First-Generation Students

Strengths & Challenges of First-Gen Students

About 27% of UMTC undergraduate students identify as first-gen (over 8,000 students). First-generation students bring many strengths to campus while also experiencing challenges. 

Strengths 

• Resourcefulness, persistence, and adaptability
• Motivation to give back and create opportunities for family and community
• Resilience in overcoming systemic and institutional barriers
• Unique perspectives and problem-solving mindset

Challenges

• Less familiarity with higher education norms (e.g., “hidden curriculum,” advisor roles, navigating bureaucracy)
• Lower social capital and limited access to campus networks
• Financial constraints, work responsibilities, and pressure to contribute to family
• Imposter syndrome, sense of not belonging, and internalized doubts
• Balancing multiple roles (e.g., caregiving, jobs, student)
• Uncertainty about resources, options, and how to leverage support 

Tips for Advising

As advisors work with first-gen students, it’s helpful to remember they are not a monolithic group. Each student's background, motivations, strengths, and challenges differ. Here are some evidence-informed advising strategies:

Foster Trusting Relationships and Belonging

• Use empathetic, inquisitive questioning to get to know students’ backgrounds and goals
• Encourage identity development: Help students integrate their backgrounds and values into their college experience
• Normalize uncertainty, struggles, and seeking help

Promote Agency, Self-Advocacy, and Goal Setting

• Ask “what matters to you?” before discussing solutions
• Break big goals into manageable steps
• Encourage the use of organization tools (planners, checklists, process maps)

Demystify Institutional Systems and Processes

• Explain jargon, acronyms, timelines, resources, and hidden rules
• Show how to use campus tools
• Share opportunities (e.g., scholarships, campus programs, student organizations) that might not be obvious

Encourage Holistic Wellbeing & Resilience 

• Ask about stressors (e.g., financial, family, health) and refer to campus support
• Promote self and community care; encourage boundaries and healthy habits
• Celebrate progress and wins, big or small