First Generation Students at UNG

First Generation Students

What Does it Mean to be First Generation?

It means that neither your parents/guardians or grandparents attended college and earned a four-year degree. Being a first generation college student means you are a trailblazer, a pioneer, and it is something to be proud of!

Being the first also means that you may experience challenges navigating college and its confusing roadmap of new terminology, processes and procedures.

First Generation Initiatives at UNG are designed to:

Provide safe environments for questions
Increase retention and graduation
Normalize experiences with first gen peers
Connect positive adult role models and mentors to students
Partner students with academic, social and financial supports
Create networking opportunities with community organizations

Mentoring Program Honor Society Resources & Events

Transcript

There's going to be times when you think you can't get through or you think that you won't be able to make it just because all the odds feel like they're stacked against you, but if you keep pushing and keep working hard you will have a feeling of accomplishment.

Laura Vinson

First Gen Student

Gen 1 Mentoring Program

UNG Gen 1 mentoring program, launched in 2020, connects first gen faculty and staff to first gen students for formalized mentoring relationships that meet at least once a month.

The program was founded on the Gainesville Campus in collaboration with Dean of Students, Dean of University College and Office of the Vice President, Gainesville Campus.

Apply Now! Students Faculty/Staff

How are Mentors and Mentees Matched?

preferences of student
common interests
degree paths or majors
availability
preferred methods to communication

dean of student affairs awarding student

Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society

Founded in 2018, Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society (Tri-Alpha) promotes academic excellence, provides opportunities for personal growth and leadership development as well as campus and community service for first generation college students.

First generation students seeking a bachelor’s degree, who have completed at least 30 semester hours and have at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale, are invited to join.

Additionally, faculty and staff of the institution who were first generation college students may also be inducted. Membership is for life, and dues are reasonable.

UNG is the first higher education institution in the state of Georgia to establish a chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha to support first generation students.

Available Resources

Prospective Nighthawks
Admissions for New Freshman

Schedule a Visit

DACA and Undocumented Students

Tuition and Fees

GAfutures

REACH GA Student Information

REACH GA Program Regulations

Current Nighthawks
Current Student Resources

Get Involved in Clubs and Student Organizations

What Does that Mean? College Terms to Know

Important Dates to Remember - Academic Calendar

Find a Job or Internship
Assistance with Classes and Professors

How to Register for Classes

Communication with Professors

Emailing Your Professors
Get Help Where You Need It

I Need Help! Care and Outreach Services

Live Well at UNG

Academic Help

Financial Well-being

Paying for College
Financial Aid

Scholarships

Nationally Competitive Scholarships

REACH Georgia

HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarship GPA Calculations

Choosing a Major
Take the Career and Degree Quiz

Degrees and Programs

Career Well-being

Events
Find a Campus Event

What's Happening at UNG

First Gen Events

UNG's Annual
Proud to be First Luncheon

is held in November during National
First Generation College Celebration Week.

Students are encouraged to achieve their goals
by awarding them financial support.

This event provides an opportunity for first generation students to
connect with other students and interact with first generation faculty and staff
as well as community leaders and alumni on their campus.