΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ University is one of 80 colleges and universities selected this month as a 2024β25 FirstGen Forward Network member. FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, selected ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ for its demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
βThe FirstGen Forward selection process is rigorous,β says Paul J. McLoughlin II, vice president and dean of the college. β΄σΟσ΄«Γ½βs membership in the organization reflects the Universityβs determination and commitment to support the more than 400 first-gen students on campus each year. I want to thank all of those whose work has made this achievement possible.β
΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ launched its own first-generation program, First@΄σΟσ΄«Γ½, in 2020. The Third-Century initiative works to ensure that first-gen students take advantage of all the resources available at ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ and thrive during their years on campus. The programβs directorship by Giovanni β94 and Maree Cutaia in 2021.
Current First@΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ programming helps first-generation students navigate college and ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ while building a sense of community with first-gen peers. In addition to providing dedicated advising and support, First@΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ highlights research and internship opportunities for first-generation students, promotes leadership and formal mentoring opportunities, and holds social events that include dinners, study groups, and game nights.
΄σΟσ΄«Γ½βs membership in the FirstGen Forward Network is a natural next step β the first in a three-phase approach designed by the network to scale holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures.
Through its membership in the network, ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ will expand its efforts beyond the First@΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ office and its staff, engaging with all offices and every interested member of the community. βWe would like to encourage a culture of support across the University,β says RaJhai Spencer, assistant dean for administrative advising and Giovanni β94 and Maree Cutaia Director of First@΄σΟσ΄«Γ½.
Tabisha Raymond, assistant director of First@΄σΟσ΄«Γ½, adds, βIn addition to institutional support, we will benefit from the resources of other institutions within the network and have the opportunity to share the initiatives weβre implementing at ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ β which will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our first-generation efforts.β
FirstGen Forward Network resources include access to a wealth of first-generation student success research and data, which can inform ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½βs ongoing work. University staff will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, annual reporting, and more, even as they make contacts at other member institutions to improve information sharing and idea generation around first-generation student success.
To learn more about first-generation efforts at ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½, visit or email first@colgate.edu. To learn more about FirstGen Forward and the Network, visit .