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First Generation Student Engagement

First Generation Student Engagement

Promoting Belonging & Inclusion for All Students

William & Mary is deeply committed to the first-generation / limited income student experience. Our shared goals include advocacy, mentorship, leadership development and promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion in our community. We collaborate with advocates and mentors across the University. 

Our infrastructure for support includes:

  • The FGLI Collaboration, Support and Advocacy Council
  • Faculty and staff mentors and coaches
  • Workshops and panel discussions
  • Advising of the FGLI recognized student organization
  • Transitions & Persistence through Student Transition Engagement Programs
  • FGLI Leadership Development programming
  • Email newsletter
Information & Resources For You

Current Students Families

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Meet the First Gen Working Group

Every member of the William & Mary community should feel welcomed, respected, and valued, including students who identify as first-generation and/or limited-income (FGLI) students. In order to facilitate the university’s continued work to ensure that it is an inclusive place for FGLI students, the Provost’s Office has established a First Generation/Limited Income Working Group. 

The Working Group has been charged with making short- and long-term recommendations on priorities to the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Provost and to recommend an ongoing governance structure that will continue the work of robustly supporting FGLI students at William & Mary, championing their educational aspirations, and ensuring they have the tools and guidance necessary to thrive in their academic and other pursuits at the university.

The Working Group will meet regularly over throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. It will work to identify research-based practices at other institutions; identify the nature and scope of current support structures for FGLI students across the university; learn about challenges, opportunities, and unmet needs; and collect the research and qualitative data necessary to support its recommendations. Its work will conclude by May 31, 2024.

Members
Laura Heymann (co-chair) - James G. Cutler Professor of Law, School of Law
Greg Henderson (co-chair) - AVP for Student Affairs, Chief of Staff
Katherine Barko-Alva - Assistant Professor and Director of ESL/Bilingual Education, School of Education
Heather Deere - Director of Parent & Family Programs
Lauren Garrett - Director of Student Transition Engagement Programs
Dane Pascoe - Data Analyst & Program Administrator, Office of the Provost
Kimberly Smith - Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affiars, Mason School of Business
Grace Sutphin - Undergraduate Student, Class of 2026
Have Questions? Contact Us.

Questions or comments may be directed to [[gmhend, Greg Henderson]] or [[laheym, Laura Heymann]], co-chairs of the working group. We encourage members of the William & Mary community to submit information or suggestions to the Working Group to guide its efforts.