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First-Generation Initiative

First-Generation Initiative to host Welcome (Back) Reception

First-Generation Initiative was established in 2019 to support first-generation college students on campus. The initiative will host its first-annual reception on August 25 in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Varsity.

The Welcome (Back) Reception is for new and returning first-generation college students and supporting faculty/staff. Food and drinks will be provided while students are given opportunities to make connections and learn about resources.

Faculty, staff and first-generation students can RSVP via SMU Connect.

Categories
First-Generation Initiative

First-Generation Initiative publishes refreshed and expanded website

The First-Generation Initiative (FGI) published a refreshed website (smu.edu/firstgen) for the SMU community on August 13. Just in time for the new academic year, the refresh expanded web-based resources and new features including:

Faculty and staff are encoruaged to direct students to the first-generation initiative via smu.edu/firstgen. Feedback and recommendations of additional resources/scholarships are welcome; please email firstgen@smu.edu.

 

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First-Generation Initiative Mustang Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success

Apply to be the inaugural Director of Mustang Scholars/1st Generation Initiatives

Student Academic Engagement and Success is excited to share a new position, titled Director of Mustang Scholars/1st Generation Initiatives, is live on the SMU Staff Career Portal. Please consider, share with your offices, and post within your professional networks.

About the Position: The Director of Mustang Scholars and 1st Generation Initiatives (HR Title: Assistant Director 2) is responsible for the academic engagement and success of first-generation and Pell-eligible students at SMU.  The position develops and executes unique programming for Mustang Scholars (8-10 high-achieving Dallas-area students). The person in this role collaborates closely with other campus offices that support first-year and transfer students at SMU; aligns programming and outreach with the stated goals of SMU in Four as they support success and retention of this identified student populations; plans and implements intentional programming which provides mentorship to students in support of their academic pursuits. The position facilitates university-wide initiatives related to first-generation college students. A key portion of the job is to provide high-impact engagement and continuous monitoring, tracking, and support from matriculation to degree completion.

Deadline to Apply: July 15, 2022. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by July 1, 2022.

A collaborative search committee comprised of SAES members, admissions, and a student will be formed next week to review applications, conduct virtual and in-person campus interviews, and make a recommendation for hire. We are targeting an August or September start date.

Categories
First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

First-generation students share their challenges and success at SMU

SMU graduates Abena Marfo ’22 and Briana Morales ’21 shared with the Dallas Morning News their challenges and successes as first-generation students at SMU.

Read more on the Dallas Morning News website.

Categories
First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

SMU wants to cover college costs for more first-generation, underrepresented students

A new scholarship aims to help more first-generation and underrepresented students attend Southern Methodist University by covering their tuition.

The new program, Access SMU, will close financial gaps among high-achieving Texas students who are eligible for Pell Grants — federal aid given to students with significant financial need.

Read more on the Dallas Morning News website.