The First Gen affinity community has many resources for first-generation students as they progress throughout their college careers. We will be covering several of these resources in this article, beginning with UConn’s website dedicated to first-generation students, firstgen.uconn.edu.
UConn is a First-Gen Forward Institution and this is evident from the number of resources on the website. 1 in 4 UConn students are First-Generation. On the website, you can connect with other first-gen college students. For academic achievement and support, there is a First Gen Honor Society, Alpha Alpha Alpha. UConn is proud to commemorate first-generation students with their National First-Generation Day events that occur throughout the month of November in the fall semester. Additionally, there are a number of faculty members available to offer support.
Another great resource for first-time college students is Student Support Services (SSS). SSS provides first-gen students services and programs “to enhance their academic, professional, and personal growth at UConn and beyond.” SSS offers counseling and advising, tutoring, peer coaching, help with education abroad, and a leadership conference for SSS students “to develop their leadership skills, expand their network, and grow personally and professionally.” There are also scholarship resources, educational information about financial literacy, and opportunities for summer employment.
Additionally, the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) is a great tool for first-time college attendees. The AAC has many support systems in place for students. There are workshops teaching valuable skills such as organization and time management; supplemental instruction available; many helpful organizational tools such as calendars by day to day, week, month, or semester; academic coaching; and UConn Connects mentors, which is a program wherein peer coaches help to keep you on track so you can meet your academic goals.
The last resource for first-generation college students we’ll cover is First-Year Experience (FYE). FYE classes are for first- and second-year students and they help to ease the transition into college life. FYE classes teach the best introductory tips for first-time students and provide a place to ask questions as well as seek support. FYE Mentors are a great resource for first-year students to ask questions and get firsthand advice from older students.
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