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The 89th Texas Legislative session ended its session with many pieces of legislation
directly impacting public colleges and universities. While these bills await final
approval, I want to provide you with a briefing and the next steps forward.
June 17, 2025
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Congratulations on completing this academic year. Making it to the finish line deserves
applause. I hope you excelled academically, made positive connections and found balance
with our many activities and resources this year. And if you are an incoming freshman,
welcome to the Cougar family!
May 15, 2025
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Thank you for another productive academic year. Last weekend, 7,040 students received
their UH degree in 19 ceremonies, the largest number of graduates in the history of
the University. Thank you for your role, whether inside the classroom or outside,
in helping these graduates achieve their dreams.
May 15, 2025
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Please allow me to bring two time-sensitive items to your attention. First, you are
probably aware of many changes taking place at the federal and state levels that directly
impact the financial landscape of higher education.
March 11, 2025
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I am sure you are feeling the weight of anxiety and the uncertainty surrounding our
profession of higher education today. I wish I could bring more clarity to you with
this update, but it is difficult since federal directives are changing daily.
February 19, 2025
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The recent crimes on our campus are deeply disturbing, and I want to acknowledge the
fear, concern and frustration many of you are feeling. These incidents are unacceptable,
and I share in your outrage.
February 8, 2025
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On March 1, 2025, the University of Houston will rescind its Alternative Work Arrangement
(Hybrid Remote Work) policy instituted on April 1, 2022.
January 31, 2025
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It's hard to believe that we are almost through the fall semester. I hope your academic
year has been successful thus far and thank you for your enduring commitment.
November 22, 2024
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I hope your fall semester has started well. Thank you for welcoming our students to
campus and for your continuous commitment to the mission of the University.
September 10, 2024
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I am pleased to announce the appointment of Eddie Nuñez as the next University of
Houston vice president of intercollegiate athletics.
August 20, 2024
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Your faculty, staff and I are so happy that you are here. We are invested in your
success and are committed to helping you learn and graduate from a Tier One university
in a timely manner.
August 18, 2024
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I am pleased to announce the appointment of two new vice presidents.
VP of Health Affairs and Dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
June 26, 2024
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I hope that you’ve had a bright start to your new year. We are just a few weeks into
the spring semester, and I hope things are proceeding well for you. I have a few items
to update you about.
February 7, 2024
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As we approach the final exams of the fall semester, I want to commend you. It takes
determination and resilience to pursue your degree. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,
and I am confident that you will excel in your final exams.
December 7, 2023
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I am pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Kittle as the next University of
Houston System vice chancellor for student affairs and University of Houston vice
president for student affairs. His appointment will be effective Jan.17, 2024.
November 17, 2023
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I am pleased to announce that I am appointing a ten-member search committee chaired
by Provost Diane Chase to begin our national search for the next VP of Health Affairs
and Dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
November 7, 2023
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I am writing to announce the retirement of Dr. Stephen J. Spann, vice president for
medical affairs and founding dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
After more than four decades in academic medicine, including eight years at the University
of Houston, Dr. Spann has made the decision to retire.
October 30, 2023
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As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, with students from around the
world, I know that this has hit so many of us hard. The University of Houston is a
place where we embrace our diversity — that means we accept our differences and show
compassion and respect for one another, above all else.
October 16, 2023
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U.S. News & World Report released the rankings today and the University of Houston
is #70 among all public universities in America!
September 18, 2023
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Welcome to the Coogs' House! Whether this is your first semester or you're a returning
student, it is my pleasure to welcome or welcome you back to the University of Houston!
August 20, 2023
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Welcome to the new academic year! I hope you had a restful summer and are now ready
to welcome over 47,000 students and 280 new faculty who are joining the Cougar family
for the first time this fall. To the staff who have joined during the summer, we
offer you a warm welcome as well.
August 17, 2023
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More than 6,700 students graduated in 17 ceremonies from the University of Houston
in May. Over the past year, more than 11,000 students received their UH diploma. Considering
that the vast majority will live and work in Greater Houston, our efforts have a significant
impact on shaping the future of our city.
June 6, 2023
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I am pleased to announce that I am appointing a 16-member search committee co-chaired
by Senior Vice President Raymond Bartlett and Senior Vice Provost Teri Longacre to
begin our national search for our permanent vice chancellor/vice president for Student
Affairs for the UH System/UH.
