequate parking. In addition to accommodating adequate driving time for your commute, students should allow sufficient time for hunting down a parking spot.

With about 36,000 other students on campus, it’s an advantage to know the inside scoop on parking as spaces have become increasingly limited. University officials are working hard to address stustu dent parking with the UH Framework Plan. The University anticipates the construction of six additional parking garages within the next 20 years will alleviate students’ parking needs.

Unfortunately, construction projects on campus further decrease

PHOTO By JUSTIN FLORES

66

TRANSITIONS

?

parking availability. Student parking “It is not likely that you’ll find problems persist, but luckily, there a parking spot between 10 (to) 12 are a few helpful tips to avoid com(noon),” construction management mon parking hassles. senior Andika Zulbachri said.

UH offers several parking options, If you find yourself enrolled in varying from economy permits to classes during this time period, try to student and garage parking perarrive at least 30 minutes to an hour mits. All permits can be purchased in advance to secure a parking spot. online or directly from the Parking Other students advise waiting in and Transportation offices at the the lot areas until previous classes Welcome Center on campus. let out. Most students say it helps to Depending on arrive on campus early; whether permits spots are generally With about 36,000 are purchased available earlier in other students on for semester or the day before 9 a.m. campus, it’s an annual use, pricor after 5 p.m. advantage to know the ing for students Although the Robinside scoop on parking ertson Stadium lot is usually run as spaces have become perhaps the largest between $54 and increasingly limited. $214. and easiest lot to acAlthough cess, it also quickly economy perfills up. mits are located farther from the UH has several less popular lots, campus grounds, all of these parking such as the two economy parking lots are serviced by UH shuttles. lots on Wheeler Avenue (Entrance 4 Students assert the new parking and 7) and the two student lots along garage is the best value.

Elgin (Entrance 18 and 17). If you get “With a garage permit, you are too clever about avoiding parking almost guaranteed to find an open problems and can’t afford a citation, spot. It saves time, so it is just more be sure to review which permits are practical,” economics junior Branallowed at each parking location. don Valdez said.

The University is well on its way There are numerous ways to stay toward improving parking standards ahead of the parking competition. to address commuter demands. In One of the most helpful tips is to the meantime, students can avoid avoid scheduling classes during the common parking inconveniences by middle of the day or early afternoon. planning ahead. 

Parking

don’t Park THere Be aware of how much violating the rules will cost you. These fines will be reduced by 50 percent if you pay them within 48 hours.

Those with excessive unpaid tickets could be towed. Tickets may be appealed or paid online at http://www.parking. uh.edu

» Parking in “No Parking” areas: $32

» Parking on a side-

» » » »

»

» »

walk, along curbs, or in a construction area: $21 Failing to properly display a UH parking decal/permit: $11 Parking overtime at a parking meter: $21 Parking in a UH lot without a UH decal/ permit: $53 Parking in a lot without a proper decal/permit for that lot: $27 Parking in a reserved space without a proper decal/permit for that space: $64 Parking in or blocking a driving lane: $21 Parking in the grass or blocking a sidewalk or crosswalk: $21

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67

CONSTRUCTION

ENTRANCE UH moves forward in plans to expand || by Larissa Gonzalez

P

icture a growing population of diverse individuals who live together with a sense of community. They live in a carefully planned urban landscape, getting around in an eco-friendly way thanks to an efficient public transportation system. All this imagery may bring notions of a futuristic supercity, but these elements are all part of UH’s vision to expand and evolve the concept of on-campus living.

Like a little metropolis of its own, the University is already well on its way to improving its infrastructure and building a new kind of campus culture.

In an effort to address the projected enrollment growth from 35,000 to 45,000 students in the next 10 years, the University has begun several construction projects to improve the lifestyles of its student population and engender a sense of community among future generations. A twophase freshman housing village has been proposed and plans for construction are anticipated to begin in 2009.

“The creation of freshman housing village was motivated by studies which show that students who live on campus are more engaged in their studies and are more involved in community service,” said Chelsea Lee, a UH communication coordinator for administration and finance.

