Families gathered together at the tailgate before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State University on October 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar
UH Family Weekend brought students and their families together to explore campus life and experience the University community from Oct. 16 to 18.
The annual Family Weekend at UH allows students to share a part of their lives with the people closest to them, as families are invited to enjoy events and activities at UH.
As the semester goes on, it’s easy for loved ones to feel disconnected from their students. Family Weekend gives them a chance to reconnect and gain an understanding of their everyday life.
“At the end of the day, a lot of us don’t really know a lot about the University, or about the culture, or actual mission and vision of the institution, so we always think it’s super important for our families to have an opportunity to actually be on campus and see the campus through the lens of their scholar,” said Associate director of the Cougar Parent and Family Engagement Center Chelsea Blake. “The best way to do that is alongside their scholar here during Family Weekend.”
From sharing meals and Pilates lessons to watching movies and cheering on the Cougars at the football game, guests enjoyed a variety of activities across campus. Aside from recreational events, guests also had the opportunity to explore and learn about the University’s academic facilities and resources.
UH Campus Partners presented “What Families Need to Know Now: Supporting Your Cougar Through the Semester”. This panel discussion aimed at helping families understand what their students are experiencing academically midway through the semester and how they can be of support.
Meanwhile, representatives from the UH Police Department presented on the University’s efforts to maintain safety on campus. The presentation “Keeping Our Cougars Safe” highlighted on-campus security initiatives and various safety resources.
Students and guests were also invited to tour the Honors College and meet its administration. Dean Heidi Appel explained that her primary goal this weekend was to show families how the college supports their students both academically and personally.
“We’re providing their student world-class liberal arts education, with a small community in which they’re watched over and well taken care of,” Appel said. “The Honors College is a great place for students to challenge themselves, explore all of their abilities and get to know their faculty and other students well.”
Throughout Family Weekend, the University emphasized the importance of a support system in the success of each student through the slogan “Every Cougar has a Village”.
“It takes a village approach for students to be ultimately successful. We understand that students can be successful by themselves, but in order to be just truly embodying what University of Houston stands behind, we want to make sure that we are all stepping in to make sure every student is successful,” Blake said. “Family is the root of love, support and care, and we want to make sure that our families and supporters know that they are the foundational part of what a student’s village can be.”
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