First-Gen Longhorn is a term at the University of Texas that describes any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) do not have a four-year degree or higher from an institution of higher learning in the United States. In the fall of 2021, first-generation college students at UT Austin accounted for 23% of the undergraduate student body. The mission of the First-Gen Equity program is to create a community on campus for first-generation students by providing them with a multi-tiered support network and an immersive layering of academic, social and professional experiences, workshops, resources, and events. First-Generation students at The University of Texas at Austin are able to opt-in to any of the following whole-person developmental services provided by First-Gen Equity, free of charge:
-Academic Coaching
-Free STEM Tutoring and Free Printing
-Transition & Success Coaching (mentorship program)
-Monthly First-Gen Social Connection, Future-Planning & Skill-building Events
-Accessing our Computers and Physical Space & Study Lounge in SSB 3.200
-Engaging with our Social Media Accounts and Canvas Page
-Subscribing to our First-Gen Weekly Navigator Newsletter
-Receiving Referrals to other Programs in the Longhorn Center for Academic Equity or Across Campus
-Participating in First-Gen Longhorn Signature Events Each Year

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 697 routinely (year one this year)

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://diversity.utexas.edu/academic-equity/first-gen-equity/

EVALUATION STATUS: No data related to outcomes have been collected from this program

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Division of Diversity and Community Engagement's Longhorn Center for Academic Equity

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Michelle Shanks at michelle.shanks@austin.utexas.edu or 5126591587

The First-Gen Advisory Board collaborates to support first-gen students with programing and mentoring. The board members also provide feedback on first-gen initiatives. All colleges are represented by an advisory board member. The majority of advisory board members are first-gen.

During its first year in existence, the board provided first-gen students with the following:
- All colleges hosted a celebration during National First-Gen Week for its first-gen students that enabled students, faculty, and staff to engage in events that created a culture of awareness and understanding of the first-gen college student experience.
- Planned and executed the inaugural First-Gen to Grad School event. Board members supported with a first-gen panel and round-table events led by first-gen staff and faculty.
- Provided feedback on the First-Gen Center framework (mission, priorities, and vision), glide path for the next 3 years, and first-gen programming.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Support 53% of students at SHSU who are first-generation.
2021 prior to the establishment of the Advisory Board
- 2 events hosted by SHSU (TRiO and COE).
2022 after the establishment of the Advisory Board
- 14 events hosted by SHSU to include all colleges celebrating its FG students.
- 678 FG students participated in National FG week.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Joe Contreras at jxc200@shsu.edu or 9362943003

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) established its First-Generation Center (FGC) on June 6, 2022, as 53% of its students are first-generation students. An SHSU student is considered first-generation if neither parent nor guardian earned a bachelor’s degree in the United States. The SHSU FGC is dedicated to helping first-generation students and their families navigate their university experience.

The FGC operates on the following PRIORITIES, nested under the SHSU priorities of its strategic plan:
- Connect and engage the first-gen population to university resources and services.
- Enhance an inclusive environment that promotes a sense of belonging and empowers first-gen students to succeed (Proud to be First-Generation).
- Advance a culture of engagement and perseverance through first-gen programming.
- Known for its commitment to first-gen student success in the State of Texas.
- Identify, develop, and strengthen relationships with first-gen alumni, community group/organizations and other entities with a large first-gen focus to support first-gen students.

First-Generation students gain a community, have a transformative experience, and complete a bachelor’s degree.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its target population).

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: SHSU was recognized nationally (First-Scholars Network) for its commitment to first-generation student success during the FGC’s first year in existence, by the Center for First-generation Student Success (NASPA). To be selected as a First Scholars Network member, SHSU displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation students.

- 1,165 one-on-one mentoring appointments with professional staff
- Personally connected with 49% of first-gen freshmen (1555)
- 32 first-gen programming events

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Joe Contreras at jxc200@shsu.edu or 9362943003

