EMU Today

YPSILANTI - Eastern Michigan University is pleased to announce its acceptance into The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) and The Suder Foundation. The initiative recently announced the 2022-23 First-gen Forward cohort, which kicked off in June 2022 and will run through May 2023.

The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education that 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. Through engagement with this program, EMU will be poised to best address student success, retention, and matriculation of first-generation college students, which in turn helps support the achievements of all EMU students and a thriving campus community.

“The Center is pleased to welcome Eastern Michigan University into the 2022-23 First-gen Forward cohort. Through the application process, it was evident that Eastern 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 Sarah Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success.

The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education that 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. Through engagement with this program, EMU will is poised to best address student success, retention, and matriculation of first-generation college students, which in turn helps support the achievements of all EMU students and a thriving campus community.

“National data states that first-generation students make up a third of all college students, but roughly 27 percent will attain their undergraduate degree within four years,” said LaMarcus Howard, director of the Disability Resource Center and Center for Adaptive Technology Education. “The First-gen Forward recognition will allow university departments from admissions to the Faculty Development Center to address challenges and intentionally serve our first-generation students in their journey to graduation.   

As a First-gen Forward Institution, interested faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer institutions that are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop slated for early June and will participate in monthly calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation.

To learn more about first-generation efforts at Eastern contact LaMarcus Howard at lhoward7@emich.edu. To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.

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, DC, 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.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.