In accordance with these findings, UH aims to become primarily a residential campus with at least 25 percent of its students living on campus.

“The university plans to increase its capacity by an additional 5,000 beds over the next four years as currently only 8 percent of undergraduate students — 24 percent of

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TRANSITIONS

freshman students — currently live on campus,” Lee said.

In the first phase of the project, an additional 1,000 beds will be added to the current Moody Towers. Remodeling of the towers will also include a complete renovation to its existing dining hall. As part of Phase 2 of the freshman residence plan, beginning in June 2010, an additional 1,000-bed tower will be built adjacent to Moody Towers.

In addition to University resources and bonds, a portion of the funding for such large scale initiatives is provided by generous donors. Luckily, Phase 1 of the freshman residence was approved before the economic downturn.

If funding remains steady, construction of the project is expected to be completed by August 2010. Phase 2 may be finished in as little as 10 to 12 months.

As far as new residential spaces are concerned, UH officials have already begun giving tours of the newly created Calhoun Lofts, which are targeted toward juniors, seniors, graduate or post-baccalaureate students.

“The Calhoun Lofts will be a great opportunity for students to live on campus; it will save a lot more time and money than living off campus somewhere. It will have the downtown vibe and lifestyle for an affordable price,”

The East Parking Garage is scheduled to open in Fall 2009. The 1,500 additional parking spaces will bring the total of on-campus spaces to 17,371.

PHOTO By JUSTIN FLORES

construction

by the

nuMBErs rs

$74 million Estimated cost of completing Phase I of UH’s transformation into a residential campus.

1,172

Proposed number of beds in the freshman residence hall.

$9 million Projected cost to build the Bauer BusiBusi ness Project III, which will feature a lecture hall and academic center.

$64 million Calhoun Lofts marketing associate Adrienne Rocha said.

Other construction initiatives include the 20 year master plan, known as the UH Campus Framework Plan, which aims to double the living space and learning facilities and increase parking space.

“The East Parking Garage will create 1,500 new parking spaces,” Lee said.

In terms of transportation improvements, a new Metropolitan Transit Authority rail line project is expected to integrate several transportation services and make them readily accessible for students. Proposals from Houston Solutions Plan II have been made to direct two Metro rail lines to service the UH campus. One will be called the Southeast Corridor and the other the University Corridor.

The Southeast Corridor has already been approved by the Department of Transportation and will run from 3rd Ward into downtown. Tentatively, it is to be completed in 2012. More importantly, the Southeast Corridor will have three stations for the UH campus located at street intersections Wheeler/Calhoun, Cleburne/Scott and Elgin/Scott.

“Construction of the three stations is scheduled to start next year. The second line, the University line, is scheduled to start in 2011, but approval for this line is still pending,” UH Director of Real Estate John Walsh said.

UH also plans to build several “multi-modal” transportation centers at each rail stop. These stations will bring all of the modes of transportation together for easy transfer, connecting the railline with the Metro buses, Cougar shuttles, bicycles, automobiles and parking garages. The centers will also serve as information booths for incoming visitors. Approval for the multi-modal centers will coincide when Metro opens their stations, Walsh said.

“It will be easy for students to come to campus with the rail and

Projected cost of constructing an additional tower adjacent to Moody Towers.

1,500

Projected number of parking spots in the East Garage.

multi-modal stations — you won’t have to park and you’ll be able to get right where you need to be,” Walsh said.

Other plans include proposals for the creation of several diverse social districts on campus, including the creation of a professional, arts and stadium district. Several other renovations and expansions are also in place for UH in the near future.

The School of Communication will renovate and expand its lobby area, studio space and add a considerable amount of new office and administrative space.

A new optometry building has already been approved. The optometry building will create more lab space and feature state-of-the-art equipment, which will allow students to watch eye surgeries.

The C.T. Bauer College of Business has proposed a Bauer Business Building III project to create new additional classroom space, conference rooms and larger lobby areas.

