The Women and Gender Resource Center at the student center south lower floor, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

From providing education to creating safe spaces, the Women and Gender Resource Center has been a cornerstone of support for students of all backgrounds at UH. Located in Student Center South, the center’s doors are open to anyone seeking community, resources or simply a space to belong.

History

Founded in 2004 by students and faculty, the center was created to build community and ensure advocacy for women on campus. The founders wanted to ensure a space to find support and connect with others. 

“Originally, the center primarily focused on women; however, over time, the scope has expanded,” said director of the WGRC Laura Zavala-Membreno. “Throughout the years, our goal has remained the same: to create an environment where those we serve feel valued and supported.” 

The WGRC now addresses multiple issues like healthy relationships, violence prevention and support for parent students. 

Impact

The center has made an impact on many students through guidance, support and creating a home away from home. 

Although “women” is in its title, the center is open to all students regardless of their gender.

“I find the WGRC is the most inclusive space on campus,” said psychology senior Lovelyn Pearce. “I will say that I have not been to a lot of other spaces, but that is because once I found this place, I didn’t need to keep looking.”

Pearce said the WGRC did a good job of making it inclusive for all women, not just the traditional heteronormative woman and stated that with the current political climate spaces like the WGRC are vital, especially in the South.

“I think that having spaces like this, especially within the southern areas of the country, are important so that we can come together and find community,” Pearce said. “We’re not going to get anywhere by being divisive, so we have to find that community and this place on campus tries to build that every day.”

Since moving to Student Center South, visits to the WGRC have increased 65% compared to last year. In fall 2024 they welcomed more than 4,500 visitors.

“We’re excited about the additional traffic coming through the WGRC and we remain here to provide a space to study, lounge, access resources and create community,” said Zavala-Membreno. 

The resources at the center range from free sanitary items, to contraceptives and even free printing. 

Business freshman Syeda Ayesha Hashmi said she found her safe space within the WGRC.

According to her, they have a way of being immediately inviting. The free food and free sanitary items are just the cherry on top.

“There’s support here and you can talk to the teachers and advisors here, if you need help with anything,” said Hashmi. “The sanitary items are such a big thing, too.”

Women’s History Month 

March marks Women’s History Month which represents a time people celebrate achievements of women over the course of America’s history. The WGRC sees this time as a great opportunity to highlight the contributions of women and foster education. 

Throughout the month, the center is tablings to promote its services and launch a social media campaign aimed at providing education and engagement with various students.

“The goal is to create meaningful experiences that inspire students and encourage them to take action on issues they care about,” said Zavala-Membreno.

Year-round, the WGRC hosts lectures, panel discussions and exhibits that showcase women’s stories from various backgrounds.  

“These celebrations serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done,” Zavala-Membreno said. “By partnering with faculty and student groups, the WGRC ensures that these stories are shared widely and that the contributions of women at UH and beyond are recognized.”

The WGRC is located in room B12 and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Women and Gender Resource Center: A legacy of advocacy for women” was originally posted on The Cougar

The Women and Gender Resource Center at the student center south lower floor, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

From providing education to creating safe spaces, the Women and Gender Resource Center has been a cornerstone of support for students of all backgrounds at UH. Located in Student Center South, the center’s doors are open to anyone seeking community, resources or simply a space to belong.

History

Founded in 2004 by students and faculty, the center was created to build community and ensure advocacy for women on campus. The founders wanted to ensure a space to find support and connect with others. 

“Originally, the center primarily focused on women; however, over time, the scope has expanded,” said director of the WGRC Laura Zavala-Membreno. “Throughout the years, our goal has remained the same: to create an environment where those we serve feel valued and supported.” 

The WGRC now addresses multiple issues like healthy relationships, violence prevention and support for parent students. 

Impact

The center has made an impact on many students through guidance, support and creating a home away from home. 

Although “women” is in its title, the center is open to all students regardless of their gender.

“I find the WGRC is the most inclusive space on campus,” said psychology senior Lovelyn Pearce. “I will say that I have not been to a lot of other spaces, but that is because once I found this place, I didn’t need to keep looking.”

Pearce said the WGRC did a good job of making it inclusive for all women, not just the traditional heteronormative woman and stated that with the current political climate spaces like the WGRC are vital, especially in the South.

“I think that having spaces like this, especially within the southern areas of the country, are important so that we can come together and find community,” Pearce said. “We’re not going to get anywhere by being divisive, so we have to find that community and this place on campus tries to build that every day.”

