21
August
2017
|
11:47 AM
America/Chicago

President's Message: Kicking Off Fall 2017

Dear UHD Community,

The start of the new academic year is here, and it’s already shaping up to be one to remember.

It will be particularly noteworthy for the University of Houston-Downtown’s newest cohort of students. They will be transitioning to a new learning environment and adjusting to new methods of instruction and academic rigor. The first semester at a university can be challenging, but I am confident that our Gator Gateway orientation prepared them for this moment. Other students might be concluding their University experiences this semester and moving on to professional careers or perhaps graduate school. Whether you’re a student, a member of our faculty, or a staff member, it’s a tremendous time to be at UHD. I commend your commitment to higher education and wish you much success this semester and beyond.

We are looking to the future with next week’s groundbreaking for the new College of Sciences & Technology Building. This 115,000-square-foot academic facility will lay the groundwork for UHD’s continued growth and enhance our significant reputation in the city, and across the region.

The University also will be looking to the stars when our friend Joe Acaba, educator and astronaut, collaborates with the College of Public Service’s Urban Education students from aboard the International Space Station.

These are just two of the significant events at UHD this semester. I will keep you posted on upcoming major happenings this semester in future communications.

This week will be busy, but don’t hesitate to introduce yourself if you see me in the hallways or walking between buildings. I look forward to meeting as many Gators as possible during the fall term and learning how each of you plan to Finish UHD Strong.

Have a great first week of classes and an extraordinary semester.

Sincerely,

Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz
UHD President