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Exclusively for first-generation students — those whose parents or guardians didn't graduate from a four-year university — Generation Jacks is an extended learning community.

GenJacks is an amazing program that provides a great academic experience and an excellent support network. GenJacks members take classes together, participate in service and host social events for the GenJacks community. Additionally, participation in this learning community offers many benefits, including:

  • a higher GPA
  • enhanced faculty and professional academic advisor support
  • higher satisfaction with the college experience
  • a foundation and support network to help you stay on track for a four-year graduation
  • cohesive curriculum with our linked courses in the cohorts
  • a professional development jump start
  • a higher level of student engagement
  • and the ability to earn more credit hours than other first-generation students.
GenJacks program requirements

Students in the GenJacks program must:

  • attend the Summer Leadership Academy
  • participate in the academic learning community and take SFAS 1101
  • Complete career and professional development through SFAS 1110 and SFAS 2150
  • and meet monthly with your mentors.

Explore the details below to learn more.

GenJacks community programs

Summer Leadership Academy 2024

Wednesday, Aug. 21 to Friday, Aug. 23

Required for all incoming GenJacks, the Summer Leadership Academy offers workshops, social events, and service and leadership activities a week before the fall term. This program provides you with tools to start your academic journey strong and ensure your success at SFA. It also offers opportunities to acclimate to campus before classes begin.

In the Summer Leadership Academy, you'll meet fellow GenJacks students as well as counselors, faculty and staff. Our counselors are junior and senior students who serve as mentors during your college career.

The GenJacks program pays for all supplies for the academy.

Gen Jacks who will be living on campus move into their residence hall Aug. 20.

Academic Learning Community

Required for all incoming GenJacks, three of your first-term courses will be exclusively with other GenJacks as part of your GenJacks Academic Learning Community. You'll take SFAS 1101, a student success course to help ease your transition to SFA, and the GenJacks coordinator will help you choose two other courses from the nine options listed below.

Course NumberCourse Name
ENGL 1301Rhetoric and Composition
HIST 1301U.S. History I
GOVT 2305American Government Theory and Politics
GOVT 2306American Government Structure and Function
MATH 1342Intro to Probability and Statistics
MUSI 1306Music Appreciation
PHIL 2306Intro to Philosophy
PSYC 2301General Psychology
SPCH 1315Public Speaking

Though these courses apply to most degree plans, the GenJacks coordinator will work with you to ensure the courses you choose align with your degree plan, availability and any dual credit opportunities.

Career and professional development

The GenJacks program offers you a head start on your employability through Career Readiness, a course worth one credit hour. You'll take SFAS 1110 during your second term, to learn how to build your résumé and develop interview skills. Additionally, the course allows you to explore careers available with your major and ensures your own talents match your career choices.

Next, you'll take SFAS 2150, a linked practicum worth one credit hour that will prepare you for internship opportunities, graduate school or professional school. It also helps you enter the job market by connecting you with options available to your major.

These courses are required as part of the GenJacks program.

Mentorship

You also will have a GenJacks counselor who is a junior or senior student, and a GenJacks success coach who is a faculty or staff member. Both of these mentors will guide you throughout your college career and help you achieve your goals.

You must meet with each mentor once a month to remain in the GenJacks program.

Living Learning Community (optional but strongly recommended)

Consider joining the GenJacks Living Learning Community on the GenJacks floor of Steen Hall. GenJacks who live on this floor have access to special programs and events. Space is limited to 36 students, so be sure to apply early. The Living Learning Community is a great way to stay engaged and get connected with other GenJacks!

Service learning opportunities (optional but strongly recommended)

GenJacks participate in several community service events such as the MLK Day of Service, Jacks Council on Family Relations' Thanksgiving Homebound food donation project, The Big Event (the largest day of community service in Nacogdoches) and more.

Fall 2024 cohort applications

Eligibility

Applicants must be first-generation students who have already been admitted to SFA.

Submitting an application

If you're a first-generation incoming student, complete the online application (this link will be posted as soon as it becomes available). Cohort space is limited to the first 100 students who apply.

Learn. Lead. Serve. Succeed.

Have questions about GenJacks?

Harley Hampton
p: 936.468.3809
genjacks@sfasu.edu

 

Contact the Student Success Center

p: 936.468.5803
studentsuccess@sfasu.edu
Staff directory

Physical Address:
Steen Library
Suite 104

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 6154, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962