The First@Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ program is designed to support first-generation students and their families in taking advantage of everything that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ has to offer.
Every year more than 400 first-generation students are pursuing their degrees at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. They are students whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
Understanding the unique experiences of first-generation students, First@Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ offers 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%
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s investment in support for first-generation students has resulted in 4-year graduation rates of over 92% in recent years.
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ the Program
The First@Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students
Advising to assist with campus involvement, course selection, and understanding academic rules
Panel sessions on
Skills associated with effective reading, note-taking, and writing
Time management, self-care, and building a healthy social life
First@Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ offers opportunities tailored to meet the specific needs of the students in the program, which may look like:
Ongoing programming connects students to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ's many resources
Group and one-on-one discussions on making the most of the opportunities at an elite liberal arts college
Social events to build community, including dinners, study breaks, and game nights
Bi-weekly First@Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ communications to highlight upcoming events, programs, campus opportunities, and important institutional deadlines
Students gather to snowshoe on campus.
First-generation students celebrate their graduation together.
Students and their families attend the First Generation Dinner during Family Weekend.
