Shefman

Pamelyn K. Shefman will assume her role as Director of Assessment and Planning beginning July 8.

As the first director in this position, Shefman will coordinate at the Division level all assessment activities the strategic plan, partnerships with Institutional Research, department and program reviews, contributions to the President’s Progress Card and assist in the accreditation process. In addition, she will advise the Division’s Assessment Committee, manage annual reporting and continue to evolve the culture of assessment throughout the Division.

“Pam’s ability to build collaborative partnerships with students, faculty and staff in her work will enhance the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services contributions to supporting student success at the University of Houston,” said Daniel Maxwell, Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.

Shefman recently completed her course work for a doctorate in educational psychology and individual differences with a concentration in higher education administration and leadership at UH’s College of Education and bring more than 15 years of experience in Student Affairs to the position.

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House Bill 29, by House Higher Education Chairman Dan Branch, R-Dallas, was passed in the House without opposition, but a notably different version of it was passed in the Senate this week.

Students and universities must wait to see if the House will go along with the changes or request a conference committee, as the bill was altered to include language adding restriction and requirements on new appointees to the state’s public university system boards, changes that have been occurring in the UH system recently.

In addition to requiring a fixed tuition option, the bill will also prevent new regents from voting on budget or personnel matters until they have completed ethics training, should HS 29 become a law in the form approved by the Senate.

Although Gov. Rick Perry has been a proponent of legislative efforts to require universities to offer a four-year fixed tuition option, there is uncertainty surrounding whether the governor, who appoints all the members of the boards of regents, would sign a bill restricting their authority.

Perry issued a statement on May 17 after the UH system adopted its flat-rate tuition saying, “As families gather around their kitchen tables working to budget and make college a reality, the leadership at Texas Tech University System and University of Houston System have now given them the peace of mind of knowing that tuition will remain the same for four years and at the same time encouraging these students to complete their degrees on time.”

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Landeros

Uriel Landeros, a 22-year-old art senior, was identified and charged with criminal mischief and felony graffiti, both third degree felonies, after being caught spray-painting “Woman in a Red Armchair” on a cellphone video.

The video, which was later posted to Youtube, identified Landeros as he spray-painted a stencil of a bullfighter killing a bull and the word “conquista” — Spanish for conquest — to “promote revolution and change.”

“He acknowledged what he did was wrong in terms of he caused damage to the painting. But he also understood that a lot of times, to make a point, you have to go to these extremes,” said Landeros’ attorney Emily Detoto, in an article by The Associate Press.

Landeros agreed to plead guilty to the graffiti charge in exchange for a minimal prison sentence, as he has faced up to 10 years in prison.

Landeros wanted the criminal mischief charge dismissed because he believed “what he did to the painting was not criminal mischief, it was an artistic statement, an expression, much like graffiti art is,” Detoto said.

After Landeros was identified in the incident, he fled to Mexico in January but surrendered to authorities at the U.S.-Mexico border.

“It’s good the judicial process has done its work and come to a conclusion,” said Menil spokesman Vance Muse, according to The Associated Press.

Muse said the painting’s restoration is close to completion, but no date has been set on when it will be available for display again.

Landeros plans to return to UH after his release from prison to finish the one semester he has left for his bachelor’s to continue his art career, Detoto said.

“We’re hopeful that he’ll be able to turn a positive out of this experience.”

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“We’re very excited for the opportunity to honor colleges and universities in Texas making serious strides in distance learning,” said communications and outreach manager for StateStats.org Matt Davis. “The University of Houston earned a spot on our list for its inexpensive tuition for in-state students and low student-teacher ratio.”

Analyzing data such as student-to-teacher ratio, in-state and out-of-state tuition, campus setting and program breadth, the two sites collaborated to create Top 25 Affordable Online Colleges in Texas. UH’s tuition rate for in-state students currently resides around $5,000 with a student-teacher ratio of 23-1.

