The New UC Phase 1 Special Editon

JANUARY 2014

A STEP UP TO TIER ONE NEW UNIVERSITY CENTER WILL WOW YOU — AND WE’RE NOT DONE YET

INSIDE Events, new facilities, map & more!

2 • January 2014 • The New UC

WELCOME BACK!

From the UC project team The opening of the first phase of The New UC is the culmination of over six years of work by students and staff to bring the transformation of this building from concept to concrete.

In response to student demands to see the University Center become a building fit for a Tier One University, the UC went through a comprehensive master planning process throughout 2008. In late 2008, students voted in the UC Referendum, with 77% of voters choosing to raise the UC fee to finance this $80,000,000 project.

Over the next three years, approvals were gained from the Student Government Association, University

of Houston Board of Regents, and the State of Texas House, Senate, and Governor. Full design of the project began in Summer 2011, and continued for almost a year. In April 2012, The New UC broke ground officially; 21 months later, the first phase of construction is complete and The New UC is now open for the entire campus community.

Throughout this insert, we’ll highlight what’s new about The New UC, showcase some of the upcoming events celebrating the building, and take a look at what’s ahead at the end of Phase 2. We hope you’ll enjoy what you see here – and that you’ll take advantage of all we have to offer in The New UC.

Before and after...

AUGUST 2012

DECEMBER 2013 BIG CHANGES — After 18 months of construction, Phase 1 of the UC transformation project is complete, giving the university an expanded, redesigned University Center. (Photos by Tellespen Construction)

This insert is a publication by the University Centers Marketing and Communication team in association with the Center for Student Media.

For more information, contact:

www.uh.edu/thecatsback

Administrative Services & Operations Office University Centers, 237 University Center, Houston, TX 77204-3049 Phone: (832) 842-6260 Online: www.uh.edu/uc

The New UC • January 2014 • 3

RED CARPET EVENTS WEDNESDAY, 1/22/14 UC North Ribbon Cutting 10:00AM - UC North Collaborative Lounge

After six years of planning and almost 18 months of construction, University Center North, the new home of campus involvement, is opening its doors to the student body. Join us as we celebrate the New UC and the first new addition to the University Centers since 1973.

MONDAY, 1/27/14 UC North Open House 10:00AM – 2:00PM - Throughout University Center North

You’ve seen the UC North from the outside, but now it’s time to explore the inside! On January 27th, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, the departments and student organizations located in UC North will be hosting open houses throughout the building to showcase their services and opportunities to get involved. This is your chance to connect with student organizations and departments while exploring the beautiful new addition to our campus. Grab some friends and come explore what the UC North has to offer!

TUESDAY, 1/28/14 Barnes and Noble @ The University of Houston Open House 8:00AM – 6:30PM at the UH Bookstore First Floor

Join us for all the excitement as we open your new University bookstore. Don’t miss your chance to win prizes and get your first look at the new offerings at the new Barnes & Noble @ the University Houston.

Bookstore Ribbon Cutting 2:30PM - UH Bookstore First Floor

Bring your Cougar Spirit and help us officially cut the ribbon in celebration of the opening of the new Barnes & Noble @ the University Houston.

WEDNESDAY, 1/29/14 UC Dining Services Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 10:30AM – 11:30AM - New UC Food Court

Drop by the New UC Food Court featuring McDonald’s, Panda Express and Chick-Fil-a Express for the official ribbon cutting.

UC Dining Services Open House

THURSDAY, 1/30/14 UC Theater Opening

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM New UC Food Court

12:00PM – 10:00PM at the University Center Theater

Before and after the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, take pictures with some of our special guests, like the Chick-Fil-A cow, while entering drawings to win great prizes as part of New UC Food Court opening festivities.

The University Center will be celebrating the Grand Opening of the UC Theater with movies, a comedy show, step performances and much more. All the fun begins at noon with a Ceremonial Ribbon cutting. Celebrate with us as we unveil this new beautiful 450-seat theater. Entertainment options will include a student organization showcase featuring international groups and Greek organizations, stand-up comedy from James Davis, screenings of We’re The Millers and Ender’s Game, and more! For the complete schedule, please go to uh.edu/thenewuc.

