Coogs Advocate for UH at the Texas Capitol

On an early February morning, as the drizzle danced in the soft glow of the parking lot lights on the west side of TDECU Stadium, an enthusiastic contingent of Coogs awaited their marching orders. Their spirits wouldn’t be dampened — this day was too special, and too important.

With the first hint of daylight on the horizon, two busloads of University of Houston students, faculty, staff and alumni set out for the Texas state capitol. Their mission: meet with lawmakers to highlight the University’s legislative priorities and celebrate its positive impact on Houston, the State of Texas and beyond.

“UH Day at the Capitol is a powerful opportunity for us to engage directly with state legislators, celebrate our achievements and educate them about the key priorities that will drive the University forward.”

Jason Smith, vice president for government and community relations at UH.

“UH Day at the Capitol is a powerful opportunity for us to engage directly with state legislators, celebrate our achievements and educate them about the key priorities that will drive the University forward,” said Jason Smith, vice president for government and community relations at UH. “By working together, we can ensure continued success for our students, faculty, staff and the entire UH community.”

The first order of business was a visit to the Texas Senate chambers for a special proclamation declaring Feb. 11 as University of Houston Day at the State Capitol, presented to UH President Renu Khator and members of the UH System Board of Regents.

Then the real work of the day began as teams of students spent hours navigating the Capitol’s marbled, labyrinthian hallways and offices to advocate for UH’s legislative priorities directly with the state lawmakers who will ultimately decide their fate.

UH students (L to R): Johnny Thai, Saachi Aggarwal, Sena Tuna and Vinay Pillai.

UH students (L to R): Johnny Thai, Saachi Aggarwal, Sena Tuna and Vinay Pillai.

The ride back to Houston provided an opportunity for everyone to reflect and share stories of their experiences — they were proud of the connections they made and hopeful for the change their voices might bring. The day’s work was done, but there is more to do. And when the call comes, these Coogs will be ready.

“When students advocate for the University, we help secure the support needed to drive innovation, expand resources and enhance student success,” said Tomas Bryan, student regent on the UH System Board of Regents. “Staying engaged ensures that our needs are heard at the highest levels of state leadership, ultimately shaping a stronger, more impactful University for generations to come.”

2025 Legislative Priorities

Improving the Health of Texans

UH is uniquely positioned to lead health education across multiple disciplines, providing unparalleled access to resources, collaboration and training opportunities that few other universities can match. To meet our goal of improving the health of all Texans, UH is seeking several health-related appropriations, including $200 million for a new academic teaching hospital for the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and $175 million for a new College of Optometry building.

Increased Formula Funding

The UH System encourages the Legislature to adopt the recommendations from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which would significantly alleviate the inflation-driven financial pressures on our universities and help them keep the cost of attendance affordable.

Financial Aid/TEXAS Grants

Many students in our universities work multiple jobs to finance their education while relying heavily on financial aid, and without increased investment in state-supported financial aid, they may face insurmountable barriers to completing their degrees. Providing TEXAS grants for eligible students will allow those with the greatest financial need to attend public universities in our state.

Capital Construction Assistance Projects (CCAPs)

To continue meeting the educational needs of our growing student population, the UH System is requesting that the Legislature authorize new CCAPs, including funding for projects that were either omitted or received inadequate support in the last CCAP-related legislation.

Hazlewood Exemptions

The UH System remains fully committed to supporting veterans and their families by expanding access to higher education opportunities, so we are requesting that the Legislature either maintain the current level of funding for the Hazlewood Legacy Program or increase funding to cover 100% of the Legacy Program costs at institutions.

The Student Experience

“Advocating for the University alongside fellow students was an incredible experience. Meeting with legislators and discussing the importance of higher education funding gave me a deeper understanding of the impact of student voices on policymaking. The trip strengthened my pride in representing UH and reinforced my passion for leadership and community engagement.”
Saachi Aggarwal, sophomore entrepreneurship and sales major from Houston

“Sitting in on a senate hearing, meeting with our distinguished leaders and collaborating with my peers while advocating for the University made for an inspiring and meaningful day. It was an honor to represent UH and contribute to the dialogue shaping its future.”
Vinay Pillai, senior health major from Kingwood and an Advancement Ambassador

“As a student who has spent my entire college career at UH, I feel deeply connected to the University. This was more than just a day of recognition — it was a chance to give back by advocating for initiatives that are most important to us, like supporting student success, research and innovation, and continued investment in higher education. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of it.”
Johnny Thai, senior finance and supply chain management major from Austin

“Being a part of this process allows you to shape the conversations and decisions that will shape your experience at UH. We’re the ones with the most valuable and important information that decisionmakers need to hear. If we want a better future for our school and community, we have to start by speaking up.”
Sena Tuna, a sophomore finance and marketing major from Sugar Land

“Advocating for the University alongside fellow students was an incredible experience. Meeting with legislators and discussing the importance of higher education funding gave me a deeper understanding of the impact of student voices on policymaking. The trip strengthened my pride in representing UH and reinforced my passion for leadership and community engagement.”
Saachi Aggarwal, sophomore entrepreneurship and sales major from Houston

“Sitting in on a senate hearing, meeting with our distinguished leaders and collaborating with my peers while advocating for the University made for an inspiring and meaningful day. It was an honor to represent UH and contribute to the dialogue shaping its future.”
Vinay Pillai, senior health major from Kingwood and an Advancement Ambassador

“As a student who has spent my entire college career at UH, I feel deeply connected to the University. This was more than just a day of recognition – it was a chance to give back by advocating for initiatives that are most important to us, like supporting student success, research and innovation, and continued investment in higher education. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of it.”
Johnny Thai, senior finance and supply chain management major from Austin

“Being a part of this process allows you to shape the conversations and decisions that will shape your experience at UH. We’re the ones with the most valuable and important information that decisionmakers need to hear. If we want a better future for our school and community, we have to start by speaking up.”
Sena Tuna, a sophomore finance and marketing major from Sugar Land