As you may or may not know, WSU has been designated a First-gen Forward institution as well as a First Scholars Institution.  As part of that effort, there is a working group of faculty and staff, a collaborative effort between the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, dedicated to bringing awareness to the changing needs of the first-generation student experience across the WSU system.  As with other WSU colleagues around the system, we are engaged in activities related to the national First-gen day as a way to advance this conversation.

National First-Gen Day Panel Discussion

We are holding a first-generation panel discussion for National First-gen Day on November 8th, titled “First in the Field: Navigating STEM as a First Gen Student”.

Monday, November 8th:

  • First in the Field: Navigating STEM as a First Gen Student (Panel w/Boeing) | 10:15am – 11:15am | Systemwide
  • First-generation Boeing Keynote | 11:15am – 11:45am | Systemwide
  • A National Celebration Centering First-gen Voices | 12:00pm – 1:00pm | NASPA/COE
    • This event will feature a panel of first-gen students and graduates sharing insight into their experiences moderated by Dr. Quintin B. Bullock, president at Community College of Allegheny County.

Alpha Alpha Alpha

Washington State University is inviting first-generation faculty, staff, and alumni to join a new honor society. Alpha Alpha Alpha (or Tri‑Alpha) recognizes the academic achievements of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Joining Tri‑Alpha is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to celebrate your successes and serve as a role model and mentor to current first-generation students.

Applying is easy and qualifications include

  • You must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree
  • Neither of your parents (nor step-parents nor legal guardians) completed a bachelor’s degree prior to you completing one
  • Faculty and staff must be currently working at WSU

Faculty, staff, and alumni who are inducted into Tri‑Alpha must also be willing to serve as mentors for our first-generation students, who will benefit from knowing that others made their journey before them and succeeded!

The Induction Ceremony is scheduled for the second week of December 2021. Your one-time dues payment of $30 gives you lifetime membership in Tri‑Alpha

Applications are due October 31, 2021 at 11:59 PM (PT).  Apply today!