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STUDENT LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT
ATHLETICS
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The University of Houston-Victoria Jaguars compete as members of the National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in baseball and softball. Our team’s debut seasons in 2008 were very successful, both on and off the fields. Home games
provide an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and the community to come together and cheer on the Jaguars. If you would like more information about
athletics, please all 361-570-4336 or e-mail athletics@uvh.edu.
COMPUTER LABS
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Information Technology provides academic and administrative support for computer users of UHV,
including access to over 120 PC’s on our local-area network, and the Internet. Information Technology staff are located in Suite 207 of University Center. The
microcomputer labs are located on the second floor of the University Center.
The computer equipment described in this section is available for academic purposes to all students currently enrolled at UHV. Microcomputers are readily
available to all students during the hours the lab is open. For assistance using these labs please see Lab Assistants in UC 203. Students should refer to the
Computer Usage Policy in the University Policies section of this handbook for further information.
Internet access is available through the lab computers as well as via a wireless network.
Rewritable CD drives are available in all labs. To provide an atmosphere conducive to academic work and studying, we have posted signs indicating “Quiet”
or "Moderate Discussion" areas. In addition, the use of cell phones is not permitted in the micro labs.
Student e-mail accounts at UHV are automatically created for all currently enrolled students. Students do not have to complete an account application form.
Student accounts are created during the week prior to the first class day. Student accounts are disabled at the end of each semester or if a student withdraws.
UHV will communicate officially with all students by means of the email accounts.
Information Technology Contacts
Information Technology Offices 570-4390
Computer Labs 570-4888
Manager, Academic Computing 570-4393
Director, Information Technology 570-4391
Computer Lab Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Extended hours begin on the 8th week of the Spring and Fall semesters. Extended hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from
1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The schedules are estimated times of operations and may vary from semester to semester. A current schedule will be posted at each location. Changes in hours due to holidays will be posted.
Computer Lab Locations
OPEN LAB – UC Room 202
24 Pentium microcomputers with rewritable CD drives, 3 scanners, Adaptive system for visually impaired students
OPEN LAB – UC Room 204
22 Pentium microcomputers with rewritable CD drives
TEACHING LAB – UC Room 201
30 Pentium microcomputers, Teacher station and LCD projector, Viewing Monitors, VCR and overhead projector, Wireless microphone, keyboard and mouse
TEACHING LAB – UC Room 205
26 Pentium microcomputers with rewritable CD drives, VCR and overhead projector, Wireless microphone, keyboard and mouse
TEACHING LAB – UC Room 216
37 Pentium microcomputers with rewritable CD drives, Teacher station and LCD projector, VCR and overhead projector, Wireless microphone, keyboard and mouse
PRINTING RESOURCES
Four high speed laser printers to support all labs with a 500 page per student per semester allocation. Color printing and printing on special forms available on request at Lab Assistant station.
IT Services at UH System at Sugar Land
For students attending classes at the UH System at Sugar Land facility, academic computing and telecommunications services are available. There are 85 PC
workstations available in the open computer lab and multimedia computer lab, and more than 70 laptop computers available in the laptop lab and mobile computer
labs. The Library Resource Center, located on the second floor of the facility, also has 12 PC workstations available. The open computer lab, multimedia lab,
and instructional computer lab are located on the third floor of the facility and the mobile computer labs can be taken to any room in the facility. These
workstations and laptops have a variety of software including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SPSS, Visual Studio, and Java.
Internet access is available through the lab computers using Netscape Navigator, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Printing resources for the lab
systems includes black and white laser and color laser printers and a print allowance is in effect for all student accounts. Scanners, CD-RW drives, DVD+RW
drives, and Zip drives are available, along with wireless access to the network and Internet for individuals who have laptops with Wi-Fi compatible network
cards. Technology available for checkout by students includes laptop computers, mice, wireless network cards, network cables, portable Zip drives, digital
cameras, camcorders, and headphones. Portable media, such as floppy disks and CD-R disks, are available for purchase in the administrative office on the
1st floor.
