Suggestion:     1070
Subject:          Study Rooms – UHS Sugar Land
Forwarded to:  Interim Director, UHS Sugar Land

No quiet place to study! The Sugar Land building is so small that you can practically hear conversations throughout the building. Rooms dedicated as quite rooms such as the computer room or the library never enforce the rule, people frequently carry loud conversations while the staff just looks on. Perhaps you should add in some "group" rooms with computers so people that need to talk in a group sitting can go there. The Sugar Land campus does not promote an environment for learning or studying.
 

Response

It is busy at the Sugar Land campus in the afternoons and evenings, isn’t it? It would be wonderful to have group study rooms for teams working on projects.
We currently encourage groups to use empty classrooms for their team work.

The open computer lab and the library are "quiet" zones. Talking is allowed in the “quiet" zones, but it should be in low volume. Staff members do try to monitor these areas, but they are not always available to do so. We hope as we grow that we will be able to provide a wider variety of study spaces, so that both group and individual needs will be met.


Suggestion: 1071
Subject: Computer Lab Equipment – UHS Sugar Land
Forwarded to: Manager, UH System Center Technology Services

The equipments at the Sugar Land campus are so out dated. The computers are slow, the copiers are old. The scanners (only two flat beds) do not work properly. I'm not sure where all the fees you charge with the tuition really go, but it's time to update those old equipments so UHV can be more in line with other colleges.
 

Response

I’m sorry if you’ve been having trouble with the equipment at UHSSL. About 98% of the computers were purchased within the last 3 years. This includes the open computer lab computers, which were replaced in January 2007. We have a 4 year replacement cycle, so the oldest of the computers are scheduled to be replaced at the end of 2008. If they were running slow, it is probable that the network was more the culprit than the computer itself.

As for the copy machines, I certainly understand your frustration. The copiers were last replaced in 2005 and we have been looking at newer models. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find new copiers that charge only 10 cents per copy, which is the current charge, so that is one thing we keep in mind when looking at copy machines vendors.

It is true there are only 2 scanners available for student use. We purchase peripherals like this based on student need. In each of the 3 student technology survey’s we’ve conducted since 2000, scanners have been low on the student’s list of wants. And based on our measurements, 98% of the time, they are unused. We have found that they get much heavier use at the end of semesters as students are rushing to complete projects. Unfortunately, that means that they may not always be available when you need them if you wait until late in the semester. We’re more than happy to show students how to use the scanners and if they are not working properly, please let the technical staff know. We’ve found that most problems with them are usually associated with the scanner’s settings or how much is being scanned at one time.



Suggestion: 1072
Subject: Forensic Display
Forwarded to: Coordinator of Biological Sciences

40 year old woman will be found murdered next to her kitchen table at 7pm" ...that story, and its strange delivery, was very cool. Without being overkill, UHV could do more of it. The interaction is great.

Response

Thank you for your compliment, it is greatly encouraging as the forensic program is a fledging currently. I am the professor for the course and just coordinated the crime scene details with students- so credit needs to be given where it is due.

Thomas Doyle, UHV Communications Writer, should get most of the credit for his creative modes of writing and presenting. He was the author of this sensational media advisory. Becky Cleugh is the student who created the scene and did all the work with some assistance from another student- Azalia Sadiq. She and Azalia visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science and came up with ideas for this her project. Thank you again for your generous compliment. I will share it with these folk and I know that they too will be greatly encouraged.



Suggestion: 1073
Subject: Instructor of Record
Forwarded to: Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

I've recently learned that a staff member who is being paid as teaching assistant or something like that in the School of Education is grading our papers and posting for the instructor. Please ensure that faculty who hire teaching assistants employ them appropriately. Students shouldn't have to worry about whether or not their courses are being taught by who is being paid to teach the course.
 

Response

In the School of Education, two staff members provide clerical assistance to faculty however, they do not grade students assignments, papers or examinations. Faculty manage the evaluations and grading for their courses.



Suggestion: 1074
Subject: Online Instruction
Forwarded to: Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Teacher's attitude in the online class I found that some students are unable to grasp online courses because the instructors are unable to express "exact" messages to students. I also having problems to get my reply from my instructors for his grading process of students paper. This is really not qualified because students can not pay the tuition for a person not even have the ability to be a simple grader. I really wish the school can train their instructors to respect students' need in a "timely" manner. And some instructors just put out their powerpoint slides as teaching and unable to reply students' questions or technology problems via emails timely. This is really a major issues that UHV should train instructors with better social etiquettes. No students will able to afford their money for a snobbish services that just somebody thinks he is better and nothing else in return.

