UNH Trailblazers

First-generation college student: an individual, neither of whose parents completed a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to the age of 18 did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.

One out of every five undergraduate students on the Durham campus is first-generation college. That number rises to 43% on the Manchester campus and 69% in the College of Professional Studies Online. Being first in one¡¯s family to earn a bachelor's degree means something different to each person and is only one facet of their identity---many students don¡¯t even realize that they are first-generation college, and that¡¯s okay, too. At UNH we embrace the whole student, and we want to ensure that every student on campus feels comfortable, valued, and has all the tools to thrive and reach their academic, personal, and professional goals. First-generation college students sometimes don¡¯t have the same social network or college culture knowledge that continuing-generation college students have. We want to make sure that every student is confident about starting college, knows about all the resources and opportunities available to them as they go through their UNH journey.

We are building a community and an identity around first-generation college students. Here are some ways we are doing this:

• A UNH Trailblazers Canvas ¡®course¡¯ that is a repository of helpful information and source for hearing about events, activities, and opportunities geared toward first-gen college students (A reference site, no assignments or grades)
• A campaign to identify faculty, staff, and administrators who are first-gen college themselves and who may post a ¡°Proud First-Gen¡± sticker on their door or laptop, or in their syllabus, to let students know they too have walked that path. Fill out the survey here: Voluntary Self-Identification as First-Gen College
• Coordination of program activities and opportunities across campus that offer first-gen college students prizes, scholarships for experiential learning like study abroad or other high impact experiences

We hope to expand our offerings and opportunities as we grow. We will always celebrate November 8 ¨C National First-Generation College Celebration Day! Are you a Trailblazer?? Let us know!?