Agenda

Introduction

The students of the rapidly growing University of Houston Downtown are getting the education they seek. Academic programs are expanding almost as fast as the student population. This is an exciting time for UHD.

The Student Government Association feels strongly that the following topics in this presentation are a few key elements that UHD must recognize and will hopefully be able to act upon, to fully capitalize upon our current growth. Back to Top

The Gator Card

SGA strongly encourages the implementation of the Gator Card at the University. The Gator Card, similar to the Cougar 1 Card, would put many useful services at the fingertips of students. This card could additionally be used as the primary source of identification for students while on campus. Students would have the option of depositing their student loan refunds directly to the card, much like a secured credit card, to be used for purchases on and off campus. The Gator Card could help students establish credit, a necessity in today’s society. If the card is designed the same as the Cougar 1 Card, being VISA or MasterCard, would be able to make purchases with outside merchants. We are aware that administration has been working on this project. SGA endorses the Gator Card and recommends that this program move forward. Back to Top

Meal Program

Until the implementation of the Gator Card (mentioned above), SGA suggests that students are given the option of pre-paying for meals. This pre-paid option would allow the students to receive a slight discount on meals obtained on campus. The program would be a feasible venture for the university, as students would be more keen to buy food and drinks on campus, as opposed to going elsewhere. Tickets or cards would need to be obtained by paying the cashier on the third floor. Those tickets would be able to be used at the main cafeteria vendors. Additionally, vending machines could be configured to use this debit card at a reduced cost. This is a convenient and beneficial endeavor to both the university and students. Back to Top

Student Lounge

SGA would like UHD to establish a Student Lounge. This facility would bridge the gap between academia and leisure, as students socialize and network in an environment outside of the classroom. SGA is aware that a Student Lounge had been established in the past and was not very successful, but better signage indicating the location of this Lounge may prove to be the solution.

SGA is well aware of the fact that UHD has limited space and that the previous Student Lounge was a drain on the schools resources, as it required additional staffing to maintain the area. However, a student lounge is an essential aspect of college life for students. As a result, SGA asks that administration facilitate a recreational lounge for its students. Back to Top

Auxiliary Services

Auxiliary services provide vital services to the UHD community, but it seems that the current contracts whatever the circumstance, do not benefit the students. The SGA requests that every one of our auxiliary services give greater attention to student needs. While royalties from these and other contracts may benefit the university financially, the student should not be ignored. Back to Top

UHD Bookstore

SGA would like administration to appeal to faculty to adopt current editions rather than newer editions that may not vary significantly in content. SGA understands that adoption of newer editions in certain subject areas is necessary, but it is imperative that faculty is conscientious in their selection of newer editions every year. The expense of such actions is carried by the students. Faculty should ensure that their book orders are sent in to the bookstore on a timely basis, as this would allow for greater circulation of used books, thereby reducing the overall cost of books to students. Back to Top

Shuttle Buses

As enrollment increases, the need for more shuttle buses is growing. Currently, there are three buses that service the student population at any given time. SGA requests that an additional bus be added as this would help in getting students to the Main and Commerce buildings in a timely manner. The consistency and activities of shuttle buses should be monitored and maintained, as students greatly depend on these services and are affected when buses are not on time. Back to Top

UHD catalog

Every year the UHD catalog is issued by Student Services, and is a vital informational tool for students. The catalog is available in printed form, as well as on the web. SGA suggests that students be charge a nominal fee for the printed version of the catalog, as many times the catalog is discarded of at the end of the year. If students are charged for the catalog, they will be more hesitant of discarding it, while utilize the web version of the catalog. SGA also believes that this would prove to be a resource-saving venture for the university Back to Top

Parking

SGA would like to see the following issues regarding parking for students improved and/or resolved at the University of Houston – Downtown:

1.) Physical improvements need to be made to student parking lots. The Washington lot is unpaved and does not have clear parking lines drawn. The Daly lot is ridden with potholes in the blacktop. These holes pose a threat to student’s cars/tires that park in this lot. The Shae lot is prone to flooding at the Southwest corner of the lot.

2.) Currently the university does a semi-annual light check to be sure that all lights in the parking areas are working. SGA suggests that this check be stepped up to at least a monthly check of the lights.

3.) It is a suggestion of SGA that a representative from Parking Services/Police Services speak at Freshman Orientation regarding the proper way to get to the school from satellite parking areas (i.e. not crossing the railroad bridge to get to the school from the Washington lot, using crosswalks and not j-walking, etc.).

4.) Understandably, the university is interested in recruiting a large amount of students, with this goal in mind, SGA suggests that the school revaluate the number of parking spaces available to student and make proper changes/accommodations for this inevitable problem.

5.) We would like to see a noticeable improvement made to the metered parking lot under I-10. Currently the condition of this lot continues to deteriorate. SGA suggests that UHD lease the lot from TexDOT and/or the City of Houston and maintain it themselves (by making it a regular student parking area that would be accessible to all students with a valid UHD parking permit).

6.) Lastly, SGA would like to continue to rally for the UHD carpool program. Back to Top

Security

While security on campus is always a major concern of students of any college campus, SGA has noticed a more visible police presence in and out of the 1 Main building. There are now uniformed patrols that frequent the 3rd floor of the campus, bicycle patrols in the parking lots and the North and South decks of the school along with patrol cars that circle the campus and parking facilities. A concern of SGA and students is transient individuals that are on campus. SGA would like to spearhead talks with the City of Houston, Buffalo Bayou Partnership and the UHD Police Department to make the area along the bayou a safe place for students to cross from the Washington lot both during the day and at night. While we do understand that the area is patrolled infrequently by UHD police on bicycles and Cadets during the day, there is little being done to protect our night students. It is understood that the University has allowed for the hiring of new police officers. A previous concern of SGA concerned the student drop off area (by shuttle bus) on Main Street behind the termination point for the Light Rail. SGA, however, will continue to voice concerns regarding the training and operations of shuttle bus drivers. It is a concern of SGA that there is currently no Safety Officer for this campus. Lastly, SGA believes that the University has a critical need to work with the City of Houston to improve sidewalks, crosswalks and traffic signals on North Main Street. While understanding that the City intends to extend the Light Rail train service to this area of North Main, it is important that all pedestrians that use this route, students included, are walking on unbroken, level sidewalks and have the appropriate tools for crossing the street (i.e. crosswalks, lighted crosswalk signals and also street signs that are properly positioned to not injure a pedestrian). Back to Top

Student Services

Student Services is an integral aspect of students' experience at UHD. Students interact with these departments on a daily basis, therefore it is imperative that Student Services satisfy the needs of UHD students in a professional manner. SGA requests that administration devise a program in which Student Services deliver high quality services to UHD students. Back to Top

Laptop Purchase Program

Teaching and studying methods are always evolving as technology advances everyday. UHD is no exception, as wireless capabilities have allowed students the leisure of studying outside the confines of a computer lab. As a result, SGA asks that a Laptop Purchase Program be implemented, in which students can purchase a laptop though the university at a discounted price. The Learner's Community conducted a study that assessed the impact of laptops on a student's academic success. The study revealed that students who owned laptops performed better, as opposed to students who do not have access to a computer at all times. SGA strongly recommends the program, as it will greatly influence the academic success of UHD students. Back to Top

Tuition Assistance For Student Workers

Student workers are an integral aspect of UHD employment. These workers are economical and reliable, and many of them attain full-time positions at the university when they receive their college degree. SGA requests that a scholarship fund is made available to student workers, as this will help in their pursuit to attain a college degree. Back to Top