First-Generation Coalition
The First-Generation Coalition began in 2019 with a group of passionate professionals committed to increasing the awareness of the unique challenges of first-generation students at the University of Nevada, Reno. This group of professionals are devoted to empower first-generation students to thrive at the University and beyond.
A first-generation student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardians(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree.
We encourage you to use this website as a tool to find first-generation coalition members across campus as a support network. If you are looking for someone to connect with or simply have a question, feel free to connect with us. We are here to help you achieve academic success at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Mission statement
The First-Generation Coalition is comprised of academic and administrative faculty who are committed to creating positive experiences and advancing first-generation student success.
Purpose
First-Generation Coalition goals:
- provide services to improve the success of first-generation students
- plan and implement First Generation Week (week of November 8 every year)
- share knowledge of successful practices utilized to serve first-generation students
- secure senior leadership support and commitment to participation
- increase awareness about first generation population across campus
- provide and share networking and professional development opportunities
- educate the University community and the community at large about first-generation student issues and initiatives
- advocate for first-generation students across campus
- assist with the recruitment and retention efforts of faculty, staff and students
Coalition leaders
![James Beattie](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Chris Westin](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
Coalition members
![Matthew Aguirre](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Emilly Borthwick-Wong](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Steve Calhoun](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Elizabeth Xeng De Los Santos](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Jenna Dewar](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Carla Franich](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Ellen Houston](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Katie Newman](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Jeimi Picazo Farias](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Suzanne Turner](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)
![Heather Williams](https://www.unr.edu/Assets/Images/default-place-holder-image.jpg)