Technical personnel are available during the facility’s operating hours to provide support for the computing resources as well as assistance for connections to
the wireless network. They also provide support for the campuses five videoconferencing classrooms. The technical staff is located at the Help Desk on the
facility’s third floor. Information on hours for the Help Desk, computer labs, and all other technical support services can be found
at UH Sugar Land
(http://www.sugarland.uh.edu/computing/).
IT Services at UH System at Cinco Ranch
For students attending classes at the UH System at Cinco Ranch facility, academic computing and telecommunications services are available. There are 20 PC
workstations available in the open computer lab, 4 PC workstations available in the reading room, and 48 laptop computers available in the mobile computer lab.
The open lab is located in room 126, the reading room is located in room 166, and the mobile computer lab can be taken to any room in the facility. These
workstations and laptops have a variety of software including, but not limited to, Office 2007 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), SPSS, Visual Studio.NET,
and Pro-Tax 2007.
Internet access is available through the lab computers using Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Printing resources for the lab systems includes
black and white laser and color laser printers. A print allowance is in effect for all student accounts. Scanners, CD-RW drives, and DVD+RW drives are available,
along with wireless access to the network and Internet for individuals who have laptops with Wi-Fi compatible network cards.
Operating hours are posted in the open computer lab. Technical personnel are available during the facility's operating hours to provide support for the
computing resources as well as assistance for connections to the wireless network. They also provide support for the facility's four videoconferencing
classrooms. The technical staff is located in the open lab and at the front office.
Instructional Television (ITV)
UH-Victoria, UH System at Sugar Land, and UH System at Cinco Ranch all provide Instructional Television (ITV) rooms to support classes offered in this medium.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Because the University of Houston-Victoria realizes the importance of leadership in the workplace and in the communities where we live,
UHV provides students with a variety of leadership opportunities. UHV student organizations recognize student academic leaders and promote leadership both on campus and within the communities in
which students reside. Periodically, UHV sends student organization officers to student leadership conferences to further enhance their leadership skills. The university also offers volunteer
opportunities for students in such activities as mentoring future students, decorating the Christmas tree, and helping with events like Math/Computer Science contests, health fairs, and sporting
events. Students will represent UHV at House Bill hearings in Austin and at the public hearings on tuition increases. Also, UHV students help organize and facilitate university events like Black
History month, Hispanic Heritage month, and Fiesta Day. Finally, UHV employs anywhere from 40-50 student workers each semester as tutors, student assistants, lab assistants, etc. We value our
students and realize the importance of enhancing and promoting leadership skills.
NEW AND EXISTING STUDENT ORGANIZATION PROCEDURES
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Procedures for Registering New Organizations
Any group of persons wanting to register a new student organization at UHV must submit the following information to the Student Services Office (SOS):
- name of organization
- a statement of purpose
- a constitution (bylaws) regarding its method of operation
- the name of the faulty/staff sponsor (organizations are not required to have a sponsor, but are strongly urged to do so)
- the names of five student representatives
The following articles should be included in all organizational constitutions:
- Name of the Organization
- Purpose of the Organization
- Qualifications of Membership
- Officers, the Election Process, and Duties
- Selection of a Sponsor
- Meetings of the Organization
- Attendance Requirements
- Expulsion Requirements
- Financial Obligations
- Constitutional Amendments
At least one faculty or staff sponsor shall signify in writing the willingness to sponsor the organization. Before the organization will be registered, three student representatives must sign a
disclaimer after reading the hazing and discrimination policies.
The Student Services Office will review the required paperwork and sign the registration form after verifying that the organization's purpose is lawful and within university regulations. If the
requirements of registration are not approved, the organization may appeal the decision to the Senior Director of Student and Academic Services.
Retention of University Recognition
To maintain its official university recognition, a student organization and its officers are responsible for complying with pertinent federal, state, and local laws along with the following
university regulations:
- Register the organization (using the Registration Form) and file a list of officers and members with the SSO by September 15 for the fall semester and February 15 for the spring semester of
each academic year. After submission of the form, the organization shall keep the SSO informed as to any changes in officers or the faculty/staff sponsor as the changes occur throughout the
school year. A constitution (bylaws) must also be provided to the SSO. When any changes are made to the constitution, update the copy in the SSO.
