KU to celebrate first-generation students with new honor society, campus events
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas’ inaugural Lambda Eta Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, a national honor society for first-generation college students, will be launched Nov. 6. The ceremony is one of many events at KU celebrating National First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) week.
The honor society, also known as Tri-Alpha, recognizes and celebrates the achievements of first-generation students across the United States. It seeks to empower first-generation students by providing them with a supportive community, professional development opportunities and resources to help them succeed academically and beyond.
“This marks a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to supporting first-generation college students,” said Barbara Bichelmeyer, provost and executive vice chancellor. “This prestigious recognition highlights the university's dedication to fostering inclusive academic excellence and providing individualized resources for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.”
By joining 283 colleges and universities across the country that are a part of Tri-Alpha, KU expands its support network for first-generation students. This includes access to mentorship, networking events and career development workshops tailored to the unique needs of first-generation students.
Membership in Tri-Alpha signifies a commitment to academic excellence and leadership among first-generation students, highlighting their resilience and determination in navigating the challenges of higher education.
“The establishment of Tri-Alpha at KU strengthens the ongoing efforts to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of community and support that enriches the educational journey for all students at the university,” said Jennifer Roberts, senior vice provost for academic affairs and graduate studies, “especially the 3,496 first-generation undergraduate students and 1,152 first-generation graduate students who call KU home.”
Students interested in membership or faculty and staff interested in becoming mentors may contact Hawk Link at hawklink@ku.edu.
Join Celebration Week Festivities
The FirstGen Forward Network offers a national model for scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and cocurricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures.
As a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, designated by FirstGen Forward (formerly known as the Center for First-Generation Student Success), KU will host several public events, culminating in the National First-Generation College Celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 on Ascher Plaza of the Kansas Union. The KU community is invited to enjoy cake and celebrate KU’s first-generation students, staff and faculty.
Additional events throughout the week include the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs’ I Am First Too poster reception, Mocktails and Mingle, and Food, Fidgets, and Fun.
“KU’s commitment to supporting first-gen students through the new student leadership opportunity of Tri-Alpha and through our weeklong celebration demonstrates our commitment to making education accessible to the communities we serve while ensuring a learning environment where first-gen students can thrive and succeed,” said Misty Chandler, assistant vice provost of academic success.
The full week’s schedule and details can be found on Hawk Link’s website. Contact hawklink@ku.edu to share programs or any questions.