Starting the first year of college is an exciting accomplishment for all Mercerians, but for first-generation (FG) college students, this experience can be especially meaningful. Mercer recognizes that you will face unique experiences as you begin this journey, and we look forward to supporting you.
The Mercer Firsts Program is a community of FG freshmen committed to attaining success at Mercer. The program connects each participant with an experienced mentor, a community of support, and guidance throughout the first year of college.
2021-2022 program dates
Mentee Retreat | August 28, 2021
Mentor-Mentee Kickoff | September 1, 2021
September Workshop | September 15, 2021
October Workshop | October 13, 2021
November Workshop | November 17, 2021
December Holiday Social | December 1, 2021
Have a “go-to” person – By pairing you with a mentor who has navigated the ins and outs of college, Mercer Firsts ensures you will always have a knowledgeable resource who is just a call or text away when you have questions throughout your freshman year.
Connect in a community – Mercer Firsts will provide social opportunities to get to know other program participants, allowing you to form friendships that will last beyond your freshman year.
Learn to navigate college – Mercer Firsts will jumpstart your path toward success by engaging you with workshops and other resources in which you can comfortably learn the intangible curriculum of college, such as campus resources, balancing family commitments with campus life, communicating with professors, and understanding financial aid.
Mentee retreat – This on-campus, half day retreat is a fun way to get to begin building community with fellow Mercer Firsts and learn about the program. Attendance is required in order to participate in the program.
Workshops – Each month during your freshman year, you will gather virtually with the Mercer Firsts community to learn about campus resources and best practices for ensuring your success as a FG student.
Meet with mentor – Each mentor/mentee pair will connect at least once a month to check in.
End-of-year celebration – We will gather in April to celebrate the completion of your first year at Mercer!
Socials – Throughout the year, we will host optional social events to help you continue building community.
Communicate with mentor – Check in with your mentor at least once a month – perhaps stop by their office, meet in the UC, or grab coffee! In between these meetings, let your mentor know if you have questions, concerns, or need help in any way; your mentor will only be help you to the extent that you let them know when and how you need support! Discuss expectations with your mentor regarding communication.
Attend workshops – The workshops are intended to support you and keep you connected with the Mercer Firsts Program community throughout the year, so please attend regularly. Attend at least four workshops between September and February to qualify for raffle prizes!
Engage – We encourage you to take the initiative to get to know your Mercer Firsts Program peers and your mentors, and to engage within workshops.
The Office for Student Success will pair you with a Mercer faculty member, staff member, or graduate student. Your program registration form asks questions that help us get to know you and allows you to voice preferences about your mentor match.
When will I find out who my mentor is?
You will be introduced to your mentor during the Kick-Off event in late August.
How long will I participate in the program?
The program runs for the length of your first year at Mercer. It kicks off in late August and concludes in mid-April. You are encouraged to keep in touch with your mentor after the conclusion of the program, but there are no formal requirements to do so.
What is the time commitment like for this program?
The first year of college is a learning process in terms of how to manage time, so we have intentionally designed Mercer Firsts to avoid imposing a heavy commitment or burden on your schedule. Only two Mercer Firsts events are required for all participants: the mentee retreat and the mentor/mentee kick-off event. All other scheduled program events are optional and last no longer than an hour each. You are encouraged to communicate with your mentor throughout the semester and to get together with your mentor at least once a month – these meetings can be scheduled at the convenience of each pair's schedules.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, there is no cost to participate in Mercer Firsts.
How is Mercer Firsts different from other programs offered for students?
Mercer is pleased to offer a network of support and programs with which first-generation students can choose to engage. The Mercer Firsts Program is the only opportunity on campus specifically tailored for first-generation students that offers one-on-one mentor pairing with someone who has already completed college.
What kinds of things can a mentor help me with?
You may find it's helpful to talk with your mentor about topics such as:
Your social transition to college
Your academic transition to college
Your strategies for success
Life in general, knowing that you always have a resource on campus who is available to help you.
Who is eligible to participate?
Program participants must be first-year Mercerians who are first-generation college students, meaning that neither parent earned a four-year college degree.