First Generation Students

What does it mean to be First Generation, 1 Gen or First Gen?

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.

The First Generation Initiatives at UNG are designed to simplify that roadmap by creating strategic partnerships that will provide the necessary academic, social and financial supports to increase retention and degree completion by:

Normalizing experiences in college by meeting other first generation students
Providing a safe environment to ask questions and receive information
Providing connections to positive adult role models and mentors on campus
Creating networking opportunities with community organizations who support first generation students

group of students at gen 1 lunch in dahlonega

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

Student Resources for Success

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

Student Counseling - Nigel Cares

Tutoring Services

Get Help with Money

Paying for College

Financial Aid

Scholarships

REACH Georgia

HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarship GPA Calculations

Choosing a Major

Take the Career and Degree Quiz

Degrees and Programs

Events

Find a Campus Event

What's Happening at UNG

First Gen Events

Jun 22

GEN 1 MENTOR ANNUAL TRAINING

Gen 1 Mentoring Program

UNG Gen 1 is a mentoring program that connects first generation faculty and staff to first generation students for formalized mentoring relationships. The program launched fall 2020, and was founded on the Gainesville Campus in collaboration with Dean of Students, Dean of University College and Office of the Vice President, Gainesville Campus.

Mentors and Mentees meet once a month and have regular check-ins between meetings.

How are Mentors and Mentees Matched?

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

Apply Now! Students Faculty/Staff

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.

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.

Support our First Gen Students

First Gen Scholarship First Gen Student Fund