When more than 7,100 new freshmen arrived at the University of Houston this fall, Administration and Finance departments were ready with the services, technology, and resources that support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
This semester, more than 35,000 students are participating in the Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP), nearly 28,000 students hold parking permits, more than 17,000 students are using the Mobile Cougar Card, and over 5,700 meal plans are helping fuel student life on campus. Together, these initiatives highlight the important role A&F departments play in creating a seamless campus experience for UH students.
Making College More Affordable
The University of Houston's Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP) continues to reduce the cost of higher education by providing students with immediate access to required course materials at a significantly reduced price.
Since launching in Spring 2022, CTAP has saved students and families more than $77 million. This fall alone, 35,311 students are participating in the program, demonstrating the widespread impact of affordable course materials on student success and academic preparedness.
Dining Sees Strong Growth and Student Engagement
Campus dining continues to be a central part of the student experience.
The first week of classes generated more than 67,600 dining transactions, representing a 17% increase over the previous year. Meal plan participation remains strong, with 5,754 active meal plans helping students stay connected to dining options across campus.
New dining enhancements are already seeing significant use. Students can now use meal plans for Cougar Carryout from both dining commons and enjoy all-day meal exchanges at Chick-fil-A. Since the start of the semester, students have averaged more than 2,500 Chick-fil-A meal exchanges each week, demonstrating strong demand for greater flexibility and convenience.
Auxiliary Services also recently enhanced the faculty and staff meal plan program by introducing payroll deduction, making participation easier and more accessible for employees.
Mobile Cougar Card Adoption Accelerates
The Cougar Card has officially gone mobile.
This fall, more than 17,320 students have activated the Mobile Cougar Card, giving them secure and convenient access to residence halls, dining facilities, libraries, recreation facilities, and other campus services directly from their smartphones and smartwatches.
The Mobile Cougar Card initiative is the result of extensive collaboration among Cougar Card Services, University Information Technology, Enterprise Systems, and Cougar Access Control Services. The rapid adoption of the Mobile Cougar Card reflects student demand for secure, convenient, and technology-enabled services that simplify everyday campus experiences.
Parking and Transportation Services Support Nearly 28,000 Students
Parking and Transportation Services continues to support the mobility needs of the campus community.
This semester, 27,940 students hold parking permits, underscoring the significant role Parking and Transportation Services plays in helping students access campus each day. Recent improvements include lighting enhancements in Zone B, additional lighting upgrades underway in Zone C, and technology enhancements such as License Plate Recognition and tap-enabled Cougar Card access in parking facilities.
Visitors can now pay through QR codes, text-to-pay options, and the HONK mobile app, making parking more convenient and accessible than ever before.
AI-Powered Support Available Around the Clock
Students are also increasingly turning to UH's AI-powered chatbot, Shasta, for assistance.
The number of departments using Shasta has more than doubled during the past year, growing from 11 to 23 departments. Since launch, the chatbot has facilitated more than 72,000 conversations, generated over 112,000 responses, and achieved an 83% resolution rate, connecting students to information and campus resources whenever they need assistance.
Supporting the Student Experience
From saving students millions through CTAP and serving tens of thousands of dining transactions to supporting nearly 28,000 parking permit holders and expanding adoption of the Mobile Cougar Card, A&F services are woven into the daily lives of UH students. These investments help reduce barriers, increase convenience, and create a campus environment where students can focus on learning, engagement, and success.