University of Houston
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2008-07-10T18:34:33Z
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{{redirect|University of Houston|other system schools|University of Houston System}}
{{Infobox_University
|name = The University of Houston
|image_name = University of Houston Seal.png
|image_size = 200px
|tagline = ''Learning. Leading.''
|established = 1927<ref name="UH at a Glance">{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/uh_glance/index.php?page=info |title=UH at a Glance |publisher=University of Houston |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
|motto = ''In Tempore'' ([[Latin]])
|mottoeng = In Time
|type = [[Public university]]
|calendar = Semester
|endowment = $258 million<ref>{{cite web |url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/directory/brief/drglance_3652_brief.php |title=University of Houston: At a glance |publisher=''U.S. News & World Report'' |accessdate=2008-02-21}}</ref>
|faculty = 3,003<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uh.edu/ir/fileadmin/reports/StatisticalHandbook/2006/Faculty-University/FAC_HC_FTE_UNIV_FINAL.htm | title = Headcount and Full-Time Equivalency of Total Faculty | publisher = UH Office of Institutional Research | accessdate = 2007-11-27 }}</ref>
|president = [[Renu Khator]], Ph.D.
|provost = Donald J. Foss
|students = 35,344<ref name="2006 Headcount">{{cite web |url = http://www.uh.edu/ir/fileadmin/reports/StatisticalHandbook/2006/Student-University/HC_CLASSIF_FALL_TREND_UNIV_NO_KATRINA.htm |title =Trend in Headcount by Classification |publisher=UH Office of Institutional Research | accessdate = 2007-10-16 }}</ref>
|undergrad = 26,959
|postgrad = 8,385
|alumni = 230,000+<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/ir/fileadmin/reports/StatisticalHandbook/2006/Degree-Data/Degree%20Awarded%20by%20UH.htm |title=Total Number of Degrees Conferred (...) 1929 - 2006 |publisher=UH Office of Institutional Research |accessdate=2007-10-16 }}</ref>
|city = [[Houston, Texas|Houston]]
|state = [[Texas]]
|country = [[United States]]
|campus = [[Urban area|Urban]], 560 acres (2.3 km²)
|former_names = {{nowrap|Houston Junior College}} (1927–1934)<br />{{nowrap|University of Houston–University Park}} (1985–1988)
|colors = [[Scarlet (color)|Scarlet Red]] and [[White (color)|Albino White]] {{color box|#FF2400}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
|nickname = [[Houston Cougars|Cougars]]
|mascot =[[Image:UH Cougar.png|50px]] [[Shasta (mascot)|Shasta]]
|affiliations = [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools|SACS]], [[Oak Ridge Associated Universities|ORAU]], [[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business|AACSB]], [[Great Cities' Universities|GCU]], [[University of Houston System|UHS]]
|athletics= [[NCAA]] [[Division I]], [[Conference USA]]
|nobel_laureates = [[Nobel laureates by university affiliation|1]]
|publictransit = [[Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas|METRO Bus]]
|website =[http://www.uh.edu/ www.uh.edu]
|footnotes = Logos are trademarks of the University of Houston
[[Image:UH header.png|center|275px]]
}}
The '''University of Houston''' (often referred to as "'''U of H'''", "'''UH'''", or "'''Houston'''") is a [[public university|public]] doctoral/research [[university]] </sup> located in [[Houston, Texas]]. It is the flagship institution and the only doctoral degree-granting university in the {{nowrap|[[University of Houston System]]}}, which includes three other universities and two multi-institution teaching centers.
Founded in 1927, the University serves more than 35,300 students in 12 academic colleges and in the interdisciplinary Honors College on a {{convert|560|acre|km2|sing=on}} campus southeast of [[Downtown Houston]]. UH offers 109 [[bachelor's degree|bachelor]]'s, 131 [[master's degree|master]]'s, 51 [[doctorate|doctoral]], and three [[professional degree]] programs.<ref name="UH at a Glance" /> It currently is the [[List of largest Texas universities by enrollment|third-largest]] university in [[Texas]] and twenty-third largest university in the [[United States]] by enrollment, awarding more than 6,600 degrees annually.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.txhighereddata.org/reports/Docfetch.cfm?DocID=1263&Format=XLS |title=Texas Higher Education Enrollments |publisher=[[Texas Education Agency]] |accessdate=2007-10-11 }}</ref><ref name="UH at a Glance" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_225.asp |title=Enrollment of the 120 largest degree-granting college and university campuses, by selected characteristics and institution: Fall 2005 |publisher=U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics |accessdate=2008-03-16}}</ref>
The University of Houston conducts [[research]] in each academic department and operates more than 40 research centers and institutes on campus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/research/labs-center |title=Research Centers & Institutes |publisher=University of Houston |accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref> Interdisciplinary research conducted at UH includes [[superconductivity]], space commercialization, [[biomedical engineering]], economics, education, petroleum exploration, and virtual technology.