The College of Engineering Student Services Center will create more space for departmental offices, conference rooms and will also house graduate and undergraduate visualization laboratories.

UH is well on its way to improving its infrastructure and building a new kind of campus culture. For more information, visit http://www.uh.edu/plantops/fpc.html 

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69

Meet the neW Cougar Card:

Key to the CaMpus hoW do I get one?

Students will have their photos taken in Room 279, University Center.

A Cougar Card will be produced at that time.

All functionality will be placed on the card at the beginning of each semester.

For More InForMatIon: InForM

Cougar Card Office: Room 279, University Center 8 am – 5 pm Monday thru Friday (713) 743-CARD

VISIT WWW.uh.edu/CougarCard

CALL 713-743-Card

Red all over.

THE DAILY COUGAR Get campus news, sports & discussion at thedailycougar.com 70

TRANSITIONS

University Health Center Hurt? Sick? All currently enrolled students can use our services whether you have UH Student Insurance or not!

Walk-in Clinic Physician visits for general

All visits and inquiries are confidential

diagnosis, treatment, minor emergencies, laboratory, X-ray and specialist referral.

713-743-5151 Nursing Care Allergy injections, cuts and abrasions, health information, blood pressure monitoring, immunizations.

713-743-5156 Dermatology Clinic Diagnosis and treatment of skin related conditions. No referral necessary. Appointment only.

713-743-5154 Men’s Clinic Diagnosis, treatment, counseling and referral for men’s health issues. Appointment only. 713-743-5155 Orthopedic Clinic Treatment of sports injuries and musculo-skeletal problems.

Appointment only. 713-743-5142

Psychiatric Clinic Evaluation, diagnosis, medication management and treatment for psychiatric disorders. Appointment only.

713-743-5149 Women’s Clinic Diagnosis, treatment, counseling and referral for women’s health issues. Appointment only. 713-743-5156 Attendant Care Services Care and lifestyle assistance program for needs of disabled students living on campus.

713-748-8603 Pharmacy Prescription and over the counter items at very low cost.

713-743-5125 UH Student Health Insurance Deadline to add or drop insurance is the 20th class day of each fall and spring semester.

713-743-5137

For hours and more information, http://www.uh.edu/admin/hc Entrance #6 on Wheeler • Bldg #525 on Campus Map

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71

Sa FE TY

safety

FIrst

UHDPS is working hard to ensure students’ safety || bY eric miller

d

espite accounts of various crimes occurring on campus, UH is still considered a safe campus by many standards.

The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to keep students and visitors safe and secure while on campus. With a range of crime prevention services, including the Daily Crime bulletins directly delivered to cell phones and e-mail accounts, Security Escort Programs and emergency Blue Light Phones, the UHDPS strives to remain committed to serving the security needs of students, faculty and administrators.

Located at 3869 Wheeler Ave., near the northwest corner of campus, the DPS is available 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of everyone entering campus grounds.

Although visitors are provided escorts to and from vehicles and buildings across campus, they are encouraged to contact the DPS for

Emergency Blue Light phones are placed at various spots around campus, directly connecting people to UHDPS.

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TRANSITIONS

COURTESy OF UHDPS

A well-kept campus is nothing without a strong line of defense.

any reason should they feel unsafe or prefer a security escort after dark. Depending on availability, commissioned officers or trained student workers are assigned to provide such escorts for all members of the UH community.

The University’s DPS remains the first line of defense for visitors and residents.

UH is well equipped to manage the security needs of its clientele as it is supported by the first class resources of Houston’s renowned emergency response personnel.

Campus police routinely monitor the campus through more than security cameras. Additionally, UHDPS officers are networked into Houston’s vast 911 operation systems.

The University is dedicated to providing

a safe environment for its students in order to continue fostering a leading academic environment.

Seminars covering a range of topics, including sexual assaults, personal safety and disaster and terrorism training, are covered throughout the academic year. UHDPS officers and staff are trained and prepared to handle a diverse range of issues from hate crimes and date rape to weather-related disasters and motor vehicle thefts.

