Without question, the Urban Experience Program needs to moved out of the Division of Student Affairs and back to the leadership of Dr. Elwyn C. Lee. Dr. Lee started this organization out of a sensitivity for the racial minorities that already and could possibly attend the UH Main Campus in the future. Like the UH Forensic Society, which has been dissolved in its present form, the Urban Experience Program will also be dissolved in the very near future unless this petition is approved. To be short, there is no benefit to the UH Main Campus by forcing the continued suffering of the Urban Experience Program in its current division. The organization needs to be placed with the most meaningful leader among senior UH Administration, Dr. Elwyn C. Lee.

I graduated from UH in June, 1972. It is extremely disheartening to see young students having to fight battles related to minority students and faculty fought 40 years ago. I applaud and encourage them to push forward. It is imperative that the University be responsive to communities of Color and make real commitments to diversity.

The Urban Experience Program has done an unbelievable job in helping with the success of students who are, underprivileged, in need of support, in need information, in need of academic strategy, in need of financial assistance Etc. The stats (program graduation rates, success etc.) are a prime example of UEP’s positive impact; it is imperative, that one looks at the context (chronology/ history) presented by UEP, to see why it’s such an important and needed program at the University of Houston.

The UEP progarm at the UH has been in existence for 20 yrs. As a member of the scholarship advisory/evaluation committee, I have learned firsthand how the program has assistmed many students not only financially to continue their education, but also in the area of professional mentorship and guidance, as well as the sende of familial support. THe program is effective/successful, efficient and held in very high regard by its diverse student membership. The propram should continue to exist as one of the few support mechanism for minority students. Check it's record.

If it wasn't for the Urban Experience Program, I wouldn't have the job and the experience to work at The Men's Wearhouse Headquarters Office located in the Westchase District in Houston, TX. I owe that organization everything for what they helped me with in "Corporate America".

The Urban Experience Program is the only reason Im still in school. The leadership groomed me to be the leader I am today and always encouraged me to be better. Theres too many students out there like myself and I cannot let them not experience the growth and development this program offers. It literally saves lives!

My daughter would have not graduated college without this program.

I want the Urban Experience Program to continue.