We are serving virtually -- Staff are available to answer questions during normal business hours by email.
What we do:
Through our programs and services we seek to support first-generation students to successfully transition into college life and provide opportunities for the academic and personal success of all our first-gen students on campus.
Who are First Gen Students?
First Generation college students are the students who identify as first in their family to graduate from college. Neither parent or guardian has completed a college degree.
At UW Tacoma 56% students are First-Generation.
https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/about-uw-tacoma/uw-tacoma-2018-19-facts
A First Gen Student is:
- A student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) have not earned a bachelor’s degree.
- A student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) have attended but not completed any college.
- A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a bachelor’s degree.
- A student who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.
Resources we offer:
- Welcoming space for student use
- Engagement and outreach opportunities
- Academic and professional development
We Are First Gen Campaign
The “We Are First Generation” poster campaign features voices of First Generation College students, staff, faculty, and alumni at UW Tacoma.
Through this campaign we seek to:
- Highlight faculty, staff, and students who are first-generation
- Share the experiences and strengths they contribute to our institution
- Develop a sense of community amongst First-Generation Students
- Connect First Generation students with First Generation faculty and staff on our campus
Links coming soon!
Workshops
Each quarter our office hosts a series of workshops that are designed to encourage academic and personal progress; foster the development of problem-solving skills and teach self-advocacy and personal responsibility.
These workshops are organized in collaboration with various units on campus like the Office of Global Affairs, University Academic Advising, Career Development & Education, Office of Student Financial Aid, Teaching and Learning Center, and the Counseling and Psychological Services.
This workshop series will focus on the following areas:
- Academic skills
- Career development
- Financial wellness
Signature Events
Our signature events aim to provide opportunities for students to connect with various units on campus that provide services to first-gen students. The events foster campus engagement opportunities and community building and validation.
Our Signature Events celebrated annually:
- National 1st Gen Celebration
- End of Year Celebration
- Breakfast for Finals
- Bonfire Event
- Welcome Potluck
National 1st Gen Celebration
National First-Generation Celebration
The National First Gen Celebration is on Nov. 8th. This event is meant to recognize the experience of first-generation students and their success in pursuing higher education. Not only is this day being acknowledged at UWT, but it is a nationally recognized event that will also be celebrated in many other educational institutions. During this event, we have speakers, lunch, free swags, commitment boards, a photo booth, and the reveal of the “We Are First Gen” of the year.
End of Year Celebration
First-Gen End of Year Celebration
Every Spring the office of First Generation Student Initiatives hosts an End of the Year Celebration where all First-gen graduating seniors are recognized for being the first in their families to graduate from college. As part of this recognition, the graduates receive a graduation stole representing First Gen Fellows. Traditionally a family member, a mentor, or a friend who has supported the graduating senior during their academic journey places the stole on the student during the celebration. Students are able to proudly wear their stole during the UW Tacoma Commencement ceremonies. This stole has the official emblem of the University of Washington and the First Gen Fellows emblem.
Breakfast for Finals
Breakfast for Finals
First Generation Student Initiatives sponsors a free breakfast for all students on the first day of Finals Week! This event provides an opportunity for students to connect with each other, take a study break, and prepare for their finals while sharing some food and study tips. It also serves as a way for faculty and staff to celebrate student’s achievements and show their support.
Bonfire Event
Bonfire Event
This is a fun social event that provides an opportunity for students to connect with each other and catch up with familiar faces while firing up some delicious marshmallows. Don’t worry about the evening being too cold because the fire will warm your hands and the friendly faces will warm your heart.
Welcome Potluck
Welcome Potluck
Takes place at the start of the fall quarter and is an opportunity for students to connect with various units on campus that provide services to first gen students. This event is in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of Student Advocacy and Support.
First Generation Fellows Cohort
First Generation Fellows is a program that provides individualized support to students who identify as first in their family to graduate from college. The program is designed for first generation sophomore and transfer students.
