Staff & Faculty Resources

Center for Faculty Excellence Podcast

Mackenzie Spence, M.Ed. sat down with the Center for Faculty Excellence to chat about First-Generation College Students at Montana State University and what they want staff and faculty to know in this 13 minute podcast.

Did you know Montana State is a FirstGen Forward Network Institution? FirstGen Forward has a ton of data, insights, and research around First-Gen student success, best practices, and advocacy. They also frequently provide professional development opportunities.

Montana State University will be offering a First-Gen Advocate Training beginning in the Fall of 2025! Keep your eyes peeled for more information soon!

Available for free through the MSU library, the Journal of First-Generation Student Success joins other publications of NASPA. The Journal seeks to publish practice articles that are grounded in research and literature and, reciprocally, research articles that speak to practice. While traditional scholarship will be encouraged and accepted, articles that prioritize innovative solutions and advanced thought that disputes deficit-based conversations while propelling an asset-based, evidence-driven national narrative, are welcome.

There is a wealth of readings about First-Generation students, how to support them, and best practices. The list, compiled by the First-Generation Committee, is constantly growing as new literature emerges. The readings include memoirs, journal articles, fiction, edited books, and blog posts.

Do you want to include a short statement in your syllabus about First-Generation College Students? Here is a short support statement you can include:
"Navigating college life can come with unique challenges, and the university has multiple support programs to meet them. As a First-Generation college student, you are part of the community of Bobcats who are forging their own path at Montana State University and becoming the first in their family to earn a Bachelor’s degree. My goal is to help you be successful and to find the support and guidance you may need to become a First-Gen graduate."

TRIO Student Support Service is a grant based program at MSU that is dedicated to helping students thrive in higher education through innovative programs and services. They offer a variety of resources to their students such as book loans, research opportunities, free printing and tutoring, success advising in all fields, and much more. TRIO accepts applications through their website from January to June for the following academic year. If you have a student that you think could benefit from being a TRIO Scholar, fill out the TRIO SSS Referral Form.

Are you First-Gen or want to show your support for your First-Generation Students virtually? Take a look at the First-Gen WebEx backgrounds.