Georgia Southern University has been named a “First-Gen Forward” institution for its commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.
The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and The Suder Foundation, selected Georgia Southern for the designation.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the team that has brought this prestigious honor to the University,” said Leslie Harris, director of Georgia Southern’s Student Support Services office. “Through the many services that are offered here, we have seen how successful students can be when we can ensure our support is tailored specifically to their needs. It’s great to have recognition from NASPA that we are being successful with our efforts.”
Approximately 37% of Georgia Southern’s students are first-generation college students, meaning they are the first in their immediate family to attend college. These students often need additional support to aid them in being successful in their overall college experience.
Georgia Southern serves and supports first-generation students in many ways, including:
- Mentoring from Student Support Services and TRIO-Armstrong.
- Scheduling networking events as well as life- and college-skills workshops.
- Partnering with the Office of Alumni Relations to identify first-generation alumni and provide resources to first-gen students.
- Developing intentional partnerships with other offices on campus.
As a First-gen Forward institution, interested faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer institutions that are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop slated for early June and will participate in monthly calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the advisory leadership designation.
“The Center is pleased to welcome Georgia Southern University into the 2022-23 First-gen Forward cohort,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success. “Through the application process, it was evident that Georgia Southern is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population.”
Original source can be found here.
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