Welcome First-Generation Students!

What does it mean to be #UofMFirstGen?

"First-Generation" is a term used to identify an undergraduate or graduate student whose biological parents or guardians have not earned a college degree at the undergraduate (bachelor) or graduate level (master's or doctorate) within the United States. There are thousands of students at the University of Memphis who are the first generation in their family to attend college, and many of the UofM's faculty and staff are #firstgenmem too including our very own President. Being a first-gen student means that you have an outstanding opportunity to write your own story, create your own community, and thrive here at the UofM! To do so, it is important that you take advantage of the supportive resources and programs provided to you at no cost.

Our mission is to provide individual and collective support to all First-Generation students across campus through holistic coaching and counseling. The OFGSS serves as an info hub to connect first-gen students & their families to all campus resources & departments. Other efforts and activities include 1:1 mentoring, leadership development, career planning, financial aid opportunities, special events, and the tools for students to achieve their personal and academic goals, all while fostering a sense of belonging on campus.

FirstGen Forward recently announced the University of Memphis as one of fourteen (14) institutions of higher education selected to its inaugural class of FirstGen Forward Network Champions. Network Champion institutions are an exclusive group serving as national leaders in advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to an important knowledge base of evidence-based practices, leadership engagement, and scaling student supports.

OFGSS Career Closet

To visit the OFGSS Career Closet, current UofM students must schedule an appointment. The Career Closet is open weekdays from 8:30-3:30 by appointment only. If you have an immediate need, please email firstgen@memphis.edu. .

Join our Peer Mentor Program

Need help navigating campus, choosing a major, or just need someone to talk to who has been through the same journey as a first-gen student?  Click the link below to sign up to be matched with one of our Office of First Gen Student Success peer mentors.  Find the information and the help that you need through 1:1 peer mentoring sessions that cover any and everything from classes and scholarships to on-campus jobs and career planning.

Faculty/Staff First-Gen Champions

If you’re a faculty or staff member who was a first-generation student, we want to hear from you! Fill out the information in our form to be considered a resource for our first-generation tigers, to share your own experiences as a first-generation student, and have the opportunity to be featured on our social media! Follow us on Instagram at @UofMFirstGen. For more information contact firstgen@memphis.edu.