The department also actively involves campus organizations, such as the Student Government Association, and faculty organizations in security decisions and information gathering. The department remains commit-

by the

nuMBErs nu

75

The number of emergency and information call boxes on campus.

45 The number of campus police officers.

ted to open communication.

The UHDPS seeks to provide the necessary resources and tools to help keep students and visitors safe. While personal safety is the primary concern of each individual, DPS is known for an outstanding record of crime prevention techniques, awareness campaigns and criminal investigations. Families can rest assured UH will continue to provide safety programs that will enhance and enlighten security preparedness. Suggestions on improvement are always encouraged.

The UHDPS produces an annual crime report and provides this information as a public service via its Web site at http://www. uh.edu/police 

500 The approximate number of police-related calls that UHDPS receives each year.

The number of security cameras that scan the campus.

40,000 TRANSITIONS

73

INDEX

TOPICS

ADVERTISERS

A

H

Alma Mater 58 Arts

Hoffman, Phillip Guthrie 9 Houston Junior College 8

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences .... 6

M

Womens Resource Center ............................... 12

Metro rail 69

Dean of Students Office .................................. 12

Blaffer Gallery 60 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts 60 Houston Shakespeare Festival 60 Moores School of Music 60

Athletics 56 baseball 57, 58, 62 basketball 57 football 9, 56, 57, 58, 62 track and field 57

B Buildings A.D. Bruce Religion Center 28 Agnes Arnold Hall 28 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building 9 Fine Arts Building 60 M.D. Anderson Memorial Library 10, 19, 61, 65 Learning Commons 19 Campus Recreation and Wellness Center 11, 28, 59 Roy G. Cullen Building 8 Social Work Building 28 UC Satellite 11, 65 University Center 10, 28, 62, 65 Welcome Center 4, 11, 26, 27, 28, 29, 67

C Campus Framework Plan 69 Colleges College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 22 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 23 Conrad H. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management 23 C.T. Bauer College of Business 22 Graduate School of Social Work 23 UH Law Center 23

Commuting 64 Calculate cost of, 65

Cougar paw 58 Cullen, Hugh Roy 9

D

O Oberholtzer, Edison Ellsworth 8 Official school colors 58

University Eye Institute .................................... 2 President’s Office ............................................... 3 Vice President for Student Affairs ................. 7

Student Government Association ................. 13 University Career Services ............................. 14 Center for Students with DisABILITIES ....... 14 Geico Insurance ................................................. 14

P

Department of Public Safety .......................... 15

parking 66 PeopleSoft 19, 25

UH Bookstore ............................................. 16, 80

R Residence halls/housing Bayou Oaks 54 Calhoun Lofts 51, 52, 53, 54, 68, 69 Cambridge Oaks 54 Cougar Place 54 Cullen Oaks 54 freshman housing village 68 Moody Towers 54, 68, 69 Quadrangle 28, 54

Student Legal Services..................................... 15 Smart Financial ................................................. 16 Air Force ROTC .................................................. 16 Parking & Transportation ......................... 17, 39 Psychology Research & Services . ............... 20 Catalina Village . .............................................. 20 The College Store . ............................................ 21 Center for Entrepreneurship ........................ 30 Calhoun Lofts . ................................................... 31 Bauer College of Business ............................. 32 Welcome Center................................................ 33

S

Campus Activities ........................................... 34

Services

Cougar Card ............................................... 35, 70

Health Center 28 International Student & Scholar Services Office 28 Justin Dart Jr. Center for Students with DisABILITIES 28 Speech, Language & Hearing Clinic 28 Student Legal Services 28 Transfer Center 26 Academic Fresh Start 26 Adult Admission Program 26 University Eye Institute 28 Urban Experience Program 28 Writing Center 28

