F1rst Gen On the Hill
We are glad you are here to Climb With Us! As a first-generation student, you are already demonstrating your resilience and resourcefulness, but we all know the climb can be steep. Think of the resources and engagement opportunities on this page as climbing tools that can help you reach the Top and benefit you even after graduation.
Are you F1rst Gen?WKU defines first-generation as “neither parent graduated from a traditional four-year college.” It does not mean that you are the first one in your family to attend college. In addition, a student is considered "first generation" if their parents graduated with an associate's degree (two-year degree), attended college but did not graduate, or had a sibling graduate with a bachelor's degree. About 30% of WKU undergraduate students are first-generation. (The chart shows data for 2022.) Additional details are available in the downloadable/printable fact sheets, below. First Gen Fact Sheet 2022 First Gen Fact Sheet 2023
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Attendance at events in the Make It Count (M.I.C.) series counts toward eligibility
for a scholarship drawing. Qualifying events provide the opportunity to develop professionalism, self-advocacy,
and socialization skills. A variety of events presented across campus are qualified to help you earn MIC credit.
Events that are open to any student are shown on this page. In addition, attendance at some events presented by your
college, department, or other program that are intended to benefit specific groups of students (for example: certain majors) may count toward scholarship drawing eligibility even
though they are not listed on this page. Watch for the F1rst Gen QR code to register your attendance at events! Attend at least 3 events to be entered in a $250 scholarship drawing. |
Upcoming Events
Our last event of the semester is a wrap! We had a great time meeting and learning more about first-gen students. The Make It Count Scholarship winners have all been contacted: eight students received $750 or $250 scholarships. We are thrilled to invest in these students!
You can see event highlights on Instagram @iamfirst_wku Join the conversation by sharing your successes and advice.
We look forward to seeing you in the fall!
For more events and items of interest to F1rst Gen students, follow us on Instagram |
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First-Gen High School Summer CampFor high school students who will be first generation college students. Camp is FREE and will be from June 2-5. More information and link to interest form is on the camp webpage. |
SpreadtheWord! |
F1RST Gen Living Learning CommunityThis LLC is for incoming first-time, first-year WKU students. Students who are unsure of their major are preferred. More information and link to housing application is on the LLC webpage. |
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F1rst Gen AdvocatesWKU doesn't just have first-generation students, many of the faculty, staff, and alumni are also first-generation graduates and are committed to helping you succeed. You can meet advocates at events for first-generation students. You can also see a list of faculty and staff advocates. If you need to engage with a new program or build your network, there is an advocate who can help! |
F1rst Gen Student AmbassadorsHelp us spread the word and plan events- apply to be a F1rst Gen Student Ambassador! In addition to supporting first-generation students, ambassadors have opportunities for scholarships and engagement that can help with academic and professional goals. Application will be open through the end of the fall semester.
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What Does It Mean? Terms and Tips for F1rst Gen Students:
Terminology | Definitions and Tips |
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Provost | Chief academic officer of the university, Dr. Bud Fischer. Reports directly to the President. |
Faculty | University employees who teach classes. Tip: If in doubt, call them Professor. Call the Doctor if they have earned a Ph.D., Ed.D, or other doctoral level degree. |
Office Hours (aka Student Hours) | The time a faculty person sets aside to be available to students outside of class. Tip: Use office hours to get to know your professor. Don't wait until you have a problem! |
First-generation WKU Student | Neither parent/guardian has a four-year, or higher, college degree. |
Registrar | Maintains all academic records, current and past. |
College | There are five colleges within Western Kentucky University: PCAL, OCSE, CHHS, GFCB, and CEBS. |
Academic Standing | A "C" average (GPA 2.0) or better is required to be in "good" academic standing. Tip: Some programs require higher than "C" average. Aim high, especially in your major! |
Dean | The leader of a college. Also, Dean of Libraries and Dean of Students. |
Drop/Add | The time during the beginning of a semester when courses can be dropped or added without a penalty. |
Plagiarism | Presenting someone else's ideas as your own. Tip: Don't do it! |
Syllabus | A document that outlines the essential information about a college course. |
Student Ombuds Officer | An impartial point of contact for students who have questions about university policies. |
Let us know you are coming to an event, leave a comment, or join the contact list:
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