First-generation student success has been a constant and unifying strength for CSU. In 1984, thanks to a determined push from the Board of Governors, faculty, and staff, CSU became the first university in the country to offer scholarships specifically for first-generation, limited-income residents.
This work continued and coalesced in 2009 through the formation of the First-Generation University Initiative (FGUI), which created a solid foundation to build upon for the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative proposal — a collaboration of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Enrollment and Access, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Provost’s Office. The promising commitment of CSU continued in a 2019 partnership with the Center for First-generation Student Success at NASPA, which offers institutions evidence-based support to advance first-generation student success.
In 2023 CSU was selected to join the First Scholars Network, a third phase of the Center for First-generation Student Success, signaling CSU’s ongoing commitment to supporting first-generation student success.
Mission
To identify and involve faculty and staff who are first-generation college graduates and first-generation allies to support in the engagement and success of first-generation students at Colorado State University.
Vision
First-generation faculty, staff, and allies at Colorado State University will actively contribute to fostering an inclusive and welcoming climate for first-generation student success.
