MSU Denver
The First Generation Initiatives Program at MSU Denver in the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI) serves as a resource hub for current first-generation students as they navigate campus. We encourage and empower the Roadrunner community to embrace and celebrate the multiplicity of identities the first-generation college student population holds.
Our mission is to increase the retention and graduation rates of first-generation students. We achieve this by building community, serving as advocates, providing education on the first-generation experience, influencing university policies, and practices to be more inclusive of the first-generation identity, and developing meaningful programs and university initiatives that support first-generation students.
Leadership: First-Generation students are resilient. They have overcome many obstacles to be in and stay in college therefore, they are leaders.
Empowerment: First-Generation students are paving the road for younger siblings, parents, friends, and future families. A college degree is life changing and there is pride in being the first to take this step forward.
Community: First-Generation students are not alone. There is a large community of people who identify with them and/or want to see first generation students succeed. They are united in their experiences.
Collaboration: First-Generation students have intersecting identities that shape their experience. To best support them through their University journey, collaboration with other University programs and services is essential.
Advocacy: First-Generation students have unique experiences and intersecting identities. University policies, practices, and programs should be created with first generation students in mind. The goal is to increase education, awareness, and visibility of first-generation students.
As a general rule, a first-generation college student comes from a family where neither of their parents/guardians gained a four-year degree. Additionally, students whose siblings went to college still classify as first-generation.
Students who can gain a post-secondary education have more significant opportunities for better jobs, higher education, and significant contributions to their communities. At MSU Denver, we recognize the importance of diversity when it comes to the next generation of leaders and highly value our first-generation students for their contributions to the student body.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to swing by our office, give us a call, or email us. We would love to hear from you!
Meet Our FamilyOffice Location:
Jordan Student Success Building (JSSB) 237
890 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
