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 peer 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
Mission
- 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 include the strengths and diverse experiences of first-generation graduate students.
- Foster a sense of belonging. We create spaces of connection and community for all graduate students, including graduate students who are first-gen.
- Develop sustainable and supportive programming. With guidance and consultation from a graduate student advisory board, we aim to create programming that is student-centered.
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 all first-generation graduate students.
For current offerings, see the GSA events calendar.
Contact
E-mail the office of Graduate Student Affairs in The Graduate School: uwgsa@uw.edu