Since moving to Student Center South, visits to the WGRC have increased 65% compared to last year. In fall 2024 they welcomed more than 4,500 visitors.

“We’re excited about the additional traffic coming through the WGRC and we remain here to provide a space to study, lounge, access resources and create community,” said Zavala-Membreno. 

The resources at the center range from free sanitary items, to contraceptives and even free printing. 

Business freshman Syeda Ayesha Hashmi said she found her safe space within the WGRC.

According to her, they have a way of being immediately inviting. The free food and free sanitary items are just the cherry on top.

“There’s support here and you can talk to the teachers and advisors here, if you need help with anything,” said Hashmi. “The sanitary items are such a big thing, too.”

Women’s History Month 

March marks Women’s History Month which represents a time people celebrate achievements of women over the course of America’s history. The WGRC sees this time as a great opportunity to highlight the contributions of women and foster education. 

Throughout the month, the center is tablings to promote its services and launch a social media campaign aimed at providing education and engagement with various students.

“The goal is to create meaningful experiences that inspire students and encourage them to take action on issues they care about,” said Zavala-Membreno.

Year-round, the WGRC hosts lectures, panel discussions and exhibits that showcase women’s stories from various backgrounds.  

“These celebrations serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done,” Zavala-Membreno said. “By partnering with faculty and student groups, the WGRC ensures that these stories are shared widely and that the contributions of women at UH and beyond are recognized.”

The WGRC is located in room B12 and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Women and Gender Resource Center: A legacy of advocacy for women” was originally posted on The Cougar

The Women and Gender Resource Center at the student center south lower floor, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

From providing education to creating safe spaces, the Women and Gender Resource Center has been a cornerstone of support for students of all backgrounds at UH. Located in Student Center South, the center’s doors are open to anyone seeking community, resources or simply a space to belong.

History

Founded in 2004 by students and faculty, the center was created to build community and ensure advocacy for women on campus. The founders wanted to ensure a space to find support and connect with others. 

“Originally, the center primarily focused on women; however, over time, the scope has expanded,” said director of the WGRC Laura Zavala-Membreno. “Throughout the years, our goal has remained the same: to create an environment where those we serve feel valued and supported.” 

The WGRC now addresses multiple issues like healthy relationships, violence prevention and support for parent students. 

Impact

The center has made an impact on many students through guidance, support and creating a home away from home. 

Although “women” is in its title, the center is open to all students regardless of their gender.

“I find the WGRC is the most inclusive space on campus,” said psychology senior Lovelyn Pearce. “I will say that I have not been to a lot of other spaces, but that is because once I found this place, I didn’t need to keep looking.”

Pearce said the WGRC did a good job of making it inclusive for all women, not just the traditional heteronormative woman and stated that with the current political climate spaces like the WGRC are vital, especially in the South.

“I think that having spaces like this, especially within the southern areas of the country, are important so that we can come together and find community,” Pearce said. “We’re not going to get anywhere by being divisive, so we have to find that community and this place on campus tries to build that every day.”

Since moving to Student Center South, visits to the WGRC have increased 65% compared to last year. In fall 2024 they welcomed more than 4,500 visitors.

“We’re excited about the additional traffic coming through the WGRC and we remain here to provide a space to study, lounge, access resources and create community,” said Zavala-Membreno. 

The resources at the center range from free sanitary items, to contraceptives and even free printing. 

Business freshman Syeda Ayesha Hashmi said she found her safe space within the WGRC.

According to her, they have a way of being immediately inviting. The free food and free sanitary items are just the cherry on top.

“There’s support here and you can talk to the teachers and advisors here, if you need help with anything,” said Hashmi. “The sanitary items are such a big thing, too.”

Women’s History Month 

March marks Women’s History Month which represents a time people celebrate achievements of women over the course of America’s history. The WGRC sees this time as a great opportunity to highlight the contributions of women and foster education. 

Throughout the month, the center is tablings to promote its services and launch a social media campaign aimed at providing education and engagement with various students.

“The goal is to create meaningful experiences that inspire students and encourage them to take action on issues they care about,” said Zavala-Membreno.

Year-round, the WGRC hosts lectures, panel discussions and exhibits that showcase women’s stories from various backgrounds.  

