Auburn receives First-gen Forward designation for commitment to student success

Auburn University recently received national recognition for its commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students, being selected as a 2020-21 First-gen Forward Institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success.

The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education that have gone above and beyond to create opportunities for students who are the first members of their families to attend college. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences and a first look at the research and resources of the Center for First-generation Student Success—which is an initiative of NASPA, or the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and The Suder Foundation.

“Now in its second year, First-gen Forward institutions continue to lead the nation by their commitment to first-generation student success,” said Sarah Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success. “The 2020-21 cohort consists of diverse institutions across the nation, and we are pleased to welcome Auburn University for their long-term commitment and demonstrated strategies for scaling first-generation student initiatives.”

In November, Auburn joined institutions across the nation for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration Day. In addition to inviting first-generation students to celebrate in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity’s Cross-Cultural Center for Excellence, OID launched the T1GER Network and convened a working group of campus partners, including professionals from Student Affairs, Academic Advising and faculty in the College of Education, to begin discussing a long-term strategy for first-generation student success at Auburn.

“Auburn’s recent designation as a First-gen Forward institution supports our university’s mission to enhance its position among elite public land-grant institutions, while also providing unique initiatives that support equitable outcomes for all students,” said Taffye Benson Clayton, vice president, associate provost and chief diversity officer at Auburn University. “I am proud of the work being accomplished through the T1GER Network and look forward to working with the incredible team of scholars at NASPA to further advance opportunities for first-generation students at Auburn.”

As a First-gen Forward Institution, select faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer and aspirational institutions that are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop in Baltimore in June and will participate in monthly phone calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more.

After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for Advisory Leadership designation.

“First-gen Forward is an exciting opportunity for Auburn University to join an elite community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” said Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the First-gen Forward cohort and know Auburn University will be a significant contributor.”