May 3, 2023
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There has been a flood of emails in your Inbox from us, but I feel that I should update
you on some critical items.
April 3, 2023
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I write to you today to seek your help in building a resilient campus…a campus that
fosters a culture of care and belonging.
March 29, 2023
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The news of the second death on our campus hit us all so very hard this week. As president
of the University of Houston, and as a mother who once sent her daughters off to college,
hoping for the best, this truly breaks my heart.
March 23, 2023
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I hope your semester is off to a strong start and that you had a joyful and restful
winter break. Here is a brief update for you.
February 7, 2023
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I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Diane Z. Chase as the next University
of Houston System senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and University of Houston
senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Her appointment will be effective
February 2023, pending approval by the UH System Board of Regents.
January 10, 2023
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Today, I write to inform you of some important organizational changes in my cabinet.
September 15, 2022
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Welcome to the University of Houston, land of the red and house of the Coogs! If this
is your first semester on campus, please know that we are very happy to have you here.
Your professors, advisers, support staff and administrators are committed to your
success and are here to help you fulfill your dream of a college education. Here is
some information that you will find helpful as you navigate the campus.
August 23, 2022
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Welcome back! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer. We are beginning yet
another new year with renewed hope and excitement for our students. Campus housing
is full, and more than 8,000 undergraduate students are expected to arrive on campus
for the first time. Additionally, many of the sophomores and juniors who began their
studies at UH in 2020 and 2021 may also be coming to campus for the first time.
August 17, 2022
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With the midsummer heat upon us, it is hard to believe that we will be welcoming our
students back to campus for the fall semester in just a few weeks.
July 5, 2022
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Congratulations and thank you on another successful academic year! Last week, we graduated
nearly 6,000 students in multiple ceremonies thanks to you! These graduates are special
because in order to graduate they had to climb over the COVID-19 mountain and deal
with enormous unpredictability. Needless to say, they could not have made it to the
finish line without your guiding hand. Once again, thank you for everything you do
every day for our students and our university.
May 20, 2022
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Last year, we announced the University of Houston’s bold, new vision to become a Top
50 public university. We knew that achieving this goal would not be easy. No. It would
challenge us to stretch to a higher level … to think in ways that we’ve never thought
before – and that’s exactly why we made it our vision.
March 29, 2022
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I am pleased to announce that I am appointing a 16-member search committee co-chaired
by Drs. Catherine Horn and Ramanan Krishnamoorti to begin our national search for
the next Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/Senior Vice President for Academic
Affairs and Provost for the UH System/UH. The Search Committee will be assisted by
SP&A Executive Search and will complete its work during the spring semester with the
hope of filling the position by summer 2022. I thank the committee members for undertaking
this very important task.
February 2, 2022
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With mixed emotions, I announce that Paula Myrick Short, University of Houston System
senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and University of Houston senior vice
president for academic affairs and provost, has decided that she will retire, due
to family health issues, in August 2022.
January 26, 2022
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Thank you for your collective efforts in making the soft opening of the spring semester
a success. The past few weeks have been uncertain at times, but you accepted the challenge
with fortitude and made it work.
January 25, 2022
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Welcome back and Happy New Year. I hope you and your families are safe and healthy.
In the days since the end of the fall term, we’ve continued to monitor the spread
of the Omicron variant, which now accounts for 95% of all COVID-19 infections in the
U.S. While Omicron is believed to be less severe, its infection rate is still a cause
for serious concern.
January 7, 2022
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As we close out the year, I am in awe of you and grateful for the comeback we have
had. The pandemic has been very challenging for all of us. Thanks to the COVID-19
vaccine and your determination to make it happen, we made the full return to campus
with success. We’re back!
December 9, 2021
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We started the semester with cautious optimism that we could fully return to campus
with success. And thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine and your precautionary actions, we
accomplished that goal. Thank you for helping make this vision a reality and for giving
our students the immersive experience they deeply missed.
December 9, 2021
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Today, I am appointing Richard Walker, vice chancellor and vice president for student
affairs and enrollment services at UH System and UH, to serve as interim president
at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, beginning Oct. 9.
