Comprised of Division features, accolades and achievements, as well as valuable "In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)" news you can use, each edition of the newsletter highlights key information and resources across the Division's departmental, operational and service unit areas. Subscribe to the A&F listserv.

Dear Colleagues, 

With the fall semester now underway, I would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work of our Administration and Finance teams throughout the summer. Across the division, employees worked diligently to prepare our campus, enhance services, and support the successful return of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

This edition of the newsletter highlights several important initiatives that strengthen the daily campus experience, including:

• The continued rollout of the Mobile Cougar Card.
• New rules, training, and awareness efforts to promote safe micromobility practices for bicycles and scooters.
• Enhancements to UH Dining Services, including expanded dining options and the introduction of faculty and staff meal plans.

We also made significant progress in advancing campus safety and awareness efforts. The Stay Cougar SAFE website was enhanced with the addition of the Shasta chatbot, providing the UH community with convenient access to safety information, resources, and support. I encourage you to explore these tools and familiarize yourself with the many resources available to help keep our campus informed and safe. 

In addition to expanding the Shasta chatbot experience to other departments, University Information Technology’s AI Solutions (AIS) team is helping guide responsible use of artificial intelligence across campus. AIS empowers faculty, staff, and students with the knowledge, resources, and guidance necessary to confidently and responsibly leverage these technologies. Please take a moment to visit the AI Solutions website to explore the training and resources available on the AI Learning Hub.

In this newsletter, you'll see a feature story on Human Resource's ongoing Executive Seminar series that's helped managers and executives enhance their professional development. The series, now in its second year, is a valuable source. While that series is for managers and executives, the department has a plethora of virtual professional development courses that are available for viewing at one's convenience such as CATALYST Learning Programs, HR's Virtual Library, and more. Please take a moment to visit HR's website and gauge what program best suits your development.

As our campus continues to grow and evolve, the newsletter also includes updates on Centennial Master Plan construction projects currently underway. These investments are helping shape the future of the University of Houston, and we encourage the campus community to stay informed about project progress and any temporary impacts to campus operations.

These stories represent just a small sample of the important work taking place across Administration and Finance. Whether supporting student success, improving the campus experience, maintaining critical infrastructure, or providing essential services, our teams play a vital role in advancing the University's mission every day.

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the UH community. Your efforts help create an environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors can thrive. I am grateful for all that you do and look forward to a successful academic year ahead.

Sincerely,

Raymond S. Bartlett
Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance

From CTAP Savings to Mobile Cougar Cards, A&F Services Touch Thousands of Students Every Day

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. Read more about these initiatives from A&F.

University of Houston Launches Financial Tool to Help Students and Families Plan

My Total Cost Planner, a new tool to help UH students better understand the full cost of attending UH, has launched. The resource provides personalized answers based on a student’s individual academic choices and financial aid packages. Developed using direct feedback from UH students and families, the tool provides a personalized view of costs by integrating key student information with user-selected inputs that reflect real-world decisions.

Through My Total Cost Planner, students can model how different choices may impact the total cost of earning their degree, including: Enrollment level and credit hours, Housing options, including on-campus in residential halls or commuting, meal plans, Parking permits and participation in the Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP), and fixed versus variable tuition option. Learn more about My Total Cost Planner. Learn more about this new initiative.

Tap In: Mobile Cougar Cards Arrive at UH

This fall, the University of Houston is putting the Cougar Card in the palm of your hand. With the launch of the Mobile Cougar Card, students, faculty, and staff can add their credential to a smartphone or smartwatch and access campus services with a simple tap.

From residence halls and libraries to dining locations and campus events, the mobile credential makes daily campus life faster, more convenient, and more secure. The transition follows years of planning and collaboration among Cougar Card Services, University Information Services, Enterprise Systems, and Cougar Access Control Services. Learn more about mobile Cougar Cards.

Shasta Chatbot Expands Across Campus, Providing 24/7 Student Support

Whether it's a question about financial aid at 2 a.m. or help finding campus resources after business hours, more University of Houston students are turning to Shasta, the University's AI-powered chatbot, for answers.

Over the past year, the number of UH departments using the chatbot has more than doubled, growing from 11 departments to 23. The latest rollout added six departments, including Stay Cougar SAFE, CASA Testing Services and UH Libraries, expanding access to around-the-clock support across campus. Read more about how the Shasta Chatbot has helped students and departments.

Ramen, To-Go Meals and More: UH Dining Debuts Fall Upgrades

From customized ramen bowls to expanded meal exchange access and the return of to-go meals, University of Houston Dining Services is rolling out several upgrades this fall designed to make dining on campus more convenient, flexible and responsive to student needs. Many of the changes were shaped by feedback from the Food Service Advisory Committee, which includes student, faculty, and staff representatives. Read more about the fall updates from UH Dining Services.