The families of first-generation college students play a key role in their students’ success. All incoming first-generation students and their families are invited to attend the UT Dallas First-Generation Family Orientation. To promote the orientation, UT Dallas mails postcard invitations and first-generation-specific new student guidebooks, that include access to an online Spanish language version, to invitees. The materials provide advice on how to interpret important dates on the academic calendar, descriptions of language found in course syllabi, and helpful tips for navigating resources, and a page of First-Generation Student Support Network member contacts in key campus departments. First-Generation Family Orientation content includes presentations by a variety of campus departments, a discussion regarding UT Dallas culture and insights about what their student can expect, greater explanations of some University policies and processes, more information about University resources with insights about why they matter and how to use them, and critical steps to ensure that students efficiently transition through each semester and maximize opportunities. Content is framed to reinforce the role of families in student academic and social success and their value in cultivating student belonging, wellbeing, and resilience. The First-Generation Family Orientation is hosted primarily via YouTube to ensure maximum accessibility with the multi-language closed captioning options. During the orientation, families can ask current first-generation students, parents of former UT Dallas students, and bilingual staff questions. The desired outcomes of First-Generation Family Orientation include attendees feeling better equipped to support their scholars, increased familiarity with campus resources, and increased comfort approaching the university for assistance.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: We ask participants to express their intent to attend, but we distribute the link to join to all invitees.

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES DATA: In August 2021, after viewing First-Generation Family Orientation, 100% of evaluation respondents reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that they felt better equipped to support their scholar and that they were more familiar with UT Dallas campus resources.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of Undergraduate Education

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Courtney Brecheen at courtneyb@utdallas.edu or 9728836788

The First-Generation Living Learning Community provides an inclusive and engaging living environment for new Longhorns, who identify as first-generation (first-gen) college students.This community is designed to build a support system among first-gen students, in addition to celebrating each student’s background and successes. Our goals are to: 1) build a community among first-generation students and celebrate student’s background and successes; 2) connect students with first-generation role models through peer and staff mentoring; 3) increase student’s understanding of personal first-generation identity; and 4) increase sense of belonging on UT’s campus.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 52

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://newstudentservices.utexas.edu/content/first-generation-living-learning-community

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally and externally collected

PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES DATA: In the 2021-22 academic year, 95% of students met with their mentor at least once a semester, and 33% of students met with their mentor 3 or more times. When surveyed, 82% of students reported that the LLC helped them to connect with other first-gen students and 69% said it helped them understand how they belong at UT.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: New Student Services

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Kayleigh Damphousse at kayleigh.damphousse@austin.utexas.edu or 4058244277

First-Generation Student Orientation is designed for any student that identifies as first-generation. The goal is to provide each participant with necessary information to be successful in college. Time management, study skills, and goal setting skills are included in the orientation. We also go over key college terms and important offices and personnel that will be needed during matriculation.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 75

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: No data related to outcomes have been collected from this program

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success, Retention, and TRIO-EOC

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Lee Williams III at lee.williams@texarkanacollege.edu or 9038233016

The First Year Eats program, part of the Texas A&M Hunger Consortium, focuses on breaking down food insecurity on campus. LAUNCH presents the First Year Eats program that allows students to participate in various opportunities to receive food resources such as Crockpot meals, Monday meals, and our FYEats Store with various grocery store items.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Students participating in First Year Eats have significantly higher GPRs their first and second semester and are retained into their second year at higher rates than similar students who did not participate in First Year Eats.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: LAUNCH

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sumana Datta at sumad@tamu.edu or 979-845-1957

The Office of First-Year Experience (FYE) challenges and supports students across the first year to connect them with outstanding learning opportunities that help with the transition into university life and achieving both academic and personal goals. We offer guidance, advice, and support as students navigate their college experience on our campus. Through programs, resources, and services, we provide opportunities and information students need to help them meet fellow Jaguars and to view Texas A&M-San Antonio as home.

We promote a student-centered environment that supports all students during their transitions to discover, engage, and connect at A&M-San Antonio and we aspire to:
• Encourage students to be self-directed learners through a strengths-based mindset;
• Actively challenge students on a path of self-discovery to become lifelong learners;
• Foster an environment that allows students to cut across traditional boundaries and viewpoints through dialogue and innovative learning opportunities;
• Cultivate a foundation for student persistence through intentional and transformative experiences that support students’ personal growth and development.

The core values of the Office of First-Year Experience are:
• Discover: To provide pathways for students to discover success, a sense of self, and a healthy sense of adventure.
• Engage: To encourage students to become active participants in their journey through higher education by engaging in the learning process and participating in dialogue that pushes them out of their comfort zone.
• Connect: To connect students, through meaningful experiences, to the university and broader community.

