Mentors make a difference at the University of North Georgia

Often, the general public perception of college students is that “they made it to college; they don’t need any extra help.” However, college can be one of the most confusing and intimidating times in a young person’s life, especially as a first-generation college student. As the first in their families to attend college and earn a degree, students transitioning from high school to college often experience impostor syndrome and have more difficulty finding where they “fit in".

More often than not, first-generation students report that their families are less supportive of their higher education pursuits. Additionally, first-generation college students often use resources less than their non-first gen peers. They often have additional factors contributing to stresses not experienced by peers with college-educated parents that impact academic success.

Knowing that first-generation students today still face similar challenges we did as first-generation students 20, 30, or even 40 years ago hit like a brick. We can all reflect on a time “had we known then what we know now” or say, “if this had been around when I was in college, it might have been a little easier for me".

To positively impact first-generation student retention, persistence, and success, University of North Georgia (UNG) created the Gen 1 Mentoring Program. Designed to normalize the experiences of first-generation students, the Gen 1 Mentoring Program connects first-generation students on campus and provides a safe place for them to ask questions and receive information.

In addition, the Gen 1 Mentoring Program also connects first-generation students to first-generation faculty and staff for positive adult role models and mentorship on their campus. Launched in the fall of 2020 as a pilot on the Gainesville Campus, the Gen 1 Mentoring Program has added two additional cohorts. In addition, it is beginning recruitment for cohort 4 on the Gainesville campus, adding another 30 new first-generation freshmen to the program.

Early results of the mentoring program are encouraging and support the idea that mentorship makes a difference in first-generation students' academic and social growth. The three current cohorts of mentees in the Gen 1 Mentoring Program are consistently touting a GPA average at least a half point higher than their first-generation peers on campus and are consistently averaging almost 12 hours of credit hour production. Additionally, the three cohorts collectively report retention and persistence of 74%.

While the data points to academic and social success, the actual value of a mentor in college is best told by our students. Dr. Jeanelle Morgan, UNG biology professor, and associate department head, has appreciated the connection with her mentee. "As a first-generation college student myself, I wish I had this kind of program when I was in college. You don't know what you don't know," Morgan said. "Mentoring has been very rewarding for me. I have really enjoyed getting to know my mentee over the years, helping her navigate campus and her college career and seeing her grow. I am very proud of her and love celebrating her successes.”

Morgan mentors Daleana Reyes Alejo, a Buford, Georgia senior pursuing a biology degree.

"The Gen 1 Mentoring Program at UNG has been a wonderful aspect of my college life. It has provided me with information as well as a personal connection with my mentor that I would have otherwise not had," Reyes Alejo said.

To learn more about what the University of North Georgia is doing to support first-generation students, visit us at Go UNG / FIRST GEN.