Key Takeaways
- Cougar PUMP officially launches during Weeks of Welcome, with a kickoff event from 2–4 p.m. Sept. 3 in the Student Center Ballroom.
- Cougar PUMP will connect incoming UH students with current students who can provide peer support, campus knowledge and guidance as they transition to college.
- With the help of 500 peer mentors, the program is designed to support approximately 3,000–5,000 incoming students each year.
The University of Houston is launching Cougar PUMP, a new campus-wide peer mentoring program designed to help incoming students make connections, find resources and navigate the transition to college with support from students who have already experienced it.
Led by the Division of Student Affairs through the Dean of Students Office, Cougar PUMP pairs incoming students with current UH students who can offer firsthand knowledge of campus life and help new Cougars build a sense of connection and belonging early in their UH experience.
The program is expected to serve approximately 3,000–5,000 incoming students each year. To support that effort, in this pilot year, UH has recruited 500 peer mentors. Peer mentors are current UH students who are passionate about helping others and are committed to creating a welcoming campus community.
“I'm excited to provide this mentorship opportunity to UH students through Cougar PUMP. Student mentorship has played a vital role in my own life and development, and I have seen firsthand how meaningful mentorship can be in helping students grow, build confidence and navigate their college experience,” said Donell Young, associate vice president, dean of students, University of Houston. “Through Cougar PUMP, we are investing in our students and creating a community that supports holistic student success.”
In addition to helping new students adjust to life at UH, mentors gain valuable experience themselves, including volunteer service hours, leadership and communication skills, résumé recognition, expanded campus and professional networks and professional development opportunities.
Cougar PUMP is supported by a campus-wide partnership that includes Academic Affairs, the Bauer College of Business and several Division of Student Affairs departments, including the Center for Student Empowerment, Veteran Services, University Career Services and Student Housing and Residential Life.
How to Participate
Cougar PUMP officially launches during Weeks of Welcome with a kickoff event from 2–4 p.m. Sept. 3 in the Student Center Ballroom.
- Students can learn more through the Cougar PUMP website.
- Current UH students: Select “Apply Now” to become a peer mentor.
- Incoming UH students: Select “Sign Up Now” to request a peer mentor.