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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. We even have a "Miami Firsts" student organization and a residential affinity community.
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 at Miami, providing holistic support and connecting them to resources such as mentoring, career exploration, and financial aid.
Learn about the Miami Firsts Student Affinity Community on the Community Options website.
Learn about additional resources and events on the Miami Regionals First-Gen website.
The achievements of Miami’s first-generation students are celebrated on November 8, 2022. Miami's First-Generation College Celebration day is part of the National First-Generation College Celebration, held annually to honor students who are first in their families to go to college. Explore the week’s schedule below:
8:00-9:00 a.m.; Benton Hall, Room 100 (1st Floor)
Share donuts, thoughts, and ideas about the College of Engineering and Computing with Dean Beena Sukumaran.
4:30-5:30 p.m.; Armstrong Student Center, C-Suite (3rd Floor)
Drop by to meet Okie, Student Counseling’s therapy dog! Meeting a therapy dog offers a chance for hugs, pets, and perhaps a doggy kiss. It promotes connection, stress relief, and support. Learn more about our other dog therapy events by chatting with Mary, our lead dog handler.
5:30-7:00 p.m.; Shriver Center, JDOL (1st Floor)
Finding Your Path will explore the career journeys of alumni and current Miami first-generation college students. Enjoy a meal, share experiences, seek advice, and network. This event is hosted by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion and the Center for Career Exploration and Success. RSVP today so we can get an accurate count for our food order.
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Nellie Craig Walker Hall, Room 112 (1st Floor)
Invited students are encouraged to stop by the Student Success Center to learn more about the Center, pick up their first-generation swag, and enjoy a treat that will satisfy their sweet tooth. Students may stay for as long or as short as their schedule will allow. Please note that this event is by invitation only.
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; McGuffey Hall, The Commons (2nd Floor)
Enjoy snacks at an open reception for first-generation college students. Also on display will be a media campaign highlighting first-generation staff and faculty in the College of Education, Health, and Society.
11:00-11:45 a.m. (session 1); 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (session 2); Armstrong Student Center, C-Suite (3rd Floor)
This lunch-and-learn workshop will empower first-generation college students by introducing them to resources from Rise First, a national organization that Miami almna Ramune Bartuskaite '14 helped build in her role as Chief Creative Director. She currently sits on this non-profit’s board. Sponsored by the Miami Alumni Association, participants will be treated to a salad bar, cookies, and refreshments. The workshop is capped at 30 participants. RSVP today.
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Schwarm Hall, ROSA Office
Miami’s Regional Office of Student Activities & 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.
12:00-3:00 p.m.; Armstrong Student Center, Lobby
Meet with Miami Firsts in the lobby of the Armstrong Student Center. Get swag and treats while learning more about what it means to be a first-generation college student. Representatives from Libraries (12-1:30 p.m.), Education Abroad (12-2 p.m.), Student Financial Aid (12-3 p.m.), and the SEAL Ambassadors (1:30-3 p.m.) will also be at the table.
1:00-3:00 p.m.; Psychology Building, Lobby
Join first-generation Psychology faculty and graduate students for great games and better conversation. Board games and simple refreshments will be provided.
6:00-7:30 p.m.; West Millett Hall Lawn
Sponsored by President Gregory P. Crawford and Renate Crawford, join us for a tailgate before the RedHawks’ nationally televised football game against Ohio. All first-generation students, faculty, staff, alumni, and allies are welcome. Weather permitting, the tailgate will be on the West Millett Lawn. Student admission to the tailgate and the game is free. Download your ticket now.
4:00-5:30 p.m.; Alumni Hall, Room 1
Join the Architecture and Interior department for a lecture by Miami alumnae Ramune Bartuskaite '14. She will speak about her experience as a first-generation college student and share advice that will empower current students to seize their futures.
5:00-6:00 p.m.; Farmer School of Business, Room 0028
6:00-7:30 p.m.; Emerson Hall, Basement
Join Miami Firsts, the Student Success Center and the Office of Residential Life for a reception celebrating first-generation college students and their allies. Enjoy dinner, games, and a photo booth. RSVP today so we can get an accurate count for our food order.
1:30-4:30 p.m.; Armstrong Student Center, 2030 (2nd Floor)
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.
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.
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.
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.
