First Generation Nebraska is seeking applications from University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty, staff and students who wish to serve as members of the First Gen Nebraska advisory board.
The board meets three times a semester during the academic year to provide feedback to the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor regarding how to best support first-generation students, staff and faculty. In addition, board members commit to active participation in events and pledge to co-lead and support first-gen initiatives. The term of service is two consecutive academic years for faculty and staff, and one year for students.
Applications, which are available online, are due by Feb. 23.
What is First Generation Nebraska?
First Generation Nebraska helps first-generation college students connect with first-gen faculty and staff advocates to establish a sense of community and belonging on campus and provide students with the support they need to persist to graduation. Established in 2017 by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, the group distributes buttons, T-shirts, and office placards to promote first-generation visibility, organizes networking and social receptions and a share-a-meal program, and provides professional development workshops and book clubs for faculty and staff on supporting first-generation students’ needs.
In April 2021, the university was named a First Forward Advisory Institution for its commitment to improving experiences and outcomes of first-generation college scholars. In 2023, Nebraska was selected to participate in the First Scholars program, sponsored by the National Center for First Generation Student Success. As a First Scholars institution, Nebraska is part of a network of institutions committed to sharing evidence-based practices and resources, generating knowledge, and building upon our first-generation student success efforts.
For questions, contact the First Gen Nebraska advisory board co-chairs, Steven Jara, deputy director, Nebraska Forest Service, or Amy Goodburn, senior associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate education.
