FLI Navigator

The First-Gen & Limited-Income Network (FLI Network) is a new initiative at Babson College, building upon existing programming and resources across campus offices and groups. The FLI Network falls within Babson College Student Success, which takes an integrative, synergetic, a student-centered approach to developing entrepreneurial leaders. We provide a seamless and supportive living-learning environment that prioritizes self-advocacy, health, and well-being as central to academic, personal, and professional success.

FLI Network leverages this approach with a focus on students whose parents have not completed a 4-year college degree within or outside of the United States. As a population, first-generation students at Babson have grown from 9% in 2019 to 21% of undergraduate enrollment in 2024. We coordinate efforts across the College and develop a comprehensive strategy to support all first-generation students.

In Fall 2025, the formerly titled Office of First-Gen Student Success expanded to engage first-generation and the larger student body with limited-income backgrounds. During the  academic year, ~80% of all advising appointments or emails to OFGSS were focused on financial support. We strive to provide community and awareness of financial wellness and capacity building.

• Provide 2-3 office hours per week, prioritizing peer advising appointments centered on financial wellness and basic needs for first-generation and limited-income undergraduate students.
• Time commitment may increase during signature events, such as” FLI Fest.”
• Maintain privacy and sensitivity of students entering and engaging with the FLI Network staff and programming
• During weeks with lower advising volume, Navigators should shift focus to outreach, resource development, and operational support to ensure consistent engagement including Updating resource materials
• Supporting pantry operations
• Creating outreach content
• Assisting with program preparation
• Submit detailed appointment notes weekly and escalate higher concerns to FLI Network professional staff during scheduled shift
• Follow-up with appointees as needed or at least once per week until next steps or a resolution is identified
• Collect feedback, when possible, for programmatic improvements
• Develop materials, event flyers, brochures, social media posts, community updates, and FLI Resource Hub content regarding financial resources such as the:
  Emergency Fund and Got Your Back Fund
• Professional Accelerator Fund and Professional Attire Fund
• Stock & Exchange food and resource pantry
• Student Financial Aid, Scholarships, etc.
• Off-campus utility and housing support
• Participate in campus speaking events, such as Access Babson and other Enrollment needs, Orientation and new-student engagements, Office promotional videos, social media campaigns, etc.
• Support tabling and other information sessions throughout the academic year to promote on and off-campus financial and basic needs resources
• Navigators will each lead 1 community opportunity per semester

• Enrollment as a Babson College student (required
• Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher at the start of employment
• Enthusiasm and willingness to engage with peers, faculty, and staff during event facilitation, acting as a representative to the FLI community and Babson College
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and maintain confidentiality of students entering and engaging with the FLI Network staff and programming
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skill
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects
• Fluency in computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc
• Basic knowledge or…