==History==
===Founding===
[[Image:University of Houston in 1934.jpg|thumb|The University of Houston administrative offices at [[San Jacinto High School]] in 1934]]
The University of Houston began as Houston Junior College (HJC). On [[March 7]], [[1927]], trustees of the [[Houston Independent School District]] [[Board of Education]] unanimously passed a resolution that authorized the founding and operating of a junior college. The junior college was operated and controlled by the [[Houston Independent School District]] (HISD).<ref name="Handbook of Texas">{{cite web |url=http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/UU/kcu3.html |title=University of Houston-University Park |publisher=Texas State Historical Association |work=Handbook of Texas |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref><ref name="Homecoming 2007 Timeline">{{cite web |url=http://www.advancement.uh.edu/homecoming/2007/timeline.htm |title=UH Timeline |publisher=University of Houston |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref>
Originally HJC was located in [[San Jacinto High School]] and offered only night courses.<ref name="UH Through Time: Events">{{cite web |url=http://info.lib.uh.edu/sca/digital/time/events.html |title=UH Through Time: Events |publisher=University of Houston Libraries |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref> Its first session began [[March 7]], [[1927]], with an enrollment of 232 students and 12 faculty.<ref name="Handbook of Texas" /> This session was primarily held to educate the future teachers of the junior college, and no freshmen were allowed to enroll. A more accurate date for the official opening of HJC is [[September 19]], [[1927]], when enrollment was opened to all persons having completed the necessary educational requirements.<ref name="Roarin 07">{{cite web |url=http://www.mycougarconnection.com/homecoming/history.htm |title=Discover UH's Heritage & History |publisher=UH Alumni Organization |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref> The first president of HJC was [[Edison E. Oberholtzer|Edison Ellsworth Oberholtzer]], who was the dominant force in establishing the [[junior college]].<ref name="Handbook of Texas" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/OO/fob2.html |work=Handbook of Texas |title=Oberholtzer, Edison, Ellsworth |publisher=Texas State Historial Association |accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref>
===University beginnings===
The junior college became eligible to become a [[university|four-year institution]] in October 1933 when Governor [[Miriam A. Ferguson]] signed House Bill 194 into law. On [[April 30]], [[1934]], HISD's Board of Education adopted a resolution to make the school a four-year institution, and Houston Junior College became the University of Houston.<ref name="Roarin 07" />
[[Image:University of Houston in 1940.jpg|left|thumb|The University of Houston campus in 1940 at its present location]]
UH's first session as a four-year institution began [[June 4]], [[1934]], at San Jacinto High School with an enrollment of 682. In 1934, the first campus of the University of Houston was established at the [[Second Baptist Church (Houston, Texas)|Second Baptist Church]] at Milam and McGowen. The next fall, the campus was moved to the [[South Main Baptist Church]], on Main between Richmond and Eagle, where it stayed for the next five years.<ref name="Roarin 07" />
[[Image:Roy G. Cullen Memorial building preliminary drawing.jpg|thumb|A preliminary drawing of the [[Roy G. Cullen Memorial building]] by its architect in 1938]]
In 1936, philanthropists Julius Settegast and [[Ben Taub]] donated {{convert|110|acre|km2}} to the university for use as a permanent location.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/first100/869592.html |title="Group of average students sparks UH creation" |date=2001-04-08 |accessdate=2008-04-06 |publisher=''[[Houston Chronicle]]''}}</ref> Two years later, [[Hugh Roy Cullen]] donated $335,000 for the first building to be built at the location. The [[Roy G. Cullen Memorial Building|Roy Gustav Cullen Memorial Building]], was dedicated on [[June 4]], [[1939]], and classes began the next day. The first full semester of classes began officially on Wednesday, [[September 20]], [[1939]].<ref name="Roarin 07" />
The next step was the creation of the University of Houston as an institution separate from HISD. On [[July 26]], [[1943]], the Board of Education adopted a resolution establishing an Advisory Board of the University of Houston consisting of 15 members. On [[March 12]], [[1945]], Senate Bill 207 was signed into law, removing the control of the University of Houston from HISD and placing it into the hands of 15 HISD-approved regents.<ref name="Roarin 07" /> In 1945, the university, which had grown too large and complex for
