UCCS has been bestowed the First Generation-Serving Institution Designation from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) for its efforts towards supporting first-generation students.
The designation accompanies membership of the FirstGen Forward Network, a program that partners with higher education, business, philanthropy and more to help first-generation students in achieving success.
“Being part of the FirstGen Forward Network helps us keep up to date and learn and grow with best practices for serving first-gen students,” said Ashley San Miguel, First2Go Program Coordinator. “We’re currently in the network member phase, which is the first phase. So right now we’re in that foundation-building phase of identifying best practices and how we can incorporate them outside the first-gen program into other offices.”
One campus initiative aimed towards supporting first-generation students is First-Gen Week in the beginning of November, which offers activities and resources to welcome first-gen Mountain Lions to UCCS and help them acclimate. A previous grant from the Council for Opportunity in Education helped make the festivities happen.
Other practices to support first-gen at UCCS include professional development opportunities, career networking, making connections with staff and faculty, graduate school preparation and, as San Miguel noted, asking students what they want and not just what they need, such as mindfulness events and activities to help reduce stress.
San Miguel also highlighted the efforts to celebrate and elevate the students themselves.
“How do we help them recognize all of the amazing things that they already come with, that are assets within themselves and that are valuable experiences?” said San Miguel. “So, trying to transition this idea that they’re at a deficit because their families didn’t go to college, to this idea that they have all these different funds of knowledge and support that are valuable in and of themselves.”
The First2Go program relies on contribution and support from advocates and donors. Please consider making a gift to champion first-generation students today.