1G Office Launches New Resources for Students
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 12, 2012) — The UK Office of First Generation Initiatives has created a series of new programs to recruit, retain and increase the graduation rates of first-generation students— a population representing 30 percent of UK undergraduates.
First-generation students are those whose parents did not complete a bachelor's degree. To provide them with additional support and resources, the 1G office streamlined campus-wide efforts, creating a "one-stop-shop" for prospective students, current students, parents, families, faculty and staff: a new website that aggregates the various 1G initiatives.
The Office of First Generation Initiatives was created by the UK provost and is the culmination of two decades of work by Student Support Services and the Robinson Scholars Program, as well as the more recent addition of the First Scholars program.
"Because of the challenges of being the first in a family to go to college, these students are not persisting at the same rate as their peers," Matthew Deffendall, director of First Generation Initiatives, said. "Only 74 percent of first-generation students return for their sophomore year, as compared to 82 percent of their peers. Our efforts are critical to building the social and cultural capital first-generation students lack as compared to their peers."
The 1G office began reviewing necessary resources for the new website in March 2012, referencing equivalent sites at benchmark institutions. Deffendall said that very few universities dedicated spaces specifically for first-generation students, which all the more encouraged the office to create the resource.
"Our goal is for students considering UK or at UK to know that they have the resources to accomplish their goals as well as a community of support," Deffendall said. "That includes providing a showcase for our 1G stories project, a video partnership with UKIT in which first-generation faculty and staff tell their stories about being first-generation."
The 1G office is also working closely with the Office for New Student and Parent Programs to offer targeted programming for first-generation students during K Week, as well as connecting all first-generation students with 1G peer mentors through the K Team experience.
"We are also in the planning stages for some other exciting events for the fall, specifically connected to our 1GLLC (First-Generation Living Learning Community)," Deffendall said. "In February, we are planning a 'First-Generation Week,' with lectures, small panels and celebrations for first-generation students."
Next year will also culminate in an opportunity for first-generation students to participate in an Education Abroad summer session in London, England.
"There are a lot of exciting activities planned for 2012-2013, as well as our inaugural group of ambassadors will be participating in the "see blue." Preview Nights across the Commonwealth," Deffendall said.
To visit the new Office of First Generation Initiatives website, click here.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu