Students at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) soon will have a one-stop, convenient access point to key student services thanks in part to a recent $1 million grant from The Houston Endowment to support the construction of a new Student Services Center.

The 26,000-square-foot Student Services Center, set for completion by the end of the year, will build on recent improvements to a broad array of student services - including an expanded Advising Center and the addition of more than a dozen new advising positions - made possible by a previous award from The Houston Endowment and support from the Roy and Lillie Cullen Endowment.

The Student Services Center will stand adjacent to the University's new 15,000-square-foot Welcome Center, set for completion this August, which will serve as the main entry to the University for prospective and enrolled students, their families and visitors, and will be the home of student orientation and events. The Welcome Center will house a small tour room that will accommodate 100, with reception space and seminar rooms. The Welcome Center also will play an important part in UHD's community outreach by providing a place for Houstonians to learn more about the University and its impact throughout the Houston region.

The University of Houston System board of regents and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the project in March 2013.

"This capital project will make a statement to prospective students, parents and families that UHD is committed to student access and success, and offers services and facilities that are consistent with prominent institutions of higher education," said Johanna Wolfe, UHD vice president of Advancement and University Relations. "The new Student Services Center is an important part of the University's master plan to expand the campus and broaden the services, degrees and opportunities it offers to students."