Membership Breakdown

All members are required to complete orientation within the first four weeks of the semester. Once accepted into the program, members will receive an orientation schedule. We encourage members to review the schedule and select a session that fits their availability. 

Orientation covers key procedures for all program services to ensure a smooth and effective experience for everyone involved. 

Members who do not complete this requirement by the end of the recruitment period will be removed from the program for the semester and may reapply the following term. 

Meetings with your mentor are held during office hours, either in person (GSSC 108) or via Zoom. These one-on-one sessions help you create a success plan for the semester to work on necessary skills to assist you in achieving your goals. You can also request specific topics when scheduling. Come prepared with questions—your mentor is here to support you! 

Note: Attending these meetings is required to be eligible for the lottery-based scholarship opportunity. Amount required is based on tier placement, please review Membership Expectations for more information. 

FISA hosts a variety of in-person and virtual events designed to help you connect with fellow first-generation students and build a strong sense of community. These events include workshops that support academic success, financial literacy, and personal growth, offering valuable tools for your college journey. 

To meet program expectations, most in-person events require a minimum of 15 minutes of participation. Some events will be “come-and-go” style and can still count toward credit. All attendees must sign in using a QR code to receive credit for participation. 

Please note: Events hosted by other organizations or programs do not count for credit unless they have been pre-approved by the FISA Program Coordinator. Any approved collaboration events will be clearly communicated in advance. 

Students placed in Tier 1 and Tier 2 are required to complete at least 5 hours of community service. 

How to Complete Your Hours: 

• Opportunities are available through I-ENGAGE, GivePulse, local community organizations, and nonprofits. 
• FISA will share resources and offer select opportunities to help you complete your hours.  

Why It Matters: 

• Community service is a meaningful way to give back and grow your professional network. 
• It’s also a valuable addition to your resume and personal development.

After Acceptance: 
Once you’ve been accepted into the program, FISA will provide instructions on how to submit your community service hours.

Students in Tier 3 are required to attend at least three supplemental events focused on professional development. 

How to Complete Your Events: 

• Events are based on your career goals, discussed with the Program Coordinator. 
• Formats may include group sessions or one-on-one meetings.

Some examples include: 

• Guest speaker presentations
• Events hosted by the Office of Career and Professional Development
• Professional meet ups
• Resume workshops
• Career fairs

Why It Matters: 

• Explore potential career paths and professional roles 
• Network with industry professionals 
• Build skills and experience to enhance your resume 

After Acceptance: 

Once you’ve been accepted into the program, FISA will provide instructions on how to submit your supplemental events. 

FISA members who meet all membership expectations are eligible to apply for our lottery-based scholarship. Please note that scholarships are not guaranteed and are awarded through a randomized selection process. 

Eligibility & Process: 

• Applications are verified by the FISA team to confirm completion of all membership expectations (meetings, events, and community service or supplemental events). 
• Verified applicants are entered into a lottery system. 
• Scholarship type and amount may vary each semester. 

Examples of Past Scholarships: 

• Funds added to SandDollar accounts 
• Usable across campus for books, supplies, food, and more 

Why It Matters: 

By actively participating in FISA, not only will you build valuable skills and connections—you’ll also gain the chance to apply for this exclusive scholarship. 

Note: Students in their final semester are not eligible for the lottery-based scholarship due to FISA graduation ceremony and regalia. 

National statistics show that only 24% of first-generation students graduate with their undergraduate degree. In alignment with the missions of FISA and TAMU-CC, our goal is to support your journey toward graduation and celebrate your success. 

The FISA Graduation Ceremony is an intimate and meaningful event that honors our FISA members who have overcome barriers and completed their undergraduate degrees. This ceremony not only recognizes the achievements of our graduates but also the support systems who helped them along the way. 

What to Expect: 

• Graduates receive a First-Generation Stole, provided by FISA 
• The stole is presented by two individuals of your choosing during the ceremony. 
• A personalized thank-you letter, written by you, will be read aloud as the stole is placed. 
• The stole may also be worn during the official TAMU-CC commencement ceremony. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• To participate in the FISA Graduation Ceremony, you must have: 
  • Met all member expectations as an accepted member in the program (meetings, events, and community service /supplemental events) 
  • Completed these expectations for two consecutive semesters prior to graduation 
    • (Example): To participate in Spring 2025, expectations must be met in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. 

The FISA team will make every effort to identify eligible graduates; however, it is ultimately your responsibility to track your progress and meet any deadlines related to the ceremony. 

More Details: 

Event details will be shared toward the end of the semester in newsletters and canvas. 

If you believe you’re eligible but cannot attend, please contact us at casa.FISA@tamucc.edu. 

FISA understands that life happens. If personal circumstances prevent you from meeting member expectations, contact the Program Coordinator as soon as possible. 

• Alternate or exempted expectations may be approved on a case-by-case basis (not guaranteed). 
• Meeting expectations are rarely waived due to flexible mentor availability on Starfish. 
• All changes will be communicated via email by program coordinator once approved. 
• No adjustments will be made during the last month of the semester, so early communication is essential. 

Please review the member expectations and calendar of events early and plan your mentor meetings in advance to stay on track. 

All FISA members must apply and be approved each semester. 

• Returning members must complete a Returning Member Application, shared via Canvas and the end-of-semester newsletter. 
• To maintain active status and access to program benefits, members must complete all member expectations. 

Important Reminders: 

• Members who do not complete orientation within the first 5 weeks will be removed from the roster but may reapply in a future semester. 
• Members who complete orientation but do not attempt any expectations may still reapply; however, their application will be reviewed individually, and follow-up may occur. 
• Applying to FISA does not guarantee you an automatic chance at the lottery-based scholarship.