Emily A. Messa, Ph.D., CASP
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor & Senior Associate Vice President Administration

Supported by a dedicated staff, student employees and 300-plus contractors, the Office of Administration provides a foundational infrastructure of services for the campus community and also cultivates ongoing growth and proactive master planning of fundamental UH initiatives in collaboration with campus community partners in support of the UH mission and transformation as an innovative pacesetter for future success.

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    Order Custom Holiday Cards From CPD Today!

    Make an impression this Yuletide season with family, friends, and co-workers by ordering custom holiday cards through Copy and Print Services. You can provide an image you like, show your UH spirit, and offer a personalized message. Graphic designers are on hand to assist you with layout and branding. A special card from you will bring extra cheer to the upcoming festivities. Be sure to place your order by Nov. 26 — before the Thanksgiving break — to ensure the cards are produced in a timely manner and meet delivery deadlines. For more information or to place an order, email cpd@uh.edu.
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    Ricoh Pro C9500 Improves CPD Production, Quality

    Copy and Print Services has significantly expanded its in-plant capabilities with the installation of the Ricoh Pro C9500, now serving as its primary digital production printer. The C9500 is very user-friendly with its full-view 21.5-inch color touchscreen operation panel that has an integrated media setting system and customizable displays. Find out more about Copy and Print’s new high capability printer
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    Copy and Print Services Scores with Signage

    Faced with a sold-out crowd for the Texas Tech-University of Houston game, Parking and Transportation Services and UH Athletics needed additional signs to direct fans — especially those from out of town — to the correct parking lots and to get to the stadium. The departments contacted Copy and Print Services for assistance. The CPD team met the challenge by producing 56 signs for A-frame signs and 116 yard signs for P&T, and six A-frame signs for Athletics.

    “The turnaround time from Copy and Print Services was amazing,” said James Wright, director, Parking and Transportation Services. “As always, Nalan and his team went above and beyond to help us meet our needs on very short notice. Their responsiveness and attention to detail made all the difference in ensuring we were fully prepared for the sold-out Texas Tech game.”

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    Cullen Hall Holds Sold-Out Homecoming Concert

    Cullen Performance Hall served as the venue for the Homecoming concert featuring Detroit rapper Babyface Ray on Oct. 16. The Student Program Board event was a tremendous success, with free admission tickets selling out and a long standby line forming outside. The CPH team rose to the occasion by managing the tickets, preparing concertgoers’ arrival, and handling the audio and video.

    “Working with the Cullen Performance Hall for the 2025 Homecoming was wonderful,” said Kaitlin McMaryion, program manager, Center for Student Involvement. “The team showed amazing hospitality working with student leaders, the staff of the Center for Student Involvement, and myself. Sarah (Breaux, front of house manager, CPH) was understanding, patient, and kind for the first Homecoming concert in Cullen Performance Hall since 2018!”

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    'Scenic Route' Adds Charm to CPH Experience

    Cullen Performance Hall welcomes guests with a fresh approach to wayfinding and engagement, thanks to a new trivia trail designed to make the journey to the venue more enjoyable. Discover how the "Scenic Route" is more than just a directional aid. 

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    P&T Presents: Biketober & Scootober

    October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and to mark the occasion, Parking and Transportation Services hosted four outreach events and launched a communications campaign to promote pedestrian safety on campus — particularly for bicycle and scooter users. The department dubbed the month Biketober & Scootober to drive (or pedal) the message home. Learn more about this initiative from Parking & Transportation

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    Dining Services Targets Tastebuds With Events

    UH Dining Services continues to elevate campus dining by crafting culinary experiences that students, faculty, and staff can truly savor. Following the completion of phase two of the Cougar Woods refresh this fall, the team has focused on elevating menu offerings at both Moody Towers and Cougar Woods dining commons. Check out the special menus UH Dining Services had in October. 
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    Teaching Kitchen Serves Skills, Spices, Success

    UH Dining Services recently hosted a hands-on Teaching Kitchen at Student Center South, spotlighting the health benefits of spices and beans. Led by Thompson Hospitality’s Chef Michael Rivera and VP Beth Casey, the event welcomed 21 participants for a free cooking class focused on accessible, nutritious meals. Read more about October's Teaching Kitchen.

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    Cougar Card Services Shines During Fall Start-Up

    During Move-In Week and the first week of classes, Cougar Card Services issued more than 4,500 ID cards with a 96%+ satisfaction rate. Nearly all new residential students — 97% — received their cards before the first day of class. More than 3,000 users scheduled pickups via CougarQ, and express service earned praise from students and families.

    Assistant Director Daisy Del Fierro praised the volunteers who supported photo approvals, card printing, and customer service: “Their commitment makes a huge difference every year.”

RESOURCES

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    Shasta Chatbot: Ready to Answer Online Questions

    Shasta, the University’s AI-powered chatbot, is now available for all Office of Administration departmental websites. Whether browsing Auxiliary Services, University Services, or Parking and Transportation pages, employees and visitors can access Shasta anytime for quick answers and support. Designed to assist students, faculty, staff, and the public, Shasta delivers instant help on a wide range of services.

    Departmental team members, serving as Chatbot Customer Service Managers in partnership with University Information Technology, ensure Shasta stays accurate and responsive through ongoing chat review and updates. Using generative AI, Shasta continuously learns from website content and user interactions, becoming more and more effective with every conversation.

    Ask questions, get assistance, and help shape the future of self-service at UH.  Shasta is available now, so visit your department’s site — or explore others — or learn more about the Shasta Chatbot service at uh.edu/shastabot.  

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    Cougar Card Check-In Devices: Changing the Student Engagement Game, Obtaining Data

    To assist with student success efforts, Cougar Card Office implemented the check-in device rental program to be a resource for departments and student organizations to track student engagement. When planning upcoming events, departments should consider check-in devices to gain deeper insights on an event's attendees. Read more about the check-in devices and how you can request them for your event.

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    Continue Cybersecurity Awareness At All Times

    This October, the University of Houston System joined the global recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As personal and professional lives become increasingly digital, it’s up to all of us to take simple, smart steps to protect our online world. Throughout the month, University Information Technology sent emails, and had digital signage with tips, resources, and practical advice to help the UH community stay safe and secure online in their inbox, on university social media, and on digital signage around campus. See how following a few UIT tips can make a big impact.

Office of Admibistration departmental progress Numbers

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

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    Dining Services Earns NACUFS Honorable Mention

    UH Dining Services won the Honorable Mention Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for Residential Special Event of the Year for their 2024 Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month celebration. This prestigious recognition, given by the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS), celebrates UH Dining’ commitment to fostering memorable student experiences on campus. The Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month event featured a culturally inspired menu, lively performances, and partnerships with both on-campus and local community members. 

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    Recognizing Leadership: Crews Honored for Excellence at TPTA Conference

    Parking & Transportation Director Cindy Crews received the Parking Employee Award of Excellence at the 2024 Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference, held April in Galveston. Crews received the recognition for her outstanding leadership and customer-focused initiatives at UH. Under her guidance, the department has made major strides in operational efficiency and service quality while managing a $25 million parking permit program. 

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    Innovation in Action: Lot Spotters Takes the Spotlight at TPTA Conference

    The department’s Lot Spotters program, launched in March 2024, earned the Parking Program Award of Excellence at the 2024 Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference, held April in Galveston. Lot Spotters was recognized for its creative, cost-effective approach to customer service and issue resolution. Using QR code-enabled signage, Lot Spotters empowers users to quickly report parking-related issues — such as broken elevators, litter, or maintenance needs — via a short online form.