First Generation College Students

The term “First Generation College Student” means different things to different people. Here in the Student Life Center for Belonging and Social Change, our description includes students whose parents or other caregivers did not complete a four-year degree. (Even if your siblings went to college!)

Being the first in your family to attend college is something to be proud of! There are a lot of other students, as well as many staff and faculty, on campus who were also the first in their families to attend. We’re glad you’re here! 

Whether you are a new incoming student, returning for another year, or transferring in from another campus or university, the Student Life Center for Belonging and Social Change is here to offer you a home away from home. We host a variety of opportunities to get familiar with campus, connect with friends and other university resources, and develop strategies to thrive here at Ohio State and beyond!

For additional information about programs and services, please contact Ari Grubaugh.

First Gen Empowerment Series

If you are new to Ohio State, you might be both excited and a bit overwhelmed. If you have been here for a while you might be finding that there were some things you “didn’t know that you didn’t know.”

No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to go it alone! The Center for Belonging and Social Change hosts the First-Gen Student Empowerment Series, which offers weekly workshops designed to provide valuable information, be a caring resource, and grow your social network. Our primary focus is to empower you in continuing to achieve your goals!

Campus Coalition: First Gen Forward

The Student Life Center for Belonging and Social Change partners with students, other units within the Office of Student Life, First Year Experience (FYE), the Office of Student Academic Success (OSAS), and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) to celebrate and support the well-being and success of First-Generation college students at Ohio State.