First Generation

Historically, first-generation college students have been framed through a deficit lens, but the truth is they bring many unique strengths—resilience, problem-solving, multitasking, to name just a few—that makes them exceptional learners and leaders. They balance school, work, and other roles, while often supporting their families through translation, caregiving, or navigating complex systems.

SuffolkONE, Suffolk University’s First-Generation Initiatives, celebrates the diversity of the first-generation student experience and empowers students to define their own narratives.

First-Generation Initiatives serves all first-generation students at Suffolk University. We offer resources, programming, and events ranging from our First-Generation Celebration Week to our SuffolkONE Graduate School Series.

Defining First Generation College Students

Colleges and universities define “first-generation” in various ways. At Suffolk, we use these definitions for the purpose of accessing services in our center.

International students or students whose parents received a degree outside of the United States may participate in select programming.

Students who at the time of their 18th birthday:

  • Resided with two parents and neither parent had completed a bachelor’s degree; OR
  • Resided with a single parent and the parent had not completed a bachelor’s degree; OR
  • Did not live with or receive support from any parent, lived in foster care, were unhoused or experiencing homelessness, or were a ward of the state or the court

Additional Considerations

Students are still considered first-gen if:

  • Their parents went to college and did not complete a degree
  • Their parents completed an associate’s or a certificate program
  • Their parents completed a bachelor’s degree after they turned 18
  • Their siblings or grandparents received a bachelor’s degree

Students with at least one parent who completed a bachelor’s degree by their 18th birthday

First-generation college students who are pursuing/pursued graduate/professional education

Continuing-generation students whose parents did not complete a graduate/professional degree

Resources

Suffolk Family Hub

The Suffolk Family Hub is a portal where families and supporters can receive tips on how to support their Suffolk student. Follow the Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity’s profile on the hub to receive updates on programming and important dates from the Center.

Additional resources for families and supporters on the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.

SuffolkONE First-Gen Champions

The Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity offers a session for faculty and staff to learn more about the first-gen student experience called “Championing First-Generation College Students: Who They Are and How We Can Mentor Their Success.” This session looks at nationwide and Suffolk-specific data on first-gens, and reviews best practices in championing their success.

Faculty and staff who complete the session are known as First-Gen Champions and receive a pin and decal to show other community members that they are an ally. They are also featured on our website as First-Gen Champions.

SuffolkONE Graduate School Bootcamp

In this six-week series, The SuffolkONE Graduate School Bootcamp takes an in-depth look at the graduate school application process. During the sessions, students will learn about an array of topics, ranging from the application process, how to search for programs and faculty, and how to find funding to attend.
Learn more about the Graduate School Bootcamp
Email us to participate in sessions or for any other questions you may have.

Subscribe to the Scoop

Sign up for our biweekly newsletter, The Scoop, to stay up to date with the Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity!
Subscribe now

Support First-Generation Initiatives

Year after year, the Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity continues to centralize and create new programs to serve Suffolk University’s first-generation, economically challenged, and underrepresented students for the betterment of our University community.

With your support, we can continue to provide resources for the students we serve to maintain their development and enrichment, all in preparation to see them cross the stage at Commencement.

We thank you for your support!

Make a Donation