UNC Pembroke is celebrating our first-generation Braves Nov. 8-11 with events, workshops, resources and a “Voices of First-gen” exhibit in the University Center showcasing our first-gen faculty and staff. 

“As a first-generation student myself, I am excited to have the opportunity to celebrate our first-generation students and I’m so proud of them and all their successes,” Dalton Hoffer, assistant director for Transition Programs, shared. 

Events begin today with a kick-off celebration. Students can ask questions and receive information from various departments on campus such as Financial Aid, TRiO Student Support Services, Native American Heritage Center, Student Government Association and Community & Civic Engagement.   

A workshop follows this for faculty and staff, facilitated by Dr. Sonja Ardoin, program director and associate professor in the student affairs administration program at Appalachian State University. Attendees learn a five-step process to welcome first-generation college students to campus and assist them to degree completion. Dr. Ardoin will also be speaking at the GenONE VIP Celebration Dinner, where she will discuss overcoming obstacles and being resilient in owning your first-gen identity.

On Tuesday, Nov. 9, Dr. Keara Ndhlovu, assistant professor of Social Work at UNCP, will be facilitating a discussion on Imposter Syndrome. Attendees will receive real-world tools to combat their feelings of imposter syndrome.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the “Voices of First-Gen Panel” on Wednesday, Nov. 10. During the event, UNCP faculty and staff will share their stories of resilience and how they got to their current positions. Panelists will be Christie Poteet, Dr. Lawrence Locklear, Jasmine Coleman and Dr. Ndhlovu. They hope to inspire all students, especially first-gen students, to pursue their dreams.

The week comes to a close on Thursday, Nov. 11, with a FASFA Frenzy event coordinated by the Transfer and Commuter Center and TRiO Student Support Services. Students can receive hands-on assistance guiding them through the financial aid process and the Understanding Rural First-generation Students virtual workshop.

The workshop aims to help UNCP offer better understanding and support to first-gen students. Dr. Matt Newlin will open the event with a brief presentation. The conversation will then transition into a discussion of Dr. Ardoin’s book, College Aspirations and Access in Working-Class Rural Communities, moderated by Dr. Newlin.

This week of events has been part of a new initiative from New Student Programs for engaging first-generation Braves called GenONE. This initiative provides opportunities to first-gen Braves by providing the support and guidance needed to be competitive scholars and just as successful as their peers.

GenONE strives to support any student that self-identifies as having little to no knowledge of college experiences and may need additional support or resources navigating life as a college student. To be enrolled in GenONE, students self-identified directly or on their most recent FAFSA.