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 in order 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.
National First Gen Day 2025 - Join in on the celebration!
National First-Gen Day is celebrated on November 8th every year! We host events throughout the week to celebrate the first-generation college student. This week is a great chance to meet other first-generation Catamounts among our students, faculty, and staff.
Check back for event details in Fall 2025!
First Gen Advocacy Trainings in Fall 2025
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 sticker for their attendance and completion of the training.
Check back for First Gen Advocacy Training dates in Fall 2025.
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-Generation Advisory Board that works to provide a positive campus climate and resources for First-Gen students.
Use the resources below to learn how to make the most of your college experience and find strategies to aid in your success.
Do not be afraid to ask for help and do it early!
- Go to tutoring - Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC) and Math Tutoring Center (MTC)
- Use Academic Coaching - Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS)
- Get help with financial resources - Financial Aid Office
Know you are not alone - connect with others!
- Join
Pursue your passions and strengths!
- Advising
- Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) - employment, internships, job shadowing
- Volunteer - engage with the community through Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CSL)
- Clubs and organizations -
Connect with others!
Do something!
