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Routh First-Generation Center

The Routh First-Generation Center
Approximately 22% of Texas A&M University’s undergraduate student population is first-generation. The Routh First-Generation Center, under the direction of the Office for Student Success, is a dedicated resource hub to support, serve, and celebrate first-generation students from admission to graduation! Our Center provides a sense of belonging and focuses on the holistic well-being of our students with the support of first-generation students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partnerships.

Mission:
The Routh First-Generation Center supports first-generation students from admission to graduation through evidence-based programs, resources, and campus-wide advocacy.

Vision:
The Routh First-Generation Center is dedicated to advancing first-generation student success at Texas A&M University.

Who is a First-Generation?
Our Center manages the Regents’ Scholars Program, the 2nd largest scholarship program at Texas A&M University. In alignment with the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office, first-generation students are students whose parent(s) have not earned a bachelor’s degree. However, we understand that this definition may not fully account for the rich diversity of first-generation college students (e.g., parent(s) may have completed a degree non-traditionally later in life or obtained a degree internationally) and we welcome students who believe will benefit from our program and services. For any questions or more information, please email the Routh First-Generation Center at firstgen@tamu.edu.

The Routh First-Generation Center’s Goals
  • Empower first-generation students to successfully navigate the college environment (e.g., expectations & demands) and persist to graduation through student support services, leadership opportunities, and resiliency coaching
  • Cultivate a welcoming environment through programs and services to increase first-generation students’ sense of belonging
  • Provide opportunities for first-generation students to interact with peers, staff, and faculty and establish meaningful relationships through similar social, emotional, and academic experiences
  • Connect first-generation students to campus resources  that will increase their academic success and social engagement
  • Coordinate leadership, mentorship, and other high impact practice opportunities to enhance first-generation students’ personal growth, professional development, and expand their Aggie Network.

The Routh First-Generation Center provides:
  • First-generation students access to the First-Generation Center
    • Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday from 8am-9pm; Friday from 8am-5pm
    • Computer lab with FREE printing, quiet room, study hub, breakroom, conference room
  • One-to-one and small group first-generation appointments with staff from the Center
  • Study Hall and Community Building Activities
  • Resources and support to first-generation students on acclimating to campus environment, demands, and expectations
  • Leadership, mentorship, and other High Impact Practice (HIPs) opportunities to develop students’ professional development
  • Programs and services dedicated to increase academic success, social engagement, and sense of belonging
  • Assistance and connects students to Texas A&M 12th Man Career Closet for professional attire for interviews, jobs, and internships
  • Assistance and connects students to Texas A&M 12th Man Can, Pocket Pantry, and Dining Services to address food insecurity
  • Appropriate guidance, resources, and support to address a variety of personal and academic matters

The Routh First-Generation Center coordinates: 
  • New Student Conference Breakout Sessions
  • Post New Student Conference Virtual Sessions
  • First-Generation and Regents’ Scholars Orientations
  • Texas A&M University’s First-Generation Celebration Week
  • Regents’ Scholars Program (including McAllen and Galveston campus sites)
  • First-Generation Outreach & Communication
  • High Impact Practice Program
  • First-Generation Coordination Committee (staff & faculty)
  • First-Generation Network (staff & faculty)
 
For any questions regarding our page, please contact the Routh First-Generation Center at firstgen@tamu.edu.