Transitions 2014

N A E M G N H S HA

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A GUIDE TO CAMPUS LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

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Coogs’ New House

Students from different majors and backgrounds find success at UH

With stadium opening, Cougar spirit will have a new home

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Page 38

Department of Campus Recreation PROGRAMS

INFO

HOURS

713-743-7529 (PLAY) www.uh.edu/recreation

AQUATICS/SAFETY Swim Lessons, SCUBA, Master Swim & First Aid/CPR

Monday 6:00 AM-11:30 PM Tuesday 6:00 AM-11:30 PM Wednesday 6:00 AM-11:30 PM

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Trips, Equipment Rentals, Gear Shop, Workshops & Resource Guide

Thursday 6:00 AM-11:30 PM Friday 6:00 AM-8:00 PM

FITNESS

Group Exercise, Personal Training & Fitness Assessments

Saturday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Sunday Noon-11:30 PM

FACULTY & STAFF

Annual Golf Tournament, Memberships, Meeting Spaces & Rentals

OUR FACILITIES

SPORT CLUBS

Competition and Leadership

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Zone Fitnes s

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elcome to the next chapter of your life! College is an exciting time for learning, discovery, leadership, and personal growth. At the University of Houston, we have a variety of opportunities for you to attain these skills and so much

more. In order to give you a well-balanced college experience, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services has a large team of dedicated staff to support your interests and endeavors, where ever they may lie. We’re here to support student success from start to finish. We have over 500 student organizations, student-led events and initiatives, internship and student employment resources, and campus traditions that help you embrace the Cougar spirit and feel connected to the campus community. We also have a state-of-the-art recreation center, new residence halls, on-campus health and counseling centers, and a newly renovated University Center that serves as the student life hub. As you prepare for your future, there will be challenges and triumphs, and each experience becomes a part of the journey ... your journey toward becoming a successful student at the University of Houston. Take charge of your success, and let us know we can help.

Dr. Richard Walker Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Services

WHAT SHOULD YOU MAJOR IN? MAJORS ART Art* Art History Studio Art - Graphic Design - Painting - Photography/Digital Media - Sculpture COMMUNICATION Advertising Corporate Communication Health Communication Integrated Communication Interpersonal Communication* Journalism* - Broadcast - Print Media Media Production Media Studies Public Relations COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS American Sign Language Interpreting Communication Sciences & Disorders COMPARATIVE CULTURAL STUDIES Anthropology Liberal Studies ECONOMICS ENGLISH Creative Writing* Literature* HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE Human Nutrition and Foods Kinesiology - Exercise Science - Fitness and Sports - Sports Administration HISPANIC STUDIES Spanish*

713.743.4001

MINORS HISTORY* MODERN & CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Chinese French* Italian Studies* World Cultures and Literatures -Ancient Studies -Francophone Cultures Studies -German Studies -Global Cinema Studies -Middle Eastern Studies -Studies in Global Modernity MUSIC Applied Music -Brass -Keyboard -Percussion -Strings -Voice -Woodwinds Composition Marketing Teacher Certification Theory Religion PHILOSOPHY POLITICAL SCIENCE PSYCHOLOGY SOCIOLOGY THEATRE & DANCE Dance* Theatre - Acting - Playwriting and Dramaturgy - Design and Technology - Stage Management - Theater Education

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES AIR FORCE LEADERSHIP ART Art History Studio Art COMMUNICATION Advertising Corporate Communication Film Studies Health Communication Interpersonal Communication Journalism Media Production Media Studies Public Relations COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS COMPARATIVE CULTURAL STUDIES Anthropology Global and International Studies India Studies Religious Studies ECONOMICS ENGLISH Creative Writing Literature* HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE Human Nutrition and Foods Kinesiology HISPANIC STUDIES Spanish Spanish for Business Professionals HISTORY American Cultures History Latin American Studies HONORS COLLEGE Creative Work Medicine and Society Phronesis, Politics, and Ethics

WWW.UH.EDU/CLASS

INTERDISCIPLINARY ART MILITARY SCIENCE (ARMY ROTC) MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES MODERN & CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Arab Studies Chinese Studies Classical Studies French French for Business Professionals German German Area Studies Greek Italian Studies Jewish Studies Latin World Cultures and Literatures MUSIC Music Literature/History Music Theory NAVAL SCIENCE (NAVY ROTC) PHILOSOPHY POLITICAL SCIENCE Law, Value, and Policy National Security Studies Quantitative Social Science PSYCHOLOGY SOCIOLOGY THEATRE & DANCE Dance WOMEN’S, GENDER & SEXUALITY STUDIES Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Women’s Studies

* Teacher Certification Available.

Please Consult the Department Advisor for More Information.

AGNES ARNOLD HALL, ROOM 320

Student Government Association Hello Cougar Nation Welcome to the Cougar family and the 2014-2015 school year!

The University of Houston can give you some of the best years of your life and I am honored that you have chosen a Tier One University as your home for the next few years.

Service Above Self

Always remember that academics are the number one priority but getting involved on campus strengthens your success as well.

Whether you join greek life, intramural sports, or one of the 500+ student organizations, getting involved can be rewarding and be the key to success. With the new stadium opening and the completion of the Student Center this year, it is a great time to be a Cougar! Make the most of your time here by attending sporting events, Homecoming, theater performances, concerts, and Frontier Fiesta. You can also conduct research with professors and give back to the community. UH is the second most diverse campus in the nation and building a strong professional and personal network is crucial to long-term success.

I am excited to see what you can bring to the campus and am confident that you will enjoy your time here and graduate as a stronger, bettereducated, and well-rounded individual. Please know that the Student Government Association (SGA) is here to serve YOU! We are your voice and advocate on your behalf to the administration and elected officials at the local, state, and national level. Never be afraid to stop by our office, email us or attend senate meetings. Let’s make this a year that focuses on you, the students.

Go Coogs!

Charles Haston is the Student Body President at the University of Houston. He previously served at the Graduate-At-Large senator and chair of the Student Fees Advisory Committee (SFAC). He currently sits on the Stadium Opening Committee and is obtaining a MS in Finance. He completed a BBA in Finance in 2012 and is focuses on boosting pride across the university through oncampus events, athletics and student engagement.

Erica Tat is the Student Body Vice President at the University of Houston. She previously served as the Director of the Council of Ethnic Organizations as well as being the Chair of the University Center Policy Board. She is currently the Student Chair of the New UC Project, and prior to her involvement within SGA, Erica has accumulated three years of experience in events-programming.

She is a French and Spanish major and is a proud member of the class of 2015!

Max Gardner

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

W

elcome to what could be the best years of your life thus far. The most important thing to realize going forward is that you have the power of choice. You are in the ideal environment to experiment with your decisions, to test the waters and discover who you are or who you want to be; hopefully the two match or you can find a way to reconcile them. You are in that glorious, mystical place between high school and the real world, where you can experience a taste of the independent, “adult” life without having to fully dive into it just yet.

For the next four years (or longer—no judgment here), despite any other title you take on, you will be most importantly “college student.” You have a pass to make a few mistakes if you need to, to take on too much of a work load and realize it’s not manageable, to fall victim to poor time management skills, to figure out your limits by stretching yourself beyond them. Take advantage of this opportunity. Only you can affect how much you get out of this experience. Do things you wouldn’t normally do. Put yourself in situations that will test you, and challenge yourself to rise to the occasion. You may not always succeed, but often times you will, and you’ll learn something about yourself.

What I hope you’ll be able to take away from the content you are about to flip through is that you are at the brim of an immense pool of opportunity. UH is a great school, Houston is a wonderfully diverse and fun city, and you are young and full of potential. Be smart, be brave, and be open to learning something new about yourself and the world around you.

MAGAZINE STAFF Editor in Chief Max Gardner

Managing Editor Mónica Rojas

Lead Designer

Advertising Manager Gabriela Padilla

Production José Cruz, Andrés Garcia

José Cruz

Cover Design

Photo Editor

José Cruz, Andrés Garcia

Justin Tijerina

Cover Photos

Copy Chief

Jimmy Moreland

Samantha Wong

Writers

About the Magazine

Trishna Buch, Max Gardner, Ryan Graham, Natalie Harms, Channler K. Hill, Amanda Hilow, Hadiya Iqbal, Kathleen Murrill, Mónica Rojas, Christopher Shelton

Transitions is published by the Center for Student Media at the University of Houston. The magazine is intended for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Photographers

University of Houston UC North, N221 Houston, TX 77024-4015 (713) 743-5350 csm@uh.edu www.uh.edu/csm

Fernando Castaldi, Emily Chambers, Jenna Frenzel, Max Gardner, Izmail Glosson, Catherine Lara, Jimmy Moreland, Conny Ramirez, Jusin Tijerina, Sam Tran

Contact Us

16 LIBRARY

32 ORGANIZATIONS

18 TRADITIONS

34 MUST-ATTEND

24 HOUSING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

30 PARKING

38 STADIUM

RAIL LINE AND NEW UC

8

TO DO AND TO KNOW

major construction projects are set to 36 UH’s come to fruition during the next school year

10

DEGREE PLANNING

12

MISTAKES WHEN BUYING TEXTBOOKS

14

FINDING WORK & INTERNSHIPS

17

ESSENTIAL TECH GEAR

23

DORM & CAR HACKS

26

DISCOVERING YOUR PATH

31

SAFETY TIPS

40

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

42

COLLEGE MISCONCEPTIONS

44

SEX & RELATIONSHIPS

45

AVOIDING DEBT

46

EXPLORING HOUSTON

48

BUCKET LIST

and will give students access to convenient transportation into Downtown when the light rail expansion begins operating in the fall semester as well as more food options and lounge spaces with the opening of Phase II of the New UC in January.

TO DO

&

TO KNOW

DO A WALK-THROUGH OF YOUR CLASSES

1

CONTACT YOUR ROOMMATE(S)

2

“Get more involved. Definitely take advantage of what the University has to offer. Don’t be afraid to try new things, to get involved, and just live life here because it’s pretty awesome.”

This can be extremely beneficial because you probably do not know where all the buildings are yet, and you do not want to be that person who walks in twenty minutes late on the first day. Use the map on the UH website to learn the building initials, or download the UH Redline app.

Kourtney Molen

If you did not already stalk them on Facebook as soon as you got their name(s) in that email from Residential Life & Housing, that is. See if you can exchange numbers and set up a meeting before you move in so you can get a better idea of what you’re walking into.

