For first-generation students, pursuing a college degree can be an overwhelming and confusing experience, causing feelings of isolation and self-doubt. After all, when students step into the world of higher education, they are embarking on a journey to transform not only their own lives, but also the lives of their families and the communities they touch. 

At UNLV, a minority-majority institution, 51.7% of undergraduate students are on the path to becoming the first in their families to earn a four-year degree. To support their success, faculty and staff are strategically implementing personalized programming, offering a variety of resources for students at every stage of the academic journey, and recognizing and celebrating their experiences through interactive campus activities, such as First-Generation Celebration Week, Nov. 5-8.

Keep reading to discover the campus resources designed to help first-generation students and faculty achieve their educational and professional goals.

Collecting Credits Before College

High school seniors in Clark County can earn college credits and get a feel for the experience by participating in the Rebel College Accelerator Program. In 2024, more than 900 seniors graduated with college credits, preparing them to continue their studies. 

“Our Early College programs provide an accessible opportunity for our local high school students to earn college credit from teachers who set high expectations for success and are familiar to the students,” said Jeff Orgera, associate vice provost for student success. “This creates an ideal environment for gaining confidence academically, socially, and emotionally so the next step to college is frictionless, and they already feel like they belong at the next level of learning.”

Many of the participants are first-generation students and, through this program, they are more likely to continue their education at UNLV, Orgera noted.

Supporting Undergraduate First-Gen Students

UNLV enrolled 24,623 degree-seeking undergraduate students in the fall 2024 semester, with more than half identifying themselves as first-generation students, according to the Office of Decision Support.

Programs like the First-Year Experience (FYE), aim to ease the transition into college by offering guidance, support, and opportunities to connect with peers and the campus community. Karen Violanti, executive director of the First-Year Success Program, emphasizes that, while FYE supports all students, including new and transfer students, first-generation students face a set of unique challenges.

“Our responsibility as a university resource is to support all students, but with a specific lens of understanding that they may lack familiarity with the structure of higher education,” Violanti said. “It's necessary to guide them through every stage of the student life cycle."

Violanti recalled a successful series of workshops that allowed first-generation students to share their personal stories by recording a video and connecting with peer mentors who shared similar experiences. At the end of the First-Generation Celebration Week last year, the participating students took to the stage at the Student Union theater to share their stories of resilience, leaving many who attended in tears. 

Events like this are possible through cross-unit collaboration between FYE, The Intersection, academic advising, admissions, and New Student Orientation, which work together to identify and address the needs of first-generation students, Violanti added. 

For new students, figuring out where to begin can be overwhelming. The Intersection, UNLV’s multicultural resource center, serves as a one-stop shop where first-generation students can find support to navigate the university. 

“Once you start talking with first-generation students, they share what they need, and from there, we work to fill those gaps,” said Harriet E. Barlow, executive director of The Intersection. “Whether through targeted programs or specific activities, the goal is to tailor support for these students. But the most important thing is ensuring they don’t feel stigmatized — making sure they know resources are available and that there are people and spaces to help them navigate those resources.”

Barlow added that most programs at the Intersection have a first-generation element, including mentoring programs such as The Intersection Partners, or TiPs, which was developed by students, and the Undocumented Student Program. 

For first-generation students looking to connect with peers, the 1st Generation Club provides a supportive space to share stories, build connections, and access resources that help them achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

In partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), The Intersection also funds the First-Generation Fellowship, a program with an annual budget of $6,000 to encourage first-generation undergraduates from all academic fields to engage in research, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking along the way.

As a result of the focus on the first-generation student experience, UNLV was recognized as a First Scholars Network Institution by NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators), and The Intersection coordinates various activities to maintain this recognition. The recognition allows UNLV to network with other institutions and share best practices.

The Grad Rebel Experience

By the time first-generation students complete their undergraduate degree, it's assumed they are well-versed in the inner workings of university life. However, these students face new challenges as they embark on their post-graduate education. 

From the application process to selecting a program, students pursuing advanced degrees receive support through initiatives like the Graduate College's Building Resilient and Inclusive Discoveries to Graduate Education (BRIDGE) program, which familiarizes students with grad life before beginning their programs.

