First-Generation Symposium returns, offering faculty, staff opportunity to foster connections
Ten years ago, the University of Michigan held a symposium to discuss ways to support first-generation college students.
The 2016 event, “Are You First? Promoting Success for and with First-Generation College Students,” was a critical piece in growing first-generation student support, including the eventual establishment of the First-Generation Gateway within the Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI), the creation of the first-generation program manager staff position, and the launch of the First-Generation website.
The conference was held a second time in 2018 and following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the third symposium returns from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Michigan League. Presented by OAMI and Access & Opportunity, this year’s theme is “Shaped in Practice: Powered by Partnership.”
“The symposium is an embodiment of the first-gen value of relationship building,” said Terra Molengraff, who as a graduate student served as a chair of the inaugural symposium, and who now serves as the program director of First-Generation Initiatives.
“We don’t do this work alone. We didn’t get here by ourselves. We do this together.”
The university defines first-generation students as those whose parents or guardians do not have a four-year college degree, and applies to both undergraduate and graduate students. At U-M, over half of first-generation students are students of color, and 40% come from households with incomes under $50,000.
First-gen students often require more structure and support to help them fully understand and access opportunities throughout their college experience. As such, first-gen programs are designed to help students navigate life as a college student, lending additional support, guidance, and mentorship to help students thrive.
Molengraff said the work has always been a cross-campus initiative, which is evidenced by the fact that her position is supported by OAMI, Student Life, the Office of New Student Programs, and the Comprehensive Studies Program. Over the past few years, schools and colleges across the university have devoted more time and resources to supporting first-generation college students; LSA, in particular, has expanded their first-generation commitment, as approximately 62% of first-gen students are in that college.
The free professional development symposium is for all staff, faculty, and administrators at U-M, regardless of whether or not their role directly works with first-generation students. Considering that, as of fall 2025, 17% of all first-year students and 18% of all undergraduates identified as first-gen, faculty and staff will likely interact with first-gen students in some capacity.
Molengraff hopes that attendees are not just from campus-wide units, but from individual departments, naming advisers and librarians as examples of those who play important roles in supporting first-gen students.
Collective impact is a hallmark of first-gen support across the vast and often decentralized U-M campus. Each component of the conference has a collaborative or connecting moment for participants, including during the conference keynote, presented by Rashné Jehangir, professor of higher education, associate dean of undergraduate education and EOP, and founder of the First-Gen Institute at the University of Minnesota.
“We are very intentional about not wanting the participants to just sit and listen. We want to empower the participants to take up this work,” Molengraff said. “Everyone who works at our university and interacts with students has the opportunity to support first-gen students.
“The symposium encourages sharing information, resources, and connections, so that together, we confidently create a university where first-gen students learn and thrive.”
First-Generation Symposium, Tuesday, November 3, 9am-4pm, “Shaped in Practice: Powered by Partnership.” More information and to register (deadline is Oct. 23)
University Record