“Personally, I think UH’s tuition rate is very reasonable,” said engineering sophomore Paul Garcia. “With my financial aid I get a refund that helps me pay for my textbooks and other things I might need for school.”

Other campuses on the list include UT Tyler, UT Arlington, Lamar University, Stephen F. Austin University, Blinn College and Texas Tech University.

According to the Babson Survey Research Group, more than six million students nationwide took at least one online class in 2011; this marks the ninth straight year of increased participation in online education.

“Online education remains on the rise in Texas, with colleges of all types incorporating distance learning into their curricula,” said vice president and general manager of StateStats.org Wes Ricketts. “We wanted to showcase the wide range of Texas schools helping students earn their degrees remotely.”

According to a press release given by the websites, OnlineSchoolsTexas.com strives to provide Texans with information about alternative post-secondary educational options, as well as information and advice regarding career choices in the state. While it recognizes the importance of traditional colleges and universities, OnlineSchoolsTexas.com understands that the landscape of education is changing and works to suit the needs of a broader student base.

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Miljanic

Sponsored by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, recipients are given $75,000 to further their research and educational programs.

“It’s a true honor and a great motivation for both me and my students,” Miljanic said. “I am especially glad to have been selected among a diverse group of researchers that included not only chemists, but also physicists and astronomers.”

Proposals for the Cottrell Scholar Award focus on both research and education achievements. Miljanic’s proposal to RCSA included several educational initiatives, such as web-based eLectures for the evening commuter section of his organic chemistry class. These lectures replicate the experience of being in class and listening to the professor, allowing students who are unable to attend to catch up with the subject matter at their own pace.

In addition, Miljanic introduced building 3-D printed models to illustrate concepts in chemistry, such as potential energy surfaces and orbital interactions of aromaticity.

“Ognjen is truly dedicated to excellence in both his research and teaching,” said the chemistry department chairman David Hoffman in a UH press release. “It is great to see his creativity and hard work recognized at the national level. My colleagues and I are very proud to have him on our faculty.”

In the research topic of his proposal, Miljanic strived to mimic nature by achieving molecular self-sorting in man-made mixtures of chemical compounds. Focusing on ways to better imitate nature’s ability to manufacture many of the molecules necessary for life, Miljanic’s research is designed to make sophisticated synthetic molecules with applications in environmental analysis, energy-related research and basic chemical industry.

The award is recognized in the Top American Research Universities report as defining Tier One universities. The program holds an annual Cottrell Scholar Collaborative that serves as a forum for sharing methods to improve undergraduate science in education in American research universities and increase retention of undergraduate science majors, as well as establish a network of scholar educators.

“The yearly meetings focus on establishing educational collaborations that will help bring our initiatives to completion faster. It is a great honor to be part of the Cottrell Scholar Collaborative,” Miljanic said.

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Although four of the positions will be permanent, half of the appointments are only interim positions. Two of the newly appointed administrators will assume system-wide roles.

The new appointments came after an announcement made by Khator on May 13 that she, along with the provost, will begin to reorganize the division of academic affairs.

“In October, the provost and I engaged the Pappas Consulting Group Inc. to create a functionally aligned organizational structure for the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost,” Khator said in an email announcement.

“Our objective was to be able to optimally support the University of Houston’s Tier One classification and to ensure student success at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.”

After Khator announced the restructuring, Short sent out her own email, proclaiming the resignation of eight administrators.

The new eight positions announced Tuesday do not directly replace the former eight, but assume new responsibilities and titles.

Among the interim appointments are Richard Olenchak as interim associate provost of faculty development and faculty affairs, Teri Elkins Longacre as interim vice provost and dean of undergraduate student success, Dmitri Litvinov as interim vice provost and dean of University of Houston Graduate School, and Jeff Morgan as interim associate provost of education innovation and technology.

