The University of Portland has received a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service and Oregon Campus Compact to host an AmeriCorps VISTA member who will help the University develop resources and build capacity to better serve first-generation college students, according to Michele Leasor, honors program. Holly Sweeney, pictured, will be joining the UP community for this one-year AmeriCorps VISTA appointment beginning August 31.
In fall 2012, the University of Portland hosted FirstUP, a welcome event for first-generation college students. FirstUP was a cooperative effort between the academic and student affairs divisions. One aspect that made FirstUP 2012 a great success was the support of faculty and staff who were themselves first-generation college students. All first-generation college students who would be willing to have the planning group contact them with opportunities to be involved with this year’s efforts are asked to contact Leasor at 8264 or leasor@up.edu.
The FirstUP Planning Committee would like to thank the Division of Student Affairs, Office of the Provost, and Office of the Executive Vice President, who collaborated to provide the matching funds required for the AmeriCorps VISTA grant.