Network Champion colleges and universities are national leaders in advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to a knowledge base of evidence-based practices, leadership engagement and scaling student supports.

“UofL is becoming a magnet school for first-generation students,” said Katie Adamchik, director of student success. “Students are coming here saying they chose us because we’ve got such strong support for them. When we started this work at UofL, first-generation work was not institutionalized. We scaled our efforts, and we see it has positively impacted the recruitment and retention of students and created new ways to engage with UofL alumni and retirees. This work brings together the whole UofL community and makes us a leader nationally.”

UofL has been participating in the network since 2021. To date, 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“Not only is the University of Louisville doing excellent work to support their own first-generation students, but they continue to provide support and add to evidence-based practices that serve as a model for all those working to support this population in higher education,” said Sarah E. Whitley, executive vice president with FirstGen Forward.

To learn more about how UofL supports first-generation students, read the fall 2023 UofL�� Magazine article, ‘On Solid Ground: First-gen Cardinals get targeted support.’��

As you navigate the college experience, UofL has your back. You’re never alone in the Cardinal Community. Whether your needs are related to academic success, personal wellness, general well-being or recreational activities, there are resources available to enhance your overall student experience and to ensure a thriving future. Check out these 10 helpful campus websites:

1. ��–��UofL hosts over 400 student organizations that cover a wide variety of student interests. These groups provide a wonderful opportunity to become involved in campus life and to connect with other students on campus who enjoy some of the same things you do. Find the list of contacts on the��.��
2. –The Student Recreation Center (SRC) offers the latest fitness facilities and equipment, complete with basketball and racquetball courts. Campus Recreation also offers activities ranging from group fitness classes to competitive intramural sports to sport clubs.
3. ��–��The Cultural Center supports and offers programs that acknowledge and reflect the experiences of underrepresented populations. It also provides educational opportunities for all members of the campus community to examine their individual and group experiences within a culturally diverse society.
4. ��–��The counseling center offers services such as individual or group counseling, workshops, couples therapy, urgent consultations and psychiatric referrals. Some of the services are covered by student fees and do not require additional payment. The website also provides a list of��
5. ��–��The Cardinal Station and Health Sciences Center (HSC) Campus Health Services (CHS) offices provide basic primary care including physical exams, immunizations, allergy shots, travel medicine, flu and COVID-19 shots, sexual health and contraception and more. CHS has an insurance advocate who assists students enrolled in the UofL student health insurance program.
6. ��–�����Ǵڳ�’s����provides community-building socials with other first-gen students, workshops and individual coaching. Participants can earn completion grants toward their UofL bill.����matches first-generation, first-year students with faculty and staff for individual mentoring in the��.��
7. ��–��The University Writing Center offers one-on-one or group consultations to both undergraduate and graduate students with a trained writing consultant. The center also provides a range of online resources.
8. ��–��This is where many students can find out about outside-the-classroom learning opportunities, whether they are work-related (internships, co-ops) or research-focused. The Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) is an on-campus resource for UofL, the community and industry partners that helps Cardinals better prepare for academic and success.
9. ��–��What’s going on today? You’ll find happenings from Belknap to HSC listed on the official UofL Event Calendar.
10. ��–��The ITS HelpDesk provides technology support to the Cardinal community. The ITS website features a Knowledge Base, Service Catalog and FAQ section with answers to questions like “What software is free for enrolled students?” and “What digital storage options are available?”

Several of these resources are sanctioned by UofL’s or the . The Office of Student Involvement is a hub for cultural, social and recreational programs, while the Student Success Center provides resources related to advising, academics, financial well-being and belonging.

According to the UofL Student Success Center, whether a student is in need of a laptop, exploring a new major, facing a financial barrier or simply looking for a peer who’s been there before, the SSC is the place to turn.

We urge you to explore the wide array of programs and activities at UofL. We’ll be here every step of the way!

The endowment gift will support two scholarships each year beginning in the 2018-2019 academic year. The fund will provide approximately 65 percent of the tuition, room, board and other direct student fees associated with each student’s degree program.

“The University of Louisville is grateful and thrilled to announce the establishment of the Carl F. Pollard Scholarship Fund,” said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi. “Mr. Pollard’s generosity will enable students who otherwise may not have the means to pursue higher education and follow their dreams at the university.”

��“Enabling our next generation of leaders has long been an interest of mine, which is why I am creating this scholarship fund,” Pollard said. “These scholarships will assist in making the dream of a college degree become a reality. I hope first-generation Kentucky students will apply for this opportunity and thrive in the wonderful university we have at UofL.”

Carl F. Pollard scholarships will be awarded to students with a minimum high school��grade point average of 2.80 on a 4-point scale, and who have demonstrated both a financial need and a history of extracurricular and community involvement. The scholarships will apply to up to eight academic semesters for each recipient.

“The Carl F. Pollard Scholarship Fund is exactly the kind of donation the foundation was established to manage and support. We are humbled at the confidence that he’s showing in us to make this kind of commitment,” said UofL Foundation Chairman W. Earl Reed, III.�� “Carl’s donation is a testament to the promises of a new foundation and to the hard work done by the volunteers on our board and our dedicated staff.�� We thank Carl for his incredible generosity and foresight. There has never been a better time to invest in the University of Louisville and we are pleased that Mr. Pollard agrees with that sentiment.”