Some individuals received permanent appointments, such as Richard D. Phillips as associate vice chancellor for system initiatives, Chris Stanich as associate vice chancellor and associate provost of institutional planning and analysis, Edward Craig Ness as associate provost of finance and administration, and Ramanan Krishnamoorti as chief energy officer.

The administration remains busy as it continues to search to fill more positions.

“In addition to these appointments, we will begin searches to fill the following four positions: associate provost for strategic enrollment planning, vice provost for global strategies and studies, chief health sciences officer and chief arts officer,” Short said in her email to the UH community.

“We will also appoint a university-wide working group to develop a strategic plan for university engagement.”

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“This building is a tremendous catalyst to get us to that point,” said Russell Dunlavy, chief development officer for the college. “Dean Tedesco’s vision is to move the college into the top 50 engineering programs in the U.S.”

The Board of Regents’ Facilities, Construction and Master Planning Committee approved the site and program for the four-story building that is proposed to be finished February 2016.

Through this building, College of Engineering faculty will have more lab space, and the building will house major core facilities that serve the needs of the University’s engineering, energy and health research, said Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology Transfer Rathindra N. Bose.

Instead of having different research labs across campus, they will be housed in one central location.

“Our faculty deserves to have a state-of-the-art facility. The new research building will help us attract and retain top faculty,” said Dunlavy.

The University community believes the building will bring UH closer to Tier One status because UH has a Tier One target of $200 million in research expenditures by 2020.

Yet, the building with 19 labs will cost approximately $51 million, and the construction will destroy a parking lot with nearly 160 spaces.

Dunlavy said the University has received tremendous support from alumni and corporate partners and will continue to work with them to fundraise.

The University has already completed the Health and Biomedical Sciences Center and Engineering Research Center; a Health and Biomedical Sciences Center 2 is in the planning phase.

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The University welcomes the idea of a four-year fixed tuition option, President and Chancellor Renu Khator said in January.

“But we (were) proposing modifications to make it a true option for students, since many of our students are part-time and many are unable to make a four-year financial commitment at once,” Khator said.

Although a fixed-tuition option for current students has not been decided on, the four-year fixed tuition rate will be offered to incoming freshman and transfer students beginning in the Fall.

“Predictability in college pricing is an important factor in a student’s ability to plan for higher education and achieve his or her degree in a timely manner,” said the Finance and Administration committee in its written request for approval.

“To that end, UH System universities are developing an option through which incoming freshmen will be guaranteed a fixed rate for tuition and fees for four years, provided they meet annual academic progress requirements.”

The Finance and Administration committee believes that fixed tuition rate can provide simplicity, predictability and clarity for students and improve the number of degrees awarded, graduation rates and the faster progression to graduation.

The board also approved the initiation of the design phase for the expansion and renovation of Hofheinz Pavilion, as well as the introduction of new degree plans, including a Master of Hospitality Management degree for UH main campus and a Bachelor of Science in Geoscience degree for UH-D.

Amid the discussion of policies, the Board of Regents also recognized and welcomed a few individuals.

Interim Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Paula Short was congratulated  for being named a Fulbright Specialist and joining the ranks of 98 academics and professional who will join a Roster of Specialists for a five-year term.

The Fulbright Specialist Program promotes linkages between U.S. academics and professionals at overseas universities or institutions with education-focused programming and is designed to award grants to qualified U.S. faculty and professionals to engage in short-term collaborative projects in more than 100 countries worldwide.

“This is an opportunity for me to give back,” Short said in a news release. “The University of Houston will benefit from my experiences with new cultures and increased understanding of other countries in my teaching, research and leadership roles within the University and work with the larger Houston community.”

Chair Nelda Luce Blair also took the opportunity to welcome the new student regent of the Board, Benjamin Wells, and thanked the current student regent Gage A. Raba, who will be leaving the position on May 31.

Blair applauded Raba for his “enthusiasm, commitment and dedication.”

Additional reporting by Minh Dam.