Any organization whose officers fail to submit their Registration Form to the SSO by the above stated deadline shall have official university registration withdrawn until such time as the
Registration Form is received by the SSO.
- At least one faculty or staff sponsor shall signify in writing a willingness to sponsor the organization.
- Before the student organization will be registered, three officers or student representatives must read and sign a hazing and discrimination disclaimer.
- Register every event (using the Event Registration Form) other than regularly scheduled meetings, with the SSO and inform that office of all out-of-town travel to meetings or events in
which the organization will be participating as a university sanctioned organization.
Any organization which consistently fails to notify the SSO of events, other than regularly scheduled meetings, or out-of-town travel at which the organization will be participating as a
representative of the university, will also be subject to having university registration withdrawn.
- Abide by all university policies governing membership, including:
- alcoholic beverage policy
- anti-hazing policy
- constitutional guidelines of the organization
- all pertinent university policies
- Keep all financial affairs in accordance with sound business procedures and appropriate university policies.
- Act accordingly in the best interests of its members and the university.
- Notify and keep the sponsor informed of all activities, meetings, and events of the organization if sponsor is designated.
- Utilize university facilities, grounds, and equipment properly at all times in order to avoid damage and/or lost or stolen university property. The organization will be responsible for
replacing, repairing, or paying for damages and lost or stolen property.
- Realize that the recognition status granted to the organization by the university, its membership, both individually and collectively, will be viewed by the community as a representative of
the institution.
Withdrawal of Recognition
When university registration is withdrawn, the organization will no longer be able to conduct business in the name of UHV, nor shall the organization have any access to the funds in its university
account. The Manager of Student Services will make recommendations to the Senior Director of Student and Academic Services, who will then recommend action to the president of UHV.
The UHV student body does not have the authority to abolish any student organization. This decision is vested with the President of UHV, who is responsible to the Board of Regents.
Student Organizations Privileges
- Use of UHV name and logo.
- Access to the services of the SSO and the Office of Finance, including the mail service, assistance in planning, executing, and evaluating activities and programs.
- Use of designated university rooms, buildings, facilities, and equipment subject to proper scheduling procedures and prior scheduling needs of the university itself.
- Use of campus news and publicity media, subject to editorial discretion.
- Right to invite off-campus speakers and artists to appear for regularly scheduled meetings and assemblies.
- Right to distribute literature relating to the organization's purpose and activities in those areas authorized by the distribution policies.
- Use of university bulletin boards to post notices that conform to regulations.
- Right to hold fund raising activities and to solicit funds for organizational activities in accordance with university regulations.
Fund Raising Policy
Any club or organization wishing to hold any type of fund raising event must have approval in advance from the Manager of Student Services (MSS). The Event Registration Form should be filled out
and submitted to MSS. Direct solicitation of businesses and individuals without prior approval is prohibited. When deemed appropriate, the MSS will consult with the Director of Instructional
Support Services who will in turn consult with the Office of University Advancement (OUA) before approving any fund raising event. OUA personnel will consult with the university President, who has
final authority, when necessary. If a club or organization desires to appeal a denial by the MSS, it may do so through the Senior Director of Student and Academic Services.
Fund raising events eligible for approval include, but are not limited to: carnival games, casino nights (without betting), car washes, bake sales, garage sales, and barbecues (or other similar
dinners).
Accounts for Student Organizations
When a student organization requires an account, it must establish a university account with the Office of Finance by working through SSO. There is no minimum amount required to sustain an account.
Once an organization has been recognized by the SSO, the president or treasurer can establish an account. All deposits are to be made in the SSO, using the Deposit Form, and the officer making
the deposit will be given a copy of the form as a receipt. The SSO will then take the deposit to the Finance Office for actual depositing in the bank.
