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First-Generation Students

Students who are first in their families to attend college are known as "first-generation" students. At Miami, this highly-valued population includes students, faculty, staff, alumni, and those who identify as first-generation.

Miami’s First-Generation initiative seeks to build a community of first-generation college students and their allies while celebrating their resilience, tenacity, and achievements.

The Student Success Center serves as the home for first-generation students on Miami’s Oxford campus, providing holistic support and connecting them to resources such as mentoring, career exploration, and financial aid. The Miami Firsts student organization also calls the Oxford campus home.

Students on Miami’s Regional campuses can learn about resources and events on the Miami Regionals First-Gen website.

Celebrate First-Gen Students!

The achievements of Miami’s first-generation students are celebrated on November 8 as part of the National First-Generation College Celebration! Check out 2023’s exciting calendar of events below:

Monday, November 6

Breaking Barriers Speaker Series: First Jobs for First-Gen

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. • Armstrong Student Center, Room 1086

Are you a first-generation college student ready to explore your first professional job? Join the Center for Career Exploration and Success and the Miami Firsts student organization for an alumni panel of first-generation college students. Engage in a career conversation about how to manage your journey. Enjoy food, share experiences, seek advice, and network!


 Howe Writing Center Social Media Campaign 

Monday – Friday • Howe Writing Center website, Instagram, Facebook, and X

The Howe Writing Center will spotlight the first-generation college students on its staff during our National First-Generation College Celebration. Be sure to check out its website and social media channels to hear their stories. 

Tuesday, November 7

PROUDject First-Gen

11:45 a.m. – 1:40 p.m. • McGuffey Hall, Room 129

Come celebrate with food, art, and friends. Document your experience through live journaling and capture memories with our photo station. Showcase and define First-Gen with the College of Education, Health, and Society!


 

Wednesday, November 8

PROUDject First-Gen

11:45 a.m. – 1:40 p.m. • McGuffey Hall, Room 129

Come celebrate with food, art, and friends. Document your experience through live journaling and capture memories with our photo station. Showcase and define First-Gen with the College of Education, Health, and Society!


First-Generation College Student Resource Fair

12 – 3 p.m. • Armstrong Student Center, Atrium

Meet with Miami Firsts and First-Generation College Student allies in the Armstrong Student Center atrium. Get swag and treats while learning more about what it means to be a first-generation college student. Representatives from many offices on campus will also attend to share more about their services and resources.


Hamilton First-Gen Picture Day

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Schwarm Hall, ROSA Office 

Miami’s Regional Office of Student Activities and Orientation’s Orientation Coordinators (ROCs) and Leaders (ROLs) are excited to celebrate first-generation students, staff, and faculty. There will be a photo booth in the ROSA office with props and signs to highlight first-generation students on campus. All are welcome to attend.


Middletown First-Gen Picture Day

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Johnston Hall Main Hallway

Miami’s Regional Office of Student Activities and Orientation’s Orientation Coordinators (ROCs) and Leaders (ROLs) are excited to celebrate first-generation students, staff, and faculty. There will be a photo booth in Johnston Hall’s main hallway with props and signs to highlight first-generation students on campus. All are welcome to attend.


Regionals First-Generation Celebration

3 – 5:30 p.m. • Rentschler Hall, Room 114 (Hamilton campus)

The Regionals Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Miami University Upward Bound invite all staff, faculty, and students to join us in celebrating the resilience and achievements of first-generation college students at an evening of dinner, games, and community.


First-Generation College Student Group Photo

5:30 p.m. • Armstrong Student Center • Second Floor Seal

Before our First-Generation College Student Social, we will take a group photo on the Armstrong Seal. All first-generation students and their allies are welcome! 


First-Generation College Student Social

6 – 8 p.m. • Armstrong Student Center, Room 2030 (CSDI) 

Join Miami Firsts, the Student Success Center, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, and the Dean of Students for a reception celebrating first-generation college students and their allies. Enjoy food, games, and a photo booth. RSVP today so we can get an accurate head count for our food order.

Thursday, November 9

Navigating Imposter Syndrome as a First-Generation College Student

6 – 7:30 p.m. • Armstrong Student Center, Room 2030 (CSDI) 

Being the first in your family to go to college often comes with a steep learning curve. Then, when you get to college, you can experience feelings like not belonging, or that your success was a fluke. If you’re feeling these things, come to this discussion and workshop to talk about imposter syndrome amongst your peers. The Office of Student Wellness and the Miami Firsts student organization are here to tell you that you belong and your success is worthy and deserved!


 

Ally Information

Connect with first-generation faculty and staff and those who can understand the support you need to succeed.
Graduating students with first gen decorated on their mortarboards

First-Gen "Swag"

Show your pride and support for Miami's first-generation community with lapel pins, stickers, and clings. Visit the Student Success Center in room 112 of Nellie Craig Walker Hall to pick up your first-gen gear.
Stickers and pins saying Miami University First Generation

Student Organizations

Oxford Campus

Join Miami Firsts to connect with other first-generation students for mutual support, peer mentoring, and professional development opportunities. Learn more about Miami Firsts.

We also invite you to join the Facebook group of the Miami Firsts student organization. Learn how to get involved with this group of passionate and persistent achievers.

Hamilton Campus

Get involved in Fantastic Firsts, the first-generation student organization at the Regional campuses. Contact advisor Dr.Jerry Martin for more information and to learn about upcoming events.

Additional Resources

Student Success Center

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!

The Miami First-Generation Initiative is located in the Student Success Center (SSC), which helps students with everything from complex problems to simple solutions. From day one to year four, the SSC is available throughout students' Miami experience.

Feel free to call us anytime at 513-529-0007 or email us at firstgen@MiamiOH.edu.

Offices and Programs

Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
Learn about diversity and inclusion and discover resources to enhance academic and personal success at Miami.

Office of Parent and Family Programs
Parents and families are invited to engage as vital partners in their student's education, transitions, and personal growth.

Student and Family Resources
Miami has a variety of resources to help students with unexpected needs, writing assistance, tutoring, and more. Resources are also available for families, faculty, and staff to learn about and support first-generation students.