First In Line and Baylor Summer Programs Support Student Success

Baylor University is committed to helping students attain their degrees in the context of the exceptional Baylor experience. Two of the University’s most recent initiatives, First In Line and Baylor Summer, are doing just that – helping students find success by providing support that meets the diverse needs of the student body.

Students may choose summer school for a variety of reasons– they change majors and need to catch up on classes, they need to retake a class to improve a grade, or they take a lighter load one semester and need to complete hours that help keep them on course for graduation. Whatever the individual reason, Baylor Summer offers an affordable opportunity for students to stay or get on track with their degree plans. A summer tuition discount provides students an incentive for this important opportunity. This effort can save students thousands of dollars and help them stay on course to graduate in four years.

With similar goals in mind, the First In Line program, which began in 2015, and provides services and support to students who are the first in their families to attend college. First generation college students are invited to participate in the First In Line Summer Advantage program, which provides a head start on a degree plan and opportunities to meet other students in the program. Students get connected with the Baylor community, experience the college classroom to prepare for success in the fall and receive support and advice from academic advisors and peer leaders involved with the program.

“The initial goals of the program were to provide resources to first generation college students to support student success at Baylor and beyond,” said Michelle Cohenour, assistant director of student success.

In its inaugural summer, First In Line brought in 30 students to participate in the First In Line Summer Advantage program. While initial goals were met, program staff are actively setting higher expectations for the future.

“Our goal for this summer is to double the size of the student participants so that we can continue to provide a strong start for our first generation college students at Baylor,” Cohenour said.

While the Summer Advantage program has been one of the most successful parts of the First in Line efforts, support extends beyond the students’ initial summer at Baylor. Other First In Line resources include the peer mentoring program, monthly workshops, dedicated financial aid counselors and the First In Line student council.

“Hundreds of our Baylor first generation students have benefitted from participating in our programs throughout the year,” Cohenour said. “We also regularly communicate to First In Line students through email and at important times during the semester. We are hopeful that this timely communication will support students with information and resources when they need it most.”

With a committed group of faculty and staff who deeply care about the success of students at Baylor, these programs aim to develop a greater sense of belonging while also ensuring student success personally and academically.