UGA Office for Student Success and Achievement

Let's talk turkey. OSSA will be closed November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving Break. Have a good break and be safe! ??

Our UNIV classes cover skills like study strategies, time management, and other helpful college skills. In OSSA, we focus on small class sizes and have amazing faculty who truly care about your success. You can read more at https://lnkd.in/ebNSPcRd

Thank you to April Crow, a UGA first-gen alum, who recently met with some of our first-gen students and staff for a networking dinner. April, who previously held the title of Senior Director of Environment and Sustainability at Coca-Cola for 22 years before transitioning into her current role as the Senior Advisor for Circulate Capital shared her story, invited follow-up questions, and invited students to connect with her on LinkedIn.

We're hiring a graduate student to help us with data! If interested, please provide the following in an email to [email protected]: cover letter detailing your qualifications and a writing sample demonstrating scholarly writing skills

Make a difference in the lives of first-generation students at the University of Georgia! Buy a t-shirt for $30 and part of your gift will support first-generation student programming at UGA. Give today at https://lnkd.in/d97xNMHN

Next up in our First-Gen Features is Dr. Cara Winston Simmons, CFCS, director of the Office for Student Success and Achievement. What advice would you give to an incoming First-Gen Student? Embrace curiosity. There will be things you don’t yet know, and that’s okay. Use this time to explore and ask questions; every question opens the door to new understanding. Seek out resources, connect with faculty, staff, and other students, and look for programs that support First-Gen students. Recognize that learning extends beyond the classroom. Get involved in student organizations, workshops, and campus events. Each experience can deepen your knowledge, grow your confidence, and build connections that will support your journey throughout college and beyond. What does it mean to be First-Gen to you? To me, being First-Gen means carrying a unique and invaluable perspective. My First-Gen identity brings with it a lived experience that shapes how I view the world, approach challenges, and make decisions. My background is more than just a part of who I am-it’s an asset that enriches my journey and the communities I’m part of. Being First-Gen means navigating new pathways with resilience and pride, knowing that my perspective brings diversity and strength to the spaces I enter. It’s about honoring where I come from while using my experiences to contribute meaningfully to the world around me. #CelebrateFirstGen #1stattheFirst

First-Gen Features Alondra - Graduate Assistant for the Office for Student Success and Achievement What advice would you give to an incoming First-Gen Student? Know that you absolutely belong here. Lean on your support system, and if you don't have one create one! There are so many people who understand and share your experiences. Don't be afraid to ask for help and use campus resources. Where are you involved on campus? I am co-leader of the Bienestar research team that focuses on multicultural research and practice within psychology. This space, along with TRIO programs on campus have been fundamental to my development and ability to navigate through higher education. What does it mean to be First-Gen to you? Being first-gen to me means being the embodiment of my parents and ancestors dreams. They dreamt of a higher education and with their support I am fulfilling one of our greatest dreams. #CelebrateFirstGen #1stattheFirst

We're calling all dawgs to help support rural student programming at the University of Georgia. Buy a t-shirt for $30 and part of your gift will support the ALL Georgia program. Give today at https://lnkd.in/d97xNMHN

Next up in our First-Gen Features is Zaire! Zaire - College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences What advice would you give to an incoming First-Gen Student? It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the opportunities available to you, so make sure you are leaning on the pre-existing support systems to help guide you. Advisors, OSSA, affinity clubs, and your RA are great places to start. Where are you involved on campus? Arch Society, ECV Resident Assistant, Dental Minority Dawgs, UGA Mentor Program Ambassador What does it mean to be First-Gen to you? Being first-gen means being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Your experience will be unlike many others, and that’s okay. Focus on getting the most out of your time in college! #CelebrateFirstGen #1stattheFirst

It's First-Gen Week and we're celebrating with some of our favorite first-gen students and staff. Gigi - Junior, Terry College of Business What advice would you give to an incoming First-Gen Student? STAY ORGANIZED! Things can feel overwhelming but if you have some sort of planner or tracker, it can make the difference between passing a failing a class. You don’t need anything crazy fancy, just whatever works for you. Where are you involved on campus? I’m a student assistant in the Marketing and Communications department for the Office of the VP of Instruction! What does it mean to be First-Gen to you? It means being the first person in my family to take on this experience and navigate a ton of challenges alone but also being incredibly grateful that I was able to be here in the first place. I’m so thankful to my family for everything they have done to get me here. #1statthefirst #CelebrateFirstGen