“I wish I would have found out sooner about all the different areas and offerings of each building on campus, like the leisure pool at the Rec, the bowling alley at the UC, the movie rental section of the library. And I would just tell freshmen to get involved in every group possible, even if they don’t have an immediate interest in it.”

EXPLORE SOME AREAS AROUND HOUSTON

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You live in an amazing city that is full of diverse people and neighborhoods. You will have the next four years to really dive in, but try to at least wet your feet before the semester hits so that you know what areas you might want to get to know better.

Nick Heisig

Even if you are not sure you are going to stick with your current major. You will be thankful you did when you are trying to figure out when to start that foreign language requirement or when you narrowly escape skipping a prerequisite class that’s only offered in the fall.

LOOK AT EACH CLASS’ SYLLABUS

5 6

Elizabeth Ayoko

Figure out when all the big tests are and how your professor determines your grade so you at least have some sense of the semester workload as a whole and what will be expected of you.

Sylvia Palos

7

Vu Nguyen

RESEARCH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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Get an idea of what internships you may be interested in pursuing. Some are available to everyone, while others are reserved for upperclassmen. Consider your options across the span of your college career. The sooner you start looking, the more prepared you are to apply and the more likely you are to have a chance at multiple internship experiences.

Major Undeclared Engineer Classification Sophomore “When I was a freshman, I wasn’t so active, so I missed a lot of chances, and I really regret it. If I was in some club last semester, I could be an officer right now, and there are opportunities for scholarships and internships, but I didn’t get to know any organization (when I was a freshman).

DEVELOP AN EXERCISE SCHEDULE Nobody wants to work out (even if they say they do), but it will help you stay healthier and give you a lot more energy.

It will also be a lot easier to motivate yourself to do it if you already know when you can and what you want to do.

Check out the UH Recreation and Wellness Center website for a schedule of the group fitness classes.

Major Microbiology and Physics Classification Graduate

“Don’t worry about status and just finish when you can finish rather than trying to live up to the expectation of doing four years. Know what you can and can’t do. Don’t overbear yourself.”

DEVELOP A BUDGET It may change, but at least have an idea of what financial limits you want to set for yourself in terms of weekly spending. Eating out and midnight snack runs during your study breaks quickly add up.

Major History Classification Senior “Go to every class and sleep because those are the two major things I didn’t do as a freshman. Although I did do well in some of my classes, I would have been able to succeed (more) and it would have been a lot easier for me if I had a lot more sleep and if I attended more classes.”

CREATE A LOOSE OUTLINE FOR YOUR DEGREE PLAN

4

Major Biology Classification Junior

Major Management Information Systems Classification Sophomore “I wish I would have known that you can’t do it all by yourself. We all need help, and your college experience will be so much better if you learn to let people help you when you need it.”

Brian St. Hilaire

Major Biochemistry Classification Senior Photos by Jenna Frenzel & Max Gardner

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ACADEMIC LIFE

TRANSITIONS 2014

University Eye Institute

See the difference ...See the best

Contact Lenses

Optical Boutique

Complete Eye Care

The UEI provides a wide range of eye care services & products. Proper sun protection, along with early diagnosis & treatment of eye problems, is the best way to maintain good vision throughout your life.

4901 Calhoun • Open to the UH Community and to the public, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Call 713.743.2020 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam For contact lens appointments call 713.743.2015 or visit www.uei.uh.edu On the corner of (Calhoun & Wheeler) free patient parking TRANSITIONS 2014

ACADEMIC LIFE

9

DEGREE PLANNING

Research, passion and balance are keys to a memorable and successful college experience, but it all begins with planning It takes 42 core-course credit hours.

And 39 major-related hours. Between 15 and 21 minor-specific hours. Also, a varying number of hours from special college-determined and required courses. In all, students must complete a whopping 120 credit hours to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. All are meant to be accomplished in four years.

Though it may seem like a daunting task, UScholars Director Diana Velez said it is completely feasible.

“I was one of those students in my undergrad who worked throughout my entire college career, and I still graduated in three and a half years. So it is possible to do it,” Velez said. “It’s all about balance and priorities.”

The first priority students should focus on is classwork, Velez said. The primary reason students should be attending college is to learn the skills needed to obtain a degree in their chosen field, and Velez emphasized the importance of staying on track in classes and with the degree plan.

“You have to know what’s required for the major you’re in—the types of courses and the time that you need to do well in those courses,” Velez said. “Once you decide what you want to do, look at what you need to do to balance out those hours. Make sure you plan out your classes very carefully. Do your research.”

In addition to campus resources to guide and ensure college success, such as access to academic advisors and University Career Services, the University will begin implementing

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ACADEMIC LIFE

a fixed-tuition rate plan starting with the class “The social aspect is critical for the stuof 2018 that will aim to further aid students in dents—for any human being—because it’s meeting the four-year graduation goal. part of our connecting with people,” Velez “It’s a four-year guarantee in which students said. “There are a lot of things you can get out take at least 30 credit hours per year, meet with of those activities outside of the sheer human an academic advisor each semester, follow the contact. But first enjoy the activity—don’t go in course sequence in the academic map, monitor thinking about just the resume. Once you’re in their degree progress, remain in good academit, think about that.” ic standing and notify the University of course Students should try to find organizations unavailability,” said Teri Longacre, vice provost that they are both interested in and can gain and dean for undergraduate student success, in hands-on skills and experience from Velez said. a statement.

“There are real skills In addition to the that can translate into I would say that to be a resume,” Velez said. new program and truly successful is to “Whenever you interact traditional face-to-face classes, there are courses know who you are, identify with people, that has starting at various times a degree plan that will help some translation into and lengths throughyou fulfill your interests business because busiout the year as well as ness is all about not just or desires. mini-semesters and producing the widget, online and hybrid coursbut selling the widget.” es that students can take to fulfill these annual Whatever a student’s path may be, Velez hour requirements. For students who change said a few things are key for success. their major or have other setbacks, such as “I would say that to be truly successful is advertising senior Sara Larsen, these extra to know who you are and identify a degree options can help them catch up. plan that will help you fulfill your interests or “With changing majors, there is always the desires,” Velez said. “Then, while you’re getting risk of prolonging one’s education,” Larsen that degree, you’re also taking in all those culsaid. “However, online classes have helped tural and human experiences that the campus me stay on the graduation track by providing offers you. This should be a period in your life me with the flexibility I need to maintain my where you give yourself permission to grow current schedule.” and learn about human beings or institutions.”

Academics aside, human involvement is also critical to success at the University and can

BY MÓNICA ROJAS be fulfilled by joining an organization, Velez said. Though organizations and internships are sometimes seen as resume boosters, Velez sees the social and fun part of involvement as equally important.

TRANSITIONS 2014

Top Things You need To Know AbouT pArKing & TrAnsporTATion services www.uh.edu/parking • 832.842.1097 • parking@uh.edu

Parking Permits In order to park on campus, students must display a UH parking permit. Permits can be purchased online through AccessUH at accessuh.uh.edu. Your permit will be mailed prior to the start of the semester.

Cougar Line With four different routes, the Cougar Line shuttles transport students around campus.

Please swipe your Cougar Card when you board the shuttle and Make Your Ride Count.

cougar trax

Cougar trax Tracking your shuttle is easy using your smart phone.

Visit www.uh.edu/cougartraxmobile, select your route and shuttle stop, and see when the next shuttle will arrive!

metro Q Card Before you start the semester, register for a Metro Q Card at www.uh.edu/parking for 50 percent off fares on the city’s Metro buses and MetroRail. Don’t forget to use the trip planner that’s available at www.ridemetro.org.

TRANSITIONS 2014

ACADEMIC LIFE

11

11 MISTAKES TO AVOID

WHEN BUYING TEXTBOOKS

bigstock.com

1 2 3 4 5 6

BUYING YOUR BOOKS BEFORE CLASSES START

7 8 9

NOT SELLING BACK TEXTBOOKS FROM PREVIOUS SEMESTERS

10 11 12

Shocking as it may sound, just because a book is on the syllabus or listed with the bookstore does not mean you will actually use it. Wait until your professor specifically assigns it, or ask him or her about it.

GETTING THE NEWEST EDITION Ask your professor if it is necessary to buy the newest edition of the textbook. Textbook content rarely changes from edition to edition, so if there are no major differences, you often can save some money by buying an older edition.

BUYING CORE COURSE TEXTBOOKS Unless the textbook is somehow related to your major or future career, try not to buy core course textbooks—odds are, you’ll never use them again. Explore alternative options, like renting the book, instead.

USING TEXTBOOKS AS UMBRELLAS Houston is known for impromptu rain and weather changes. Do yourself a favor and carry an umbrella; otherwise you might be desperate enough to use that $250 book as one, thereby ruining it.

PURCHASING THE FIRST OPTION YOU FIND Make sure you check out more than just one store or seller. There are several online stores and physical stores around the city that may have cheaper options—do your research.

BUYING PHYSICAL VERSION OF REQUIRED ONLINE BOOKS Certain courses, such as the freshman political science and history classes, require you to purchase the online book but still offer a physical copy, usually starting at $30. Do not buy the print version. You can print pages from the online version if you need a physical copy.

You will not get a fortune for that English book you will never use again; in fact, you may get less than $10, but if you are never using it again, that is money you can spend on food.

NOT USING YOUR TEXTBOOK If you spent a hefty penny on that book, you may as well use it. Do not let it sit on your shelf and collect dust. That is one expensive paperweight.

GETTING “RECOMMENDED” BOOKS There are certain classes that have recommended books listed along with required ones. Check out the recommended ones to see if you actually think you will need them. Odds are, you will not.

LOSING A TEXTBOOK The tears of frustration and sadness that will be shed over this loss are buckets more than those shed over even your biggest heartache because this hits you where it hurts most—your poor-college-kid wallet.

BUYING THE WRONG TEXTBOOK Some textbooks will have similar names but different authors or publishers. A helpful hint is to look for them by their ISBN numbers. When in doubt, the UH Bookstore has the official book, as long as they received the correct information.

ACADEMIC LIFE

TRANSITIONS 2014

“There’s nothing to do at UH,” said No One Ever.

Yes, studying is a huge part of college, but we don’t expect you to study all of the time When you need a break, check out the many ways to get involved at the University of Houston. From student organizations, working out, adventure trips, searching for the right 1nternsh1p, and major campus events, there are so many opportunities at your fingertips to keep you on the right track for success.

Let’s make sure the next four years are full of good times and great memories!

uh.edu/dsaes TRANSITIONS 2014

ACADEMIC LIFE

13

FINDING WORK & INTERNSHIPS In a job market in which every student needs an edge, work experience can be vital for success It seems that no matter what stage we are at in our lives, it is always necessary to polish resumes and practice interviewing.

Luckily you chose the University of Houston as your college destination. Not only are there many work opportunities on campus, but you also are minutes from Downtown, where many jobs and internships are available for students.

Theresa Cyr, the assistant director of employer development and relations for University Career Services, assists students daily with finding jobs. She talks with them and directs them to the UH job bank, which lists nearby work opportunities and can be accessed on the Career Services website at www.uh.edu/ucs.

“When considering a job, ask yourself questions such as: Do I need to work to finance my education? Do I need or want to gain work experience? Do I have the time to work?” Cyr said. “While many UH students work to finance their college education, consider the workload between classes and a job. If you have a full class load and try to work at the same time, you may become over extended and your academics could suffer.”

Though Cyr acknowledges the difficulties of working and going to school full-time, she still believes students should consider it because the experience can help boost their resumes.

She encourages students to evaluate what type of workload they can handle and practice proper time management..

“Working while going to school does provide you with an opportunity to build transfer-

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ACADEMIC LIFE

able skills that will help you find a permanent job once you graduate,” Cyr said. “If you work in an office within your college, you can gain experience and insights to your major and possible career opportunities.”

Students can try to find a position at a job they would be interested in keeping after graduation. Gaining traction and building relationships early can increase chances of transitioning into something full-time after college.

“Today, companies hiring college graduates are looking for individuals who can hit the ground running and make an immediate contribution in their company,” Cyr said.

Helen Godfrey urges students to consider how they can better their chances in the job market.

“Students who have experience in their field are more marketable than students who graduate without any experience,” Godfrey said.

“Gaining internship experience, whether in the summer or fall, is a very important pre-employment step for students. UCS recommends that all students have at least one internship experience before they graduate.”

UCS sponsors two career fairs each semester—one in August and another in April. Many other colleges, such as the Bauer College of Business, host similar fairs as well.

Students who have experience in their field are more marketable than students who graduate without any experience.

BY CHANNLER HILL

The same concept applies for internships, which students can partake in during the semester and over the summer and winter breaks. Internships are either paid or unpaid and can be found on campus in labs or off campus through many companies.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 40 percent of students who graduated in 2013 and completed an internship prior to graduation were hired fulltime with the same company or organization.

Associate director of University Career Services

TRANSITIONS 2014

4

REASONS TO WORK ON CAMPUS

1 twice or leave campus to go to work.

Most offices will work 2 Flexibility. around your schedule.

Most departments offer 3 Training. training and professional developConvienence. No need to commute

ment that can tie into your major.

Build your resume and try 4 Resume. out a career.

UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES + EAGER JOB SEEKERS

= SUCCESSFUL COOGS!

Need advice on your job search?

Overhaul the resume? Ace the interview?

Here are just some of the ways we can help!

SERVICES Résumé Critiques Mock-Interviews Career Advising/ Counseling Career-Related Workshops Career Fairs On-Campus Interviews

RESOURCES Job Bank — The main online jobs database at UH! Resume Bank — Employers can select your resume for an interview!

CareerShift — Centralize your job search online by sourcing jobs, companies, and company contacts all in one location!

Click www.uh.edu/ucs Visit 106 Student Service Center 1 Call 713-743-5100 Find us on Google Plus

@CoogCareers

fb.com/uh.ucs

uhcareers

TRANSITIONS 2014

University Career Services at UH

ACADEMIC LIFE

15

14 WAYS TO USE THE LIBRARY 1

Daily Cougar file photo

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16

STUDYING OF ALL KINDS The library has many areas to facilitate different types of study environments. There are silent zones on floors four through seven as well as the Regent’s Reading Room on the second floor, where students can isolate and bury themselves in their work. There are also several areas for group work, including the second- and third-floor lounge areas as well as private rooms with features like white boards and TVs.

ACADEMIC RESEARCH In addition to physical books, the library website has an extensive system that allows students to search scholarly articles and scanned books and documents. Library assistants also are available for students who are not sure where to start researching.

LEISURE READING It is almost easy to miss, tucked away on the first floor to the side of the computer lab, but there is a fair-sized collection of non-academic books, including some more recent titles, for students who enjoy reading as a hobby.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS For those who do not have a laptop or just need a place to get good Wi-Fi, the library has more than 300 computers, according to their website. Any student can login with their CougarNet information.

PRINTERS & SCANNERS Every student gets 500 prints each semester, and the library also has several high-quality scanners.

EQUIPMENT RENTALS Not everyone can afford an expensive DSLR camera or HD camcorder. The library offers these items as well as point-and-shoot cameras and SD camcorders for students to rent for varying amounts of time.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN SYSTEM This system allows students to request books at other libraries, which helps when you absolutely need that one book for your research paper but it is at a school across the country.

SLEEPING Sometimes, a nap between classes or cram sessions feels necessary. The quiet floors—or even just a quiet corner—can be surprisingly inviting and fitting for a quick bout of rest, and couches can be found on certain floors.

EATING & SNACKING Not in the library itself, as the sign at the front reads, but in the 24-hour lounge area to the left when you walk in, there is an area filled with vending machines and microwaves for students to get their snack on while they are studying.

INFORMATIONAL & INSTRUCTIONAL COURSES Students can learn about various technologies, such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and the Microsoft Office suite, as well as helpful skills like time management and research. A schedule with all the courses they offer is available on the library’s website.

MOVIES & AUDIOBOOKS Similar to the leisure reading section, it is almost easy to miss these. But students can borrow DVDs and audiobooks to watch or listen to in their free time.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS The computers in the Learning Commons have more advanced programs, like the Adobe suite, for students who may not have the software on their own computers.

TEXTBOOKS & REQUIRED READING Though not all course textbooks are available, the library often has many of the required reading for various classes and usually offers it to students for two-hour periods at a time. This can be an alternative to shelling out a hefty sum to buy or rent.

24-HOUR STUDY ZONE This area is located on the first floor of the library right when students walk in. There are tables and other seating, bathrooms, vending machines, and a few computers. It is perfect for students looking for a quiet place to study late.

ACADEMIC LIFE

TRANSITIONS 2014

ESSENTIAL TECH GEAR

College is full of options and so is technology lucky for you, we’ve already done the research COMPUTING

VS

VS TABLET

LAPTOP

TABLET/LAPTOP HYBRID

A laptop generally has a higher storage capacity and more program compatibility but at the cost of being heavier.

Devices such as the Microsoft Surface with its attachable keyboard and Apple’s Macbook Air are hybrids of laptops and computers and might be a good in-between.

A tablet is lighter and keyboard-less and usually comes with enough programs to take notes but probably not to complete more technologically demanding projects.

STORAGE

VS

VS

CLOUD

USB FLASH DRIVE

Mainstream cloud computing services such as Google Drive or Apple’s iCloud provide an allotted amount of storage space accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection and without any weight to carry around.

An in-between option is a USB flash drive, which can range in space and price. Files are accessible without the Internet and the device is generally small enough to carry on a keychain.

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE On the opposite side are external hard drives, which can be pricey and bulky to carry but come with plenty of storage room and are independent of the Internet.

PORTABLE AGENDA OR CALENDAR

VS PRE-INSTALLED ON PHONE

DOWNLOADABLE APP

While paper agendas and calendars may work just as well in keeping up with a schedule, digital ones are lighter, give you the option of setting a reminder for events and are less likely to get soaked in an impromptu rainstorm or get lost. Options here include pre-installed calendars on smartphones and a wide range of downloadable Apps, many of which are free.

TRANSITIONS 2014

ACADEMIC LIFE

17

CAMPUS TRADITIONS COUGAR HAND SIGN

COUGAR RED FRIDAY

When you’re at the new stadium cheering on the football team this season, don’t look around wondering why your peers are throwing up an unkown sign.

Know that in 1953 when live mascot Shasta I lost a toe in her cage door as she was being transported to a UT game, the Longhorns mocked her injury and UH students later adopted it as a symbol of pride.

When you wake up on Friday, avoid being the only one not wearing red. It is not just a tradition on this campus, but it’s a symbol of unity to sport the University’s signature scarlet red. People across Houston know it’s Friday when they see you wearing Cougar Red. Dai

ly C oug

ar f ile

pho to

FIGHT SONG AND ALMA MATER THE COUGAR FIGHT SONG

THE ALMA MATER

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 for red and white And we will go to victory.

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.

Lyrics Forest Fountain

Words and music by Harmony Class of 1942

Music Marion Ford

18

TRADITIONS

TRANSITIONS 2014

y to b Pho

tin Jus

ina

r Tije

DEFINED BY TRADITION

Homecoming and Frontier Fiesta are UH's largest traditional events. We ignite the pride in UH and bring the community together.

Homecoming Week Nov. 3-8, 2014 www.uh.edu/homecoming

Frontier Fiesta March 26-28, 2015 www.uh.edu/fiesta

You are in control through accessuh Submit your own Cougar Card photo View your flex, meal plan, Cougar Cash and printing balances Purchase your meal plan Replenish Cougar Cash Add flex dollars Disable your card if lost

Your Photo Here

KeY to the campus Official UH identification Use for meal plans and Cougar Cash Use for printing Access your library privilege Manages access to campus buildings Use it to access the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Use it to track classroom attendance Use it to access UH sporting events Make your ride count on the Cougar Line shuttles

First Name Last Name

Classification Visit https://accessuh.uh.edu and click on the Cougar Card icon

or call

832.842.CARD (2273)

Your Cougar Card is your key to the campus.

TRANSITIONS 2014

ACADEMIC LIFE

19

Tune in to student life.

READ WATCH LISTEN

THE COUGAR IN PRINT ACROSS CAMPUS AND ONLINE AT THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM STUDENT VIDEO NETWORK IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS (CHANNEL 6) OR YOUTUBE 24/7 TO COOG RADIO AT COOGRADIO.COM ON YOUR DESKTOP, LAPTOP, TABLET OR MOBILE DEVICE

GET INVOLVED

LOG ON TO WWW.UH.EDU/CSM TO FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN THE MEDIA ON CAMPUS.

www.uh.edu/csm Rm. 221 University Center North 713-743-5350 uhstudentmedia

20

ACADEMIC LIFE

TRANSITIONS 2014

uh_csm

csm@uh.edu

sept poster instructions

Lynn Eusan

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Park

to

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OCT

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MY

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CY

FREE

CMY

K

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l f

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Year round events free to students.

