2011
Loyola Marymount
University
Academic Resource
Center
FIRST TO GO
ANNUAL REPORT | AUGUST 2011
Prepared by Dr. La’Tonya Rease Miles and Karen Quimson
[FIRST TO GO ]
August 2011
The Landscape
WHAT IS
“FIRSTGENERATION”
COLLEGE?
[This report defines
Students with college educated parents tend to have an advantage over their first-generation college peers in navigating the formal and informal
aspects of the higher education environment due to their greater access to financial, informational, and social resources.
Degree Objectives
First-generation college students tend to have lower
educational aspirations than non first-generation
students. This may be due to lack of information about
degrees and funding or availability of resources.
first-generation
college students as
those whose parents
have not obtained a
baccalaureate
degree.]
Student Values
First-generation college students are more likely to
report that “being well-off financially” is an important
goal and strong motivation for attending college.
In contrast, their peers who have parents with college
degrees are more likely to express a desire to develop
a “meaningful philosophy of life” while in college.
Parental Encouragement
Contrary to the notion that parents of first-generation
college students can be a deterrent to college access,
over the last 15 years, these students are now more
likely than their peers to report that they are in college
because of parental encouragement (Saenz et al)
Frank Romo, First To Go student, and Family at LMU Undergraduate Research Symposium 2011
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[FIRST TO GO ]
August 2011
First To Go
Mission & Purpose
The First To Go Program provides a source of academic support for students who
identify as "first-generation college." Its purpose is to:
help new students transition to the university
provide networking opportunities with LMU faculty, staff and alumni
increase student awareness about research opportunities and graduate and
professional school options
increase the social capital of this population
Pictured: Saul Guevara, Amanda Cepeda, Dr. Anne Prisco, Sandie Villanueva, Lani Luo, Kelly Velasquez, Dr.
La’Tonya Rease Miles, Karen Quimson, and Vanessa Garcia
The program pairs each student with a faculty mentor who was a first-generation
student. Additionally, participants have a network of LMU staff and alumni, also
former first-generation college students, who further support them and reinforce a
community atmosphere on campus via informal meetings and meals. First to Go is
unique in that it approaches first-generation college students as a population with
considerable assets and resources. A collaborative effort between Academic and
Student Affairs divisions, this program creates a more academically supportive
environment for students. Ultimately, the services are designed to foster strategies
for academic success at LMU and beyond.
FOUNDING STORY
The First To Go Program began in March 2010 due to a chance meeting between La’Tonya Rease Miles, ARC Director, and Itzel Sanchez, then a first year student who
expressed a desire for a campus-wide program that targets first-generation college students. Encouraged by Mary Plumb, Parent Program Coordinator, and Rae Linda
Brown, Vice President of Undergraduate Education, Dr. Rease Miles drew upon LMU colleagues to form a corps of mentors. The Program began reaching out to
students in Fall 2010.
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[FIRST TO GO ]
35 Participants as of
May, 2011
Student Demographics
Gender
Senior
6%
Count
Male
Ethnicity
Count
Latino/a
24
African American
7
Asian
3
Caucasian
1
Junior
14%
6
Female
August 2011
Sophomore
20%
29
Freshman
60%
Gender
Male
17%
Female
83%
Year
Count
Freshman
21
Sophomore
7
Junior
5
Senior
2
Transfer
6
Caucasian
3%
African
American
20%
Asian
9%
Latino/a
68%
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[FIRST TO GO ]
August 2011
MENTORS
Dr. Rebeca Acevedo | Associate Professor, Department of
Mondern Languages and Literature
Helen Alatorre | Associate Director, Student Leadership and
Development
Dan Almeida | Career Counselor, Career Development
Services
Raymundo (Ray) Andrade | Library Assistant, Cataloging,
Outreach
Dr. Ronald Barrett | Chair/Professor, Department of
Psychology
Jennifer Belichesky-Larson | First Year Experience/Faculty,
Freshman English Program/Coordinator, COMPASS
Dr. David Berube | Assistant Professor, Department of
Physics
MENTORING PROGRAM
The First To Go mentors are LMU faculty and staff members who were the first in their families to earn a college degree. The mentor
program aims to provide a stable support system to aid students in their transition to college life. Mentors encourage participants to voice
out their concerns and difficulties, may it be academic, financial, or social; but they also celebrate all of their mentee's successes. Most
importantly, mentors serve as advocates for their mentees.
