James Whitney III, assistant vice chancellor for Undergraduate Academic Affairs (left), with Jasper DeShields, a student in the RU1st program.
Photo: Courtesy of Rutgers' Undergraduate Academic Affairs

 

“First-Forward highlights Rutgers’ continuing efforts to ensure all students have the opportunity to attend college and succeed,” - James Whitney III.

 

Rutgers University-New Brunswick has joined the first cohort of First Forward Institutions recognized for efforts to help more first-generation students to graduate.

First Forward, an initiative by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the Center for First-Generation Student Success, is the nation's first program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success.

Rutgers is being recognized for programs for first-generation students including RU1st, which supports Rutgers-New Brunswick first-generation students by connecting them to academic resources. RU1st is an extension of the Student Access & Educational Equity (SAEE), which provides support for low-income, first-generation and historically underrepresented students throughout their college career. This coordination effort aims to increase the visibility of resources and services available across the campus, as well as provide a clearinghouse of best practices to be shared among schools, academic and co-curricular units. 

“As a First Forward Institution we will be part of a national conversation that will improve first-generation student success,’’ said James Whitney III, assistant vice chancellor for Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

He said Rutgers-New Brunswick will serve as an advisory institution working in the lead with 10 schools in the Northeast to facilitate dialogue and provide guidance on best practices for first-generation students.

“Rutgers works hard every day to improve coordination of support and services for those who are first in their family to attend college, which represents nearly 30 percent of our campus population,” Whitney said.

The Center for First-Generation Student Success launched in June 2017 with the mission of being the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students.

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators is a diverse organization with more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries and in eight U.S. territories.

“First Forward highlights Rutgers’ continuing efforts to ensure all students have the opportunity to attend college and succeed,” Whitney said.