the Houston school board to administer, became a private school. In March 1947, the regents authorized creation of a law school at the University referred to as Bates College of Law—later renamed to [[University of Houston Law Center]]. In 1949, a gift of $1.5 million from the M. D. Anderson Foundation for erection of a library building for UH. By 1950, the educational plant at UH consisted of 12 permanent buildings. Enrollment was more than 14,000 with a full-time faculty of more than 300.<ref name="Handbook of Texas" />
===State university===
[[Image:UH Religion Center.jpg|thumb|The [[A.D. Bruce]] Religion Center was named after the former President of UH]]
In 1953, the university established [[KUHT]], the first educational [[television]] station in the nation.<ref name="Handbook of Texas" /> During this period, however, the university as a private institution was facing financial troubles. Tuition failed to cover rising costs, and in turn, tuition increases caused a drop in enrollment. After a lengthy battle between supporters of the University of Houston, led by school president [[A.D. Bruce]],<ref name="txarchives">{{cite web |url=http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/uhua/00001/hua-00001.html |title=A.D. Bruce Speeches Collection, 1954-1961 |publisher=University of Texas Libraries |work=Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO) |accessdate=2007-06-25}}</ref> and forces from [[state university|state universities]] geared to block the change, Senate Bill 2 was passed on [[May 23]], [[1961]], enabling the university to enter the state system in 1963.<ref name="Handbook of Texas" />
In 1977, the [[University of Houston System]] was established, with the University of Houston named as its flagship university.<ref name="UH at a Glance" /> The University of Houston was known as University of Houston–University Park from 1985 to 1988. This name change was an effort by the UH administration to give the flagship institution of the University of Houston System a distinctive name that would eliminate confusion with the other three UHS universities. While these three universities ([[University of Houston–Downtown|UH–Downtown]], [[University of Houston–Clear Lake|UH–Clear Lake]], and [[University of Houston–Victoria|UH–Victoria]]) share the root name "University of Houston," they are essentially autonomous institutions, and they each have their own president.
===Merger of UH and UH System administrations===
[[Image:University of Houston Fall Enrollment.png|thumb|Fall enrollment trend at the University of Houston]]
In 1997, the UH System and the University of Houston administrations merged. That same year, Arthur K. Smith became the first person to hold both the UH System chancellorship and University of Houston presidency simultaneously. Smith was responsible for overseeing the successful merger of the UH System and UH administrations, the launching of the "Learning. Leading." image campaign, the planning and construction of major buildings at all UH System institutions, a growth in external funding for research, and an increase in student enrollment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom/announcement/presidents1.html |title=University of Houston Presidents |publisher=University of Houston System |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref>
As of the merger in 1997, the University of Houston System administration is located in the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building on the University of Houston campus. On [[June 1]], [[2007]], former UH President and Chancellor Dr. Jay Gogue left UH and UH System to become President of [[Auburn University]]. The University of Houston System Board of Regents appointed John M. Rudley, vice chancellor/vice president for administration and finance, to serve as Interim UH System Chancellor and Interim UH President.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/admin/media/nr/2007/05may/051707johnrudleyinterimleader.html |title=John Rudley Named as Interim Leader of UH and UH System |publisher=University of Houston |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref>
On [[October 15]], [[2007]], [[Renu Khator|Dr. Renu Khator]]—who had served as provost and senior vice president of the [[University of South Florida]]—was selected for the position of UH System chancellor and UH president.<ref name="Noted Political Science Scholar">{{cite web |title="Scholar and Administrator Selected as Sole Nominee"
|work=UH News Release |url=http://www.uh.edu/news-events/archive/nr/2007/10oct/101507khator.html |accessdate=2007-05-11}}</ref> On [[November 5]], [[2007]], Khator was confirmed as the third person to hold the UH System chancellor and UH president position simultaneously, and took her position in January 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/news-events/newsrelease.php?releaseid_int=76 |title="Renu Khator Confirmed as New University of Houston & UH System Leader" |author=Gerber, Eric |publisher=University of Houston |accessdate=2007-11-27}}</ref>
==Academics==
[[Image:UH Architecture Building.jpg|thumb|The [[Hines College of Architecture]] building was designed by [[Philip Johnson]] in 1985.]]
