Angelo State Receives ‘First-gen Forward Institution’ Designation

Dr. Javier Flores welcomes new students to campus during Rambunctious Week As a member of the 2020-21 First-gen Forward cohort, ASU will join with a regional community of peer institutions to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the nation.

“The Center is so pleased to welcome Angelo State University into the 2020-21 cohort of First-gen Forward Institutions,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success. “Through the application process, it was evident that Angelo State is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students, but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies for significant scaling and important advances in the future.”

The First-gen Forward Institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop and Conference in June in Baltimore, Md. Jessica Gooch, associate director of residential programs, and Haley Losoya, coordinator of first-generation programs, will represent ASU.

Following the workshop, they will also participate in monthly phone calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more. After two years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the “Advisory” leadership designation.

Dr. Javier Flores “Angelo State University is proud to be selected as a First-gen Forward Institution as we continue to enhance the Ram Fam experience for first-generation students,” said Dr. Javier Flores, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “We are committed to moving first-gen learners to leaders, and this exemplifies the Ram Fam’s commitment to changing family trees.”

ASU’s primary program for first-generation students, First Generation Rams, is offered through the Freshman College and is available to all students whose parents/guardians did not graduate from a four-year university. Components of the program include:

• Academic support sessions
• Peer mentors
• Socials and campus events
• Student workshops
• Incentive awards

More details about First Generation Rams are available at angelo.edu/first-gen. More details about the Center for First-generation Student Success are available at firstgen.naspa.org.