October 7, 2021
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We thought we would have a much more normal semester, but the spread of COVID-19’s
Delta variant has made it a very anxious time once again. I thank you for persevering
in face of physical, mental and emotional challenges. We are doing everything possible
to add value to our students’ learning experience, and we can take satisfaction from
that. Here is a quick update for you.
September 10, 2021
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Today is a monumental day in the trajectory of the University of Houston as we formally
accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference. While on the surface this decision
impacts our athletics program, it truly is a transformational change for our institution.
Our mission is about “connecting potential with opportunity” and today’s announcement
is about just that.
September 10, 2021
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I am pleased to announce another significant step forward with the appointment of
Dr. Bettina Beech to the newly created cabinet level position of Chief Population
Health Officer, effective Sept. 1.
August 18, 2021
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While I trust that we all will take personal responsibility and safeguard ourselves
from the virus, I also know that some institutional decisions regarding vaccinations,
masks, testing and instructional formats are necessary to keep our community safe.
I write to you today to present these decisions.
August 10, 2021
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While I trust that we all will take personal responsibility to mitigate the risk of
the COVID-19 spread as we open for Fall Semester on August 23, I also feel that some
institutional decisions regarding vaccinations, masks, meetings, exemptions and course
delivery are necessary to keep our community safe.
August 10, 2021
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I write to update you today on important budgetary decisions for the current year
(FY 2020-21) as well as for the next year (FY2021-22).
July 8, 2021
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As we approach the end of this tumultuous, pandemic-plagued semester, it’s only natural
to wonder what awaits us this summer and fall. While we cannot be certain of the
future, we have to plan for it now – and we must do so based on the information available
today and with the ability to alter the course should the circumstances change. With
this in mind, I would like to offer you guidelines about the process and a timeline
for our campus reopening.
May 10, 2021
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Congratulations on completing a very challenging semester! A double congratulations
to the seniors graduating next week! With the improvement in the fight against COVID-19,
we now have plans in place for the UH community to return to normal during the next
few months. For those of you not graduating this spring, please read on to learn about
the coming semesters.
May 5, 2021
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We are almost at the end of the academic year, and what a year it has been with the
global pandemic, an economic downturn, issues related to social injustice and hate
crimes. Even during these times, our UH community has continued to educate students,
conduct research and serve the community.
April 13, 2021
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I hope you and your family are safe and healthy. I write to you today to provide further
guidance on the COVID-19 safety protocols following Gov. Abbott’s March 2 Executive
Order that will lift the statewide mask mandate and allow Texas businesses to resume
operating at 100 percent capacity effective March 10.
March 5, 2021
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My thoughts are with you and your families as you recover from the devastating disruption
of the winter weather this past week. Once again, UH and the people of Houston have
displayed amazing resilience. What a helpless feeling to lose power and water at the
same time! It’s unbelievable how quickly much of our city can came to a standstill.
And to face such hardships while already struggling with the challenges of the pandemic
verges on the incredible.
February 21, 2021
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During this unprecedented winter storm, we hope you are staying safe and warm. The
winter storm system is dangerously cold and has resulted in significant damage, including
loss of water and power for many of us. We will continue to remain closed through
Thursday, Feb. 18. Faculty are being asked to adjust deadlines for assignments and
tests due to the impact of widespread power outages and Blackboard being temporarily
unavailable.
February 16, 2021
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Happy New Year and welcome back! We are starting the new semester with mixed emotions
– excitement, anxiety and anticipation.
January 13, 2021
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As we approach the close of a very challenging year, I sincerely hope that the vaccines
and other advances in treatment will soon get us on a path to a stable recovery. Even
under the best of scenarios, we anticipate the lingering effects of the pandemic will
last until 2023. During this time, we will do our best to keep everyone safe and mitigate
an adverse impact on our ability to fulfill our mission or to advance toward our vision.
December 21, 2020
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I hope that you and your families continue to be safe and healthy. I further hope
that your studies are going well, and that you are progressing toward your degree
despite all the challenges posed by this global pandemic. These are difficult times,
but I am very proud of the resiliency and tenacity that you have shown.
November 11, 2020
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Resiliency is a part of our culture and the pandemic has certainly tested it. We are
serving more students than ever and performing at a higher level than ever on research
and scholarship measures. We have also concluded our $1 billion campaign by raising
$240 million over the goal. Congratulations on our many successes! Once again, I
am humbled to be with you as we work our way through the current crisis. Here are
some important items to share with you.
