First-Gen Students

Whatever you’re navigating, you don’t have to do it alone. Meet one-on-one with our coordinator for first-generation student initiatives, who will listen, support you and connect you with resources.

Take part in financial wellness workshops that build confidence in managing money and career readiness workshops that strengthen skills like goal-setting, public speaking and networking for life after UMD. More information is available below.

These workshops are also part of The Blueprint: Designing Life for College and Beyond, the Thrive Center’s educational series designed to help students build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in college and beyond. Explore The Blueprint.

First-Generation Student Association (FGSA): The First-Generation Student Association (FGSA) is a student leadership organization that supports the transition and success of first-generation students. Open to all UMD students, the group builds community and offers leadership opportunities while being hosted within the Honors College.

First-Gen Connections: These casual gatherings connect first-gen students with faculty and staff for conversations, resources and community-building. Colleges across campus will host events to create welcoming spaces and foster connection.

National First-Generation Celebration Day: Each year on (and around) November 8, UMD joins institutions nationwide in celebrating First-Generation College Celebration Day. Our campus hosts a week of events to highlight the contributions and accomplishments of first-gen students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Tri-Alpha Honor Society: The Nu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) is UMD’s first honor society for first-gen students. Tri-Alpha recognizes academic excellence and leadership, while offering mentorship, professional development and a lifelong community. Open to undergraduate students with 30+ earned credits and a 3.2+ GPA and graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni who identify as first-generation.