Families
Welcome Families of First Generation Students!
Being a family member of a first-generation college student is an exciting and unique journey. At William & Mary, we understand the importance of your role in supporting your student as they navigate their college experience. This page is designed to provide you with some resources and information you need to support your first-generation student effectively.
Who is a First-Generation Student?
A first-generation student is a college student whose parents or guardians did not complete a bachelor's degree. As you help guide your student through their college transition, you might encounter some new terms and processes. We're here to assist you every step of the way.
Common Concerns
Many first-generation students and their families have shared concerns about:
- Academic adjustment
- Time management
- Financial concerns
- Feelings of isolation
For help understanding new terms and campus jargon, check out our Guide to Common Campus Terms and Jargon.
Supporting Your First-Generation Student
Here are some strategies and tips to support your student:
- Listen: Be a listening ear for your student. Let them know that you support their decision to attend college and will be there every step of the way.
- Go Through the Process Together: Show interest in their college experience from the admissions application to their daily college life. This shows your student that you care and are willing to learn alongside them.
- Educate Yourself: Research college processes and resources. Familiarize yourself with tasks like submitting a college/scholarship/internship application or filling out a FAFSA, so you can better support your student.
- Encourage Engagement: Encourage your student to attend First Generation Student Engagement (FGSE) events, sign up for our mentorship program, join the first-gen student organization, and take on student leadership positions.
Stay Connected
Being involved in your student’s college experience can make a significant difference. Here are some ways to stay connected:
- Attend Events: Participate in Parent Orientation, Family Weekend, AAA Honors Society induction, and commencement ceremonies. These events will help you understand your student's experience and foster a stronger connection.
- Ensure Your Contact Information is Up-to-Date: Make sure your contact information is current in our system to receive timely communications. Your student can update your information through their Personal Information Questionnaire after deposit.
- Check Your Email: Regularly check your email for important updates and information about your student and university events. Email is our primary mechanism for informing you about events, webinars, news, and more.
- Join and Watch Webinars: Participate in webinars offered throughout the year to stay informed about university processes, resources, and ways to support your student.
Family Engagement
Just as we want to support students along their journey, we are also here to support families who may be navigating college with their students for the first time. Family Engagement is the primary resource for parents, guardians, and family members who are looking for answers to help assist both them and their student along the educational journey. Reach out to Family Engagement at Families.
Special Event: First-Gen Family Connect
Join us for our first First-Gen Family Connect: AAA Honors Society Induction event during Family Weekend! This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, celebrate, and learn more about the support available to their first-generation students.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our office. We're here to support both you and your student throughout this exciting journey.
We are committed to ensuring that first-generation students and their families have the resources and support needed to succeed. Welcome to the William & Mary family!