The Grad Rebel Advantage program provides undergraduate students with workshops, professional development, and networking events. This program helps students prepare for advanced study by enhancing their academic skills and giving them insight into graduate life at UNLV.

Once enrolled in grad school, the Graduate College encourages students to connect by attending workshops, participating in networking opportunities, and joining organizations such as the 1st Generation Club (which includes both undergraduate and graduate students) or one of the many Graduate Registered Student Organizations (GRSOs). These clubs align with academic, professional, cultural, and/or social interests.

“Graduate student registered organizations, formed by and for our graduate and professional students, are the backbone of a thriving graduate experience,” said Alyssa Crittenden, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate College. “They empower students to build meaningful connections, access vital resources, and cultivate the resilience needed to succeed academically and personally.”

The UNLV Graduate College participates in First-Generation Celebration Week, often co-hosting fun and engaging activities with the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), such as the First-Generation Grad Rebel Photo Contest, to encourage students to share their stories and connect with their cultural identity.

Empowering Faculty

Charting new paths isn’t just for students as many faculty members are first-generation trailblazers themselves and serve as role models for first-generation students. 

The desire for recognition of their first-generation identity inspired the creation of ‘Making the First-Gen Net Work,’ a mentorship program offered by The Intersection. The program connects students with faculty to foster a relationship centered on guidance.

The faculty-focused programming facilitated by The Intersection is a direct result of feedback shared by faculty members. Barlow encourages faculty to participate in events and workshops aimed at shaping their trajectories as academic professionals. 

Faculty can forge connections with one another through the Professors' Circle program, which was established in 2017. 

“It’s a monthly series and every semester we pick a topic to discuss. We invite someone from the university who is a content expert in that area to provide insight and knowledge that set up our faculty for success,” said Barlow.

Faculty play an important role in fostering a sense of belonging and building a community that helps students feel connected with peers and the learning environment, which is an essential part of the student college experience. 

UNLV’s partnership with the Student Experience Project aims to identify inequities to transform the college experience and close achievement gaps. 

“We are committed to enhancing equitable student success, and our involvement in the SEP reflects that dedication,” said Kate Korgan, senior vice provost for academic affairs. “Through collaboration with the network of participating institutions, we are implementing innovative, research-driven strategies to promote belongingness for all students which helps to improve retention, progression, and more timely degree completion, especially for students who have historically faced barriers in higher education.”

These strategies empower students to overcome academic challenges and stay on course until they reach graduation day, Korgan said, and they are being put into practice by faculty and staff. 

Following a successful pilot with the College of Sciences and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, communities of practice are forming across colleges. Faculty are collaborating to revise syllabi to foster belonging and a growth mindset, ensure equitable course policies, provide trust-building feedback that enhances academic engagement, and create identity-safe classrooms where all students feel respected.

“The Student Experience Project helps faculty and staff unpack unintended biases or practices that could impact student achievement and reframe their thinking on the core issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Beth Barrie, vice provost for teaching and learning innovation. “By addressing these topics, our faculty and staff are better equipped to prioritize the needs of our diverse students.”

The communities of practice are open to faculty, instructors, and others who serve in a teaching capacity. To participate in a community of practice, contact the Teaching and Learning Commons.  

In keeping with UNLV’s commitment to data transparency, institutional data is accessible through the MSI Equity Dashboard, overseen by the Office of Decision Support. 

Data specific to first-generation students has now been integrated into the searchable database, empowering faculty and staff to delve deeper into this specific population’s academic progress. 

With access to these insights, they can better evaluate success metrics and identify areas for support, helping first-generation students thrive within the university.

First-Generation Future

UNLV continues to evolve its offerings to better serve first-generation students who seek a world-class education to prepare them for their careers. 

“Our whole philosophy is to provide students with the resources and support they need to navigate the college experience,” said Chris L. Heavey, executive vice president and provost. “Faculty and staff do this by guiding students on a path of success through student-centered programs that foster a welcoming environment where they feel empowered to learn. The goal of our university is to ensure equal opportunities for success among all students.” 

UNLV's commitment to first-generation students reflects its broader mission of fostering an inclusive academic community where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, he said.

“Together, faculty, staff, and administration have the power to make a profound difference in the lives of students,” Heavey said. “By staying engaged and committed to these efforts, we can promote a sense of belonging, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of leaders. This is the very heart of our mission.”