From CPR training and mental health counseling to police escorts and emergency preparedness resources, the inaugural Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. Resource Fair connected students, faculty, and staff with services designed to support their safety, well-being, and success at the University of Houston.
The event attracted 327 attendees, the majority of whom were students eager to learn more about the resources available across campus. Formerly known as Behind the Badge, the event has evolved into a comprehensive campus safety and preparedness fair that brings together departments and community partners dedicated to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive campus environment.
That broader mission was reflected in the participating departments and organizations. Held at the MD Anderson Library's Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion, the fair featured the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD), Fire & Life Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management, alongside departments that support students every day, including Cougar Card Services, Parking & Transportation, FIXIT, Equal Opportunity Services, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Student Health Center and Campus Pharmacy.
Community partners also joined the event, including the Forensic Center of Excellence, Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department Recruitment, and Harris County Constable Precinct 6, providing attendees with additional information about safety resources both on and off campus.
“This was a terrific event. A great turnout. It looks like it's getting bigger and bigger every year,” said Amir Watkins, UHPD Crime Prevention Officer. “I spoke to a lot of freshmen and commuters who are learning about all the resources available to them here on campus.”
Educating the campus community about the resources available to support their safety, health, and success is the primary goal of the Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. Resource Fair. Students who attended left with a greater awareness of the services available to them and how those resources can enhance their campus experience.
Students Discover Campus Resources
Brooklyn Inocente, a sophomore majoring in Public Health, was among the students who
attended the fair. She highlighted FIXIT and the counseling services offered by CAPS
as resources she discovered during the event.
“This was amazing,” Inocente said. “I wasn’t even supposed to come here, but I’m so
glad that I did.”
Leyla Arriaga, a junior majoring in Construction Management, said the fair increased her awareness of campus resources, particularly through her conversations with UHPD about their role in maintaining a safe campus environment. Her friend, Rigoberto Rocha, a senior in Construction Management, shared similar sentiments.
“After learning about the event and then being here, you learn a lot,” Rocha said. “Overall, very informative and well organized.”
For some students, the breadth of information shared at the fair was positively overwhelming. Adan Navarro, a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering, noted that while he attended student orientation, he still discovered new resources available through the University.
“What sticks in my mind is the fact that Fire & Life Safety offers resources like CPR training, and the mental health counseling [provided by CAPS] because you don’t really get to talk about it in general as a student,” Navarro said. “So, it’s really helpful to know that they’re here for you.”
Fellow freshman Hugo Silva, a Biochemistry and Biophysics major, was particularly interested in information shared by the Houston Fire Department Recruitment team, including details about work schedules and educational reimbursement opportunities.
Aubree Donellan, a freshman studying History, said she was impressed by the variety of resources available to students and identified the Student Health Center as the resource that stood out most to her.
For many students, the Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. Resource Fair offered more than information. It provided valuable connections to services that can help them navigate college life, stay safe, and thrive at UH.
Whether learning about CPR certification, mental health support, campus safety programs, health services, transportation resources, or facility support, attendees left with a greater understanding of the many people and departments working behind the scenes to support the Cougar community every day.
From emergency preparedness and public safety to wellness and student support, the event reinforced a simple message: help is available, resources are abundant, and every Cougar has a network of support to help them succeed.