Division of Student Affairs

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs provides support and leadership for the offices of Campus Recreation and Wellness, Career Services,Center for Student Advocacy & Community (CSAC), Counseling and Mental Health Center, Dean of Students, Health Services, Orientation and New Student Programs, Student Affairs at the Pearland campus, Student Advocacy, Student Housing and Residential Life, Student Involvement and Leadership, Student Publications and Veteran Services.

Campus Recreation and Wellness

The Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness serves the UHCL and surrounding communities through physical activity, educational programming, student engagement and overall well-being. Our core mission is to create educationally purposeful experiences by providing outstanding facilities, programs and services that inspire and promote lifelong healthy habits. We want all Hawks to have a stronger sense of holistic wellbeing and happiness, which will improve overall quality of life during and after UHCL. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive and safe space for all Hawks.

The Campus Recreation and Wellness department is located in the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC). The RWC houses 82,000 square feet of fitness, recreation and social spaces including basketball and volleyball courts, a Multi-Activity Court (MAC) for indoor soccer and volleyball, badminton and table tennis, multi-purpose rooms and state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Study rooms and social spaces including the Hawk Energy Bar are located in the RWC lobby and on the academic wing of the facilities. The Hawk Energy Bar has small food items, as well as coffee and smoothie options during the fall and spring semesters. The RWC is open seven days a week.

All enrolled UHCL students are active members of the RWC, and have access to the facility at no additional costs. Memberships are available for non-students including faculty, staff, spouses, dependents and the greater UHCL community for a low monthly fee. All members have access to the RWC, as well as all outdoor field spaces (Delta field, Delta tennis and basketball courts and the recreation field). Fitness and recreational equipment and workout towels are available for checkout at no cost. For an additional fee, members can sign up for fitness programming (personal training packages, group fitness class semester pass, nutrition and dietetic services), as well as semester locker rentals, shower towel service and more. 

Campus Recreation and Wellness is the largest student employer on campus. We offer developmental opportunities for students interested in learning and growing their skills in fitness, customer service, management, marketing, and more. Any interested students can contact us at campusrecreation@uhcl.edu for more information.

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Career Services

Career Services assists students and alumni in exploring, establishing and/or advancing their careers in their degree fields; and, provides support in securing jobs while enrolled at UHCL.

Career Services offers UHCL students and alumni:

• Vocational testing and assessment
• Career exploration resources
• Job search assistance
• Mock interviews and resumé critiques
• Resumé referrals with career services registration
• Online job listings
• On-campus interviewing
• Multiple job fairs and networking events

Individual assistance is available by appointment and during walk in hours. All other services are available during regular office hours Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC)

Through educational opportunities, advocacy and community building, the Center for Student Advocacy & Community (CSAC) supports the personal and professional development of UHCL students navigating the college experience. CSAC empowers students by providing essential services that meet basic needs, along with resources and education that foster learning, critical thinking, self-advocacy and student success.

CSAC aspires to stand as a cornerstone of student success for all students to overcome obstacles, ignite their passions, and emerge as resilient leaders ready to make a positive impact on campus and the global society.

UHCL CSAC Programs and Resources:

Advocacy

• Hawk Pantry & Food Access Programs - CSAC’s Hawk Pantry provides free food (canned goods and non-perishables), toiletries, hygiene products, in addition to limited household/home essentials and school supplies. Food Access Programs include partnership events with campus departments, local food banks, and assistance applying for aid through community agencies.
• Basic Needs Persistence Grant - Addresses insecurities related to food, housing, transportation, mental and physical health, childcare and technology. With existing academic support structures, strategic community partnerships, and direct financial assistance, this grant will promote persistence and degree completion for students experiencing a hardship adversely affecting their basic needs.
• Advocacy Workshops & Education - The Advocacy Workshops Series are in-person and virtual trainings for UHCL students. The series will be offered throughout the semester on various topics. The Advocacy & Education Workshop Series is designed to provide educational resources that assist in teaching self-advocacy skills, while promoting professional development opportunities to students wishing to increase their success on campus. The skill sets gained from attending these workshops are transferable skills that can be used in the workforce and life.  
• Notary services - are provided free of charge to students. The student advocate is able to certify government, legal, travel, business, personal and most documents that require a notary seal.

