Downtown Houston is a place filled with excitement and energy, as evidenced by the unique range of people and opportunities in the area. As an anchor institution for Downtown, UHD has a responsibility to not just reflect the region’s thriving atmosphere, but to contribute to it in a way that furthers the endeavors of UHD students, faculty, and staff, as well as those of our community partners.

The most tangible way for UHD to do this is to leverage the campus itself. The question is, then: How to do this? The answer is, of course, difficult—in fact, there isn’t just one answer.

Because of the complexity of the process, and because it involves the entire UHD community, the University, the UHD steering committee [along with its architectural firm Huitt-Zollars (HZ)], are requesting your input and thoughtful comments on a Campus Master Plan (CMP) questionnaire, so that UHD’s campus can serve the needs of all involved.

In short, this is the chance to shape the University’s future in a way that, years hence, you will be able to see, feel, and touch. The questionnaire is brief, and includes such items as accessibility, mobility, amenities (including dining options), and the organization of buildings on campus. You will also be able to write in any other ideas you might have for improvements.

Also, since any campus expansion must also maintain the sense of community, there are several questions that concern UHD identity and tradition. Answering these will help HZ and the steering committee ensure any changes to campus serve not only the campus community, but University traditions as well.

As currently constituted, the CMP lays out the potential expansions and modifications to the UHD campus, including proposed expansions toward the theater district, modifying the One Main Building to form an indoor campus quad, or adding student housing. Also, the CMP will consider all current UHD buildings, UHD-owned land and greenspaces, and the integration of UHD with the surrounding neighborhoods.

Remember, your thoughts matter, so please complete the questionnaire and shape the future of UHD!