New Pre-Orientation Program for First-Generation Students Encourages Sense of Belonging

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. — This September Middlebury is offering a new pre-orientation program to support students who are the first in their families to attend college, also known as first-generation students. The program, called First @ Midd, is designed to help the new students feel welcome, get to know one another, and learn about academic expectations and the many resources available to them on campus.

“First-generation students have consistently, and with increasing frequency, asked us to develop a pre-enrollment program,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of the College Katy Smith Abbott. “From the outset, we want them to see the campus as their own. We also hope that the connections they form with one another during the program will continue to grow throughout the year.”

Forty-four students will participate in First @ Midd, which will take place September 1–5. Organizers encouraged more than 70 students from the U.S. to attend the optional program. That figure does not include the total number of first-generation students in the incoming class since some, such as those who are also international students, have their own pre-orientation program. First-generation students make up 14 percent of Middlebury’s incoming class.

At First @ Midd, students will learn strategies on how to navigate the sometimes complicated social and academic aspects of college life. They will also connect with members of the College community who may be key to their success, from returning first-generation students who will serve as peer leaders to faculty members who will offer early advising.

The new program’s workshops and educational activities will provide information on the many resources students can access, from health services, academic support, and study abroad opportunities to internships, work-study jobs, and faculty office hours. To keep the program fun as well as informative, a number of social events, such as a game night and a cookout, are included.

Families who accompany students to campus are invited to participate in the program on September 1–2, when they can join such activities as meals and a campus resources walking tour. Faculty and staff will also discuss the expectations and challenges associated with the academic experience, and the support available to students.

Following the departure of families on the morning of September 3, events include discussions—led by returning first-generation students—on the transition to college, a walking tour of the town of Middlebury, and a dance party. The full schedule is available here.

Two of First @ Midd’s organizers, Roberto Lint Sagarena and Jennifer Herrera, are working to ensure that the pre-orientation activities will connect with Middlebury’s first series of yearlong programming for first-generation students, called First-Gen Experience. Lint Sagarena, professor and director of the Anderson Freeman Resource Center, and Herrera, associate director of the center, will oversee the events for this new program. Like First @ Midd, First-Gen Experience will take place annually, Lint Sagarena says. The goal is to extend the academic and social support of the pre-orientation program throughout college so that first-generation students return sophomore year and remain through graduation.

Since First @ Midd ends September 5, students who participate will also be able to join the weeklong orientation program for all new students that begins that day.

Along with Smith Abbott, Lint Sagarena, and Herrera, the program’s organizers include Chief Diversity Officer and Professor Miguel Fernandez, Assistant Director of Student Organizations and Orientation Roman Christiaens, and student interns Carolyn Murphy ’17.5 and Hayle Wesolowski ’18.