Throughout the year, the Intercultural & International Student Services (IISS) Office has many programs and events.  Some programs last the entire semester while others are conducted periodically.  All of our programs and events are for the education and benefit of the entire institution; however, we specifically try to address the needs of underrepresented and international student populations at UHCL.Forms for these events are available at the Intercultural & International Student Services Office (SSCB 1203).

Celebrating Our Elders
Think about your life. Has there been a particular African-American or Hispanic elder who has supported or inspired your achievement? Did this elder believe in you when accomplishing your dreams seemed difficult? Your elder could be a relative, teacher, coach, minister or neighbor. We want to hear your story of how your African-American or Hispanic elder has influenced your life.
In honor of these elders and your achievements, the University of Houston-Clear Lake is offering scholarships to students whose stories about supportive elders best exemplify the intergenerational strengths of African and Hispanic communities. ...more information.

Cinco De Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a date of great importance for the Mexican and Chicano communities. It marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Although the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves against any foreign invasion. Especially those from imperialist states bent on world conquest. In the United States, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to be known as simply "5 de Mayo".

Coffee Hours
As part of our outreach efforts, the IISS office conducts regular coffee hours in the Delta and Bayou buildings. This program facilitates our efforts to inform the UHCL community about our programs and activities.

Cultural Extravaganza
Cultural Extravaganza is a spectacular evening of cultural excitement! This event includes a night of dancing, singing, poetry, food and so much more. The UHCL campus community is given an opportunity to showcase talents from various cultures and countries. This event is held in Spring Semester in the Bayou Theatre. This is an event you do not want to miss! ...more information.

Dia De Los Muertos
More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. A ritual the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to eradicate. A ritual known today as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. For the celebrations, special altars are constructed to honor the dead person. Today, people don wooden skull masks called calacas and dance in honor of their deceased relatives. The wooden skulls are also placed on altars that are dedicated to the dead. A relative or friend eats sugar skulls, made with the names of the dead person on the forehead. The skulls were used to symbolize death and rebirth.

Global Expo
Global Expo is an annual event in which the UHCL community comes together to present a unique view of various countries, cultures, traditions, and customs around the globe. Seventeen different cultures and countries were represented at Global Expo 2007! The Vietnamese Students Association was presented awards for the “Best Booth”; Trinidad & Tobago was awarded “Most Spirited”; and Hungary & Taiwan were awarded “Most Educational”. The event is set to be held every Fall Semester in the Atrium II of Bayou Building. ...more information.

New International Student Orientation
New International Student Orientation is the first chance for International Students to experience all that UHCL has to offer. Orientation provides valuable information that helps ease International Student's transition to the campus and life in the U.S. in general. Each semester, the IISS office hosts an all-day Orientation for all new International Students. Pertinent information regarding admissions, Co-op, insurance, etc. is provided by UHCL staff. ...more information.

Strictly Speaking
Strictly Speaking is designed to enhance the speaking skills of non-native English speakers through conversation and immersion into U.S. culture. The program is informal and is not in place to substitute ESL courses, but rather to supplement them. Tutors work one-on-one with a student or in a small group (generally no larger than 3 students) once a week for approximately an hour. The structure is designed to allow the tutor and student to shape their experience the way they feel most comfortable. Participation in Strictly Speaking provides both the student and tutor with an opportunity to build a sense of community through intercultural and interpersonal understanding. ...more information.

Total Success Plus
Total Success Plus (TS+) is a mentoring program. IISS recognizes that students can benefit from informal assistance from others. We have solicited mentors from the UHCL faculty and staff community who are dedicated in working with students one-on-one to provide extra support and encouragement. Students from any discipline can apply, but it is requested that they have studied at UHCL for at least one (1) semester before submitting an application. The pairing process usually occurs at the beginning of a semester. Pairs are usually in the partnership for one or two semesters. Interested students or potential mentors can contact the IISS Office. ...more information.

Voices of Color
The Voices of Colour (VOC) Speaker Series is a series of presentations and lectures the IISS Office sponsors throughout the year. Each semester, we host various invited speakers to come to UHCL and share their knowledge, background, or historical information with us. We invite speakers of various racial and ethnic backgrounds to speak on whatever topic they choose as long as it is culturally relevant and will add to the co-curricular development of the UHCL community. In the past we have had speakers perform a one-person play, recite poetry, discuss historic events, etc.

Welcome Back Dance
Welcome Back Dance is designed to gather students together in a fun-filled night to begin a great upcoming year. With free food, music, flash, limbo contest, and couples/solo contest, students dance in Atrium II to get to know each other and welcome a great upcoming academic year. ...more information.

Wish Tree Program
Intercultural and International Student Services with conjunction with the Salvation Army hosts a Wish Tree program that is a uniquely designed to bring holiday cheer to needy children and senior citizens in Houston and surrounding communities.