Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am a first-gen college student?

• First-generation students are those whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year degree.

My sibling(s) did/will graduate before me. Am I still first-generation?

• Yes, you are!

If one of my parents/ guardians completed a 2-year associate degree, am I considered a first-generation student?

• Yes, if your parents completed an associate’s degree, or attended some college and did not graduate, you are considered first-generation.

I am a first-generation student, but I am not listed in the university system as such, who do I notify to ensure I am included in the first-generation student email?

• Contact the First-generation Student Center at firstgen@ksu.edu. and let us know. We will make sure that you are coded as first-generation in the KSU records system.

What percentage of students identify as first-generation at K-State?

• Twenty five percent of undergraduate students are first in their families to complete a four-year college degree.

Are there any K-State faculty and staff who are first-generation college graduates?

• Yes, many faculty and staff were first-generation students while attending college. Look for signs in their office or statements in the class syllabi that identify them as first-gen.

There are many words that I hear coming from faculty, staff, and peers that I do not know the meaning of. How do I become familiar with this jargon?

• University jargon can be confusing and takes time to learn it. Head over to the Glossary of Terms found on our webpage.

How does the First-generation Student Center communicate with students?

• You will receive monthly emails from the center with important information, such as important deadlines, scholarship information, etc. Make sure to read them! Follow us on social media @KSTATEFGSC for announcements as well.

I am a transfer student; how do I ensure that K-State has received my academic transcripts from the previous institutions I attended?

• Contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions to find out if K-State received your transcripts, or to ask for information about getting a transcript from previous institution(s) you attended.

How do I know who my academic advisor is?

• Look on KSIS to see who your academic advisor is and how to contact them.

I am not certain about my major anymore, how do I receive support in choosing a major?

• It takes time and a great deal of reflection to decide on a major and it is common to change your major in college. Start speaking with your academic advisor and/or mentors who know you well. Visit the Career Center to engage in career exploration and seek some internships. After careful consideration, you will be ready to make a good choice.

I have been ill and have missed classes. What do I do, and who do I need to inform about my absences?

• Email your professors to let them know that you have been ill and notify Student Support and Accountability. Visit Lafene Health Center to make an appointment to see a doctor. Remember that notifying people does not mean that you are not responsible for completing the class work.

How do I get back on track if I’m struggling in a class?

• Seek tutoring, talk to your professor to see what other things you could do, and share this with your academic advisor. Visit the First-generation Student Center and we will connect you with the resources you need.

Is tutoring free? If so, when is a good time to sign up for tutoring services?

• Yes, tutoring at K-State is completely free and there is tutoring for a variety of courses.
• It is never too early or too late to receive tutoring. Remember that tutoring can make a difference in a letter grade and SMART students receive tutoring. Why not get an A instead of a B? Or a B instead of a C? Plus, you will gain good study skills!

What is KSIS?

• KSIS is an acronym for K-State Student Information System. As a student, you will use KSIS to enroll in classes, access your grades, accept financial aid offers, and manage your tuition. More information can be found here.

What is Navigate?

• Navigate works as your academic roadmap. Features of Navigate include an academic planner, appointment scheduling with your advisor, “Study Buddies,” and a progress report builder. Your advisor uses Navigate to assess how you are doing in your program and offer any assistance.

What is DARS?

• DARS stands for Degree Audit Reporting System. This system assists students and advisors in evaluating progress towards degree completion. A degree audit can be run by students or advisors through KSIS.

How do I know I will graduate in 4 years?

• Enrolling at the university does not guarantee graduation in 4 years. Talk to your academic advisor to make a four-year plan, make sure you understand all the graduation requirements, and ensure that you are on track to graduate. Your DARS report will detail your graduation requirements and progress.

Is it okay to take longer than 4 years to graduate?

• Yes, it is perfectly okay to take more than 4 years to complete your degree, and some programs are 5-year programs.

How do I advocate for my needs?

• Connect with the FGSC to help you access resources. Get to know your professors; they care!

What is Tri-Alpha and how do I join?

• Tri-Alpha is an honor society for high achieving first-generation students. It is not a fraternity or sorority. Eligible students are invited to join via email from the FGSC based on their academic achievement. Each year, K-State holds an Induction Ceremony during National First-generation Celebration Week. You will also have the option of joining the Chapter Club, where you can develop leadership skills.

I heard the there is an education abroad opportunity for first-generation students, how do I apply?

• Yes, the FGSC partners with the Office of Education Abroad and we have an education abroad experience over spring break. Applications are out the second week of the Fall classes with a quick deadline. Keep an eye out on the emails from the center and check out the Center’s webpage for detailed information.

How do I make sure that l don't miss valuable information from advisors and professors?

• Check your emails regularly and organize important emails in folders. Make sure to delete periodically messages you no longer need as well as spam. Remember that your professors, advisors and other K-State staff will contact you through email.

What do I need to do to receive financial aid?

• Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for detailed information.

• It is very important that you fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Pay attention to priority deadlines and remember that you must fill out the FAFSA every year. Even if you do not receive federal aid, having a FAFSA report (SAR) may make you eligible for other scholarships.

