The Center for First-generation Student Success has chosen Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØfor membership in the national First Scholars Network.

Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØ is among the newest members of the First Scholars Network, chosen for participation in the 2023-24 class by the , an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and The Suder Foundation.
According to a news release, Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØwas named to the because of "a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students."
"We are honored to be selected as a First Scholars Network Member because Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØprioritizes students who are first in their families to pursue higher education," said Dr. Timeka Rashid, vice president for student affairs.
"First-generation students on our campus can count on specialized support as a hallmark of the Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØexperience, including our new student-driven First-Gen Advisory Council and programming, such as our first-gen retreats and career conferences, that recognize the unique challenges and needs of this population. We look forward to expanding and further strengthening those resources."
The First Scholars Network involves a four-phase approach that aims to advance student success through communities of practice, resources and peer networks. Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØjoins more than 350 participating institutions of higher education.
"The Center is pleased to welcome Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØinto the First Scholars Network," said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president with the Center for First-generation Student Success. "Through the application process, it was evident that Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØis 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."
According to Rashid, more than a quarter of Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØstudents identify as first-generation.
With a First-Gen Faculty Staff Advisory Committee also in place, staff in the Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØDivision of Student Affairs (DSA) recently took part in a 2023-24 First Scholars Network virtual kick-off event. Moving forward, they will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more.
After successful completion of the Network Member phase, Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØwill progress to phase two, known as First-gen Forward, which eventually culminates with eligibility to become a First Scholars Institution. The ultimate goal is to become a First Scholars Champion Campus.
"Being named as a Network Member of the First Scholars Network is an exciting opportunity for Ä¢¹½TVÏÂÔØto join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country," said Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA.
To learn more, visit the .