This Week, Growing First-Gen Student Population Is Celebrated

If you are the first person in your family to go to college, congratulations!

Also, today is your day, as First-Generation College Celebration Day is celebrated nationally and will be recognized throughout the week here on the Rockhurst University campus.

The number of first-generation college students both in the U.S. and at Rockhurst University has grown in the last 10 years, according to Matt Emory, ’08 M.Ed., success coach. And he said it was important that population have their moment to shine.

“Increasing the visibility of first-gen students is important so that they feel supported, engaged, comfortable in asking for help, and empowered to advocate for themselves among both their peers and their instructors,” Emory said.

Emory began efforts with the I’m First Gen Too! campaign earlier in the fall, handing out buttons at the annual All Companions Gathering of faculty and staff prior to orientation and during the Student Activities Fair the first week of class. Emory said he was surprised how many first-generation staff and faculty there were, including the University’s new president, Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., and was excited that they all wanted to participate in first-generation activities to support students.

“While neither of my parents attended or graduated from college, I was fortunate to grow up in a family that very much understood the value of higher education,” Cassady said. “I felt proud to be a first-generation college student, you’re I think a role model for others in your family to continue their education and to see the value of it.”

Throughout the week, there will be events on campus to highlight the unique experiences that first-generation college students often have. Taking time to recognize first-generation students is about more than celebrating their accomplishments, Emory said.

“Research also shows that first-gen students utilize campus support services less so that is why it is so important that colleges are proactive in reaching out to first-gen students and encouraging them to take advantage of every campus support and opportunities available to them during their college career,” he said.

Currently, about 25% of students at Rockhurst identify as First-Generation. With the growth in that population often comes a sense of pride along with some unique challenges and, sometimes, uncertainty. Emory said there are challenges that might come with being a first-generation student. They might not have family members who have navigated the scholarship application or financial aid process. They are more likely than peers to need to work while attending school. And, Emory said, their status as trailblazers can also mean a lot of pressure to succeed. The good news, he said, is there are some really easy ways to support them.

“Acknowledge that First-Gen students might arrive on campus not knowing what to expect at college and might have a lot of questions. So, explaining processes and expectations clearly would be helpful,” he said. “Also, providing encouragement along the way is always a plus. Lastly, just building relationships and creating friendships with each other is a powerful way to help another person achieve their personal goals and dreams.”

For more information on this week’s events, visit the RU First Instagram page.