Small Groups - First-Generation Students - University of Dallas

Small Groups - First-Generation Students - University of Dallas

Small Groups 

 

Who Leads Small Groups?

The Small Group Program is a collection of First-Generation College Students serving as peer mentors focused on supporting first-year at UD students and all first-generation students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a university environment. Students from all grades are welcomed and encouraged to participate with the goal of cultivating a greater sense of community and belonging. 

Small Groups Events Fall 2024

First-Gen Roundtable Discussions led by Nancy Galarza, Janicia Gonzalez, and Athara Sanchez. 

Hispanic Students Discussion | September 18 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m in Gorman D

Family Pressure Discussion  | November 6 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Gorman D

Networking Workshop led by Juan Amezquita, Esmeralda Cavazos-Ayala, and Laura Gaitan 

October 2 from 5 p.m. to 6:20 p.m in Gorman D

Public Speaking Workshop | November 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. in Gorman D

Small Groups Office Hours 

The mentors also host office hours throughout campus. Mentors choose a locationon campus during a particular time and welcome anyone to join them to discuss any academic topic such as study skills, Optimal Work, time management, life on campus, previous experience with internhsips, and other campus resources. The purpose of these meetings is to offer Small Group participants a chance to build genuine and trusting relationships with their peer mentors. Our mentors are not necessarily themselves the experts in many of these topics, but they are fully equipped to guide students to any campus resources they may need.

If you would like to book an an appointment with our Optimal Work coaches, you can use this appointment calendar link to meet with Carolina Galvan, Grecia Grajeda, Peter Key, or Saraih Mendoza. A single meeting is about 25-30 minutes long. If you would like to meet to discuss an Optimal Work video or get help setting up a project, you can book one appointment slot. If you would like to meet a coach to do a Golden Hour together, you can book two appointment slots. 

How do Small Group Members get involved in the Community?

All small group participants are encouraged to do community service, and we are happy to help them find opportunities in the DFW area. 

We are partnering with SLRS to get involved with the community. The first saturday of every month, SLRS will volunteer at Crossroads Community Services from 9am-12pm at 4500 S Cockrell Hill Rd, Dallas, TX 75236. If you are interested, please fill out this form.

Small Groups Calendar

The details regarding Small Groups office hours and events are located in this calendar. Please reach out to Judith Barrera at jabarrera@udallas.edu if you have any questions. 

Small Groups Newsletter 

If you would like to be added to our email list to receive biweekly newsletters about first-gen resources, please email Judith Barrera at jabarrera@udallas.edu You can also reach out to Ms. Barrera with any questions you have about first-gen initatives.