At present, we have fifty five LMU Faculty and Staff mentors
participating in the program. The faculty mentors come from a wide
array of disciplines in the academe.
Dr. Dexter Blackman | Assistant Professor, Department of
History
Dr. Elena Bove | Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Rae Linda Brown | Vice President of Undergraduate
Education, Professor, Department of Music
Dr. Gail Buck | Director, Office of Black Student
Services/Faculty, Communication Studies
Cynthia Carr | Assistant Director, Office for Research and
Sponsored Projects
John Carvana | Executive Director, Career Development
Services
Mentor Selection Process
In Fall 2010, during the early stages of the program, mentor and
mentee pairings were arranged based on information that students
provided on their application form. They were consequently paired with
a mentor who was deemed to be the best fit, according to their major
and interests. It was made a point that students are paired with one
faculty and one staff mentor.
Dr. Tina Choe | Chair and Professor, Department of
Chemistry
Danelle Dyckhoff | Lecturer, Department of English
William Evans | Assistant Director for Residence Life,
Student Housing Office
Lisa Piumetti Farland | Executive Director of Alumni
Relations and Annual Giving
Jonathan Gomez | Admission Counselor (Undergraduate
Admissions)
During the Spring Semester of 2011, a more hands on approach was
Mentor Mary Plumb and FTG participant, Marissa Bullock
applied in the selection process. Upon expressing interest in First To Go,
students are scheduled an interview with Dr. La’Tonya Rease Miles, mentor and Director of the program. The interviews allow Dr. Rease
Miles to get to know the students, find out about particular fields of interest and other personal concerns that they may have. Mentors that
will be able to address the students’ needs will then be identified. In some cases, the students themselves already have a particular mentor
in mind that they want to get to know more. First To Go will then officially pair them with these mentors.
Dr. Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu | Assistant Professor,
Theological Studies
Irma Graciano | Academic Records Coordinator, Registrar's
Office
Lorianne Harrison-Reyes | Director of Residence Life,
Student Housing
Dr. Robert Hurteau | Director, Center for Religion and
Spirituality
The mentoring program is not limited to individual faculty and staff mentors. An alternative option is for a department or office to adopt students as
its mentees. A particular example is the Office of Intercultural Affairs, which welcomed two students as their mentees. Director Dr. Derenda King,
Vice President Dr. Abbie Robinson-Armstrong, and Research Analyst Kimberly Misa, all work together and pool their efforts to provide balanced and
well-rounded guidance to their students.
Dr. Amir Hussain | Professor, Department of Theological
Studies
Dr. Angela D. James | Associate Professor, African
American Studies
Monica Jara | Admissions Counselor, Admissions Office
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[FIRST TO GO ]
August 2011
What do the mentors provide?
Dr. Adriana Jaroszewicz | Assistant Professor, Animation
Department
Paul Jimenez | Associate University Registrar
Dr. Derenda King | Assistant Director, Intercultural Affairs
A. J. La Pan | Program Coordinator, First Year Experience
The First To Go mentorship program encourages a warm, open, and friendly
partnership between student and mentor. Through the course of mentor and
mentee interactions, the mentors have continuously provided a stable network of
support for students. This may range from directing students to the proper office
that could address their needs, to mentors themselves stepping in and helping them
out with their requests.
Priscilla F. Levine | Director, Disability Support Services
Dr. Sandra G. Luca | University Advisor, Academic Resource
Center
Dr. Juan Mah y Busch | Assistant Professor,
Department of English and Chair, Chicano Studies
Dr. Ricardo Machon | Professor, Department of Psychology
Dr. Laura Massa | Director of Assessment, Institutional
Assessment
The mentors have also been very helpful in unmasking the hidden curriculum
– constantly being on hand to explain the processes of the university. They make no
assumptions about a student’s knowledge about procedures and practices in a
university, but provide pro active guidance to their mentees. Ultimately, the goal is to
encourage self-efficacy for the student.