“These celebrations serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done,” Zavala-Membreno said. “By partnering with faculty and student groups, the WGRC ensures that these stories are shared widely and that the contributions of women at UH and beyond are recognized.”

The WGRC is located in room B12 and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Women and Gender Resource Center: A legacy of advocacy for women” was originally posted on The Cougar

The Women and Gender Resource Center at the student center south lower floor, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

From providing education to creating safe spaces, the Women and Gender Resource Center has been a cornerstone of support for students of all backgrounds at UH. Located in Student Center South, the center’s doors are open to anyone seeking community, resources or simply a space to belong.

History

Founded in 2004 by students and faculty, the center was created to build community and ensure advocacy for women on campus. The founders wanted to ensure a space to find support and connect with others. 

“Originally, the center primarily focused on women; however, over time, the scope has expanded,” said director of the WGRC Laura Zavala-Membreno. “Throughout the years, our goal has remained the same: to create an environment where those we serve feel valued and supported.” 

The WGRC now addresses multiple issues like healthy relationships, violence prevention and support for parent students. 

Impact

The center has made an impact on many students through guidance, support and creating a home away from home. 

Although “women” is in its title, the center is open to all students regardless of their gender.

“I find the WGRC is the most inclusive space on campus,” said psychology senior Lovelyn Pearce. “I will say that I have not been to a lot of other spaces, but that is because once I found this place, I didn’t need to keep looking.”

Pearce said the WGRC did a good job of making it inclusive for all women, not just the traditional heteronormative woman and stated that with the current political climate spaces like the WGRC are vital, especially in the South.

“I think that having spaces like this, especially within the southern areas of the country, are important so that we can come together and find community,” Pearce said. “We’re not going to get anywhere by being divisive, so we have to find that community and this place on campus tries to build that every day.”

Since moving to Student Center South, visits to the WGRC have increased 65% compared to last year. In fall 2024 they welcomed more than 4,500 visitors.

“We’re excited about the additional traffic coming through the WGRC and we remain here to provide a space to study, lounge, access resources and create community,” said Zavala-Membreno. 

The resources at the center range from free sanitary items, to contraceptives and even free printing. 

Business freshman Syeda Ayesha Hashmi said she found her safe space within the WGRC.

According to her, they have a way of being immediately inviting. The free food and free sanitary items are just the cherry on top.

“There’s support here and you can talk to the teachers and advisors here, if you need help with anything,” said Hashmi. “The sanitary items are such a big thing, too.”

Women’s History Month 

March marks Women’s History Month which represents a time people celebrate achievements of women over the course of America’s history. The WGRC sees this time as a great opportunity to highlight the contributions of women and foster education. 

Throughout the month, the center is tablings to promote its services and launch a social media campaign aimed at providing education and engagement with various students.

“The goal is to create meaningful experiences that inspire students and encourage them to take action on issues they care about,” said Zavala-Membreno.

Year-round, the WGRC hosts lectures, panel discussions and exhibits that showcase women’s stories from various backgrounds.  

“These celebrations serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done,” Zavala-Membreno said. “By partnering with faculty and student groups, the WGRC ensures that these stories are shared widely and that the contributions of women at UH and beyond are recognized.”

The WGRC is located in room B12 and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Women and Gender Resource Center: A legacy of advocacy for women” was originally posted on The Cougar

The Women and Gender Resource Center at the student center south lower floor, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

From providing education to creating safe spaces, the Women and Gender Resource Center has been a cornerstone of support for students of all backgrounds at UH. Located in Student Center South, the center’s doors are open to anyone seeking community, resources or simply a space to belong.

History

Founded in 2004 by students and faculty, the center was created to build community and ensure advocacy for women on campus. The founders wanted to ensure a space to find support and connect with others. 

“Originally, the center primarily focused on women; however, over time, the scope has expanded,” said director of the WGRC Laura Zavala-Membreno. “Throughout the years, our goal has remained the same: to create an environment where those we serve feel valued and supported.” 

The WGRC now addresses multiple issues like healthy relationships, violence prevention and support for parent students. 

Impact

The center has made an impact on many students through guidance, support and creating a home away from home. 

Although “women” is in its title, the center is open to all students regardless of their gender.

“I find the WGRC is the most inclusive space on campus,” said psychology senior Lovelyn Pearce. “I will say that I have not been to a lot of other spaces, but that is because once I found this place, I didn’t need to keep looking.”

