Division of Student Affairs Welcomes New and Returning Coogs to Campus

DSA News
October 21, 2024

Weeks of Welcome (WOW) is a cherished tradition at the University of Houston (UH), designed to introduce thousands of students to the campus, its departments, student organizations, and a wealth of resources and involvement opportunities. During these first two weeks of the semester, students forge connections, discover their community, and find their place within the university. This year, we celebrated a record-breaking attendance of 22,120 participants.

With over one hundred events, students had a variety of choices, from beloved "signature events" to exciting new programs. One highlight was Cat's Back, a two-day event where students connect with hundreds of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and University Sponsored Organizations (USOs). This year, Cat's Back saw an all-time high attendance of 6,121 students.

"I was excited to see many new and familiar faces when I tabled at Cat's Back. It felt great to share the exciting events my organization had planned, and people are showing so much excitement for it!" said Angelo Dulce, a UH student and member of InterVarsity.

Another fan favorite was the Glow Party, an electronic dance music (EDM) event that captures the essence of a traditional rave. Coordinated by all the USOs, this event offered students a chance to relax, meet new friends, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Despite being moved indoors, the Glow Party attracted 1,921 attendees.

Additionally, the Healthy U subcommittee, organized by the Health and Wellbeing portfolio, experienced a remarkable increase in events this year. With activities like Rec Fest, Speed Friending, Breakfast and Brainfood, and Free Wednesday Lunch, over 3,700 students participated. Healthy U aims to connect students with UH departments and programs that promote holistic wellness. Brittani Clarkson, assistant director of wellness programs, explained, "We're committed to meeting students' needs for mental health, emotional wellness, and social connection, and we look forward to continuing these initiatives each year during WOW."

Similarly, the WOW Student Mixers saw a notable increase in attendance this year. Open to all UH students, these mixers included gatherings for First-Gen, Middle Eastern and North African, Hispanic/Latine, Black and African American, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, and LGBTQ+ communities. Collectively, they brought together over 2,500 students. These mixers were organized by registered student organizations (RSOs) and the Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC).

"The WOW Student Mixers act as a great space for students, old or new, to come and bond with the rest of the student body. It's a great space to meet new people while celebrating your heritage. It merges fun and cultural appreciation!" emphasized Sarah Khan, a UH student leader. Michael Crook, Director for CSAC, added, "The series of WOW mixers are significant events for our campus. The community-building that happens is like magic to watch. Students come to the event not talking to each other, scrolling on their phones as they wait to check in, but then they leave laughing in groups, excited about a new student organization to connect with, or planting a seed for connection with another student in the room. These events help students find resources, friendships, and a good time during the first few weeks of the fall semester."

The Weeks of Welcome Planning Committee also gathered feedback from 887 unique participants through an assessment survey. Notably, 25% of students attended five or more WOW events, while 98% reported feeling connected to campus, and 99% felt encouraged to get involved on campus (including both “significantly,” “moderately,” and “slightly” responses).

Keith T. Kowalka, assistant vice president for student affairs and Chair of the Weeks of Welcome Committee, emphasized the Committee's vital role in helping students connect with the campus community, noting, "Active participation on campus is pivotal to enhancing students' time at UH. Weeks of Welcome introduces students to campus life and the culture, spirit, and traditions of the UH community."

The Committee is eager to review student feedback and is committed to enhancing the experience in the upcoming year.

Watch the recap video of Weeks of Welcome below!

Written by Meli Iracheta-Guerra, Web Project Manager, DSA IT Services