SC State continues to support first-generation college students with ‘First Gen Day’

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University observed National “First-Generation Day” on Nov. 8 to honor students who were the first members of their families to attend college.

A panel discussion featured three first-generation college students answering questions about their college experiences.

“By doing so, we wish to inform them that many of us are also first-generation and that we too have encountered similar issues and have been in their position,” said Dr. Lisa Sparks, director of SC State’s First Year Experience program.

The definition of a first-generation student is a student whose parents or stepparents did not complete a four-year college or university degree.

SC State also commemorated “First-Gen Week” with a social media takeover. Students wore their First-Gen t-shirts, took pictures, and tagged social media accounts using the hashtag, #firstgen.

First-Gen day/week is intended to let students know they are equally valued and supported as traditional students.

“It is important for us to always assure first-generation students that we are their family away from home and that we are committed to their success,” Sparks said.

In October, SC State inducted the inaugural undergraduate and faculty/staff members of its newly chartered chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) a national honor society for first-generation college students. SC State’s Theta Zeta Chapter was chartered in June, making the university the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in South Carolina to receive a Tri-Alpha charter.