unh trailblazers
First-generation college student: an individual, neither of whose parents completed a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to the age of 18 did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.*
What is a Trailblazer? We celebrate every single first-gen student at UNH as a Trailblazer: someone who is the first to make their own way through a new experience. * We are looking into expanding the definition of first-gen college to include international students and those whose parents may have earned a four-year degree but in a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
In August 2024, UNH was welcomed into the FirstGen Forward Network. Being a part of the FG Network cements our commitment to serving first-generation college students and provides UNH with a vast network of higher education institutions across the country with the same goal. One out of every five undergraduate students on the Durham campus is first-generation college. That number rises to 41% on the Manchester campus and 43% in the College of Professional Studies Online. Being first in one’s family to earn a bachelor's degree means something different to each person and is only one facet of their identity---many students don’t even realize that they are first-generation college, or may not strongly identify with it, and that’s okay, too. At UNH we embrace the whole student, and we want to ensure that every student on campus feels comfortable, valued, and has all the tools to thrive and reach their academic, personal, and professional goals. First-generation college students sometimes don’t have the same social network or college culture knowledge that continuing-generation college students have. We want to make sure that every student is confident about starting college and learns about all the resources and opportunities available to them as they go through their UNH journey.
We are building a community and an identity around first-generation college students. Here are some ways UNH is doing this:
- A UNH Trailblazers Canvas ‘course’ that is a repository of helpful information and source for hearing about events, activities, and opportunities geared toward first-gen college students (A reference site, no assignments or grades)
- A campaign to identify faculty, staff, and administrators who are first-gen college themselves and who may post a “Proud First-Gen” sticker on their door or laptop, or in their syllabus, to let students know they too have walked that path. Faculty and Staff, fill out the survey here: Voluntary Self-Identification as First-Gen College
- The presentation of First-Gen Medallions for graduating seniors at The Beauregard Center for Equity, Justice, and Freedom's Celebration of Achievement and Excellence Graduation Celebration each May
- Coordination of program activities and opportunities across campuses and modalities that offer first-gen college students scholarships for experiential learning like study abroad/study away, Semester in the City, Semester of Impact or other high impact experiences, as well as recognition and prize money for creative ideas like the E-Center Challenge, or leadership opportunities within Student Activities or our Colleges
-
Library Guides for students and for faculty that contain book titles and resources to support first-generation college students. Dive in!
-
Establishment of a chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honor Society for first-generation college students. We did it! UNH has the first Tri-Alpha Chapter in New Hampshire! UNH Durham's chapter is Lambda Omega and the College of Professional Studies' Chapter is Mu Theta. More info about inductions after the new year!
We hope to expand our offerings and opportunities as we grow. We will always celebrate November 8 – National First-Generation College Celebration Day! Are you a Trailblazer? Students: Let us know!
UNH Trailblazers
In Summer 2023, the Institute for Student Success used donor funds to run an early arrival program designed to help Wildcats who are first in their family to attend a 4-year university transition smoothly from high school to UNH. Students got exposure to campus culture, residential life, academic skills, support resources and everything else to be successful at UNH. Participants learned how to decipher their financial aid package and find a campus job, meet one-on-one with their academic advisor and enjoy fun, no-pressure socials with peers and some current UNH student mentors!
These Trailblazers entered their fall term with confidence, a network of support, a strong foundation for success and $500 for books over the academic year. By establishing relationships, building academic success skills, and learning about the UNH campus and Durham community students started their UNH journey on strong footing to accomplish their academic and career goals. Although we don't have staffing to continue this early arrival program specifically, UNH's CONNECT early arrival program is for students from underrepresented or marginalized groups and serves the same purpose--to gain familiarity with campus, build community among peers, and get to know staff and faculty prior to classes starting. The program is free, and run out of The Beauregard Center.
While UNH Trailblazers is not a 'program' or a club/organization, it is the beginning of building a broad community of first-gen students, with first-gen faculty, staff, and administrators cheering you along the way. Look for "Proud First-Gen" logos in email signatures, and the stickers on doors, laptops, water bottles, and name badges of your peers and people who work at UNH. We all want you to know "You've got this" and we've got your back.
First-Generation College Celebration
The 2024 First-Generation College Celebration Week included events such as a panel of graduate students in "I'm the First in My Family: First-Generation UNH Graduate Experience", a First-Gen Study Abroad/Away Info Session, a Faculty/Staff Professional Development Live Webinar "Lunch and Learn: Supporting First-Gen Students", the Student Financial Services "Wheel of Financial Literacy: Tips to 'Aid' You event, Health & Wellness's "Empowered by Vision: Creating a Visual Tool for Inspiration and Motivation and Success" in addition to our culminating event on Friday, November 8th in MUB 334/336 from 2-4 PM featuring President Elizabeth Chilton speaking about her first-gen experience, two first-gen students, senator Maggie Hassan and reps of our other state legislators, and a fun Goosechase activity, all accompanied by food/beverages and Giveaways! Departments across campus came together to provide this engaging content.
This event is made possible by the amazing volunteers of the First-Gen Celebration Planning Committee offering their time, expertise, and creative ideas, and the financial support of the McDonough Family Program Fund.
The First-Generation College Celebration is a wonderful opportunity to hear from first-gen UNH students. This year, Mauricio Fridlund and Khushi Patel shared their experiences and insights to success at UNH. Here's a group of students with President Chilton and Senator Maggie Hassan!
