Center for Human Enrichment (CHE)
Center
CHE provides care, encouragement, and support for a select group of 200 of UNC’s first-generation students.
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F
Find Your Voice, Tell Your Story
Being the first in your family to attend college can be challenging. When you are admitted in the Center for Human Enrichment (CHE), you join a vibrant and caring community that’s ready to help you succeed.
CHE is all about finding your voice as a college student. It’s your place to explore, persist, transform and succeed. Let’s get your story started.
How to Get Started in CHE
The CHE program welcomes 70 new participants each year. To be eligible, you must identify as a first-generation college student.
View Eligibility Requirements Submit Your Application
Through programs like CHE, I was able to experience the power of a committed support system that helped me open doors I didn’t even know existed.” — Flora Powells, BA ’10, MA ’22, graduate and now CHE program director
A Learning Community Like No Other
Connections Summer Bridge Program
All new CHE participants are invited to a fun summer connections program. You take part in informational workshops, connect with campus partners and resources, meet faculty, and find the location of courses before classes begin.
CHE's Learning Community
First year students take linked coursework with their cohort peers for the first 2 semesters. Class sizes are small and reserved for only CHE participants, with structured support from CHE faculty. This allows more one-on-one access to course instructors. The CHE learning community includes:
- Courses with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15-20 students per one educator
- Instructors who communicate often and who support student success
- CHE linked courses are specially designed and reserved for CHE participants
Trailblazing Journeys
In May 2024, nearly 43% of UNC undergraduates who earned their bachelor’s degree were first-gen college students. Three CHE members who received their diplomas talk about the community they discovered.
Academic Advising
Advising is the cornerstone of the CHE experience. Students meet with CHE advisors and peer advisors throughout their entire academic career at UNC. The CHE team provides personal, financial literacy, post-graduate and career support.
Tutoring Resources
UNC's Tutorial Services and Writing Center provide the academic assistance you need to successfully thrive in a university learning environment.
Personal Counseling
UNC Counseling Center offers free individualized personal counseling for all CHE participants who choose it. Counseling allows students to explore personal and family issues that can sometimes affect academic and college experience.
Post-graduation Planning and Academic Writing
CHE's Coordinator of Post-graduation Planning and Academic Writing is available to support program participants explore majors and career options, as well as other alternatives beyond college.
Financial Wellness
CHE has a dedicated liaison from UNC’s Financial Aid team to help student's complete FAFSA. Including a financial literacy coordinator that helps students develop the financial and economic literacy skills for success in college and after graduation.
A Look Inside CHE
UNIV 101 Research Night
We are so proud of our amazing CHE students who presented their University 101 research projects. Great job!!
2024 Connections Orientation
Another successful Connections Summer Bridge Program! We are excited to welcome the latest cohort of CHE students to UNC!
Graduate Spring Reception
At our annual Spring Reception we come together to celebrate our CHE graduates. We proudly recognized their hard work, dedication, and perseverance as they become the first in their families to earn a college degree.
Forging Connections
ALUMNI
"If you come to campus and you go to events and you support your community and you find connections, you will leave not only with a degree but with friendships and relationships. You will leave with so many more connections and just more tenacity and perseverance to continue to grow as a person."
Rosemary Gonzalez ’23
B.S. in Nursing
Registered Nurse with UC Health
Connect with CHE
Center for Human Enrichment (CHE)
CHE provides care, encouragement, and support for a select group of 200 of UNC’s first-generation students.
- CHE@unco.edu
- 970-351-1905
- Michener Library, Room L116