How UH makes students feel welcome

By Logan Linder

With the University ranking as the second most ethnically diverse research university in the country, administration must take different approaches to appeal to minority groups and make them feel welcome.

For those wanting to become involved in campus life and involved with diverse groups on campus, here are just a few of the many ways the University helps make all students feel welcome:

Through the AccessUH portal, students can browse a variety of events and organizations, with numerous options to become a part of something that’s the right fit for you. With specific organizations like the Vietnamese-American Pharmacy Student Society and Asian Business Student Association, to broader groups like Active Minds and Campus Recreation, there are clubs fit for every student.

Each year, the University participates in International Education Week. Celebrated throughout the U.S., IEW focuses on celebrating academic and cultural exchange programs, with the University hosting a week of different events to celebrate their students.

Each year holds different activities, with the most recent IEW consisting of a mixer for international students, a salsa dance workshop, learning the basics of a new language and more. They also had game nights and hosted Cultural Explosion, which showcases diverse groups across campus through their different cultural dances.

For those in need of accommodations or other disability resources, the newlynamed Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center aims to assess students’ needs.

The center provides accommodation services, confidential records and access to resources including the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic and the Urban Experience Program. The center is committed to helping students with disabilities succeed at the University, as stated on their website.

Located in Student Center North, the LGBTQ Resource Center prides itself on being a safe space at the University, where students of all sexualities and identities are welcome. The center hosts wellness and support groups, social events and even provides resources for those wanting to become better allies.

The center itself has a library with LGBTQ-related books, free pride pins and contraceptives, and couches and chairs with a quiet space to relax and study.

For those using a name aside from their legal name, students are able to dictate their preferred name in the University’s system, which is then printed on their Cougar Card and class rosters. Through Living Learning Communities, gender inclusive housing is offered. All-gender and single-stall restrooms are located across campus.