One out of every five students at CUAA are the first in their families to go to college to be earning a four-year degree. We have many faculty and staff members who are first-generation college students, too!
Speaking from experience
Concordia University Ann Arbor faculty and staff members who are first-generation college students themselves share their advice to CUAA’s first-generation college students.
Related: Meet some of CUAA’s first-generation college students
Margaret Jones
Director of Residence Life
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask a ‘dumb question.’ Even if the person you’re asking doesn’t know the answer, they likely know the person who does.”
Charles Schulz
Assistant Professor of Theology
“Keep good documentation. People in offices may change over the course of your time at a university. Just because one administrator tells you how something is going to work for your graduation, that doesn’t mean that the next one will see it the same way. It’s not bad to get things in writing and keep copies for yourself.”
Kate Edge
Head Cheer & STUNT Coach
“Let all your professors know you are first-generation. There are so many things you do not know, that you do not know. Many times faculty will go out of their way to help and guide you through processes that you did not realize you needed help with. First-gen students are resilient and have gotten to where they are by figuring it out, usually on their own. But, that little bit of help can make the experience just a bit less stressful. Being First-gen is something to be proud of! You are changing the trajectory of your life, and many times, the future generations of your entire family.”
Kendra Ernst
Assistant Registrar
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t know the answers. The faculty and staff at CUAA are here to help and can share the resources that you might not be aware of.”
Nicholas Peters
Assistant Athletic Trainer
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those that have gone through the college experience.”
Dr. Sandra Harris
Dean Emerita, Director of Graduate Education
“Perseverance!”
Kasey Ficken
Assistance Athletic Trainer
“Look for first-gen scholarships!”
Learn more about academic resources available to CUAA students through the Academic Resource Center.
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