Rutgers Hosts Annual Access Week to Help First-Generation Students Attend College
Events spread awareness of resources for underrepresented students
“In addition to raising awareness around supporting our Access students, the week also focuses on issues of equality and social justice."- James Whitney
Rutgers kicks off its 6th Annual Access Week today, which offers a series of programs to support first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students.
These students face persistent barriers to higher education. A critical first step to improving college equity is to provide support to ensure that they are successful.
“Access Week is a series of events that helps the Office of Student Access and Educational Equity (SAEE) bring to the forefront of the Rutgers community the issues that our first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented populations regularly face when adjusting to life on a college campus,” said James Whitney, assistant vice chancellor of undergraduate academic affairs. “The week, which serves as a national model, assists SAEE in educating the Rutgers-New Brunswick community around how we can support our large population of students, about 30 percent, who are the first in their families to receive a college education.”
Students who participate in one of the seven SAEE programs have a higher graduation rate than students who aren’t involved in any of the office’s programs. The programs include Student Support Services, RU-1st, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, and the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), of which Rutgers has the largest in the state.
“In addition to raising awareness around supporting our Access students, the week also focuses on issues of equality and social justice,’’ Whitney said.
Events this week include the James Dickson Carr Lecture, named for the first African-American graduate of Rutgers, which features Laura Coates, a law professor and television commentator, who will talk about advocating for one's rights.
“This lecture series is part of the Paul Robeson Centennial Celebration, which I think is so appropriate because without someone like Paul Robeson advocating and fighting for the rights we have today, we would not have important programs like SAEE serving our students,” said Whitney.
Additional events for Access Week include the I AM COLLEGEBOUND: College Fair & Youth Summit, RU-1st Forum with a panel of expert speakers, and the Graduate School Preparation Summit.
For the full list of events visit https://access.rutgers.edu/information/access-week.
In 2019, Rutgers marks the centennial of Paul Robeson’s graduation from Rutgers College in 1919. In recognition, our community honors his achievements as a scholar, athlete, actor, singer and global activist in a yearlong celebration featuring lectures, performances, art exhibitions and more. Learn more about the celebration by visiting robeson100.rutgers.edu or by following #Robeson100 on social media.