Counseling and Psychological Services

First-generation students

WHO IS A FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT?

First-generation college students are a large and diverse population who face a unique set of circumstances that can impact their educational experience at college. It includes students for whom one or both parents either never attended or did not complete college. First-generation college students are:

  • More likely to be students of color, immigrants, from a lower socioeconomic background and/or speak English as a second (or third) language
  • More likely to be older than a traditional aged college student (18-22)
  • More likely to attend college part time
  • More likely to have traits of resiliency, self-efficacy, high levels of responsibility and high levels of conscientiousness

First-generation college students often manage competing demands of home and school life and may feel pressure to excel as the first person in their family to attend college. It may be difficult to relate to other students who do not come from a similar background, and many first-generation college students feel out of place (i.e., “imposter syndrome”).

Adapted from hcs.calpoly.edu/counseling/First-Generation-Students

CAPS recognizes the unique challenges that first-generation college students face along with the resiliency the students possess. With this recognition and humility, we strive to provide mental health services that are consistent with social justice, address the barriers facing by the students, and nurture the well-being of the first generation student. See links below for resources relevant to first-generation college students.

First-Gen College Grad Logo Why FIRST-GEN? from the Center for First-Generation Student Success

Visit First-generation Student Center in Holton Hall for more support for first-generation students.