News & Views

MCAE experiences a transition in leadership

MCAE Director Fernie Rodriguez resigned Jan. 17, leaving the organization in a transition period.

By Natasha Delion

UMN’s “First Gen Proud” campaign hopes to expand efforts beyond First Gen Week

The campaign has raised visibility of the first-gen community on campus, but more is needed, university officials and students say.

By Elijah Awada

Upward Bound helps students discover their potential in college

The program helps many first-generation students succeed in college by developing educational skills and providing advice while they are still in high school.

By Amirah Razman

UMN First-Gen Institute’s microgrant program supports first-generation student initiatives

A March 19 event will honor the innovative work produced from three years of microgrants and explore funding opportunities for the future.

By Ariana Valentin

Who is excluded from being a “first-gen student”?

The University of Minnesota says a student is first generation if neither parent has a four-year degree, but some want the definition expanded.

By Jessy Rehmann

First-generation student enrollments vary across colleges

Low enrollments in CSE, Carlson and CBS can lead to challenging environments, some students say. 

By Gabriel Castilho

FAFSA delays disrupt financial planning for first-gen students

The University of Minnesota extended its confirmation deadline for the upcoming academic year, but the school’s financial aid office is still receiving concerned calls.

By Gabrielle Erenstein

First-Gen Connect empowers and assists students through graduate school

The program helps first-generation students connect with peers and develop skills for graduate school.

By Ben Wagner

Families First connects first-generation families to UMN

The annual fall program creates a support system for parents and families of first-generation students at the University of Minnesota.

By Fiona Curran

Direct Admissions Minnesota opens pathways for first-generation students to higher education — but not to the UMN’s flagship campus

The university has yet to join the growing state program that offers admission to promising Minnesota high school students without an application.

By Caleb Fravel

Breaking barriers for first-gen student access to mental health care

Options are available to support first-gen students on campus and elsewhere. Here are some resources.

By Hadeal Rizeq

International First-Gen at UMN
University of Minnesota sees rise in international first-generation students

The U’s international student population is yet to fully rebound after the pandemic; initiatives to aid international first-generation students are being proposed.

By Gabriel Castilho