First Gen Students Network With UK Faculty, Staff

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2014) — When the residents of the First Generation Living Learning Community (1GLLC), Robinson Scholars Program and First Scholars Program gathered for dinner with first generation faculty and staff last week, the dinner included more than a good meal.  

The event provided first generation students with the opportunity to practice their networking skills in a low-stress environment, equipped with a showing of faculty and staff from all over campus.

“I really enjoyed getting to know multiple professors at the faculty dinner because it allowed me to see that most college professors were just like me as a freshman – scared and confused,” said Haley Spillman, a freshman from Grant County, Kentucky, and resident of the 1GLLC. “The dinner was an eye-opening experience and a great way for networking in the future.”

With roughly 90 in attendance, this event was one of the most successful the 1GLLC has put on all year.

“I am always so impressed with our first generation students at UK," Jeff Spradling, director of the Robinson Scholars Program, said. "And having the chance to visit with them at this event reinforced my already strong belief in what UK is doing to ensure their success. It is particularly encouraging to see faculty get involved in the lives of our students, and I really appreciate their willingness to take time out of their busy schedules to support our efforts.”

Students were encouraged to wear business casual attire and come prepared to talk.

“I enjoyed meeting students and hearing about their first-semester experiences at UK" said Kathi Kern, history professor in the UK College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching. "I came away convinced that the living learning community for First Gen students enhances their success at UK. The students in the first gen program have built an 'esprit de corps' that made me nostalgic for my college days.”

Kelsey Carew, 1GLLC coordinator, perhaps summed up the experience best.

“I feel that this event helped lower the mental barrier that many first generation students face when challenged with interacting with faculty and staff on campus," she said. "The students were able to experience first-hand that these campus leaders are approachable and most importantly human! I was so proud to see how confident these students seemed in their conversations as the night went on. I truly feel that many of them left the evening feeling a little more empowered to embrace the challenge that so many identify with in interacting with faculty and staff.”

Students were entered into a drawing for an iPad mini for attending the event. Freshman Monica Kettavong from Louisville won the prize.

The Office of First Generation Initiatives is part of the Academy of Undergraduate Excellence within the Division of Undergraduate Education at UK.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 267-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu