First-Generation Students
Going to college is a big deal. If it feels overwhelming at times, know this: you don’t have to go it alone. SUNY Geneseo is here to support you. You make our campus stronger.
What is a First-Generation Student?
You’re considered a first-generation student if neither of your parents or guardians completed a bachelor’s degree.
SUNY Geneseo’s first-gen experience is designed to make the college experience inclusive, meaningful, and memorable through supportive networks, professional and personal goals, and connections with campus resources and services — including our own faculty and staff, many of whom are first-generation graduates themselves.
Support Services
Academic Advising
Academic Advising at Geneseo is a one-on-one relationship between a student and a faculty or professional advisor. Together they explore interests, career plans, and build an academic and co-curricular path.
Career Design
The Career Design Center empowers students to explore curiosities, try new things, adjust, and embrace change. It’s about what to do next — not deciding once and for all.
Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid provides guidance from application to graduation: budgeting, eligibility, loans, study-abroad aid, and state/federal programs. Applying for financial assistance is easy!
Health & Wellness
Student Health and Counseling provides integrated, holistic services: primary care, mental health counseling, addiction prevention, and health promotion.
Upcoming Events
Panel for upperclassmen with recent alumni
Panel Discussion: Upperclassmen & Recent Graduates
Date: February 12
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Room B, Milne Library, virtual link
Description: Join us for an engaging panel featuring upperclassmen and recent graduates. Hear their experiences, ask questions, and gain insights to help you navigate your academic and career journey.
Broomball
Broomball
Date: February 26
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: Hockey Rink
Description: Come join us for Broomball—a fun, fast-paced game played on the ice without skates! No experience needed. Bring your friends and enjoy an exciting evening of friendly competition.
Students & Alumni of Color Virtual Networking
Students & Alumni of Color Virtual Networking
Date: February 26
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Virtual – register here
Description: This event open to alumni and current students and you’ll also hear from the following campus partners:
Multicultural Fellows Student Success Coordinator
Alumni Relations and the Alumni of Color Affinity Chapter
AOP
First-Gen
Multicultural Affairs
First-Gen County Fair
First-Gen County Fair
Date: March 6
Time: 11:30 – 1:30 PM
Location: Milne Library, Conference Room A
Description: Explore campus resources at our First-Gen County Fair! Multiple offices and departments will be on hand to share information, answer questions, and connect you with opportunities to support your success. Stop by, grab some giveaways, and learn about the services available to you.
First-Generation Stories
“As everything new in life, to be a latinx-first gen in college can be frightening especially during the first year of college. However, no matter how lost or overwhelmed you can feel about college life, know that the professors, librarians and college staff are here to support you. Just dare to ask or communicate what is your need.” — Alessandra Otero Ramos
“Sometimes it seems overwhelming, but you need to try. You gotta take that first step. You don’t really know what college is like until you are here, but we were supported in a way that was really important. It is a whole big system, built for people to succeed.” — Syndou Cisse ’22
“It feels like the end of a long marathon, knowing all the hard work I did to achieve my goals and that I came out on top. Hearing my mom be super proud of me and seeing her hard work pay off so her child can have a better life, I know this is a stepping stone to help me start my next journey.” — Zachary Iannotta ’22
Tri-Alpha Honor Society
SUNY Geneseo is proud to be a chapter host for Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), the national honor society recognizing academic excellence among first-generation college students.
Tri-Alpha provides opportunities for recognition, leadership, and connection with peers who share similar journeys.
While we are in the early stages of building our Tri-Alpha community, this initiative reflects our commitment to celebrating and supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree.
Contact
Margaret Foster
Erwin Hall 105
585-245-5572
foster@geneseo.edu