CWC and CCPH Start First Gen Support Group Following Connection-Conversation Event

By: Wei Cai ‘20


AMHERST – The Center for Women and Community (CWC), in conjunction with the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), at the University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomed students of all backgrounds on Tuesday night at their first generation college student event.

The event – which promoted connection, discussion and conversation – was held to gauge the needs of first generation students, and to kick off a series of support group sessions.

Students and participants were welcomed with a set of questions posted throughout the New Africa House Library. The questions asked students to draw from their experiences and share their struggles/triumphs as a first generation student.

Denise Goitia and Erin Seibert – event facilitators from CCPH and CWC, respectively – said they had high hopes for the event.

“We’re hoping to get a sense of what first gen students need,” said Goitia. “The reason why we want to [hold this event] is because there’s a need for it.”

According to the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, nearly 25 percent of students entering in fall 2016 were first generation students. That was up from fall 2015; that year, 23 percent of entering students were first generation.

After mingling and discussing the questions over refreshments, the attendees congregated as a whole to share their thoughts, and reflect on the night.

Following this event, CCPH and CWC will host a series of support group sessions throughout February and March. The support group, which seeks to decrease stress and increase connection, will meet in the New Africa House, second floor, on the following Tuesdays: Feb. 27, March 6, 20 and 27.

Community members are encouraged to call 413-545-0883 for more information.