Our program components consist of the following:
• First-Year Seminar (FYS): this is a three-credit hour, success seminar designed to help students discover their place on campus, in society, within their discipline, and their career. Each course also has an assigned peer leader who collaborates and provide instructional support alongside the instructor, plan/present curriculum and instructional activities, coordinate and assist with the planning of events/programs and have one-on-one personalized mentorship meetings with students.
• Learning Communities (LC): 2-4 linked courses that allow participants to partake in exclusive activities created to enhance their learning experience at A&M-San Antonio. We have major specific, themed and traditional communities. The faculty in each LC, team up to build connections amongst the linked courses through shared assignments and activities.
• Common Experience: This is a yearlong initiative designed to cultivate a common intellectual conversation on a theme and facilitate increased interactions among faculty, staff, and students. It provide participants an opportunity to deconstruct and explore a common subject through multidisciplinary lenses and apply academic thought towards finding meaningful solutions to discovered challenges. Throughout the year, various events and programs provide opportunities for engagement for the entire university community and beyond.
• Faculty Advising Program: We pair select first-year students with a faculty mentor who will be available to them throughout their entire first year on campus. Faculty are assigned four students each and are given $200 per mentee to be able to attend group mentoring social events either on- or off-campus.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 950

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: First-Year Experience

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Heather Olague at hmolague@tamusa.edu or 210-784-1399

FYE's Mission
The First-Year Experience Program (FYE) is committed to supporting first-year-in-college-students through peer mentorship as they transition into university life. FYE Peer Mentors meet with students one-on-one to provide academic, social, and personal support in order to enhance student success.

FYE's Goals
Connecting incoming first-year students with student leaders who can provide guidance from experience to make their first year a positive experience.

Equipping first-year-in-college students with knowledge and access to resources.

Facilitating first-year student exploration in their academic studies.

Fostering a sense of campus community and belonging for first-year students.

FYE's Values
Teamwork - supporting one another professionally and personally and student leaders in their growth

Collaboration - working with individuals and other campus programs to enhance the student experience

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Development, Leadership, Belonging, and Academic Support Programs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Demetrius Johnson at demetrius.johnson@utsa.edu or 2104583072

The First Year Experience Course (NCTC 1001) is a free, required non-credit, 4-week course designed to provide students with tools and strategies to persist and succeed at North Central Texas College. Utilizing "just in time" teaching and learning strategies, the online orientation course is provided to FTIC students at NCTC, before they have earned 15 credit hours. Topics covered in the course include: NCTC technology and access, campus resources, college learning expectations, communication tools, academic success strategies, financial literacy, and campus safety resources. First time college students (excluding dual credit) are required to pass NCTC 1001.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is online only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 7243

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants are automatically enrolled in this program if they meet eligibility requirements

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Completion Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Amy Klohn at aklohn@nctc.edu or 940-498-6416

The University College’s First Year course offerings assist students as they transition from high school to the university and have been tailored to assist students based on a number of criteria including, major, prior college hours, class rank and academic performance.The UNIV 1301 Learning Framework course is the most popular and widely taken first-year experience course offered. Here, students will learn about the psychology of learning and develop the skills that will enable them to be successful college students. The Learning Framework course is organized by college, so students will also learn about program specific requirements depending on their major. In addition to the Learning Framework course, UTRGV also offers, UNIV 1101: Self-Discovery for Academic and Career Success. This one-hour course connects students to university resources as they navigate their first year at UTRGV while also helping them identify and develop a plan to achieve their academic and professional goals. Finally, the UNIV 1001 and UNIV 1300: Living and Working by Design courses encourage new students to think about and build out multiple college experiences by incorporating design thinking principles. Here students are given a safe and supportive space to think about possible majors and careers without any fear of judgment or critique. Students then work through potential major/career pathways by thinking about the actions they need to take and the resources they need in order to make their pathway(s) a reality.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 3500

HOW TO ENROLL: We do not automatically enroll, however, it is a first-year requirement for students who meet the criteria.