Student organizations 55

W WebCT 25

University Center ............................................. 36 Residential Life & Housing ............................. 37 Campus Recreation and Wellness ............... 38 Aramark ....................................................... 40-41 U.S. Army............................................................ 42 Cougar First Impressions............................... 43 U.S. Navy ........................................................... 44 UH Marching Band .......................................... 45 Frenchy’s Fried Chicken ................................. 46 Veterans Services Office................................ 46 Council for Ethnic Organizations ................. 47 M.D. Anderson Library ................................... 48 Subway .............................................................. 49 Plant Operations ............................................. 49 Health Center ..................................................... 71 Counseling & Psychological Services ........... 71

Department of Public Safety 72

Cambridge Oaks ............................................... 76

F

Textbook Brokers ............................................. 76 American Campus . .......................................... 77

Fight song 58 Frontier Fiesta 9

74

TRANSITIONS

African American Studies .............................. 78 Learning & Assessment Services ................. 79

EDITOR’s NOTE

Overlooked UNIVERSITY FULL Of OPPORTUNITIES

by TRANSITIONS EDITOR Matt Miller

W

elcome to one of the most unique universities in the nation. While UH is not one of the most recognizable campuses in the U.S., soon you will see why it is a great place to get your degree.

UH is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation, as students from around the globe come to Houston to pursue their dreams.

Many of you know only a few people from other countries, but get ready to meet more.

Our University will expand your mind and open you up to new cultures. Of course, you don’t have to enjoy only the diversity. You also have plenty of places to go to have a good time with friends, eat, work out, study and live.

Before you can enjoy everything the campus has to offer, you have to figure out where you’re going, what you want to do, who you are and why you’re here. Not all of these questions will be answered in your first semester, but don’t sweat it. With time, you’ll find your niche and truly appreciate UH. We hope Transitions helped you answer a few of these questions. This magazine gave you information on places to eat, athletics and frequently visited places such as the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library and The Welcome

PHOTO BY JUSTIN FLORES

Transitions editor in chief Matt Miller, left, enjoys a view of Houston’s skyline from the ninth-floor terrace of Calhoun Lofts with marketing manager Teeba Rose.

Center. Plus, we threw in some tips for transfer and commuter students.

Once you find out where to eat and park and how to navigate around campus, new questions may pop into your head. What clubs should I join? How do WebCT and Blackboard Vista work? Where can I watch a play or view pieces of art? Our staff has done its best to give you answers to these questions as well.

We hope we’ve provided enough information to create a smooth transition to UH from high

TRANSITIONS STAFF Editor in chief » Matt Miller Graphics Editor » Mariah Davis COPY Chief » Trae Browne COPY EDITOR » Newton Liu PAGE Design » Lana Flores, Mariah Davis Matt Johnson, Colby Kibbe, Jorge Robles Photographers » Justin Flores, Yvette Davilla, Mariah Davis, Lana Flores, Tony Ngyuen, David Shih

Advertising REPS » Faith Akioyamen Cindy Alvarado, Victoria Gbenoba, Dhanya Vadakanthara Advertising PRODUCTION » Rob Asaad, Luis Chacón, Lana Flores, Stan Le, Jorge Robles

school or community college.

You might not fall in love with the campus and join the “Red-volution” right away. But, if you keep an open mind and soak in everything with a positive attitude, you’ll enjoy most of your experiences at the biggest university in Houston.

I’d like to close with a special thank you to my staff, whose tireless efforts turned a few story ideas into a helpful magazine. All that’s left to say is, have fun and eat ‘em up Coogs! 

Summer 09 | Volume 19 » Contact us University of Houston Department of Student Publications 151C Communication Building Houston, TX 77204-4015 (713) 743-5350 » About the magazine Transitions in published by the Department of Student Publications at the University of Houston.

The magazine is intended for incoming freshmen and transfer students. No portion of the magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the director of the Department of Student Publications.

TRANSITIONS

75

apartment hunting?

no worries!

live close... live on-campus!

cambridge oaks

• 4444 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77004 community features water/gas/sewer

barbecue pavilion

internet

extended basic cable

full kitchen

spacious floor plans

DVD library

laundry facility

volleyball court

swimming pool with wireless internet

clubhouse w/big screen tv

713.748.2606 • www.campushousing.com/uh

Same b ooks, better prices!

