by Desiree Padron
First. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being first. For some it’s the satisfaction that you are the best-a winner. For others, it’s a culmination of decisions, preparations, determination, efforts and perhaps even a touch of luck that places you in a new well-earned right-place at the right-time chapter of your life. And then there are those for whom first means mean survival, security, safety, and change. It’s the culmination of generations of sacrifices and “we’ll get by somehow” born from the hopes of a better life. As the number of first-generation students increased on campus the need for a first-generation center that could support them also grew.
Intention. The University of North Texas opened its doors in March 2021 to its first ever First Generation Success Center, the first for firsts, completely dedicated to the support of our first-generation[1] student population. With over 41.5% of our undergraduate population, over 13,000 students, identifying as first-generation, our aim in incorporating a first-generation support center is to provide our students, and by extension their families, a one-stop shop, first-line of support for questions and concerns regarding any aspect of their UNT identity. When something as small as an answered question, referral, or opportunity can change the trajectory of student success, we want to be here to help.
To capture their stories and remind us of our work, there is a dry erase board hanging on the center column of our suite with the phrase, “I am first because…”, where students can write their reasons for being the first in their families to pursue a higher education. Their responses were honest, vulnerable and reaffirmed the impact we could achieve with the First Generation Success Center.
Resources. The Spring 2021 semester served as a pilot for future long-term programming. Despite some setbacks, some expected while others like a week-long statewide ice storm unexpected, the center still opened successfully. Through collaborations with departments such as the Career Center, Learning Center, Counseling and Testing Center, Student Money Management Center, TRIO McNair Scholars and Student Support Services, Toulouse Graduate School and UNT Health Science Center, we were still able to provide over 8 presentations, numerous 1:1 advising appointments, graduation stoles, and a physical space for students to find community. Additionally, our location was strategically placed in close proximity to the majority of the support and engagement departments that eliminate additional barriers toward success for the students.
Services. Having worked with the federal TRIO programs successful Student Support Services, Upward Bound and Talent Search programs for 11 years, my goal is to model the First Generation Success Center after the TRIO model: A holistic approach to student service that incorporates individual advising and intentional campus collaboration/partnerships. The difference however will be in accessibility. Despite the success of the UNT TRIO programs on campus, there was an overwhelming gap that couldn’t be ignored: number of students served. With TRIO limited to serving approximately 300 students out of thousands, the First Generation Success Center will provide similar programming on a larger scale. All students, first-generation or not, are welcome to utilize services and there are no program commitments or requirements. Our services will emphasize financial literacy, career preparation, graduate school awareness, mentorship/leadership, and academic support.
Time. As a first-time director and a first-generation North Texas alumna, building a program from the ground up during times of social-distancing and remote learning has been no easy feat. Relying heavily on my personal and professional experiences to build the center as a master resource and support hub, the goal over time is to have the center become a household name for our first-gen students. I know what it’s like to have one question, one mentor, or one opportunity change the course of my life, and our students deserve the chance to have the same experience.
[1] The University of North Texas defines first-generation as an individual whose parents did not complete a 4-year college degree, or if a student resided with and received support from only one parent and this parent did not complete a 4-year college degree.