We want to welcome all new hires who identify as First-Generation! As former first-generation college students who are now on the other side, we know that this identity follows us for life. The Office of First-Generation Initiatives celebrates not just students but also faculty/staff and their families! Our mission is to provide a supportive and welcoming community that celebrates and honors the first-generation identity. One way we do this is by showing how many are part of our community. Welcome to Mizzou!
Ways to get involved with our mission:
- Use the First-Gen sign-up form to
- Identify yourself on the First-Gen Faculty/Staff Directory
- Request “Proud to be First-Gen”buttons/stickers to show support
- Subscribe to the FIRST Network Newsletter to stay up to date
- Have us present to your class or collaborate on an event together. Let’s spread the word!
- Be inducted into the Mizzou chapter of Tri-Alpha, a national honor society for first-generation college students (and faculty and staff)
- Share your first-gen story on social media
- Table at First-Generation Celebration Week in November
- Be a First-Gen Champion and advocate: Watch our training video!
The First-Generation Faculty/Staff Initiative aims to elevate the visibility of MU faculty, staff, and academic leaders who were themselves first-generation college students. The First-Generation Faculty/Staff Initiative is a network of first-generation professionals committed to supporting first-generation students. They are active in their respective unit, promote their first-generation identities, and advocate for the first-generation community at University of Missouri.
Our goals:
- Greater transparency of first-generation faculty/staff across campus
- An established community of First-generation faculty and staff professionals who come together to network, learn, and grow with each other
- Create meaningful connection with other First-gen professionals who share similar identities
Join our book club! In collaboration with the libraries, we have introduced a new monthly book club in the Spring semester ’25 consisting of First-Gen faculty and staff. We meet in Ellis Library 114A and discuss chosen articles on first-generation topics. At the end of the semester, we will discuss our thoughts on the chosen book; First Gen-A Memoir. Email selenameints@missouri.edu to join!
Articles:
You Never Stop being First-Generation
How to find resources for First-Generation Professionals
How does your company support First-Generation Professionals
First-Generation Professionals-What you can do to ensure they succeed