You're not on this journey alone. Our First Gen Success Team is here for your during our transition to the university experience. Comprised of faculty, peer mentors, and academic support specialists -- most of whom were first-generation students themseleves -- the First Gen Success Team is committed to helping you achieve your first-year goals. 

First-Gen Faculty  

The First-Gen Faculty mentors understand what it means to be a first-generation college student – most of them were first-generation students themselves and experienced the unique challenges first-gen students face firsthand.  

In addition to teaching the First Gen Friendly Common Courses, this faculty team is an additional resource for first-generation students who need additional support and guidance. Talk with them. Ask them questions. Lean into this resource team– they’re here to help guide you during your first year as you build the foundation for your successful college experience.  

Peer Mentors 

Each Jump Starter will work with a peer mentor during their first year. They are here to help make the transition to college life easier by helping Jump Starters get connected to additional resources they need to be successful.  

Peer Mentors are engaged campus community members and can recommend clubs and activities for Jump Starters to get involved in that match their interests.  

And the best thing about your Peer Mentor is this: When they tell you that “they get” what you’re managing, they truly mean it. Most of our Peer Mentors are first-gen students, which means they can offer advice based on their similar experiences.  

Academic Support Specialists 

In addition to a peer mentor, each Jump Starter will work with an assigned academic support specialist to serve as their primary point of contact to ensure the Jump Starters have a successful academic career. Academic support specialists help students: 

  • Highlight academic goals for each of their courses 
  • Meet entrance requirements for their major 
  • Identify campus engagement opportunities that will round out their college experience  
  • Specialists will meet regularly with Jump Starters to help students assess their progress toward their goals and adjust where necessary. This ongoing support helps Jump Starters achieve their first-year goals, giving them an extra boost of confidence heading into their second year.