Cornerstone Program for First Generation Students

Cornerstone Program for First Generation Students

The Cornerstone Program at Valparaiso University is a persistence and success program for select first generation college students. The Cornerstone Program provides opportunities for educational and social engagement that promote success and development in the university setting.

Eligibility

Students who meet the following criteria will be invited to participate:

Benefits

Students who complete the program requirements will be awarded a one-time $500 scholarship, funded by Financial aid, at the start of the fall semester in their sophomore year.

By participating in the program, students will also receive:

  • Connection with peers, mentors, and professional staff
  • Supplemental guidance and support promoting academic success
  • Educational and personal development
  • Leadership opportunity to be a mentor in their sophomore year

Program Requirements

  • Monthly Meet Ups are hosted on a variety of topics to educate Cornerstone students and connect them with campus resources. Topics may include a campus resource tour, registering for classes, self-care, getting involved on campus, career and leadership development, and more. Cornerstone students must attend 75 percent of Monthly Meet Ups each semester to receive the scholarship.
  • Peer Mentorship is provided by students who successfully completed the program in their first year at Valpo. Cornerstone students meet with their peer mentor at least once per semester for personal, academic, and social support and guidance at Valpo.
  • Financial Literacy education is provided to Cornerstone students by a partnership with the Office of Financial Aid. Cornerstone students meet with their financial aid advisor at least once per semester to review their financial aid package, discuss the FAFSA application process, and explore options for additional funding.

Completion Requirements

To receive the $500 scholarship, students must:

  • Attend 75% of Monthly Meet Ups each semester
  • Meet with a mentor once per semester
  • Meet with financial aid once per semester

What is offered through the program?

Monthly Meet Ups (4 per semester) – required
  • Regular group meet-ups covering a variety of topics useful to students navigating their first college year and planning for the future. Topics may include campus resources, course registration, wellness, first-generation faculty/staff panel, and more!
Peer Mentorship – required
  • Students who successfully completed the program have the opportunity to serve as mentors during their sophomore year.
  • One meeting with a mentor is required per semester, however a student may request additional meetings if desired.

Financial Aid Partnership – required

Students are required to meet with a financial aid advisor once per semester.
Students will:

  • Meet their financial aid advisor and understand their role as a resource
  • Review their financial aid package and what it means (e.g., loans vs. grants vs. scholarships; subsidized vs. un-subsidized loans)
  • Discuss the FAFSA application process
  • Explore options for additional aid
  • Address any questions the student has about their financial responsibility
Social Gatherings (1-2 per semester)
  • Opportunities for students to get to know one another better outside of Monthly Meet Ups and build relationships with one another
Group Communication
  • A group chat will be created and available for Cornerstone students to utilize. The group chat may be used to post reminders for Monthly Meet Ups, poll interest for social events, make informal plans (e.g., go to Founders, study in the library, etc.)
Advisors
  • The Assistant Director of Student Life for Student Conduct and Support will serve as one of the program coordinators for Cornerstone. One of the Residential Learning Coordinators will be assigned a 10 hour/week collateral as the other program advisor.
  • Advisors will hold weekly office hours as a resource to Cornerstone students.

Current Events

Check out our upcoming programs on myValpo!

Resources

Questions

Any questions regarding the Cornerstone Program can be directed towards the program advisor, Noelle Pease, or by emailing student.life@valpo.edu.