NLU F1RST Opens Up New Opportunities for First-Generation Students at NLU
Accessibility is core to the NLU mission. As a university, NLU strives to make it possible for individuals from any background to pursue a college education. This is especially true for students who are the first members of their family to attend college. By serving first generation students, NLU helps to fulfill an essential purpose of higher education: to serve as a socioeconomic ladder for anyone with the commitment to pursue their dreams.
With this in mind, NLU is excited to launch a new initiative called NLU F1RST! The NLU F1RST program is a program aimed at providing social, educational and celebratory programming for first generation students here at NLU. The program will provide opportunities for networking, mentorship and support among first generation faculty, staff and students. The program will also offer incentives to students for their achievements and share important information and resources related to first generation identity.
What does first generation mean?
Here at NLU, if neither of your parents have earned a 4-year degree, you are considered a first generation student!
- NLU F1RST Steps (Pre-orientation program)
- The NLU F1RST Steps program is a day-long program offered to first generation college students prior to their start on campus. The goal of this program is to provide students with an opportunity to develop interpersonal connections with other students, faculty and staff here at NLU. Students will engage in activities that focus on individual reflection, goal-setting and the development of interpersonal relationships with other incoming students.
- Upcoming Dates:
- July 22nd (Chicago Campus)
- August 5th (Wheeling Campus)
- NLU F1RST Network
- The NLU F1RST Network is composed of NLU Faculty and Staff who identify as first generation and hope to assist students in their transition to life here at NLU. Faculty and Staff are trained in allyship and adultism in order to best support our students. Faculty and Staff will be assigned to students who opt into the program and will be an additional point of contact and support. Students may request to be paired with a staff or faculty member who may be in their desired field of choice in terms of occupation, their background or any other variety of reasons.
- Staff and Faculty interested in becoming a part of the NLU F1RST Network, must attend at least one of the training sessions we offered in the Winter/Spring Quarters.
- Training Dates
- March 25th (9 am – 12 pm) – Chicago Campus
- April 29th (12 pm – 3 pm) – Chicago Campus
- May 27th (9 am – 12 pm) – Chicago Campus
- June 24th (12 pm – 3 pm) – Zoom
- Everyone to be trained by July 22nd
- Interest Form is here: https://forms.gle/YmYGDtRv2kapedUQA
- F1RST Generation Fridays
- This will be an opportunity to showcase why being first generation matters to faculty, students and staff. Each Friday, the Student Engagement social media will feature our First Generation journeys.
- NLU F1RST Scholars
- Each year, up to 15 incoming first year students will be selected as an NLU F1RST Scholars. These students will be eligible to receive up to $500 in scholarship funds for participation as an NLU F1RST Scholar. As a F1RST Scholar, students will be expected to participate in the NLU F1RST Network program and will commit to the development of a project to be presented at the MLK Student Leadership Conference. The NLU F1RST Scholar will work together with the Director of Community Standards and Student Advocacy in the development of this project based on the student’s personal interest. It may materialize as a presentation, an art piece, a campaign, etc.
- Up to $500, must submit either the FAFSA or Alternative App
- Stackable with other awards as well
- Can be used for laptop purchases, etc.
- Renewable, annual scholarships
- NLU F1RST Outings
- At the conclusion of each quarter, students who participate in the program will be able to select either a dinner and/or social outing to celebrate the completion of another quarter. Some outings will focus on giving students an opportunity to share reflections about their experiences thus far, others will be more social in nature.
- NLU F1RST Milestones
- Students who participate in the program and reach each of the following milestones will be recognized in the following ways:
- NLU F1RST Pins (End of Fall)
- NLU F1RST Jacket (End of Year 1)
- NLU F1RST Sophomore Patch (End of Year 2)
- NLU F1RST Junior Patch (End of Year 3)
- NLU F1RST Graduation Cords (Year 4)
- **It is important to note that students start at different times of the year, and have different paths to graduation. We will be intentional about recognizing this as students reach these milestones.
