First & Proud
Welcome First and Proud Chargers! Here at UAH, we consider you a first-generation student if neither of your parents completed a bachelor’s degree. About 1 in 7 UAH students will be the first in their families to graduate from college.
Being a first-generation college student is an achievement in and of itself — we hope to provide the tools and resources you need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
First Generation Student News
Meet More First-Gen Chargers
Many UAH students, faculty, staff, and alumni were the first in their families to attend college. Check out some of their profiles to hear stories on how they navigated higher education as well as gain some advice.
Mentoring
College can be overwhelming and tough to face alone. Mentoring is a great way to find support in navigating the ins and outs of what to do next. Plenty of programs here at UAH are here to help you get started on developing mentoring relationships. Explore our mentoring options in the links below.
Academic Support
Whether it’s tutoring, setting up disability accommodations, figuring out which classes to take, or ensuring that you’re staying on track for graduation, several areas on campus can support you academically. Have a look below.
Support First Generation Students at UAH
Would you like to support the success of first-gen students?
Give to the Honors First Generation Support Fund
Give to the McGlathery Trailblazer Fund
First-Generation Cords
We are proud to offer cords representing first-generation status at each commencement ceremony. The cords are blue and green, the blue representing the graduate's relationship with UAH, their alma mater, and the green symbolizing hope, growth, and strength.
The Academic Success Advocacy Program has a cord pick-up celebration each semester, but cords can also be picked up at their office in SSB 200.
Semester One Milestones to Aim For
I got involved by:
- Joining a student organization
- Signing up for an intramural sport
- Joining a faith organization
- Applying to be an Emerging Leader (applications due in August)
- Going Greek
- Other
I earned an estimated 3.0 or higher GPA at mid-term exams by:
- Using free tutoring through the Student Success Center
- Attending class and participating
- Meeting all deadlines
- Introducing myself to my faculty
- Setting Aside Multiple Hours of study time each week for each class
- Other:
- I completed my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application before December 1 and the UAH Competitive Scholarship Application by December 15 for priority consideration.
- Attended on-campus and part-time job fair during Week of Welcome
- I watched the video of how to use Schedule Planner, looked up my major pathway in the catalog, and preselected classes that interested me before meeting my advisor.
- I registered for spring classes when my registration window opened, to maximize my scheduling options.
15 weeks flew by. I took good care of myself by:
- Paying attention to healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise
- I made time to talk to family and friends from home while meeting new people.
- I listened to my own mind and body and reached out for help when I needed it.
Four-Year Milestones to Achieve
- Join a student organization
- Utilize Tutoring or Pass Services
- Apply for FAFSA and Scholarships
- Find someone that “knows you” - (Examples could be a mentor, faculty, Academic Success Advocate, ddvisor, etc.)
- If in need of a job, attend various job fairs hosted on campus and browsed Charger Path.
- Complete at least 30 credits.
- Sign up for Mentor-A-Charger through Career Services in the Fall.
- Update or create a resume
- Earn at least 60 credits
- Maintain a 3.0 or above.
- Apply for FAFSA and scholarships
- Sign up for Month of Externships in January
- Look into studying abroad
- Meet with an advisor to discuss degree progress and if undecided, pick a major.
- Look into leadership roles on campus
- Decide of graduate school is right for you (and if so, get in touch with Fellowship or Pre-Professional advising)
- Apply to internships, co-ops, or research opportunities.
- Maintain at least a 3.0 or above
- Apply for FAFSA
- Earn at least 90 credits.
- Finalize resume for post-college applications
- Apply for graduation
- Ask for letters of recommendations and references from faculty or mentors on campus.
- Complete 120 credits.
- CELEBRATE! You did it!