November 9, 2020
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For those of you who are new to our campus, let me say welcome to the University of
Houston. And to those who are returning, I'm so pleased to say welcome back.It is
understandable that many of you are approaching the fall with anticipation and concern
given the pandemic we continue to navigate. I can imagine this is especially true
for our freshman class and your families.
August 17, 2020
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I hope you and your families are safe and healthy and that you are excited about the
start of this fall semester. It is understandable that many of you are also approaching
the fall with anticipation and concern given the pandemic we continue to navigate.
It is sometimes difficult to grasp the physical, emotional and financial toll it has
taken on all of us.
August 17, 2020
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I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. In three weeks, we will begin
perhaps the most unusual and challenging fall semester. Thank you for your patience
and dedication as we plan to fulfill our mission of providing learning opportunities
to our students in as safe an environment as possible.
August 3, 2020
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President Renu Khator shared significant news items that impact the University community.
She addressed revised COVID-19 return to work protocols - including new face mask
requirements, the establishment of a $1 million research fund for faculty and the
University’s next steps toward addressing race relations and social justice.
June 24, 2020
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I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. These are unsettling times due
to the pandemic’s impact on the nation’s economy and public health. I know that you
value your education and its positive influence on your future. We value your education,
too, because we know that as we emerge from this crisis, we will need leaders and
thinkers like you to shape our common future.
June 12, 2020
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The George Floyd tragedy and the issue of racial injustice continues to trouble us
deeply. Last week, I shared a letter with you expressing our mutual pain and frustration
following this sad, senseless death. In it, I wrote, “Our mission as an institution
and our responsibility as human beings compel us to take a stand.” Today, I am writing
to tell you about the initial steps we are taking to fulfill that mission and meet
that responsibility.
June 10, 2020
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At the University of Houston, we feel compelled to ask if there is more we can do
as an institute of higher education to address the problems that have been thrust
to the forefront and touched us deeply.
June 8, 2020
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Gov. Greg Abbott’s most recent executive order allows institutions of higher education
to open their physical campuses June 1. Today, President Renu Khator addressed the
UH community about the University’s Phase 2 reopening Monday, June 8, on a voluntary
basis, the anticipated next steps for the fall semester as well as budgetary items.
June 2, 2020
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The sad and senseless death of George Floyd hits close to home for the University
of Houston. Mr. Floyd was a member of our community, and we join hundreds of other
universities and millions of Americans in condemning this brutal event and the larger
failing in our culture that allows such atrocities to continue. We share in the tremendous
pain our community and nation are experiencing. Please read President Renu Khator's
letter to our UH community for more information.
June 1, 2020
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Now that the efforts to reopen the state and the city have begun and we have successfully
completed this very challenging semester, it is time to look beyond the immediate
horizon. Since this pandemic will continue to challenge us until a vaccine is found,
we must address questions like the safe reopening of the campus, the long-term financial
health of the University, and life in the new normal.
May 19, 2020
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As “Houston’s University,” UH is doing its part in our city’s fight against COVID-19.
We invite you to share these stories of committed Cougars making a difference.
May 8, 2020
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I want to take a moment to send a special message to each of you during this week
when we had planned to celebrate you completing your degree at the University of Houston
with our traditional commencement ceremony.
May 6, 2020
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I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. We have come to the end of this
very unusual spring semester. Thanks to your efforts, which included transitioning
thousands of classes and services online, more than 6,000 students will graduate next
week. Congratulations … to all of us! Here are some important updates for you.
April 30, 2020
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Looking forward to the summer, not even our most knowledgeable health experts can
predict with certainty when the threat of COVID-19 will subside. But we do know it
will be with us for some time and so will the need for social distancing. That is
why my leadership team and I have made the decision to continue delivering remote
instruction for all four summer sessions, which begin June 1, and the May mini-session.
April 3, 2020
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Today, Harris County issued a Stay at Home order beginning at 11:59pm tonight through
April 3. What does this mean for us?
March 24, 2020
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During this very difficult situation, we have been listening intently to you and your
families. Preserving health and safety has been first and foremost in every step
we have taken and every decision we’ve made. In the final analysis, our students
and UH community are who matter most to us. With that in mind, the following decisions
have been made.
