Resources

Contacts

These offices are a great first point of contact for your questions or concerns. Know when you need help, where you need help, how you need help, and then actively seek it out.

David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity

Can answer questions about: Kearns Center resources, such as, enrollment in first year seminar course (worth one credit), advising, academic and summer research opportunities, and pursuing graduate school
Location: 4-160 Dewey Hall
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-7512
Email: KearnsCollegePrograms@ur.rochester.edu

Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA)

Can answer questions about: Campus support for underrepresented students and HEOP eligibility
Location: 2-161 Dewey Hall
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-0651
Email: omsa@ur.rochester.edu 

Parent and Family Relations

Can answer questions about: Resources for parents and family on how they can support their student in college, productive discussions with family and finding ways to include family in education,  Also, we can share more about First-Generation Students and Families Committee programming and initiatives.   
Location: 510 Wilson Commons
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-5415
Email: urparents@rochester.edu 

Burgett Intercultural Center

Can answer questions about: Diversity on campus, support for culturally diverse and LGBTQ students, and resources regarding bias-related incidents
Location: 305D Douglass Commons
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-5678
Email: icc@rochester.edu 

Learning Center

Can answer questions about: Study skills and tutoring
Location: 1-154 Dewey Hall
Website: /college/learningcenter/ 
Phone: (585) 275-9049
Email: learning@rochester.edu 

College Center for Advising Services (CCAS)

Can answer questions about: Academic advising and important academic deadlines
Location: 312 Lattimore Hall, River Campus
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-2354
Email: cascas@mail.rochester.edu 

Disability Resources

Can answer questions about: Disability support
Location: Taylor Hall
Website:
Phone: (585) 276-5075
Email: disability@rochester.edu  

Education Abroad

Can answer questions about: Studying abroad
Location: 2-161 Dewey Hall
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-7532
Email: abroad@admin.rochester.edu 

First Gen Society (Student Organization)

Can answer questions about: First-generation student experience
Website:  

Greene Center for Career Education and Connections

Can answer questions about: Exploring your career interests and making more informed decisions by connecting you to opportunities, resources and people to design your life!
Location: 4-200 Dewey Hall
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-2366
Email: career.center@rochester.edu 

Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Can answer questions about: Support for students studying engineering and applied sciences and the STEM Gems Program
Location: 301C Lattimore Hall
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-3954
Email: hajimschool@rochester.edu 

International Services Office (ISO)

Can answer questions about: Campus support for international students, obtaining work permission in the US
Location: 213 Morey Hall
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-2866
Email: questions@iso.rochester.edu 

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

Can answer questions about: Majors and minors offered and FASFA applications
Location: Wallis Hall
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-3221 / (585) 275-3226
Email: admit@admissions.rochester.edu 

Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS)

Can answer questions about: Activities and events on campus and the College’s Communal Principles
Location: 500 Wilson Commons
Website:  
Phone: (585) 275-4085 

UR/College Acronyms and Lingo

At the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é names of departments, offices, programs, and more are commonly referenced by an acronym or abbreviation, rather than their full name. The Office of Parent and Family Relations recognizes that this shortened language might pose some confusion for new students or other individuals less familiar with the University. See the acronym page for a list of the most commonly used acronyms and abbreviations by the University community as well as some general college lingo one would expect to hear on any college campus.

I'm First!

  • About: I'm First! is an online community for first-generation college students—and their supporters. Hear inspiring stories and share your own, discover colleges that care about first-gen students, find answers to your questions about college, and receive guidance on the road to and through college.
  • Website: 
  • Check out the I'm First!  for the latest first-gen updates and tips!

Future Global Leaders Fellowship Program

  • Mission: “Future Global Leaders (FGL) advocates a global vision of leadership for highly talented and resilient first-generation college students selected internationally.”
  • Goals: “Provide future leaders with global network, leadership, and vision.”
  • Program: “Each year, starting during the spring of their Freshman Year, FGL selects Fellows in the US and in other parts of the world to take part in its highly selective Program. From the end of Freshman Year until Graduation, FGL will:
    • Enhance Fellows’ self-confidence and leadership skills
    • Provide them with early international exposure
    • Develop a closely-knit, cohesive network with access to worldwide professional connections
  • Website: 

Readings

Books:

  • Cushman, Kathleen. First in the Family: Your College Years, Advice about College from First-generation Students. Providence, RI: Next Generation, 2006. Print. 
    • Website: 
  • West, Norman, and Olivia West. Debt Free at 33: 33 Ways You Can Become Financially Free. ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é, NY: West Advisory Group, 2012. Print. 
    • Website: 

Articles:

  • Ahuja, S (2018). “First generation college student guide: Financial aid, timelines, checklists & encouragement for students who are the first in the family to attend college.” Affordable Colleges Online. Web. .

  • Andreina Fernandex, M (2018). “What is a First-Generation College Student?” College Raptor. Web. .

  • Hernandez, Michele (2013). “Tips for First-Generation College Applicants.” The New York Times. Web. 

  • Hoyt, E (2017). “A field guide for first-generation college students.” Fastweb. Web. .

  • Jaschik, Scott (2014). “An Hour Makes a Difference.” Inside Higher Ed. Web. 
  • Lu, Pew (2013). “Encouraging first-generation college students.” USA Today. Web. 
  • Riggs, Liz (2014). “What It’s Like to Be the First Person in Your Family to Go to College.” The Atlantic. Web. http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/01/what-its-like-to-be-the-first-person-in-your-family-to-go-to-college/282999/