CMU's Pathways program hosts its second precollege conference

First generation college students will learn the skills they need to succeed at Central Michigan University’s Pathways to Academic Student Success precollege conference March 22. Pathways’ second precollege conference will invite to campus more than 50 high school seniors accepted to CMU to participate in sessions on financial aid, time management and how to adjust to the changes of moving away from home.

 

The Pathways program, funded by a grant from the State of Michigan and the King-Chávez-Parks Initiative, helps first generation and Pell-Grant eligible college students successfully navigate the college experience, according to Pathways Director Mary Henley.

 

“We want to help first generation students start their college career with a positive first semester,” Henley said. “Through the Pathways program, we have the opportunity to make the transition easier by showing them where to go when they need help.”

 

The Pathways program offers academic advising, peer-assisted learning, tutoring, a mentorship program, career exploration and personal counseling. During the conference, students will learn how to utilize the resources provided by Pathways in order to maximize their potential. The conference also will include sessions for parents to learn how to support their son or daughter in the transition and advocate for their success.

 

“Parents may be concerned about how their child will fit in at the university,” says Pathways Academic Adviser Marceil Davis. “Parents want to know their college-bound senior will be looked after and taken care of. The conference can help assure them that they can trust CMU and the Pathways program to make sure their incoming student will be successful.”

 

“A lot of students come to campus and aren’t sure what to expect,” says Flint senior Allen Seales, a student mentor for the Pathways program. “Being a first generation college student means you may not have had someone in your life to prepare you for what you are walking into. Getting involved with Pathways can help answer those questions.”

 

Saginaw freshman Denesha Sangster says her first semester as a first generation college student was a little confusing, but the Pathways program helped her discover all of the resources CMU offers.

 

“Pathways has made me more comfortable in my college experience,” Sangster said. “The program helped me build relationships with other students, stay on top of my academics and get more involved on campus.”

 

The conference will be held in Grawn Hall’s Pierpont Auditorium March 22 starting at 9 a.m.