Council of Ethnic Organizations CEO’s mission is to enrich student life and promote cultural diversity through inclusive and educational events at the University of Houston.

Check out our website! uh.edu/csiceo

832.842.6222

/UH.CEO TRANSITIONS 2014

@UHCEO

ACADEMIC LIFE

21

For information contact

PETER CREWS 951-415-2620

vicearchon@uhpikapp.com UHpikapp.com

"Pi Kappa Phi will redefine fraternity as lifelong brotherhood of leaders" 22

CAMPUS LIFE

TRANSITIONS 2014

14 DORM & CAR HACKS GENERAL

1 2 3 4

DORMS & APARTMENTS

Daily Cougar file photo

5 6 7 8 9

CASH & CARRY Always carry at least $10 to $20 in cash for emergencies or impromptu bake sales—often found by the PGH breezeway.

COORDINATE YOUR SCHEDULE Try to schedule all of your classes on the same two or three days. This allows you to focus solely on classes for those days and concentrate on homework, work or other matters on your days off.

PREPARE FOR MONSOONS RAIN Have an umbrella with you at all times. While it might seem like a perfectly beautiful, sunny day in the morning, the city’s weather history suggests there is always a chance that it can start pouring rain at any second. Welcome to Houston.

GET AHEAD IN YOUR HOURS Take advantage of minimesters and special session courses. Doing so permits you to take fewer classes during the regular semester, which creates more free time and allows you to potentially get ahead or catch up on courses required to graduate.

LEAVE NO CORNER UN-CRAMMED Store snacks in over-the-door shoe organizers to optimize space. Along the same lines, stack items and furniture vertically whenever possible. Use command strips that come off cleanly to mount objects and shelves on walls.

GET CRAFTY WITH YOUR COFFEE Make coffee in a modernized but old fashioned way: Cut off the bottom of a disposable coffee cup and place a coffee filter around it; secure the filter with a rubber band. Scoop coffee onto the filter and pour hot water through and into another cup.

SURVIVE WITHOUT A MICROWAVE If you don’t own a microwave and just thinking of going down the hall to the dorm kitchen makes you yawn from exhaustion, wrap your food in aluminum foil and heat it up with a clothes iron or hairdryer.

COLOR YOUR DAY Go to a home improvement store and stock up on free paint swatches. Tape them onto a board or wall and create a colorful wall calendar to keep track of important dates throughout the semester.

EXPLOIT YOUR MEAL PLAN Make the most out of your meal plan. Take a piece of fruit from the dining hall even if you do not want one at that moment; keep it as a snack for later in the day.

COMMUTER

HATE YOUR COMMUTE LESS

the seventh city in the U.S. with the worst traffic according to weather.com, Houston’s roads are often lined with bumper-to10 Rated bumper cars. To avoid congested areas and sites where car accidents have occurred, listen to traffic updates on the way to campus on stations such as 740 AM KTRH and 100.7 FM KKHT. Also, learn some of the back roads. You’ll thank yourself later.

11

USE YOUR FRIENDS Carpooling not only helps the environment, but also provides you with some company and can help you save money on gas by splitting the cost. And you can ride in the HOV lane for free during certain hours.

STOCK YOUR CAR

an over-night bag in your car with clothes and supplies in it. You never know when a hot day may turn frigid or vise-versa, or 12 Keep when you may want to take a quick nap in your car.

BE READY WHEN HUNGER STRIKES

non-perishable snacks in your car to keep you full throughout the day—or when you are stuck in traffic—and help you avoid 13 Keep over-spending at vending machines and restaurants on campus.

YOUR LIFE E Z 14 MAKE Get an EZ tag. This will allow you to cruise down the HOV lane without another passenger and bypass congested traffic areas.

TRANSITIONS 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

23

HOUSING OPTIONS This is going to be your new home, so make sure you love where you are living

HOUSING BY YEAR Freshman Year Students have the option of residing in Cougar Village, Cougar Village II or Moody Towers.

Sophomore Year Students who have been accepted into the Honors College have the option of staying at Cougar Village. If this is not the case, options include Moody Towers, the Quads, Cougar Place, or one of the apartments on campus— Calhoun Lofts and Bayou Oaks or the University-affiliated Cambridge Oaks and Cullen Oaks. Students also can explore offcampus living options in surrounding areas.

Junior Year

24

CAMPUS LIFE

TRANSITIONS 2014

Ph ot os

by

Je

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Fr en

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By the time students reach junior year, many opt for apartment living. However they still have the option of staying in the dorms.

Senior Year By senior year, many students choose not to live in the dorms and instead prefer a place in the apartments or off-campus.

you have to stay after school long after your classes are over to avoid rush-hour traffic.”

Finding housing either on-campus or nearby to campus brings on new expenses, but it can help students avoid the trouble that comes with commuting.

Incoming freshmen seem to have the

The best thing about living on campus is getting to class early and only having to leave my room 10 minutes early to do so.

Making the decision of where to live during your time at the University of Houston may seem overwhelming initially. There are different ideas about what the most ideal housing is for one’s college years, but whether you choose to live in a dorm or an apartment or commute from home, you must choose the option that suits your specific needs.

“The housing option which is best for an individual student depends on the student themselves,” Yackley said. “Different students choose different housing options for different reasons.”

Commuting is the most common choice and can help students save money. The student population at UH comprises 85 percent commuters, according to the UH website. But for some students, such as broadcast journalism senior Christina Caballero, the daily trek to school can be taxing.

“Commuting drains you out,” Caballero said. “You have to wake up early to beat the traffic and find parking, if you are lucky. Then

easiest choice when deciding where to live because there are two residence halls reserved specifically for them—Cougar Village and Cougar Village II. Executive director of Residential Life and Housing Don Yackley strongly advises freshmen to stay in either because both have many amenities which cater to their needs as a new college student.

“It is critical in their freshmen year for students to stay at either Cougar Village or Cougar Village II,” Yackley said. “These residence halls are equipped with residential advisors and different activities, which make the transition into college life smoother.”

In addition to the Cougar Village residence halls, UH is home to three others: Moody Towers, The Quadrangle and Cougar Place.

Each is equipped with its own computer lab, front lobby, laundry facility and exercise center.

Living on campus comes with convenience, and Yackley believes those who choose this option can have more satisfaction with their college experience.

“On-campus living is beneficial for students because they have a proximity to their classes,

easy access to faculty, easy access to other students and easy access to support resources such as tutoring and the writing lab,” Yackley said. “Students who live on campus can form study groups with other students and join an organization, which will enrich their college experience as a whole.”

The community is one unique aspect of on-campus living as students can be surrounded by people close to them in age who are going through a similar experience. For pre-pharmacy sophomore Shannon Varghese, the proximity to the University also is an important aspect of living in a residence hall.

“The best thing about living on campus is getting to class early and only having to leave my room 10 minutes early to do so,” Varghese said.

Convenience and community are not the only factors to consider, though, and some students opt to live in an apartment beyond their first or second years. There are a number of apartment choices at UH, including Bayou Oaks and Calhoun Lofts as well as the University-affiliated Cambridge Oaks and Cullen Oaks. All are located on or nearby to campus, and most come equipped with features such as basic utilities, a kitchen and an exercise center.

Some students, such as advertising communication senior Jessica Blake, prefer the apartments to the dorms.

“I feel I have more freedom,” said Blake.

“I would recommend students to try living in an apartment for at least once in their college career.”

Students also can look at apartments or houses in surrounding areas, such as the Third Ward, Montrose and The Heights. Students interested in exploring off-campus living can refer to resources like UH’s Look, Learn, Lease magazine as well as websites like Trulia, Zillow or the Houston Chronicle’s real estate section.

BY TRISHNA BUCH

TRANSITIONS 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

25

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TRANSITIONS 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE

Association to earn a position a semester later.

Holland believes building relationships and not being afraid of change are the keys to success on campus.

“Make that move to meet people and start building those bonds early,” Holland said. “It was the bonds I made that helped me get my current job. Just remember to do the things you love, take the time to explore and discover what you really want and don’t be afraid to change your mind.”

Holland is also heavily involved with her sorority Alpha Lamda Omega as the vice president, treasurer and a founding member.

Pre-pharmacy junior Brian Nwokorie shares Holland’s philosophy when it comes to school, but he thinks you need to add in a little fun as well.

“It’s all on you when it comes to how far you go,” Nwokorie said. “You can study, you can go to class, you can have fun, you can do whatever you want as long as you stay motivated and prioritize. People see me at parties and know that I’m also going to pharm school, so they think it may be easy. What they don’t see is that I work my butt off studying behind closed doors.”

As a future student of the University’s Pharmacy School, Nwokorie has worked hard to develop an approach to studying that allows him to maintain an active social life while also getting good grades. Nwokorie struggled in his freshman year with studying for the Pharmacy College Admission Test, or PCAT, a test that was crucial to his future at UH. “I did so bad my first time that I thought the score machine must have been broken,” Nwokorie said. “I thought it was impossible to

MAN

26

a lot going on at this campus. Just join anything to get the experience. As a freshman, you have four years ahead of you to make a difference.

You don’t want to leave this campus looking back and thinking, ‘Well, I missed out on this’.”

Hotel and restaurant management senior Eugenia Gonzalez knows a thing or two about starting early.

In her four years at UH, Gonzalez has completed five internships: She has been a Hilton College ambassador, the human resources manager for Gourmet night, the general manager and marketing and VP relations manager for the Hilton college’s Hall of Honor event and a Cougar Village I resident advisor.

Gonzalez says three things can help anyone be successful on campus.

“Have faith in yourself,” Gonzalez said.

“Take care of your relationships and friendships. And network, network, network.”

Gonzalez will spend the summer finishing her sixth internship at the Hilton Worldwide headquarters in Virginia and will travel to Hong Kong in the fall to complete a semester abroad program. Similar to Gonzalez, psychology junior Erika Holland has spent three years working in Cougar Village I. Holland, who also has a minor in human development and family studies and will be starting her final year in Student Housing and Residential Life this fall as the senior resident advisor for Cougar Place.

After initially being rejected for a resident advisor position, Holland stayed positive and hopeful, eventually utilizing relationships she cultivated on her floor in Moody Towers and as a floor representative in the Residence Hall

USTON

T N E M E

These cougars may differ in their majors and ambitions, but they all are exploring different avenues on and off campus to forge their paths to success

Y OF HO

T

O’Korn is just one of many emerging leaders at the University of Houston who have learned how to gain more than just the freshman 15 during his first year of college.

