Moving First-gen Students Forward at KSU!

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is so excited to be a part of the inaugural cohort of First-Forward institutions. Shortly after returning from the 2019 First-generation Student Success Conference in June, we began working on our goals for the year. We were able to convene a meeting with a group of stakeholders to discuss the goals for taking our first-gen students and initiatives to the next level. Our first goal was to develop a universal definition for first-gen that would help us reach the most students and track them more effectively. After a series of meetings during the summer and fall terms, we were able to develop a definition that would be sent to the provost for approval - we are so excited to get this far in the process!

While we were waiting for the definition to be approved, we successfully planned Kennesaw State University’s 2nd annual First-Generation Celebration, taking place on November 2, 2019. The celebration started with a First-Gen Tailgate before the Monmouth vs. KSU football game. Students adorned “I am First-Gen” t-shirts and enjoyed networking with faculty and staff who also identify as first-gen. Among the students present were the Coca Cola Scholars, students who are the first members of their families to be full-time undergraduate students and the First-Gen Owls, a student organization dedicated to helping first-gen students build community on campus. During half-time at the game, the Coca Cola Scholars were recognized on the field for their achievements and were accompanied by KSU’s president, Dr. Pamela Whitten and a representative from the Coca Cola Company, Carlos Pagoaga, who is the Group Director for Partnerships and Global Community Affairs. We also recognized all current students, faculty, staff and alumni in the stands who identify as first-gen. This was indeed one of the highlights of the semester for us.

Currently, we are working to provide opportunities to engage the “Friends of First-Gen” on campus. This is a group of Kennesaw State University faculty, staff, and alumni who identify as first-gen and work to assist our students on their journey to graduation. This group was created to assist us in accomplishing our goal of streamlining services and programs specific to first-gen students. For the first time, during the 2019-2020 academic year, the Friends of First-Gen will come together for a speed networking event that will be co-sponsored by KSU’s Career Planning and Development (CPD) department. During this event, CDP will deliver short presentations on resume writing, interview skills, and professional networking. The presentations and speed networking will alternate so students can hear the presentation and then practice the skills with the Friends of First-Gen or have time to ask the CPD team questions. We are excited about this event and assessing our progress in moving first-gen students forward at KSU.

Click here for more information about First-Gen Initiatives at Kennesaw State University.