The Cougar Resource Fair was primarily dedicated to freshmen and transfer students to seek out information from a plethora of organizations, clubs and committees on campus. The students were able to engage with staff members who answered their questions regarding student life. | Nine Nguyen/The Daily Cougar
The Houston Room in the University Center was bustling Wednesday afternoon as students attended the 12th annual UH Welcome Back and Cougar Resource Fair.
The fair was the latest event in the two-week long Weeks of Welcome that kicked off the school year to introduce the numerous services the campus has to offer.
Booths advertised everything from the Dean of Students, International Student and Scholar Services and the LGBT Resource Center.
“In the past what (the school has) tried to do is introduce to students the different resources within the University Center, and then what we’ve done is combine the Resource Fair to add the resources that are available around campus,” said Lawrence Daniel, director for UC Marketing Communications and Retail.
“I know during orientation our new students are introduced to a lot of our student organizations, but really don’t get that special treatment with the different resources on campus.”
Students were given cards upon entrance to the UC, which they then used for the “Explore the UC Scavenger Hunt” that had them receiving stamps at each booth to receive free shirts and food provided by Aramark Dining Services.
“It was very easy to get the prizes, and it’s very social,” said pre-pharmacy sophomore Cynthia Lewis. “I learned about a lot of new things that I didn’t know when I was here last year, my freshman year.”
The fair kept students busy and entertained with events held throughout the afternoon.
The event kicked off with music and free T-shirts given to the first 100 people who attended.
There was an ice cream eating contest and a “Travelling Trivia” challenge that gave the winner a free iPad 3. Other prizes included a $150 gift card to Barnes & Noble and an HP Notebook.
“It gives us an opportunity to get out and meet the students and give them information, and then of course, for the students, they get a chance to find out about services and programs that are upcoming that they can benefit from,” said Assistant Dean of Students Myra Conley.
With the ongoing construction for the New UC, the fair, which is usually held in the arbor, was confined to the Houston Room this year.
“That was one thing we had to be a little more creative with, to try and figure out how we can get as many students involved with one event,” said Daniel.
“I think the best part is introducing students to all the different resources. Sure there’s the giveaways, but I think what students really leave with is knowing that there’s all these different things that are here that will keep students on campus.”
