UT Permian Basin joined colleges across the country on November 6 and 7 to celebrate first generation college students – those who are the first in their families to attend or graduate from college. The University hosted a resource fair to help students gain support and learn how to navigate college in order to be successful.
At UT Permian Basin, we pride ourselves of offering a UT quality education at an affordable price. We have the necessary resources to support first generation college students and we want them to choose our campus. In my experience, first generation college students are an asset to a college campus as they bring with them an appreciation of the college experience and a hardworking approach to their studies,” Dr. Becky Spurlock, UT Permian Basin VP of Student Affairs and Leadership said.
At the end of the two-day event, UTPB first generation students, faculty, and staff joined for a group photo. Spurlock, a first generation student herself, said events like this one help students realize there is support if they need it.
“I didn’t understand about dropping and adding classes, so I made some mistakes along the way. While I ended up in a career I love, looking back I realize that I just didn’t have the same exposure to career paths that some of my peers did. My worldview was very small. Luckily for me, the folks who worked in student affairs at the college I went to had a lot of programs and services that helped and changed the course of my life.”
Whether you are a first generation student or come from a long line of college graduates, UT Permian Basin is here for you. Below is a list of where you can find the help you need on campus:
- Student Affairs and Leadership: The team is great at solving issues and finding help when you aren’t sure where to go
- Student Success Center: Get academic help and seek emergency loans
- Food Pantry and Free Store in the SAC: extra supplies
- Falcon Shuttle: get around campus or catch a ride to the Engineering Building, CEED, or Wagner Noel