Students and Parents Find Answers at UH Orientation and Resource Fairs

The University of Houston’s Administration and Finance division joined other campus departments this summer to welcome new and transfer students through orientation sessions and resource fairs. The University’s orientation sessions and resource fairs provide new and transfer students — and their families — with important information about the services, programs, and resources available to help them succeed at UH. Read more about how A&F departments shared information at orientations and resource fairs.

Building Financial Foundations: HR Executive Seminar Highlights Retirement Readiness

Financial well-being and retirement readiness took center stage at the latest Human Resource Executive Seminar, featuring Associate Vice Chair and Associate Vice President of Human Resources Gaston Reinoso and Bauer College of Business Professor Dale Rude as keynote speakers.

Now in its second year, the Executive Seminar series is designed to enhance managerial effectiveness, broaden institutional knowledge, and support the professional development of executive-level staff. The June session — the first of 2026 — brought together 64 participants for a focused discussion on financial wellness. Learn more about what executives learned at the first HR Executive Seminar of 2026.

New “Bigbellies” Trash/Recycling Units Come to UH

The Solid Waste team within Facilities/Construction Management (F/CM) recently replaced all the “Bigbellies” units at the University of Houston (UH). At UH, the Bigbelly units function as a double kiosk, providing two containers that receive trash and recycling. A total of 62 units have been placed around campus. Leadership requested that all the new units be equipped with foot pedals, with the anticipated outcome that the foot pedals will lead to higher recycling numbers. Foot pedals can reduce concerns about germs and inspire more people to use the hands-free kiosks. Read more about the Bigbellies.

Taking Residential Support to New Heights

In July, Facilities/Construction Management celebrated one of its newest teams: Facilities Operations for Student Success (FOSS). The team, which launched in September 2025, is housed within Facilities Services. FOSS is dedicated to supporting students’ residential experience at the University of Houston.

Facilities/Construction Management (F/CM) hosted a barbecue lunch at Moody Towers in honor of FOSS’s renovated offices. Many representatives from across F/CM, Administration & Finance (A&F), and Student Housing & Residential Life (SHRL) gathered to celebrate. Read more about the new F/CM team.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

	UH Strengthens Multi-Layered Campus Safety and Security Ahead of Fall Semester Ahead of the fall semester, the University of Houston has made significant progress in its ongoing campus safety and security enhancements. Following a comprehensive 2025 external review, UH has successfully implemented key recommendations across infrastructure, technology and personnel to protect the Cougar community. The University's safety and security efforts are designed to work together as a multi-layered system — with people, technology, infrastructure and emergency response capabilities reinforcing one another. As UH continues to grow, the University will continue evaluating and strengthening each layer to maintain a safe and welcoming campus. Read more about how the University strenghtens security on campus.
	Stay Cougar SAFE Site Launches Chatbot Shasta, the University of Houston’s AI powered chatbot is now live on the Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. homepage. Students, faculty and staff, can visit the Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. website, to find campus safety information from departments like Fire & Life Safety, the University of Houston Police Department, and Office of Emergency Management to name a few. The chatbot is designed to help students, faculty, and staff quickly find answers to common campus safety questions. Shasta uses content from the Stay Cougar SAFE site, as well as attains information from UHPD, Fire & Life Safety, OEM, Environmental Health & Safety, and can also draw on information from across UH campus resources when needed. Try the Shasta Chatbot on the Stay Cougar S.A.F.E. homepage today.
	Fire & Life Safety Expands AED Coverage Across UH Campus UH continues a multiyear project to expand access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The University of Houston's Fire & Life Safety department installed 106 AEDs across campus this summer, increasing the university's total inventory to over 350. Every campus building now has at least one AED, and Fire & Life Safety is working toward a goal of placing an AED on every floor by the end of 2028. Read more about this initiative from Fire & Life Safety.
	Coffee With a Cop Dates Set for Fall Semester The University of Houston Police Department has set its Coffee With a Cop dates for the fall semester. The department will host 5 Coffee With a Cop events, with each one taking place the Student Center South food court. This event sees UHPD greet and meet students, faculty, and staff while sharing coffee and pastry. The department bills the event as “no agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers on your campus.” The Coffee With a Cop Dates are, September 16, October 17, November 19, and December 9.
	UHPD Welcomed Two New Officers After Pinning Ceremony The University of Houston Police Department welcomed Officers Castro and Khan to its officer unit after both men recently received promotions. Both men were already part of the UHPD family as Officer Khan served as a dispatcher while Officer Castro started out as a security lead. Officers Khan and Castro set a goal, and worked tirelessly to achieve it through hard work, dedication, and respect. UHPD welcomes their determination, and perseverance to its rank of police officers.
	Hurricane Preparedness Hurricane Season has begun in our area and will continue until November 30th. Staff, faculty, and students are encouraged to take a few minutes to review the most recent hurricane message from the Office of Emergency Management. Staying prepared is key. It’s important to create communication and evacuation or shelter plans now, build an emergency supply kit, and have multiple ways to stay informed. Visit the Office of Emergency Management Hurricane Preparedness webpage for more information.