One of the goals of the First To Go Program is to increase the social capital of
first-generation college students. By this we mean that the program provides
participants with valuable information, guidance and support via mentoring,
information sessions and workshops. Students are encouraged to engage in a
variety of academic programs and activities, including but not limited to research,
internships, and study abroad opportunities.
Dr. Herbert Medina | Professor, Department of Mathematics
Elmira Melgoza | Coordinator, Disability Support Services
Izabel Mendoza-Bautista | Director, Chicano/Latino Student
Services
Kimberly Misa | Research Analyst, Intercultural Affairs
Dr. Ed Mosteig | Associate Professor, Department of
Mathematics
Mentor Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles with student Yara Hidalgo
Shelly Pajka | Academic Coordinator, Upward Bound
Francesca Piumetti | Associate Dean, Chief Judicial Officer
Mary Plumb | Parent Program Coordinator
Dr. Anne Prisco | Vice President, Enrollment Management
Dr. Martin Ramirez | Associate Professor, Department of
Biology
What have we learned?
We have learned that for a mentor-mentee pairing to be successful, trust
needs to be established between the two parties. Some partnerships work
immediately and both become accustomed and comfortable with each other
right away. However, some students may need more time to ease into the
program before getting a faculty mentor and being able to confide in them.
Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles | Director, Academic Resource
Center and Faculty, Department of English
Dr. Abbie Robinson-Armstrong | Vice President,
Intercultural Affairs
Robert Rovetti | Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics
Csilla Samay | Director, International Outreach,
Associate Director of Admission
Marshall K. Sauceda | Associate Vice President for
Intercultural Services
Dr. Tracy Shaw | Assistant Director, Student Psychological
Services
Dr. Anton L. Smith | Teaching Fellow, American Studies
Jade Smith | Assistant Dean, Student Engagement,
Retention and Transition
Dr. Brad Stone | Associate Professor, Philosophy and
Director, University Honors Program
Dr. Elaine Walker | Assistant Professor, Communication
Mentor Prof. Anton Smith and student Sandie Villanueva
Studies and Senior Academic Coordinator, School of
Communications and Fine Arts
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Don Ward | Internship Coordinator, Career Development
Services
[FIRST TO GO ]
August 2011
First To Go Research Culture
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
For Summer 2011, First To Go students Marisa Cervantes, Valerie Nario and Kelly Velasquez, are participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
While each student is focusing on the general topic of what it means to be a first-generation college student, each student is handling a particular research component
taking them in different directions. Marisa and Valerie, with the help of their advisor Dr. La’Tonya Rease Miles, are working on improving the experiences of first-generation
college students at LMU while Kelly, with her advisor Paul Jimenez, is working on transfer student research.
Initially a research assistant for Dr. Rease Miles, Marisa Cervantes is currently working on the experiences of first-generation college students. What started as an
online survey has now stemmed into a more sophisticated qualitative study on first generation experiences conducted through surveys and focus group discussions. Her
research is focused on creating and developing a one-unit LIBA course for first-generation freshmen which she will be co-facilitating in the Fall.
Valerie Nario is working on collecting and cataloguing primary literature sources on the experience of a first-generation college student. She is compiling these into
an annotated bibliography which could be included in the LMU library database as a future reference. Kelly Velasquez, on the other hand, is conducting a literary review of
transfer student success across different universities. She is looking into how other institutions accommodate the needs of the diverse population of transfer students.
Guiding her through this research is Paul Jimenez, Associate University Registrar and head of Transfer Services and Orientation, as well as First To Go mentor.
LMU LATINO SUMMIT
The LMU Latino Summit, held on March 31, Cesar
Chavez day, aimed to observe with pride the strong
connection between LMU and the Latino community.