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Morgan

Each year, the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, a Texas-based nonprofit organization that supports charitable, scientific and educational undertakings, chooses 10 outstanding educators from across the state of Texas for this honor. Morgan is the 10th professor from UH to receive this honor.

“I teach to give something back that was given to me,” Morgan said. “It was clear from a young age that I had a hunger for teaching, and this was because a few excellent teachers in (kindergarten through 12th grade) played an amazing role in shaping my life.”

Morgan came to UH in 2002 and has served as the chair of the mathematics department for 10 years. Under Morgan’s leadership, the department introduced common exams to unify standards and approaches across class sections, built electronic databases and course management software, creating online learning materials and instituting mandatory attendance requirements.

Morgan is also a co-director of teachHOUSTON, a math and science teacher-preparation program. This six-year-old program is designed to help urban schools attract and maintain middle-school and high-school teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields by immersing aspiring educators in public school classrooms early in their college careers.

Chemistry professor Simon Bott was selected as a Piper professor last year and also serves as co-director of the teachHOUSTON program with Morgan.

“I feel very privileged to work with him.  He created teachHOUSTON and put a great team together of former high school and middle school teachers,” Bott said. “He has a very strong and ambitious agenda and set of goals for teachHOUSTON that will elevate the teaching of math and science in the Greater Houston area.”

In addition to his many responsibilities as a professor and chair of the math department, Morgan provides support and resources to math and science teachers in the community. He organizes competitions, workshops, and develops free exercises and practice exams for both students and teachers for kindergarten through high school.

Morgan is immersed in mathematics across the board at UH and has played a significant role in educating many college students who may otherwise have slipped through the cracks of higher learning. A substantial number of students have been inspired to become math majors because of their experiences in his courses.

“I am always trying to figure out how something works — even if I have to dismantle it. My curiosity for life is perhaps my greatest gift. I look forward to experiencing everything life brings my way and sharing that passion with my family, friends, colleagues and students,” Morgan said.

“Outside of family and faith, my commitment to teaching is the most important thing in my life. I love UH, and I plan to stay here as long as I can make positive contributions in teaching, service and research. I will continue to teach, work with teachers and contribute in any way I can, so long as I can find a way to make a difference.”

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These eight administrators will lose their positions under President and Chancellor Renu Khator’s reorganization plan, which was announced to the University on Monday. | Courtesy of UH.edu

President and Chancellor Renu Khator announced in a campus-wide email on Monday that in order to completely support the University’s Tier One status, she plans to begin taking steps toward creating positions within the administration to better the University, and to eliminate the positions that have become obsolete. All of the actions that Khator will be taking were formulated under the advisement of the Pappas Consulting Group Inc.

“Throughout this effort, the consultant reached out to the deans, the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, and the vice presidents for their comments and ideas,” Khator said. “The consultant further solicited input from department chairs and college business administrators. Most recently, the consultant shared the initial conceptual model with the Council of Vice Presidents, the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate and the deans for their reaction and comments.”

Khator said the feedback was positive and, along with the consultant firm, the groups formulated a full report that details the administrative actions to be taken by UH. The document focuses on transforming the office of the senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

“The reorganization calls for the creation of new positions, the elimination of currently existing positions and the realignment of functions to different reporting structures,” the Pappas Consulting Group said in its report. “The changes are both horizontal and vertical. Some will be easier to implement than others. Some may be done immediately upon authorization to proceed, others will need to be undertaken sequentially and iteratively. Some will need to be developed from the proverbial ground up.”

The document continues, further detailing the precise duties of the new positions.

Interim Provost Paula Short sent out her own campus-wide email a mere hour and a half after Khator, naming all of the administrators whose jobs were eliminated.

“While the reorganization is necessary to ensure student success at the undergraduate and graduate levels, change is sometimes difficult, especially when personnel are affected,” Short said. “The organizational transformation outlined in the consultant’s report eliminates eight existing positions. No other changes to existing positions in administration are recommended in the report.”

