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Graduation and Retention Network

FGC Faculty and Staff Resources

Training for Faculty and Staff

Whether you're in your classroom, office, or in your role as a first-gen mentor, we want to provide you with resources to support your engagements with USC first-gen students.

First-Gen Module

Supporting First-generation College Students: Best Practices for Engaging Faculty & StaffThrough our partnership with FirstGen Forward, USC faculty and staff have an opportunity to complete this online training to help support the first-gen student population. See the many ways you can help enrich the college experience of a first-generation student as a community!

Duration: 60 minutes, self-paced  
Don't forget to complete step 2 once you have completed the module.

Start the module

Presented by: FirstGen Forward

Your participation matters, so please fill out this form to let us know that you have completed this first-gen module

We will be posting names of first-gen superstar supporters who completed the module - unless you tell us not to list your name on the form.

Thank you!

SUMMER 2026
 
Andrea Avant
Harley Campbell
Christy Jeffcoat
Sarah Kelly
Mia Lacey
Jamarkis Mitchell
Michaela Moultrie

Esmeralda Rodriquez
Jonathon Shealey
Amanda Therrell
Pamela Wright
Beverly Yates-Wilson



SPRING 2026
 
Alex Drose
Danica Leaphart 
Elise Lorenzo 
Emily Mathias 
Jennier Bosio-McArdle 
Stephanie McCarter
Madyson Patsel
Ruth Yeh
Fall 2025
 
Daniel Lay  
James Melton  
Cassandra Nelson 
Haley Poulter  
Sherlyn Spann Thomas 
Cara Steffey 
Joshua Wright 

Become a first-gen mentor!

Join us in building a community of belonging and success at USC—because your guidance as a first-gen mentor can inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

Fall 2026 Mentoring Schedule & Important Dates:

Program Dates: September 14th through October 23rd
  • Fall mentoring program kick-off event: September 2nd
  • Mentor Registration: ongoing through July 31st
  • Mentoring Matches: September 9th
What you can expect as a mentor...

Your commitment to your mentee takes place once a week for at least one hour over six weeks.

Interested? Complete this brief Fall 2026 mentor interest form

Looking for more information?2025-2026 First-Gen Mentor Guide PDF cover

Our first-gen mentor guide is a great place to start if you are thinking about signing up to be a mentor. See an overview of the program, tips for helping your mentee navigate the college experience, and a list of on- and off-campus resources for you and your mentee.

Supporting first-generation students gives you the opportunity to share your experiences, foster growth, and empower these students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Together, we can make their first-gen journey extraordinary!


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