Monday marked the start of UHD's annual State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC), a state-authorized workplace campaign for higher education employees in Texas. The SECC is an opportunity for faculty and staff to donate to the charities of their choice, either through a one-time gift or through payroll deduction. The 600 participating charitable organizations include small, local nonprofits as well as large, national and international groups addressing environmental, educational, social and health issues.

During last year's SECC, UHD raised more than $34,000 with a 21 percent participation rate.

"I am proud of the ways in which we collaborate with and contribute to the Houston community," said UHD President Bill Flores. "The SECC is a convenient way for individuals to support causes about which they are passionate while supporting UHD's commitment to civic engagement."

Each department's SECC coordinator will soon provide faculty and staff with information about how to participate in this year's campaign. Contributions can be made via pledge form with payroll deduction, cash or check. Online submissions are unavailable this year. If you do not receive a pledge form or if you have questions about the campaign, please contact Brian Drake, our SECC campus coordinator, at drakeb@uhd.edu or extension 8045. Contributions and pledge forms must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 30.