March 19, 2020
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Most of you are working from home but some of you are on campus keeping the essential
services going and/or leading the troops. My team and I thank you all, but particularly
those who are on campus. I wanted to let you know that after careful consideration
and consultation, we have made the following three decisions. You can refer to my
letter to students for more details.
March 19, 2020
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Since my last communication regarding the university’s response to COVID-19, President
Trump as well as state and local officials have announced additional efforts to slow
its spread, or “flatten the curve." The purpose of this communication is to put things
in perspective and offer you additional guidelines as it comes to your day-to-day
decision-making.
March 17, 2020
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No matter what part of the world you live in, you are a valued member of our family.
If there is any way we can be of help to you by providing information and/or connections,
please let us know. The University of Houston and the UH Alumni Association are here
for you.
March 16, 2020
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To allow you to address professional and personal matters in response to the city
of Houston and Harris County emergency health declarations and to do our part in mitigating
the spread of COVID-19, we are taking the following actions.
March 11, 2020
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The safety of our faculty, staff and students is our top priority. We must take all
necessary precautions suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
but we must also commit to playing our role in containing the outbreak of the virus
in our community. With this in mind, I am providing you with the following information.
March 9, 2020
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As we continue to see more and more news about the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus),
I know that you and your families must be anxious, because we all are. As I assured
you last Wednesday, we continue to follow closely the global spread of COVID-19 and
its potential impact on our university communities. There have been no reported cases
of COVID-19 on our campuses; however, there have been some cases identified in and
around Houston. According to reports, all of these cases involve foreign travel. With
this in mind and after extensive consultation, I am asking that you please adhere
to the following.
March 9, 2020
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Let me wish you a Happy New Year and welcome you back to our University for the spring
semester. The University of Houston continues to expand and excel thanks to the energy,
intelligence and enthusiasm you provide, and I want to thank you for that.
January 22, 2020
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Once again, the people of Houston showed their resilience in the midst of horrible
flooding. Some of you had homes flooded. Others had cars damaged or were stuck in
traffic for hours on freeways trying to get home or to your children’s schools. What
a helpless feeling! It’s unbelievable how quickly much of our city can come to a standstill.
September 23, 2019
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Our FY2019-20 has started with a bang: first, the ceremonial signing of the bill to
create the UH College of Medicine, followed by the announcement of the largest gift
in the University’s history, and then the announcement of funding for the new UH Law
Center building.
September 5, 2019
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As we pass the midway point to another successful semester at the University of Houston,
I hope you find time to be outdoors and enjoy this beautiful April weather in Houston.
Here are some items of interest for you.
April 17, 2019
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Each year, the city celebrates its Western heritage with the Houston Livestock Show
and Rodeo – and the University of Houston likes to join in the festivities.
February 19, 2019
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Another spring semester is underway, and I’m delighted to welcome you back from what
I hope was a wonderful winter break. I’m invigorated by the enthusiasm, intelligence
and dedication I see around me everywhere on campus. You continue to improve our University
every day and, for that, I thank you all.
January 17, 2019
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Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order designating Wednesday, Dec. 5,
as an official Day of Mourning for our 41st president, George H.W. Bush. In keeping
with his order, the University of Houston will be closed – however, all scheduled
final exams and other essential activities will continue. Only essential staff as
designated by division vice presidents are expected to report for work. Essential
staff will be allowed another day off for observance within the week.
December 4, 2018
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The University of Houston takes immense pride in the progress it has made as a comprehensive
research institution during the past decade.
August 28, 2018
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The University of Houston takes immense pride in the progress it has made as a comprehensive
research institution during the past decade.
August 28, 2018
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This ambitious program will focus on increasing everything related to our research
efforts by 50 percent during the next 5-year period.
June 18, 2018
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Upon the recommendation of the faculty search committee, I am pleased to announce
the appointment of Dr. Stephen J. Spann as the founding dean of the College of Medicine
effective Feb. 23.
February 26, 2018
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One of our city’s most cherished traditions, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,
kicks off next week.
February 22, 2018
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At the University of Houston, we are committed to providing an environment free from
any kind of misconduct, harassment and fraud.
February 19, 2018
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The academic year, 2017-18, has been unusual, with weather, and not the academic calendar,
dictating when and how we start the semester.
January 23, 2018
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November 20, 2017
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September 4, 2017
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