What is “First-Gen”?
“First generation student” means that your parent(s) or primary guardians did not complete a 4-year college or university degree. If that’s you, our FirstGen@UCA Program is here to help you succeed in your efforts to earn your degree.
FirstGen@UCA events and activities
- Connections is a summer outreach program for our newest first-generation students. If you identify as first-generation on your application for admission, you will receive regular email from Student Success Services over the summer before coming to UCA. Connections will help you know what to do next and how to prepare for a great start at UCA!
- During SOAR and Welcome Week, you will find FirstGen@UCA staff and UCA F1RSTs members at the information fairs and other events. Ask us questions! Sign up with UCA F1RSTs!
- First-Gen Camp is our newest offering for first-year first-gen students. Held the first weekend after classes begin, this event will give you the boost needed for a strong start to your college career. Be sure to register to attend!
- First2Go Week is held annually in November and includes a celebration of National FirstGen Day. Events are held throughout the week to help you improve your academic skills, discover campus resources, and meet other first-gen students, faculty, and staff.
For more information on FirstGen@UCA, contact Student Success Services at studentsuccess@uca.edu
First-Generation Scholar’s Society
The First-Generation Scholars Society (UCA’s F1RSTs) purpose is to provide a place for first-generation students and their supporters to come together and share experiences. This organization provides resources, services, and programs to assist first-gen students in their success at UCA. We are a departmental recognized student organization (RSO) created to provide a support system of students helping students navigate through college.
UCA First-Gen Faculty & Staff Stories
Many of the faculty and staff members working at UCA were also first-generation students! We asked them to share their stories and advice for succeeding in college. We hope these stories inspire and encourage you to persevere when you face challenges.
