BY SETH MENSING | University Communications Manager
Western Colorado University has been recognized by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) as a First Generation-Serving Institution. The special designation acknowledges Western’s commitment to ensuring that students who are the first in their families to attend college not only have access to higher education but also find success in class and on campus.
In a letter announcing the designation, CDHE Executive Director Angie Paccione pointed to Western’s membership in the FirstGen FORWARD Network as proof of the University’s dedication to breaking down barriers for first-generation students and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive academically and personally.
“The First Generation-Serving Campus Designation acknowledges the great work your institution has already accomplished in the area of access,” Paccione wrote. “We are excited to see how Western Colorado University will continue to expand high-impact practices to support first-generation students and create further opportunities for them to thrive.”
Western’s inclusion in the FirstGen Forward Network, which was announced in August, provides the University with access to a wide array of resources, including best practices, research opportunities, and a national platform to share its own successful strategies for supporting first-generation students. The Network will also offer valuable networking opportunities with other institutions dedicated to the success of first-generation students.
But the FirstGen Forward Network isn’t the only program in place at Western to provide first-generation students the help they need to navigate the world of higher education. The University also launched several scholarship programs focused on easing the cost of college for first-generation students, including the Geiman Scholars and Reisher Scholars programs. Faculty and staff continue to be engaged in data collection and analysis to better understand the challenges faced by first-generation students at Western.
“Supporting our first-generation students is so important, and I’m excited that Western has been recognized for what we’ve done,” Director of Student Retention and Completion Paul Giberson said. “There’s still a lot to do, but this is a big step in the right direction.”
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