FirstGen Forward adds IU Columbus
FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, recently recognized IU Columbus as one of 80 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2024-25. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network member, IU Columbus displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
“We are honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Joan Poulsen, IU Columbus Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. “This is especially meaningful because about one-third of our students are first-generation college students.”
Poulsen noted several efforts at IU Columbus to help students whose parents didn’t attend college to have a positive experience, build confidence, and receive help as they navigate higher education. For example, IU Columbus Student Success Coach Austin Newberry meets individually to help guide students, with a focus on 21st Century Scholars. In addition, the Center for Teaching and Learning on the Airpark Campus is hosting a four-part professional development series focused on student success, including strategies to support students who are first-generation college students. Poulsen is also exploring ways to connect IU Columbus first-generation students with faculty and staff who themselves were first-generation college students.
The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. To date, 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.
“We are pleased to welcome IU Columbus into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Sarah E. Whitley, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was evident that IU Columbus is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population.”
In this first phase of the Network, selected institutions participated in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on June 6. As a Network Member, interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.
BCSC offers seniors Legacy Pass
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. is offering complimentary entry to school-sponsored events for senior citizens who live within the BCSC district and are age 62 years old or older.
The pass is a small sticker that is placed on a photo ID or credit card granting free general admission to home and school-sponsored extracurricular activities. It must be presented at time of entry and requires a sign-in.
IHSAA tournaments are excluded from the pass program.
Proof of residency and age is required and will be verified upon application. Those who are interested in receiving one of the passes may visit any middle or high school athletic department in BCSC or the central office at 1200 Central Ave.
IU Dance Marathon set for November
BLOOMINGTON — The Indiana University Dance Marathon will be Nov. 15-17.
The 36-hour event benefits Riley Hospital for Children.
Aug. 3 marked 100 days until IU’s 34th marathon. Participants will attempt to each raise $100 in honor of this benchmark.
It is an extra-special year, as Riley was founded in 1924, so it has also been 100 years of the hospital.
For more information about the marathon, visit iudm.org.
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