The mission of the University of Houston is to "provide a range of educational programs that foster an intellectually and culturally diverse environment that enhances individual growth and development."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/admin/mission.html |title=Mission |publisher=University of Houston |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
UH offers a variety of programs through its 12 academic colleges: 109 [[bachelor's degree|bachelor]]'s, 131 [[master's degree|master]]'s, and 51 [[doctorate|doctoral]] degrees, and three [[professional degree]]s. In fiscal year 2004, the university conducted more than $75.9 million in research programs and ranked third in research expenditures within Texas when compared to non-medical institutions, and eighth when medical institutions were also considered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/0836.PDF |title=Research Expenditures |publisher=Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
The University of Houston's academic colleges are as follows:
*[[Hines College of Architecture]]
*[[Bauer College of Business]]
*[[University of Houston College of Education|College of Education]]
*[[Cullen College of Engineering]]
*[[Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management]]
*[[University of Houston Law Center]]
*[[University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences|College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences]]
*[[University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics|College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics]]
*[[University of Houston College of Optometry|College of Optometry]]
*College of Pharmacy
*[[University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work|Graduate College of Social Work]]
*[[University of Houston College of Technology|College of Technology]]
*[[University of Houston Honors College|Honors College]]
===Faculty and research===
The University of Houston conducts research in each academic department and operates more than 40 research centers and institutes on campus. Through these facilities, UH maintains creative partnerships with government and private industry. Interdisciplinary research areas conducted at UH includes [[superconductivity]], space commercialization, [[biomedical engineering]], economics, education, petroleum exploration, and virtual technology,
The University of Houston's faculty includes three-time [[Pulitzer Prize]] winner [[Edward Albee]], [[National Medal of Science]] recipient [[Paul C. W. Chu|Paul Chu]], and [[Nobel Peace Prize]] Laureate [[Jody Williams]]. The University is home to the [[University of Houston Creative Writing Program|Creative Writing Program]] in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, which was founded by alumnus [[Donald Barthelme]] and offers an M.F.A. and Ph.D. degrees in poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Noted writers who have come out of the program include novelists [[Robert Clark Young]] and Padgett Powell. The program attracts major authors, including international and award winning authors. The Creative Writing Program was ranked second in the nation by ''U.S. News & World Report'' in its first annual ranking of writing programs in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.class.uh.edu/cwp/ |title=Welcome to the Fall semester 2007 |publisher=UH Creative Writing Program |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
===Rankings===
[[Image:Front of M.D. Anderson Library.jpg|thumb|M.D. Anderson Memorial Library, the [[University of Houston System|UH System's]] main library.]]
The University of Houston is ranked second among national universities for Campus Ethnic Diversity by ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]''.<ref name="Diversity ranking">{{cite web |url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/natudoc_campdiv_brief.php |title=Campus Ethnic Diversity: National Universities |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> It also ranks the [[Bauer College of Business]] as the top Undergraduate Business Program in Houston, third among public universities in the state of Texas, and 63rd in the nation among public universities. The ranking places the Bauer College in the top quartile of the approximately 400 [[AACSB]]-accredited undergraduate business programs and top five percent among all 1608 undergraduate business programs in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bauer.uh.edu/downloads/2007_Bauer_At_A_Glance.pdf |title=Bauer College of Business: At a Glance |publisher=Bauer College of Business |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
The evening [[Master of Business Administration|MBA]] program was ranked as the 27th best part-time MBA program in the country by ''[[Businessweek]]'' in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bwnt.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/bschool_ptmba_2007/ |title=The Best Part-Time MBA Programs |publisher=Businessweek |accessdate=2007-12-18}}</ref> It also ranks 5th among public universities for producing [[CEO]]s of [[S&P 500]] companies, according to ''Bloomberg Markets''. Houston was tied with the University of Michigan and Dartmouth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bauer.uh.edu/mba/ |title=How we rank |publisher=Bauer College of Business |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> The EMBA Program ranked 17th in the U.S. among public EMBA programs according to the 2004 ''[[Financial Times]]'' ranking of the top 75 EMBA Programs in the World.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rankings.ft.com/rankings/emba/rankings.html |title=EMBA rankings |publisher=Financial Times |work=FT.com |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
The [[University of Houston Law Center]] is a Tier I law school, currently ranked 55th in the nation by ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/grad/rankings/law/brief/lawrank_brief.php 2008 |title=Top Law Schools |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |accessdate=2007-11-24}}</ref> In addition, the news magazine ranks three of the Law Center's specialty programs in the top ten in the country: the Health Law and Policy Institute (Healthcare Law), the Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law (IP Law), and the Blakely Advocacy Institute (Trial Advocacy).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/grad/rankings/law/lawindex_brief.php |title=2008 Law Specialties Rankings |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |accessdate=2007-11-24}}</ref>
