First-Gen NEXUS

Meets: Fridays 1:30pm - 3:30pm, biweekly

This NEXUS Experience is designed for first-generation college students entering the University Honors Program. In this NEXUS, we will engage with various activities and discussions to explore what it can mean to be a college student and build connections with other students and staff. At UHP, we recognize how important the perspectives and experiences of first-generation college students are, and want to create a space within the program for all students to connect and celebrate their identities. Through a combination of learning, connection, and reflection, we will work together to learn more about the culture and history of higher education––especially at the University of Minnesota––and think about how current and historical events can shape our lives, experiences, and education as first-generation college students. 

Throughout the semester, we will engage in peer discussions, workshops, and a semester-long group project. Every other week, we will meet as a large group to learn from various UMN campus partners and student leaders about how to navigate campus life and culture. Between meetings, we’ll have some assigned readings and reflection prompts to explore our own first-generation identities, and think about how they connect to our experiences as students. At the end of the term, our group projects will contribute to creating a resource guide tailored to supporting first-gen students as they continue their undergraduate journey.

EXPERIENCE GOALS: 

Students will…

  • Have a deeper understanding of what first-generation college students are and what being first-gen can look like in UHP. 
  • Build community and connections with other first-generation UHP students and staff through networking. 
  • ​​Learn about the University Honors Program’s requirements and how its programming and resources can help support their personal, professional, and academic goals. 
  • Connect to UMN campus resources and programs designed to support first-generation college students.   


How do I know if I’m a first-generation college student? 

UMN defines a first-generation college student as a student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) did not receive a degree from an accredited 4-year university in the US. 

Some examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Students who are the very first person in their family to go to college. 
  • Students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) did not attend college or did not graduate with a 4-year degree. 
    • This applies even if students have another family member or relative (such as a sibling) that did graduate with a college degree. 
  • Students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) graduated from a college or university from outside the US.
  • Students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) graduated from a 2-year college. 


NOTE: The examples above are not an exhaustive list, and there is no single definition for what a first-generation college student is. If you would like more information on this topic, feel free to look at these resources: 

Application