Happy First & Proud Week!

Today is First-Generation College Celebration Day, which is observed nationwide in honor of the successes of first-generation college students, faculty, staff and alumni. Here at FAU, we’re extending the celebration through Wednesday, Nov. 10 for First and Proud Week, with several programs and events dedicated to highlighting the successes, challenges and triumphs of being a #FirstGen student.

A first-generation student is defined as a university student whose parents have not obtained a degree from a four-year college or university. Research shows that this group of students faces unique struggles on the path to a degree. In fact, one-third of all first-generation students drop out at the three-year mark, compared with one-quarter of students whose parents have degrees. The biggest hurdle for first-gen students is finances, followed by a lack of individualized support systems.

FAU’s Office of First-Generation Student Success is working to help this special group of students reach the finish line by connecting them to university resources that help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Additionally, FAU’s Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program provides financial resources and support to help first generation, low-income undergraduate students attain their degree within four years, free from financial worry and with the ability to devote themselves fully and successfully to academic and co-curricular achievements. At FAU, we are dedicated to the idea of Universal Student Success. We recently achieved the nation’s fastest jump in graduation rates with no equity gaps based on race, ethnicity, income or first-generation status. In fact, first-generation students outpace the overall graduation rates — and we’re very proud of that. Our Office of First-Generation Student Success is playing a huge role in that effort, and I commend the faculty and staff who work so hard to help our students earn their degrees.

For more information about the First & Proud events taking place this week, please visit Owl Central. To learn more about FAU’s Office of First-Generation Student Success, visit www.fau.edu/firstgen.