About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this episode of Mission Admissions, host Jeremy Tiers chats with McKenzie Sullivan from The University of Akron about their newly designed “College 101” and “College 102” campus visit sessions specifically for first-generation students and families.
Key Takeaways
- Akron built College 101 and 102 to serve first-generation students, who make up 57% of its student body—offering guidance beyond just university-specific information.
- College 101 focuses on admissions basics, like terminology, degree types, and the college search process.
- College 102 demystifies financial aid, explaining scholarships, loans, and enrollment steps in plain, relatable language.
- Each session is intentionally designed to be non-promotional, making it valuable regardless of where the student ultimately enrolls.
- Sessions incorporate frequent audience check-ins and post-presentation Q&As to deepen engagement and ensure comprehension.
- Cross-departmental collaboration and leadership support were key to successful implementation.
- First-gen programming was highlighted at a university board meeting, underscoring its institutional impact.
- Keeping presentations simple and inclusive helps parents and students alike feel empowered and prepared.
What Inspired Akron’s First-Gen Visit Programming?
As a first-generation college graduate herself, McKenzie Sullivan was driven by personal experience when she designed “College 101” and “College 102” sessions at the University of Akron. She noticed how frequently admissions language alienated families and wanted to offer a better, more inclusive experience—especially since over half of Akron’s student population identifies as first-gen.
Through a collaborative effort within the admissions office, and with ideas inspired by peer institutions and conferences like CIVSA, the concept came to life. Importantly, these sessions weren’t positioned as just another University of Akron pitch—they were crafted to be universally applicable to any school a student might be considering, focusing on education, not enrollment.
What Do College 101 and 102 Actually Cover?
College 101 is offered during junior open houses and early admissions events. It breaks down basic concepts like what it means to be a first-gen student, what different degree types are, and how to understand titles like "admissions officer" versus "counselor." The session is supplemented by a glossary handout with 45 common college terms, helping families feel confident and informed.
College 102, presented during admitted student events, dives deeper into financial literacy—explaining the components of offer letters (scholarships, grants, loans), direct vs. indirect costs, and next steps like orientation, academic advising, and enrollment confirmation. McKenzie emphasizes that she presents this information as a helpful guide, not a sales pitch, and regularly directs attendees to financial aid professionals for one-on-one help.
How Did They Make These Sessions Effective?
McKenzie leaned into her background in education to keep sessions interactive and student-centered. She uses frequent “knowledge checks” and open invitations for questions to ensure students and families are tracking with the content. She also makes herself available after each session for individual follow-ups.
The content is broken into digestible sections, and the presentation’s tone is intentionally approachable and jargon-free. Importantly, the events are supported by strong cross-campus collaboration—academic departments, financial aid, and student services all participate, creating a comprehensive experience.
And the result? Overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, colleagues, and even board members. In fact, McKenzie shared that many families tell her the sessions were unlike anything they experienced at other institutions—clear, empowering, and genuinely helpful.
Connect With Our Host:
Jeremy Tiers
https://twitter.com/CoachTiers
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