The [[Hines College of Architecture]] is one of only 36 schools to have an accreditation certificate from the [[National Architectural Accrediting Board|NAAB]] for both Bachelor's and Master's Degree programs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.naab.org/usr_doc/Accredited_Programs_22.pdf |title=Accredited and Candidate Programs in Architecture |publisher=[[National Architectural Accrediting Board|NAAB]] |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> It recently added an [[industrial design]] program, the first in the state of Texas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arch.uh.edu/prog/BSI.html |title=Undergraduate Programs: Industrial Design |publisher=Hines College of Architecture |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> In 2002, the [[Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management]] ranked third in the nation in hospitality management by the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.uns.purdue.edu/html3month/020710.Kavanaugh.rank2002.html |title="Purdue tops national survey of hospitality management programs" |author=Lillich, J.M. |publisher=Purdue University |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> Additionally, according to the [[Institute for Scientific Information]], five of the top fifty cited physicists in the world come from the university's [[University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics|College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uhcougars.cstv.com/school-bio/hou-school-bio-university.html |title=UH Athletics: On Campus] |publisher=UH Athletics |accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref>
==Campus==
[[Image:E cullen UofH.gif|thumb|right|The Cullen Family Plaza, a central area on-campus where the first buildings were built]]
The University of Houston campus is located southeast of [[Downtown Houston]] at the intersection of [[Interstate 45 (Texas)|Interstate 45]] and [[Texas State Highway 35|State Highway 35]] (also known as Spur 5), with the official university address being 4800 Calhoun Road. UH's campus beautification projects recently received awards from the Keep Houston Beautiful group for the improvements to Cullen Boulevard, which traverses through the UH campus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/uhtoday/2005/12dec/121505keephoustonbeautiful.html |title="UH Keeps Houston Beautiful" |author=Parker, Francine |publisher=University of Houston |work=UH Today |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
The {{convert|560|acre|km2|sing=on}} campus includes greenery, fountains, and sculptures, including one by [[James Sanborn]], the same artist who made the famous ''[[Kryptos]]'' sculpture. Architects that have designed buildings at the University of Houston include [[César Pelli]] and [[Philip Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uh.edu/uhtoday/2004/06jun/062804sanborn.html |title="Art that Speaks for Itself Enlightens New Sculpture" |author=Vasquez, Leticia |publisher=University of Houston |work=UH Today |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> The campus is located in the [[The six wards of Houston#Third_Ward|Third Ward]] of Houston and is adjacent to [[Texas Southern University]] and [[Yates High School]].
===Facilities===
UH facilities regarding media include the LeRoy and Lucile Melcher Center for Public Broadcasting, which houses [[KUHT]] Houston [[PBS]] the nation's first educational television station; [[KUHF]] (88.7 FM), Houston's [[NPR]] station; the Center for Public Policy Polling; and television studio labs.
[[Image:Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre.jpg|thumb|left|Wortham Theatre]]
The University is also home to the [[Blaffer Gallery]], which exhibits both visiting artists and student work from the [[University of Houston School of Art]]. Other notable facilities dedicated to art on campus include the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Performing Arts which houses the Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre, and Moores Opera Center where live performances take place.
[[Image:UH Recreation and Wellness Center.jpg|thumb|right|UH Campus Recreation and Wellness Center]]
The 264,000 ft² (25,000 m²) Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, which is home to the nation's largest collegiate swimming pool, was recognized by the National Intramural-Sports Association as one of the seven most outstanding sports centers built in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nirsa.org/about/awards/awards_04.htm |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20040617024931/http://www.nirsa.org/about/awards/awards_04.htm |title=NIRSA Awards |publisher=National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association |accessdate=2007-10-12 |archivedate=2004-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thedailycougar.com/static/vol70/19/news/news2.html |publisher=''The Daily Cougar'' |title="CRWC wins national award" |author=Kastendieck, Todd |accessdate=2008-03-18}}</ref> The venues for most major athletic teams are located on the UH campus, including [[Hofheinz Pavilion]], [[Robertson Stadium]], and [[Cougar Field]]. The athletic facilities are located to the west of Cullen Boulevard, with the exception of the Recreation and Wellness Center.
The {{convert|200000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} Science and Engineering Research and Classroom Complex (SERCC) was designed by architect [[César Pelli]].<ref>[http://www.pcparch.com/textOnly/projects.cfm#81 Pelli Clarke Pelli Projects]. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects official site. Retrieved 12 October 2007.</ref> This building provides facilities for the many interdisciplinary research programs including [[bionanotechnology]]. The university has an on-site [[Hilton Hotels|Hilton]] hotel as part of the [[Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management]]. This hotel was established with a donation by the founder of [[Hilton Hotels Corporation|Hilton Hotels]], [[Conrad N. Hilton]].