World Trade Center Memorial Dedication Ceremony 1:00PM - University Center World Trade Center Monument and Reflection Garden

Beginning in September 2009, the Student Government Association worked with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to procure of piece of structural steel from the World Trade Center and bring it to campus as a memorial to honor those who fell on September 11th, the first responders, and all those in uniform who protect our country. On January 29th, the Student Government Association and the University Center are dedicating the Memorial and Reflection Garden in front of the University Center Theater.

Aaron Parazette Art Opening – “Remembering Next Summer” 2:00PM Outside the UC Theater

Aaron Parazette, a member of faculty in the UH School of Art as well as an award-winning artist, is painting two new murals in the transformed University Center.

Celebrate the completion of his first piece,“Remembering Next Summer”.

Games Room Open House 10:00PM – 1:00AM at the UC Games Room

Drop by the Games Room for FREE play featuring GLOW bowling, billiards, table tennis, and arcade games. Discover the newest place on campus to unwind and play games.

Friday, 1/31/14 Video Gaming in the New UC 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, UC Food Court / Arbor Steps

UIT, Meru and the New UC invite you to a special gaming night at the New UC. The event features free pizza and snacks as well as door prizes including an Xbox One. Bring your laptop, desktop, or console – or stop by and play some of ours!

CSI Presents: Friday Night Movie – The Grandmaster 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM, UC Theater

The Center for Student Involvement is showing two screenings of The Grandmaster in the UC Theater, at 4PM and 7PM. Come for the thrills and chills of the story of Ip Man, the man who trained Bruce Lee.

NEW UC DIRECTORY UC North

Office Name

Room

Telephone

Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life...........N101 ................... 832.842.4955 Center for Student Involvement ...............N103 ................... 832.842.6245 Center for Student Media ........................N221 ................... 713.743.5350 Coog Radio ............................................N221 ................... 713.743.5350 Council of Ethnic Organizations...............N118 ................... 832.842.6221 The Daily Cougar ....................................N221 ................... 713.743.5350 Frontier Fiesta Association .......................N116 ................... 832.842.6235 Homecoming Board ................................N116 ................... 832.842.6235 International Student & Scholar Services Office ...........................N203 ................... 713.743.5065 LGBT Resource Center.............................N201 ................... 713.743.5463 Student Government Association .............N220 ................... 832.842.6225 Student Program Board ...........................N115 ................... 832.842.6217 Student Video Network ............................N221 ................... 713.743.5350 Veterans’ Services Office .........................N202 ................... 832.842.5490 Women’s Resource Center ......................N201 ................... 832.842.6191 UC South Office Name

Room

March 20-22, 2014

Telephone

Barnes and Noble @ The University of Houston ....................B1/130 ................ 713.748.0923 Business Services ...................................237 ..................... 832.842.6260 Conference and Reservation Services ......237 ..................... 832-842-6167 CreationStation.......................................B17 ..................... 832.842.6200 Games Room .........................................B30 ..................... 832-842-6202 Student Affairs IT Services .......................237 ..................... 832.842.6260

www.facebook.com/UHFrontierFiesta

University Centers ...................................237 ..................... 832.842.6260

@frontierfiesta

Woodforest National Bank .......................144 ..................... 713.743.1080

www.uh.edu/fiesta

4 • January 2014 • The New UC

WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR UNIVERSITY CENTER

Now open: A top-tier student center Whether it’s brand new offices and departments or refreshed spaces for old standards, The New UC is home to dozens of offices, services, and new spaces. Take a tour of everything we have to offer.

BARNES AND NOBLE @ THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON Barnes and Noble @ the University of Houston has moved to a new twostory home in UC South. The basement floor is the designated area for textbooks and supplies, while the first floor features a massive space dedicated to Cougar Apparel, spirit items, and so much more.

registered with CSI. Full-time advising staff assist groups with organization development, and event coordination offered by the department cultivates skills that will be useful for a lifetime.

If you are interested in starting an organization, registering your organization event, addressing problems, brainstorming program ideas, and much more, come by the Center for Student Involvement offices or the Commons in the UC North Foyer.

