by Jordan Pittman, Director of Institutional Engagement & Partnership
Louisiana State University
Like many universities dedicated to meeting student needs, Louisiana State University (LSU) has long been committed to supporting first-generation students. While these initiatives have had a positive impact, they were often scattered across our large campus, making them difficult to navigate. During our first year in the FirstGen Forward Network, we established a centralized hub to make information about our programs and resources more accessible to current and prospective Tigers.
The First-Gen Website details LSU's first-generation initiatives, including tailored orientation sessions, mentorship opportunities, and the graduation cord distinction. By consolidating these resources to a single location, we empower our first-generation Tigers with the tools and information needed to excel academically and achieve their goals.
First-Gen Programs and Initiatives
First-Gen Parent Orientation Sessions
LSU recognizes the vital role that family support plays in student success. Therefore, we utilize our first-generation parent sessions during orientation to provide families with essential information on campus resources, academic expectations, and ways to support their student’s journey.
First-Gen Career Mentor Program
LSU offers the First-Gen Career Mentor Program as an opportunity to connect first-generation students with experienced first-generation mentors who provide guidance, support, and career insights. Through networking and knowledge-sharing, students gain personalized support in career exploration and professional development that will prepare them for life beyond college. This Spring, we have 46 mentorship pairings, with mentors located across the country from Washington to New Jersey. Most mentor relationships continue after the program and many mentors return every year.
First-Gen Celebration Week
LSU hosted First-Generation Celebration Week November 4-8 to unify the campus in its recognition and celebration of the first-generation student experience. The week’s programs focused on key aspects of the first-generation population — such as navigating the university, building community, exploring career paths, and prioritizing well-being. From career workshops and recognition dinners to wellness activities and faculty & staff conversations, each event was designed to cater to the various audiences in the university community that impact first-generation success.
First-Gen Support Through Federal TRIO Programs
LSU is proud to host two TRIO programs dedicated to supporting first-generation students throughout their college journey. These programs offer a range of services, including academic advising, financial literacy education, and personalized success coaching. Students also have access to workshops that cover topics like career readiness, study strategies, and navigating campus resources. Additionally, TRIO provides opportunities for mentorship, tutoring, and community-building activities to foster a strong support network. By empowering First-Gen students with essential tools and guidance, TRIO plays a vital role in ensuring their academic and personal success at LSU.
First-Gen Graduation Cord
LSU offers a distinguished First-Generation Cord at graduation to recognize and celebrate the academic accomplishments of first-generation students. Students love this addition to their graduation regalia, as it’s a visual symbol of their hard work, resilience, and the supportive communities. The cords are sky blue in memento to the National First-Gen Celebration logo, and to symbolize celebration. By wearing it at graduation, students proudly represent their journey and inspire future first-generation Tigers. Since approval in Spring 2023, we have provided over 1000 cords, and we are excited to share with our new graduates in May.
First-Gen Institutional Data
Through a collaboration with the Presidential Data Analytics Fellows, LSU is collecting baseline data on first-generation students to better understand their experiences and academic outcomes. This initiative examines key factors such as academic retention, extracurricular participation, and engagement in areas like student organizations, study abroad, and academic advising. By analyzing this data, LSU and the FirstGen Forward Committee can better identify trends, address challenges, and enhance our university’s programs that support first-generation student success.
Partnership and Engagement is Key
LSU's FirstGen Forward Committee remains dedicated to creating pathways and support systems that elevate the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. The partnerships formed through this initiative have been essential in ensuring that first-generation students and their families have the resources and community needed to thrive.
Our committee includes representatives from the Division of Engagement, Civil Rights & Title IX, Division of Student Affairs, Office of Enrollment Management & Student Success, and our Olinde Career Center. We actively seek new opportunities for partnership with members of the FirstGen Forward Network to further strengthen our commitment to first-generation student success.
For more information on Louisiana State University's approach, please visit their website here.
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