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News

Office keeps Cougars clean

Advisers at Student Legal Services offer affordable advice

by Barry Roesler
The Daily Cougar

College is often called "the best years of your life," but with great times come great responsibilities -- and sometimes, the greatest responsibility of all is staying out of trouble.

Fortunately, if students don't, UH's Student Legal Services office can help.

The office was recently expanded to a full-time service offering legal advice to anyone on campus.

"Legal services are very important," said Marilyn Golub, legal adviser for students. "Many issues I could be of some assistance on are ones that affect students' ability to stay in school. Thirty to 40 percent of the people I speak with have problems with divorce, child support, debts, criminal charges, paternity, etc."

Though the other 60 or 70 percent of legal issues may not be as significant, they come in a wide variety.

"I remember a sad story in which a student got arrested for taking a book out of the library and, due to a glitch in the system, ended up spending around a week in jail," Golub said. "That should not have happened."

She said other incidents that may seem small can have long-term effects on someone's personal record.

"If an individual is caught riding Houston's MetroRail without a ticket, the police issue a theft of services citation, and if the person pays the fine, they will have a theft conviction on their record, making it difficult to find a job," Golub said. "It is essential that a student receives legal advice regarding his or her options."

Though Student Legal Services has existed for 30 years, it only became a full-time service a year ago. Golub has been helping students for more than 18 years.

The Student Legal Services office is located on the second floor of the University Center. Consultations are $5 and require an appointment; for more information or to schedule an appointment, call (713) 743-4540 or e-mail mgolub@uh.edu.
 

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