On Facebook, Spanish-language viewers anywhere in the world can join sessions of Charlas Comunitarias to learn about emotional health and resources. The program is led partly by Ruth Zúñiga, an associate professor in School of Graduate Psychology at Pacific University and director of the university’s Sabiduría Latina/o psychology emphasis.
First-Generation Student Resources
About 25 percent of our undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college. If you are a first-generation college student, we want to help you make Pacific your home. We have resources to help you succeed!
The First Gen Student Success Association (FGSSA) is a student-run club that formed in 2018. This club aims to enhance the academic, social, and professional skills for students who are the first in their family to attend college. Anyone can join!
FGSSA provides and supports:
- Annual Conference in Fall, the First-Gen Student Success Conference
- Celebration Events in Fall and Spring
- Social and community events
- Academic support and mentoring
- Fun activities and retreats
Pacific University is proud of its advisors who understand and support students who are the first in their family to attend college. Many of our faculty and staff were once in your shoes. They are here to welcome you and help you find your way.
Here is just a small sampling of first-generation staff and faculty at Pacific University:
| First Gen Staff/Faculty | Department/Area |
|---|---|
| Aaron Greer | Anthropology/Sociology |
| Alyson Burns-Glover | Psychology |
| Andrea Lybarger | Graduate Admissions |
| Darlene Pagán | English |
| Dawn Salgado | Psychology |
| Don Schweitzer | Social Work & Public Health |
| Donna Ramos Barsana | Admissions |
| Jamie Haag | Economics |
| Jamie Young | Student Counseling Center |
| Jaye Cee Whitehead | School of Social Sciences |
| Jennifer Hardacker | Media Arts |
| Jennifer Camp | Dance |
| John Miller | Provost & VP Academic Affairs |
| Lindsay Merritt | Social Work & Public Health |
| Lesley Hallick | Pacific University President |
| Martha Calus-McLain | Engagement & Operations |
| Mike Geraci | Media Arts |
| Mike Shingle | Academic & Career Advising |
| Michael R. Steele | English & Handball Coach |
| Narce Rodriguez | Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion |
| Ramona Ilea | Philosophy |
| Shirley Ley | Student Counseling Center |
| Tania Hand | Undergraduate Admissions |
| Terry O'Day | Art |
| Uncle Jeff Grundon | Undergraduate Admissions |
If you see someone in an area you have questions about feel free to contact them!
Are you a current Pacific student who is first in their family to attend college? Examples of successful first-generation students are one of the most helpful things we can provide to our incoming students. If you are a first-generation college student, share your story by emailing news@pacificu.edu.
If you have questions about anything related to first generation students at Pacific University, contact Mike Shingle.
Contact Us
Mike Shingle | Director, Academic & Career Advising
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If you’re a STEM major, and interested in talking to some professionals about life after graduation, or thinking about a career that requires STEM, join this Zoom panel Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.
All first year and new transfer students are invited to apply for the Global Scholars First Year Travel stipend. The stipend offers students a discount of up to $1500 to participate in spring 2020 travel courses to Namibia, Costa Rica, Spain, or Romania. Students with second language proficiency and diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply by Nov. 1.