Pearce said the WGRC did a good job of making it inclusive for all women, not just the traditional heteronormative woman and stated that with the current political climate spaces like the WGRC are vital, especially in the South.

“I think that having spaces like this, especially within the southern areas of the country, are important so that we can come together and find community,” Pearce said. “We’re not going to get anywhere by being divisive, so we have to find that community and this place on campus tries to build that every day.”

Since moving to Student Center South, visits to the WGRC have increased 65% compared to last year. In fall 2024 they welcomed more than 4,500 visitors.

“We’re excited about the additional traffic coming through the WGRC and we remain here to provide a space to study, lounge, access resources and create community,” said Zavala-Membreno. 

The resources at the center range from free sanitary items, to contraceptives and even free printing. 

Business freshman Syeda Ayesha Hashmi said she found her safe space within the WGRC.

According to her, they have a way of being immediately inviting. The free food and free sanitary items are just the cherry on top.

“There’s support here and you can talk to the teachers and advisors here, if you need help with anything,” said Hashmi. “The sanitary items are such a big thing, too.”

Women’s History Month 

March marks Women’s History Month which represents a time people celebrate achievements of women over the course of America’s history. The WGRC sees this time as a great opportunity to highlight the contributions of women and foster education. 

Throughout the month, the center is tablings to promote its services and launch a social media campaign aimed at providing education and engagement with various students.

“The goal is to create meaningful experiences that inspire students and encourage them to take action on issues they care about,” said Zavala-Membreno.

Year-round, the WGRC hosts lectures, panel discussions and exhibits that showcase women’s stories from various backgrounds.  

“These celebrations serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done,” Zavala-Membreno said. “By partnering with faculty and student groups, the WGRC ensures that these stories are shared widely and that the contributions of women at UH and beyond are recognized.”

The WGRC is located in room B12 and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Women and Gender Resource Center: A legacy of advocacy for women” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelos/The Cougar

March 5, the Student Government Association convened for a special season to announce the possibility of the organization being held at a stand still. 

Student body rejects new constitution 

The SGA presented the student body with an updated version of the constitution. In the email, they stated that this constitution presents an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s structure, functionality and relevance.

On Feb. 26, students could vote to either agree or disagree with the updated version. The results came out to 381 for disagreement and 71 for agreement, according to former Sen. Jesus Nieto.

Many students on campus found an issue with the updated constitution. One of those opposed voices, Deeds Not Words at UH, urged students to vote no due to the lack of transparency with the student body and radical expansion of executive powers. 

“This constitution is a gross overstepping of UH administrators and SGA executive branch members to undermine fair representation for the student body,” DNW said.

Future of SGA

The SGA cannot continue to hold elections due to the failed agreement between the student body and the constitution. 

If no changes are made between now and the end of the 61st administration’s term, March 31, the SGA will not exist during the summer and elections will resume presumably during the fall. 

Without elections, the current members will have to leave their positions at the end of the term. No extended time in the office will be allowed. 

As of now, the SGA is in a find-out phase, said Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell. 

If the constitution is not agreed upon, a consulting company will be hired to help draft one over the summer. 

“I mean at this point our next option is just lay down and just die, or we put it back up and we are going to have to actively fight and campaign with facts,” Cockrell said.

Even if the SGA were to pass a new constitution through the administration, senate and the student body, there will be a period without any student representation.

SGA presented multiple solutions to Vice Chancellor Paul Kittle on how to continue the work of the organization if dismantled.

These solutions included creating an advocacy board or bringing students together to meet with the admin. The ideas were rejected by Kittle and would not be recognized as any official channel. 

“There is no other organization on this campus that has the direct connection to the administration and the ability to make the change that we have,” Cockrell said. 

Election plans by the Senate 

After much disagreement on how to continue with the short time, senators still wanted to show the administration that the SGA is election-ready and will not give up. 

A plan to continue the elections was tentatively suggested as well. 

In the possibility that SGA would put together an election, they would have to approve an Attorney General and an Election Commissioner candidate. 

This could take an unspecified amount of time. The election itself would consist of a two-week registration period and 48 hours of voting. There is no specific time for a campaign period.

Multiple members of the chamber mentioned the past failings of SGA up to that point. 

The Legislative Branch Advisor pointed out that SGA could have started the election process, assuming it was going to be passed, rather than waiting.