Cougar Cudos

To nominate a fellow staff member, fill out the Cougar Cudos Nomination Form.

HPM Receives Two Awards at Media Alliance of Houston Star Awards

Houston Public Media was honored to receive 12 nominations at the Media Alliance of Houston Star Awards and is proud to celebrate two award winners. Congratulations to Ernie Manouse, who was recognized as TV On-Air Personality, and Jennifer Altheide, who received the award for Radio Digital Solutions Specialist. These honors reflect the talent, dedication, and excellence of the Houston Public Media team. 

Houston Public Media’s Natalie Weber Honored with Regional Edward R. Murrow Award

Congratulations to Houston Public Media reporter Natalie Weber on receiving a prestigious Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her in-depth report, These Are Neighbors. The award-winning feature explores the rich religious diversity found along the Union Corridor in Fort Bend County and highlights the communities, cultures, and stories that make the region unique. 

The Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most respected honors in broadcast and digital journalism, recognizing excellence in reporting, storytelling, and public service. HPM is proud to celebrate Natalie and the Houston Public Media newsroom for this outstanding achievement. Read Weber’s winning story.

UH/UHS FY2026-27 Key Date Calendar

The new fiscal year calendar from the University of Houston and University of Houston System Finance department has been released. The calendar provides deadlines and submission instructions for administrative and financial activities at the end of fiscal year 2026 and the beginning of fiscal year 2027. Read more about the UH/UHS FY2026-27 calendar and schedule.

Transforming Centennial Plaza Update

Facilities/Construction Management is pleased to announce the section of Centennial Plaza that’s closest to Charles F. McElhinney Hall, Fred J. Heyne, and Lamar Fleming Jr. is now open. A significant section of fencing was removed in July, revealing a beautifully transformed area that pedestrians may now access. Temporary furniture is available for use, and permanent furniture is scheduled to arrive later in the year.

F/CM Launches Construction Quarterly Newsletter

Facilities/Construction Management has launched a quarterly newsletter, Cougar Construction Connection, designed to keep the campus community informed about the many construction and improvement projects taking place across UH. Each edition will provide updates on ongoing construction, highlight upcoming projects, and offer a look at how these efforts are enhancing our campus for years to come. Read the first volume of the Cougar Construction Connection. 

AI Solutions: Promoting Responsible AI Use and AI Literacy at UH

AI Solutions helps UH build AI literacy, enable AI adoption, and guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence across campus. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into teaching, learning, research, and administrative operations, AI Solutions provides the resources, training, and guidance needed to help faculty, staff, and students use these technologies effectively and responsibly.

To support these initiatives, AI Solutions has developed several campus-wide resources, including the AI Learning Hub, a centralized website for AI training opportunities and educational resources, and the AI Tools Hub, which provides information about university-approved AI tools, use cases, and prompt libraries. The team also created the AI Foundations Canvas course as a starting point which helps learners understand AI concepts, practical applications, risks, and responsible use. Learn more about services supported by AI Solutions.

Microsoft Authenticator Has Replaced DUO 

As part of the University’s ongoing efforts to protect accounts and personal information, the University has transitioned our multifactor authentication (MFA) service from Duo to Microsoft Authenticator. The move to Microsoft Authenticator provides several benefits for the University community such as stronger security, more consistent sign-in experience, and simple account management and support.

Fall Vaccination Clinics

This fall plan to protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID during one of several vaccination clinics to be held on campus. Coordinated by HR POWER UP Employee Wellness and the Student Health Center, clinics are open to students, faculty, and staff and will be conducted by H-E-B Pharmacy on different days and locations throughout the campus, Sept. 9 - Sept. 22.

Considered preventive care, the Flu and COVID vaccinations (plus pneumonia/shingles for 50+) are covered 100% and available at no cost to students with the UH student health insurance plan (SHIP) and employees with BCBSTX HealthSelect and Consumer Directed HealthSelect insurance plans. Vaccinations are by appointment; look for an email with additional details and registration links to come soon!

Catch up on highlights from the past few months in our In Case You Missed It section. From feature stories and notable accomplishments to important departmental updates, this roundup brings together key news and moments you may have missed.

• Nearly $78 Million Saved: CTAP Continues to Support Student Success
• A&F Departments Bring Learning to Life During Take Your Child to Work Day
• The Lighthouse of Houston “FIXIT” Team Enjoys an Onsite Visit
• F/CM Hosts Excellence Awards Luncheon for Staff
• From Growth to Graduation: The Dale Carnegie Cohort Wraps Up
• F/CM Completes Collaborative Fitness Court Project
• F/CM and Human Resources Host New Training for Managers
• Wellness & Benefits Fair Connects Employees to Valuable Resources
• Board of Regents Visits the UH Emergency Operations Center
• Campus Parking & Transportation Gets Safety, Technology Upgrades for Fall
• Faculty/Staff Meal Plan Programs Launch
• After the Flood Podcast