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F1rst Gen On the Hill


We hope to see you at our upcoming events!  See what is coming up, get involved, and learn how to earn points toward engagement rewards on this page.  For general program information, click First Gen in the black bar, above, to be directed to our main page.

Upcoming Events

 

Track Your Participation with Suitable

Use the Suitable app to see a comprehensive list of activities and track your participation in F1rstGen programs. Earn points and win!

  • Suitable is free.
  • Points earned for completing F1rstGen activities may count toward other campus programs that also use Suitable
  • Enable Notifications to receive timely information regarding upcoming events, attendance incentives, and more.
  • Be sure to "complete" the activity in Suitable to earn your points.  Complete an activity by scanning a QR, entering a reflection, submitting a file (photo, doc, etc.), or answering questions.  Each activity has specific information about what you need to do to Complete the activity and earn points. 
  • Each activity will help you develop one of the following competencies. These competencies mesh the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies with the skills needed to excel as part of the WKU student body.
    • Career & Professional Development
    • Communication & Community Building
    • Personal Development & Wellbeing
    • Leadership & Service
    • Academic Engagement & Achievement
  • If you use Suitable to access activities for Gordon Ford College of Business, Mahurin Honors College, Student Activities, or the College of Health and Human Services, be sure to switch to CITL Student Success to see F1rstGen activities and pathways.  Use the drop down list at the top of your screen.
  • Use the curated pathways- called Achievements- in Suitable to focus on the activities we think will help you most.  Pathways include: First Year, Second Year, and various competency- and program-focused options.  Not all students will see all pathways.  You may complete additional activities outside your achievement to earn more points. 
  • Tags can help you find and select activities to complete:
    • On Your Own:  This activity can be completed on your own schedule.
    • Scheduled Event:  Attendance at a particular day and time is required for completion.
    • BG Campus:  Must be in-person on the BG campus to complete.
    • Regional: Must be in-person on the designated Regional campus to complete.
    • Any Location:  This event can be completed by students- including online students- regardless of location.
    • Additional tags will help you search for activities that apply to you or filter out activities that do not apply to you.  Examples include:  First Year, Second Year, LLC, and more.  Don't select activities that are intended for specific programs if you are not part of the program; your completion credit may be rescinded.

Eligibility for engagement grants and other incentives will be determined by pathway completions and total points earned! 

    • At the end of the fall semester, students who are in the top 10 positions on the Suitable Leaderboard AND at least 50% complete in the "First Generation First Year Experience" or "First Generation Second Year Experience" achievement will have a $250 award added to your student account.
    • At the end of the spring semester, students who are in the top 10 positions on the Suitable Leaderboard AND have completed either the "First Generation First Year Experience" or "First Generation Second Year Experience" achievement will have a $250 award added to your student account.
    • Note: the Leaderboard will be filtered for the following:  first-generation student and points earned in current semester.

Through the generosity of the WKU Sisterhood, we will be able to double our normal number of spring 2025 awards to 20!

WKU Sisterhood

  • Download the Suitable app from your app store (Google Play or Apple)
  • Sign in with your Topper email and password
  • Choose CITL Student Success
  • Enable Push Notifications (this will ensure you get notifications about upcoming events, you will receive less than five per week)
  • Enable access to your camera so you can use your phone to scan QR codes at events and earn points
  • To upload a profile photo, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Scorecard

If you previously logged in to Suitable as part of another WKU program, use the drop down list at the very top of your screen to switch to CITL Student Success to see F1rstGen options.

You may also access the app on your desktop at this link.

 

Other Information

F1rstGen Art Jam!

We had great turnout on Jan 30, 2025, for rock painting and snacks.  See more in this WNKY local news highlight!

Note:  First-gen means your parents don't have four-year degrees.  You can be first-gen even if other people in your family went to college.

Art Jam GroupHannah and MoriahMelany and friends

Make It Count

All students are welcome at our workshops.  See the Upcoming Events list for details.  Participation will earn points toward completion grant eligibility.  Refer to the Suitable information on this page for more information.

National First-Gen Celebration Week

Join us as we raise awareness for the first-generation experience each November.  Our National Celebration activities include the First-Gen Alumni-in-Residence program in cooperation with the WKU Alumni Association and the academic colleges.

Mentorship Program

Coming Soon! Students will be matched with a student, faculty/staff, or alumni success coach who can provide guidance and encouragement.  You may want a coach who can help you set goals; select a major; prepare for high impact practices such as student research and study abroad; prepare for your profession or grad school; and much more.  If you think this is a great idea, leave a comment!  Your input will help us gauge interest and refine the program.

F1rst 2 the Hill Academy

Begin in your second year, continue till you graduate!  Participants in this cohort program receive leadership training, career skills training, mentors, scholarship opportunities, and more.  There is NO cost for participants, and participants who engage with the program may be eligible for a completion grant.  Have questions?  Scroll down to the webform and send us a message!

F1rstGen High School Summer Camp

For high school students who will be first-generation college students.  More information and the interest form link is on the camp webpage.

F1rstGen Living Learning Community

This LLC is for incoming first-time, first-year WKU students.  Students who are unsure of their major are preferred.  More information and link to housing application is on the LLC webpage.

F1rstGen Student Ambassadors

Help us spread the word and plan events!  In addition to supporting first-generation students, ambassadors have opportunities for scholarships and engagement that can help with academic and professional goals.  Juniors preferred. 

Students at MIC Event

 

For more events and items of interest to F1rst Gen students, follow us on Instagram

   

 

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 Last Modified 2/7/25