First-Generation College Student at Truman
Truman Definition
Who is a First-Generation College Student at Truman?
Our Truman definition is meant to include students rather than exclude students
- A student neither of whose parent(s)/guardian received a baccalaureate degree; or
- A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent/ guardian, and whose supporting parent/guardian did not receive a baccalaureate degree.
- An student who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a parent (adoptive included).
- A student whose parent(s)/guardian earned an international degree (non-U.S.)
Resources & Events for First-Gen Students
First generation college students are a particularly independent group, but every student needs help sometimes; we’re all here to learn new skills, after all! Luckily, Truman is set up with this in mind, and offers a number of free or low-cost campus resources to support students. Your tuition and campus fees have paid for these services, and staff in these offices consider helping students the main focus of their jobs. There will be few other times in your life where help will be so readily available, so take advantage!
- The Center for Academic Excellence is where you can find academic advisors for first year and transfer students. They can answer questions about 4-year plans as well as deadlines for course registration, add/drop, and withdrawal.
In addition, the Center has a free, full-service tutoring center for a variety of subjects; appointments can be made to suit your schedule.
- Department-specific tutoring is offered for some subjects at set dates and times:
- Accounting
- Biology
- Chemistry (by faculty and by upper-level students from the AXE organization)
- Math
- Faculty office hours exist specifically for your individual questions. See your course syllabus for hours you can drop by your professor/instructor’s office. Whether you need help with an assignment, have a question, or just want to introduce yourself, stopping by office hours is a great way to do it.
- If your major is in the field of Science or Mathematics, you may be eligible for STEM Talent Expansion Programs (STEP). They can provide additional academic advising support and tutoring. Check out the website for more information.
- Student Access and Disability Services can help arrange accommodations for permanent or temporary disabilities, both inside and outside of the classroom.
- The Writing Center assists students in getting started with, editing, or figuring out citations for a paper.
- The Research Assistance Program at the library provides 1-on-1 assistance with a reference librarian to help find appropriate resources for papers or presentations.
- If you are considering attending graduate school after Truman, you may be eligible to apply for the McNair Program. It provides academic and social support and removes barriers from graduate degree attainment for first-generation, income-eligible, and underrepresented minority students. For more information about the McNair Program, contact Jeremy Freese.
- The Financial Aid Office (McClain Hall 103) can answer questions about loans, renewing your scholarships, filling out your FAFSA, or setting up a payment plan.
- Student Accounts (McClain Hall 105) staff can help you understand or pay your bill, process any financial aid refunds, and answer questions about payment due dates.
- TruPositions is the place to find a work-study job or other campus employment.
First-Gen Luncheon
- A welcome and meet & greet for first-generation students, staff, and faculty to get together and celebrate the beginning of a new academic year. Join us on August 17th at 12 PM in the Alumni Room of the SUB!
First-Gen College Celebration (FGCC) Week
- FGCC is a national annual celebration to raise awareness of first-generation college students and celebrate their unique experiences and accomplishments. FGCC strives not only to celebrate first-gen students’ contributions to their communities but also to occasion systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success. Truman has a week’s worth of activities and events to celebrate our first-gen community on campus #CelebrateFirstGen
Community Building Events
- Throughout the academic year, student organizations and programs host events that highlight the first-gen experience and provide opportunities for community building. Past events have included bonfires and hot chocolate, Esports game night, Sunday dinners, vision board and crafts, and movie nights.
Graduation Celebration
- To celebrate the immense accomplishments of our graduating first-gen students, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion hosts a graduation celebration event that shines a spotlight on graduating seniors across campus. Graduating students receive their cords, stoles, and medals to showcase and celebrate their identities and academic achievements.
- University Counseling Services can help students manage stress, discuss a range of adjustment or relationship issues, or consult regarding concerns for other students.
- The Student Health Center can provide immunizations or allergy injections, reproductive health services, and general medical treatment for illnesses or injuries.
- The Student Rec Center offers free group exercise classes and health assessments, manages intramural sports competitions, and even offers low-cost personal training sessions for students.
- The Center for Diversity and Inclusion provides academic and cultural programming to help foster an environment of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice.
- The Center for International Students hosts a number of campus events each year to create meaningful interaction across cultures.
- Whether you want to get involved with student organizations, community service, or find out about events across campus, the Union & Involvement Services is a great resource!
- Center for First-Generation Student Success– National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
- First in the Family
- I’m First!
