First-Generation Students
A first-generation college student at the University of Michigan is a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. For first-generation college students who pursue graduate education, they may face challenges unique to their status. The Rackham Graduate School maintains its commitment to supporting all of its students, including first-generation graduate students. We also acknowledge that not all first-generation experiences are the same— students who identify as first-generation may hold other identities relevant to them. In addition to reviewing the resources below, we encourage you to view other student communities in Rackham Life.
Join the Rackham first-generation students email group. You can find the group listed in MCommunity as “RackhamFirstGenAll.”
Campus Resources
First Generation Student Gateway
The First Generation Student Gateway, housed within the office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, is a hub for all first-generation students at the University of Michigan to get connected with resources.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is the gateway to the people and programs that support and advance diversity at the University of Michigan and beyond.
Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet allows U-M students to obtain business casual and professional attire from a wide selection of clothing donated by the U-M community. Students are able to select a set amount of items per semester at no cost.
Rackham’s Faculty Committee on Mentoring (MORE)
MORE (Mentoring Others Results in Excellence) is Rackham’s faculty committee on mentoring that engages faculty and graduate students to foster conversations about mentoring. The committee provides faculty with tools for effective mentoring to improve graduate student success.
Maize & Blue Cupboard
The Maize & Blue Cupboard ensures that members of the University of Michigan community have equitable access to healthy, nutritious, and nourishing food. The Maize & Blue Cupboard also provides kitchen and cooking supplies, personal and household supplies, and support for other resources.
Student Emergency Funds
The Dean of Students Office offers Emergency Student Funds to students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses due to temporary hardship related to an unforeseen or emergency situation. The Office also works with students to identify other available resources and/or alternative solutions to meet their needs.
University Career Alumni Network (UCAN)
Connect with Alumni for Career Insights Connect with alumni—Learn from alumni about the world of work and their experience at U-M. Customize your request—Propose topics, suggest available dates/times, and schedule an informational interview via phone, video, or in-person meeting. Find common interests—Browse the database of alumni who have volunteered to assist current students.
First-Generation Support Network
In order to build a community supportive of first-generation graduate students, Rackham Graduate School has developed the First-Generation Support Network.