Division of Student Affairs staff show spirit with a Cougar Red Friday Challenge

DSA News
January 19, 2024

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) kicked off the Fall 2023 semester with a spirited initiative aimed at fostering camaraderie and supporting the tradition of wearing red on Friday among its staff members. “Dr. Dan’s Cougar Red Friday Challenge” encouraged departments to showcase their school spirit by donning the university’s signature color every Friday throughout the semester. This fun and engaging challenge not only celebrated the longstanding tradition of Cougar Red Friday (CRF) but also provided an opportunity for departments to connect through social media to encourage other divisions across campus.

The contest was simple yet effective— post a photo every Friday of the staff all wearing red on their department's Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Threads social media accounts. The goal was to flood the university's social media platforms with a sea of red, creating a visual representation of the collective pride and passion for the University of Houston.

Cougar Red Friday is a cherished tradition at the University of Houston, occurring weekly to highlight school spirit and create a sense of unity on campus. The concept is straightforward—all you need to do to participate is wear anything red, whether it is a T-shirt, pants, or a scarf. Beyond being a tradition, Cougar Red Friday is a way for students, faculty, and staff to express their pride in the university and demonstrate their collective identity.

The contest quickly gained traction across the DSA departments, as staff members embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. The flood of red-filled social media posts not only added a vibrant touch to the university's online presence but also created a sense of connection among staff members.

To sweeten the deal, the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs promised an Ice Cream Social event for departments that successfully participated in the Cougar Red Friday Contest. This provided an additional incentive for departments to come together and celebrate their collective effort in embracing the university's spirit.

As the Fall 2023 semester ended, several departments emerged as winners of the Cougar Red Friday Contest. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI), Children Learning Centers (CLC), the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO), Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center (JDSAC), Center for Student Empowerment (CSE), and the Office of the Vice Chancellor/Vice President for Student Affairs stood out for their consistent participation and creative displays of school spirit.

Written by: Germaine Washington, Director of Marketing and Communication