First-Generation Student Resources

About 25 percent of our undergraduate students are first-generation college students! At Pacific, you are considered a first-gen if your parent or guardian has not earned a bachelor's degree. Siblings may have attended or graduated from college and parents may have had some post-secondary education including an associates degree and you are still considered a first-gen. 

If you are a first-generation college student, we want to help you make Pacific your home. We have resources to help you succeed!

The First Gen Student Success Association (FGSSA) is a student-run club that formed in 2018. This club aims to enhance the academic, social, and professional skills for students who are the first in their family to attend college. Anyone can join!  

FGSSA is currently recruiting!

Are you interested in joining the club and/or hold a position in the club?  If you are interested in joining please contact mike.shingle@pacificu.edu

FGSSA provides and supports:

  • Annual Conference in Fall, the First-Gen Student Success Conference
  • Celebration Events in Fall and Spring
  • Social and community events
  • Academic support and mentoring
  • Fun activities and retreats

Support for YOU!

Pacific University is proud of its advisors who understand and support students who are the first in their family to attend college. Many of our faculty and staff were once in your shoes. They are here to welcome you and help you find your way.

Here is just a small sampling of first-generation staff and faculty at Pacific University:

First Gen Staff/Faculty Department/Area
Aaron Greer Anthropology/Sociology
Alyson Burns-Glover Psychology
Andrea Lybarger Graduate Admissions
Daisy Bueno Student Counseling Center
Darlene Pagán English
Dawn Salgado Psychology
Don Schweitzer Social Work & Public Health
Donna Ramos Barsana Admissions
Jamie Haag Economics
Jamie Young Student Counseling Center
Jaye Cee Whitehead School of Social Sciences
Jennifer Coyle Pacific University President
Jennifer Hardacker Media Arts
Jennifer Camp Dance
Lesley Hallick Former Pacific University President
Martha Calus-McLain Engagement & Operations
Mike Geraci Media Arts
Mike Shingle Academic & Career Advising
Michael R. Steele English & Handball Coach
Narce Rodriguez Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Ramona Ilea Philosophy
Rodolfo Sanchez Academic & Career Advising
Salena Garver Academic & Career Advising
Sara Alvarez Olvera Academic & Career Advising
Tania Hand Undergraduate Admissions
Terry O'Day Art
Uncle Jeff Grundon Undergraduate Admissions

If you see someone in an area you have questions about feel free to contact them!

Are you a current Pacific student who is first in their family to attend college? Examples of successful first-generation students are one of the most helpful things we can provide to our incoming students. If you are a first-generation college student, share your story by emailing news@pacificu.edu.

If you have questions about anything related to first generation students at Pacific University, contact Mike Shingle.

Contact Us

Mike Shingle | Director, Academic & Career Advising

mike.shingle@pacificu.edu

Headlines

Join us for the first of a five-part series on Latinx History. The online presentation will be led by Israel Pastrana, a Chicanx historian and educator, who will be discussing the historical origins of Latinx migration to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest on ZOOM at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 30.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to share a personal written or video message with Narce as she embarks on her retirement in December. 

What exactly is Federal Work-Study and how can students earn money? Students with FWS or interested in learning more about Work-Study are invited to attend an exclusive event and potentially walk away with a job!