Supporting & Celebrating Your First Generation College Student

The University of Cincinnati is committed to recruiting a diverse and academically-talented undergraduate student population. First-generation students make up approximately 25% of our student body across all campuses. We have outlined resources below to help support your future Bearcat from the application process through graduation.

UC hosts a variety events and programs throughout the year to engage prospective and current students. Check out Bearcats Scholars: The Cincinnati Experience, an overnight visit opportunity for students of color and/or first-generation college students to meet other future Bearcats, experience our campus culture, and see what the Cincinnati area has to offer.

As a college student, one of the top factors in student success and progression toward their degree is the motivation and support of their family. With your ongoing encouragement and pride, they will soon be walking across that graduation stage. 

When students need support and they are not sure where to go, they often reach out to their family first. Parent & Family Programs is here to help you become a knowledgeable resource about navigating UC and the college experience. Reach out anytime!

As a family member, we are available year-round to answer questions, provide information, and help you provide the best possible support to your student. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Sign up for the UC Family Portal to receive ongoing campus updates on student life, support services, upcoming events and deadlines, family events, involvement opportunities, and more throughout the year. The platform allows you to customize your experience to be able to receive the types of information you want at the frequency that works best for YOU and your family. 
• Familiarize yourself with UC's student resources and services in place to support your Bearcat's experience both inside and outside the classroom. 
• Encourage your student to take advantage of all that UC offers and to build connections! In addition to getting involved and exploring their interests with clubs/organizations or outside-the-classroom programming, students can get to know faculty and staff. Connecting with peers and mentors on campus can help your student feel at home at UC, build a supportive network on campus, and maximize their experience.

• Express your support and encouragement to your student frequently. Motivation from family members is often cited by student as one of the more important factors in their persistence day-to-day. Show your Bearcat how confident you are they can be successful -- even when things get really hard, which they will. College is hard!
• Be honest with your student about your feelings and perspectives. An open dialogue is key for a successful family-student partnership.
• Have a conversation around college finances and be open about any financial contributions you may be able to make toward paying for college. Your student will be better positioned to prepare to pay for college if they have a realistic picture with all the accurate information.
• Explore our Family Guide series and talk with your student about situations they may encounter in college. Your opinion matters to them and they will look to you to help them navigate challenges they may encounter in college.
• Discuss your expectations of your student's contributions to life at home. Between balancing classes and engaging in student life, your Bearcat may have less time for family activities. When possible, try to be flexible and encourage them to prioritize college success.
• Many first generation students often feel guilty about being away from home. Encourage them to be excited about being here. Remind them of the value of a college education and what it means to you and your family.

• Visit UC! Whether you're attending one of our annual events or stopping by for a quick visit to see your student, we look forward to seeing you on campus. Your student will love to see you! And, when you're here, stop by Parent & Family Programs (Steger Student Life Center, Suite 630) to meet our staff and grab some fun giveaways!

UC offers a number of different support services and opportunities for first-generation students. Learn more about these programs below.

UC is committed to assisting your student throughout their college experience from application to graduation. We offer a wide range of resources to support and engage you and your family.

Academic Advising is provided to all students through our various academic colleges to help students navigate their academic journeys throughout the duration of their degree programs.  

Accessibility Resources provides students with disabilities the necessary accommodations and accessibility to our community and classrooms, both on campus and in our online spaces.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to students in times of need. UC CAPS offers a wide variety of mental health services and resources to support students. 

At UC, we understand that college is an investment in your future. Our Financial Aid office is here to ensure that our students are educated and have the resources to help make their education as affordable as possible.  

Working on campus is an excellent way to earn money while attending college. There are numerous positions available to both work study and non-work study students through our various offices and locations on campus.  Student jobs are posted on Handshake.

Keeping the families of our students connected with UC is an important piece to ensuring that students can navigate the UC experience successfully. Our office provide families with useful information and resources to help support your student in that journey.