First-Generation Student Success
First Gen Advocacy Trainings in FALL 2024
MAPS presents First Gen Advocacy Training, a 1.5 hour session meant to advise our campus partners on how to support our first generation Catamounts. This can include reviewing common practices, language used, university policies, and referral methods. We will discuss the profile of a first-gen student at Western, suggest powerful practices, and the future of advocating for our first-gen Catamounts.
The MAPS office will present with affiliates from the First Gen Advisory Board. All participants will receive a First Gen sticker for their attendance and completion of the training.
Sign up on Engage by following the links belowing. Having difficulties with Engage? Email maps@wcu.edu to RSVP!
Wednesday, Sept 11, 2024 at 2:30 pm in CO 375
Friday, Sept 27, 2024 at 11 am in KA 136
Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024 at 2 pm in ST 424
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 3 pm - VIRTUAL
National First Gen Day 2024 - Join in on the celebration!
National First-Gen Day is celebrated on November 8th every year! We host events throughout the week to hear from study abroad, to prepare for graduate school, to improve scholarship essays, or to meet other first-generation Catamounts among our students, faculty, and staff!
Below are some photos from our celebration of First Gen Day in 2023. The 2024 schedule will be published here soon!
Did you know?
- A First-Generation student is defined as a student whose parents/guardians have not achieved a four-year degree, even if other members of the family have graduated from a four-year university.
- WCU has a First-Generation Advisory Board that works to provide a positive campus climate and resources for First-Gen students.
Use the resources below to learn how to make the most of your college experience and find strategies to aid in your success.
Do not be afraid to ask for help and do it early!
- Go to tutoring - Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC) and Math Tutoring Center (MTC)
- Use Academic Coaching - Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS)
- Get help with financial resources - Financial Aid Office
Know you are not alone - connect with others!
- Join First-Gen Club
- Find a FirstGEN Advocate
Pursue your passions and strengths!
- Advising
- Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) - employment, internships, job shadowing
- Volunteer - engage with the community through Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CSL)
- Clubs and organizations - Engage
Additional resources
Connect with others!
Do something!
The FirstGEN Advocate program is designed to support new and continuing first-generation college students (FGCS) during their journey at WCU. Advocates are volunteer faculty and staff members who are trained to be cognizant and sensitive to the needs of FGCS.
By engaging with an Advocate, students can expect to be:
- Greeted with empathy and understanding
- Treated with dignity and respect
- Supported and encouraged to follow their goals and dreams
- Guided to explore options and opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Challenged to overcome obstacles and achieve excellence
- Referred to appropriate campus resources and services
Advocates are identified by displaying the FirstGEN symbol on their office door and wearing a FirstGEN pin or t-shirt at campus events. Find a FirstGEN Advocate.
