First-Year Student Experience Mini-Grants: Empowering Student-Faculty Connections and Peer Support

Join us at our session to learn about UTSA's successful First-Year Student Experience and Faculty Engagement Mini-Grant Program. In response to the pandemic's impact on student engagement and belonging, the program awarded faculty up to $1,500 to create engaging activities outside of the classroom. By the end of spring 2023 nearly 80 events will have occurred, resulting in increased student-faculty engagement and sense of belonging. Our presentation will showcase the strategies and tools used to implement the initiative and highlight its positive impact on students and faculty. Attendees will gain insights into how they can create similar initiatives at their institutions and improve student-faculty engagement and sense of belonging. Furthermore, we will discuss how the initiative aligns with UTSA's Equity Advocacy Initiative, which focuses on expanding access to higher education for underrepresented minority students, and how it can promote healthy and inclusive learning environments. Our session will be valuable to all faculty and administrators seeking innovative ways to improve student-faculty engagement and promote a sense of belonging in their institutions.