University of Houston-Clear Lake welcomed students for the first time in 1974, and it has been enriching the community landscape ever since. Originally created as an upper-level university welcoming third- and fourth-year students as well as professionals returning for their graduate degree, UH- Clear Lake began accepting freshman and sophomore students in 2014 and its expansion— both in terms of its lengthening list of degree options as well as its dynamic new construction plans— yield even more benefits for students preparing to enter today’ s competitive workforce.“ UHCL has made some really positive strategic moves to tap into the specific needs of our workforce,” says Yvette Bendeck, associate vice president of enrollment management.“ Students at UHCL have more options to prepare for a successful career than ever before.” Bendeck cites the addition of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, a degree that equips students to fill employers’ ever-increasing need for trained professionals in that field and builds on the successful Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology.“ This is one of many‘ gateway’ degrees we’ re offering that lay the groundwork for students to continue to develop academically and professionally,” Bendeck says. Recognizing the need to support the area’ s strong petrochemical and aerospace industries, the university gained support from the Texas Legislature and funded the construction of a 121,575-square-foot STEM and Classroom Building. Students will begin reaping the benefits of the new facility in fall 2018, when they’ ll begin attending the classes and studying in the state-of-the-art labs that will help them begin their careers equipped with real-world training and return for advanced learning. And with the addition of a student-supported Recreation and Wellness Center, also slated to open in fall 2018, students enrolled in UHCL’ s Exercise and Health Science and Fitness and Human Performance program will have a new facility in which to study and prepare for their ultimate mission— to educate others about the importance of wellness. Students needing a little extra help in choosing degrees and career paths can get assistance from Career Services where career counselors like Chuck Crocker, director of Career Services, can offer valuable insight.“ UHCL Career Services provides extensive assistance to students and alumni through the entire career development process,” Crocker says.“ This includes helping students match their interests with the right major, career decision making, providing the labor market data students need to make the most informed choices, and assisting with resume and cover letter writing.” Additionally, Crocker says that UHCL’ s Student and Career Services offers students assistance throughout the process of application to graduate school; from presenting the best possible resume to writing dynamic personal statements. Learn more about the opportunities available at UHCL by visiting http:// www. uhcl. edu.
Not an undergraduate anymore? UHCL has plenty of options for you, too!
• With more than 45 graduate degrees( including nine online graduate degrees) in a variety of fields, UHCL has graduate plans to meet busy schedules.
• Professional development seminars, cyber security courses and several noncredit presentations can help you building your knowledge bank. Find out about opportunities by visiting www. uhcl. edu / academics / extended /.
■ ■ University of Houston-Clear Lake offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and three doctoral programs, from its four colleges, formerly known as schools, which include the College of Business, College of Education, College of Human Sciences and Humanities, and College of Science and Engineering. In 2011, the university gained approval from the state to add freshmanand sophomore-level courses to its roster and welcomed its first freshman class in fall 2014. For more information about the university, visit http:// www. uhcl. edu.
To find more UH-Clear Lake news, visit UH-Clear Lake’ s newsroom, http:// www. uhcl. edu / news, or follow UH-Clear Lake on Facebook, http:// www. facebook. com / UHClearLake, and Twitter, http:// twitter. com / UHClearLake. MOMENTUM / August 2017 12