Dear UNT students,

At UNT, we are dedicated to helping every student succeed and achieve their goal of earning a UNT degree. Our caring staff and faculty facilitate numerous resources and support programs to help you as a college student. This week, we are excited to open UNT's First Generation Success Center.

We know navigating college can be difficult, and the First Generation Success Center is an additional avenue through which we can provide tools and assistance to our students. This fall, 33% of our student body self-identified as a first-generation student - the first in their family to attend a four-year university - and we can better provide centralized support and access to campus resources through the center.

In partnership with departments across campus, the First Generation Success Center will host programs and workshops that address areas such as financial aid and financial literacy, academic support, career exploration, navigating graduate school, leadership development and community resources. Watch my video message to learn more about the First Generation Success Center.

Events and programming will take place in a virtual format at this time, but first-generation students are invited to make an appointment to visit the center's physical location in the University Union, Room 376, where they can meet staff and pick up a unique giveaway.

The opening of the First Generation Success Center is one additional way we are empowering students to thrive in our rapidly changing world. We hope those of you who self-identify as a first-generation student will engage with the center's staff so we can help ensure you succeed while at UNT and beyond.

UNT Proud,
Neal Smatresk
UNT President