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: University College

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Cynthia Saldivar at cynthia.saldivar@utrgv.edu or 956-882-7483

The First-Year Experience (FYE) program at El Paso Community College (EPCC) provides evidence based transformative holistic advising and wraparound services for First-Time in College students (FTICs). The FYE program integrates cohort instructional models, early alerts and retention collaboratives with high FTIC enrollment courses, peer academic and faculty coaching, ongoing workshops and seminars, case management holistic advising approach, and individualized educational plans. The FYE Program has reformed EPCC’s advising model from a one-size fits all approach to proactive case management. The primary goal is to increase students’ completion rates. The three main objectives are the following:
• To increase FTIC students’ retention rate (fall to fall enrollment),
• To increase the number of FTIC students in good academic standing, and
• To increase FTIC students’ three-year graduation rate.
The FYE Program, through its integrated advising model provides a safety net and a strong foundation for students transitioning to college.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: On average, the First-Year Experience (FYE) Program serves approximately 5,500 students every fall semester. Students advised by the FYE Program have demonstrated a 10% improvement in retention. From fall 2017 to fall 2022, FYE Program advisees had higher rates than non-participants on the following performance indicators:
• 14% higher persistence rate;
• 5% higher percentage of students on good academic standing;
• 4% higher three-year graduation rates; and
• 5% more credit hours earned.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Instruction & Student Success Office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sandra Lujan at slujan9@epcc.edu or 915-831-2279

Our mission is to provide students FAMILIA – Family, Acceptance, Mentoring, Inspiration, Learning, Inclusion, and Advancement. We reach out to our students before their first day of class and provide an award winning website that includes a resource video library that is continuously improving and expanding. Our Peer Mentors call first time in college students to welcome them and answer any questions they may have from a fellow student’s perspective. The Peer Mentors continue their outreach throughout the students’ first year. The official induction into the SPC family is Tiger Nation Family Day (TNFD), which happens on the Friday before classes begin. TNFD is designed to introduce students to college leadership, highlight college programs, and services, and motivate students to BELIEVE * COMMIT* COMPLETE. During the first week of classes, students are welcomed with an assortment of campus activities, such as scavenger hunts and mixers, that allow them to build a social network and get connected with the campus community. The year-long programming includes workshops and activities facilitated by different departments such as Financial Literacy, The Tutoring and Technology Center, the Career Experience Team, and Advocacy Services. The year concludes with an End of the First Year Banquet, a time for students to celebrate the completion of their first year in college, their resilience, and all of their accomplishments. The First Year Experience program aims to launch students into their careers and/or second year of studies feeling resilient, confident, and like they belong.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 155

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Educational Support Services

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Liz Castillo at ecastillo262@alamo.edu or 210-486-2473

This First-Year Experience Seminar is a two-credit course that prepares first-time-in-college students to succeed at UIW, get the most out of their college experience and graduate on time. In a small classroom setting, structured lessons tied to the 5 pillars of the University's core mission values (education, truth, faith, service and innovation) will encourage a sense of community, show new students how to use campus resources to ensure a positive transition to UIW, and introduce proven academic success skill development including financial literacy and personal wellness. FYES students participate in service learning to incorporate such experiences as part of their lives at UIW and beyond. Students will navigate the unwritten rules and expectations for success in college through close collaboration with peer mentors embedded in each FYES section. In addition, students will investigate career options and learn a variety of UIW technology tools commonly utilized to further their learning while at UIW.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of the Provost

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Kevin B. Vichcales at vichcales@uiwtx.edu or 2108292759

MCC’s Title V grant project, First Year Focus: Developing Academic and Co-Curricular Student Support Structures to Improve First Year Outcomes puts into place innovative support structures designed to create enriching academic opportunities that foster success for MCC’s diverse student population. These activities include restructuring the first year experience to address student resilience, integrating and building academic support structures to promote persistence, and cultivating student engagement and inclusiveness across campus. The project is (1) restructuring the Learning Frameworks courses and curriculum to better address student resilience through cohort reorganization, the integration of cultural competency, career planning, and financial literacy into all Learning Frameworks (LF) courses, and bringing the College’s Peer Leadership Initiative (PLI) to scale as part of the LF course, (2) enhancing academic support structures by centralizing academic support into a cohesive Learning Commons, implementing SI for developmental education and gateway courses, and language support for ELL students, (3) better engaging students, including Hispanic and low-income students at the beginning of their academic careers, increasing Spanish language engagement from orientation to graduation, and compelling student programming for Hispanic and low- income MCC students.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 3575

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally and externally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: President's Office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Paula Barfield Unger at punger@mclennan.edu or 254-299-8494