• To be considered for some other K-State scholarships, join the K-State Scholarship Network (KSN).

How will I afford tuition and living costs?

• Through grants and scholarships (if eligible), part-time job, savings and possible student loans.

What is the Land Grant promise?

• K-State's Land Grant Promise assures that full-time, Pell eligible undergraduate students with a total of $70,000 household income or less will receive a grant and scholarship to the equivalent cost of 15 credit hours. You must fill out the FAFSA by K-State's priority date of March 1.

Are there any specific scholarships for first-generation students?

• Yes, a few Proud to be First Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate first-generation students in the fall semester. Students must apply before the deadline. Check the Center’s website for more information.

Is there emergency aid I can apply for?

• Yes. If you face a temporary financial emergency, you may apply. Faculty and staff may submit it on your behalf. Here is more information and the link to the Emergency Referral Application.

I am an out of state student, are there opportunities for me to receive in- state tuition?

• Please check the Wildcat Nonresident Award here for eligibility requirements.

• Missouri residents may qualify for the Missouri Match Tuition Award. Find detailed information here.

• Granted in-state tuition can be renewed for 3 years (4 total) and Architecture students may renew for four years. (5 total)

Where do I find information about move-In?

• K-State Housing and Dining will send you important information before the fall semester starts. For updated details click here.

How do I meet other first-generation students?

• The FGSC has events during the year for students to meet each other and to learn more about the center. Check the calendar of events here.

How can I get involved in campus organizations?

• K-State is home to over 400 student organizations. There is sure to be one that aligns with your interests. Organizations can be explored at the Activities Carnival during the Week of Welcome. Additionally, you can browse OrgCentral to view the full list of organizations.

• https://www.k-state.edu/student-involvement/organizations/

I have been ill and have missed classes. What do I do, and who do I need to let know?

• Visit Lafene Health Center to make an appointment to see a doctor. Let your professors know that you have been ill and notify Student Support and Accountability.

When is the National First-generation Student Celebration and how do I join in?

• First-generation students are celebrated on November 8 across the nation. K-State's celebration spans a week. Opportunities to join in include participating in events’ planning committees. Let the FGSC know that you are interested in participating by emailing us at firstgen@ksu.edu

I am a non-traditional student; how do I seek support?

• The FGSC supports all first-generation students, that includes traditional, non-traditional, veterans and online learners. Make sure that you also connect with Non-Traditional and Veteran Student Services for additional support

How do I follow and engage with the FGSC through social media?

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @Kstatefgsc

• Tag us in your photos related to academic and leadership achievements.

What are the steps to prepare for graduation?

• Follow the graduation checklist found on the K-State Commencement Ceremonies webpage.

Is there a deadline to apply for graduation?

• The deadline to apply to graduate and have your name included in the Fall or Spring commencement program(s) is published in the Academic calendar.

Is graduation different from commencement ceremonies?

• Graduation takes place when a student completes a degree requirement, it is certified and posted on the student’s academic record.

• Commencement is the formal ceremony, celebrating the students’ graduation.

When are commencement ceremonies?

• Each college and the Graduate School have their own schedule. Please check the schedule of ceremonies webpage to find out when your respective college’s commencement ceremony will be held.

Is graduate student commencement the same day as the undergraduate student commencement?

• Typically, the graduate school’s commencement ceremony takes place the Friday afternoon before the undergraduate’s commencement ceremony. Double check the dates and times here.

Does the First-generation Student Center host a graduation celebration for graduating seniors?

• Yes, the First-generation Student Center celebrates graduating first-generation students and their families by hosting a celebration each May. Graduating students will receive information about this event by the middle of March.

I heard that all first-generation student graduates receive a green cord to wear at commencement. How do I receive my green cord?

• Students who attend the Center’s graduation celebration will receive the green cord at the event and will walk to the stage to be recognized. Those who are not able to attend the graduation celebration may pick up their green cords in Holtz Hall 101 starting 2 weeks before each commencement day.

I am a distance (global campus) student, how can I receive the green cord?

• The Center will mail green cords 2 weeks before commencement to graduating seniors who reside outside Manhattan. You will be asked to fill out a survey that is available to seniors a few weeks before commencement.

How can I support my student?

• Navigating college can be complicated. Ask your student questions and offer emotional support and encouragement. Suggest they connect with the FGSC to connect with the multiple opportunities available at K-State. Celebrate the accomplishments and help them solve problems.

My student called home and indicated that they are discouraged, what should I do?

• Encourage them to persevere. Ask them to contact their academic advisor, academic coach and/or the FGSC. We will connect them to the appropriate resource.

What is Family Weekend and how do I connect with the Parents and family Program?

• Connect with the Parents and Family Program to get information you may need to advocate for your student.

• Updated information on family weekend and can be found here.

How do I sign up for K-State Alerts?

• K-State Alerts is the university’s emergency notification system. It is used for weather alerts, campus operations, closures, and other emergencies. Students may opt for family members to receive alerts through the K-State Alerts portal. A maximum of 3 mobile numbers, 3 landlines, and 3 email addresses may be added to one account.