If a student organization has checking and/or savings accounts off-campus, a copy of the statement must be submitted by each organization's treasurer to
the SSO at the end of every semester. Also, a summary of how the money was spent and the source of the deposits must be submitted each semester by the treasurer
of each organization.
Purchase Procedures
When purchasing items for an organization or contracting for services, an Expenditure Request Form must be filled out by the requesting organization for submission to the SSO. The form must be
filled out in full and submitted to the SSO at least two weeks in advance of the date the purchase is needed.
Only the president and the treasurer of a club or organization may submit expenditure requests.
All equipment acquired by the university through university accounts must be marked as UHV property.
Students must consult with the MSS before submitting an expenditure request to ensure that the expenditure falls within the budget and time constraints and adheres to current university policy.
On request, assistance is rendered to treasurers and other qualified organization officers on the policies and procedures for an organization's bookkeeping. A copy of the transactions for each
month will be provided by the Student Services Office.
The Student Organizations Fund
An account for student organizations was created in 1988 with student service fees. Any registered student organization may apply for these funds, using the Funding Application Form. Funds from
this account cannot be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, personal gifts, equipment or the maintenance of equipment, or office supplies. Food expenditures will not be permitted unless
part of a conference/registration fee.
No award or combination of awards shall be in excess of $250 a year per organization. The Student Senate will approve all requests with a simple majority vote in the presence of a quorum. The
Student Senate shall consider cost, overall impact on the UHV community, target audience, event preparation, the organization's past programming success, scope of the event, and the timing.
Exceptions to the $250 per year ceiling may be made by the Student Senate if, upon consultation with the SSO, there is money available in the budget and the expenditure will positively impact
the university as a whole.
Funding Criteria
- A co-curricular activity, event, or program of special interest must enrich campus life.
- Support will be considered for production costs for publications distributed mainly on campus.
- Consideration will be given to some off-campus programs that have limited benefit to the university provided that the organization has direct input or responsibility for the event.
- Support may provide campus organizations the opportunity to participate in off-campus workshops, conferences, or seminars related to their organization's interest and/or purpose. No one individual's trip can be financed entirely out of this fund.
Procedure for Requesting Funding
- The Funding Application Form may be picked up at the SSO or online Request
for Student Organization Funds
(http://www.uhv.edu/sas/pdf/Request%20for%20Stu%20Org%20Funds.pdf).
- The Funding Application Form must be submitted to the SSO at least two weeks prior to the event. Events requiring contracts must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the event.
No request will be considered after an event.
- The request will be processed by the SSO and be presented to the Student Senate at its first meeting following filing. A representative from the organization must be at the hearing to
present the program and receive instructions.
- Student organizations must be registered with the SSO and must have an Account established with the Office of Administration and Finance prior to the request for any funding.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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Most university special events at UHV are coordinated through the Office of Special Events. Annual events include:
Tree Trimming Event
In December, the UHV Student Senate sponsors a Giving Tree and encourages UHV faculty, staff, students, and community members to donate goods to nonprofit organizations in the community. The items
are left under the tree and distributed during the month to the organizations.
Black History Month
In February, UHV observes national Black History Month with on-campus exhibits and special community events, along with The Cultural Council of Victoria, The Victoria College, and the Black History
Month Steering Committee, UHV cosponsors events such as the Black History Month Parade, the Black History Heritage Festival, and a Black History poster contest for area fifth-grade students. The
events are open to the public and feature food, entertainment, cultural activities, and music by area and regional groups.
Fiesta Day
Fiesta Day is a celebration of Hispanic heritage which is signified by the various food, beverages, and performance that are offered. The production of this
festivity is not only to enhance awareness of Hispanic culture, but to also allow the public and university to be part of a culture that makes up a majority
of the populations of southern Texas.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15 and ends on October 15 each year. UHV celebrates the cultural heritage of all of our Latino citizens in the
Coastal Bend Region through a calendar filled with events which commemorate this heritage.
STUDENT CENTER
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The Student Center, open to UHV and VC students, is a 33,000 square-foot facility featuring an atrium area, a large dining area, the VC Bookstore, an automated teller machine (ATM), a 51”
television, pool tables, reading rooms, computer lab and four meeting rooms.