O’Korn was thrown into the spotlight as the quarterback for a Division I football team after the previous quarterback’s concussions ended his career early. He finished the remaining 11 games as the starter, breaking UH records for most touchdowns and pass completions by any freshman and leading all true freshmen nationally with his 28 touchdowns.

Perspective is what kept him sane while everything else was spinning around him.

“A lot is thrown at you freshmen year,” O’Korn said. “But if you get caught up in how hectic everything can get, college won’t be a good experience. You have to remember and realize the opportunity you have and be anything you want while you are here.”

While O’Korn was throwing around the football outside of class, supply chain management junior Bradley Lapp was kicking around numbers at his internship with ALF Technical Services. Lapp is working toward his goal of one day outsourcing for a major oil company.

Outside of his internship, Lapp is a member of the Institute for Supply Management, the Student Organization Leadership Committee and plays on two soccer teams in the Houston area.

The Bauer senator hopeful and Lonestar College transfer believes a successful freshman year is made by just jumping right in.

“Start right when you get here; otherwise you are going to miss out,” Lapp said. “There’s

Photos by Jimmy Moreland

TRAN

NEW

O V E

PATH

N R U LUTION P

On the Texans’ home field, as thousands packed in for the Bayou Bucket, John O’Korn took the first snap as the new starting quarterback for the Cougars last September. Sweat bled down his face, and his heart pounded as he completed three touchdowns to end his first game as a true freshman starting quarterback with a win.

FRESH

IT UNIVERS

E MOV

N R A O E M H SING UP CHANGMATION METAM PM H W DISCOVERING R T W O O O R L F G E S V R N U O M E A YOUR E D FIND Y PATH MOV ATH

T R A T S HM P SO

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T N ME

score that low.”

But he turned his academics around, learning to avoid “empty studying,” which he says operates under the same concept as empty calories — you are taking things in, but it is not really helping anything. He encourages incoming students to learn from their mistakes and develop productive habits.

“All you really need to do to have that balance is spend more time being productive than not being productive,” Nwokorie said. “If you do that, you’ll be able to really go somewhere.”

After a strict summer of turning down friends in favor of his books, Nwokorie earned a high enough score to gain admission to the UH Pharmacy School.

With the PCAT behind him, Nwokorie has focused on his roles as a Cougar Village I resident advisor and an active member of both the Pre-Pharmacy Association and the Nigerian Student Association. His advice to incoming students is to level out and enjoy.

“For the majority of freshmen, their college

E R O M

experience is either boring because they worry about academics too much or too fun because they don’t worry about academics enough,” Nwokorie said. “You need to be sure to level out and find a good balance.”

While Nwokorie is just starting his graduate school in the fall, Charles Haston will be halfway through his graduate studies.

The newly elected student body president is attempting to earn his masters degree in finance in the time between meetings, interviews and answering nearly 150 emails a day.

Haston’s secret to success on campus: get involved and stay involved. That, and caffeine, of course.

“There’s more to education than just academics,” Haston said. “If you don’t develop those relationships with your school and with other students on your campus, you are going to miss a huge part of what a college education has to offer.”

Upon graduation in spring 2015, Haston has one plan: to take a vacation, a plan his vice

A lot is thrown at you freshmen year. But if you get caught up in how hectic everything can get, college won’t be a good experience.

president Erica Tat would not be opposed to.

Tat, a French and Spanish junior, sits as a chair on the University Center Policy Board and is the student co-chair of the New UC Project.

Tat admits she can be “random” and a little all over the place when it comes to her involvement, but she believes incoming students should not be afraid of making some random choices as well.

“It’s so important to just try new things,” Tat said. “Don’t be afraid to join any organization.

Just go to a meeting and see what it’s like. If it’s not for you, you can always leave. If you don’t give yourself that opportunity, you’ll never know. So just be open.”

As O’Korn leaves his freshman year behind and looks forward to his second season as quarterback, he is reminded of a quote he heard in high school.

“It listed academics, athletics and a social life and said you can only choose two,” O’Korn said.

“But I think we should try and fit in all three. You might lose some sleep, but it’s important to not get caught up in how serious college can be and just enjoy it while we are in it.”

BY KATHLEEN MURRILL

TRANSITIONS 2014

ACADEMIC LIFE

27

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TRANSITIONS 2014

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29

Photo by Catherine Lara

PARKING STRATEGY College is competitive already, but even moreso with more than 40,000 students going after a limited number of parking spaces Preparing to park on campus can be similar to preparing for battle. At least, that’s what some students may find themselves thinking after experiencing the phenomenon first-hand.

Hotel and restaurant management sophomore Taylor Walker arrives to campus long before her classes begin to ensure she gets a parking spot.

“I don’t have class until noon most days, but I still try to get to campus around 8 so I can find parking,” Walker said.

To park on campus, a student needs to obtain a permit from UH Parking & Transportation Services. There are several types of permits that come with different restrictions, and students can choose to purchase a semester-long permit or an annual one. Each permit allows the owner to park in a designated area, but it does not guarantee a specific space or, for some lots, a space at all.

“I have the economy permit, but if I get here after 8 a.m. , then I usually have to park in the way back,” Walker said. “It feels like a mile away.”

The Economy and Economy Plus permits are the cheapest options, the former costing $95 for an annual pass, and give students access to the outlying parking lots surrounding campus as well as the lot located at the Energy Research Park off-campus. The Plus gives the additional option to access to any non-restricted parking lot from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

One step up from the Economy permits is the Student Commuter permit, which is only offered on a semester-long basis. With this

30

CAMPUS LIFE

pass, students get access to Commuter-designated lots, which are located slightly closer to campus, in addition to all of the Economy lots.

For students who want a stronger guarantee that they will find an open spot more quickly, the Garage permits for the Welcome Center and Stadium parking garages are the way to go, though they are pricier. Annual permits for the Welcome Center parking garage cost $441 last year, but they are sold at a one-to-one ratio of open spaces to students, according to the parking website.

“When it comes to parking, just pay the money for a garage pass,” biomedical engineering senior Christopher Shelton said. “It’s expensive, but it’s better than driving around like an idiot looking for an open spot.”

Education junior Adriana Gonzalez, who moved off-campus last semester, said she has difficulty with her Economy pass and likely will opt for the reliability of a Garage pass in the future.

“Honestly, I can never find parking,” Gonzalez said. “I go to the lots off Cullen first, then to Wheeler Street, and I look for hours. Next semester, I will probably buy a garage pass.”

Students living on campus also have the option of purchasing a Residence Hall Exclusive permit, which allows them to park in their residence hall’s corresponding parking area.

These were priced at $395 for an annual permit last year.

Those who ride motorcycles have two options. A Motorcycle permit costs $50 on its own, but students can receive it for free in conjunction with purchasing a regular UH parking permit.

BY AMANDA HILOW

TRANSITIONS 2014

THINGS THAT WILL GET YOU FINED Violation 8 Parked in or blocking a driving lane $35 + $2.50 Security Enhancement Fee

Violation 9 Parked in a reserved space without the proper decal/permit $60 + $2.50 SEF

Violation 10 Blocking a sidewalk, crosswalk, or parking on the grass $40 + $2.75 SEF

Violation 11 Parked in a fire zone $70 + $5.00 SEF

Violation 12 Parked by a fire hydrant $70 + $5.00 SEF

Violation 13 Parked in a handicapped zone without the proper decal/permit $250 +$17.50 SEF

Violation 14 Parked in a tow-away zone $50 + $3.50 SEF

Violation 16 Overtime in Loading/20-minute Zone $25 + $1.75 SEF

Violation 17 Tow fee $90 + $6.25 SEF

Parking violations are subject to tow at owner’s expense

14 SAFETY TIPS 1

BUDDY UP

2

CONSTANT VIGILANCE

3

CALL FOR BACK-UP

4

EYES ON THE ROAD...AND SIDEWALK

5

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

6

Walk in groups whenever possible.

When approaching your car or dwelling outside, have your keys out in your hand so you can get into your car more quickly; they also may be a useful defensive tool if you are attacked.

If you need to travel on campus alone at night, call the Security Escort Program at 713-743-3333 to have them accompany you to your car or destination.

Avoid using your phone while walking so that you are fully aware of your surroundings. This can help lower your risk of causing a vehicular accident and tune you in to any potential threats.

Know where the emergency call boxes are and how to use them. A map can be found at www.uh.edu/police.

ONE CLICK - SAVE ALL EMERGENCY NUMBERS IN YOUR PHONE University of Houston Police Department 713-743-3333 Fire Marshal 713-743-1635 UH Health Center 713-743-5151

7

STRANGER DANGER

8

LEARN HOW TO KICK BUTT

9

NO PIGGY-BACKS

10 11

Counseling And Psychological Services 713-743-5454 Parking Enforcement 713-743-5400 My Safe Campus 1-800-716-9007

Do not take medicine, food or drinks from people you do not know well. Though it might seem extreme to pay $3 for a tiny pack of two Advil at the convenience store, you are better off.

Take a self-defense class. UHDPS offers one for female students, faculty and staff called the Rape Aggression Defense Program.

Do not swipe your Cougar Card for strangers, and do not let strangers piggy-back off your swipe when entering residence halls.

You never know who that could be.

LOCK IT, PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET...OR CAR OR HOME

Hide and lock all valuables in your car or home when unattended. Use a blanket in your car to cover up items that are out in the open. If no one can see it, it is less likely to get stolen.

DETAILS MATTER

If robbed or attacked, try to focus on remembering as many of the attacker’s physical features as you can—think “Taken” in the scene where the girl shouts to her father about her abductor’s tattoos.

12

SHARING IS CARING

13

NO SHORTCUTS

14

KEEP CALM AND JUST KEEP CALM

Report any suspicious activity to the University Police Department to help keep you and your fellow Coogs safe.

Avoid areas where recent crimes are reported, even if that means taking the long way to your destination.

If attacked and at a disadvantage, do not fight back as this might anger your aggressor and make him or her more violent.

TRANSITIONS 2014

bigstock.com

ACADEMIC LIFE

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ran mT

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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Getting involved gives students a chance to explore interests and begin developing personal and professional relationships Home to almost 500 student organizations ranging from Greek life to academically-focused and also social and community service groups, UH has numerous options to explore when considering campus involvement.

Each semester, organization fairs like Cat’s Back allow students to sample what each group does. Moreover, students can “shop” online at UH’s Get Involved website, where all student organizations are listed with their social media accounts, events calendars and sign-up information. Students can even make an account and list their interests, and Get Involved will generate a list of groups it thinks are compatible, Director of the Center for Student Involvement Marcella Leung said.

