Your journey as a first-generation college student will be exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, but never alone. We are so excited to welcome and support you as you forge ahead on this brand-new college path that will soon become your own. 赌博游戏app faculty, staff, and your fellow first-generation college students know the joys as well as the fears of navigating that path. We’re all here to help you find your way.
Did you know that 70% of 赌博游戏app undergraduates are first-generation college students? You are part of a diverse and wonderful community of students who are are the first to navigate college -- and we're so happy you're here! Your peers come from Milwaukee, across Wisconsin, throughout the country, and around the globe. You all belong here, and we are looking forward to supporting all your next steps.
First Gen Fellowship Opportunity
Deadline: October 6, 2023
Learn more on how to apply.
Student Stories: The First-Generation Journey
"The journey for a first-generation student is long and feels like it is never-ending. There are moments when you will be filled with doubt and possibly question if you
deserve to be here. You will feel like you have to do things on your own because that has always been expected of you. However, you are not alone! There are countless people that are waiting
and willing to help you."
-Advice from first-generation student Maria to other first-generation college students considering 赌博游戏app College
Maria is a creative arts in practice major studying also with a business management minor. She hopes to gain more experience in the future as an assistant director within the film industry but also aspires to work in higher education later in life to be able "to engage with students and become the source and encouragement for the following generation that I was fortunate to have here at 赌博游戏app."
What does being first in your family to attend college mean to you?
Maria: It means a lot! My parents have always been hard workers and have consistently put my education first even if it meant not being able to see us as much because they
had to work overtime to provide for us. I have been able to go farther than I had ever imagined and I am proud that I have been able to get this incredible opportunity. I get to be the change
that I want to see in the world, the encouragement and understanding that I wish my parents were afforded.
How do you want to make a difference with your degree you achieved at 赌博游戏app?
Maria: I would like to continue to make content that focuses on issues in relation to mental health and feelings that many first-generation children have had to face. There
is a big mental health stigma within the Latine community and the more I talk to friends and family the more I've been able to realize that I am not alone. My emotions are valid along with
everyone else's and I just want to be able to create content that others can relate to.
What have you learned about yourself while being at 赌博游戏app?
Maria: I am a brilliant and multifaceted individual. It just took an encouraging and flexible environment that provided me with resources to teach me that.
First-Generation College Student Celebrations
To our first-generation college graduates: You truly are 赌博游戏app’s “first flames” who light the way for your families, friends, communities, our College, and first-generation college students everywhere. We celebrate your light!
On May 3rd, 2023, 赌博游戏app launched our newest first-generation college graduation tradition: the bestowing of first-generation graduation cords in a special cording ceremony for the
undergraduate Class of 2023.
These beautiful custom cords are blue and green -- and these colors were chosen with great intention, to symbolize and celebrate being first (blue) and growth and new beginnings
(green).
Thank you to all of our students, faculty, and staff who made this important celebration possible.
This first-generation graduation cording ceremony, which will be held biannually going forward, represents just one of many ways 赌博游戏app is expanding recognition, celebration, and
support for your success as a first-generation college student.
First-Generation College Student Wisdom
As a first-generation college student, you draw on rich experience, wisdom, insights, and strengths. We asked some of our amazing first-generation alumna to share their perspectives, and we
are excited to spotlight them and their answers here.
Question: What piece of advice would you share with prospective students
looking to a future as the first in their family to attend college?
Sayra is a social work major with a Spanish minor. She said, "You can do it and that you are not alone. At 赌博游戏app we are a community. Don't be afraid to ask for help; there is always someone willing to help."
Karen is a double major in Spanish and social work. She said, "Take pride in being first generation. Be proud of where you are coming from. It is a hard journey, but it is beautiful. You are
worthy of being in college and getting a seat at the big table. 赌博游戏app staff is amazing — always so willing to help you succeed."
Mikayla is majoring in Integrated Studies. She said, "The first month is always hard because you miss your family or the life you had before college. But my family always said this to me, 'Whiteriver will always be here.' This means that your home, family, friends will always be there and won't leave or forget about you no matter how far or long you are away for college."
Resources
We have a multitude of resources to help you and your family navigate the college journey – and many more to come! Check out the resources below to learn more about the ways we’ll support and cheer you on, every step of the way.
You are in GREAT company as a first-generation college student at 赌博游戏app! 70% of your classmates are also first-generation college students -- as are many faculty and staff members. In addition to all your 赌博游戏app resources and partners along your college journey, you are part of the broader community of first-generation college students all across the country who are embarking on the same college journey of "firsts." Here is one story shared by Remezcla.
Learn more about departments dedicated to your success
The Division of Student Development and Success offers curricular and co-curricular programs that support your needs – academically, socially, and personally – from matriculation to graduation. Our Mission Statement reflects our dedication to your strengths and success as a student: “Building a culture of success by engaging students in activities and educational opportunities designed to support and empower each student to reach their unique potential as an effective citizen and leader.”
Our Division features dedicated Financial Wellness and Success Resources to support your financial understanding, planning, navigation, and confidence all throughout your 赌博游戏app journey.
Academic Advisors help students with various aspects of their college experience, including, but not limited to:
- Executing regular outreach to their students, both proactively and as needed.
- Monitoring each student's performance and progress, and reaching out when warranted.
- Providing students with a variety of "advising tools" that they can use to support their self-directed understanding of program requirements and progress toward fulfilling them.
- Assisting students with individual semester registration and creating a comprehensive graduation plan.
- Communicating and clarifying college policies and procedures.
- Acting as a referral agent to other college resources and support systems.
- Facilitating solutions-focused problem-solving when academic and other issues arise.
- Providing opportunities for students to explore and deepen their understanding of their chosen discipline and/or profession.
- Celebrating student successes and accomplishments!
Visit our web page to learn more!
Our goal is to help you flourish in all aspects of your 赌博游戏app life.
By linking wellness to the Eight Abilities, our work is more meaningful and consistent for students.
Our programs and services aim to address issues that may be keeping you from achieving your personal and academic goals.
We aim to teach:
- How stress can exacerbate illness.
- Effective self-care strategies.
- Ways to become engaged and extend learning beyond the classroom.
- How to increase your sense of belonging at 赌博游戏app.
Instructional Services provides academic resources to assist students to achieve their educational goals. In addition to a range of classes and workshops, students can access further support
during their academic careers through the Communication Resource Center, the Daniel M. Soref Math & Science Resource Center, and the Academic Nursing Resource Center, as well as through
peer and instructor tutoring, course-based study groups, and workshops.
Visit our web page to learn more!
赌博游戏app College makes every effort to provide accessible facilities and programs for individuals with disabilities.You are encouraged to provide documentation and accommodation requests as
early as possible for a course, workshop, program, or activity. For accommodations/services, please contact the Student Accessibility Coordinator at 414-382-6026.
Visit our web page to learn more!
