The University of Texas at Dallas
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Supporters

First-Generation Student Support Network

Faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to become mentors and/or advocates for students who engage in first-generation student programming organized by the Office of Undergraduate Education (in collaboration with multiple campus partners). Members of the support network take part in several events during the academic year including the First-Generation Support Network Social, where network members meet and network with students. Support network members promote awareness about first-generation students and serve as advocates. For example, network members support the National First-Generation Celebration Day resource fair by attending to be a visible demonstration of support and encouraging programs, departments, and researchers to participate. Support network members receive monthly emails with programming updates and invitations to engagement opportunities.

Hidden Curriculum

For first-generation students, there is much more to college than just managing coursework or figuring out which organizations to join. While these are important aspects of the college career, first-generation students are highly susceptible to the University’s hidden curriculum.

The hidden curriculum refers to the unwritten rules, norms, and expectations that govern university students, faculty, staff. Support network members are present in every UT Dallas department, giving our students the best navigators for their journey! So, we encourage you to join and help us demystify the college and career expectations and norms for our students.