First Forward >>>
Supporting first-gen students in OSU’s College of Health
We’ve got you.
What does it mean to be first-gen? It means you’re out ahead and leading the way. It means you’ve put yourself out there and have the work ethic, grit, determination, courage and dream for your future that it takes to be a successful college student.
We respect your effort and commitment to your education and know that as a first-gen student, the college experience hits a bit differently. You may have faced, and still face, unique challenges and barriers, which can feel frustrating and sometimes isolating.
We mean it when we say, “You’re not alone.” You belong in our college, and our mission is to help smooth your way and support you and your academic success!
What is first-gen?
A common definition is a college student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree in the United States. You’re still considered first-gen if your parent/guardian(s) have some college experience but did not complete their degree, and if your sibling completed a college degree.
Numbers
- ~26% of College of Health students are first-gen.
- First-gen students make up approximately 56% of U.S. college undergraduates.
- ~25 faculty and staff in the College of Health are first-gen.
Resources
- Join a College of Health club or organization.
- Find first-gen faculty and staff in the College of Health.
- Take advantage of OSU’s first-gen resources.
- Check out resources at OSU’s Basic Needs Center.
- Explore the national organization Rise First if you’re a first-gen, low-income student.