Participants discussed and reached a consensus on
how LMU will grow and respond to the challenges of
the Latino population. First To Go students Marisa
Cervantes, Xavier Loza Morales, Frank Romo, and
Sandie Villanueva participated in the different
focuses of the summit, while Yara Hidalgo served as
a member of the Conference Organizing Committee,
and co-facilitated a discussion on the firstgeneration college student experience.
Student Sandie Villanueva and Prof. Juan Mah y Busch at the LMU Latino Summit
ACE AND ACCESS
The Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) invites freshmen who
possess strong academic records to apply for their program. For
Academic Year 2010-2011,eight First To Go students, Mirian Albert,
Sandra Bonales, Marissa Bullock, Marisa Cervantes, Valerie Nario,
Terilyn Puckett, Luis Ventura and Sandie Villanueva, applied and all were
accepted. Upperclassmen Erika Chavez, Frank Romo and Maria Ruiz are
also in the program. ACCESS (A Community Committed to Excellence in
Scientific Scholarship), on the other hand, is designed for freshmen in
the Seaver College of Science and Engineering. Last year, students
Gilberto Corona, Sandra Bonales, and Luis Ventura were in the program.
Sandra and Luis, along with Zakkoyya Lewis, also served as Teaching
Assistants for the program during Summer 2011.
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[FIRST TO GO ]
Testimonials
“First To Go has been my favorite involvement on campus.
My mentors are amazing and continue to be active in my
undergraduate career even during the summer. Any question
about LMU, course work, living situations and even personal
affairs, my mentors have answered for me. Without First To
Go, my LMU experience would not be the same.”
- Kelly Velasquez, Political Science major, transfer student
August 2011
Students’ Accomplishments
First To Go is very proud of its immensely intelligent and talented students. Some of the highlights of their
Academic Year 2010-2011 accomplishments include:
Student Service and Leadership Award - Sr. Peg Dolan, RSHM Award Recipient
Presented to first year students who have effectively established themselves as emerging campus leaders. Recipients have assumed
active and challenging roles that have developed their personal leadership skills; enriched the quality of campus life; promoted
school spirit, and facilitated the creation of a dynamic and respectful community. Dolan Award recipients show great promise for a
successful and consistent leadership career at LMU.
o Tierney Finster
“My mentors, Jennifer Belichesky and Prof. Brad Stone, will
always have open ears for me. I give them daily updates on
my life, and they always give me positive feedback and great
advice. For example, a conversation I had with Brad about
grad school has furthered my conviction that grad school is
something I really want to do. I am truly fortunate to have two
amazing mentors who care about my academic success and
future.”
-Sandie Villanueva, Political Science and Chicana/o Studies
"My First to Go experience last year showed me everything I
wish I had when I was in college as a first-gen student:
professors who shared my experience and understood how
monumental going to college is for students who are the first
in their families to go. Sandie is a wonderful student, and her
determination inspires me to think of how to best support her
ideas and goals."
-Dr. Brad Stone, Sandie’s Mentor, Director, LMU University
Honors Program and Associate Professor of Philosophy
Undergraduate Research Symposium
o Oral Session
 Frank Romo - Chicano Studies & Urban Studies
o Poster Presentation
 Natalia Gonzales - Psychology
 Adan Duarte - Chicana/o Studies & Political Science
Internships
o Luis Ventura – Columbia University’s Summer Medical and Dental Education Program
o Frank Romo – Chicago Park District’s Office
Study Abroad
o Anna Cho, France
o Tierney Finster, Cambodia
o Zakkoyya Lewis, Germany
Haley Axton and Raeesah Reese, both first-generation college students, are slated to present the Class of
2015 motto during the 2011 Academic Convocation. Each year, freshmen students are asked to submit
mottos, which their fellow students then vote on.
This year, the winning motto for the incoming Class of 2015, submitted by Haley and Raeesah, is a quote by
Henry David Thoreau: "Live the life you've imagined."
