First-Generation Faculty and Staff Initiative

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Western Kentucky University message to all first-generation college students: "Welcome to WKU and we are here to help you be successful." 

To create a welcoming and belonging atmosphere on campus for the first-generation college students we have developed the First-Generation Faculty and Staff Initiative.  The Initiative is designed to develop a group faculty and staff from across campus who identify as first-generation college graduates or who are supporters of first-generation college students. This initiative is designed to increase student success by strengthening the experiences of this unique and valuable population of Hilltoppers.

 

What determines "First-Generation College Status"? 

WKU defines first generation as “neither parent graduated from a traditional four-year college.” Contrary to popular opinion, it does not mean that you are the first one in your family to attend college. In addition, a student is considered "first generation" if his/her parents graduated with an associate's degree (two-year degree), attended college but failed to graduate or had a sibling graduate with a bachelor's degree.  

Objectives of the First-Generation Initiative:  

1. To identify first generation faculty and staff, and first-generation student supporters on WKU’s campus;  
2. To build a faculty staff support-network that will act as mentors and/or sounding boards for the needs of first-generation college students. 

To sign-up to be part of the First-Generation Faculty and Staff Initiative please complete the Faculty and Staff Interest form.