According to the email, Jerald Strickland, associate vice chancellor and associate vice president of International Studies and Programs; Stuart Hall, associate vice president, graduate and professional studies; and Agnes DeFranco, associate vice president for undergraduate studies, are returning to various faculty positions.

Elaine Charlson, executive associate vice chancellor and associate vice president for academic affairs, is electing to retire, Short said.

Three more administrators — Marshall Schott, associate vice president of University outreach and associate vice chancellor of planning and administration; Libby Barlow, assistant vice president of academic affairs; and Kathryn Peek, assistant vice president of University Health — are announced to be pursuing other opportunities.

Rounding off the eight, the position of associate vice chancellor and associate vice president for planning and outreach has been eliminated. The position is empty as its former possessor, Ed Hugetz, remains as interim provost at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Although drastic changes have been made, the process is in its early stages as UH begins a search to fill the new positions.

“I will announce the interim appointments for the new positions created in the reorganization plan by Wednesday, May 22,” Short said. “The Office of Academic Affairs will begin national searches this summer to fill the positions.”

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Quaid recently tied up the first season on his TV show “Vegas.” Under the educational influence of Cecil Pickett and Sidney Berger, Quaid recounted his time at the University and attributed his drive and success to the theater department.

Watch Quaid’s speech here. | Video courtesy of UH Media Relations

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Foley

The finalists are Henry Foley, vice president of Research and dean of the Graduate School of Pennsylvania State University, and Jorge Haddock, dean of School of Management for George Mason University. The remaining two will soon learn who takes the official position in UH’s Office of Academic Affairs.

“If you consider my record, you will see that I am a scholar and a researcher, as well as a teacher, but more importantly that I have held every academic leadership position save for Provost or President,” Foley said in the cover letter for his curriculum vitae.

According to the letter, Foley’s administrative experience is strongest in finance, strategic planning and change management. At Penn State, he currently oversees a “research enterprise” with $810 million of annual expenditure activity, a budget of $49 million and about 450 professional staff members.

Including top flight scientists from Huck Institute for Life Sciences and the Materials Research Institute, six internationally reputed experts from these enterprises report to Foley while he remains working in this role.

“Through each of these institutes, I am in touch with all facets of the university’s scholarship and research, from those who are interrogating Bose-Einstein Condensates to others who are most interested in the literary articulation of the human condition,” Foley said.

In Haddock’s cover letter, he outlines his background as a tenured professor in a level-one research institution and dean of a liberal arts college of more than 4,000 students.

Haddock

“Numerous experiences have prepared me for this position,” Haddock said in the letter. “I am a traditional scholar who rose through the ranks at Rensselaer from assistant to full professor.”

In a parenthetical statement of the same paragraph, Haddock said that to the best of his knowledge, he is the first person belonging to an under-represented minority to accomplish that feat.

Haddock said he has authored or co-authored 75 publications, 42 other scholarly reports and multiple research proposals resulting in 20 approved projects.

“In terms of leadership roles, I consistently held administrative and leadership positions at Clemson and Rensselaer before transitioning to the Lally School of Management and Technology,” Haddock said.

“I am committed to a rigorous academic process.”

Initially joining Foley and Haddock was David Manderscheid. Manderscheid, the dean of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Arts and Sciences, removed himself from the race for undisclosed reasons before his forum, which was set for this past Wednesday.

The Provost Search Committee made it’s official observations and suggestions to President and Chancellor Renu Khator on Thursday, and pending her approval or dismissal, either Haddock or Foley will step in and release Paula Short, who has been serving in the interim position, from the chief academic officer’s responsibilities.

One of the provost’s first duties will be to appoint a search committee seeking a Law Center Dean.

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“When I found out we had won, I immediately felt incredibly humbled and honored to be a Gator,” Sharp said. “I knew at that moment that despite the negativity surrounding my campaign, my peers had the insight to see my true character and disregarded everything else.”

