November 9, 2022

Dear UM Community,

Today UM recognizes National First-Generation College Celebration Day.

Sponsored by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success, the day is an opportunity for UM to contribute to a national narrative about first-generation college students and their role in transforming higher education and the nation.

Serving first-generation college students is particularly important to our work at UM.

About 27% of our student population is first-generation. These 2,690 students (both undergraduate and graduate) navigate complex, systemic barriers that include policies, financial challenges and a “hidden curriculum” of unwritten rules around how to ask for help, how to seek exceptions to policies and how to speak the unique language of academia. These pose unique challenges to first-generation college students, who often do not have the benefit of family members familiar with how to navigate higher education.

Many first-generation students also feel an added pressure to succeed as the “first” to attend college.

I am not a first-generation student myself, but I am well aware of the impressive abilities first-generation students bring to UM. They have a keen ability to adapt, they contribute to our strong campus life, and they infuse our learning environment with dedicated focus and empathy.

We also have a robust population of UM staff and faculty who are first-generation students. I encourage you to be visible about your individual journeys as a way to support our students and our University’s mission to generate inclusive prosperity.

As we see many educational institutions pride themselves on the number and type of students they reject, we take immense pride in the broad swath of students we invite into the UM community. We believe education is a portal for opportunity and potential for us all. Our 130-year promise is born from doors that are open to all, with a grounding belief that this public flagship institution serves everyone. An academic legacy is not a requirement for UM admission. In fact, our diversity and first-generation student population is an asset to our community and our future.

Join me in celebrating National First-Generation College Celebration Day and bringing to light the experiences and assets of those who are the first in their family to pursue the dream of a college degree.

In partnership,

Seth

P.S. First-generation Grizzlies are encouraged to post a #ProudUMFirstGen graphic on social channels today for UM’s own #FirstGen social campaign. Use the hashtags #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGen #UMFirstGen