First-Generation Students


Going to college is a big deal. If it feels overwhelming at times, know this: you don't have to go it alone. SUNY Geneseo is here to support you. You make our campus stronger. 

What is a First-Generation Student?

You’re considered a first-generation student if neither of your parents or guardians completed a bachelor’s degree.

SUNY Geneseo’s first-gen experience is designed to make the college experience inclusive, meaningful, and memorable through supportive networks, professional and personal goals, and connections with campus resources and services — including our own faculty and staff, many of whom are first-generation graduates themselves.

Support Services

Academic Advising

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Academic Advising at Geneseo is a one-on-one relationship between a student and a faculty or professional advisor. Together they explore interests, career plans, and build an academic and co-curricular path.

 

Career Design

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The Career Design Center empowers students to explore curiosities, try new things, adjust, and embrace change. It’s about what to do next — not deciding once and for all.

Financial Aid

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The Office of Financial Aid provides guidance from application to graduation: budgeting, eligibility, loans, study-abroad aid, and state/federal programs. Applying for financial assistance is easy!

 

Health & Wellness

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Student Health and Counseling provides integrated, holistic services: primary care, mental health counseling, addiction prevention, and health promotion.

 

 

Upcoming Events

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First-Generation Stories

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“As everything new in life, to be a latinx-first gen in college can be frightening especially during the first year of college. However, no matter how lost or overwhelmed you can feel about college life, know that the professors, librarians and college staff are here to support you. Just dare to ask or communicate what is your need.” — Alessandra Otero Ramos

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“Sometimes it seems overwhelming, but you need to try. You gotta take that first step. You don’t really know what college is like until you are here, but we were supported in a way that was really important. It is a whole big system, built for people to succeed.” — Syndou Cisse ’22

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“It feels like the end of a long marathon, knowing all the hard work I did to achieve my goals and that I came out on top. Hearing my mom be super proud of me and seeing her hard work pay off so her child can have a better life, I know this is a stepping stone to help me start my next journey.” — Zachary Iannotta ’22

Tri-Alpha Honor Society

SUNY Geneseo is proud to be a chapter host for (Tri-Alpha), the national honor society recognizing academic excellence among first-generation college students. 

Tri-Alpha provides opportunities for recognition, leadership, and connection with peers who share similar journeys.

While we are in the early stages of building our Tri-Alpha community, this initiative reflects our commitment to celebrating and supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree.

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Contact

Erwin Hall 105
585-245-5572
foster@geneseo.edu

Honor Society