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[FIRST TO GO ]
August 2011
2010 – 2011 Calendar Highlights
First To Go Welcome Mixer
Sept 21
Meet and greet event for mentors and students held at
The Bird’s Nest
Fall and Spring Etiquette Dinner
Nov 8,
Apr 6
Dinner sponsored by CDS where students interacted with faculty
and company representatives over a formal dinner
Balancing School and Family Responsibilities
Nov 15
Presentation led by mentor Dr. Tracy Shaw of Student
Psychological Services on how to balance school and family
throughout one’s college experience
Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Desert
and BBBS of LA
Mar 19
Mentees Valerie Nario and Marisa Cervantes as well as
Dr. La’Tonya Rease-Miles spoke about program to HS students
that are eligible for scholarships in LMU
Latino Overnight
Apr 13
Participation by Dr. Rease-Miles and mentor Ray Andrade in the
panel during the Parent Program as well as in the Parent/Mixer
Reception
Bento Beneath the Palms
Apr 14
A lunch and program hosted by APSS, First To Go sponsored
a table for mentees and mentors
UCLA Graduate School Tour
May 17
Select mentees went on a tour and met with first-generation
Grad Students at UCLA
Graduate School Information Session
Jun 14
Building Community
Research and Internship Information Session
July 7
Friendships and partnerships that are formed within First To Go extend outside of the program. Connections are
made with fellow students in the program and these develop into closer interactions in Greek-letter organizations,
service groups, and other extra-curricular activities. The camaraderie between students has built a strong sense
of community that encourages and strengthens their pride in First To Go.
Luncheon with FTG students and Allison Fujii, graduate student
from CSU-Long Beach to learn about graduate school experiences
Luncheon with Aminta Aparicio, intern at Walt Disney Pictures,
and Alycia McCullough and Dan Almeida of Career Development
Services to learn about research and internship opportunities
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[FIRST TO GO ]
August 2011
For more information on First
To Go or if you would like to be
one of our mentors, please
contact:
What’s In Store for Us?
The First To Go Learning Community is a community designed to bring together select first-generation college students to allow them
to discover, experience, and transition to LMU life together. Students are given the opportunity to take courses with their peers and
with participation from faculty and staff that are also first-generation.
Dr. La’Tonya Rease Miles
Director, Academic Resource
Center, 2nd floor, Daum Hall
(310) 338-2847
[email protected]
Application forms for students
can be found at the First To Go
link:
Courses offered:
www.lmu.edu/arc
English 110 College Writing (Section 58)
_______________________
- Required course for LMU freshmen, taught by Dr. La’Tonya Rease Miles, ARC Director. Course theme is on work and community.
Recommended Readings:
Beginning Fall 2011, First To Go will launch its Learning Community and its accompanying classes exclusively for first-generation
college students.
LIBA 170 Course (Section 07)
– A one unit class held weekly in which students will learn how to navigate LMU on a more personal level with peers, faculty and staff
who are also first-generation. Co-facilitated by Marisa Cervantes and Yara Hidalgo, students in the First To Go program.
There will also be a transfer student specific course taught in the spring semester.
●
●
Jehangir, R.R. (2010). Higher
education and first-generation
students. New York: Palgrave
Macmillan.
●
Upcoming Event
Oldfield, K. (2007). Humble and
hopeful: welcoming firstgeneration poor and workingclass students to college. About
Campus, 11(6), 2-12.
Join us for this year’s
Welcome Reception for Students and Mentors!
Wednesday, September 21
Saenz, V.B., Hurtado, S., Barrera,
D., Wolf, De’Sha & Yeung, F.
(2007). A profile of firstgeneration college students at
four-year institutions since 1971.
Los Angeles: Cooperative
Institutional Research Program,
Higher Education Research
Institute.
5:30 pm
LMU Bird Nest
●
●
Inkelas, K.K., Daver, Z.E.,
Vogt,K.E. & Leonard, J.B. (2007).
Living-learning programs and firstgeneration college students’
academic and social transition to
college. Research in Higher
Education, 48(4), 403-434.
●
Students at 2010's Welcome Reception
Page | 9