First Generation Nebraska is seeking applications from University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty, staff and students who wish to serve as members of the Advisory Board. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 14 and can be submitted online.
The Advisory 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 First Generation Nebraska 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.
First Generation Nebraska helps first-generation college students connect with first-gen faculty and staff advocates to establish a sense of 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, First Generation Nebraska promotes first-gen visibility on campus, organizes networking and social events to build a community for first-generation students, and provides professional development workshops and for faculty and staff on supporting first-generation students’ needs.
In April 2021, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln was named a First Forward Advisory Institution for its commitment to improving experiences and outcomes of first-generation college scholars. In 2023, UNL was selected to participate in the First Scholars program, sponsored by the National Center for First Generation Student Success. As a First Scholars institution, the university 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. This year, the university has been elevated to the FirstGen Forward “Champion” network based on its institutional accomplishments in supporting first-generation students over the past three years.
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.
