UH Earns Recognition For Support Of First-Generation Coogs

DSA News
August 06, 2024

The impact of first-generation students on university and college campuses cannot be understated. National data indicates that more than half of post-secondary students in the U.S. are indeed the first in their families to attend an institution of higher education.

At the University of Houston, first-generation learners comprise 44% of the student population. Their success is made possible by many campus programs and resources, as well as the guidance of faculty, staff and peers.

For its efforts in supporting these students, the university has been accepted as a member institution of the FirstGen Forward Network. UH joins 429 universities and colleges nationwide working to enhance first-generation students’ outcomes and further supporting their academic journeys.

“We are extremely proud to be a university with a large first-generation student body,” said UH President Renu Khator. “This is what the American dream is all about. Creating an environment where first-gen students thrive allows us to move more people up the economic ladder. This is transformative work.”

Leading UH’s effort to become a FirstGen Forward Network member is the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE), which has served first-gen Coogs for 30 years. Founded in 1994 by Elwyn Lee, UH vice president of Neighborhood and Strategic Initiatives, the center works with many first-gen students once they arrive on campus.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the success of first-generation students,” said, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Paul Kittle at the University of Houston. “By joining the FirstGen Forward Network, we are not only validating the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff but also reaffirming our pledge to provide the support and resources necessary for first-gen students to thrive.”

CSE offers advising tailored specifically to first-gen Coogs and hosts workshops and events. It also connects students with mentors and networking opportunities. Through the generosity of donors, the center also awards major scholarships to first-gen students.

“Navigating higher education has been difficult especially as a first-generation student,” said senior strategic communications major Omar Castanon. “UH, however, immediately made me feel at home starting with orientation. This introduction to UH provided me with the information and tools necessary to be successful.  Resources like the Center for Student Empowerment have allowed me to find ways to overcome the academic, financial and personal obstacles I face as a first-generation student.”

These kinds of testimonies and membership in the FirstGen Forward Network validate UH’s longstanding support for first-gen students, said Raven Jones, director of the Center for Student Empowerment.

“This acknowledgment from FirstGen Forward reflects our commitment to empowering first-generation students and underscores the collective efforts of our dedicated team,” she said. “We look forward to continuing our work to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive."

Other longstanding programs on campus, include the Challenger Program (part of UH’s Undergraduate Student Success Center).  Established in 1987, it provides academic support and monitoring programs to address the individual academic and non-academic needs of first-generation students. Challenger services include priority registration, secondary advising, personal counseling, and financial aid guidance. Its longstanding partnerships with campus and community-based programs also provide students with additional growth opportunities such as internships, learning abroad and more.

Both CSE and the Challenger Program are on the frontlines of helping first-generation overcome any challenges as they matriculate from high school classrooms to a university environment. Such obstacles might include lack of college readiness, familial support, financial stability and difficulty adjusting to a college campus.

“When serving first-generation students, we must offer more than academic support; we must acknowledge their unique experiences and challenges,” said Monica Floyd, director of the Challenger Program.

First-gen support at UH extends to other centers and all of its colleges as well.

Management information systems majors Damian Lujan and Ashley Cabrera are first-generation students from the Houston area. They both attest to the support they’ve received from the C. T. Bauer College of Business and the Honors College. Beyond campus resources, they said campus involvement has been invaluable to their academic development.

Sophomore Lujan plays clarinet in the UH Spirit of Houston Marching Band and serves as an Honors student recruiter. In the latter role, he provides advice to prospective Cougars, including fellow first-gens.

“This job has helped me build my presentation skills and grow my confidence as a speaker,” he said. “I also get to share what I have learned as a student. Many students, especially first-generation students, find their first year of college to be daunting. I simply tell them to get their foot in the door, ask questions and find themselves here at UH.”

Such advice is helpful to any first-generation student, said Cabrera. She recalled how assigned mentors in both the Bauer College and Honors College were essential in conquering any first-year worries. Additionally, Honors info sessions were critical in providing answers to her questions.

“Thankfully, I had mentors who were always available to answer questions. One was also an MIS major and always pointed me in the right direction” Cabrera said. “And the info sessions provided details on research opportunities, including those offered through Learning Abroad. Now, I am set to go to Seoul, South Korea this month with assistance from a University Studies Abroad Consortium scholarship specifically for first-gen students.”

Students such as Lujan, Cabrera and Castanon represent just a portion of the more than 14,000 Cougars at UH, who are the first in their families to attend college. Their experiences at UH, however, speak volumes of the support received on campus.

With its recent induction into the FirstGen Forward Network, UH will welcome even more first-generation students and provide further support once they arrive on campus.

“Being named as a Network Member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for the University of Houston to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know the University of Houston will be a significant contributor.”

Written by Mike Emery