Community and Connection - University of Houston
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Center for Student Advocacy and Community

Community and Connection

Support for student organizations, international or undocumented students, cultural connections, and anyone looking for a sense of community.

The Center for Student Advocacy and Community is here to support students with any barriers to success you may be facing. To request an appointment to talk with a staff member for personalized guidance and resource recommendations for your situation, please fill out this form.

On-campus resources

Support resources for international, undocumented, and DACA students navigating immigration, financial need, and language and culture differences.

Center for Student Empowerment (CSE)- Discover the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE) – your go-to hub for tailored guidance, mentorship, financial aid opportunities, and personal growth workshops. We provide specialized assistance and resources designed to uplift students from all backgrounds, first-generation scholars, and other underrepresented groups. Unlock a wealth of support by becoming a member, a process that involves submitting an application and meeting with one of our dedicated staff members. Join us on your journey to success!

International Students and Scholars Services Office (ISSSO)- provides services for international students and exchange visitors, including support for maintaining your VISA status, answering questions related to employment, and tips for navigating campus and a new country. To contact, email ISSSOHLP@CENTRAL.UH.EDU or call (713) 743-5065 option 1. Drop-in appointments are also available in-person from 5pm-6pm Mondays and Tuesdays at Student Center North 2nd floor Room 203, or virtually 1:30-2:30 Monday-Fridays by calling (713) 743-5065 option 5.

Language and Culture Center (LCC)-  LCC provides intensive English instruction for international students who want to study at universities in the United States or improve their English language skills to meet personal and professional goals.

Guidance and financial support for student leaders and student organizations.

Activities Funding Board (AFB)- AFB is a student run financial organization that allocates a portion of student service fees to “activities” funding for registered student organizations. AFB can provide funding up to $3000 per semester for on-campus programs that are open to all students or for conference attendance costs related to the student org’s mission. You must apply at least 3 weeks prior to your event. For an overview of the application process and to apply, see here.

Center for Sorority and Fraternity Life (CSFL)- CFSL works to enhance the fraternity/sorority member experience in order to elevate our Greek community. They provide coaching and other assistance for chapters, as well as several programs for Greek life students. Here is a list of resources and information for Greek orgs.

Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC)- CSAC reduces barriers that inhibit academic and personal success by identifying areas of need, providing connections to resources, and supporting student-led programs and initiatives that strengthen our community. Reach out to a staff member to discuss opportunities for support or collaboration.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI)- CSI provides services for Registered Student Organizations, connects students with opportunities to be involved on campus, and supports many University Sponsored Organizations at the University of Houston. Provides resources such as event registration, organization registration, organization mailboxes, and limited carrel space. Here is a comprehensive list of resources and information for student organizations.

Council for Cultural Activities (CCA)- CCA is a university-sponsored organization that promotes cultural awareness and diversity at the University of Houston by supporting cultural and diversity-related registered student organizations (RSOs) and events on campus. RSOs can apply for membership to receive benefits, including eligibility for financial assistance and planning support.

Dean of Students Office (DOS)- many forms related to event planning can be found on the DOS website, including the Freedom of Expression/Organized Activity Form and information for student groups planning a protest or demonstration.

Metropolitan Volunteer Program (MVP)- The mission of the University of Houston Metropolitan Volunteer Program is to create and provide service opportunities for students by collaborating with campus and community partners. Through this, we aim to develop responsible citizens with a lifelong commitment to service while creating sustainable change in our campus and community. They are great partners for amplifying service programs.

Resources for connecting to community and/or learning more about various cultures within our community.

Academic Programs

African American Studies- African American Studies is a distinct academic discipline that engages Africa-centered research and teaching through an interdisciplinary approach to scholarly inquiry.

Asian-American Studies Center (AASC)- The AASC is an interdisciplinary academic center dedicated to the study of Asian/Asian Americans in the United States and abroad. Its mission is to generate knowledge, increase awareness, and foster rich opportunities for learning about the Asian/Asian American experience.

