The University Centers Presents..21 Questions

The University Center's 21 Questions ended April 15^th. The event involved the SCVNGR texting platform, which initiated participation by having students text in to enter, and then receive questions, and text back answers to move on to the next question. This challenge required student's feet and thumbs to move while learning more about the different amenities and resources offered by the University Centers.

The stops were in three different types of areas: University Centers areas, departments/retail stores housed in the UC, and fee funded student organizations. In addition to the six centers in the University Centers umbrella, players were directed to the Women's Resource Center, LGBT Resource Center, Veterans' Services, UH Wellness, Shasta's Cones and More, and the Games Room which created a diverse and unique experience for students. Finally, with the Student Program Board, Student Government Association, and Council of Ethnic Organizations students were able to meet student leaders, expand their knowledge of student involvement, and participate in interactive mini-activities, such as creating an origami figure with a CEO board member.

In total, 409 students participated in UC 21 Questions.  One student who participated, David, said, "Just wanted to say thanks again for coming up with the 21 Questions Scavenger Hunt!!  ... [I] wanted to say I enjoyed participating in the event.  I learned quite a few things about the services here at the UC and hope that the UC continues to do similar activities such as this. It was fun to just take a break and learn about my campus a little more." The first 100 students who finished the event won a free "I <3 U" t-shirt.   

To find out the winners of the larger prizes, you must follow the UC on Twitter/UHUC or Like the UC fanpage/University Centers-University of Houston.  

For more information about the University Centers'"21 Questions" email Xavier Livingston at xlivings@central.uh.edu or call 832-842-6169.

The Center for Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Life (CLFSL) has had an exciting year since its establishment in August of 2010. The Center has continued with existing programs while creating new programs and adding to opportunities for students. The following initiatives were accomplished by the CLFSL this academic year:

• The Center facilitated two educational institute opportunities for our students - The Fraternity & Sorority Visions Institute in January 2011 and the Cougar Leadership Institute in February 2011 - serving a total of almost 100 students.
• The Center is currently in the final stages of drafting the final report for the Leadership Development Task Force, a 14-person committee charged with setting the direction of leadership programs within the Student Affairs division. Additionally, the CLFSL will see start of its university emerging leaders program beginning in Fall 2011.
• The CLFSL staff began the Cat-alyst Leadership Luncheon program to host leaders in the UH community and provide a vehicle to share their leadership story.
• The Center facilitated the addition of two additional organizations to the fraternity/sorority community - Phi Kappa Psi fraternity was established in the fall 2010 semester, and Kappa Alpha Order was formally installed as a provisional chapter on Wednesday, April 20^th.

CLFSL is excited about the upcoming academic year and hopes students stay involved, learn more about the center and all of its outstanding opportunities to help students have a Tier One experience at the University of Houston.

Center for Student Involvement hosted its Campus Leader Reception on April 27^th in the Houston Room from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The Campus Leader Reception is a semi-formal celebration of student leaders, student organizations, their advisors, and programs. The winners were:

Dean's Award Nominees 

Joshua Ellis

Junior

Major: History (premed destination)

Erica Fletcher  

Senior

Major:  B.S. Anthropology & Sociology and B.S. Psychology/Minor Medicine & Society 

Osagie Tony Ohonba 

Junior

Major:  Biology/Minor Chemistry (Pre-Pharmacy  destination)

Individual Awards:

Rising Star Student Leader

Peter H. Reza Jr.

Stellar Senior Leader

Shale' Jones

Outstanding Leadership

Si Qi Lu

Presidential Excellence

Ashley Moore

Advisor of the Year

Bret Detillier

Organization Awards:

Outstanding New Organization

Students in Free Enterprise

Most Improved Student Organization

Psi Chi

Outstanding Professional Student Organization

Association of Information Technology Professionals

Outstanding Honors Student Organization

Psi Chi

Most Spirited Organization

Chinese Student Association

Organization of the Year

Alpha Phi Alpha

Organization of the Year: Alpha Phi Alpha and CSI Director Marcella Leung

Program Awards:

Outstanding Educational Program of the Year

Association of Information Technology Professionals

AITP Region 3 Student Conference

Outstanding Membership Development Program of the Year

Alpha Phi Alpha

Brotherhood Chapter Retreat

Celebration of Diversity Program of the Year

Theta Nu Xi

Multicultural Dialogue: Enhance Your Communication

Most Innovative Program of the Year

Delta Sigma Theta

Financial Fortitude

Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year

Delta Sigma Theta

The Annual Marie Fonsworth Scholarship Fashion Show: Haute Couture

Campus Leaders Reception Slideshow  

Center for Student Involvement

51 University Center-Underground

832-842-6245 

www.uh.edu/csi 

The Center for Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Life hosted its leadership luncheon, The Cat-alyst on April 27, 2011. The Cat-alyst, is a free leadership development opportunity for new and emerging leaders to gain knowledge from experienced leaders about how to be a catalyst-an agent of positive change.  

The Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Michael J. Lawrence shared his personal story of faith and perseverance despite being diagnosed with bipolar 2. He facilitated a casual dialogue about the importance of communication, collaboration, compromising and resolving-conflict. He also shared his passion for the servant leadership philosophy. At the conclusion, Dr. Lawrence answered students' questions drawing from his personal leadership experiences.

There were more than 25 UH students, administrators and staff in attendance. At the conclusion, participants completed a survey and were asked to share one thing they learned from the event. The following are student quotes:  

•  "I learned the importance of validating every person's feelings and concerns."
• " I learned to collaborate more to reach a common goal."
•   " I learned to be a positive change and to push students that don't have a voice."

Additionally, students shared that they learned that being able to serve one another is also being able to lead others. We are appreciative for Dr. Lawrence for being open, honest and engaging.  

Look out for more exciting news about The Cat-alyst, a LEADERSHIP Luncheon.

Keep updated about CLFSL events by visiting the website.   

   

Staff Member:  Beverly Garcia     

Beverly Garcia is the Programs Coordinator for UC Building Services and has been with the department since November 2001. We all know

Beverly Garcia

Beverly as the 'Recycling Queen" since she is the team captain for the University Centers Team Ultimate Recyclers. She has been passionate about recycling for a long time and was first influenced by watching a PBS television show which inspired her to become a champion of recycling.  She enjoys her job at UH and likes the fact that she is able to spread the recycling message with all who come in contact with her.

Student Staff Member:Robin Klesel

Originally from West Columbia, Texas, Robin is a junior majoring in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History.  She is a transfer student who came to UH to get real experience along with a great education.  She uses her classroom knowledge in her job in the UC Games Room where she

Robin Klesel

designs the flyers and other media for the department.  She enjoys working for Bill because he is an awesome boss who has structure and is laid back at the same time. During her spare time she likes to catch up on sleep, dancing with friends and shop.  Working at the UC Games Room helps her save money since she now works and attends classes on campus. Robin's dream is to go to Europe to see all of the different works of art so that she can incorporate what has been done into what can be done in the future.

Michelle is one of the Custodial 2 staff members and has been with the UC for about one month. She likes the

Michelle McClinton

fact that the job keeps her busy and that she doesn't have any idle time.  Originally from Houston, Michelle enjoys working, in addition to working for the university, she is a hair stylist who has been beautifying women's hair since 1984.  Creating various styles in women's hair allows her to express her creativity and working for the UC helps provide balance to her professional life.  One of her favorite quotes is "Just believe all things are possible."

Michael Harding

Michael never imagined that he would be at this point in his academic career [President of SGA] as a freshman from Los Angeles. He started off with no school spirit, and was a little intimidated by the new atmosphere at the University of Houston. During his freshman year at the university, he tried to fit in many ways and came across the Metropolitan Volunteer Program as a place to find himself. His passion is helping others and making people smile; however he had no idea getting involved with different student organizations on campus would be so fulfilling and lead him to become the leader he is today.

Student Government Association (SGA)

SGA is a student organization elected by you, the students, to represent the University of Houston student body. As such, SGA is committed to understanding the needs of students and to ensuring their future at the University of Houston is bright.

Through continuous interaction among students, faculty, and administration, the University of Houston SGA helps to ensure that a positive university experience is maintained for all parties concerned. In addition, SGA influences the university's decision-making process by serving as a liaison between the students and governing bodies such as the UH administration, UH system regents, and the Texas State Legislature.  

The newly elected 48^th Administration has been hard at work focusing on parking and transportation, safety and security, increasing graduation rates, student services, the looming budget crisis, and the overall quality of student life while acting as a liaison between faculty, staff, and administration to the student body. If any student has a concern to be voiced, SGA has open ears and we are here to help!

There are several ways to become involved in the Student Government Association. Students are encouraged to run for election to gain a seat in the Student Senate. Also, students can be appointed to any open seat of their college by filling out an application, can be appointed to one of the standing university committees and can even secure a judicial appointment to the student court. For a listing of available seats and positions, please contact the SGA office or email sga@uh.edu.

GO COOGS!

