Empowering First-Gen Students: Building Sustainable Support Programs at the University of Missouri with Selena Meints

FirstGenFM

Send us a text

Discover the journey of Selena Meints, the First Generation Initiatives Coordinator at the University of Missouri, as she shares her story from being a first-generation college student to leading a first-gen initiative on campus. Selena shares her journey navigating the college experience without a traditional support system, which ignited her passion for supporting other first-gen students. She details her transition from working in disability services to creating a first-gen program from scratch at Mizzou, emphasizing the vital roles of data collection, listening tours, and securing campus-wide support.
In this episode, we explore the complexities of building and maintaining first-gen programs at a large university. Selena provides insights into collaborating with various campus units during welcome week and the strategies she’s implementing to boost first-gen student participation in high-impact practices: from applying for grants to integrating into committees, her efforts focus on bridging gaps and enhancing the sense of belonging for first-gen students at Mizzou. Learn about the significant challenges and the unique characteristics of these students, and how understanding campus culture plays a crucial role in addressing their needs.
Finally, we delve into the transitions first-gen students face as they move from college to professional life. Selena discusses the importance of lifelong support, including logistical challenges like healthcare and retirement planning. Initiatives like the Tri-Alpha Honor Society are highlighted as ways to celebrate and support first-gen achievements, fostering an inclusive environment that involves families, allies, and alumni. With plans for future growth and community engagement, Selena's vision aims at improving graduation rates and building a robust support network for first-gen students, faculty, and staff alike. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration from Selena’s ambitious plans and dedication to creating a thriving first-gen community.
Selena's Bio and contact
[e-mail]
www.linkedin.com/in/selena-meints
https://firstgeneration.missouri.edu/
First-Generation Initiatives Coordinator

University of Missouri-Columbia

Selena Meints currently serves as the newly founded First-Generation Initiatives Coordinator at University of Missouri-Columbia. The Office of First-Generation Initiatives supports, celebrates, and advocates for first-generation students and connects them to resources at Mizzou, with special emphasis in High-Impact Practices. The office mission helps to promote academic excellence and sense of belonging of First-Generation students from enrollment to graduation.

Meints also resides on several committees/appointments at the university: Chair of the First-Generation Student Success Standing Advisory Board, a Title IX and Equity Resolution hearing panelist, the Undergraduate Research Pathways Working Group and on the SAC Education Award Review Committee.

In her previous role as The Director of Student Accessibility Resources (OSAR) at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri she was responsible for the implementation of student accommodations to create equitable access for all Undergraduate and Graduate students. Meints served as Chair of the Employee Enrichment Committee, Co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and

member of the CARE committee. Meints joined William Woods University a

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!
You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is [e-mail].

Capíttulos

1. Empowering First-Gen Students: Building Sustainable Support Programs at the University of Missouri with Selena Meints (00:00:00)

2. Building First-Gen Programs at Universities (00:00:04)

3. Enhancing First-Gen Programs Through Collaboration (00:15:40)

4. Supporting First-Gen Students Post-Graduation (00:24:24)

5. Building a First-Gen Community (00:33:24)

6. Developing First-Gen Program Support (00:41:33)