First Generation Programming
Here at NLU, we value greatly the first-generation student experience. In an attempt to honor this portion of our student body, we have launched the NLU F1RST Initiative. Participation in this initiative will provide students with social, educational and celebratory programming. In addition, we will facilitate networking for mentoring and support among first-generation faculty, staff and students. Finally, we will share information and resources related to first-generation identity and offer incentives and recognition for your success as a first-generation student.
As a result of active participation in the F1RST Initiative, first-generation students will:
- Demonstrate a sense of belonging to the National Louis University community.
- Use resources available to them for assistance with specific challenges to their success or student experience
- Explain the importance of the relationship they have developed with at least one first-generation faculty, staff, or student
- Describe the development of their first-generation identity
- Articulate academic and professional goals
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.
Dates TBA Shortly!
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.
Faculty & Staff who wish to be a part of this network are required to complete trainings we provide in the following areas:
- Training on allyships & adultism
- Positive Youth Development Framework
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.
If you are interested in taking part in this campaign, email Jordan Colon at jcolon8@nl.edu. Please submit a picture of yourself you would like to be featured and answer the question: Why does being a first-generation college student matter to me?
At the conclusion of the Fall quarter and the Spring quarter, a dinner will take place to celebrate the conclusion of the quarter. These dinners will provide participants with an opportunity to share reflections about their experience so far at NLU and offer insight into what they learned in the time spent.
In addition, after each quarter students will be surveyed about what they would like to do for an outing. This outing can take place off campus and will vary based on student requests!
It is important for us to acknowledge the accomplishments of each of our NLU first-generation students. As a result, for those who participate, they will receive the following for each milestone they reach:
- 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 we understand that everyone has their own journey. The above is a templated version of a timeline. If your journey is different from the one outlined above, do not worry! We are here to provide you with support and understand that everyone's journey is unique!
