Ferris State University opens new space for first-generation students

Ferris State University recently had a grand opening celebration for its new First Gen Den, a space designed specifically for students who are the first in their families to attend college to receive tailored support and resources for their education journeys. Since being named a FirstGen Forward Institution in 2019, Ferris State University has undertaken several initiatives to enhance the college experience for first-generation college students, including the opening of the First Gen Den and instituting a new leadership distinction program.

According to an article on Ferris State University's website, Jenny Jakulin, the administrator of First-Generation Student Engagement at the university, was quoted as saying of the new First Gen Den and its purpose, “This is really helpful for students to feel a sense of community and belongingness. To have a space where they can ask questions, get additional support, access resources, and just have community. Helping our students through their challenges is our responsibility. Academic support, stress management, and peer-mentoring, which is something that is forthcoming, really emphasizes our community of support. Sometimes you (students) don’t know what you don’t know, or what questions to ask. Students that are first gen have grit and strength. I think making sure they see themselves through that lens through the asset-based approach (is the goal). They should be seen ‘at promise’, not ‘at risk’.”

The establishment of the First Gen Den was a years-long process. Dave McCall, the director of the Title III SIP Grant and a professor, said, “It’s been a long time coming. Five years of work to get this space we have now, and we’re representing 30% of our students that are currently first-gen… We have this space that really encompasses, probably, one of the largest demographics of students that Ferris State has. We started with about six of us in the room, and now there’s over 20 of us (faculty and staff) from all aspects of campus. I’ve had three bucket list items since I took over in 2019: a budget, a space, and full-time people doing this work.”

The first step of the creation of the First Gen Den was securing a Title III grant that helped fund the den and other initiatives for first generation students, like the leadership distinction program.

McCall said, “There’s a leadership development academy that will be started, there’s a career launch piece that helps first-gen student build social capital, and workshops that highlight what Jenny just said. What we have to be careful of is not assuming we know what students need but listening to the students and what they’re struggling with.”

For more information about Ferris State University, visit the school’s website.