The Terps F.I.R.S.T. program is a community of first generation transfer students. First generation students are those who are the first in their family to pursue, to completion, higher education in the United States. The program aims to address the core causes of first generation student ailments, focusing on providing facile access to resources, educational events, and most importantly: standardized peer mentorship. The platform looks to upperclassmen peer mentors – who are first generation students themselves – to provide a helping hand to incoming first gens by mentoring from personal experience. Mentors check in with their mentees weekly and provide academic support, as well as initiate their social integration into the UMD community. Predominantly, they will mediate mentees moving from problem to solution if complications arise. A key aspect of the program is outreach to community colleges with invitations and encouragement to join our community upon transfer, so they can have access to a variety of resources all in one place.
F.I.R.S.T.
Fulfilment - We encourage our students first-and-foremost to seek a wholesome, fulfilling lifestyle.
Intelligence - Our students pursue knowledge to better themselves and their community.
Responsibility - Taking accountability of our actions paves the path to being better people.
Support - Helping our fellow students is a key aspect to our community.
Tact - Professionalism in all interactions makes for a successful person.
Fulfilment - We encourage our students first-and-foremost to seek a wholesome, fulfilling lifestyle.
Intelligence - Our students pursue knowledge to better themselves and their community.
Responsibility - Taking accountability of our actions paves the path to being better people.
Support - Helping our fellow students is a key aspect to our community.
Tact - Professionalism in all interactions makes for a successful person.