A University Commitment

Empowering, Supporting, and Celebrating First-Generation students at Elon University takes place in four distinct categories. Read on below to gain a better understanding of the work that is championed by First-Generation Student Support Services.

Mentoring

The First Phoenix Peer Mentoring program is designed to connect incoming students to upper-level students to establish meaningful relationships during our student’s journey at Elon University. First Phoenix participants  participate in monthly workshops, one-on-one, and social gatherings.

Student Support

First-Generations students can engage with our holistic advising services at any point during their time at Elon. We work with many of campus partners and support services (e.g. Student Care and Outreach, Student Conduct, Koenigsberger Learning Center to name a few) to ensure that our students are connected with the necessary resources to thrive! Additionally, we also provide programming throughout the year to connect students with resources and to one another.

Our team also manages two support funds designed that students can apply for to assist with completing any of the 5 Elon Experiences and/or to gain access to academic resources (i.e. books, laptops, costs associated with research, travel to present at conferences, etc.)

Advocacy

Members of the First-Generation Student Support Services Team serve on various University committees and working groups to provide thought leadership on how University’s initiatives, goals, and aspirations may impact First-Generation students on campus.

Furthermore, our team convenes monthly meetings of the First-Generation Steering Committee comprise of institutional leaders, scholars, researchers, faculty, staff, and students who serve as champions and advocates of the First-Generation student experience at Elon. As a committee, we investigate and tackle barriers that impacts our student’s ability to succeed. Members of the Committee serve as thoughtful partners providing input into the development of our initiative, advise on priority focus areas, and assist with monitoring implementation timelines.

Celebration

Multiple times a year, we gather our First-Generation community and supporters to foster community by celebrating our students! Major events include our Welcome Back Social, National First-Generation College Celebration Week, the Scholarship & Opportunities Fair, a Graduation Ceremony.