Community

• Community Gatherings - Community Gatherings are a series of programs that explore different cultural traditions and practices. This series can cover topics such as dance, music, cooking and storytelling, providing an opportunity for students to learn about and engage with different cultural backgrounds.
• Community Collaborations - CSAC is committed to fostering a sense of community and welcomes collaborative partnerships with the various communities and stakeholders within the UHCL campus, UH System and the surrounding campus areas.
• First Generation Scholars - CSAC is dedicated to providing support and resources to help first-generation college students transition adjust, and negotiate the campus environment, promoting successful academic and social experiences.

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Counseling and Mental Health Center

Connect • Empower • Thrive

The mission of UHCL Counseling and Mental Health Center is to help students fulfill their goals by fostering connections with members of the university community, facilitating the discovery and realization of power in their strengths, and developing the ability to address emotional and psychological challenges.

The licensed professionals in counseling and mental health provide a variety of free and confidential services including individual, couples and group therapy, and assisting students with a variety of personal concerns. From anxiety, depression, relationship problems, stress, family issues, substance abuse, grief/loss, trauma, body image, eating disorders, cultural and identity concerns to adjusting to life at UHCL, the counseling team is available to address virtually any concern.

Additional services include psychiatry, 24/7 crisis line, the Mind Spa and biofeedback, outreach, consultation, support groups and presentations/workshops. Visit our website to take a mental health screening or use relaxation exercises. Our website also provides access to additional self-help resources including Togetherall (an anonymous, online peer support community with access to trained professionals), or WellTrack (an interactive self-help therapy platform), which provide resources and support to students 24-hours a day.

For more information:

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) serves as the central hub for all on-campus, student-related issues.

When a student joins UHCL, they become part of a community that promotes civility, respect and ethical behavior toward everyone, and in every situation. The Dean of Students Office strives to provide a safe and respectful educational environment that lends itself to learning by serving as an advocate and liaison for UHCL’s students, faculty, staff and parents.

The Dean of Students Office also provides referrals and support for students who are experiencing difficulties or in need of professional assistance with issues including resolving concerns and conflicts; implementing student policies; and, resolving disputes and disciplinary problems. Through the interpretation and facilitation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Dean of Students Office holds all students to the highest standards of honor, character and excellence.

We also offer the following support services to assist our students in achieving their academic and co-curricular objectives:

• Conflict resolution
• Emergency support resources
• Behavior and conduct
• Parent and family resources

Student Travel Policy

The University of Houston System Travel Policy guides and directs all student travel. This policy, titled “Student Travel” (University of Houston System Administrative Memorandum - 03.E.08) is administered by the Office of the Dean of Students.

The purpose of the policy is stated as follows:

“This document outlines the policy to minimize risks of liability connected with travel by students of component universities. This policy applies to travel in excess of 25 miles that is undertaken by one or more students presently enrolled in a component university. Travel must be organized and sponsored by the component university and funded by the institution. The vehicles must be owned by the institution or an organization registered at the institution.”

Copies of the policy are available upon request at the Dean of Students office or online at the Dean of Students’ website.

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Division of Student Affairs at University of Houston-Clear Lake at Pearland

The Division of Student Affairs at University of Houston-Clear Lake at Pearland works in collaboration with its counterpart offices at the Clear Lake campus to coordinator services and programs that enhance the learning environment and contribute to the student’s academic and personal success. Pearland Student Affairs provides information, resources and services for the offices of Campus Recreation and Wellness, Career Services, Center for Student Advocacy & Community (CSAC), Counseling and Mental Health Center, Dean of Students, Health Services, Orientation and New Student Programs, Student Advocacy, Student Housing and Residential Life, Student Involvement and Leadership, Student Publications, Veterans Services and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

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Health Services

Licensed nurses, doctors and pharmacists provide a wide range of professional health care services to the UHCL student population. We are dedicated to promoting good health and providing short-term medical treatment to any student who becomes ill or injured.