The best deal on textbooks!

We buy and sell every day!

Bring a schedule and we will get the books for you!

4835 Calhoun Rd. Suite B.

713-842-2544

$10 off a purchase of $100 or more

Located across from the Rec Center, next to the new Pizza Hut! 76

TRANSITIONS

THE BEST IN STUDENT LIVING

5019 Calhoun St. 713.747.3834 bayouoaks-uh.com

Fully furnished units

Fitness center

Private bedrooms

Game room

High-speed internet access and cable television Individual leases

4600 Cullen Blvd.

713.748.3707 cullenoaks.com

Private bedrooms Full kitchens Individual leases Game room Card-controlled building access

Card-controlled building access On university shuttle route

Cardio rooms Basketball court High-speed internet & free cable television Parking deck

TRANSITIONS

77

an experience in academic and cultural diversity!

The mission of The AfricAn AmericAn sTudies ProgrAm AT The universiTy of housTon is To develoP, PromoTe And enhAnce The knowledge of inform informAT ATion ion of The disciPline As well As The collecTive consciousness of AfricAn descended PeoPle.

AAs focuses uPon The culTurAl And hisToricAl heriTAge ge of AfricAns on The conTinenT, in The AmericAs And ThroughouT The gre greAT AT diAsPorA.

FAll 2009 Courses

AAs 2320 InTo To AFrICAn AmerICAn sTudIes 2:30-4pm TTH 205-seC CrAWFord requIred AAs 2320 InTo To AFrICAn AmerICAn sTudIes 4-7pm m 106-m eAsTerlInG requIred AAs 2320 InTo To AFrICAn AmerICAn sTudIes 7-10pm T 108-m sYlVers requIred AAs 2322 InTro To AFrICAn relIGIon And pHIlosopHY 4-7pm T 204-AH BonGmBA soCIAl sCIenCe AAs 3307 AFrICAn spIrITuAlITY TrAnsFormATIon In THe soCIAl sCIenCe 10-11:30Am TTH TBA TIlloTson soCIAl sCIenCe AAs 3310 AFrICAn AmerICAn eXperIenCe THrouGH THeAT THeATre re 11-12pm mWF Anderson HFAC AAs 3330 AFrICAn AmerICAn orAl HIsTorY 11:30-1pm TTH ConYers HFAC AAs 3348 AFrICAn AmerICAns And THe lAW 10-11:30Am TTH 9-AH WIGGIns soCIAl sCIenCe AAs 4330 THe BlACk CHurCH In AmerICA 5:30-7pm TTH 202-AH WAlker soCIAl sCIenCe AAs 4440 model AFrICAn unIon semInAr 1-2:30pm TTH TBA eAsTerlInG eAsTerlInG soCIAl sCIenCe

GrAduAT GrAdu ATee Courses AAs 6308 African religion and Biography 10-11:30am TTH 203-AH ConYers ConYers Graduate Certificate University of HoUston

AfricAn AmericAn StudieS

628 Agnes Arnold Hall Houston, TX 77204-3047 (713) 743-2811

78

TRANSITIONS

S

��

Par ent Edu cat ion Pro jec t

713 -7 43- 54 91

.UH. S A L .

W W W

I

EDU

TRANSITIONS

79

Serving Cougars Everyday!

Providing: New & Used Textbooks • Texbook Reservations & Scholarships* • General Reading Books & Study Aides • Gift Certificates • UH Gifts and Clothing • School/Office Supplies • Faculty & Staff Discounts • Registering for classes, order your books when you finish, look for the Bookstore link at the bottom right of the registration page

Regular Store Hours* Mon-Thurs 7:45 am - 6:30 pm Friday 7:45 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sunday CLOSED

Summer Hours*

Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday CLOSED Sunday CLOSED * Extended hours at the beginning and end of each semester.

Phone: (713) 748-0923, Fax: (713) 748-87199 or visit us on the web at uh.bookstore.com

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TRANSITIONS