First-Gen Programs Shape College Experience

Making connections with fellow first-generation students was the key to making a big campus feel smaller for Saul Compean. Through First-Gen Longhorns, the First-Generation Living Learning Community, student organizations and becoming an orientation advisor, Compean found what living the Longhorn life means to him.

"Even if everyone is completely different and comes from different places, that doesn't mean they don't have a place within our community," shared Saul Compean, a junior marketing major from Wylie, Texas.

First-Gen Longhorns in New Student Services celebrates and supports all 9,935 first-generation students at UT Austin, making up 24.6% of undergraduate students. The program leads the First-Generation Living Learning Community in partnership with University Housing and Dining, the First-Gen Experience Program - a peer mentorship program, and coordinates the University-wide First-Gen Week, Nov. 4-8.

The team has revamped the lineup for this year's First-Gen Week to enhance the celebrations and feature current and former first-gen college students. The week will kick off with First-Gen Voices, a luncheon featuring keynote speakers that include a current first-gen student and Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Undergraduate College Rich Reddick.

"One of the ideals First-Gen Longhorns exhibits is the importance of finding a sense of community and belonging at UT Austin. It made me feel like I belonged somewhere and gave me the confidence to get involved in other organizations as well," noted Compean.

The University's definition of first-generation is students whose parents or guardians have not had the opportunity to complete a bachelor's degree in the U.S. Many students whose parents have degrees from other countries also identify as first-gen. Over the past 10 years, the first-gen graduation rate has increased by 50% at UT Austin alongside new programs and resources to support these students.

As part of the Division of Student Affairs - the hub for student life and well-being, the team is making a positive difference in these students' college experience, helping to set them up for success after graduation.

"Our community-building events, peer-coaching and other resources for first-gen Longhorns is a great example of how our Division puts students first. We are helping first-gen students thrive and be successful on our campus and beyond," said Kayleigh Damphousse, associate director for transition initiatives in New Student Services.

Compean is proof. By meeting students from different backgrounds, colleges and interests, he learned there is more than one way to be a Longhorn. Becoming an orientation advisor and peer success coach maximized his Longhorn experience. He also held leadership positions with the University Residence Hall Association and served as a Camp Texas counselor. Now, he is encouraging others to get involved and attend one of the 95+ first-gen events throughout the year, including First-Gen Week.

"It's a very rewarding experience to be a part of a community that helps students have positive experiences," he added.