CENTER FOR FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE

CENTER FOR STUDENT MEDIA

www.uh.bncollege.com, UC South Room 130

www.uh.edu/cfsl, UC North Room 101

Through close collaboration with students and other stakeholders, the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life (CFSL) empowers the growth of high achievers and values-based leaders by providing a measurable, meaningful, and transformative fraternity & sorority experience. With a commitment to individual student development, the Center creates opportunities for lifelong relationships, innovative thinking, civic engagement, and overall student success.

www.uh.edu/csm, UC North Room 221

The Center for Student Media, located on the second floor of UC North, is the new home of The Daily Cougar, the Student Video Network, and Coog Radio. For the first time, all three fee-funded student-run media groups share an office space and will be able to collaborate on media projects. Coog Radio’s broadcast booth faces into the Upper Lounge, so students can see (and hear) Coog Radio, live.

DINING IN THE NEW UC

www.uh.edu/dining, UC South first floor and basement

The New UC is home to a fully renovated food court and new food options throughout the first and basement floors.

The basement level features a fullservice Starbucks with the complete coffee and food menu; “Side Pocket” inside the Games Room, selling prepackaged snacks and beverages; and a vending area with three machines.

The first level features a Provisions On Demand that offers hot and cold food options, snacks, fountain drinks, and more; and the Renovated UC Food Court, home to a Chick-Fil-A Express, Panda Express, and a fullservice McDonald’s serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and a complete coffee menu. Rounding out the selections, the first floor of UC North features another small vending area.

GAMES ROOM www.uh.edu/games, UC South Room 30

The UC Games Room is where fun and games are found on campus.

The UC Games Room, located on the Basement level, has bowling lanes, pool tables (with RED felt), table tennis, arcade games, and more.

The UC Games Room is available for individual or group usage/reservations.

Leagues are formed each semester with tournaments taking place throughout the school year.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR SERVICES OFFICE

UC NORTH, A NEW HUB FOR STUDENT LIFE — The new UC North Building houses a wide range of involvement to students, as well as services for international students and veterans. (Photo by Fernando Castaldi)

CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

CREATIONSTATION

www.uh.edu/csi, UC North Room 103

CreationStation, located on the basement level of UC South, is a unique multi-service center offering a full complement of services including printing banners, flyers, and posters, design services, business cards for students and much more.

CSI provides involvement opportunities for students. The University of Houston’s diverse population ensures that there is a place for everyone, and The Center for Student Involvement helps each student find it. Hundreds of student organizations are

www.uh.edu/uccs, UC South Room 17

www.issso.uh.edu, UC North Room 203

The International Student & Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) has moved to its new home on the second floor of UC North. Its mission is to: Provide for the special needs of approximately 4,216 international students, research scholars, and foreign faculty related to their status as non-immigrants of the United States.

Non-immigrants are authorized to stay in the U.S. temporarily in contrast with immigrants who are authorized

for permanent residency in the U.S. Meet the University of Houston’s responsibility for compliance with the laws and regulations of the U.S. government.

Promote internationalization at the University of Houston through our services and programs.

LGBT RESOURCE CENTER www.uh.edu/lgbt, UC North Room 201

The mission of the UH LGBT Resource Center is to launch the next generation of healthy, proud, academically successful lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) citizens, leaders and advocates. By providing support and a safe space for LGBTQ people on campus to access resources, ask questions, and make connections, we strive for them to develop a positive self-image and a sense of optimism about their future as a member of the LGBTQ community. Through visibility and education, we seek to create an environment of LGBTQ acceptance and inclusion for the entire campus community. This office shares a common location with the Women’s Resource Center on the second floor of UC North.

NEW MEETING & EVENT SPACES The New UC features several new meeting and event spaces open now, with more to come in early 2015.

Throughout 2014, meeting spaces available for booking are: • 450-Seat Theater • 560-Person Ballroom (divisible in two) • Student Government Association Senate Chamber (seats 40 in round as well as 40 in gallery) • Impact Room (seats 40) • Synergy Room (seats 36) To reserve a room, please visit www.uh.edu/uc and click the “Event Services” link. Registered Student Organizations are eligible for free reservation of meeting spaces in The New UC, with some exceptions.

