Programs

The FirstGen Forward Network is the national initiative that connects higher education institutions committed to improving the experiences and outcomes of first-generation college students.

Joining the network in 2021, the Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity leads Suffolk University’s engagement in the FirstGen Forward Network, ensuring compliance with all eligibility criteria and annual membership requirements.

The Center also drives the development of programs and policies to advance Suffolk’s progression within the network.

Our Programs

Have you ever been curious about graduate school but are unsure where to start? In this six-week series, the SuffolkONE Graduate School Bootcamp takes an in-depth look at the graduate school application process. Participants will explore topics including:

  • Week 1: What can you do with a master’s or doctoral degree?
  • Week 2: Understanding the grad admissions process
  • Week 3: Finding schools and identifying professors
  • Week 4: Developing a competitive grad school application
  • Week 5: Funding your graduate school programs
  • Week 6: Expanding your network and positioning yourself for success

Participants will receive:

Email us for more information.

Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) is the national honor society for first-generation college students and is open to students, faculty, staff, and alumni who identify as first-generation based on the center’s definition, as well as Honorary Members.

Founded on March 24, 2018, at Moravian College (now Moravian University), in Bethlehem, PA, Tri-Alpha is a nonprofit (501(c)3) that recognizes first-generation student academic achievements.

Each academic year, applications open for membership to Suffolk University’s Eta Theta chapter. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Undergraduate Students
    • Minimum 30 credits (full- or part-time)
    • Minimum 3.2 GPA
    • Be first-gen
  • Graduate & Professional Students
    • Minimum one semester (full- or part-time)
    • Minimum 3.5 GPA
    • Be first-gen
  • Faculty, Staff & Alumni
    • Be-first-gen

Honorary Members

Honorary Members are first-gen advocates, mentors, and/or supporters who maintain a connection to Suffolk University and may or may not be first-gen.

When applications are open, current Eta Theta chapter members and applicants may submit an email nomination including:

  1. Your first and last name, class year or affiliation to the University (faculty, staff, etc.), and membership status (member or applicant)
  2. The first and last name of your nominee, their affiliation to the University (alumni, University partner, etc.), and email address
  3. An explanation (minimum one paragraph) describing why the nominee should be inducted into the chapter. Consider details such as their trailblazing story; their history supporting, advocating, and collaborating with the first-gen community; and how they have impacted your experience as a first-gen or first-to-advance individual.

Please note: Students who are first-gen may not be nominated for honorary membership and must meet eligibility requirements.

Chapter dues for students are paid one time for lifetime membership to the honor society. Student membership is $15, and faculty, staff, and alumni membership is $25.

For more information, email Tri-Alpha.

The Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity offers a session for faculty and staff to learn more about the first-gen student experience called “Championing First-Generation College Students: Who They Are and How We Can Mentor Their Success.” This session looks at nationwide and Suffolk-specific data on first-gens, and reviews best practices in championing their success.

Faculty and staff who complete the session are known as First-Gen Champions and receive a pin and decal to show other community members that they are an ally. They are also featured on our website as First-Gen Champions.

RAM Supporters play a pivotal role in the first-year student’s transition to Suffolk University. They serve as resource providers, advocates, peer mentors/coaches, and positive role models and are actively involved in assisting new undergraduate students’ transition to Suffolk. The program has a variety of focused support populations, including first-gens. For more information, visit Orientation, New Student, and Family Programs.

The Activate Your Career Plan (AYCP) is a six-session career development program with the Center for Career Equity, Development & Success. Students explore careers related to their major, create a plan toward their career goals, and grow their social capital through networking with employers and alumni. For more information, visit the Center for Career Equity, Development & Success.

Connect the Dots pairs first-generation college students with University staff or faculty as mentors who serve as a resource in helping students navigate university life. Learn more about the Connect the Dots Program.

First-generation students receive The Scoop, a bi-weekly newsletter with information about center programming and events.

Family, friends and supporters are also invited to subscribe to the newsletter.