The First Year Institute Seminar’s goal is to teach students “how to be a college student.” We examine factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. Topics covered include information processing, memory, strategic learning, self-regulation, goal setting, motivation, educational and career planning, and learning styles. Techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, text marking, library, 0and research skills, preparing for examinations, and utilizing learning resources are covered. Includes courses in college orientation and developments of students’ academic skills that apply to all disciplines. All first semester freshmen must enroll in the course during their first semester of college. A final grade of C or higher is required, or the student must repeat the course. Our Learning Framework Capstone is meant to prepare students for transfer and or the workforce. This course includes 1) research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation; 2) factors that impact learning; and 3) application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to draw continually from the theoretical models they have learned. (Cross listed as PSYC 1100). (NOTE: While traditional study skills courses include some of the same learning strategies, e.g., note-taking, reading, test preparation as learning framework courses, the focus of study skills courses is solely or primarily on skill acquisition. Study skills courses, which are not under-girded by scholarly models of the learning process, are not considered college-level and therefore are distinguishable from Learning Framework courses.) Prerequisite: 30 hours of college-level credit.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: FYIS-Student Central Learning Frameworks- CAO

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Krista Wilson at kwilson@fpctx.edu or 806-457-4200

First-time-in-college students enroll a one-hour first year seminar course: UGST 1100: Applications of Learning. Students can enroll in special sections for Trailblazer Elite students or in a meta-major block of two other courses identified as relevant for a meta-major the students have identified. Enrollment in the first year seminar allows students a safe place to learn about their new academic environment, build community, explore career options, and skills to help them successfully adjust to college life.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of the Provost

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dr. Dawn Remmers at dawn.remmers@untdallas.edu or 972-338-1878

The First Year Seminar is a practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, aid in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants are automatically enrolled in this program if they meet eligibility requirements

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: University College

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Joanna Shaw at jshaw@tarleton.edu or 254-968-9087

For first-generation college students, adjusting to college can be difficult and may lead to lower graduation rates. Despite the availability of resources on-campus at St. Edward's University, there were obstacles that often prevented its first-generation college students from making the best use of resources. In response to this, in 2020, St. Edward's University implemented programming to remove barriers to success for students who are first in the family to go to college. Recognizing that there is financial need, little family background in higher education, and social and academic stress, First to GOat provides holistic programming that emphasizes mentoring, building community and belonging, leadership and character development, academic and career readiness, financial assistance and literacy, and personal health and wellness. First to GOat develops
and provides a supportive, inclusive community that values and celebrates their identity.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: The average one-year retention rate for first-generation students at St. Edward's University is 77.5% for 2020-2022, exceeding national and state averages. In addition, the average fall-to-spring first-generation college students persistence is 92.5% for 2020-2023.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sonia Briseno at sbriseno@stedwards.edu or 512-448-8625

Focus Forward is a first-year experience program designed for incoming freshmen. Focus Forward serves the incoming freshmen class as a student success campus community program with the goal of connecting the students to the campus as an active member of the community. Focus Forward is built on the foundation of three pillars, academic focus, university engagement, and personal responsibility. As with all things there is overlap, this overlap strengthens the student's connection to the campus and provides them with a successful experience. As an institution of higher education Schreiner University provides a service dedicated to the individual growth of each student by providing the opportunity to be successful.

Academic Focus. Students are given the opportunity to learn. In the first year a specific focus is dedicated to helping students establish a strong foundation of understanding about the academic rigor, expectations, self-discipline, and university support that is needed to be successful.

Personal Responsibility. Students are given the opportunity for personal growth. In the first year a specific focus is dedicated to helping students understand the responsibilities of a student within the Schreiner community. From their interactions with peers to their interactions with faculty and staff, they have opportunities to learn from experiences and grow in their personal responsibilities.

University Engagement. Students are given the opportunity to engage as an active member of the Schreiner University community. The university strives to provide opportunities for students to have a meaningful connection with the university that helps them in their success as a student.

Meaningful collaborations occur across campus to provide the overlapping support of these three pillars, including Freshmen studies IDST course, peer to peer mentoring, academic advising, tutoring services, co-curricular experiences, community engagement, and student leadership opportunities.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: First Year Experience

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Matt Goodwyn at tmgoodwyn@schreiner.edu or 8307927330