For Leung, getting involved is important for the college experience. She recommends students find a group they share an interest with, like volunteering, as well as something that pertains to their major. She believes developing a network of friends can help in times of both academic and personal stress.

“No one goes through all four or six years without having some sort of emergency or problem, or things of that sort,” Leung said. “If you have a support structure available to you, you’re much more likely to succeed, and to stay

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in school and to graduate. Plus it just makes (the college experience) more fun.”

The new UC North also has a lot to offer student organizations as well as students looking to get involved. It is home to the Center for Student Involvement, the Center for Student Media, the Student Government Association and more.

On the first floor is an open carrel space with 106 cubicles that act similarly to offices for student groups. Each carrel is staffed with student leaders for at least 10 hours per week and is available for any student to learn more about any particular organization. It also gives organizations a way to interact with each other in a communal environment.

“It’s definitely not the library,” Leung said.

“It’s not supposed to be a quiet area. It’s supposed to be an area where people talk about ideas and collaborate with each other.”

For some academically inclined student organizations, the carrels offer easier access to students from different disciplines.

“The carrel space helps us communicate with other organizations that we normally wouldn’t really interact with,” said Maria Gutierrez, treasurer for Mexican Americans in Engineering and Science. “We have offices in the College of Engineering too, but this helps us interact with non-engineering groups.”

The Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life, which is welcoming a new Panhellenic sorority this fall, also benefits from the UC North’s

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collaborative atmosphere and is able to inform many students on a regular basis about Greek life.

“I like to call fraternity & sorority the ‘onestop shop’ for students today,” Jason Bergeron, Director of CFSL said. “It provides a place for students to develop strong, meaningful friendships while focusing on developing themselves as scholars, leaders, and servants in the community.”

Student Affairs and Student Life Assistant Vice President Keith Kowalka said he thinks getting involved helps to provide a professional and personal network that has long-term benefits for students.

“Statistics show that students who are involved are 10 times more likely to graduate from the University of Houston,” Kowalka said.

“Everyone comes here to get a degree to put on the wall, but so much of the learning happens outside of the classroom.”

BY NATALIE HARMS

HELPFUL LINKS

uh.edu/getinvolved uh.edu/csi uh.edu/cfsl uh.edu/csm

Igniting a Tradition of Leadership

FRESHMEN: ENROLL NOW

Benefits include leadership skills ethical decision making conflict management a weekend retreat social and service events

Leadership & Civic Engagement Learning Community

public speaking Ignite mentors

Learn more about yourself and the world around you. Commit to living, studying and engaging in community and leadership activities with other 32 freshmen. Earn six credits towards a Leadership Studies Minor.

For program, application and interview information visit: www.uh.edu/csi/leadership

Spring 2015 Freshmen-only Ignite program, apply in September

Transfers: Apply now uh.edu/csi/leadership 832.842.6245

ignite@uh.edu

TRANSITIONS 2014

ACADEMIC LIFE

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7 MUST-ATTEND EVENTS 1 2 3 4 5

Photo by Conny Ramirez

6 7

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CAT’S BACK

The staple welcome back event is put on at the beginning of every semester and includes an organizations fair, games and prizes, and free food.

FRONTIER FIESTA

This tradition began in 1939, when people would travel from across the country to visit it. The highlights are the concert series that usually feature a popular music artist voted on by students as well as carnival booths and variety shows run by student organizations.

WINTER WONDERLAND

The Student Program Board covers a hill with snow so students can go sledding, get into snowball fights, and build a snowman for free. There are also free funnel cakes and hot chocolate. Several student organizations set up booths with information and free stuff as well.

HOMECOMING WEEK

Homecoming week offers more than just the big football game at the end of it. There are events every day leading up to it, and you can win prizes as well as get free swag and food at pretty much all of them.

JOB FAIR This might look a little bleak compared to everything else on the list, but it is a great opportunity to interact with professionals and test the waters of the whole job-hunting process. It is not often that you have a lot of big companies gathered in one place for you, so take advantage of the opportunity.

FINALS MANIA You might reach that point as finals are approaching, when you feel like you might break because you have a major project due on the same week for all of your classes and you have not even begun studying for exams yet. Take refuge in free energy drinks, snack food, and breakfast—pancakes, bacon, sausage, and coffee or orange juice. They also usually have massages and bring puppies for students to play with.

SPB MOVIE NIGHT

These happen several times throughout the semester, and each one features a different recently released or cult classic/fan favorite film. Student Program Board likes to throw in an advanced screening every now and then as well.

There is usually free popcorn and drinks and, if you get there early enough, free movie-related swag.

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TRANSITIONS 2014

Phase I: Now Open!

Phase I Features: o UC North – the NEW home of Student Involvement and Student Organizations o Opening of Transformed UC Games Room o A new food court featuring Panda Express, McDonald’s, and Chick-Fil-A o A new 2-story bookstore o A 450-seat Theater

Phase II: Coming Soon!

January 2015: Grand Opening of Phase II o UC South – New Retail Corridor featuring Freshii, a Technology Store, and Shasta’s Cones & More o New Meeting Room Options o The West Plaza, outdoor space between UC North and South o The new Legacy Lounge, a home for campus pride

For additional information about the UC Transformation Project visit, www.uh.edu/uc

Your home for FREE Lunch – every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters

A.D. Bruce Religion Center Fall OPEN HOUSE - Wednesday, September 3, 11:30 AM – 1 PM www.uh.edu/adbruce TRANSITIONS 2014

ACADEMIC LIFE

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CONSTRUCTION RAIL LINE CONNE NEW, JUST LIKE YOU. ADDITIONS TO THE CAMPUS ENHANCE ITS SOCIAL SCENE

Additions to the campus will enhance its social scene and provide convenient access to the city

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TRANSITIONS 2014

ECTS UH TO CITY UH’s major construction projects are set to come to fruition during the next school year and will give students access to convenient transportation into Downtown when the light rail expansion begins operating in the fall semester as well as more food options and lounge spaces with Phase II of the New University Center opening in January.

Southeast Line (Purple Line) Theater District

Dynamo Stadium

Hig

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Inte

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University of Houston

The light rail addition is part of a project

by Houston Metro to expand the rail system to larger parts of the city. The rail’s Southeast Line, also known as the Purple Line, spans from Downtown to the Third Ward. It has two stops adjacent to the University—one on Scott Street and another on Wheeler Street, next to the Welcome Center parking garage.

“These expansions are another key development in our progress towards building a light rail for Houston,” Metro Chairman Gilbert Garcia said.

Maps and schedules for the Metro system can be found on www.ridemetro.org, and students can obtain a discount by signing up for a Metro Q Card either in Metro’s Downtown offices or via the UH Parking and Transportation Services website.

“I’m excited to see all of this come together,” political science freshman Logan Mericle said.

“I can really appreciate everything the light rail expansion is about—bringing the city together and making life easier for commuters.”

Passengers riding the Purple Line also are able to transfer to the bus system as well as the existing Red Line service from Downtown to Reliant Stadium, and the under-construction Green Line service from Downtown to the Second Ward.

UC REVAMPED The New UC is a reworking of the outdated University Center and includes new and updated amenities for students, including several lounge and study spaces as well as a 450-foot theater room. Phase I was completed last fall and featured updates to the UC Games Room, UC convenience store, and UH Bookstore, as well as new food options, including a Starbucks location and fast food restaurants McDonald’s, Panda Express, and Chick-fil-A. “It’s a lot brighter, neater and cleaner than the old University Center,” mathematics senior Mark van Esch said. “Plus I feel it’s a lot better for people that are genuinely using the space as a study area.”

Phase II will open in January and is set to include even more new amenities, like the Legacy Lounge, which was built to hold student events, such as football viewing parties, in addition to acting as normal lounge space. Other features include a UH and Houston History Site, an upgraded Cougar Byte technology store, and new food options, such as the Freshii health food restaurant and the reworked Shasta’s Cones & More.

“The new building promises to be the heart of the campus for years to come,” said Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Keith Kowalka. “Whether a student is looking to get involved on campus, hang out with friends, or just get away from the hustle and bustle of campus, the New UC promises to be a beacon for student life and student success.”

BY RYAN GRAHAM

Palm Center Transit Center

TRANSITIONS 2014 Photo by Izmail Glosson

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With football and soccer seasons just around the corner, their new home is nearing completion and promises to wow By late August, the familiar construction sounds—ratchets twisting and drills buzzing—will no longer be the background noise as students walk past the University’s $120 million project.

The new stadium is nearing completion and is projected to open on Aug. 30 with a non-conference contest against the University of Texas at El Paso.

The 40,000-seat stadium will include 5,000 seats specifically for students, who will still receive free admission, four party decks that seat 24 people and a wide concourse area featuring food trucks and retail outlets.

UH was looking to create a student-friendly environment in the design because student

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contributions were instrumental to the project’s funding. In February 2012, the student body overwhelmingly voted on an increase in fees that provided $45 per student to the athletics department for the improvement of football and basketball facilities.

As the stadium’s opening grows closer, UH has begun shifting attention to some of its other sporting facilities. The University will break ground in May on a $20 million basketball practice facility, which was privately financed by alumni and other contributors, before moving forward with the proposed $77 million renovation of Hofheinz Pavilion—the Cougars’ basketball arena.

“These projects probably wouldn’t get done without the student referendum,” Athletics Director Mack Rhoades said.

TRANSITIONS 2014

But the athletics department hopes the new facility becomes more than a place where the football and soccer teams compete. Some see it as the potential epicenter of a campus more focused on student life to help overturn the University’s reputation of being a commuter school, said former associate athletic director for Marketing, Promotions and Sales Rob Stewart.

“I think you’re going to see from the amount of people who stay engaged or involved in the University in some form after they graduate,” Stewart said. “It is going to be a much higher percentage than the students who are now coming to school because they have such an enhanced student life for the four, five, six years that they may be here.”

The stadium also includes synthetic turf,

Photo by Fernando Castaldi

making it a potential venue to host large outdoor concerts.

“Though we’re on the very front edge of it, it’s fun seeing the change in culture and how much energy that is going to bring to campus and how it’s going to help every single department on campus,” Stewart said.

For the Cougars, who moved into the more nationally competitive American Athletic Conference last year, keeping up with new rivals is key to long-term success on the field, Rhoades said. The improvements to athletic facilities will help prevent the Cougars from lagging behind its peers in recruiting.

