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First-Generation Student Success

National First Gen Day 2024 - Join in on the celebration!

National First-Gen Day is celebrated on November 8th every year! We host events throughout the week to hear from study abroad, to prepare for graduate school, to improve scholarship essays, or to meet other first-generation Catamounts among our students, faculty, and staff! 

*Requires an RSVP on ENGAGE


Monday, November 4

Celebrate YOU! Tabling & Giveaways

11am to 3pm at the Fountain (rain location: 2nd floor of the UC)
Engage Link

Jack the Dipper Fundraiser

4-7pm at Jack the Dipper in Sylva 
280 Asheville Highway Suite 4
Engage Link


Tuesday, November 5

Navigating the World of Study Abroad

3:30pm in Killian Annex 136
Engage Link

Trivia Night hosted by Anita Puerto!

7pm in the UC Grand Room

Bright Futures Lantern Walk

Tuesday evening at the Alumni Tower
This lantern walk will celebrate our first-generation Catamounts - students, faculty, staff, and community partners! Come out and find your bag, take pictures, and honor their experience.


Wednesday, November 6

Alumni Panel - MUST RSVP!

5:30pm in UC Dogwood Room or virtually (see engage to RSVP for virtual link)
Engage Link

Bright Futures Lantern Walk

Wednesday evening at the Alumni Tower
This lantern walk will celebrate our first-generation Catamounts - students, faculty, staff, and community partners! Come out and find your bag, take pictures, and honor their experience.


Thursday, November 7

Crafts Night - MUST RSVP!

4-6pm in Hunter Library 186
Engage Link


Friday, November 8

First Gen Day Block Party!

2-4pm on the UC Lawn
Engage Link

Bright Futures Lantern Walk

Friday evening at the Alumni Tower
This lantern walk will celebrate our first-generation Catamounts - students, faculty, staff, and community partners! Come out and find your bag, take pictures, and honor their experience.


If you have questions about joining any of these events, please contact us by calling 828.227.7171 or emailing maps@wcu.edu.


First Gen Advocacy Trainings in FALL 2024

MAPS presents First Gen Advocacy Training, a 1.5 hour session meant to advise our campus partners on how to support our first generation Catamounts. This can include reviewing common practices, language used, university policies, and referral methods. We will discuss the profile of a first-gen student at Western, suggest powerful practices, and the future of advocating for our first-gen Catamounts.

The MAPS office will present with affiliates from the First Gen Advisory Board. All participants will receive a First Gen sticker for their attendance and completion of the training.

Sign up on Engage by following the links belowing. Having difficulties with Engage? Email maps@wcu.edu to RSVP!

table of MAPS information and swag items

 


Wednesday, Sept 11, 2024 at 2:30 pm in CO 375

Engage Link


Friday, Sept 27, 2024 at 11 am in KA 136

Engage Link


Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024 at 2 pm in ST 424

Engage Link


Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 3 pm - VIRTUAL

Engage Link


mug decorating craft

 



study abroad presentation

 

luminary bags spelling first gen

 

 

 

Did you know?

  • A First-Generation student is defined as a student whose parents/guardians have not achieved a four-year degree, even if other members of the family have graduated from a four-year university.
  • WCU has a First-Generation Advisory Board that works to provide a positive campus climate and resources for First-Gen students.

Use the resources below to learn how to make the most of your college experience and find strategies to aid in your success.

Do not be afraid to ask for help and do it early!

Know you are not alone - connect with others!

Pursue your passions and strengths!

Additional resources

The FirstGEN Advocate program is designed to support new and continuing first-generation college students (FGCS) during their journey at WCU. Advocates are volunteer faculty and staff members who are trained to be cognizant and sensitive to the needs of FGCS.

By engaging with an Advocate, students can expect to be:

  • Greeted with empathy and understanding
  • Treated with dignity and respect
  • Supported and encouraged to follow their goals and dreams
  • Guided to explore options and opportunities for personal and professional growth
  • Challenged to overcome obstacles and achieve excellence
  • Referred to appropriate campus resources and services

Advocates are identified by displaying the FirstGEN symbol on their office door and wearing a FirstGEN pin or t-shirt at campus events. Find a FirstGEN Advocate.

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