[[Image:UH Hilton Hotel.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Hilton Hotel]] University of Houston, the university's on-campus hotel, also contains the [[Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management]]]]
===Parking and transit===
In addition to parking facilities including garages and lots for [[Commuting|commuters]], public transportation is available to and from the University of Houston via several [[Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas|METRO]] bus routes. To travel around campus areas where parking is not practical or limited, UH provides an air-conditioned [[Bus|shuttle bus]] service that is open to anyone on-campus. There are five different color coded routes that serve different areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://houston.about.com/od/universities/ss/UHTour.htm |title=''University of Houston Tour: First Stop: Get on the Bus!'' |author=Davenport, Melinda |publisher=About.com |accessdate=2007-10-06}}</ref>
==Student life==
===Demographics===
The University of Houston is notable for its diverse student body, and ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' ranks UH as the second-most diverse research university in the United States.<ref name="Diversity ranking" /> With more than 35,300 students, the university has significant [[Asian American]] and [[Hispanic]] populations. Its international student population is primarily from Asia.<ref name="UH at a Glance" /> As of fall 2006, the demographic makeup of the student population was 38.5 percent non-Hispanic white, 19.5 percent Asian or Pacific Islander, 19.3 percent Hispanic (of any race), 13.2 percent non-Hispanic black, 0.4 percent American Indian or Alaskan Native, 7.3 percent International (regardless of race), and 1.8 percent other or unknown.<ref name="UH at a Glance" />
===Housing===
[[Image:UH Moody Towers.jpg|thumb|right|Moody Towers, UH's Largest Complex of Residence Halls]]
Twelve percent of UH students live on campus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/uhtoday/2007/08aug/080607newparkinggarage_rvote.html |author=Emery, Mike |title="Regents to Vote on New Parking Garage" |publisher=UH Office of Internal Commuications |date=2007-08-06 |accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> UH has two main housing areas for dormitories: Moody Towers and the Quadrangle. Moody Towers, frequently just called "The Towers", is one of the tallest complexes on campus and the largest area of residence halls. Each of the two towers consists of eighteen stories and together house 1,100 students. The Quadrangle, also known as "The Quad" is the oldest housing area on campus and consists of several coed dorm halls: Bates, Law, Oberholtzer, Settegast, and Taub. The Quadrangle houses 800 students.<ref name="Housing">{{cite web |url=http://www.housing.uh.edu/housingmain.html |title=Housing Areas |publisher=UH Residential Life & Housing |accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref> In addition to traditional dormitories, UH has an apartment-style dormitory called Cougar Place that is a housing area consisting of 400 units.<ref name="Housing" />
UH also has several privately-owned apartment complexes on campus that are Cullen Oaks, Bayou Oaks, and Cambridge Oaks. In late 2006, it was announced that UH approved a new apartment complex on campus specifically for graduate and professional student living. The new housing area is scheduled to be finished by 2009 as part of UH's "Master Plan" and will include retail stores, lecture halls, recreation facilities, and has been dubbed "Calhoun Lofts".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/dsa/student_lofts.html |title=Student Lofts |publisher=UH Division of Student Affairs |accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref>
===Media and entertainment===
[[Image:Daily Cougar distribution stand.jpg|thumb|A ''Daily Cougar'' distribution stand]]
The official student newspaper is ''[[The Daily Cougar]]'', and has been published since 1927.<ref name="Roarin 07" /> Another student publication is ''[[The Houstonian]]'', the official University of Houston yearbook.
The University of Houston operates [[KUHT]]-TV, the nation's first public television station, and [[KUHF]]-FM, which are housed in the LeRoy and Lucile Melcher Center for Public Broadcasting on campus. The [[University of Houston Student Video Network|UH Student Video Network]], a student-run network, appears on the University of Houston cable network is one of the few fee-funded student organizations on campus.
==Traditions==
[[Image:UH Male Cougar Sculpture.jpg|thumb|left|A Cougar sculpture in front of the E. Cullen Building]]
Cougar First Impressions, a program headed by the UH Staff Council, takes place every year on the first two days of classes, when faculty and staff turn out to welcome new and returning students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uh.edu/sc/cfi/ |title=Cougar First Impressions |publisher=UH Staff Council |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref> [[Frontier Fiesta]], a re-creation of a 19th-century [[Western United States|Western]] town, with music, food and historical exhibits, is a major event on campus each spring semester.
