The University of Houston – Main is proud of the work the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE) has done to provide First-Generation students with resources to assist in the success of their college career. First-Generation is one of the major pillar programs at CSE with an initiative to provide first-generation students with the tools needed to have a successful college career.
The Center for Student Empowerment (CSE) at the University of Houston had a productive and impactful Fall semester, with notable progress across various programs and services aimed at supporting student success. This term, CSE continued to provide essential resources for students, including academic support, career development, personal growth opportunities, and specialized services for first-generation students. A major highlight of the semester was CSE’s participation in the First Gen Forward initiative, which reflects the department's commitment to supporting the 45% of University of Houston students who are first-generation.
Though CSE has hosted First-Generation Student Week (FGSW) in the past, CSE was determined to make 2024's FGSW larger and increase student, staff, faculty, and departmental engagement across campus. CSE staff hosted tabling events for FGSW, directly engaging with first-generation students and providing them with information on events being held across the campus. The participation numbers for FGSW events increased compared to previous years, indicating greater awareness and interest in first-generation support services.
FGSW ended in celebration fashion with a large bash featuring DSA’s VP, Dr. Kittle, who spoke on the importance of first-generation support and appreciation to the first-generation students on campus. AVP of DSA Dean Donell Young, J.D., spoke on his first-generation experience during his time as a student and reflected on the obstacles that he overcame to reach his goals. Students had an opportunity to take a photo op and line dance with Shasta and Sasha, the University of Houston mascots. The bash provided first-generation students with a sense of belonging and much-needed entertainment after mid-terms and before the kick-off of finals.
By bringing awareness of the resources across the university's campus and outside partners, CSE’s academic, personal, and professional development services saw a 15% increase in student engagement, with over 1000 students utilizing the resources provided. This was a significant increase compared to the Fall semester of 2023, which saw approximately 900 students. One-on-one sessions increased by 10%, reflecting the growing need for personalized support.
“First-Gen events are important to me because I did not even think I was considered a first-gen student until I came across the First Gen Mixer on campus. Being a first-gen student, I had a hard time feeling a sense of belonging on campus. Ever since I joined the First-Gen program, I feel more included, and I feel like I can always talk to my advisors whenever I have any issues with my academics or even personal issues regarding my finances. I am grateful there is a community for first-gen students to get support and give back.” - Aye Aye Thet Han, Accountancy, MSACY
Aya Aye Thet Han is a University of Houston Graduate Student, First- Generation, International, and member of the Center for Student Empowerment. Due to the First-Generations initiatives and expansion at the University of Houston more students like Aye Aye have the ability to access resources available to first-generation students from all backgrounds.
For more information on the University of Houston's approach, please visit their website here.