“As much as I want to be like ‘Yes, guys, we need to fight to keep SGA, this great institution, I can’t say that without laughing,” said Sen. Jason Jacobs. “As much as I want to do that, I feel like we’ve kind of lost that ability. We had the chance and I think we lost it.”

New bills

The Black Student Leadership Council Bill was passed to provide spaces for all Black student organizations on campus. The goal is to bring leadership and create bonds between the community. 

The Life Skills and Campus Success Act was passed to help connect with incoming freshman and transfer students. 

This act is based on education and involvement, creating a smoother translation for students who have never lived away from home.  

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“SGA comes to a stand still, no elections this semester” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelos/The Cougar

March 5, the Student Government Association convened for a special season to announce the possibility of the organization being held at a stand still. 

Student body rejects new constitution 

The SGA presented the student body with an updated version of the constitution. In the email, they stated that this constitution presents an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s structure, functionality and relevance.

On Feb. 26, students could vote to either agree or disagree with the updated version. The results came out to 381 for disagreement and 71 for agreement, according to former Sen. Jesus Nieto.

Many students on campus found an issue with the updated constitution. One of those opposed voices, Deeds Not Words at UH, urged students to vote no due to the lack of transparency with the student body and radical expansion of executive powers. 

“This constitution is a gross overstepping of UH administrators and SGA executive branch members to undermine fair representation for the student body,” DNW said.

Future of SGA

The SGA cannot continue to hold elections due to the failed agreement between the student body and the constitution. 

If no changes are made between now and the end of the 61st administration’s term, March 31, the SGA will not exist during the summer and elections will resume presumably during the fall. 

Without elections, the current members will have to leave their positions at the end of the term. No extended time in the office will be allowed. 

As of now, the SGA is in a find-out phase, said Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell. 

If the constitution is not agreed upon, a consulting company will be hired to help draft one over the summer. 

“I mean at this point our next option is just lay down and just die, or we put it back up and we are going to have to actively fight and campaign with facts,” Cockrell said.

Even if the SGA were to pass a new constitution through the administration, senate and the student body, there will be a period without any student representation.

SGA presented multiple solutions to Vice Chancellor Paul Kittle on how to continue the work of the organization if dismantled.

These solutions included creating an advocacy board or bringing students together to meet with the admin. The ideas were rejected by Kittle and would not be recognized as any official channel. 

“There is no other organization on this campus that has the direct connection to the administration and the ability to make the change that we have,” Cockrell said. 

Election plans by the Senate 

After much disagreement on how to continue with the short time, senators still wanted to show the administration that the SGA is election-ready and will not give up. 

A plan to continue the elections was tentatively suggested as well. 

In the possibility that SGA would put together an election, they would have to approve an Attorney General and an Election Commissioner candidate. 

This could take an unspecified amount of time. The election itself would consist of a two-week registration period and 48 hours of voting. There is no specific time for a campaign period.

Multiple members of the chamber mentioned the past failings of SGA up to that point. 

The Legislative Branch Advisor pointed out that SGA could have started the election process, assuming it was going to be passed, rather than waiting.

“As much as I want to be like ‘Yes, guys, we need to fight to keep SGA, this great institution, I can’t say that without laughing,” said Sen. Jason Jacobs. “As much as I want to do that, I feel like we’ve kind of lost that ability. We had the chance and I think we lost it.”

New bills

The Black Student Leadership Council Bill was passed to provide spaces for all Black student organizations on campus. The goal is to bring leadership and create bonds between the community. 

The Life Skills and Campus Success Act was passed to help connect with incoming freshman and transfer students. 

This act is based on education and involvement, creating a smoother translation for students who have never lived away from home.  

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“SGA comes to a stand still, no elections this semester” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelos/The Cougar

March 5, the Student Government Association convened for a special season to announce the possibility of the organization being held at a stand still. 

Student body rejects new constitution 

The SGA presented the student body with an updated version of the constitution. In the email, they stated that this constitution presents an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s structure, functionality and relevance.

On Feb. 26, students could vote to either agree or disagree with the updated version. The results came out to 381 for disagreement and 71 for agreement, according to former Sen. Jesus Nieto.

Many students on campus found an issue with the updated constitution. One of those opposed voices, Deeds Not Words at UH, urged students to vote no due to the lack of transparency with the student body and radical expansion of executive powers. 

“This constitution is a gross overstepping of UH administrators and SGA executive branch members to undermine fair representation for the student body,” DNW said.

