First Gen Week
What is First Gen Day?
First Gen Day in celebrated on November 8th and is the day that we celebrate first-generation students who are the first in their family to attend a four-year university including those who are the first in their family to attend a four-year university in the United States.
We celebrate First-Gen Day on November 8th in honor of the day that Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965. This act has since contributed to the aiding of recruitment, retention, and completion of many college students across the United States
First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an
asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes.
Visit the FirstGenForward (FGF, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success) site here!
Due to the vast First-Generation student population at the University of Houston, the Center for Student Empowerment has planned a weeklong celebration. Across campus departments are preparing events ranging from community building, luncheons, and workshops focusing on First-Gen student engagement. All festivities build up to First Gen Bash on November 8th and will be held in Student Center South Houston Rm from 2 pm to 5 pm. Event details to be updated as date gets closer.
CSE First-Gen Event Line Up
| Event Name | Campus Partner | Date | Time | Location | Description | RSVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Gen Study Strategies with Launch | Center for Student Empowerment | November 3 | 11 am – 12 pm | Student Service Center 1 Rm 204D | Boost your academic skills and discover free tutoring resources at UH by joining First-Gen Study Strategies with LAUNCH — a dynamic session created specifically for first-generation college students. | RSVP Here |
| Healthier Substance Use, Healthier Coogs Support Group | Wellness | November 3 | 1:30 pm – 3 pm | Student Center South - Astrodome Room | This drop-in support group offers non-sober students a safe, non-judgmental space to explore healthier ways to manage substance use, gain insight, and receive peer support. No RSVP Required. | RSVP Here |
| First-Gen Imposter Syndrome Workshop | Center for Student Empowerment | November 4 | 12 pm – 1 pm | Student Center South – Skyline Rm. | Struggling with self-doubt in college? You're not alone. Join the Center for Student Empowerment for the First-Gen Imposter Syndrome Workshop, an interactive session designed to help first-generation students understand and overcome imposter syndrome in both academic and personal life. | RSVP Here |
| Tea Tuesday: Home Alone Edition | Wellness | November 4 | 10 am – 2 pm | UH Wellness lobby (first floor of Campus Rec and Wellness Center) | Stop by for free hot tea, snacks, and conversation about the stress and excitement of going home for the holidays. Board games, conversation cards, and clips of Home Alone. No RSVP Required. | None Required |
| First-Gen A.D. Bruce Free Lunch Wednesday | Center for Student Empowerment, Veteran Services | November 5 | 12 pm – Till supplies run out | A.D. Bruce Religion Center | Join the Center for Student Empowerment's First-Gen Program for Free Lunch on Wednesday at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center. Whether you're a first-generation college student or just hungry for good food and good company, everyone's welcome! Open to all till supplies run out. | RSVP Here |
| Step UP! and Bath Bombs | Wellness | November 5 | 11 am – 12 pm | Skyline Room in the Student Center | Interactive, evidence-based program teaching how to safely and effectively step in when you see someone in a potentially harmful situation. Mental health-focused workshop with practical strategies. Create bath bombs while learning! | RSVP Here |
| First-Gen Bash | Center for Student Empowerment | November 6 | 2 pm – 5 pm | Student Center South – Ballroom | Celebrate your journey at the First-Gen Bash, hosted by the Center for Student Empowerment. This uplifting event honors UH students who are the first in their families to attend college, featuring guest speakers, free food, entertainment, and networking with fellow First-Gen Coogs and campus resources. | RSVP Here |
| First Gen Student Awareness Week | Center for Student Empowerment | November 7 | 8 am – 4 pm | Sugarland Campus – College of Technology | Mini-First-Gen Celebration | None Required |
| Cougar Closet Opening Day | RSO Cougar Closet | November 7 | 11 am – 4 pm | Student Service Center 1 Lobby: 4365 Cougar Village Dr | Free, student-run resource providing gently used clothing and accessories for academic, professional, and everyday needs. Open every Friday. Volunteer opportunities available. | RSVP Here |
Are you the first in your family to attend a four-year university? That’s a BIG deal — and we want to celebrate YOU in a BIG way!
The University of Houston is planning exciting events just for first-gen students — but we want to make sure they’re things you actually want to attend. Whether you're into music, food trucks, career tips, cultural vibes, or chill hangouts, we want to hear from you. Take this quick (and fun!) survey to tell us what kind of events you'd love to see this year: It only takes 2 minutes — and your ideas could shape the next big first-gen bash, workshop, or giveaway!
Click Here!