First-Generation College Students
The Academic Success Center is Georgia Southern University’s leader in First-Generation College Student initiatives. Together, we collaborate with our campus and community partners to provide support through academic and co-curricular programming for our First-Generation College Students. Our team works to support First-Generation College Student success, identify the needs of First-Generation College Students, and connect First-Generation College Students with their Georgia Southern peers, faculty, and staff.
Georgia Southern University defines first-generation college students as students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree.
Am I First-Gen?
Georgia Southern University defines first-generation college students as students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree.
Q: My parent(s) or guardian(s) started college or university but did not complete their degree.
A: The definition references students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree. If your parent(s) or guardian(s) took a few college classes or even completed community college (but not a 4-year college or university degree), you are still considered a first-generation college student (“first-gen”).
Q: My parent(s) attended a 2-year community college.
A: You are first-gen!
Q: My parent(s) or guardian(s) are attending college or university now.
A: You are first-gen!
Q: Other members of my family (step-parents, siblings, grandparents) completed a 4-year college or university degree.
A: If your parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, you are still considered first-gen.
First-Gen Forward
The Center for First-Generation Student Success®, created in a partnership between NASPA and
The Suder Foundation, exists to transform higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life.
First-Gen Forward is the nation’s first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success. The Center for First-Generation Student Success® recognizes institutions for their demonstrated commitment to advancing first-generation student success.
In 2022, Georgia Southern University joined the 2022-2023 First-Gen Forward Cohort.
First-Gen Forward Committee
Corine Ackerson-Jones, TRIO Student Support Services
Leslieann Harris, Academic Success Center
Dr. Nathan Palmer, Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Dr. Dominique Quarles, Inclusive Excellence
Issac Taylor, Student Support Programs
Jessica Williamson, Academic Success Center
Dr. Jennifer Zorotovich, School of Human Ecology
First-Gen Faculty and Staff at Georgia Southern
Student Resources
Campus Resources
- Academic Success Center
- Counseling Center
- Dean of Students Office
- Financial Aid
- McNair Scholars Program
- Office of Career and Professional Development
- Office of Leadership and Community Engagement
- Office of Multicultural Affairs
- Office of Student Activities
- Open Educational Resources
- Student Accessibility Resource Center
- TRIO Student Support Services (Armstong/Liberty)
- University Libraries
Other Resources
Supporter Resources
Campus Resources
Other Resources
Faculty and Staff Resources
Campus Resources
Other Resources
Last updated: 3/21/2023