Volunteers Needed
Opportunities to Engage with Prospective and First-Year Students - Volunteers Needed
The Office of First Year Programs (OFYP) invites NSM faculty to participate in several upcoming engagement and recruitment opportunities during Spring 2026. These activities provide meaningful ways to connect with prospective and current students, highlight departmental strengths, and support student success.
Recruitment Events - Faculty Participation Encouraged
There are multiple opportunities this spring to represent your department at recruitment events for prospective students and families. Faculty involvement plays a critical role in sharing academic experiences and answering questions about programs and pathways. Learn more about partnering with the Office of First Year Programs.
Coffee & Conversations - Connect with First-Year Students
OFYP is hosting an informal opportunity for faculty to connect with first-year students over free coffee and cookies. Students are eager to engage with faculty outside the classroom in a relaxed setting.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: SR-1, Second Floor Lobby
Faculty from all departments are encouraged to stop by and join the conversation.
Lab Crawl - Showcase Your Research
Faculty are invited to open their labs and host students during the annual Lab Crawl, an opportunity to showcase research and connect with first-year students eager to begin their research journeys. This experience introduces students to research opportunities across NSM while allowing them to engage directly with faculty and lab environments, helping spark early interest in undergraduate research and build meaningful connections.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1–2:30 PM
RSVP by Jan. 26 to Participate
Faculty participation in these initiatives strengthens recruitment, engagement, and early research exposure for NSM students.
2026 Science & Engineering Fair of Houston
The 2026 Science & Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH) is right around the corner, and we are excited to invite you to participate as a volunteer judge! As the largest regional science fair in Texas, SEFH brings together nearly 1,300 middle and high school students from Harris County and 22 surrounding counties—showcasing exceptional research across 18 scientific categories, from Animal Science to Physics and Astronomy.
Why Volunteer?
Your expertise can make a meaningful impact by: Connecting with Houston’s leading STEM professionals Inspiring and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers Supporting excellence in STEM education throughout our community
Judge Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Event Details
- đź“… Date: February 14, 2026
- ⏰ Time: 8 AM – 4 PM
- đź“Ť Location: Fort Bend Epicenter
Your participation ensures every student receives thoughtful, high‑quality feedback on their work. We would be honored to have you join us.
👉 Register Here
Thank you for helping support STEM education and celebrating the brilliance of young minds!
NSMTalks Series Returns
The NSMTalks series, hosted by the Office of First Year Program’s Student Leadership team, returns this Fall. For this series, faculty/staff share their academic, professional and/or personal journeys with the NSM community through a one hour presentation/discussion session. This helps build connections with our students and promotes engagement for academic and social events. If you would like to be featured for an NSMTalks event, please email us at nsmyear1@central.uh.edu.
NSM-ROVERs for College Fairs in the Houston Area
The OFYP is preparing for recruitment season and has registered to participate in 7 college fairs in the Houston area as well the UH Cougar Previews this October and November. We’d love faculty to participate in these exciting activities as an NSM-ROVER—a recruitment, outreach, and visit experiences representative. Sign up here and receive a free t-shirt for signing up to be an NSM-ROVER!