The designation is a national honor for commitment to first-generation student success.
The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and the Suder Foundation, announced this year that the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is part of the 2022-23 First-gen Forward cohort. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the center’s research and resources.
“The Center is pleased to welcome the University of Maryland, Baltimore into the 2022-23 First-gen Forward cohort. Through the application process, it was evident that UMB 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,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success. This designation was awarded based on the collaborative efforts and programming of the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) and UMB Intercultural Center.
What Does It Mean to Be a First-Generation Student?
First-generation students are often defined as those whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year degree. First-gen graduate students are former first-generation undergraduates who have progressed to earning an advanced degree. However, at UMB we understand that there are varied definitions of what it means to be first-generation. If you feel connected to this identity, we welcome you to review our resources and participate in our upcoming events.
Being a first-generation student can be a large source of pride, but being the first in your family to navigate higher education can also feel confusing and isolating. Creating educational environments that are accessible and inclusive of first-generation students is critical in ensuring that all students at UMB feel welcomed and supported.
Shauna Griffin and Stenie Simon know firsthand the difficulties of navigating graduate school as a first-generation student. Both in their final year at UMSSW, they aim to help expand the first-gen-focused programming by organizing social events and opportunities to connect virtually. Griffin attended the NASPA First-generation Student Success Conference in 2022. She states, “It is an honor to be a part of this initiative and the First-gen Forward team! I have been able to connect with professionals from universities across the country who are passionate about first-generation students establishing a sense of community on their campuses. I have connected UMB graduates with first-generation students seeking mentorship and been overwhelmed by their excitement to give back to others once in their shoes. My hope is to see the first-generation community at UMB grow to eventually create its own alumni chapter where first-gen professionals can continue to network.”
What Does This Mean for the University of Maryland, Baltimore?
As a First-gen Forward Institution, representatives from UMB and UMSSW will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Representatives attended the First-gen Forward Workshop in June 2022 and will continue to participate in monthly calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more throughout the year. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation.
At UMB, the Student Affairs’ Intercultural Center and UMSSW continue to offer programming and services that support first-generation students. Through its First-Generation Student Success Program (FGSP), UMSSW has launched several initiatives to strengthen community among first-gen students in their school, including a physical lounge where first-gen students and friends can connect, and community building circles where students can develop a sense of belonging and share resources. Last year, the Intercultural Center offered a series of programming including a First-Gen at UMB panel, a reflection space for first-gen students, and a virtual community social hour. There are also relevant resources on the center’s website.
With this designation, UMB will increase its efforts to acknowledge and center the needs of first-gen students, staff, and faculty on-campus. These efforts include the upcoming First-Generation Student Celebration Week.
First-Generation Student Celebration Week
Every year, hundreds of institutions across the country celebrate first-generation students on Nov. 8. First-Generation College Celebration Day is an opportunity to honor the contributions of first-generation students while also committing to support the success of those who are the first in their families to pursue four-year and advanced degrees.
At UMB, UMSSW and the Intercultural Center will be hosting a series of events throughout the week to raise awareness of first-generation identity and to celebrate first-gen students, including a social hour and celebration at UMSSW. Learn more about the events and how to register here.
The First-gen Forward Designation is a collaboration between UMSSW and the Intercultural Center, but all seven schools and programs are invited to participate. If your school or program is interested in participating, please contact Associate Dean Dawn Shafer (dshafer@ssw.umaryland.edu) and Associate Director of the Intercultural Center Rosemary Ferreira (rosemary.ferreira@umaryland.edu).
To learn more about first-generation efforts at the University of Maryland, Baltimore visit the First-Generation Student Resources webpage or First-Generation Student Success Program (FGSP) — University of Maryland, Baltimore (umaryland.edu).
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SUCCESS
The center is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. Based in Washington, D.C., the center aims to acknowledge the intersectional experiences of first-generation college students. It offers an outlet for sharing cutting-edge research and current media conversations, opportunities for engagement through online learning, conferences, and events, and access to a bevy of programs and services intended to improve first-generation initiatives across higher education.
ABOUT NASPA
NASPA is a member-centered association supporting a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe. It is the professional home for the field of student affairs and is dedicated to cultivating student success in collaboration with the missions of its institutional members — a network of colleges and universities representing every sector of higher education.