Adjusting to campus life can bring nerves and uncertainty for any new college student, but first-generation students can experience some unique challenges.
“I felt like I didn’t really have anyone to talk to,” said Alex Newnes, a junior Kent State University student from Willoughby, Ohio. “Just finding a group on campus was something I was struggling to find.”
Newnes is not alone. About 40% of Kent State’s student population identifies as first-generation, meaning their parents or guardians have not completed a four-year degree, said Melanie Jones, senior director of student success programs.
“I think one of the most common challenges first-generation students experience is learning to navigate an environment that often assumes students already understand how college works,” Jones said. “There are so many aspects of the college experience that may be unfamiliar, from understanding financial aid and academic advising to knowing how to engage with faculty, pursue internships or access support services.”
To help first-generation students like Newnes feel supported and connected, Kent State is holding its annual I AM FIRST Week Nov. 2-6. Events will give first-generation students time to connect with other students and staff members, embrace their first-generation identity and learn more about resources available to them.
This year’s theme is "Resources, Connections and Celebrating First-Gen Success," Jones said.
“I think having an entire week dedicated to celebrating first-generation students is incredibly significant because it allows us to intentionally recognize their experiences, accomplishments and contributions to our university community,” Jones said. “We want students to feel proud of their first-generation identity, but we also want them to know that they are not navigating their college journey alone.”
Student Support Programs Are Tops in the Nation
For Sean Poindexter, a sophomore first-generation student from Washington, D.C., learning how to make friends in a new state was a challenge he felt unprepared for.
“It's pretty different because people [back home] don't really have the information for me,” Poindexter said. “I will most likely have to come get it from somebody at school.”
Luckily, Kent State offers a variety of resources for first-generation students like Newnes and Poindexter. Both students touted the communities and assistance programs available in University College and the Center for Undergraduate Excellence.
“I think Kent does a really good job with supporting first-gen students,” Newnes said. “I Am First Week has been very helpful to feel supported and seen on campus.”
Poindexter credited the CommUNITY Lab for helping him make friends and build connections on campus. He went on a retreat with other students in the program at Hiram House Camp, he said.
“They provide a kind of sense of family,” Poindexter said. “I met a lot of people that I'm still friends with to this day.”
The CommUNITY Lab is a college transition program offering support to students in five college access programs: DC-CAP, I Promise Scholars, Say Yes Cleveland, Upward Bound and First Star.
The program has been nationally recognized by NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education – earning Gold in the Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice, and related category and the overall Grand Gold. The NASPA awards recognize programs that are transforming higher education through outstanding services and effective administration.
First-Generation Resources Are Available Year-Round
For Newnes, the Exploratory Mentor program helped her navigate the feelings and questions she was having as a first-year student. The mentors, current students who used to be Exploratory students, meet one-on-one with first-year Exploratory students to offer advice and help connect them with resources on campus.
“I got to talk with all of them, which was a big help being able to get different sides of things,” Newnes said.
Newnes, now an integrative studies major, currently serves as an exploratory mentor. She is excited to connect students to the same programs and resources that once helped her.
“Now seeing the community we’ve built … it’s a big full-circle moment for sure,” Newnes said.
Jones is proud that Kent State provides robust resources for first-generation students year-round, noting that the university has been nationally recognized as a First Gen Network Champion by FirstGen Forward.
“We recognize that student success requires ongoing, intentional support throughout a student's college journey,” Jones said. “We have a variety of programs and resources available within the Kent State community, including academic advising, tutoring, TRIO Student Support Services, career development and basic needs assistance.”
I Am First Week events include:
Monday, Nov. 2:
- Flashes 101 Instructors Talk First Gen Workshop, a virtual workshop for staff and faculty on supporting first-year, first-generation students, 12-1 p.m.
- I AM FIRST Gen Night: Women’s basketball home opener vs. Troy, 6 p.m. at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, honoring first-generation students during the game.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
- It’s Sweet to be First Gen: Celebration for Sciences & Humanities first-gen students, 1-3 p.m. in the Integrated Sciences Building main lobby, with Insomnia Cookies, hot chocolate and a photo with Flash. The first 100 students get shirts, and graduating students receive a first-generation graduation cord.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
- First-Gen Data Party: Session for staff and faculty on using institutional data tools to address equity gaps, 9-11:30 a.m. in the Moulton Hall Ballroom.
- First-Gen Fuel Up: Event for students, staff and faculty with campus resources, music, snacks and free T-shirts, 4-6 p.m. in Kent Student Center Room 218.
Thursday, Nov. 5
- Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Career-prep workshop for first-generation business students, 1-3 p.m. in the Brinzo Entrepreneurial Lab, Crawford Hall. Students can connect with upperclassmen, alumni and employers.
Friday, Nov. 6
- Connections & Conversations with First-Gen Friends: Updates on I AM FIRST initiatives, a student panel, roundtable discussions and a preview of Spring 2027 plans, 1-2:30 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom Balcony.
