Network Champion
Exemplifying a commitment to first-generation success outcomes
Dedicated to transforming their institutions to better support positive outcomes for first-generation students, Network Champions are national exemplars in advancing first-generation student success. Network Champion institutions have invested the time and commitment to actively adopt the continuous improvement model and align their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation students to completion. Dedicated to serving the field, Network Champions continue contributing to an important knowledge community of evidence-based practices meant to enhance institutional buy-in, engage leadership, and scale student support.
While movement from the Network Leader phase to the Network Champion phase signals an important progression, this phase remains a time for active implementation of the continuous improvement principles while emphasizing institution-focused strategic priorities to improve first-generation students' experience and completion rates.
Network Member
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Network Leader
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Network Champion
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Benefits
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Network Champion Statistics
Of the Network Leader institutions eligible for promotion to Network Champion...
demonstrated favorable outcomes in their first-generation student credit completion ratio
reported favorable outcomes in their first-generation students' first-year retention rates.
Network Champion Institutions
Arapahoe Community College
Baylor University
Carleton College
Colorado State University
Cuyahoga Community College
Elon University
Ferris State University
Florida International University
Furman University
Hofstra University
James Madison University
Kansas State University
Kent State University
Mississippi State University
Nevada State University
New Jersey City University
North Carolina Central University
Northern Arizona University
Presbyterian College
Tarleton State University
The Ohio State University
University of Central Florida
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Memphis
University of Minnesota−Crookston
University of Nebraska Kearney
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of Washington Tacoma
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Virginia Commonwealth University
Benefits
Institutional who progress to Network Champion unlock unique resources to the Network experience such as:
Gain access to enhanced support solutions such as:
- A curated selection of comprehensive services at exclusive, discounted rates;
- Expanded expert guidance continuation—6 sessions to be used as needed and determined by the institution;
- Campus-based workshop facilitation;
- External reviewers to support grant applications; and
- Access to proprietary assessments designed to gain insights about the perception of first-generation efforts at the institution.
Eligibility
FirstGen Forward Network Leader institutions are considered for Network Champion status as they near completion of the Network Leader experience.
Upon receiving a recommendation to advance to Network Champion, the institution commits to an initial three-year term. Near the end of year three, institutions will undergo a reaffirmation review to assess their eligibility for continued Network Champion status.
Required Experiences
As a Network Champion, an institution commits to continually improving institutional culture and scaling systems. The following requirements ensure continued engagement.
| Enroll in the Postsecondary Data Partnership & submit data annually; | Advance priorities through continuous improvement; |
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Actively contribute to the Network peer engagement; |
| Participate in two (2) expert guidance meetings annually and one leadership team meeting; | Sign the participation agreement and submit the annual commitment fee. |
Investment
The Network Champion phase and its personalized approach require a financial investment from the institution based on several factors, including institution size and type. Individualized details specific to the institution are provided during the recommendation process.
Network Champion Convening
The Network Champion Convening at the NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education brings together higher education leaders representing FirstGen Forward Network Champion institutions in person to explore critical strategies and initiatives to support first-generation college students. The intention of this time together is to build upon the fostered connections established during the virtual convenings.
Institutions will gain insights into four key areas through interactive workshops and panel discussions on:
- the role of data in institutional strategy;
- the intersection of identity-based policies and first-generation student success;
- industry trends and workforce needs; and
- funding sources and effective fundraising strategies for first-generation student programs.
Ready to Become a Network Champion?
Our Founders
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Complete the Interest Form
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