The University of Iowa is moving FirstGen Forward...
...and becoming the institution of choice for first-generation students in the state of Iowa by...
Goal 1: Becoming an institution that is student ready
Increase a sense of belonging among first-generation students at the University of Iowa through efforts led by the 1stGen@Iowa initiative. This includes, among other things, further development of the 1stGen@Iowa Mentor Network, enhanced training for faculty and staff, and efforts of the 1stGen@Iowa Faculty and Staff Collaborative.
Goal 2: Institutionalizing a reimagined approach to communicating the full extent of first-gen student support
Develop a comprehensive communication strategy to consistently convey how our institution supports first-generation students through the newly created First-Gen Student Success initiative.
Goal 3: Improving identification methods to facilitate targeted support and programming
Develop and implement enhanced identification methods for first-generation students within the institutional academic systems to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection for all students- undergraduate, graduate, and professional.
Meet our FirstGen Forward Executive Leadership Team
Tanya Uden-Holman, Ph.D
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of the University College
Mirra Anson, Ph.D.
Director, Student Academic Success & Strategic Initiatives
Shaun Vecera, Ph.D.
Director,
UI Honors Program
Professor & Herman J. and Eileen S. Schmidt Chair,
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Jennifer Lynch
Director, TRIO Student Support Services and TRIO Upward Bound
Historical Context
First-Gen Forward Designation
On May 1, 2019, the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success announced that the University of Iowa had been chosen to participate in the 2019-2020 inaugural First-Gen Forward cohort. As a First-Gen Forward Institution, the University of Iowa joined an elite community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country.
NASPA’s commitment to student success was the impetus behind a joint initiative with The Suder Foundation to establish the Center for First-generation Student Success in June 2017. In continuing with the Center’s mission of being 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, the Center launched First-Gen Forward, the nation's first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success.
Our First-Gen Forward Goal Plan
Participation in the First-Gen Forward program required a team of faculty and staff and UI administrators to develop a goal plan that will further advance our mission to better support first-generation students and close completion gaps that exist between them and their peers. This goal plan, which includes measurable outcomes, indicators of success, action steps, a timeline, potential barriers and solutions, and identified campus partners, is summarized below.
Read more in this Iowa Now article. (May 1, 2019)
Starting Point: Defining Sense of Belonging
Sense of belonging involves an individual’s connection to a group or organization. It encompasses feeling cared about, accepted, respected, and valued by others (Strayhorn, 2019). At the University of Iowa, a sense of belonging is cultivated by everyone on campus including, faculty, staff, and student peers. It manifests through the desire and willingness to connect interpersonally, while respecting differences. These connections foster a sense of security and support a welcoming environment, allowing everyone to thrive individually and collectively and to better represent their authentic selves (Bruno, 2019).