You have now learned the steps to take to help you successfully navigate the U and become a successfull first-gen student.

You now able to:

• demonstrate a basic understanding of university terminology, structure, & processes
• locate University resources & understand self-advocacy strategies
• identify opportunities to build a supportive communityService areas

Additional Resources

Academic Success Centers provide a variety of services to help you succeed. You can find tutors for your courses, participate in academic skills coaching, or locate support with writing, research, media projects, and more.

Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE, pronounced em-kay) aims to provide resources to empower students to thrive academically and personally by fostering persistence, achievement, self-efficacy, and a deep sense of belonging.

Connecting with peers and participating in extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities can profoundly enrich your college journey. Extracurricular and experiential learning experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop essential skills, and build a strong network of support. Engaging in these opportunities can also boost your resume, enhance your personal growth, and open doors, and increase your chances of earning your degree. Whether you're interning, exploring a new culture, or joining a student organization, these experiences will help you discover your passions and shape your future.

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Making connections at university is key for both personal and professional development. It can lead to job opportunities, internships, mentorships, enhance learning experiences, and provide a strong support network throughout your academic career and beyond graduation.

Use resources

There are also numberous academic success resources available to you as well. These resources offer a wide range of services to help you succeed, including tutoring, academic skills coaching, writing support, and research assistance. Don't hesitate to take advantage of these services. 

Learn Canvas

Canvas is the learning managment system used at the U. Although all classes use Canvas, how courses are structured varies. Becoming familiar with the tool is important and can help you quickly adapt to differing class set-ups. 

A good place to start familiarizing yourself with Canvas is the 'Getting Started' page. 

Plan study time

At the U, new time management skills are needed. Unlike high school, where classes filled your day and teachers or family may have closely monitored your time, in college, you will have less in-class time, more outside of class work, with a lot of freedom and flexibility. A key part of managing your time is creating a study plan that supports your goals and priorities. 

Financial literacy

Creating a spending plan helps both your wallet and your wellness. When you learn about your finances early on, chances are you will have less financial difficulty and see benefits to your overall health.

You can learn more at Effective U's Managing your Finances, or by meeting with a Financial Counselor at One Stop.

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Imposter Phenomenon

Ever felt like you don't belong or that you're just "faking it" in college? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. This is something called the imposter phenomenon, and it is something that many students experience. 

However, feeling like an imposter is just your mind playing tricks on you. Always remember that you are here because you deserve to be here. Embrace your accomplishments and acknowledge your strengths daily.

Whenever you find yourself dealing with imposter phenomenon, University resources like counseling services and support groups can help you navigate these feelings.

Mental Health & Wellness

Your mental health is just as important as your academic success. College can be challenging, but remember, you are not alone. Whether you need someone to talk to, strategies for managing stress, or a safe space to unwind, there are numberous resources available on campus to support your wellbeing:

• Boynton mental health services

• Wellness workshops

• Boynton group therapy

These services are designed to help you thrive, both personally and academically. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength, so reach out, stay connected, and prioritize your wellbeing. 

Advocating for yourself is crucial, both in and out of the classroom. 

Advocating for yourself means speaking up for your needs, seeking help when you require it, and ensuring your voice is heard. Remember, you deserve to be here and your voice matters. 

• In class, ask questions, participate in discussions, and seek clarification on assignments. 

• Outside of class, take advantage of campus resources like office hours, advising, tutoring, and counseling services. 

Building the communication skills needed to effectively advocate for yourself not only helps you succeed academically, but also prepares you for life beyond college. 

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Dates & Deadlines 

Staying on top of important dates and deadlines is one of your keys to success during college. Make it a habit to regularly check both of these resources. They are your roadmap to a fulfilling and well-organized college experience!! 

• The University’s Academic Calendar helps you keep track of important dates like class registration deadlines, final exam periods, and holiday breaks, ensuring you are always prepared and never caught off guard. 

• The University’s Events Calendar keeps you in the loop with exciting campus activities, workshops, and other networking opportunities, which can help you get involved and build valuable connections. 

This center is dedicated to supporting first-gen students like you with a variety of resources and activities designed to enhance your college journey. 

Launched in Fall 2024, the First-Gen Student Success Center is a new, vital resource created to empower first-generation undergraduate students. By offering tailored activities and events, specialized support, and a welcoming and inclusive environment, the Center promotes academic success and personal growth. Its mission is to provide first-gen students with the tools, mentorship, and encouragement they need to navigate their educational journey with confidence. The Center is committed to furthering a vibrant campus community where every first-gen student can thrive, reach their fullest potential, and celebrate their unique contributions.

MK/FG Student Lounge

The First-Gen Center is excited to offer two great spaces designed to support and empower our first-gen students!Our shared lounge, in partnership with the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE), located in 27 Appleby Hall, is a welcoming place to relax, study, and connect with fellow students. Open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, it’s stocked with snacks and other helpful resources to make your day a little brighter. This space is the perfect spot to recharge and focus on your goals. Open to all students across campus.
We’re also delighted to announce the completion of renovations for our new office space in 227 Appleby Hall! This dedicated space will house our full-time professional staff and part-time student employees, creating a hub for First-Gen student support. 

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Here are a few of the most important processes to understand as a college student. As you look over these processes, you may want to refer to our acronyms and definitions guide to understand the lingo that is used at the University.