On May 2nd, 2020, The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, announced that Loyola Marymount University (LMU) was chosen to participate in their 2020-21 cohort of First-gen Forward Institutions. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.
As a First-gen Forward institution, LMU will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer and aspirational institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will participate in monthly phone calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.
The First To Go Program at LMU thanks all campus advocates, partners, and first-gen champions for their dedication, innovation, community-minded spirit, and communal efforts in helping achieve this national recognition. The First To Go Program is dedicated to proactive and purposeful institutional change in service of diversity, justice, equity, and inclusion. Carrying this impetus forward is our greater mission to become a student-ready institution that places first-generation college students at the center of our conversations, actions, and implementations. Informed by Jesuit and Marymount values, we prioritize the pursuit for transformative change, contemplative action, and community as our force for good, and as such, we will continue to utilize these values to keep moving #firstgenforward.
To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.
NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Its work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories. Visit naspa.org for more information.
The Center for First-generation Student Success is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. Through four strategic priority areas, the Center drives higher education innovation and advocacy for first-generation student success.