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NJCU’s First-Generation Champion Institute Elevates Support of First-Gen Students
JERSEY CITY, N.J. | New Jersey City University (NJCU)’s Opportunity Scholarship Program and TRiO Learning Community (TLC) are continuing to lead a First-Generation Champion Institute for the institution’s faculty and staff with the mission of examining and elevating intentional support of first-generation college students.
Launched during the Fall 2023 semester, the initial cohort included the William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Student Accounts (Bursar's Office), and the Center for Leadership and Engagement.
The second cohort of the First-Generation Champion Institute launched in April 2024. Members of the campus community who are interested in contributing to this important work are encouraged to complete this interest form.
The First-Generation Champion Institute strives to contribute to NJCU’s goal of being a model institution serving first-generation college students by equipping faculty and staff with the tools needed to support this population from a strength-based lens — recognizing the responsibility of addressing systemic barriers that can hamper student success.
NJCU is the oldest minority and Hispanic-serving public university in the state, serving thousands of first-generation students. It has an undergraduate population which is 45% Latinx and 54% first generation.
NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo praised the program, saying: “As a first-generation college graduate myself, I am intimately familiar with the challenges that this inspiring population of students must confront in pursuit of the most noble of goals: a better life for themselves and their families. There are many obstacles first-gen students must hurdle, not the least of which is having someone at home who may understand the significance of choosing a degree or a major, how to obtain financial aid, or even determining what professions you can pursue or next steps after graduation. These are all among the hidden curriculum a first-generation student may encounter.”
“It is vital that institutions like NJCU be that beacon of hope towards even being able to be the first in one’s family to further their education and we will always meet our first-gen students where they are. When we do, the academic journey of our first-gen students enriches our vibrant campus, enhancing the experiences of their classmates and the faculty and staff who get to share space with them — the tenacity, grit and resilience to dare to be the first in their families to do something. I wish to thank our leaders within the OSP and TLC programs , including our directors, Sabrina Magliulo and Maria Christina Rolon Velez, for their work in developing our First-Generation Champion Institute. Because when we are deliberate in our obligation in helping our first-gen students meet the challenges they confront — and understand that life disproportionately happens and that there isn’t always a clear pathway for those who are blazing their own trails for the first time — we will fulfill our promise of a better life through higher education.”
The Institute is divided into six modules built around a continuous improvement cycle: Overview of the Institute, Departmental Mapping, Departmental Auditing, Goal Setting, Presentations, and Assessment and Reflections.
In the final module of the Institute last fall, participants had the opportunity to present their findings and goals to the entire cohort. In particular, the assessment and reflections portion of the module sparked meaningful cross-divisional dialogue among colleagues.
Fran Moran, Ph.D., the President of the University Senate and Chair of NJCU’s Political Science Department, shared a real-time epiphany during his presentation on behalf of the Political Science department. He reflected on how frequently faculty and staff use institutional jargon, which may not be understood by first-generation college students. Dr. Moran's insights highlighted the Institute's focus on examining how institutional language, policies, and procedures can unintentionally hinder first-gen college students' ability to navigate the hidden curriculum of higher education.
“The First Gen Champion training sessions provided valuable information on how our program can better meet the needs of this student population,” Moran acknowledged. “At its heart, it helped us reimagine the student learning experience. We've adjusted language in our syllabi, email correspondence, and public presentations about the program. The training sessions were a helpful and timely reminder of the very different experiences first gen students bring to campus.”
Dr. Jason D. Martinek, Assistant Provost of Faculty and Staff Development, expressed his excitement by stating “The First Scholars Network and the First-Generation Champion Institute are a fulfillment of our historic mission. It pushes us to be even more deliberate in our already considerable efforts to make this university New Jersey’s leader in first-gen degree attainment.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Jonelle Knox, Assistant Provost for Student Success and Retention added “NJCU is committed to supporting first-generation college students. The institution serves a large population of first-time college students and offering the First Scholars Network and the First-Generation Champion Institute is essential to ensuring their success. By continuing to support this group of students, we can help them achieve their goals and advance the lives of many generations to come.”
NJCU’s involvement in the First Scholars Network has earned the University recognition as a First-Gen Forward Institution. The dedicated team, led by Maria Christina Rolon Velez, director of the TRiO Learning Community (TLC) Program and Sabrina Magliulo, director of the Opportunity Scholarship Program/Educational Opportunity Fund (OSP/EOF), has been committed to scaling the institutional first-generation student support efforts since 2021. NJCU has consistently met milestones focused on advancing the success of first-generation college students. Additionally, members of the institution have presented nationally at First Scholars workshops to highlight innovative work being performed at NJCU.
For additional information on the Institute, visit the NJCU’s First-Gen Warriors website.
About NJCU:
New Jersey City University is a comprehensive public regional institution of higher learning located in Jersey City, N.J., dedicated to the development of our students, our city, our communities, and our state. We are a game-changing force for our students and have been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation improving their upward economic mobility. In fact, NJCU has been ranked No. 1 in New Jersey and Top 10 in the nation in the CollegeNET Social Mobility Index for 2023. Whether enrolled in one of our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at our three locations, NJCU students have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.
Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301