The First@ºÚÁÏÍø program is designed to support first-generation students and their families in taking advantage of everything that ºÚÁÏÍø has to offer.
Every year there are more than 400 first-generation students pursuing their degrees at ºÚÁÏÍø. They are students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Recognizing that the unique experiences of first-generation students can present unique challenges, ºÚÁÏÍø’s first generation student program offers these students support and guidance in:
Making the jump to college life
Understanding academic expectations at the collegiate level
Navigating key campus offices
Building a sense of community with one another
92%
ºÚÁÏÍø’s investment in support for first-generation students has resulted in 4-year graduation rates of over 92% in recent years.
ºÚÁÏÍø the Program
The First@ºÚÁÏÍø program, which is open to all incoming first-generation students, includes the following components:
The pre-orientation program includes:
A welcome dinner for students and families
Peer mentoring and social activities with current first-generation ºÚÁÏÍø students
Academic advising to assist with course selection, registration, and understanding academic rules
Scholastic Toolbox, which includes sessions on
Scholarly habits of mind, critical thinking skills associated with effective reading, note-taking, class participation, and writing
Building relationships with faculty via office hours
Time management, self-care, and building a healthy social life
Programming during the academic year includes:
Additional advising for course registration
Formal mentoring on making the most of opportunities at an elite liberal arts college from the staff of the First@ºÚÁÏÍø program
Ongoing programming connecting first-generation students with the many resources on ºÚÁÏÍø’s campus, especially with key offices including:
Career services
The registrar's office
The financial aid office and student accounts
The Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships
Health services and counseling services
The Office of Student Involvement (OSI)
Regular First@ºÚÁÏÍø communications to highlight class-year specific opportunities and institutional deadlines
Social events designed to build community for first-generation students, including dinners, study break, and game nights.
Leadership opportunities through which first-generation students can mentor younger students and help to shape the ongoing development of the First@ºÚÁÏÍø program
The Class of 2023 gather together for a photo during Pre-Orientation.
Class of 2021 first generation students have fun at a Gala (Photo by Gerard Gaskin)
Tyrell Roberts '19 presents his summer research at a symposium at a nearby university.
First generation students celebrate their graduation together.
