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SDSU recognized for our commitment to first-generation student success

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. In continuing this mission, the Center launched First-Gen Forward, the nation's first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success. The inaugural cohort was selected in Spring 2019. San Diego State University was the only California State University selected as part of the 2019-2020 cohort. Most recently, SDSU was selected as a First-Gen Forward Advisory Institution.

Photo of student Kathy Nguyen

Kathy Nguyen’s Aztec Experience

Kathy Nguyen was honored as a 2017-18 Sally Casanova Scholar by the California State University’s Chancellor’s Office.

Photo of student Nancy Nguyen

A Personal Exploration

SDSU student Nancy Nguyen finds deeper meaning in her study abroad experience in Uganda and Rwanda.

Photo of student Oscar Duran

Senior Oscar Duran Gains a Cuban Perspective

Cuba has been many things in the American imagination over the past six decades: A forbidden destination. A focal point of Cold War anxiety. A political wedge issue.

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Latest First-Gen Updates

First-Generation Student Success

FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS AT SDSU

Faculty Advancement and Student Success at San Diego State University welcomes you to our community!

SDSU adopted the Chancellor's Office first generation dimension which includes both "some college" and "no college." We recognize that there are many definitions of first-generation college students such as being the first in your family to graduate from a 4-year institution in the U.S. We welcome all first-generation college students! According to the Cal State University 2021 Fact Book, nearly one-third of undergraduates are the first in their families to attend college.

We recognize that first-generation students bring a multitude of strengths to our organization and university such as:

  • Inspiration
  • Multiculturalism
  • Bilingualism/Multilingualism
  • Perseverance
  • Resiliency

We understand that being the first in your family to attend college or graduate school may come with unique challenges. To help students in their transition, we are committed to providing SDSU first-gen students a connection to:

  • Community: Meet peers that share the same goals, have similar experiences, and are also breaking academic and social boundaries.
  • Campus Resources via:
    • Faculty mentorship and support programs
    • Faculty/Staff guest speakers
    • Research & Service-Learning opportunities
    • Other campus engagement opportunities

Congratulations fall 2021 first-gen students and welcome to SDSU! We look forward to meeting you at our  community meetings!

Michelle Lopez, Assistant Dean, Student  Success

Dr. Martha Enciso, Associate Director, Weber Honors College

Rise Diamond, Student Success Communications

Brenda Diaz, Student Success Coordinator                                                    First-Gen Forward Advisory Institution

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