The Student Center dining area features a convenience store and Subway that meets the needs of their
customers.
The Student Center also offers campus entertainment, cultural displays, and displays of artwork for the enjoyment of students as well as members of
the community.
Questions regarding the use of the Student Center may be directed to The Victoria College Student Activities Office, located in the Student Center or call (361) 572-6440.
STUDENT LOUNGES
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Lounges for use by students are located on the first floors of each UHV campus. Coffee is available for a nominal fee, and a microwave oven, refrigerator, and television are located in the
lounge for student use. Newspapers and magazines also are available for reading in the lounges.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
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The University of Houston-Victoria, concerned for the total development of each student, encourages co-curricular activities as an
integral and vital part of an education. Student organizations can provide valuable learning experiences as well as professional contacts and social enrichment. Recognition and registration of
student groups include service, honor, special interest, ethnic, religious, or professional organizations. Recognition is required by the Office of Student Services for the purpose of endorsement
and approval of that organization's goals and purposes as being consistent with and supportive of those of UHV. Only recognized organizations may use UHV's name and logo. The Manager of Student
Services approves the calendars, solicitation, and advertising requests of all organizations. This office also serves as a resource in planning, scheduling, promoting, and evaluating events.
Agendas, minutes of meetings, and organization event notices are posted in the student lounge in each building. Faculty and/or staff members serve as advisors and represent the university in
situations involving the organization and/or its members. Students have a responsibility to become familiar with and conduct the business of their organizations in accordance with the policies
pertaining to student organizations. The policies of UHV supersede policies of any organization in which students hold membership on campus. Membership in UHV organizations may not be restricted
on the basis of race, religion, gender, disability, or national origin. Students should see the Student Organizations’ Procedures in the Policies and Guidelines section of this handbook for further
information. The UHV student organizations currently approved, and a brief description of each, are:
Beta Gamma Sigma
Beta Gamma Sigma is the honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the
highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International. In order to be eligible for membership, graduate students must be
in the top 20% of their graduating class, seniors must be in the top 10% of their class, and second-semester juniors must be in the top 7%. All business students who meet these requirements are
invited to join.
Computing Club (currently inactive)
The Computing Club is the local student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery, the first society in computing and a professional computer organization, and is open to any student,
faculty, or staff with an interest in computers. The purpose of the club is to encourage an active interest in the use of computers and the technology surrounding them. Also, the club serves as
a liaison among other organizations and interest groups involved in the use of computer technology in the Victoria area, while providing both personal and professional services to its members.
Criminal Justice Club
The Criminal Justice Club is a nonprofit, nondiscriminatory organization dedicated to fostering learning beyond the classroom setting and providing service to the university and local community.
Membership is open to all UHV students with an interest in criminal justice and criminology. Its goal is to promote fellowship among club members and to enhance learning experiences.
Gamma Beta Phi
The Gamma Beta Phi Society is an honor and service organization for all academic disciplines. The objectives of Gamma Beta Phi are to recognize and encourage excellence in education, to promote
the development of leadership ability and character in its members, and to foster, disseminate, and improve education through appropriate service projects. Students with a UHV grade point average
exceeding 3.50 will receive a one time only invitation to join.
LEAD Ambassadors
The primary purpose of LEAD Ambassadors is to promote higher education among the children and youth of UHV's service region. The ambassadors make frequent visits with neighboring schools, both
on- and off-campus, to give presentations on the importance of college.
Mexican American Student Organization
The purpose of MASO is to plan and carry out an agenda that promotes the social and educational awareness of the Mexican-American culture at UHV and the surrounding community. MASO encourages
volunteerism in activities which will directly or indirectly work toward the advancement of society overall. Membership is open to all.
Mu Kappa Nu
Mu Kappa Nu is the chapter for the Chi Sigma Iota organization. Mu Kappa Nu is a Counseling, Academic, and Professional Honor Society International which promotes scholarship, research,
professionalism and excellence in counseling and recognizes high attainment in the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling.