WALL OF COLOR — “Remembering Ne entrance to the theater wing. In Januar floor of the UC South with the same comp

The Veterans’ Services Office helps coordinate the University’s veterans’ services to the more than 1,200 veterans, spouses, and dependents attending classes and receiving veterans’ benefits. The Veterans’ Services Office has a wide array of annual and special programs for student-veterans throughout the year, and is located on the second floor of UC North.

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER www.uh.edu/wrc, UC North Room 201

The mission of the Women’s Resource Center is to advocate,

VETERANS’ SERVICES OFFICE www.uh.edu/veterans, UC North Room 202

The University of Houston is an approved training facility for veterans and a Military Friendly institution.

TAKE A SEAT — A 450-seat theater in t cushions and can be used for film scre (Photo by Fernando Castaldi)

The New UC • January 2014 • 5

leadership traditions

involvement

About Us The Center for Student Involvement provides services for Registered Student Organizations, leadership development and civic engagement opportunities, and advising for campus traditions and campus-wide events

CSI offers: • Campus Traditions & Campuswide Events • Involvement in Student Organizations • Ignite Leadership Program • Catalyst Leadership Speaker Series • One-Day Leadership Conference • Community Service Opportunities

• Organization Education for Get Involved at UH (uh.edu/getinvolved) • Organization Orientation & Education • Event Registration • New Organization Start-Up • AND MUCH MORE!

ext Summer,” by UH Art faculty Aaron Parazette, covers the wall along the ry 2015, a companion piece named “Free Dive” will be unveiled on the second position but a cooler palette of greens and blues. (Photo by Micah Kenfield)

educate, and provide support services for the advancement of gender equity on campus. Their goals include providing a comfortable place where UH students, staff, and faculty can seek information on a variety of topics, obtain confidential referrals to appropriate campus and community resources, and discuss issues of concern; educating the UH community on topics that concern women with a special focus on violence against women due to gender, sexual identity, race, or disability; and identifying and researching issues that affect UH women.

This office shares a common location with the LGBT Resource Center on the second floor of UC North.

WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK www.woodforest.com, UC South Room 144

Center for Student Involvement

CSI Staff Offices UC North, N103 (First Floor)

The Commons (Resources + Information) UC North Foyer, First Floor

Office Hours Monday–Friday 8AM–5PM

Desk Hours Monday–Saturday 7:30AM–8PM Sunday 1PM–8PM

832.842.6245 • csi@uh.edu • uh.edu/csi

Woodforest National Bank is now located on the first floor of UC South along the southern edge of the building, and it has more to offer than ever before. In addition to its full suite of services, the new Woodforest location offers an online banking area and a second external entrance.

Moving forward, Woodforest National Bank will be able to be open even when the UC is closed, extending their hours and offering valuable resources for students staying on campus over breaks.

the UC South building sports Cougar-red eenings as well as large-format lecture classes.

WORLD TRADE CENTER MONUMENT Beginning in September 2009, the Student Government Association worked with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to procure a piece of structural steel from the World Trade Center and bring it to campus as a memorial to honor those who fell on September 11th, the first responders, and all those in uniform who protect our country.

This piece, and its accompanying reflection garden, is located in front of the entrance to the theater outside UC South.

N101 (UC North) University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-3049

832.842.4955 cfsl@uh.edu

Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

6 • January 2014 • The New UC

SGA MISSION

STUDENT VIEWS “The New UC offers students a place for them to work together, collaborate, and bring Tier One events and activities to campus. It’s so great to have a space again that really embraces the entire student body.”

— Erica Tat, French, Junior

The Student Government Association serves as the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed and empowered in decision making, policy, and services offered at the University of Houston. Through continuous interaction with students, faculty, staff, and administration, SGA is committed to ensuring YOU receive a TIER ONE experience.

“I’m so excited that the arbor is enclosed and there’s no more pigeons flying around.”

