First-Generation College Student Success Initiatives

First-generation college student: an individual, neither of whose parents completed a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to the age of 18 did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.*

What is a Trailblazer? We celebrate every single first-gen student at UNH as a Trailblazer: someone who is the first to make their own way through a new experience.

* We are looking into expanding the definition of first-gen college to include those international students and others whose parents may have earned a four-year degree but in a country other than the U.S. or Canada. Due to the need for consistent data across USNH institutions, we cannot formally recognize this expanded definition of first-gen yet, but know that you have allies and supporters on campus. Once we find a mechanism to provide all students with the opportunity to self-identify as first-gen within the expanded definition, then those students can be eligible for first-gen awards and recognitions. We project this timeline to be fall 2026. If you don't meet our current definition listed above, but are having a 'first-gen experience', please reach out to me at dawna.perez@unh.edu.

In August 2024, UNH was welcomed into the FirstGen Forward Network. Being a part of the FG Network cements our commitment to serving first-generation college students and provides UNH with a vast network of higher education institutions across the country with the same goal. One out of every five undergraduate students on the Durham campus is first-generation college. That number rises to 41% on the Manchester campus and 43% in the College of Professional Studies Online. Being first in one’s family to earn a bachelor's degree means something different to each person and is only one facet of their identity---many students don’t even realize that they are first-generation college, or may not strongly identify with it, and that’s okay, too. At UNH we embrace the whole student, and we want to ensure that every student on campus feels comfortable, valued, and has all the tools to thrive and reach their academic, personal, and professional goals. First-generation college students sometimes don’t have the same social network or college culture knowledge that continuing-generation college students have. We want to make sure that every student is confident about starting college and learns about all the resources and opportunities available to them as they go through their UNH journey.

We are building a community and an identity around first-generation college students. Here are some ways UNH is doing this:

• A UNH Trailblazers Canvas ‘course’ that is a repository of helpful information and source for hearing about events, activities, and opportunities geared toward first-gen college students (A reference site, no assignments or grades)
• A campaign to identify faculty, staff, and administrators who are first-gen college themselves and who may post a “Proud First-Gen” sticker on their door or laptop, or in their syllabus, to let students know they too have walked that path. Faculty and Staff, fill out the survey here: Voluntary Self-Identification as First-Gen College
• The presentation of First-Gen Medallions for graduating seniors at The Beauregard Center for Equity, Justice, and Freedom's Celebration of Achievement and Excellence Graduation Celebration each May
• Coordination of program activities and opportunities across campuses and modalities that offer first-gen college students scholarships for experiential learning like study abroad/study away, Semester in the City, Semester of Impact or other high impact experiences, as well as recognition and prize money for creative ideas like the E-Center Challenge, or leadership opportunities within Student Activities or our Colleges

• Library Guides for students and for faculty that contain book titles and resources to support first-generation college students. Dive in! 

• Establishment of a chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honor Society for first-generation college students. We did it! UNH has the first Tri-Alpha Chapter in New Hampshire! UNH Durham's chapter is Lambda Omega and the College of Professional Studies' Chapter is Mu Theta. More info about inductions after the new year!

We hope to expand our offerings and opportunities as we grow. We will always celebrate November 8 – National First-Generation College Celebration Day! Are you a Trailblazer?  Students: Let us know!