1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board

What is the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board?

Founded in 2020, the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board represents undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who identify as first-gen college students. Board members work in conjunction with the 1stGen@Iowa initiative to help build awareness, inform and educate the campus community, and celebrate the first-gen student identity across campus.

2026-2027 Student Advisory Board Leadership

Executive Leadership Team: 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board Coordinator
Amar Beginovic, Graduate Intern, Pathways to Excellence

Executive Leadership Team: Undergraduate Student Representative
Diana Akakpo

Executive Leadership Team: Graduate/Professional Student Representative
Priyanka Singh

Undergraduate Student Government First-Generation Constituency Senator
Tehya Chandler

Old capitol building with yellow flowers

What does the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board do?

Our Objectives

1. Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate and facilitate events during First-Generation College Celebration Week

2. Provide student input on projects and activities for the 1stGen@Iowa initiative, which focuses on the role of faculty and staff in first-gen students' success as well as building awareness of and celebrating the first-gen identity

3. Utilize networks and campus partnerships to assist with information dissemination for the 1stGen@Iowa initiative

4. Advocate for first-gen students by acting as liaisons and content experts within the student community

5. Appoint the First-Generation Constituency Senator to the University of Iowa Undergraduate Student Government.

Our Vision

Our vision is to aid in the advancement of a vibrant and empowering community where first-generation students at the University of Iowa thrive. Through partnerships and our collective efforts, we aim to raise awareness, provide essential information, foster a sense of belonging, and celebrate students’ achievements. Together, we build bridges, break barriers, and pave the way for first-generation students’ success.

2027-28 Student Advisory Board Applications

Apply for the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board

Are you a first-gen undergrad, grad, or professional student currently enrolled at the University of Iowa (and planning to also enroll in fall 2027)? Are you interested in having input in campus-wide efforts to support first-gen students? Consider apply for the 2027-28 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board!

We will begin accepting applications for the 2027-28 board in March 2027.

Apply to join the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board

Application Information

We will begin accepting applications for the 2027-28 Student Advisory Board in March 2027.

Eligible Applicants
Any undergraduate, graduate, or professional student who plans to be enrolled at the University of Iowa during the 2027-28 academic year and identifies as a first-generation college student is eligible to apply for the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board.

Who is a first-generation college student?
At the University of Iowa, first-generation students are those students who do not have a parent or legal guardian who completed a four-year degree.

Visit firstgen.uiowa.edu/definition for more information.

Term Length
Selected students will serve a full academic year, from approximately August 23, 2027, to April 28, 2028. Students may request to serve additional terms.

Time Commitment
1stGen@Iowa SAB members will attend 3 - 4 one-hour-long meetings per semester; meetings may be held outside regular business hours and may meet in person or online.

Additionally, all 1stGen@Iowa SAB members, both new and returning, are required to attend a full-day, in-person, fall retreat on date tbd. Please be sure you can attend this retreat before you apply and mark this date on your calendar.

In the fall semester, board members help plan events for National First-Generation College Celebration week in early November and should expect a larger time commitment prior to and during this time.

Application Process

The following materials must be submitted by 11:59pm on date tbd:

- Completed application form: 2027-28 link will be posted in spring 2027
- Current resume (upload your resume with the application form)

Selection decisions for the 2027-28 year will be communicated to all applicants by early May 2027. Questions may be directed to UI-FirstGenatIowa@uiowa.edu

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Angie Lamb in Pathways to Excellence at angela-lamb@uiowa.edu or call (319) 335-2062.