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Triton Firsts Missions & Visions

First-Generation College Student Definition: 

UC San Diego defines first-generation college students as students with neither parent having received a four-year college degree (UCOP definition).  

Student Retention and Success Units support first-generation college students through evidence-based support initiatives and programs that are proven to assist students with accessing resources, developing college capital skills and navigating their college journey. 

Mission:

Triton Firsts will create a sense of community, offer networking opportunities, and celebrate the first-gen identity as a strength. Triton Firsts programs support ALL first-generation undergraduate and graduate students’ holistic development through career and professional development, academic support, and community building. Programs are rooted in addressing students' ever-changing needs as their student identity develops through their time at the university. Triton Firsts connects first-generation undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, staff, and faculty members within the larger UC San Diego community. 

Vision:

Tritons Firsts Programs will encourage ALL first-generation students to be empowered in their first-generation identity through first-generation visibility on the UC San Diego campus by creating a network of first-generation students, staff, and faculty campus members. The Tritons Firsts Programs will be the space for all first-generation community members to thrive and excel in their journey. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Because of Triton Firsts…

PLO 1

Students will be able to connect and contact a faculty member in order to grow their network within the university for their own personal and professional growth. (VCSA Learning Domains: 1) Communicate Effectively and 3) Advance Personal, Academic, and Professional Success).

PLO 2

Students will be able to obtain a greater sense of the strengths of the first-generation identity by interacting with a community of like-minded individuals who share similar student experiences. (VCSA Learning Domains: 3) Advance Personal, Academic, and Professional Success, 4) Lead in a Diverse Global Society, Promote Social Justice and Community Responsibility)

PLO 3

UC San Diego’s first-generation community will have a presence on campus that will positively impact campus culture to combat historical oppression and racism inherent in higher education. (VCSA Learning Domains: 1) Think Critically and Solve Problems, 2) Communicate Effectively, 4) Lead in a Diverse Global Society, and 6) Promote Social Justice and Community Responsibility)

PLO 4

Students will be able to identify and activate opportunities on and off campus specific to first-generation students or specific to the academic, personal and/or professional goals of the student. (VCSA Learning Domains: 3) Advance Personal, Academic, and Professional Success and 5) Engage in a Healthy Lifestyle)

Triton Firsts Program Outcomes

Triton Firsts Outcomes
PLO 1
PLO 2
PLO 3
PLO 4
Welcome Social
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First-Gen Day Celebration
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Faculty Panel/Events
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Career Readiness Conference/Workshops Check mark Check mark
Graduation Celebration Check mark Check mark
Faculty/Staff Directory Check mark Check mark Check mark Check mark
Grad Student Mixer Check mark Check mark Check mark
FGSA Check mark Check mark Check mark

VCSA Learning Domains: https://vcsacl.ucsd.edu