First Generation Nebraska

First Gen Students at Welcome Back Waffle Event

Approximately 1 in 4 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students identify as the first in their families to attend a four-year university. First-generation students often face obstacles in navigating the college experience because they don’t have prior family or community knowledge about the university experience to rely upon. First Generation Nebraska helps level the playing field by connecting first-generation students to mentoring, resources, and opportunities they need to make the most of their college experience.

First-Gen Student Information First-Gen Faculty/Staff Information

Spotlight

"As an out-of-state student and First-gen, I was very scared about coming to UNL as I was going to be alone. During the 4-day seminar my mentor was the first person to help me open up to my peers and now I have great friends and connections. I honestly believe that if it wasn't for Lori and all of the mentors that I wouldn't be here. They helped me with real life issues as well as academics. I am so lucky to have been in the First-gen group and have such amazing mentors"

-- Chelsea

Spotlight

"As a First-Gen student, I was really nervous about starting college. I had so many questions about classes, financial aid, and getting involved on campus, and no one in my family could help me out. The First Husker 4-Day was an amazing crash course that helped answer the questions I had about college and made me feel comfortable enough to be able to ask for help from my peer mentors and coaches. I know that without the First Husker program my college experience would not be as fulfilling as it is now."

-- Cordell

3 Questions with Chancellor-emeritus Ronnie Green | First-Gen Huskers

In celebration of National First-Gen Day, Chancellor-emeritus Ronnie Green asked first-generation college students Shaw Riggs and Meylin Espinoza three questions. What's it like to be a First-Gen student? What kind of words of advice would you give to future first-generation students? How did the First Husker Program help shape your experience here at Nebraska? Watch video.

First-Gen Student Support and Resources

First-Gen Student Organization

Connect with other First-Gen students, provide support and increase awareness to help them excel academically and socially.

First-Gen Learning Community

In the First-Gen Learning Community, you'll live with a supportive network of peers, take a seminar course together and attend exclusive academic events.

First Husker Program

Get a head-start on your college experience, build connections with fellow First-Gen Huskers and learn success strategies with a free four-day orientation and a 10-week seminar.

First-Gen Faculty and Staff

Acknowledging first-generation status as part of one's identity might seem a small thing, but it can be critical to students' success, helping them easily identify faculty and staff who can relate to particular challenges they might be facing. First Generation Nebraska invites faculty and staff who were first-generation college students themselves or who wish to serve as advocates for first-generation students to participate..

1 of 12

UNL is among 12 First-gen Forward Institutions elevated to Advisory Institution designation for its continued commitment to first-generation college students.

1 in 4

Approximately 1 in 4 students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln identify as the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university.

300+

More than 300 UNL faculty and staff have signed up to participate in FGN

How can Faculty and Staff Participate?

Sign up for our mailing list and then visit CAST to pick up a First Generation Nebraska Button and office placard. Faculty and staff are encouraged to display the placard on their office doors and wear the FGN button to help first-generation students identify individuals who are receptive to sharing their own experiences.

In addition, you will be invited to participate in social events with first-generation students and workshops for faculty and staff focused on how to meet the needs of First-Gen students in and outside of the classroom.

Share-A-Meal

Reading Group

Show Support

Help support First Generation Nebraska students. Give to Support FGN

First-generation Advisory Board

The advisory board — comprised of faculty, staff and students — develops, implements and assesses First Generation Nebraska programs and events. The advisory board meets three times a semester during the academic year and during the summer as needed. The term of service is for two consecutive academic years.

Advisory board members