The mission of the University of Houston is to “provide a range of educational programs that foster an intellectually and culturally diverse environment that enhances individual growth and development. UH’s 16-sport intercollegiate program is a member of Conference USA. The University of Houston conducts research in each academic department and operates more than 40 research centers and institutes on campus. Through these facilities. UH also has several privately-owned apartment complexes on campus that are Cullen Oaks, Bayou Oaks, and Cambridge Oaks. In late 2006, it was announced that UH approved a new apartment complex on campus specifically for graduate and professional student living. The new housing area is scheduled to be finished by 2009 as part of UH’s “Master Plan” and will include retail stores, lecture halls, recreation facilities, and has been dubbed “Calhoun Lofts”. The Cougar Paw is a popular hand sign used by University of Houston students, faculty, alumni, and athletics fans to represent camaraderie and support. The Cougar Paw tradition was adopted through several athletics events between the University of Houston and the University of Texas at Austin.