University of Portland recognized by Center for First-Generation Student Success | University of Portland

University of Portland recognized by Center for First-Generation Student Success

Shepard Academic Resource Center

May 13, 2019

The University of Portland received a First Forward Designation from the Center for First-generation Student Success for its commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation (FGEN) college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the Center’s research and resources. UP is the only Oregon university and the only private, Catholic institution to receive this designation.

“The First Forward distinction is such an incredible and humbling honor for our whole campus, and speaks to the impact the FGEN community really is having not only on The Bluff, but also on the national scale,” Matt Daily, program manager for special populations & learning assistance in the Shepard Academic Resource Center, said. “Working with these FGEN students during their journey here at UP is incredibly moving and gratifying.”

The Center for First-generation Student Success is an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and The Suder Foundation. The Center’s mission is to be a source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students.

“The Center is so pleased to welcome the University of Portland into our inaugural cohort of First Forward institutions.  Through the application process, it was evident that the University is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies for significant scaling and important advances in the future,” said Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success.

More information about the First Forward program can be found at https://firstgen.naspa.org/first-forward.

Learn more about the University’s first generation program at https://www.up.edu/sarc/services/first-in-the-family/index.html.