Following the U.S. Department of Education, the University of Washington defines a first-generation college student as an individual neither of whose parents earned a Bachelor’s degree. This extends to first-generation graduate students.
Graduate Student Affairs would like to offer a more expansive definition at the graduate level following peers institutions.
A first-generation graduate student can include:
- An individual who is in the first generation of their family to earn a Bachelor’s degree
- An individual who is in the first generation of their family to enter graduate school
- An individual who is in the first generation of their family to enter graduate school in the United States
- An individual who never received access to the knowledge of navigating graduate school, even if they have a family member who earned a graduate degree
The Graduate School is dedicated to supporting first-generation graduate students with innovative programming that amplifies their diverse voices and builds community at the University of Washington. If you’re a first-gen grad student, we are thrilled that you are here and are proud to be able to support you in making the most of your graduate experience!
In collaboration with university partners, The Graduate School promotes inter-campus informational resources and develops programming to achieve the following goals:
- Create visibility. We partner with units across the university to celebrate and recognize National First-Generation College Day.
- Reduce stigma. We promote and host quarterly academic, professional, and community events that center the strengths and diverse experiences of first-generation graduate students.
- Foster a sense of belonging. We create spaces of connection and community, by convening graduate students who identify as first-gen at receptions and workshops.
- Develop sustainable and supportive programming. We are eager to grow our programs on all three campuses and look forward to hearing your ideas.
Programming
Graduate Student Affairs partners with the office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE) throughout the academic year, to offer events that are open to first-generation graduate students. For current offerings, see our calendar on this page.
Connect
Join the UW First-Generation Graduate Students Facebook page
Contact
E-mail the office of Graduate Student Affairs in The Graduate School: uwgsa@uw.edu