Response

Dear Student,

I am sorry that you have not found your online instructor responsive. Without specific information it is impossible to help you. Please contact your academic dean to discuss your experience and solutions. Thank you.


Suggestion: 1075
Subject: Faculty Grading Policy
Forwarded to: Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Faculty grading policy should be improved because there are many outstanding students discouraged. The professors in the class often encourage some group of student and sometimes discourage to some students. In my opinions, this should be avoid and carefully handled because personal preferences of the faculty members could discourage many good students. I hope UHV can show the commitment in providing better progress in these policies. It will be helpful if school can have a sound policy in handling students' performance fairly. Because many of us observe some special students are not recognized as their performance,and some poor performers are promoted in the courses. This could be very dangerous especially in medical, computer or business fields.
 

Response

UHV faculty are committed to helping their students succeed. Each faculty member sets assignments, learning experiences, standards and expectations for each course. If you are concerned about fair, clear practices in one or more courses please discuss these issues with your instructors. You will then be able to determine if there is a misunderstanding that can be corrected or if there is a more serious problem that needs the attention of the academic dean.



Suggestion: 1076
Subject: Academic Dishonesty
Forwarded to: Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Academic Dishonesty I feel a lot of stress because not joining the cheating. I experienced classmates keep blackmailing me for solutions in the assignments, projects and exams. I have to use extra efforts to reject these nonsense. I feel school doing nothing telling student what honor code is.

Response

Academic dishonesty is a very serious issue. Please discuss your experiences with your instructor who will want to manage this situation and relieve the pressure you are experiencing.


Suggestion: 1077
Subject: Student Solutions Center
Forwarded to: Sr. Director, Student and Academic Services

The university finally seems to be paying attention to students. I called Student Solutions the other day and got all my questions answered and only had to talk to one person. She even called me back like she said she could---quite a switch from previous semesters where I left multiple messages with multiple people and never received a call back. Good job Student Solutions!

Response

Thank you for your compliment. We are pleased that you received the help you needed and hope you will continue to use the services provided by Student Solutions. Student Solutions staff are here to help students with admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment-related questions.

Thanks again for your kind words.

Suggestion: 1078
Subject: Relay for Life
Forwarded to: Director, Human Resources

Relay for Life is an important event and should be supported. However, I think we should limit the amount of work time that can be used to participate in this event. Many people seem to be spending a good part of their work days planning, selling, etc., for this event. I think we need to establish appropriate guidelines for participation in these kinds of activities.

Response

I spoke with the supervisor that has the majority of employees that participate on the Relay for Life Team in her department. She told me that the employees do take either vacation time or comp time when they participate in fund raising or other activities related to Relay for Life during work hours. I also understand that the majority of the planning activities are done off-campus and not during work hours. Per university system policy 02.A.29, Ethical Conduct of Employees, “Any contribution of time without compensation to charitable or professional organizations or causes that may infringe upon the employee’s regular work hours must be disclosed to the employee’s department head and must not interfere with the individual’s university responsibilities." Please contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.
 

Suggestion: 1079
Subject: Student Events
Forwarded to: Executive Assistant to the President

Does anybody know how to go about getting an event for multi-cultural students? As a student I enjoy Fiesta Day, and the events of Black History Month, but isn't there other cultures that could be celebrated as well?

Response

We celebrate Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month as part of national emphases. These activities fit with UHV’s plan to recruit underrepresented groups to our university, so that our university reflects the diversity of our region. We also participate in other national emphases such as Constitution Day. We are open to your suggestions – in fact, that is the reason we have the Suggestion Box. Please let us know what suggestions you have related to this issue. Many changes have come about on our campus because of students’ ideas for improvement. Students take the lead in many campus activities, so you could also talk with our student services personnel or the student senate about activities related to multi-cultural events. Thank you for your interest.
 

Suggestion: 1080
Subject: Vending Machines – UHS Sugar Land
Forwarded to: Interim Director, UHS Sugar Land

It would be nice to have the snack, coffee, and soft drink machines working at all times. Often the machines are empty or they are out of order. This poses a problem when a student attends class from 8a-7p and the machines are not able to supply a quick snack. Also, is it possible to have condiments and utensils available for the students. Finally, a hot water spicket would be nice as well.

Response

We do try to keep our vending machines functioning. It is difficult at times. For example, this past semester a serious act of vandalism causes us quite a bit of “down" time.

Many of the students here rush from work to class. We know that students, faculty, and staff depend on these machines for refreshments. We are working closely with the companies who provide these vending services to improve operations.