Health Services includes both women’s health care and general medical clinics, complete laboratory services and a limited pharmacy. Students may receive flu shots, immunizations, TB screening and routine injections. Nurses are readily available to address any health questions or concerns. Nursing visits do not require appointments; however, we do ask that you call before entering the clinic. Health Services also provides prevention programs including screenings and health education. Physician examinations are also available by appointment.

Enrolled undergraduate students with six or more credit hours, or graduate students enrolled in three or more credit hours are eligible for student health insurance coverage within the posted open enrollment period. Literature detailing the approved student health insurance plan is available at the Health Services clinic and on the UHCL website page. International students are required to have health insurance, and are charged automatically at the beginning of each semester. International students may have this insurance requirement waived if documented proof of an appropriate, alternative health insurance plan is provided by the AHP Student Health Insurance Company online (see Health Services webpage for details).

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Orientation and New Student Programs

The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs facilitates orientation and transition programs to construct a bridge connecting new students to the resources and experiences needed to thrive in the university setting. Orientation and New Student Programs engages with the student population through intentional programming, ensuring students feel comfortable and welcomed at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Orientation provided by the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs is not a university requirement for the majority of incoming graduate students. Orientation is only required for new international graduate students with an F-1 or J-1 visa. All other graduate students are welcome to attend our optional Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) program. Graduate students should contact their academic adviser or graduate program for more information about program-specific orientation requirements. 

Graduate International Students - New International Student Orientation

Graduate international students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to participate in the mandatory New International Student Orientation (NISO) program. At NISO, students will join other international students and will receive valuable information to assist with their transition to UHCL, and life in the United States. Additionally, students will be able to connect with their fellow students, learn from UHCL staff administrators, and understand what it means to be a UHCL Hawk.

NISO is provided prior to the start of the fall, spring and summer semesters. Graduate international students who fail to attend the entire required program will have an orientation hold placed on their accounts and will not be able to enroll in classes the following semester. 

Graduate Domestic Students - Transfer Student Orientation

Graduate domestic students are invited to attend the optional Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) program. At TSO, students will receive a snapshot of UHCL resources, an overview of services, and an understanding of academic policies. Students will also connect with their faculty members, fellow students and UHCL administrators.

New Student Programs

Orientation and New Student Programs also collaborates with different resources across campus to offer intentional activities that support student success. This on-going support is provided through a variety of transition programs including Welcome Back Bash, Weeks of Welcome, Global Buddies and much more.

For more information:

Student Housing

Hunter Hall

Living on campus involves much more than just having a place to sleep. Student Housing and Residential Life provides a “home away from home” environment and experience that fosters academic excellence and personal development in an inclusive and engaged community.

We have recently expanded our student housing options with an exclusive, traditional on-campus living community. Located in the heart of the UHCL campus, Hunter Hall offers students a safe and secure (electronic swipe access) living and learning environment with 24-hour staff available on site to assist them. With nearby access to many campus resources including Bayou, Campus Rec, as well as the STEM and Classroom building, students are steps away from their classes and on-campus dining.

Hunter Hall offers a variety of room/suite layouts, including private singles, semi-shared singles and traditional doubles (with a roommate). Residents also have access to a fully furnished room, comfy study lounges, a community kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, all-inclusive utilities, free printing, on-site laundry facilities (unlimited use) and an outside patio area. In everything we do, we strive to augment the student’s personal and academic growth.

Professional staff and Resident Advisers (highly trained student staff) live on site, throughout the hall. From offering hands-on guidance and valuable life skills to providing fun and engaging high-impact programs, our staff serves, challenges and supports. We want every student to find their place at UHCL.

Come join fellow UHCL Hawks at the exclusive, on-campus Hunter Hall! Live in a safe and inclusive community, learn more personally and academically, and engage with the campus community as a whole. Hunter Hall is here to help students live, learn and stay engaged on campus.

For additional information:

Student Involvement and Leadership

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership provides programs and services designed to enrich and support educational experiences through opportunities to express ideas, develop leadership skills and meet new people. The department provides students with a variety of campus activities, community service experiences, civic engagement education, leadership development programs, as well as support for registered student organizations. The department also provides direct oversight for the following organizations: Campus Activities Board, Hawk Spirit and Traditions Council, Hawks for Community, Student Government Association and The Mascot Program.

Student Organizations

There are over 100 registered student organizations at UHCL. These organizations represent a variety of academic areas, cultures, identities, as well as social and recreational interests of students at UHCL. 

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) advocates on behalf of the UHCL students. SGA provides registered student organizations with financial assistance, appoints students to university committees to ensure student representation, and conveys student concerns and initiatives to the university administration.

Campus Activities, Spirit and Traditions

There are a variety of events hosted by the Campus Activities Board and the Hawk Spirit and Traditions Council. These events include: Spirit Week, I HEART UHCL Day, Lighting of the Letters, our oldest campus tradition- the annual Chili Cook-Off, and more!

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership also provides the following services:

• Flyer posting approval
• Space request assistance
• Student organization locker rentals

Leadership and Community Engagement

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership encourages all students to develop their leadership skills, explore community service opportunities and enhance their civic engagement. Through our long-standing programs, including the Servant Leader Scholars Program, the Leadership Experience Development Series, the Big Event, and UHCL Cares Day, students can become the well-rounded leaders of tomorrow!    

Honor Societies

Honor societies at UHCL recognize a student’s academic excellence and achievement. The honor societies are affiliated with national organizations, where students are invited to become members based on the standards established by the chartering organization. Some societies recognize accomplishments within specific academic disciplines, while others recognize students from all academic disciplines.

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Student Publications

The student newspaper, The Signal, is a digital newspaper published through the joint efforts of a paid and volunteer student staff and the contributions of an engaged student, faculty and staff campus community. Any UHCL students may join The Signal staff regardless of previous experience. The Signal is published year-round to provide news, features, entertainment and opinion pieces concerning university events and issues. The newspaper serves as a public forum and encourages students, faculty and staff to submit articles, essays, visuals, story ideas and comments.

The Signal has received numerous awards in state and national collegiate competitions from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, College Media Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Associated Collegiate Press Association. The Signal can be read online at www.uhclthesignal.com, and submission guidelines are available at www.uhclthesignal.com/wordpress/contributorspage/. The Signal can be found on social media as @uhclthesignal.

Veteran Services

It is the mission of the Capt. Wendell M. Wilson Office of Veteran Services to help veterans and their dependents flourish in their higher education pursuits. We act as a liaison between the military-connected student, the school, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Texas Veterans Commission in order to ensure these goals are reached. Our staff members are committed to assisting veterans and their eligible dependents with federal or state education benefits gained through military service.

Military-connected students entering UHCL should contact the Capt. Wendell M. Wilson Office of Veteran Services immediately to establish their benefits in a timely manner. For one-on-one counseling regarding benefits, contact the VSO directly at vso@uhcl.edu or by phone at 281-283-3071.

Services include:

• Providing certification of enrollment for the following federal benefits: Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Reservist Educational Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program and Dependent Educational Assistance
• Processing of Hazlewood Exemptions and Hazlewood Legacy Act
• Determining eligibility for House Bill 269 (military service credit)
• Establishing residency for those who are receiving federal or state veteran education benefits

Detailed information regarding Military and Veteran Services can be accessed here: Capt. Wendell M. Wilson Office of Military and Veteran Services 

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