After announcing their campaign, fliers circulated the campus that targeted Sharp’s sexual orientation with the words “WANT AIDS?” above a picture of Sharp with a large X on it, and “Don’t support the Isaac and Kris homosexual agenda” at the bottom. On the back was medical information from a physician visit, including his HIV status and prescribed medication, along with his home address and telephone number.

Sharp said graffiti stating “Isaac + Kris=AIDS” popped up in bathrooms later on.

“I knew my sexuality could possibly be an issue — I didn’t really think it would be since it’s 2013,” Sharp said. “I was expecting some attacks, maybe some debates, but I never would have thought it would go to the level it went to.”

Director of Media Relations Claire Caton said the university is trying to find the person responsible but no recent updates in the criminal investigation have been made.

Sharp said he has decided to put the past behind him and would like to start focusing on his duties as vice president of SGA, which he will assume in June. Sharp and Valdez will focus their attention on campus eco-friendly initiatives and updated technology. They also plan to educate students on diversity and acceptance.

“I will remain committed to changing the culture of beliefs on our campus and work to foster an educational environment that is accepting of all people from all walks of life,” Sharp said. “If and when we find out who did this, I will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that nothing like this happens at UHD again.”

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In the last 30 years, the government support that goes into UH’s operating budget, including sources and funds, went from 61 percent in 1983 to 22 percent in 2013.

“This isn’t a UH phenomenon,” Associate Vice President and Vice Chancellor of Finance Tom Ehardt said. “This is a phenomenon typical to all state-supported institutions in Texas and largely typical across nation.”

“The largest share of the dollars that comes from the state of Texas comes through something called formula funding, which is largely based on the semester credit hours that we generate,” he said.

The formula is calculated by multiplying the semester credit hours by the program’s weight and by the rate. Semester credit hours are a measurement of how many classes, and the number of students enrolled in those classes, an institution delivers. Semester credit hours are weighted by discipline, for instance nursing is weighted more than liberal arts, and by level, such as masters, doctoral and professional, according to a report from the Legislative Budget Board.

“All universities are funded level across the state,” Ehardt said. “Some institutions get more or less funding based on the variants of the formula, but the formula is the same.”

Full funding of the formula is number one priority in President and Chancellor Renu Khator’s legislative agenda, Ehardt said.

“It is primarily President Khator who is working with the legislative delegation of this region and the Higher Education Committees to really convey to them the importance of maximizing the formula funding to serve the needs of students,” said Assistant Vice President and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Planning and Policy Chris Stanich.

Stanich went on to speak about some of the problems UH needs to address.

“The availability of resources really does have consequences in terms of the services that we are able to provide students, and the things we are able to do to improve important performance measurements, like the number of graduates that we produce,” he said.

“Graduation rates is one of the most important performance measurements that we are held accountable for, not only by the state but by national rating agencies and other organizations that are evaluating UH for its Tier One status.”

UH’s graduation rates fall short when compared to other major Texas universities. UH’s 4-year graduation rate is at 16.2 percent while Texas A&M and University of Texas at Austin are in the 50 percent range. Similarly, UH’s 6-year rate is at 46.1 against 80 percent of A&M and UT-Austin.

“This is something that is very important for Dr. Khator,” Stanich said. “She has labeled this ‘no excuse priority.’ She wants to move University of Houston’s 6-year graduation rate as quickly as possible to 56 percent.”

Student Government Association’s President Cedric Bandoh discussed four major strategies to improve student success in the upcoming year. He said UH goals need to be to improve student advising through technology and improved student/adviser ratio, increase the number of faculty to meet enrollment demand and improve student-faculty ratio, increase financial aid and enhance libraries, as UH falls below national average on all of those aspects.

To fund these strategies, UH will need  more than $15 million.

“I think that everybody supports these goals and supports the concept of focusing on actions that create student success,” Executive Vice President and Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Carl Carlucci said. “The estimate of the resources needed appear to be based on reasonable numbers, so I accept them.”

