UNG's Gen 1 mentoring program has expanded to the Dahlonega Campus during the fall 2023 semester. Pictured are freshman Molly Evans and her mentor Laura Russell.
Article By: Agnes Hina
Incoming first-generation college students who are freshmen at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Dahlonega Campus can now participate in the Gen 1 mentoring program. The program has expanded from UNG's Gainesville Campus with a goal of 30 matched pairs for the inaugural Dahlonega cohort.
The first-generation student initiatives and the mentoring program are designed around UNG's mission, vision and values. It creates an environment where first-generation students can ask questions and receive information, connect with other students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who are also first-generation. This increases their sense of belonging, as they learn to advocate for themselves and celebrate academic and personal successes.
"We had already experienced some organic growth in the Gen 1 mentoring program on the Dahlonega Campus with REACH Georgia Scholars and other students who found our mentoring program through orientation sessions," Jennifer Herring, special assistant to the vice president of regional campuses, said. "With such an enthusiastic team of faculty and staff coordinators ready to take on the challenge, it seemed like a natural expansion choice."
The program began recruiting students in Dahlonega in April in preparation for a fall launch. Currently more than 30 faculty and staff members volunteer as mentors at the Dahlonega Campus, bringing the total number to well over 120.
I joined the Gen 1 program because I was struggling with pre-college things. While I have only been actively a part of the program for three weeks, I have loved every second of it. My mentor is fantastic. This program is important for me because of situations like my first week of school.
Molly Evans
UNG freshman and Gen 1 Mentee
Mentors like Dr. Bryan Dawson, professor of psychological science, feel the expansion will serve as a bridge for educational gaps and make transitioning to college life easier for the students who participate.
"I am genuinely thrilled to witness the Gen 1 program extending its reach to the Dahlonega Campus. It's more than just growth — it signifies an exciting, broader impact," Dawson said.
The program already had a number of promising and engaging events this semester including the annual Grillin & Chillin Cookout at the Gainesville Campus, a Tie Dye event at the
Dahlonega Campus, and First Gen Friday at the Gainesville Campus. Students like freshman Molly Evans have already found the program extremely beneficial to their university pursuits.
"I joined the Gen 1 program because I was struggling with pre-college things. While I have only been actively a part of the program for three weeks, I have loved every second of it," the LaGrange, Georgia, native said. "My mentor is fantastic. She came and checked on me when I was moving in, met my parents, and got their numbers in case they had any questions. This program is important for me because of situations like my first week of school. My parents didn't know what to do in that situation of me struggling since they never went to college."
The program's expansion allows for a seamless transition between the participating campuses for first-generation students. Students starting in Gainesville and transferring to Dahlonega will have the same programs, activities and supports they have become accustomed to in Gainesville.
"Going to college can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't have a network of family and friends who can help navigate all of the steps and processes a student has to go through to get to their first day of classes," Lisa Walker, Gen 1 coordinator chair in Dahlonega and assistant director of Career Services for employer engagement, said. "These students now have someone to ask questions that they may feel embarrassed about asking in their classroom. They have someone who can walk them around campus to give them a personalized tour of their class schedule, and most importantly, they have a mentor who cares about them and will listen and help when it's needed."
To become a mentor, faculty and staff can contact Gen 1 coordinators Herring, Dr. Alyson Paul or Walker. Mentor applications can be found here. Students can also apply to have a mentor.