Future of SGA

The SGA cannot continue to hold elections due to the failed agreement between the student body and the constitution. 

If no changes are made between now and the end of the 61st administration’s term, March 31, the SGA will not exist during the summer and elections will resume presumably during the fall. 

Without elections, the current members will have to leave their positions at the end of the term. No extended time in the office will be allowed. 

As of now, the SGA is in a find-out phase, said Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell. 

If the constitution is not agreed upon, a consulting company will be hired to help draft one over the summer. 

“I mean at this point our next option is just lay down and just die, or we put it back up and we are going to have to actively fight and campaign with facts,” Cockrell said.

Even if the SGA were to pass a new constitution through the administration, senate and the student body, there will be a period without any student representation.

SGA presented multiple solutions to Vice Chancellor Paul Kittle on how to continue the work of the organization if dismantled.

These solutions included creating an advocacy board or bringing students together to meet with the admin. The ideas were rejected by Kittle and would not be recognized as any official channel. 

“There is no other organization on this campus that has the direct connection to the administration and the ability to make the change that we have,” Cockrell said. 

Election plans by the Senate 

After much disagreement on how to continue with the short time, senators still wanted to show the administration that the SGA is election-ready and will not give up. 

A plan to continue the elections was tentatively suggested as well. 

In the possibility that SGA would put together an election, they would have to approve an Attorney General and an Election Commissioner candidate. 

This could take an unspecified amount of time. The election itself would consist of a two-week registration period and 48 hours of voting. There is no specific time for a campaign period.

Multiple members of the chamber mentioned the past failings of SGA up to that point. 

The Legislative Branch Advisor pointed out that SGA could have started the election process, assuming it was going to be passed, rather than waiting.

“As much as I want to be like ‘Yes, guys, we need to fight to keep SGA, this great institution, I can’t say that without laughing,” said Sen. Jason Jacobs. “As much as I want to do that, I feel like we’ve kind of lost that ability. We had the chance and I think we lost it.”

New bills

The Black Student Leadership Council Bill was passed to provide spaces for all Black student organizations on campus. The goal is to bring leadership and create bonds between the community. 

The Life Skills and Campus Success Act was passed to help connect with incoming freshman and transfer students. 

This act is based on education and involvement, creating a smoother translation for students who have never lived away from home.  

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“SGA comes to a stand still, no elections this semester” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelos/The Cougar

March 5, the Student Government Association convened for a special season to announce the possibility of the organization being held at a stand still. 

Student body rejects new constitution 

The SGA presented the student body with an updated version of the constitution. In the email, they stated that this constitution presents an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s structure, functionality and relevance.

On Feb. 26, students could vote to either agree or disagree with the updated version. The results came out to 381 for disagreement and 71 for agreement, according to former Sen. Jesus Nieto.

Many students on campus found an issue with the updated constitution. One of those opposed voices, Deeds Not Words at UH, urged students to vote no due to the lack of transparency with the student body and radical expansion of executive powers. 

“This constitution is a gross overstepping of UH administrators and SGA executive branch members to undermine fair representation for the student body,” DNW said.

Future of SGA

The SGA cannot continue to hold elections due to the failed agreement between the student body and the constitution. 

If no changes are made between now and the end of the 61st administration’s term, March 31, the SGA will not exist during the summer and elections will resume presumably during the fall. 

Without elections, the current members will have to leave their positions at the end of the term. No extended time in the office will be allowed. 

As of now, the SGA is in a find-out phase, said Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell. 

If the constitution is not agreed upon, a consulting company will be hired to help draft one over the summer. 

“I mean at this point our next option is just lay down and just die, or we put it back up and we are going to have to actively fight and campaign with facts,” Cockrell said.

Even if the SGA were to pass a new constitution through the administration, senate and the student body, there will be a period without any student representation.

SGA presented multiple solutions to Vice Chancellor Paul Kittle on how to continue the work of the organization if dismantled.

These solutions included creating an advocacy board or bringing students together to meet with the admin. The ideas were rejected by Kittle and would not be recognized as any official channel. 

“There is no other organization on this campus that has the direct connection to the administration and the ability to make the change that we have,” Cockrell said. 

Election plans by the Senate 

After much disagreement on how to continue with the short time, senators still wanted to show the administration that the SGA is election-ready and will not give up. 

A plan to continue the elections was tentatively suggested as well. 

In the possibility that SGA would put together an election, they would have to approve an Attorney General and an Election Commissioner candidate. 

