About

Are you a first-generation college student?

Simply put, are you the first person in your family to go to college?

At the University of Mississippi, we are committed to helping our first-generation college student community thrive. The term ‘‘First Generation College Student” means—

(A) An individual whose parents/guardians did not complete a four-year degree;
(B) In the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent/guardian, an individual whose only such parent/guardian did not complete a four-year degree;
(C) An individual who does not know the status of parent/guardian’s educational attainment.

First-Gen Student Network 

If you identify as a first-generation college student, you are invited to be a part of the First-Generation Student Network! Throughout the semester, the Network hosts events and shares resources catered to the first-gen experience. You can learn more about the First-Generation Student Network through the FORUM. The FORUM is your place to discover opportunities at Ole Miss. You can also find information about events, service activities and student organizations.

Come get to know other first-gen students on campus and learn from first-gen alumni. Instagram: @firstgen_network

First-Generation Events

Each year the University hosts two signature events to celebrate the accomplishments of our first-generation students. On November 8, the university recognizes the annual First-Generation College Celebration day. Each spring, we celebrate the accomplishments of graduating first-generation students at the First-Gen Evening of Excellence.

Email Signatures

The University of Mississippi is home to many first-generation students, faculty, and staff while others are supporters of first-generation students.

Do you want to signal your first-generation status to demonstrate your connection with other first-gen community members at UM? First-generation Students, Graduate Students, Faculty, and Staff are encouraged to add a digital sticker below their email signature, such as:

Download the digital sticker for: Students, Grad Students, Faculty, or Staff. (To download, click the appropriate link, right-click the image, and click “Save As.” Once you have saved the image to your files, add it to your email signature by accessing your email account settings.)

Contact Information

 If you would like to know more about our ongoing efforts to support First-Generation College students, please contact: Dr. Ashleen Williams amwill17@olemiss.edu