The cohort of students that are selected into the program benefit from various support programs, services, and extensive campus referral networks that help enrich their academic life. The students also participate in monthly Lunch and Learns with faculty and staff that focus on the themes of navigation, empowerment, and leadership. After completing their requirements cohort participants qualify for a $300 book scholarship.
Who can apply?
The First Gen Fellows cohort program is open to first-generation students who are classified as sophomore, and transfer students. Students can apply for the Autumn, Winter, and Spring cohorts.
Financial Wellness Fellows
The key goal for this program is to promote economic justice by increasing access to financial wellness for first-generation college students as well as students from minoritized backgrounds.
The Financial Wellness cohort program will teach students basic financial wellness skills such as budgeting, and also provide ongoing budget consultation support to the participants. At the completion of the program, students will be able to apply their knowledge of financial wellness strategies to everyday life situations. The student participants will also earn up to a $150 book scholarship.
The Financial Wellness Cohort is a collaboration with the Center for Equity and Inclusion, Office of Student Financial Aid, Office of Student Advocacy and Support, and Sound Outreach.
Who can apply?
- The Financial Wellness cohort program is open to UW Tacoma first generation college students as well as students from minoritized backgrounds who are interested in learning about financial wellness resources.
- The students can apply for the Winter, and Spring cohort.
Peer Success Mentors
The Peer Success Mentors are available to guide their peers toward academic success through one-on-one appointments to discuss study habits, set academic goals, and develop effective learning strategies. These student leaders have participated in the NASPA's Certified Peer Educator (CPE) Training Program.
Peer Success Mentors Are Trained To:
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offer one-on-one or group coaching to help first gen students and their peers discuss study habits, set academic goals, and develop effective learning strategies
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serve as motivational partners
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provide information about other resources on campus
Mentors Are Not Trained To:
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provide tutoring
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provide academic advising
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provide instruction
Meet the Team
Margarita Daisy Gonzalez
Leadership Development Coordinator
Margarita is a first-generation senior graduating with a BASW in the spring of 2021. She enjoys being outside and spending time with family and friends.
Felix Araoz-Copley
Leadership Development Coordinator
Felix is First Generation senior at UWT pursuing a Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major and a Human Rights minor.
Paola Jean C Chua
Operations Assistant
Paola Chua is a Senior in Biomed and the Operations Assistant of the team. She moved to the US with her family from the Philippines in 2012. She prides on being the first STEM graduate and the first to graduate in the US in all 4 generations of her family.
Halanna Williams
Leadership Development Coordinator
Halanna is a first generation minority student, the youngest of three, who aspires to major in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Writing Studies with a concentration in Creative Writing; Her goal is to go to law school and become an attorney in corporate or matrimonial law.
Yanira Pacheco Ortiz
First Generation Student Initiatives Coordinator
Resources
Hotspots at UW Tacoma
The UWT Information Technology department is committed to providing technology-related resources to you during this unprecedented time. There are 40 available mobile hotspots to check out from UWT-IT.
Office of Student Advocacy & Support
The Office of Student Advocacy and Support provides referral and support services to students. Using a case management model, students are assisted in navigating on and off-campus resources. The purpose of this office is to assist students in developing strategies to overcome and address barriers that prevent them from achieving their educational and life goals.
Resources for Students
The Office of Student Advocacy & Support has compiled information on various resources that are available on campus and in the community for UW Tacoma students. From information about housing, food, childcare, and more, our Resource Tracker is a great place for students to learn where they can seek help.
The Pantry at UWT
The Pantry exists to provide free supplemental, nutritious, and culturally relevant food as well as hygiene items to all UWT students on campus. In an effort to support our students who may be lacking basic needs for themselves and their families, the CEI partners with Nourish Pierce County to provide nutritional and accessible items to all UWT students on campus. In addition the CEI has partnered with several other organizations on campus to do annual Pantry Drives to help support The Pantry.