The official colors of the University of Houston are Scarlet Red and Albino White. These were the colors of [[Sam Houston]]'s ancestor, Sir Hugh, and were adopted by UH at the same time as the official seal. Scarlet red symbolizes courage or inner strength to face the unknown, and white symbolizes the goodness and purity of spirit embodied in helping one's fellow man. The seal of the University of Houston, officially adopted in 1938, is a stylized version of the coat-of-arms of General [[Sam Houston]]. The first official version was placed on the floor of the [[Roy Gustav Cullen Building]].<ref name="Traditions">{{cite web |url=http://uhcougars.cstv.com/trads/hou-trads.html |title=University of Houston Traditions |publisher=UH Athletics |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref>
The [[Frontiersmen (University of Houston)|Frontiersmen]] are a group of students who participate in university events to drive school spirit. At football games, the Frontiersmen, donning [[cowboy hat]]s, [[Wrangler Jeans]], and [[Duster (clothing)|dusters]] for attire, run across the field with the university's flag and the [[Flag of Texas]] after each score.
===The Cougar Paw===
[[Image:UH Cougar Paw.svg|thumb|95px|Graphic representation of The Cougar Paw]]
The Cougar Paw is a popular [[Manual communication|hand sign]] used by University of Houston students, faculty, alumni, and athletics fans to represent camaraderie and support. The Cougar Paw tradition was adopted through several athletics events between the University of Houston and the [[University of Texas at Austin]]. The first time UH played UT in [[American football|football]] was in 1953, and since this was their first meeting, members of [[Alpha Phi Omega]], the service [[fraternities and sororities|fraternity]] in charge of taking care of [[Shasta (mascot)#Shasta I|Shasta I]], the university's [[mascot]], brought her to the game. During the trip, Shasta's front paw was caught in the cage door and one toe was cut off. At the game, members of the opposing team discovered what had happened and began taunting UH players by holding up their hands with the ring finger bent. UT went on to win this game 28-7, and UH students began using the sign as notice that they would remember the taunts. In 1968, at their second meeting, the Cougars, holding up the now-adopted symbol of UH pride, played UT to a 20-20 tie. UH did not play UT again until 1976, the first year UH was a member of the [[Southwest Conference]]. In front of a record crowd, UH defeated UT 30-0. This solidified the use of the Cougar Paw as a tradition.<ref name="Traditions" />
==UH in popular culture==
The 1996 film ''[[Tin Cup]]'' depicts [[Kevin Costner]]'s and [[Don Johnson]]'s characters as former teammates on the University of Houston [[Houston Cougars men's golf|golf team]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19960816/REVIEWS/608160305/1023 |title=Tin Cup |author=Ebert, Roger |work=rogerebert.com |accessdate=2007-11-27}}</ref> The film featured several real-life UH alumni and former men's golf team members, including [[Fred Couples]], [[Steve Elkington]], and [[Bruce Lietzke]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.warnerbros.com/tincup/cmp/profiles.html |title=Tin Cup PGA Player Profiles |publisher=Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. |accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref> The 1999 film ''[[Arlington Road]]'' was partially filmed on-campus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SAI1 |title=Arlington Road (1999) |publisher=Amazon.com |accessdate=2007-11-27}}</ref> [[Jeff Bridges]]' character and his girlfriend are seen walking between Melcher Hall and the University Center. Other locations on campus are the inside of a classroom in Agnes Arnold Hall and a telephone booth in the [[University of Houston College of Technology|College of Technology]] Annex. Also filmed on campus was the 2003 movie ''[[Dude, Where's the Party?]]'', where [[Kal Penn]]'s character attends the university.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0306228/locations |title=Where's the Party, Yaar? (2003) - Filming locations |publisher=The Internet Movie Database |accessdate=2007-11-28}}</ref>
In the long-running television show [[Reba (TV series)|''Reba'']], [[Steve Howey (actor)|Steve Howey's]] character, Van, receives a scholarship to play as a cornerback for the [[Houston Cougars football]] team in the episode "Labor for Love."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com//labor-of-love/episode/119941/summary.html?q=&tag=search_results;episode_title;3 |title=Reba: Labor of Love |publisher=TV.com |accessdate=2007-11-27}}</ref> In a later episode, "Skating Away," Van, his wife, Cheyenne, and their new baby move into an on-campus apartment at the university while Van plays football.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com//skating-away/episode/184871/summary.html?q=&tag=search_results;episode_title;2 |title=Reba: Skating Away |publisher=TV.com |accessdate=2007-11-27}}</ref>
==Athletics==
{{main|Houston Cougars}}
[[Image:University of Houston Logo.png|thumb|140px|left|UH Athletics logo]]
UH's 16-sport intercollegiate program is a member of [[Conference USA]]. Since the conference was formed in 1995, the Cougars have won 33 C-USA titles. After 61 years of athletics a UH, other notable achievements include 16 national titles in [[Houston Cougars men's golf|men's golf]], five NCAA Men's Basketball [[Final Four]] appearances, and two [[College World Series]] appearances.