“The problem is the number, $15 million, is more than we accomplish or more than we can ask students to take on a tuition increase,” Carlucci said. “The number itself is just too high, and it would require an increase of something like 7 percent in tuition to produce this kind of revenue. That is just not something that we can do. We don’t think it’s appropriate to ask for it, and we also don’t think that, politically, it’s the right thing to do in a year like this.”

Carlucci said that the recommended maximum that can be asked in tuition increase, and that he believes the public will find acceptable is an increase of about 3.95 percent. This number is based on a bill proposed in 2009, which did not pass but has been informally accepted. This increase would create $10 million, which would take care of two thirds of the problems listed by Bandoh.

“The rest will have to be put off for future years,” Carlucci said. “We are trying to stick with what the legislature and the public thought was a reasonable number.”

Optional fees, housing, parking, study abroad and other expenses will not count toward the $10 million that will be raised from increase in tuition.

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UHPD said they expect delays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and are urging students to take alternate routes if they are traveling to campus on those days.

Significant traffic delays will be expected on Cullen Boulevard, Elgin Street and Scott Street, the University of Houston Department of Public Safety said in a campus-wide email. Holman Street will be blocked off for vehicle through-traffic to accommodate pedestrians walking to Hofheinz Pavilion.

Due to the large amount of visitors on campus, lots 12, 15 and 16 and the Stadium Parking Garage will be impacted, said the Department of Public Safety. They ask the University community to use the lots on Wheeler and Calhoun to minimize delays.

The Department said those who regularly park near Hofheinz Pavilion may wish to adjust their travel times to compensate for potential delays and consider alternative parking areas.

In addition, parking for visitors attending the ceremonies will be limited due to the various campus construction projects.

The University tells visitors they should expect to walk across campus to their commencement venues and should wear clothing and footwear suitable for walking.

For more information on commencement parking, please visit http://www.uh.edu/commencement/commencement-parking/index.php.

President and Chancellor Renu Khator spoke at the slightly-less casual Staff Council meeting, which was more conversational than the norm, on Tuesday. | Kayla Steward/The Daily Cougar

Administration and Finance representative Andy Moon moderated the meeting, and President and Chancellor Renu Khator was the guest speaker, offering her insight on problems, solutions and her own goals for the University.

“It’s all of us that push and pull and do whatever is needed,” Khator said.

Khator touched on multiple topics, first praising the staff members for their hard work during this school year, as well as addressing issues that can be improved.

As a Tier One university, Khator said she wants to push for changes in graduation rates and student life.

“The graduation rate must improve. Many students are living on campus now, and we must continue to build student life,” Khator said. “After two years, I know that graduation rates will improve pretty significantly.”

Khator went on to explain the importance of personal interaction and becoming more involved in the Houston community. She made several requests of the staff, including becoming more innovative, engaging in the belief that they can do better and enjoying their jobs so as to not get burned out.

After Khator’s statements, she answered a few questions from staff, such as the concerns regarding the mood in Austin relating to higher education. After she answered several questions, the remaining staff members broke into groups.

Each group had a moderator who led the discussion, introducing issues such as communication problems and staff orientation concerns.

Staff council president-elect for  the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year led one of the tables to a discussion regarding UH’s presence in the community through volunteering. The concern was enthusiastically discussed by staff members.

“I want to know if there are any community service and volunteering opportunities. I’m looking for something to get involved with,” said academic advisor of The College of Pharmacy, Natasha Hindocha.

One of the ideas raised by the discussion’s participants was that an increased presence in community service will shed a positive light on the University.

“If you want to be recognized in the community, there’s no better way than through volunteer work,” said UH Cinco Ranch program coordinator Owen Campbell.

The next staff council meeting will be held on May 9 in Room 306 in the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library.

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The student said a man approached her from behind, aimed a gun at her and demanded her cellphone.

