First Generation Families

Thank you for visiting this website and encouraging your student to become a college graduate!

If your student is the first member of your family to attend college, he or she is likely to face some unique challenges. There are several things you can do to help your student succeed.

Families can help students by:

• Attending Orientation with your new student. There is orientation for parents too!

• Becoming familiar with Academic resources and encouraging your student to utilize these services. Parents can remind students that successful students take advantage of these useful resources.

• Understanding that some students attach shame or stigma to asking for help. Let your student know that it is normal for students to seek help and that many students take advantage of college resources.

• Encouraging your student to meet with their professors or teaching assistants during faculty office hours. All professors have faculty office hours for meeting with students outside of class time.

• Becoming familiar with costs, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid.

• Understanding that first generation college students often struggle with issues that are unique to them. Many FGCS students begin their college experience with little or no knowledge of the expectations, resources, or jargon associated with college. This lack of knowledge may prevent FGCS from taking full advantage of academic and social opportunities. Encourage your student to participate in campus activities that will foster their sense of belonging on campus.  These activities may include attending Orientation, participating in a Discipleship Small Group, joining a student organization or meeting with an academic advisor.

• Learning more about Wheaton.
• Finding ways to support your student.

• Visiting the  Wheaton Parent Engagement website for more information.

• Looking for the monthly parent newsletter ePartnerships in your email inbox. 

With your support, your student can make the most of his or her undergraduate experience.