Flying First

Flying First Welcomes You!

Rowan University - A First-gen Forward Institution

In recognition of the University’s efforts to support first-generation students and their families, Rowan University has been designated a First-gen Forward institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success.

The University’s Flying First program was named to the 2021-22 First-gen Forward Cohort, an initiative of NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation. The designation recognizes institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students. Institutions earning the designation receive professional development opportunities, community building experiences and first access to the center’s research and resources. Read more.

Rowan University’s First-Generation Task Force program initiative, Flying First, was developed to enhance academic success for our first-generation students while focusing on an increased sense of belonging within our campus community. Through the promotion of diversity, educational opportunities, and intentional support, Flying First hopes to aid with the transition to college, provide resources to facilitate success in the classroom, and foster pride in and positive perceptions of first-generation students through networking and advocacy throughout the University community.

First Gen·er·a·tion: An applicant whose parents or parent (in the case of an applicant who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent) did not complete a baccalaureate degree.

College students who are proud, enthusiastic, curious, optimistic, grateful, selfless, independent, courageous, motivated, loyal, resourceful, goal-oriented, smart, hard-working, focused, visionary, resilient, dedicated, ambitious, committed, responsible, driven, persistent, and reliable role models for their siblings, cousins, parents, peers, community, and professors.

Rowan Opportunity Fund

The Rowan Opportunity Program is designed to help more students access a free education at Rowan University. Starting in the fall 2021 semester, first-time, incoming freshmen students whose families have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $45,000 or less may now have access to free tuition and fees.

Are you eligible?

Hot Read: Rowan University: A Blue-Collar Soul

Can a Rising Research Institution Hold On to Its Mission of Serving First-Generation Students?

Ashley Bermudez is the only person in her immediate family to attend college, and the first of 17 cousins to go. Now, having seen Bermudez don a cap and gown, one of her younger cousins, an 11-year-old girl, wants to follow in her footsteps. “There’s no females in my family that even tried to get a degree,” Bermudez said. “Now, she wants to be just like me.”

Bermudez is typical of the kind of student Dr. Ali Houshmand, who became Rowan Provost in 2006 and President in 2010, wants to serve. They are the focus of his commitment to keeping tuition increases at or below the rate of inflation... Read More Here

Hot Read: Rowan Magazine's "First to Fly" Article

Junior Luis Acevedo scooped up a gold wristband, one emblazoned with the words “Flying First,” and made a beeline across Rowan’s Glassboro campus to Gregory Caputo’s lab in Science Hall.

“I was excited to give it to him. It’s good for students to see that a first-generation college student can become head of chemistry,” says Acevedo, a sophomore chemistry major who is the first in his family to attend college. “It’s something to be proud of.”

Caputo, head of chemistry and biochemistry, isn’t really a wristband guy. But he made an exception to show his support for Flying First, an initiative to provide resources and support for Rowan’s first-generation students... Read More Here