“It’s not even a choice,” Rhoades said. “It’s a must. Look at who we’re competing against, both in the state of Texas and also in our conference. We need to be on an equal playing

field. Right now, we’re not. Some of those institutions are ahead of us in terms of facilities.”

The University has put words into action, even though many doubted its ability to raise the funds to create nationally competitive facilities, Rhoades said. It could not have been done without an administration that realized the value of sports, he said.

UH President Renu Khator, a self-described die-hard fan who cannot “eat or sleep” when a game is on, said improving athletic facilities is part of her larger plan centered on the entire University.

“I want everything to be nationally competitive,” Khator said. “And I know in order for our sports to be nationally competitive, we ought to have the tools for our coaches (and) student athletes.”

Players like senior defensive lineman Joey Mbu, who has competed at Robertson, Reliant Stadium and BBVA Compass as a home field the past two years, is ready to compete again on Scott Street.

“I can’t wait to play on our campus. I’m really excited because Robertson was really loud no matter who we were playing,” Mbu said. “I’ve been to the (new) stadium twice, and every time it gets better and better. A lot of the fans are going to be surprised.”

BY CHRISTOPHER SHELTON

TRANSITIONS 2014

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TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF College is more than academics - it also tests your basic survival skills

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for students to get medical care for chronic illnesses as well as minor trauma. The General Medicine clinic functions on a walk-in basis for students, faculty and staff.

According to the Wellness Council of America, home treatment is a great option for many illnesses and injuries, but sometimes a visit to the doctor is necessary when the symptoms are severe, seem strange, and unusual, stick around for more than a few days or constantly return.

BY HADIYA IQBAL

Take yourself out of your comfort zone, it may be difficult at first but remember everyone starts off in the same boat.

“When you’re away from home, it’s really easy to get sidetracked because you have no one keeping tabs on you,” biology and psychology junior Sanah Rahman said. “Manage your time by creating a time table, including what you have to do and when you need to get it done by.”

If at least some of these factors are not taken into consideration, you will be more susceptible to sickness. Most people do not enjoy being sick, but it can feel worse when you have to look after yourself. If you feel yourself getting sick, take preventative measures to lessen the blow. Take the specific medicine for your fever, pain, etc. The UH Health Center is accessible

big sto c

Part of being responsible is properly taking care of yourself and staying as healthy as possible. This is more important, and sometimes even more difficult, for students living in college dorms. Biology sophomore Neil Shah understands the initial difficulties of this independence.

“It’s totally natural to feel homesick the first few weeks of school,” Shah said. “But you have to realize that you made it to UH to make your family proud. Now is the time to be independent and in charge of the customs that kept you going through high school. On top of the usual class work and extracurricular activities, it will be your responsibility to do laundry, eat healthy meals, make timely payments and other things that will ultimately make you mature and skilled adults.”

Keeping on track with healthy eating while away from home can be a difficult task for freshmen. Many food options, especially ones that hit softer on your wallet, may not be nutritious. Although pizza and soda for every meal may sound like a dream to some, the pounds will add up. Do your best to eat a healthy, well balanced diet, and drink as much water as you can. Not only will your body thank you, but you will feel better and have more energy to go about your day.

Eating correctly and getting regular exercise also will allow you to fight off many infections and maintain a healthy immune system.

“Take yourself out of your comfort zone,” pre-pharmacy sophomore Sobia Noormohammed said. “It may be difficult at first, but remember everyone starts off in the same boat.”

Another important part of living a healthy lifestyle is getting a good night’s rest. Although all-nighters seem like the perfect solution to get all your work done, they can definitely put a toll on you. Instead, set a schedule for all the things you need to do. This could also include a certain time to clean your room, do laundry and complete other chores.

k.c om

Freedom. Independence. No more nagging parents. These are often thoughts that cross the minds of college freshmen.

This new chapter also means learning to be responsible and conscientious of decisions and their consequences.

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UH HEALTH CENTER DENTAL CENTER

GENERAL MEDICINE CLINIC

Board certified physicians provide treatment for shortterm and long-term medical problems and injuries to eligible students, faculty and staff. To make an appointment call

Preventive dentistry, restorative, and limited major dental procedures for eligible students, faculty and staff. To make an appointment call

713.781.1261

PHARMACY

713.743.5156

Provides prescription and over the counter items at very low costs. For more information contact

UH STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE Deadline to add or drop insurance is the Official Reporting Day of each fall and spring semester. Contact

713.743.5125

PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC

713.743.5137

Board certified psychiatrists that provide evaluations, treatment plans, and ongoing medication management. To make an appointment call

WELCOME ALL STUDENTS

NURSING CARE

Immunizations and blood pressure monitoring.

Contact the nurse’s station at

713.743.5149

ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC

713.743.5156

Diagnoses and treatments for musculoskeletal conditions including sports injuries and diseases of the bone and muscle. To make an appointment call

WOMEN’S CLINIC

Performs well woman exams and evaluations for gynecological complaints and provides contraception options as well as STI testing and treatment. To make an appointment call

713.743.5131

713.743.5156 MEN’S CLINIC

Diagnoses, treatment, and counseling on issues affecting men’s health. To make an appointment call

713.743.5156

ATTENDANT CARE SERVICES

Care and lifestyle assistance program to meet the needs of physically challenged students.

For more information, contact

713.748.8603

ALL VISITS AND INQUIRIES ARE CONFIDENTIAL FALL AND SPRING MTThF 8am–5:30pm, W 8am–6:30pm, SUMMER MTThF 8am–5pm, W 8am–6pm ENTRANCE #6, OFF WHEELER, BLDG #525 ON CAMPUS MAP Visit our website for more information www.uh.edu/healthcenter Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/uhhealthcenter Students who desire to quit smoking can consult a physician at the UH Health Center. There is no insurance requirement. Call 713.743.5151 for more information.

TRANSITIONS 2014

PERSONAL LIFE

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14 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT COLLEGE

1 2 3 4

YOU HAVE TO GO IN KNOWING YOUR LIFE PLAN It is easy to get wrapped up in this idea that you need to know exactly what you want to do, including your major, internships and goals. But these are discoveries that happen over the course of your time here, not in the months leading up to them.

EVERYONE PARTIES While there are plenty of parties to attend, it does not mean you have to love being in a crowded place with strangers who like you, are possibly intoxicated. There is no shame in opting to study or having movie night with friends. Do whatever makes you happy.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS MEANS NO SOCIAL LIFE Studying takes up a lot of time, but it does not have to consume your social life too. Find a study style that works for you, establish what you have to do at the beginning of each week, then set aside times when you will focus on completing those tasks.

YOU CANNOT TAKE CLASSES IRRELEVANT TO YOUR MAJOR Part of the college experience is discovering yourself and that includes figuring out what you want to do with your life. It is OK to take some classes that just sound interesting. Though it would be beneficial to talk to your adviser first, you can work on CORE classes and throw in a random class that you are curious about.

5

ATTENDING CLASS IS OPTIONAL It is really not. Most professors still take attendance, some times in the form of pop quizzes—or poppers, as you will shortly begin to call them. Other professors use points they cover in class for their test materials, which you only know about by being in class.

6

PROFESSORS ARE HARSH AND UNAPPROACHABLE One of the great things about college is that it is no longer weird to have a relationship with your teacher outside of school. If you rise to the occasion and devote time to the material in a particular class, the professor may be open to discussing it with you further. Take advantage of the brilliant minds you have access to while you can.

7

IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO IS TEACHING THE CLASS There is a reason RateMyProfessors.com exists. Not all teachers are created equal, and sometimes your learning style may clash with someone’s teaching style. Do your research before signing up for classes—talk to experienced friends or read the online reviews—and remember that you only get 6 Ws.

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NON-ENGLISH MAJORS DO NOT NEED TO KNOW HOW TO WRITE Regardless of your major, you need to know how to write. It is one of the basic ways of communication, and disregarding it will come back to haunt you when you have to write a proposal at work or a cover letter for a prospective employer.

YOU WILL GRADUATE WITH A MOUNTAIN OF DEBT Be aware of how much you are taking out in loans each academic year and keep track of the debt you are collecting. Always apply for scholarships—even if you do not think you will get it. If you have a job for extra spending money, consider saving a portion and paying off some of your debt as you go along to help ease the burden afterward.

YOU WILL GAIN THE “FRESHMAN 15” Just make time to exercise. Even if it is only 20 minutes a day, get some physical activity on your agenda. Your tuition and fees already factor-in a gym membership (though you can always file a waiver to have the fee reimbursed at the end of the year if you did not use it). With state-of-the-art equipment, group classes and personal training sessions, the Rec is the ultimate gym. No excuses.

ONLINE CLASSES ARE EASIER Distance education is convenient, but not always easier. You are in charge of all the scheduling now. That lecture is not going to watch itself and the assignments can pile up quickly when your in-person classes distract you for a few weeks. Beware of the illusion of online classes, but also know you can do it if you plan ahead.

THERE IS NO HOMEWORK Lies. Problem sets, quizzes, and tons and tons of reading. It may be spread out over the semester, but this goes back to the topic of studying. Make sure you dedicate time to learning the material for your classes because your professor will definitely ask you about that chapter you forgot about until right before class started.

CLASSES WILL PREPARE YOU COMPLETELY FOR LIFE AFTER GRADUATION Part of college is going to class and learning theory, but the most important part of learning is to actually do it. Learn things that are both useful and interesting to you. Then take an internship or job that requires you to apply that knowledge. That education is only going to get you so far if you have never forced yourself to learn how to function in the “real” world.

YOU SHOULD GO CRAZY NOW WHILE YOU CAN This one is not the worst misconception. It is not a horrible idea to explore a little, but do not go overboard and let it ruin your life.

Figure out where you comfort zone is and immediately throw yourself out of it. Allow yourself to make mistakes and poor judgments, but make sure that each one is serving a purpose toward making you a better person or better preparing your for your future. Do not mess up for the sake of messing up.

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TRANSITIONS 2014

Relationship concerns?

Depressed?

Lonely?

Worried about someone?

Stressed Out? Anxious?

Wanting to find support and an objective professional to talk to?

Counseling & Psychological Services can help!

The University of Houston's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) ensures the confidential delivery of services to promote a welcoming and safe environment for students.

Individual, Couples and Group Therapy Crisis Intervention Services Consultation about individuals of concern Mental Health Workshops Suicide Prevention Training “Let’s Talk” Program LD & ADHD Assessments

Visit us at www.uh.edu/caps Call CAPS at 713-743-5454 for more information or to schedule an appointment!