Phi Kappa Phi
Phi Kappa Phi is a national professional honor society. Its purpose is to recognize and encourage superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. Students graduating in the top five percent of
their class are qualified to become members of Phi Kappa Phi.
Psi Chi
Psi Chi is a national honor society for psychology students. Its purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in the field of psychology.
Rosebud Film Society
The Rosebud Film society engenders critical thinking skills about films and instills a sense of community among students, faculty and staff. Open discussion among its members through viewing and
conversing about films is encouraged.
Student Senate
The UHV Student Senate is a nonprofit, elected governing body whose purpose is to promote communications between constituents of UHV, to enhance the unique educational environment of UHV, and to
address specific needs of students in order to provide a voice to and for the student body with respect to academic and cultural matters. Student Senate membership consists of duly elected officers
and senators from the UHV student body.
UHV Student Advertising Federation (currently inactive)
An academic division of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the UHV Student Ad Fed is a college chapter specifically for students majoring in or having general interest in advertising,
public relations, and marketing. UHV's Student Ad Fed provides and promotes a better understanding of the functions of advertising and of its values; stimulates and encourages advertising
professionalism through advertising education; applies the skills, creativity and energy of advertising to help solve social problems; develops the individual abilities of its members and promotes
fellowship and free exchange of ideas. Membership is open to students registered during the current semester for at least one course at UHV. Students should be in good academic standing.
Internships, scholarships and networking with professionals in the advertising field are just a few of the amenities of becoming a UHV Student Ad Fed member.
United Campus Ministry
The main goal of the Campus Ministry is to help students through support and friendship, and provide opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, and recreation. Membership is open to all UHV
students.
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
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Students may use university resources to develop publications or media as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information. UHV
encourages students to create, produce, and distribute publications that foster the free exchange of ideas and information. The only restrictions that are placed on student publications are that:
- they clearly indicate they are not official publications of the university and do not represent policies and opinions of the university or its staff, and
- they adhere to standard journalistic criteria by not engaging in libel or deliberate disseminations of false information
Students who wish to produce and distribute a publication must obtain permission from the Manager of Student Services (MSS). The university will also provide facilities and staffing support
appropriate to the type and nature of the publication as is determined feasible by the MSS. Appeals of the decision of the MSS may be made first to the Director of Instructional Support Services
and lastly to the President, whose decision will be final.
Student Senate Meetings
Minutes from the UHV Student Senate meetings are posted on the Student Senate website. Copies are also available for review in the Student Services Office.
The Flame
The Flame
(http://www.uhvflame.com/) is an on-line publication by students in the Writing for the Print Media course.
The Flame is posted online monthly during the Fall and Spring semesters. It contains feature and news stories, student books for sale, and announcements.
STUDY AREAS
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UHV students at the Victoria campus may use the Media Library at University Center for group and individual studying. Empty classrooms
and student lounges are additional areas that can be used for studying. The Victoria College Student Center is available for quiet studying. In addition to tables and study carrels, at the VC/UHV
Library, two conference rooms can be reserved for groups who want to study together.
Students in University of Houston System at Sugar Land may use empty class- rooms, the student lounge, and the sofas in the rotunda for studying.
Students in University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch may use the student lounge and computer labs for studying.
UHVCONNECT
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UHVconnect is a social network that connects alumni, current students, friends and staff at the University of Houston-Victoria. Members participate by being
part of special interest groups, creating their own member profiles, posting to community blogs, networking, and connecting to other members.
Some of the other features for members in UHVconnect are:
- CarerConnection where members can post resume's, get feedback on the interview process, and get help finding a job
- Personal blogs
- Photo albums
- Success updates
- Mentoring
- Purchase UHV merchandise
- Get Jaguar season tickets
- Donate to UHV
- Register for events
- Get free items
UHVconnect is used also as a communication tool to let current students, alumni and friends know about upcoming registration deadlines, event dates,
financial aid deadlines, and how they can get online academic center help.
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