The suspect has not been identified but is described as a Black male wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts with a red stripe down the sides.  He is approximately 5’10″ to 6’0″ with a thin build.

The weapon was described by police as a small black semi-automatic handgun.

The suspect was reported to be leaving in a dark colored two door older model Buick with a vinyl roof.

For more information about the status of the investigation, visit the UH security alert page.

If you have any information to contribute regarding the investigation, email UHPD.

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As of January, there were 30,000 applicants to law schools for the fall, a 20 percent decrease from 2011 and a 38 percent decrease from 2010, according to the Law School Admission Council.

UH Law Center has seen a decrease in applicants as well, and it may be because the economy is improving.

“Usually when the economy is bad, most folks try to apply to law school,” said Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall Law School Dean Dannye R. Holley.

The idea of being an attorney creates a sense of financial security that many other jobs can’t, said Holley.

“I wanted to go to law school because once I graduated I didn’t have to look for a job, I was a job,” said UH law graduate Berhanu Gebreslasie.

The Law Center’s Associate Director for Admissions Nathan Neely said he agreed that the economy affects attorneys, as everyone else, but in a unique way.

Around 2006 and 2007, prior to the economic crisis of 2008, there were historic numbers of law school applicants, Neely said.  Because it takes generally three years to complete law school it wasn’t till 2009 and 2010 that those applicants felt the wrath of the economy.

“It took that long for the applicant pool to react to the housing market and to the credit issues going on at that time.” Neely said.

A focal point of discouragement amongst people wanting to go to law school is the fact that during that time period, only a few years ago, it was more difficult to find a job out of law school than previous years.

“In spring 2009 after some assessment firms said ‘whoa we might not be able to take all these people,’” said Law Center’s Associate Dean for Student Affairs Sondra R. Tennessee.

However 2009 wasn’t long ago, and the discouraging words of those old fresh lawyers still circulate through our hallways.

“My brother graduated from law school in 2010, and it was such a hassle for him to get a decent paying job,” said international business graduate Amanda Baetz.

But Tennessee said the passionate law students do not let the job market deter their application.

“We are working with people that really want to be here,” said Tennessee.

news@thedailycougar.com

Finals Mania offers a solution for more than just hunger. In addition to serving pancakes and orange juice, Finals Mania organizers will let stressed-out students play with puppies. | Bethel Glumac

Finals Mania is set to kick off Tuesday with a plethora of snacks, pancakes and drinks to keep students pumped up and fueled through the tough night of studying.

Dozens of volunteers will gather to prepare food and help keep lines moving because of the rush of traffic pancakes and turkey sausage will bring.

UH hosts Finals Mania every semester to help students relieve stress and take a break from endless studying.

“I went to Finals Mania for two straight years, and I love it. Food is the best support system especially during the stress of finals; now, I don’t have to sacrifice food to study. Plus, who doesn’t love pancakes at odd hours of the night?” said biology junior Kinza Muzaffar.

This year, dogs are the newest addition to the usual line up of a performance by the Spirit of Houston Band, turkey sausage and orange juice.

“I love dogs, and rumor has it that I’ll get to cuddle up with one and take my mind off of studying for a short moment. I’m also glad that, this being my last semester, we actually have something so different to do,” said political science senior Lina Al-Salim.

Students will have the opportunity to play with the dogs from 6 to 10 p.m. in Rooms 106P and 106T before returning to their studies if they choose to.

“This is my first semester at UH, and I’m looking forward to attending Finals Mania since everyone always talks about the great pancakes. Just my luck that the year I plan on attending they’ll have dogs. I can’t wait to play with them,” said sophomore mechanical engineering technology Nicky Echevarria.

Along with the snacks and food that will be handed, for students who have been fighting to collect all trading cards, this is their chance to collect more and maybe complete their collection.

“The one thing I love about Finals Mania is that it means the semester is finally ending, but of course I can’t wait to eat some pancakes,” said public relations junior Anh Mai.