— Tabia Jarret, Digital Media, Junior

Cedric Bandoh President

“The new offices and production facilities for the Center for Student Media’s student organizations have a professional look and design. Our shared space in the brand-new UC North will certainly help the collaborative process.”

— Ciara Rouege, Print Journalism, Senior

Rani Ramchandani Vice President

“I think what I’m most excited for is all the red everywhere throughout the building – and the Games Room.”

— Gemrick Curton, Public Relations, Junior

GET IN TOUCH uh.edu/sga sga@uh.edu UHoustonsga

LIVE! on

@UHSGA

(832) 842-6225

Houston SGA

“What I like most about The New UC is that it keeps what was great about the old UC but makes it fresh and new, with lots of open and expansive spaces for students to hang out and study.”

— Carlos Daniel Martinez, Senior, Psychology

BE THE MEDIA. JOIN ONE (OR MORE) STUDENT-RUN MEDIA ORGANIZATION TODAY. COOG RADIO

THE DAILY COUGAR

STUDENT VIDEO NETWORK

Pick a format and express yourself as a DJ or talk show host with your own show streaming online.

Be a writer, photographer, artist or editor for the student-run news organization of the University of Houston community.

Get the opportunity to develop television shows, news, commercials, and special features for the small screen.

E-MAIL contact@coogradio.com

E-MAIL editor@thedailycougar.com

E-MAIL ch6svnp@central.uh.edu

WEB

http://coogradio.com

WEB

http://thedailycougar.com

WEB

fb.com/svncougars @UHSVN

fb.com/thedailycougar @thedailycougar

fb.com/coogradiohouston @coogradio

Work for us! Now hiring graphic artists and sales representatives.

Rm. N221 University Center (2nd floor)

•

Follow us on uh.edu/getinvolved or these social networks:

713-743-5350

http://uh.edu/svn

• www.uh.edu/csm

fb.com/uhstudentmedia •

twitter.com/uh_csm

The New UC • January 2014 • 7

FACTS & FIGURES

77%

APPROVED

4,161

Students Voted in UC 2010 Referendum (November 18 & 19, 2008)

The Old UC

The NEW UC

244,000 Square Feet Roughly 64,000 square feet of this space was located in the UC Underground

306,000 Square Feet (25% Increase) The New UC isn’t just larger than the old UC used to be. It’s also been redesigned to provide a Tier One experience.

Student Organization Carrels

35 Carrel Spaces

106 Carrel Spaces (302% Increase) Each carrel will be equipped with in-unit storage, internet connectivity, and power.

Lounge Space

20,400 Square Feet Much of this lounge space was located in the UC Underground, which had poor cell reception and limited access to power and internet connectivity.

26,600 Square Feet (30% Increase) In addition to increasing the square footage, lounges in The New UC are much more student-friendly. Almost all of the seats are close to electrical outlets, and the spaces have been designed to range from high-energy spaces on the first floor to quiet nooks for reflection and study throughout the building.

Meeting Space

35,150 Square Feet Meeting rooms were scattered over three floors in a number of sizes that didn’t really fit the needs of the student body.

42,650 Square Feet (20% Increase) Featuring a new theater, ballroom, and SGA Senate Chamber in Phase One, and a comprehensive new conference center on the 2nd floor of UC South, the renovated Houston Room, and a multipurpose event space in Phase Two.

Building Size

@UHSPB {instagram}

MVP

MORE TO COME

Metropolitan Volunteer Program Make an impact - join MVP!

Get involved by helping with food banks, local hospitals, shelters, youth & education, the elderly, serving your Houston community, and so much more!

UC North - Room N119 (832) 842-6234

www.uh.edu/mvp mvp@uh.edu

We’re not done yet ... here comes Phase 2

Phase One of The New UC already features a myriad of exciting new spaces and services. At the conclusion of Phase Two, though, The New UC will have even more to offer: • A fully renovated Houston Room • Twenty new and renovated meeting rooms • A retail corridor featuring a

Shasta’s Cones and More, a technology store, and Freshii (an organic/vegetarian food service option) • The Legacy Lounge, a lounge honoring current and former Cougars • And more!

8 • January 2014 • The New UC

FINDING YOUR WAY