Homecoming

Homecoming at the University of Houston is one of the oldest and dearest traditions on campus. The mission of the Homecoming Board is to encourage campus pride in the student body that will translate into a life-long support for the University of Houston. It is more than attending a football game. It is educating students about UH spirit and traditions. It is challenging students to become involved in their university. It is coordinating events, competitions and rallies that encourage participation of the entire University community--students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of UH.

Meet the Chair and Co-Chair of the 2011 Homecoming Board  

Rowin Cordon is a junior pursuing a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems. He has been involved in several student organizations and has held officer positions in UNICEF at UH, Campus Breakers United, as well as the position of Director of Productions for the 2010/2011 Homecoming board. His extracurricular activities include running marathons and dancing. Rowin's favorite mottoes are "Don't be intimidated, be excited" and "It's a great day to be alive!"

Why do you think it is important to be involved at UH?

"Getting involved is not only fun, but it also helps you stay excited about school and academics. I love the University of Houston and feel that my involvement in student activities not only benefits me, but it also allows me to be part of UH tradition."

Jeff Syptak is a junior pursuing a B.A. in Political Science. In his first two years at the University of Houston, Jeff Syptak has been involved in numerous university committees and organizations around campus and has been selected Co-Chair for the 2011 University of Houston Homecoming Board; some of these includes being the Executive Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association 47^th Administration, Assistant Director of Parade for the 2010 University of Houston Homecoming, member of the Student Fee Advisory Committee, At-Large member for the University Center Policy Board, member for two years of Coog Crew, and a member of the Student Publications Committee. He also serves as a University of Houston Student Government Association College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Senator, and also will continue to be involved in numerous communities around campus.

 "When a person gets involved on campus, they are working to making sure the university is constantly improving and make the world a better place as well for all who come to UH. They [students] are more likely to perform better in their classes and make connections that will last a lifetime." 

AFB

Andrea Trevino

Chair

B.S. Biology and B.A. Spanish (Dual Major)

CEO

Jared Plank

Marketing Director

B.B.A. Entrepreneurship and Marketing

Jonathan Thai

Assistant Director

B.S. Kinesiology

Anna Vuong

Director

B.S. Hotel and Restaurant Management

CSI

Jeanet Hernandez

CSI Front Desk

B.B.A. Entrepreneurship and Marketing

Children's Learning Centers

Elethia Eldridge

Student Assistant

B.A. Psychology

Jared Lucas

Student Assistant

B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies

Dance On

Tiffany Clark

Family and Hospital Relations Chair

B.A. Psychology

Communication Disorder Sciences minor

Frontier Fiesta

Amanda Sigurdson

Frontier Fiesta Association

B.S. Political Science

Games Room

Swaroopa Battula 

Student Assistant

M.S. Electrical Engineering

Keerthy Saravanan

Student Assistant

M.S. Electrical Engineering

Yateen A. Sukhtankar
Student Assistant
M.S. Industrial Engineering   

Shasta's

CharLissa Foster

Sales Assistant

B.S. Biology

Teynarae Newbold

Co-Manager

B.S. Hotel Restaurant Management

SGA

Mila Clarke

Director of Public Relations

B.A. Broadcast Journalism

Prince M. Wilson

SGA President

B.S. Biology

SPB

Neha Dixit

VP for Membership Recruitment & Development

B.S. Biochemistry and B.A. Psychology (Dual Major)

Kevin Nguyen

President

B.S. Biochemistry

Amanda Trella

Comedy and Novelty Chair

B.A. Communication Journalism

SVN

Tony Ohonba

PR Director

B.S. Pharmacy

UC Event Services

Franklin D. Romero

Lead Customer Relations Manager

B.A. Anthropology

UC Marketing Communications and Retail

Thahn Do

Marketing Assistant

B.B.A. Accounting

UC Media Services

Siddharth Joshi

Student Assistant

M.S. Industrial Engineering

UC Student Staff Training

Bernasha Anderson

Instructional Assistant

M.ED School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling

University Center

Micah Kenfield

Instructional Assistant

M.A. Public Administration

Congratulations to all of the Spring 2011 Graduates!  

Recyclemania 2011 

RecycleMania is a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs across the nation to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities over a 10-week period.  This year marks the 3^rd Annual Recyclemania contest hosted at University of Houston and the University Center has participated in the contest for 3 years.

UC Ultimate Recyclers

The UC won first place in 2009, second place in 2010, and is in position to won first place this year.  The name of the UC team is The Ultimate Recyclers and is headed by Beverly Garcia. When asked to reflect on the contest, Beverly stated, "This (recycling) takes a lot of work and I wish more people would participate in both recycling and helping to organize the recyclables because in the end it ultimately helps our planet."