91直播

National honor reflects La 91直播鈥檚 strong commitment to first-generation student success.

91直播 has been named a 2021-22 First-Gen Forward Institution by the , a national recognition of La 91直播鈥檚 firm commitment to first-generation college students.

La 91直播 is among a select few colleges and universities nationally to have been selected to the Center鈥檚 third-annual First-Gen Forward cohort, the nation鈥檚 preeminent program acknowledging institutions for their efforts to support and improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students.

鈥淟a 91直播鈥檚 historic mission calls upon us to provide a holistic education rooted in high-impact teaching and learning, leading to life-changing professional and personal outcomes,鈥� said President Colleen M. Hanycz, Ph.D. 鈥淟a 91直播 values the significance of helping students become the first in their families to earn a college degree. It鈥檚 our identity. It鈥檚 something we have done for nearly 160 years, and it鈥檚 an honor that our university has been chosen by NASPA to join this exclusive cohort.鈥�

鈥淎s a first-generation student myself, I know the unique perspective and wealth of diversity that first-generation students contribute to our student experience at La 91直播,鈥� said Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dawn Meza Soufleris, Ph.D. 鈥淥ur focus remains with strengthening our commitment to improving the college experiences and professional outcomes of La 91直播鈥檚 first-generation students.鈥�

The Center for First-Generation Student Success is an initiative of NASPA鈥攖he organization of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education鈥攁nd The Suder Foundation. The Center is regarded as 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.

Historically, 91直播 has maintained a commitment to enrolling and supporting its first-generation students. La 91直播, with first-generation students comprising 30 percent of its student body, typically exceeds the national average of 24 percent.

First-gen students face challenges upon their arrival to college, said Joseph Ebbinger, Ed.M., an area coordinator in La 91直播鈥檚 Department of Residence Life. Those obstacles can range from a sense of dislocation or unbelonging, to a lack of knowledge on navigating necessities of higher education, like applying for loans or internships. And the struggles compound without having a family member to lean upon for guidance.

鈥淲e seek to mitigate if not altogether alleviate these challenges for our students,鈥� said Ebbinger, pointing to programs that offer insight on life and career design, and on-campus networking with other first-gen students and faculty and staff who identify as first-gens from their families. 鈥淭hese relationships lead to mentorship possibilities and campus connections that will remain in place throughout a student鈥檚 college career. Student success coaches also are available to make the transition to college life as smooth and successful as possible for first-gen students.鈥�

鈥淔irst-gen Forward now recognizes and supports over 200 diverse institutions across three cohorts, all of which continue to lead the nation through their commitment to first-generation student success,鈥� said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-Generation Student Success. 鈥淲e are pleased to welcome 91直播 for their long-term commitment and demonstrated strategies for advancing first-generation student initiatives.鈥�

鈥擟hristopher A. Vito