More than 50 Olympic athletes have attended UH, bringing home 33 medals, including 19 gold.<ref name="UH at a Glance" /> Former Olympian and UH alumnus [[Leroy Burrell]] returned as the men's [[track and field]] head coach in 1998, while in March 2004, [[Tom Penders]] was named the seventh men's basketball head coach. In December of 2007, [[Kevin Sumlin]] was introduced as the university's twelfth head football coach.
In addition to varsity sports, the University of Houston offers a variety of [[intramural sport]]s programs.
===Varsity sports===
[[Image:Robertson Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|Robertson Stadium]]
The university has an intercollegiate sports program that competes in the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]], in the NCAA's [[Division I]] Football Bowl Subdivision.
The [[Houston Cougars football|football]] team has made 16 post-season bowl appearances and has to its credit several [[Southwest Conference]] championships and [[Cotton Bowl]] appearances, as well as the 2006 [[Conference USA]] Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uhcougars.cstv.com/trads/hou-trads-liberty.html |title=Cougars Bowl Game Trivia |publisher=UH Athletics |accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> The 1989 Heisman Trophy winner, [[Andre Ware]], was a Cougar. The varsity football team went 8-5 in 2007, including a 20-13 loss to the [[TCU Horned Frogs football|TCU Horned Frogs]] in the [[Texas Bowl]] on [[December 28]], [[2007]].
The [[Houston Cougars men's basketball|men's basketball]] team has made 18 [[NCAA Tournament]] appearances, with five trips to the Final Four. See also [[Phi Slama Jama]], the Cougars teams of the early 1980s that featured current [[Basketball Hall of Fame]]rs [[Clyde Drexler]] and [[Hakeem Olajuwon]].
Houston competes with other notable sports teams, such as the [[Houston Cougars baseball|baseball]] team, which has made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances with two trips to the College World Series; the [[Houston Cougars men's golf|men's golf]] team, which has won 16 NCAA National Championships; the women's [[soccer]] team, which was rated as the top first-year women's program in the country in 1998; the [[swimming]] and [[diving]] teams, which have spawned multiple Olympians and [[All-America]]ns; the [[track and field]] team, which perennially ranks in the top 10 as an NCAA team; and the [[volleyball]] team, which had a streak of ten consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament.
==Notable people==
{{main|List of University of Houston people}}
With strong academic programs in the arts, media, business, hospitality management, law, as well as a successful athletics program, the University of Houston has seen many now notable persons pass through its halls. [[Jack Valenti]], long-time president of the [[Motion Picture Association of America]] and creator of the [[MPAA film rating system]], received his B.B.A. from UH and for decades was one of the most influential people in [[Hollywood]]. Notable athletes within the list include NFL players [[Kevin Kolb]], [[Wilson Whitley]], and Heisman Trophy winner [[Andre Ware]]; golfer [[Fred Couples]]; track and field legend [[Carl Lewis]]; the NBA's [[Bo Outlaw]], [[Clyde Drexler]], [[Elvin Hayes]], [[Hakeem Olajuwon]] and [[Carl Herrera]]; and legendary [[Dallas Cowboys]] coach [[Tom Landry]].
==See also==
*[[List of largest Texas universities by enrollment]]
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==Further reading==
*{{Cite book | author=Adair, Wendy and Gutiérrez, Oscar |year=2001 |title=The University of Houston: Our Time: Celebrating 75 Years of Learning and Leading |publisher=The Donning Company Publishers |id=ISBN 1578641438}}
*{{Cite book | author=Nicholson, Patrick J | year=1977 | title=In Time: An Anecdotal History of the First Fifty Years of the University of Houston | publisher=Pacesetter Press | id=ISBN 0884153711}}
==External links==
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{{portalpar|Houston|Flag of Houston, Texas.png}}
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{{commons|University of Houston}}
* [http://www.uh.edu/ University of Houston]
** [http://www.thedailycougar.com/ ''The Daily Cougar'']
** [http://www.uh.edu/sga/ Student Government Association]
* [http://www.houstonalumni.com/ University of Houston Alumni]
* [http://www.advancement.uh.edu/masterplan/ Master Plan page]
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[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1927|Houston]]
[[Category:Conference USA|Houston, University of]]
[[Category:Public universities|Houston]]
[[Category:University of Houston|*]]
[[Category:Urban 13 universities|Houston, University of]]
[[Category:Oak Ridge Associated Universities|Houston]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Texas|Houston]]
[[Category:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools|Houston]]
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[[es:Universidad de Houston]]
[[fa:دانشگاه هیوستون]]
[[no:University of Houston]]
[[ta:ஹியூஸ்டன் பல்கலைக்கழகம்]]