Arts, Centers, Programs and Associations in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences

O' Kane Theatre
The O' Kane Theatre showcases the talents of students, faculty, staff and alumni in fall and spring productions.  Performances are open to the public.  

O' Kane Gallery
The O' Kane Gallery presents exhibitions throughout the year with artwork by professional and emerging artists. In addition, University of Houston-Downtown art students and high schools are given an opportunity to see their work exhibited, perhaps for the first time, through exhibitions aimed at nurturing young artists. 

Center for Critical Race Studies
The Center for Critical Race Studies (CCRS) at University of Houston-Downtown creates an opportunity to build knowledge by bringing together the multiple identities and cultures that form our student body. 

Cultural Enrichment Center
The Cultural Enrichment Center (CEC) serves the University of Houston-Downtown through the development of programs that enrich the academic life of our community while celebrating the cultural and ethnic diversity of our students, staff, faculty, and the Houston community at large.

The Center for Latino Studies
The Center for Latino Studies (CLS) of the University of Houston-Downtown is an inclusive community of faculty, students, and community partners who are committed to promoting nuanced understandings of Latino/a/x experiences in Houston, the United States, and beyond. Through collaboration across disciplinary, institutional, and industry lines, CLS advances UHD’s identity as a Hispanic-serving and Minority-serving institution by integrating socially-empowering curriculum, innovative student support programs, cultural-enrichment opportunities, purposeful community engagement, and cutting-edge research and creative work centered on a broad range of Latino constituencies.

Center for Public Deliberation
The UHD Center for Public Deliberation (CPD) is a collaborative, non-partisan group that encourages citizens to actively participate in the deliberative democracy process through public discussions about issues that affect their lives. 

Institute for Plain English Research and Study
The Institute for Plain English Research and Study (IPERS) serves as a virtual and physical space for interested people to meet and discuss plain language guidelines, new regulations and laws, and their effects on workplace communication.

Houston Hispanic Leadership Initiative
The Mission of the University of Houston-Downtown Houston Hispanic Leadership Initiative is to Educate and Engage. Our activities focus on the issues and conditions that affect the Hispanic community of the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area, the state, and the region, especially relating to Citizenship, Economic Opportunities, Education, and Quality of Life.

Scholarly Events
Throughout the academic year, the college of Humanities and Social Sciences hosts scholarly events.  These events include the Gender Studies Conference, the Social Sciences lecture series, the HHL Student Research Conference and events such as Reflecting Black, and speaking engagement with CCRS Scholars in Residence.