Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC)

Through educational opportunities, advocacy and community building, the Center for Student Advocacy & Community (CSAC) supports the personal and professional development of UHCL students navigating the college experience. CSAC empowers students by providing essential services that meet basic needs, along with resources and education that foster learning, critical thinking, self-advocacy and student success.

CSAC aspires to stand as a cornerstone of student success for all students to overcome obstacles, ignite their passions, and emerge as resilient leaders ready to make a positive impact on campus and the global society.

UHCL CSAC Programs and Resources:

Advocacy

• Hawk Pantry & Food Access Programs - CSAC’s Hawk Pantry provides free food (canned goods and non-perishables), toiletries, hygiene products, in addition to limited household/home essentials and school supplies. Food Access Programs include partnership events with campus departments, local food banks, and assistance applying for aid through community agencies.
• Basic Needs Persistence Grant - Addresses insecurities related to food, housing, transportation, mental and physical health, childcare and technology. With existing academic support structures, strategic community partnerships, and direct financial assistance, this grant will promote persistence and degree completion for students experiencing a hardship adversely affecting their basic needs.
• Advocacy Workshops & Education - The Advocacy Workshops Series are in-person and virtual trainings for UHCL students. The series will be offered throughout the semester on various topics. The Advocacy & Education Workshop Series is designed to provide educational resources that assist in teaching self-advocacy skills, while promoting professional development opportunities to students wishing to increase their success on campus. The skill sets gained from attending these workshops are transferable skills that can be used in the workforce and life.  
• Notary services - are provided free of charge to students. The student advocate is able to certify government, legal, travel, business, personal and most documents that require a notary seal.

Community

• Community Gatherings - Community Gatherings are a series of programs that explore different cultural traditions and practices. This series can cover topics such as dance, music, cooking and storytelling, providing an opportunity for students to learn about and engage with different cultural backgrounds.
• Community Collaborations - CSAC is committed to fostering a sense of community and welcomes collaborative partnerships with the various communities and stakeholders within the UHCL campus, UH System and the surrounding campus areas.
• First Generation Scholars - CSAC is dedicated to providing support and resources to help first-generation college students transition adjust, and negotiate the campus environment, promoting successful academic and social experiences.

For More Information: