First-Generation Student Initiatives

Mission

First-Generation & Limited Income Student Initiatives (FGLISI), a program within the Office of Undergraduate Education, advances first-generation and limited income student success through partnerships that build community, strengthen well-being, develop leadership, cultivate academic success, and foster retention and graduation among Georgia Tech’s first-generation and limited income students.

Goals & Outcomes

Goal #1: Educate students through experiences that support their personal development, academic success, and social growth.

  • FGLISI is intentionally designed to expand access for first-generation and limited income students and empower people of all backgrounds.
  • FGLISI creates and maintains educational and work environments that are welcoming, accessible, inclusive, equitable, and free from bias or harassment.
  • FGLISI advocates for inclusion, multiculturalism, and social justice within the institution.
  • FGLISI addresses the intersectionality and needs of first-generation and limited income students when establishing and implementing culturally relevant and inclusive programs, services, policies, procedures, and practices.

Goal #2

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for first-generation and limited income students.

  • FGLISI collaborates with campus and community partners to meet the needs of first-generation and limited income students.
  • FGLISI maintains collaborative partnerships and relations with other institutional departments for ease of referral and shared programming.
  • FGLISI collaborates to disseminate information about programs and services.
  • FGLISI collaborates to solve problems pertinent to the first-generation and limited income student population.

Goal #3

Provide opportunities, support, and programs that enrich as student’s engagement and development through asset-based approaches.

  • FGLISI provides activities and experiences that support the matriculation, persistence, academic success, and graduation of first-generation and limited income students.
  • FGLISI collaborates with colleagues and departments with expertise and resources across the institution to promote holistic learning and increase self-awareness and awareness of others, as they explore values, beliefs, and practices.
  • FGLISI helps first-generation and limited income students articulate their personal trajectories and look for opportunities and resources that support them.
  • FGLISI helps first-generation and limited income students prepare for their careers by becoming agents of change, champions of innovation and providing meaningful contributions to society.

Goal #4

Use evidence to create strategies for improving first-generation and limited income student learning, development, and success.

  • FGLISI is intentionally designed to incorporate research and theories on student learning, development, and success.
  • FGLISI leads assessment and evaluation of programs, services, resources, and administrative processes that foster data informed decision-making.
  • FGLISI responds to the needs of first-generation and limited income students when developing methods for delivering programs, services, and resources.
  • FGLISI develops plans for ongoing professional development on supporting first-generation students, cultural competence, and workplace inclusion.