Hispanic Studies- The Department of Hispanic Studies offers programs for Spanish Language Requirement, Undergraduate, and Graduate Studies. It also seeks to foster understanding and communication through the study of Spanish languages, literature, linguistics, and cultures in the age of globalization, to provide education and training for students seeking careers drawing on or enhanced by such study, and to develop established and new programs contributing to local, regional, national, and international knowledge.

Latin American Studies- UH's Latin American Studies Minor and Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences is designed to encourage study and teaching relating to this very important geographic and cultural area.

Mexican American Studies- Our mission is to advance knowledge, promote critical thinking, and foster the value of service to the community.

Religious Studies- The Religious Studies Program offers courses that foster the understanding of world religions and their influence on human behavior and world affairs.

Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies (WGSS)- The UH Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Program draws upon the dynamic energy of the global city of Houston, to challenge students to understand how categories of gender, sexuality, race, class, dis/ability, and citizenship shape not only their own lives but also the lives of people in their communities and around the world.

 

Campus Departments & University Sponsored Organizations

A.D. Bruce Religion Center- The A.D. Bruce Religion Center is the focal point for many on-campus religious and spiritual activities. It is a bustling center of many ongoing educational programs and activities focusing on religious issues with an emphasis on Interfaith Dialogue. The A.D. Bruce Religion Center offers a place for both quiet meditation and spiritual growth.

Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC)- CSAC’s programs provide opportunities for connection, such as student mixers at the beginning of each academic year, celebrations for our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and collaboration with RSOs that uplift the campus community.

 Center for Student Empowerment (CSE)- Discover the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE) – your go-to hub for tailored guidance, mentorship, financial aid opportunities, and personal growth workshops. We provide specialized assistance and resources designed to uplift students from all backgrounds, first-generation scholars, and other underrepresented groups. Unlock a wealth of support by becoming a member, a process that involves submitting an application and meeting with one of our dedicated staff members. Join us on your journey to success!

Center for Student Involvement (CSI)- The Center for Student Involvement creates an inclusive and accessible environment that provides meaningful and diverse learning and involvement opportunities to impact student success. They provide opportunities to build leadership skills and engage with the campus and surrounding community. Try their involvement quiz for personalized recommendations of campus opportunities that match your interests.

Challenger Program- supports first generation college students through specialized programming, supplementary advising, priority registration, tutoring, and campus-wide resource connections. Students must complete an application and interview to join the program.

Cougars in Recovery (CIR)- Provides a welcoming sober community and support for students in recovery from addiction and other struggles. Resources include sober community activities, recovery housing, recovery lounge, staff mentorship, and connection to additional resources.

  • To participate in the Cougars in Recovery community, interested students must complete an application, interview, and agreement form.

Council for Cultural Activities (CCA)- The Council for Cultural Activities is a university-sponsored organization that promotes cultural awareness, diversity, and inclusion at the University of Houston by supporting cultural and diversity-related registered student organizations and events on campus.

International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO)- International Student and Scholar Services Office provides services for non-immigrants with University of Houston affiliations.

Student Government Association (SGA)- The Student Government Association exists to serve as the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed and empowered in the overall policy, decision-making process, and services offered at the University of Houston. They offer many opportunities for getting involved on campus.

Veteran Services- empowers new and current student-veterans, as well as Reserve, Guard, and Active-Duty personnel, and their eligible dependent family members. Resources and services offered include guidance around education benefits, peer counseling and referrals, tutoring, computers and study area with free printing, and a community of veteran, military, and dependent students.

Women and Gender Resource Center (WGRC)- This office works to educate the campus community on gender-related issues, empower all members of the UH community, and support sexual misconduct survivors and respondents, new parents, and any member of the UH community in need of resources, assistance, and information. Visit them in Student Center South, Room B12, around the corner from Starbucks.

 

Student Organizations

There are over 500 student organizations at UH. To get connected, search the directory on Get Involved for whatever you are interested in and reach out.

 

Alumni Associations/Networks

Find an alumni group- There are many UH alumni groups based on shared interests, colleges, and regions. These groups may offer scholarships or grants to current students, as well as opportunities for connection after graduation.

Off-campus resources

If you know of any other great resource not included in this list, please reach out to aljinks@uh.edu.