First-generation is not a monolithic identity and the experiences of first-generation students are complex and often determined by intersecting identities. At the same time, many first-generation students share similar experiences. Knowing first-gen students on campus as individuals and being aware of best practices for first-gen support can increase their academic success.
Five Suggestions for Supporting First-Generation Students
Build Intentional Relationships:
- Develop meaningful connections with first-generation students to create a strong support system.
- Offer guidance on the value of mentorship, and if possible, serve as a mentor yourself.
Facilitate Community Connections:
- Recognize that navigating a large campus like UMass Amherst can be challenging.
- Proactively connect students to relevant people, resources, and groups to make the campus community feel more accessible.
Increase Visibility of First-Generation Identity:
- Acknowledge and celebrate first-generation student identity to foster a sense of belonging.
- If you identify as a first-generation student, consider sharing your experiences and highlighting relevant campus resources.
Promote Financial Support Resources:
- Understand that many first-generation students are managing their finances independently for the first time in college.
- Direct them to resources that can help them understand their current financial situation and develop financial literacy for long-term success.
- Specifically, you can point them towards Smart About Money to connect with other peers about finances or iGrad to learn more about different financial literacy and wellness concepts.
Communicate Clearly:
- Ensure your communication is clear and direct in all interactions with first-generation students.
- Avoid assuming prior knowledge of higher education processes or terminology.
- Refrain from using acronyms, clearly explain any specialized terms, and encourage students to ask questions.
Resources
Here are some resources that may help with navigating relationships with our first-generation student population here at UMass:
First-Generation Students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
The Center for Student Success Research led a mixed methods study of first-gen students on campus during the 2018-2019 academic year to understand students' experiences on campus better. The results of that research can be found in the linked report.
First-Generation @ UMass Amherst
This website is a resource for all first-gen students on campus and can serve as a starting point for students looking for information about first-gen identity and ways to connect to the campus community
Name Pronunciation Guide
People’s names are an essential part of their identity, and to foster and build community, we can honor and respect that by trying our best to pronounce names correctly. This guide serves as a tool to help us pronounce the names of our diverse student population.
Connect UMass First-Gen Students and Alumni Group
This group is a space for networking – a fun, safe, supportive, and resource-rich community where students can connect with UMass alums who also identify as first-gen. Each alum in the group is committed to providing support for the first-gen students who reach out to them. Not only is this a good opportunity to build networking skills – it’s also a networking platform that can yield real-world results for future first-gen graduates.
Glossary of Terms
Many terms and acronyms are used in the college setting, and here at UMass, that may be new to those who have never had someone who attended college or are familiar with the campus. This glossary helps students understand and learn those terms.
First-Gen Forward
First-Gen Forward was created in a partnership between NASPA and The Suder Foundation and exists to transform higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education. Check out their page for more information and resources available to you!
Class Action's First-Generation Summit
Class Action is an organization that provides a dynamic framework and analysis for people of all backgrounds to identify and address issues of class and classism and its intersection with race and racism.
If you have or know of any resources that you believe would be helpful as faculty and staff serve our first-generation population, please share them by emailing @email.
Undergraduate Student Success and the First-Generation Experience at UMass
Undergraduate Student Success is committed to supporting and celebrating the first-generation student population at UMass Amherst. An essential part of our community’s history, first-generation students are defined here as those who do not have a parent or guardian who attained a four-year degree. First-gen students come to our campus with many essential perspectives, life experiences, and skills. We encourage students to embrace their ability to achieve their goals as they connect and develop a sense of belonging on campus.
Our unit offers programming, services, and resources to cultivate academic and co-curricular success. Support for first-generation students is a shared mission across our campus, and we collaborate extensively with the academic colleges and departments and Student Affairs & Campus Life. We continue to grow and improve our initiatives, collaborating with students on campus and utilizing success data to drive meaningful, planful action.
Additionally, we are glad to share that UMass Amherst is designated a First-Gen Forward institution by the organization First-Gen Forward. We are grateful for the many students, staff, and faculty who have led, coordinated, and facilitated the initiatives that have earned us this recognition.
Want to learn more about the nationwide movement to support first-generation college student success? Here are some helpful resources: