First-Generation College Students
A first-generation college student refers to an individual whose parents did not earn a four-year college degree. The Office of Student Success is excited to offer a network of University partners that are dedicated to supporting first-generation students in their success inside and outside of the classroom. You can also find more resources for first-generation college students on the Center for Inclusion and Diversity's website.
First-Generation College Celebration
In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward (FGF, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success) launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965. Schools throughout the country are encouraged to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of the First-Gen Community on or around November 8. Learn more about First-Generation College Celebration!
SJU is proud and excited to join in these celebrations, and will host our 2025 First-Generation College Celebration Week from November 3-November 7! See below for the full calendar of events!
College Jargon Handbook
Being the first person in your family to attend college is both exciting and challenging. Here at SJU we offer our first gen students a supportive campus-wide network to assist each step of the way as needed. We invite you to reference the handbook linked below for help defining college terms:
Tri-Alpha Honor Society
The National Honor Society, AAA or Tri-Alpha is a First Generation Honors Society (Tri-Alpha). This organization aims to enrich the student's college experience at SJU by recognizing achievements, providing support and beneficial resources while giving first gens a sense of community. Students who participate have the opportunity to network with first-generation scholars in a wide range of disciplines and can connect with employers, graduate schools and a wide range of professionals. Requirements for this honor society include a 3.2 or higher GPA, a minimum of 30 earned credits and first-generation college student status.
Tri-Alpha Honor Society Information
FirstGen Forward
Saint Joseph’s University is proud to have been named a FirstGen Forward university. The University is committed to expanding its understanding of first-generation student success through participation in monthly workshops, networking and professional development opportunities, sharing knowledge and resources, and contributing to a peer community. The FirstGen Forward network comprises nearly 500 institutions across the country, harnessing the potential of first-generation students and improving success outcomes.
First Generation Mentorship Program
The First Generation Mentoring program facilitates relationships between first-generation students and first-generation faculty/staff/administrators who have offered to provide assistance and support throughout your time at SJU. Mentors and mentees sign up using the links below and connect in person or by Zoom during the academic year on a timeframe that works for their schedules. Mentors can offer advice about being a first-gen student generally and about SJU specifically, as well as help think about what might come after college.
If you are interested in finding a mentor, please browse through our mentor profiles, and complete the Student First Generation Mentee Form.
If you are a first-generation faculty, staff or administrator wanting to provide this important support and guidance, please complete the First Generation Mentor Form. Someone from the mentoring program will be in touch with you soon! If you would like additional information, please email Prof. Elizabeth Lee, PhD.
Connections with First-Gen Community
At Saint Joseph’s University, many of our faculty, staff, and administrators are also the first in their families to graduate with a four-year college degree.
Wherever you see a #FirstGen College Student pennant, there is a friendly first-generation faculty, staff member, or administrator who can relate to your experience, and would love to meet and connect with you. Knock on our doors, introduce yourself, or ask us any questions you may have. We are thrilled to welcome you to our community of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and we want to help you not only succeed, but to thrive.