First-Gen Forward
The term “first-generation college student” means different things to different people. Here at Ohio State, our definition refers to students whose parents have not completed a four-year degree. (Even if your siblings went to college!)
Being a first-gen student is something to be proud of! There are a lot of other students, as well as many staff members and faculty, on campus who are also first-gen. We’re glad you’re here!
For additional information about programs and services, please contact studentlife@osu.edu.
First-Gen Empowerment Series
If you are new to Ohio State, or even if you have been here for a while, you might be both excited and a bit overwhelmed with all the new experiences that college offers.
The First-Gen Empowerment Series is offered on the 1st floor of the Ohio Union. Sessions are held 7:30–8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Many sessions are approved for First Year Success Series and STEP Professional Development Co-Curriculars.
Spring 2025 Meeting Dates
March 19 – It’s Time to Pick Classes Again Already? Choosing Courses, Majors, and MinorsMarch 26 – From Surviving Class to Thriving in Class: Learning, Studying, and Academic Support
April 2 – Who Am I? An Exploration and Celebration of Personal Identity
April 9 – Mastering Your Mental Health
April 16 – The Final Stretch of the Semester: Preparing for Finals
Resources and Support
When you're the first in your immediate family to work toward a four-year degree, you might realize that there are some things you “didn’t know that you didn’t know” because there was no one to guide you. Ohio State has many resources that can help first-gen college students (and continuing-generation students too) learn new skills to help you thrive in college.
Buckeyes First
Buckeyes First supports first-generation student success by providing access, information, and education to Buckeyes who are first-gen students. Services include:
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Buckeyes First Living-Learning Community — Provides first-gen students with the opportunity to build a deeper sense of community with others who hold this same identity in a campus residential setting
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Kessler Scholar Program — Provides first-gen students a $2,000 experiential learning scholarship; advising and coaching support; academic, professional, and leadership development; financial aid assistance and resources; and contact with program staff for referral and coordinated care with campus partners.
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Buckeyes First Scholars Program — Supports first-gen student success across their entire academic journey through:
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Success coaching, workshops, social events, tutoring, and supplemental instruction
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Contact with program staff for referral and coordinated care with campus partners
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An early arrival program
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Student Organizations
Student orgs for first-gen college students include:
College Knowledge
First Year Experience
The First Year Experience (FYE) website provides a glossary of terms to know, FAQs for first-year students, and helpful resources for first-year students.
Dennis Learning Center
The Dennis Learning Center (DLC) offers courses, coaching, workshops, videos, and online resources designed to help foster student success.
DLC offers free one-on-one academic coaching appointments for Ohio State students. Trained in learning and motivation strategies, Academic Coaches help students examine academic strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies that lead to success.
DLC offers 7 elective courses, which include: Online Learning Strategies and Skills; Learning and Motivation Strategies for College Success; Critical Thinking and Collaboration in Online Learning; Student Tech for Academic Success; Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner; Academic Success Strategies for International Students; and Procrastinate No More!
DLC offers workshops for First Year Success Series, STEP, and by request.
Check out DLC's online resources and the DLC YouTube channel for helpful resources on topics such as managing stress, time management, avoiding procrastination, note-taking techniques, study tips, test-taking strategies, and more.