Houston Daily

For nearly 30 years, the University of Houston has welcomed students to campus each fall with Cougar First Impressions (CFI), a tradition organized by the UH Staff Council. The event is scheduled for Monday, August 25, and Tuesday, August 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and aims to make the first days of the semester welcoming for new and returning students.

CFI relies on faculty, staff, and student volunteers who are stationed at high-traffic locations across campus. Their role includes answering questions, giving directions, distributing water, university literature, and donated items such as pens, notebooks, and fans.

Andy Moon, co-chair for CFI and manager of Technology Support Services at UH, described the event: "CFI is an event through Staff Council that welcomes students back to campus each fall. Volunteers from across the UH community including staff, faculty and students are stationed at high traffic locations. They answer questions, give directions, distribute water, literature provided by several UH departments, and donated items such as pens, notebooks and fans."

Moon emphasized the importance of CFI for the campus community: "Many of our students have left their families to live on their own for the first time. CFI volunteers provide a friendly face, necessary resources and helpful answers on two of the highest stress days these student have ever faced. For nearly 30 years, we have welcomed new students to campus, helped students returning to campus and kept our students hydrated in the heat of an August in Houston."

Volunteers typically commit to a two-hour shift during one of the first two days but can also sign up for partial shifts if needed. According to Moon: "We ask volunteers to commit to a two-hour shift on one of the first two days of the fall semester. If the volunteer can only commit to a partial shift, we will absolutely work with them."

Regarding attire or preparation for volunteers: "A friendly face and a red shirt, preferably UH branded," Moon said.

One highlight each year is an ice cream giveaway at Butler Plaza in front of MD Anderson Library starting around 11 a.m. both days. Moon shared: "My favorite part of CFI every year is the ice cream giveaway. Beginning around 11 a.m. on both days, we bring ice cream to Butler Plaza in front of the MD Anderson Library and give it away. It’s amazing how many smiles are drawn by the three-word phrase 'free ice cream!'"

Moon encouraged all members of the university community to consider volunteering regardless of their familiarity with campus: "Even if you don’t think you know much about campus, the important thing you do have is a friendly face who is willing to help the students through what could be a stressful, intimidating time. You can definitely help to keep our community hydrated with the water provided at every table. You won't be left on an island, you'll have help anytime you need it — and you can not only make a difference but can see the positive impact you're having with the thankful looks and open smiles."

Those interested in volunteering can sign up now for Cougar First Impressions.