Georgian Court University (GCU) has been named a new member of the FirstGen Forward Network for its demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
The university is one of only 80 new members selected for 2024-25 to join FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success.
“This recognition underscores our ongoing efforts to create and provide support, resources and opportunities to help students thrive academically and personally,” said Sharmay Wood, Dean of Students and Interim Associate Provost for Student Support Services at GCU.
“We are pleased to welcome Georgian Court University to the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president of FirstGen Forward. “It was evident that GCU 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.”
Thirty-four percent of GCU students are first-generation, including undergraduate, graduate and international students.
“As a member, we will have the opportunity to collaborate with other colleges and universities, learn from each other, set and meet specific goals, and have greater access to resources that will help us provide the best experience for our students and foster an even more inclusive and empowering environment to help students be successful,” added Dean Wood.
The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. Some 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.
Dean Wood explained that the university has a tremendous focus on providing support services for all students, including first-generation, but over the past year has made great strides to centralize its efforts.
“We created a FirstGen Collective which included multiple departments under student support, faculty members, and first-generation students to work together to identify needs, enhance support, and find ways to increase awareness of the programs available on campus. The majority of our members were or are first-gen students themselves, so they have been able to use their own experiences to help our students,” remarked Dean Wood.
The Collective launched a number of new initiatives, including a career-related networking event with first-generation alumni and student leaders during National First-Generation Day; designation of a lounge area for gatherings; a First-Generation student club that plans social activities; an idea board that asks students to answer questions such as “I wish I would have known….” that collects feedback to help shape support services and outreach; and a series of videos being developed to better define and showcase the resources available at each student service office.
Dean Wood is particularly proud that the Collective was able to create and provide special graduation stoles to first-generation students for graduation this May. “The stoles are white, and one side has the GCU emblem and an “I’m First” logo on the other to help recognize their successful graduation.”
In addition, a special webpage is being launched called “GCUFirst” and accompanying social media accounts (@gcufirst) have been created to better communicate with and promote programs and stories from first-generation students.
GCU has a special definition for describing first-generation students: (noun) a trailblazer; a person who is among the first to attend and, later, graduate from a senior institution of higher learning. (adjective) fearless; proud; revolutionary; entrepreneurial; creative; hardworking; visionary; confident; resilient.
“This year we are looking to add even more leadership and social opportunities. We need to make sure that these students, and all our students, have a sense of belonging, and that comes from feeling that they have a support system of people at GCU and fellow students,” said Dean Wood. “Our students are our top priority, and we continue to do everything we can to provide the best higher education experience. When students succeed the University succeeds.”
Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, said: “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know Georgian Court University will be a significant contributor.” For more information about GCU’s first-generation initiatives call Student Life at 732-987-2311.
