UHCL selected for FamilyU 2025

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has been selected to join the prestigious FamilyU 2025 Cohort, a competitive two-year initiative led by the national nonprofit Generation Hope. Designed to improve outcomes for parenting students in higher education, the program will provide UHCL with expert support and resources to strengthen its institutional services for student parents.

A six-member cross-functional team from across the university, including the Division of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, Facilities, and Institutional Research, will lead UHCL's participation in the initiative.

As part of the cohort, UHCL will engage in monthly virtual coaching, quarterly in-person convenings, and collaborative learning with other participating institutions. These activities are designed to help colleges become more family-friendly and responsive to the needs of student parents, an often-overlooked but growing segment of the student population.

Kristi Randolph Simon, assistant dean of students, said UHCL is aware of how important it is to establish areas where student parents experience empowerment, support, and visibility.

"The fact that UHCL was chosen for the FamilyU 2025 Cohort is a testament to our strong support of parenting students and the special contributions they make to our campus," said Randolph Simon. "As they work toward their degrees, we have the chance to honor their tenacity, lower barriers, and strengthen support networks because their success is family success.

In the second year of the program, UHCL will also appoint a Student Parent Fellow. The selected student leader will receive a monthly stipend and serve as an advocate for parenting students, ensuring their voices are represented in campus decision-making.

By participating in FamilyU, the UHCL Division of Student Affairs continues to advance its strategic goals: enhancing student success, removing barriers to persistence, and fostering collaborative, student-centered practices across departments.

Student parents looking for support and resources can connect with UHCL's Division of Student Affairs at https://www.uhcl.edu/student-affairs/.