First-Generation Student Success

First-Generation College Students Served Through MAPS

If you are a first-generation college student, from a low-income background, or navigating college on your own, then MAPS is for you!
Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS) is a program for 蘑菇短视频students that provides you with academic support to help you reach your goals. All students benefit from a support network that can help you navigate your academic journey, celebrate your successes, and cheer you on through graduation!
Learn more about our services by checking out maps.wcu.edu and choose how MAPS can be a part of your support network.

Two students holding FIRST GENERATION CATAMOUNTS banner at Homecoming Parade

Two students in purple gowns and gold First Gen stoles smile at graduation

Two students in purple gowns and gold First Gen stoles fist bump at graduation

Two students smile with First Gen pins and I HEART FIRST GEN DAY t-shirts

Graduation begins with Chancellor and others walking down the center aisle

National First Gen Day 2026 - Join in on the celebration!

National First-Gen Day is celebrated on November 8th every year! We host events throughout the week to celebrate WCU's first-generation college students. This week is a great chance to meet other first-generation Catamounts among our students, faculty, and staff! All students are welcome to join the celebration of our first-generation Catamounts!

First Gen Week 2026 is in the planning stages with details to be posted on Engage, but here's what we know:

Tuesday, November 3 - virtual event
Wednesday, November 4 - Block Party 11 am to 2 pm on campus including giveaways, bake sale, photo frame, and more!
Thursday, November 5 - 1/2 Priced Bake Sale in the UC; Craft Night in Hunter Library 186
Friday, November 6 - Service experience with CCESL

First Gen Advocacy Trainings in Fall 2026

MAPS presents First Gen Advocacy Training, a 1.5 hour session meant to advise our campus partners on how to support our first generation Catamounts. This can include reviewing common practices, language used, university policies, and referral methods. We will discuss the profile of a first-gen student at Western, suggest powerful practices, and the future of advocating for our first-gen Catamounts.

The MAPS office will present with affiliates from the First Gen Advisory Board. All participants will receive a First Gen Advocate sticker to put on their office door for their attendance and completion of the training.

First Gen Advocacy Training dates for Fall 2026:

Monday, September 14 at 2:30 pm in McKee 229

Thursday, October 15 at 10:30 am virtually

Tuesday, November 3 at 2 pm in AP 401

RSVP by emailing maps@wcu.edu or calling 828-227-7171

Did you know?

A first-generation student is defined as a student whose parents/guardians have not achieved a four-year degree, even if other members of the family have graduated from a four-year university.
蘑菇短视频has a First-Gen Advisory Board made up of faculty, staff, students, and community representatives who work to provide a positive campus climate and resources for first-gen Catamounts and their families.

Use the resources below to learn how to make the most of your college experience and find strategies to aid in your success.