We will look into the possibility of providing utensils and Styrofoam cups for the student lounge. A hot water dispenser might not be something that we can add, but a microwave is available in the lounge for heating up water.


Suggestion: 1081
Subject: Employee Parking
Forwarded to: Director, Business Services

Please ensure that staff park in reserved spots. I know of several staff who remove their staff stickers and park in visitor's spots. We have minimal visitor parking spaces and have many occasions where they can't find a place to park.

Response

“It’s disappointing that some employees may be doing this. The next time you notice this happening, please get the vehicle license # and notify Genaro Cortez in Business Service at X245 or Susie Motal at X826. We agree…we need to leave visitor spots available for true visitors. Thanks. “

 

Suggestion: 1082
Subject: Employee Commutes
Forwarded to: Director, Business Services

With gas prices soaring, walking to work is getting to be a viable option. There are a number of employees within walking distance from university. Would it be feasible for the golf carts that operate on battery to be around the perimeters of the campus to "shuttle" employees across campus in the mornings and afternoons? The reasoning behind this suggestion is to try to get here without being so hot and sweaty smelling from walking.

Response

You know, at some point something like this might be feasible. However, presently we don’t have enough resources or scheduled personnel to provide this service.


Suggestion: 1083
Subject: Landscaping
Forwarded to: Director, Facilities Services


Every time I walk between the two buildings I wish I had that landscaping out there at my house. Nice job.

Response

Thank you for your comment. The Facilities staff work very hard to maintain the buildings and grounds. We hope you continue to enjoy them .


Suggestion: 1084
Subject: Student Concerns
Forwarded to: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs


It is important that students be aware of required number of hours for a particular subject, when they come out into the market to work. For example if one wants to teach one needs a minimum of 18 credit hours in that subject. If one wants to work as an accountant, they may need anywhere from 12 credits to 24 credits in accounting. Also they should know early in their period of study that they need to have 30 credit hours of Accounting, and 150 credit hours of study. What I would like the students know/ learn is that they should feel confident about themselves that they are going to achieve what is required with dedication and hard work. One should always believe they are going to achieve that dream of theirs, with persistence, whether it is Ph D or CPA or PMP, provided they put in required effort. I am aware the Academic schools are doing their best in the message to be conveyed to students at all levels, but I am talking more about late starters after 40 plus years of age. They can do it, if I could do it. I have a long way ahead, more accounting classes to be taken and much more concentration and dedication if I am going for the three precious letters that make a whole new world of difference, Ph D, which is not just a couple of words but hardship of years of study and research.

Response

Thank you for your suggestions. At UHV we have been diligent in working to improve student advising. While most of this information is available in the UHV Catalog, it can be overlooked by students. I will forward your email to the Deans and request that they forward your suggestions to the academic advisors in their schools.


Suggestion: 1085
Subject: International Student Inquiry
Forwarded to: LEAD, Senior Program Development Coordinator


Quisiera saber como es la inscripcion para extranjeros soy peruana y estoy interesada en ese programa soy egresada en educacion y megustaria hacer mis estudios en esa universidad. Gracias

English Translation
I would like to know the registration procedure for international students. I am Peruvian and I am interested in this program. I am in education and I would like to do my studies at this university. Thanks!

Response

En la página general de UHV, haga clic en futuros estudiantes y luego hace clic en español. Aquí usted verá estudiantes internacionales - haga clic en estudiantes internacionales. Usted verá toda la información que usted necesita en español. Si usted necesita ayuda adicional, por favor llámeme a 361-570-4109.

Gracias por su interés en nuestra universidad.

English Translation
On the general page of UHV, click on future students and then click on Spanish. On this web page, click on international students. You will see all the information that you need in Spanish. If you need additional help, please call 361-570-4109.

Thanks for your interest in our university.


Suggestion: 1086
Subject: Student Accounts/Passwords
Forwarded to: System Network Administrator


Is it possible to have the same password for all student accounts including campus email? Is it very difficult trying to come up with different passwords and having to remember them all especially if you cannot reuse previously used passwords.

Response

Security "best practices" recommend that you do not use the same password for multiple accounts, but it is possible. However, the password you choose will have to meet the requirements of all the accounts. For example if one account requires the password to be a minimum of eight characters and contain a special character while another account requires a minimum of ten characters and a number, then the password you use for both accounts would have to be a minimum of ten characters and contain a special character and a number.

We realize your frustration in having to keep up with multiple accounts and passwords, and are currently working on a project to have one account provide access to the various applications, such as email, WebCT and PeopleSoft. We hope to implement this within the next academic year.

If you have any questions, please let me know.