226 Student Service Center 1 – Building 524 on UH Campus Map TRANSITIONS 2014

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SEX & RELATIONSHIPS

Battling misinformation and stigmas through education and exploration

Photo by Jimmy Moreland

College is the time to make new friends, try new things and start new projects. But as new adults, University students often need to stop and measure their readiness for trying new things, including relationships and sex.

There often are stigmas against discussing sex, but sex is a part of the college culture regardless. Beverly McPhail, director of the Women’s Resource Center, encourages students to forget these stigmas and be true to themselves, whether they find that they are sexually free or asexual, straight or gay.

“To me, sexuality is something human and normal and to be celebrated,” McPhail said.

McPhail believes that students must take measures to inform themselves about sex as

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this general reluctance to create an open dialogue about the topic leaves room for misinformation.

“Since parents are often reluctant and uncomfortable talking about sex with their kids, and schools try to avoid the topics because it is a hot-button topic with parents, most young people get their ideas about sexuality from the media, from TV, movies and pornography,” McPhail said.

“But these depictions are often not healthy nor educational. For instance, couples (on TV and in movies) fall into bed without talking about protection from STIs or pregnancy.”

She encourages students to inform themselves so they can understand the potential pleasures and risks involved and develop their own beliefs about sex.

“I would also suggest students take one of our great human sexuality classes while they are here for more accurate information,” McPhail said. “Having a group to critique movie depictions of sexuality is educational and great fun.”

She also notes that the obstacles can be greater for women.

“All too often, women are shamed for it,” McPhail said. “It’s really hard to be sexual when you’re ashamed. So it’s really hard to be an empowered sexual being in a society that shames women.”

Maria Gonzalez, associate professor in the Center for Mexican American Studies, is a leading authority in feminist and queer theory.

She is writing a manuscript on the influence of Chicana lesbian writers and queer theory.

According to Gonzalez, college is a time to break through the stigmas and hush-hush natures of the past.

“Overall, because campus is historically a place where individuals can be who they are, they are more likely to be open with (themselves) because most of them are no longer in their traditional homes,” Gonzales said. “They should be able to be more free if their sexuality is non-traditional.”

Along with the conflicting messages within

TRANSITIONS 2014

society, there are also dangers that come with sex, which can be underplayed or overlooked without education. McPhail believes students should be comfortable in their skin but also safe and aware of the risks for contracting and transmitting sexually transmitted infections as well as the risks of sexual assault.

“On one hand, we’re giving the message that it’s natural and normal, educate yourself and be empowered, but you have to talk about the dark side,” McPhail said.

“Students need to know where the real dangers are,” McPhail said. “Some students are worried about walking across campus, but 90 percent of sexual assaults are made by people they know.”

Living on a college campus can also open up romantic opportunities that were not previously available to students coming from traditional homes. Some students may have to overcome habitual mindsets that discourage them from exploring these new opportunities, said computer science senior Alexander Nguyen.

“In high school, at least at my high school, everything was kept quiet—for both straight and gay (people),” Nquyen said. “If you were gay, you were potentially an outcast from your social group, and if you were a sexually active straight person, you were promiscuous and gossiped about. Away from that, people in college are engaging in their sexuality, but they have to push away old thoughts about it being ‘bad’ or ‘wrong’.”

Ultimately, being sexuality active or not is up to the student, McPhail said. She likes to remind students of the less socially driven purpose of attending college.

“I would encourage them to explore and find out things about themselves and not to be pressured to become sexually active,” McPhail said. “There is so much more to us than that. However, we can’t lose sight of why we are here, which is to learn, grow and get a diploma.”

BY AMANDA HILOW & MAX GARDNER

Photo by Justin Tijerina

AVOID THE PIT OF DEBT It can be easy to lose track of spending in college, but understanding personal finances and credit scores can help save time and money College can come with a lot of expenditures—tuition and housing, to start, then less obvious ones that build up over time, like groceries and food, going out with friends, and school supplies. Throw in optional expenses like a car, which requires gas and maintenance, and emergency expenses like if you break down or break a bone, it may be easy to lose track of spending.

Associate professor John Lopez recommends that students create a budget and stay diligent about their spending to avoid debt.

“First get an understanding of where the money is going,” Lopez said. “Keep a journal.

Once you understand where your money is going, you can create a plan for where you really want it to go.”

The first step in this process is opening a savings account, preferably one with no fees.

Lopez sees this as the most important way for students to begin developing financial security.

“I recommend students build an emergency savings account of about $1,000 to $1,500,” Lopez said. “Leave it alone. Do not touch it unless an emergency occurs.”

Lopez also recommends students consider a credit union before looking into a bank.

“Credit unions are very consumer friendly,” Lopez said. “They tend to be nonprofit organizations, so they’re easier to deal with. They usually pay higher interest rates on savings and checkings, and they offer loans at lower interest rates.”

Once a student establishes a savings ac-

count, they can begin looking at strategies for profiting off of any savings they make after that.

“After having an emergency savings fund and being debt free, students can begin investing in mutual funds,” Lopez said. “Many publications offer information on these and how to start—Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, Motley Fool, Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard.”

Students must also learn not to spend beyond their means, Lopez said. He sees debt as a fast-growing issue, sometimes worsened by people’s misconceptions of which method is best to use for spending money.

Though cash purchases are ideal, some people see the need to use credit cards or take out loans based on the idea that they are at least building a credit history with these methods.

“This is a huge myth propagated by lending institutions,” Lopez said. “The best way to build wealth and build financial security is to stay out of debt.”

One’s credit score is a determinant for his financial reliability and is based on five factors, the most important being payment history and amount owed. Some people mistakenly believe some of the more common causes of debt, such as credit cards and loans, are necessary to develop a strong credit history, Lopez said.

“The reality is, you don’t need to have that much access to credit,” Lopez said. “If you pay for things in cash, if you save money, if you get in a situation where you are financially secure, you don’t need credit.”

Credit cards and loans allow people to borrow money and commit to pay not only that amount back, but an additional sum that lending institutions refer to as interest.

These types of credit can help students

build a credit history if payments are made in full and on-time, but many students often fall into the temptation of spending beyond what they actually can afford, Lopez said.

“The reason a large part of Americans have financial difficulties is lack of planning—not understanding how to plan expenditures,” Lopez said. “Living this way will lead to getting into debt and having difficulty in getting out of debt.”

A credit record can be helpful for some people who have not planned ahead and need to make a purchase immediately, but Lopez urges students to consider an alternative approach.

“All you need to do is pay your bills on time and you’re building a credit history,” Lopez said. “You don’t have to carry balances. You can do things like utility bills, phone bills, lease payments for an apartment.”

The Bauer College of Business hosts a free annual financial symposium in April that offers in-depth information on handling personal finances.

BY MAX GARDNER

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PERSONAL LIFE

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EXPLORING HOUSTON A brief guide to the city’s neighborhoods and hot spots 10 45

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Kirby Dr.

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EXPLORE HOUSTON

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TRANSITIONS 2014

5

Old Spanish Trail

Third Ward/East End

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1.

Frenchy’s Chicken (open late) 5 mins Whataburger (24-hour drive-thru) 3 mins Dot Coffee Shop (24-hour restaurant) 8 mins Walmart on Wayside (open late) 6 mins Mandola’s Deli 4 mins

2.

Midtown Chapultepec Lupita (24-hour restaurant) 8 mins Randall’s (grocery store) 9 mins Mai’s (restaurant open late) 8 mins

Museum District

3.

4.

5.

Hermann Park 6 mins Houston Museum of Natural Science 9 mins Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 9 mins Houston Zoo 7 mins Miller Outdoor Theatre 8 mins

Downtown Discovery Green (park) 9 mins Dynamo Stadium 7 mins El Big Bad (restaurant and bar) 11 mins Bayou Music Center 8 mins

Medical Center/Reliant Park Target (grocery store) 13 mins Kroger (grocery store) 12 mins Sam’s Club (grocery store) 12 mins Bayou City Event Center 10 mins

Montrose

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Katz’s (24-hour restaurant) 26 mins Theo’s (24-hour restaurant) 9 mins Black Hole (coffee shop) 10 mins Agora (coffee shop) 11 mins Brasil (coffee shop/restaurant) 11 mins Antidote (coffee shop/bar) 12 mins Half Price Books 10 mins

Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza House of Pies (24-hour restaurant) 11 mins Whole Foods (grocery store) 13 mins Edwards Cinema (movie theater) 11 mins Costco (grocery store) 11 mins

8.

River Oaks

9.

West U/Rice Village

10.

River Oaks Theatre (movie theater) 11 mins River Oaks Shopping Center 11 mins

Half Price Books 11 mins H-E-B Buffalo Speedway (grocery store) 12 mins

The Heights Walmart (grocery store) 12 mins Target (grocery store) 10 mins Tacos A-Go-Go 12 mins Onion Creek 12 mins

TRANSITIONS 2014

BUCKET LIST

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UH BUCKET LIST 48

BUCKET LIST

TRANSITIONS 2014

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Climb the rock wall at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Get your picture taken with the cougars in front of E. Cullen Attend at least one game for every sports team Shake hands with UH President Renu Khator Check out an exhibit at Blaffer Art Gallery Go to a movie night at the UC Theater Join a student organization Attend Homecoming Week Attend Frontier Fiesta Make the Dean’s List Eat at a food truck Eat at Mandola’s Deli Perfom community service Collect all the Cougar Cards Join an intramural sports team Visit Shasta at the Houston Zoo Have a night out at the UC Games Room Go down the slide at the Rec’s leisure pool Study in the Regent’s Reading Room in the library Spend a day lounging by the fountains in front of E. Cullen

TRANSITIONS 2014

BUCKET LIST

49

We are here... to listen, to help, to inform.

Our services include: • Information and referrals • Dynamic programming • Friendly hangout — Men welcome • Special events

— Take Back the Night March — Love your Body Day

Find out more about the WRC

• Visit us at University Center North, Room N201 • Email us at wrc@uh.edu • Call us at 832.842.6191 • Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UHWRC • Visit us online at www.uh.edu/wrc

ONE LAST THING

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”

NORA ROBERTS

LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT SERVICES

STAY ON TARGET LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES

GET INVOLVED

Tutoring Learning Strategies Workshops/Counseling

Challenger Program Parent Education Project

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Online Faculty/Course Evaluation http://accessuh.uh.edu

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University Testing Services Credit by Exam Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate GRE

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