by Velma Porraz; Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives,
Coastal Carolina University
As we wrap up our inaugural year of First-Generation Initiatives at Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in Conway, South Carolina, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the progress, partnerships, and impact we have made in supporting first-gen students on their academic journeys. From developing essential resources to launching new traditions, this year has been filled with growth, connection, and achievement.
First-Generation Initiatives originated in an effort to address the decrease in student retention and graduation rates at CCU. CCU’s undergraduate enrollment is 10,400 with 21% of students identifying as first-gen. We discovered our first-generation students were at a higher risk of dropping out without a college degree than our continuing generation students were. In order to build a foundation for our work, we needed to define what we, at CCU, considered a first-gen student. This was our first challenge. We discovered the university did have a definition for “first-generation”, but it was not widely used. The university defines first-generation students as those whose parents or guardians did not complete a 4-year college degree. The definition became the foundation for our initiatives, and we began educating the campus community on what it means to be “first-gen”. As we began promoting our first-gen initiatives, we found many of our students did not realize they were first-gen.
Soon after I arrived at Coastal from Houston, we had our first event at welcome week. I had a mini polaroid, lollipops, and flyers with information to share. Our mascot, Maddox, a rooster, was at the table behind me. YES! Our mascot is a Chanticleer, a fierce rooster from the Canterbury Tales. The only goal we had that day was to share the definition of first-gen. And because many students wanted to see Maddox, and I had a polaroid, I started taking pictures while sharing the first-gen definition. It was a huge hit! The Maddox polaroids, not the definition necessarily.
Laying the Groundwork
After establishing our first-gen definition, we started branding and defining who we are as First-Gen Chants and outlining what we can do to help level the playing field for our students, as well as improve retention and graduation rates, and promote social mobility. What are the tools and support our first-gen students need to succeed in higher education? To answer this question, we established three main areas of focus for our initiative:
• CONNECT: Connect students to campus resources, organizations and staff/faculty. If we hear of opportunities on campus, helpful resources, or potential barriers to overcome, we get the word out to our students.
• BELONG: We encourage our first-gen students to get involved. Being away from home can be a lonely time for first-gen students. Meeting others who are going through the same experiences is comforting for our students. We know they need to find a place to belong.
• CELEBRATE: We strive to celebrate the first-gen experience as much as possible. For some people, being labeled as first-gen can feel discouraging. So, we have shifted the narrative—being first-gen is something for our students to be proud of because it is a big deal. They are FIRST! Through their courage and dedication, they are paving the way and reshaping their family’s history for generations to come.
Building a Team of First-Gen Student Guides: The Heart of the Initiative
In order for us to accomplish our initiatives, we knew we needed students. Our four first-generation student guides have been instrumental in the startup and ongoing success of this initiative. They have been on the front line promoting our programs across campus. They write three monthly newsletters. The student newsletter has 600 subscribers, while the faculty/staff newsletter has 200 subscribers, and the family newsletter has 120 subscribers. Our First-Gen Student Guides also create engaging Instagram posts on a consistent basis. Their tireless efforts and authentic voices have ensured that our community stays connected, informed, and inspired. They inspire us to be better and do more. Truly, they are the heart of our program, using their own experiences to empower others and help pave the way for future first-gen success stories.
Building Essential Resources
Understanding the unique challenges first-generation students face, we have developed key tools to support their success.
We developed an online Campus Resource Guidebook called Navigate to help students connect with campus resources, academic support, and student services.
After hosting a series of workshops with little to no attendance (we even joke that the only two attendees ended up joining our team), we decided to pivot to Micro-Courses. Since the students were not coming to us, we thought we would go to them through short Instagram videos designed to provide quick and practical insights on campus engagement, campus resources, tips and tricks to be successful, and more topic areas.
Building Collaborations That Strengthen Our Community
Our partnerships this year brought first-gen students’ new opportunities and meaningful experiences.
We participated in the Study Abroad Expos working with the Center for Global Engagement to introduce first-gen students to international learning experiences, making study abroad more accessible and attainable. We developed talking points for students to use when addressing the topic with their parents and connected them to scholarship opportunities for first-gen students.
We also partnered with our LiveWell office for Games and Snack Bags in the Commuter Lounge connecting with local students living off campus.
Orientation, Transition & Family Programs have been an invaluable partner for us. We participate in Teal Nation Welcome Week with a School Supply BINGO event, which has been a hit. During Family Weekend, we hosted an inaugural First-Gen Family Pinning Ceremony. This event celebrated students and their families, recognizing the collective effort and sacrifices that contribute to academic success and pledging support and commitment to one another. Upon graduation, they will receive a key chain with the same logo as their pin to remember the promise they made to their family and themselves. This keychain given to them at graduation symbolizes the key to their promise fulfilled.
Expanding Our Reach Through Social Media
Engagement beyond the classroom has been a priority for us. We launched a dedicated Instagram page to share success stories, campus events, and highlighted first-gen students, faculty, and staff. Follow us @firstgenchants.
We are currently recording a podcast called Breaking Barriers: First-Gen Stories of Resilience. This podcast will feature first-gen students, alumni, and faculty sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, offering inspiration and advice to our community. Currently in development are conversations with First-Gen Guides, interviews with student athletes, greek life, and first-gen students in the news.
Celebrating Milestones
After our first full semester, we hosted our inaugural First-Generation Graduation celebration, honoring the resilience and accomplishments of our first-gen graduates in a meaningful and empowering way. There were 14 students who received a first-gen stole with an additional seven students who received Tri-Alpha honor cords.
We celebrated First-Gen Week in November along with First-Gen students from around the nation. We launched First Gen week with Donuts in Thompson Library. Then we had Yoga on the Lawn with a T-shirt giveaway for students to wear at that evening’s football game. We were honored to be recognized on the jumbotron at this football game. We then hosted a Career Café in Career Services and on Friday, November 8th, we celebrated National First-Gen College Day with a Cupcake Celebration. It was a fun week that drew a lot of attention and first-gen awareness.
Recognizing Excellence
This year also marked the re-establishment of the Tri Alpha First-Generation Honor Society, celebrating academic excellence among first-gen students and providing a network of support and mentorship. After just three weeks, we already have 75 students who have joined the honor society. With the anticipation of electing an executive board, we are planning alumni, networking, and social events for our Tri-Alpha members. We are also working to develop a community service project that focuses on reaching out to community schools to emphasize doing well in school and going to college. With Coastal students sharing their first-gen college experiences and interacting with students, we hope our students inspire future generations.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning! Our first year has set a strong foundation, and we are committed to expanding our efforts, fostering new collaborations, and continuing to empower first-gen students. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, and we cannot wait to see what the next year brings!
Let’s stay connected and keep breaking barriers!
For more information on Coastal Carolina University's approach, please visit their website here.
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