September

Let’s put Roadrunners First

Learn to improve retention and success for first-generation MSU Denver students.

By Lindsey Coulter

September 27, 2018

If you were a first-generation college student, you might remember the questions, the uncertainty, the struggles and maybe even the pressure you felt walking into new-student orientation or attending your first lecture. However, if you had family members who could prepare you — and who understood how to support you in your higher-education transition process — your experience may have been very different.

As of this year, 49.1 percent of Metropolitan State University of Denver students identify as first-generation college students, and providing tailored support to this unique population is key to retention and success. That’s why the Center for Equity and Student Achievement designed Roadrunners First, a professional-development opportunity for MSU Denver faculty and staff to consider how they are working with first-gen students.

Framed within a growth mindset, Roadrunners First workshops explore deficit language and how it affects first-generation students in particular, with feedback from first-gen students. Organizers hope these sessions will help create a campus environment that encourages a sense of belonging and value for first-gen college students, while also challenging perceptions about first-gen students and what they can accomplish.

Roadrunners First workshops are available to individuals as well as teams and are designed to fit easily into a workday. There are three dates remaining this semester, so register for an upcoming training today. Contact Colleen Toomey for more information or to schedule a separate date for your team.

Roadrunners First workshops

Oct. 9, 2-4 p.m. in Admin 325

Nov. 9, 9-11 a.m. in AES 295

Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-noon in SSB 200