The First in the Family (FIF) program helps incoming first-generation students connect to campus and receive important information to help navigate their college experience. A first-generation student is any student whose parents or guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree.
In lieu of an in-person pre-orientation due to restrictions from COVID-19, all incoming first-generation students will receive virtual content from the First in the Family program over the summer, with a mix of pre-recorded presentations and webinars. One virtual session will be sent out each week from June 15 to Aug. 10.
Incoming first-generation students are welcome to sign up for a first-generation student mentoring program. Returning first-generation sophomores, juniors, and seniors will serve as mentors, helping incoming first-generation students navigate the start of the semester. Incoming students will receive their mentor assignment by mid-August. Mentors will schedule in-person get-togethers and mentor/mentee events throughout the first semester to help them meet other first-generation students.
Registration is required, as there are limited spots available.
registration:
Please note: The application for Fall 2020 registration closed on Monday, July 20th. Please contact us at the email or phone number below if you have any questions.
QUESTIONS?
Contact us at 262-551-5716 or firstinthefamily@carthage.edu
First-generation student virtual summer series
Session #1: Advising 101 - Learn about the advising and registration process for a first-year student in their fall semester. Get more information and support resources on campus that help students build a strong foundation for success. Presented by Joseph Towey and Anna Thompson from the Center for Student Success.
Session #2: College Lingo & Concepts - First-generation Carthage staff from offices across campus provide definitions and examples terms and processes common to higher education to help first-gen students better understand the college experience. Presented by Rocco LaMacchia from the Admissions Office, Trevor Jung from the Aspire Center, and Brandon Porter from the Office of the Registrar.
Session #3: First-Generation Faculty Webinar - Five faculty members across campus shared about their own personal experiences as first-generation college students and answered questions from students about beginning college. Watch the recorded webinar to learn some tips and get some advice for being successful as a first-generation student. Panelists: Katherine Hilson, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Ed Montanaro, Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Economics, Ed Kawakami, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities, Al Klingenberg, Associate Professor of Mathematics, and Karin Sconzert, Associate Professor of Education, Education Department Chair, and Broad Field Social Science Program Director.
Session#4: First-Generation Student Webinar - Mentors from the First-Generation Student Mentoring Program who are current first-gen students spoke about their experiences at Carthage and offered advice and tips while answering questions from incoming students. Watch the recorded webinar to learn more! Panelists: Mara Schwartz, ’21, Steve Machado, ’22, and Matthew Colinelli, ’22.
Session #5: Supporting Diverse Students at Carthage - Carthage Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Equity and Inclusion Roger Moreano and students Ronny Onano, ’21, Grayson Breen, ’21, Sareena Volkman, ’21, and Sandra Masibayi, ’21 welcome First in Family students to Carthage! Learn why students love Carthage College and the support for equity and inclusion on campus!
Session #6: Leading at Carthage and Beyond - Learn about leadership development and opportunities to get involved with leadership opportunities. Presented by: Liz Snider, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Involvement!
Session #7: Virtual Campus Resources Scavenger Hunt - Take the virtual resource scavenger hunt quiz to learn about the services and support offered by a number of different campus offices. Building familiarity with these services now will allow you to utilize them effectively and appropriately from the very first day of the semester! Offices on the scavenger hunt include the Center for Faith & Spirituality, the Registrar’s Office, the Office of Public Safety, the Office of Student Accounts, the Office of Student Financial Planning, the Division of Student Affairs central office, the Office of Residential Life, and the Health & Counseling Center.