Building Community through a Novel Narrative Platform

To promote connection and community building within our diverse first-generation student community, the first-generation student chairs proposed and developed a student spotlight feature. This spotlight feature allows the student chairs to share their journey and build a network of connection and support. In collaboration with First-Generation Student Support Committee leadership and the marketing and communications team, a template was created. Student leaders are sent this template when elected to the chair position. The completed spotlights are featured through a variety of media platforms throughout the institution. Future plans are to expand the opportunity to participate to the broader first-generation student community and measure the effect on support community and connection. The presenters will share information on collaboration throughout an institution to develop and sustain a program and the importance of highlighting creative means to support narrative sharing in building community.