Retention and Graduation Initiatives

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Retention and Graduation Initiatives

Contact Information

Office of Retention and Graduation Initiatives
rgi@central.uh.edu
713-743-0289

Families and Supporters

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

Whether you attended New Student Orientation or are joining us now, we're excited to have you as part of the Cougar Family! As your student navigates the transition to college, your encouragement, questions, and support can help them feel connected, confident, and prepared to make the most of their first semester.

The First Six Weeks Set the Foundation

During the first six weeks, students begin establishing routines, connecting with campus resources, meeting new people, and learning how to navigate college life. Students who engage with support services, develop meaningful connections, and become involved in the UH community are often better positioned to succeed academically and personally. Launch Pad to Success encourages students to take small, meaningful actions each week that help them stay engaged, explore opportunities, and build confidence throughout their first year.

How to Support Your Student

The transition to college is an important time for students to develop confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. One of the best ways to support your student is to act as a coach rather than a fixer.

Instead of...

Try Asking...
  • Contacting a campus office on your student's behalf
  • Solving scheduling or academic challenges for them
  • Providing immediate solutions
  • What options have you considered?
  • Who at UH could help you with this?
  • What is your next step?
  • What support do you need from me?
By encouraging students to navigate challenges independently while knowing support is available, you help them develop confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills that contribute to success in college and beyond.

Family & Supporter Guide for the First Six Weeks

Launch Pad to Success helps students navigate their first six weeks at UH through simple, meaningful actions that encourage connection, exploration, and engagement. Each week, Peer Assistant Leaders (PALs) share a new mission that encourages students discover resources, make connections, and take ownership of their college experience.

  Coach. Don't Fix. Use the conversation prompts below to help your student develop confidence, solve problems independently, and connect with support when needed.

6 Weeks, 6 Conversations

Questions to Ask
  • What has surprised you most about UH so far?
  • Have you found your classrooms and favorite study spots?
  • What campus resources have you visited?
 What Success Looks Like
  • Attending classes consistently
  • Successfully navigating campus and university systems
  • Feeling comfortable finding resources and asking questions

Family Action Item
  Celebrate progress, not perfection. Adjusting to college takes time, and small wins are worth recognizing.

Questions to Ask
  • Who have you met this week?
  • Have you attended any events or student organization meetings?
  •   Have you had a chance to connect with classmates outside of class?
What Success Looks Like
  • Recognizing classmates and familiar faces on campus
  • Attending a campus event or organization meeting
  • Developing new social connections

Family Action Item
  Encourage your student to explore one event, organization, or activity that matches their interests.

Questions to Ask
  • Do you know who to contact if you need help in a class?
  • Have you met with an advisor?
  • Do you know where tutoring and academic support are located?
What Success Looks Like
  • Knows where to go for academic support
  • Understands available campus resources
  • Has connected with an advisor, instructor, tutor, or support service

Family Action Item
Ask your student to identify three people or resources they can turn to when they need help.

Questions to Ask
  • How are you balancing academics and personal well-being?
  • Are you getting enough sleep and eating regularly?
  • What helps you manage stress?
What Success Looks Like
  •   Maintaining healthy daily routines
  • Using healthy strategies to manage stress
  • Knowing where to find wellness and support resources

Family Action Item
Talk about self-care and healthy expectations rather than grades alone.

Questions to Ask
  • What have you learned about your interests and strengths so far?
  • How does your current major align with your career goals?
  • Have you explored careers that interest you?
  • If your first-choice major isn't available, what related majors have you considered?
  • Have you completed any career assessments or met with Career Services?
What Success Looks Like
  • Exploring majors that align with interests and career goals
  • Understanding that multiple majors can lead to similar careers
  • Learning about major change requirements and options
  • Utilizing career exploration resources and assessments
  • Engaging in campus activities, events, or employment opportunities

Family Action Item
  Help your student focus on finding the best academic fit rather than feeling locked into a single major. Remind them that many careers can be reached through multiple pathways and that exploration is a normal part of the college experience.

Questions to Ask
  • What are you most proud of so far?
  • What has challenged you the most so far?
  • What goals do you have for the remainder of the semester?
What Success Looks Like
  • Reflecting on growth
  • Identifying areas for improvement
  • Setting concrete goals

Family Action Item
Recognize progress and resilience, not just outcomes.

Stay Connected While Encouraging Independence

Your support remains important throughout your student's college journey. The most effective family members stay engaged, ask thoughtful questions, celebrate growth, and encourage independence as students take ownership of their UH experience. 

If your student is the first in your family to attend college, remember that you do not need to have all the answers. Encouraging questions, independence, and connections to campus resources can make a meaningful difference in your student's success.

  • Use the weekly conversation guide above to keep discussions focused on connection, well-being, involvement, and academic success.
  • Explore Parent and Family Programs and participate Parent and Family events like Family Weekend and Siblings Day.
  • Stay Connected with Coog Moms, the official parent membership organization of UH.
  • First-Generation Family Resources: Learn more about programs and support available for first-generation students and families. 

Keep the Conversation Going. Your student does not need all the answers right away. Consistent encouragement, meaningful conversations, and connections to campus resources can make a lasting difference during the first year.