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Celebrate National First-Generation Week by learning how to best support students

Over 58% of the MSU Denver student body is among the first generation in their family to attend a university or college.

Students walking on campus

Metropolitan State University of Denver on Tuesday will celebrate over 58% of its students during National First-Generation College Student Day. The First-Generation Initiatives Program in the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion is going beyond the day to honor first-generation students throughout the week.

What is National First-Generation Week? 

Colleges and universities across the country on Tuesday will recognize first-generation students, faculty and staff. Nov. 8 commemorates the day Congress approved the Higher Education Act (HEA) in 1965. The HEA legislation made critical investments in institutions and funded programs to increase the access, retention and graduation of first-generation, low-income students.  

MSU Denver defines a first-generation college student as one who comes from a family where neither of their parents/guardians obtained a four-year degree. Additionally, students whose siblings went to college are classified as first-generation.  

During National First-Generation Week, MSU Denver’s First-Generation Initiatives Program will facilitate programs and events that highlight awareness of first-generation students, staff members and faculty members. The community will learn about: impostor syndrome and strategize ways to overcome it; the needs of first-generation students at MSU Denver; how first-generation MSU Denver alumnae navigated their college experience; and the transition they experienced into the workplace. 

Tips for supporting first-generation students 

  • Be transparent in the classroom and when providing services. At times, students are unfamiliar with hidden curriculum. Students should be provided with clear expectations of what is expected from them. Expectations can include understanding what a syllabus is or how withdrawal dates can affect a student’s financial aid.  
  • Embrace the first-generation identity. More than likely, first-gen students feel they are the only people on campus who might feel impostor syndrome. First-generation faculty and staff members should reach out to first-generation students, and even those who are not first-gen can still support the first-gen identity by attending events that are pertinent to their identities.  
  • Dismantle deficit perspectives and language. Use empowering words to describe first-generation students and their journey. First-generation students hear most of the time that during their time in college, they will face obstacles and barriers because they are first-generation students. How can that language be turned into something positive to help develop a positive mindset for the student? 

Events

For more information on National First-Generation Week, please contact First-Generation Initiatives or visit First-Generation Initiatives.