This could take an unspecified amount of time. The election itself would consist of a two-week registration period and 48 hours of voting. There is no specific time for a campaign period.

Multiple members of the chamber mentioned the past failings of SGA up to that point. 

The Legislative Branch Advisor pointed out that SGA could have started the election process, assuming it was going to be passed, rather than waiting.

“As much as I want to be like ‘Yes, guys, we need to fight to keep SGA, this great institution, I can’t say that without laughing,” said Sen. Jason Jacobs. “As much as I want to do that, I feel like we’ve kind of lost that ability. We had the chance and I think we lost it.”

New bills

The Black Student Leadership Council Bill was passed to provide spaces for all Black student organizations on campus. The goal is to bring leadership and create bonds between the community. 

The Life Skills and Campus Success Act was passed to help connect with incoming freshman and transfer students. 

This act is based on education and involvement, creating a smoother translation for students who have never lived away from home.  

news@thedailycougar.com

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“SGA comes to a stand still, no elections this semester” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

The allocation of funds to 33 campus units, which keep the lights on and resources available, relies on money from students’ pockets. However, not all units are funded equally.

This allocation of funds is determined by the Student Fees Advisory Committee. 

SFAC is composed of five elected students, four administrators appointed by the president and one non-voting mentor.

As the advising committee, SFAC does not make the final decision, but their recommendations are the influence and guideline for each fiscal year’s budget.

This organization roots its values in being a voice for the student body, ensuring transparency and effective use of student fees.

With growing student demands for more transparency, here’s a breakdown of how SFAC operates:

Understanding student fees

When students pay tuition, they are not just paying for classes. Multiple mandatory fees can add up to $800 per semester. SFAC oversees $260 of this amount, known as the Students Services Fee.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the Student Service Fee is increasing to $280. With the projected enrollment of 44,517 students, this increase will generate an additional $890,340 for the committee.

Of the $20 increase amount, $3.50 will be going to the Student Health Center, while the remaining $16.50 will support the remainder of the units funded by the fee.

“For those concerned about the fee increase, it’s important to keep in mind that the demand for financial support often exceeds available resources,” SFAC said. 

Organizations funded by SFAC can request money, either a permanent addition to their budget or as a one-time allocation. 

Each year, these funds fluctuate and SFAC bases their readjustment or reauthorization of budgets on what benefits the student body.

Every unit allocation and fund is publicly available in the Students Service Fee Rate schedule.

With the review of President Renu Khator and Vice-President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle, the schedule has been approved. 

Major budget allocations

According to the schedule, the top-funded organizations include Athletics, Dean of Students, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health center and the Vice President for Student Affairs Office. 

These units have costly operational needs and provide important resources. 

For example, CAPS requested eight one-time budget requests and ended up with a one-time budget of $168,010 for the 2026 fiscal year.

The schedule outlining budgets for the 33 units is detailed and complex, but students are encouraged to review how funds are allocated.

Student concerns and history

In recent weeks, students have raised concerns about how campus organizations are funded.

“I want to see more funds allocated and us as students being part of that process of where those funds are being allocated,” said public policy major Joshua Sambrano. “I know that there’s a lot of trouble that ended up happening with SFAC. I know that there was quite a bit of money placed everywhere else, other than public safety here.”

With documents like the Students Service Fee Rate Schedule, students can better understand how and where their money is distributed.

Last year, President Renu Khator has initially rejected the recommendations made by the 2023-2024 SFAC for the first time in 16 years.

The report, finalized before the beginning of the semester, recommended divesting $1.5 million from UH Athletics’ base budget. The committee proposed reallocating the funds — with around two-thirds remaining in the department’s budget pending future committee approval — into other student programs and services, along with an external review of the Athletics department.

Students have rallied behind the committee and protest sponsored by multiple student organizations was held at the 2024 Board of Regents meeting.

Despite student complaints, UH Chairman Tilman Fertitta made it clear that Athletics will receive its funding no matter what. He created a four person committee that resolved the tabled issue regarding the budget proposal made by the student committee.

The recommendations relocated a few student organizations to the University Center Fee, bolstering changes to Counseling and Psychological Services and additional compensation for current employees in CAPS, to help job retention rates in the department. UH Athletics continued to maintain its budget at $1.5 million.

news@thedailycougar.com

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“Where do your student fees go? Inside SFAC’s role” was originally posted on The Cougar