Flagship First-Gen
First-Gen at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø.
What is Flagship First-Gen?
At ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø, Flagship First-Gen is dedicated to empowering first-generation students as they navigate their college journey and pursue their personal, academic, and professional goals. We recognize the unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives first-generation students bring to our campus community and are committed to fostering an environment where they feel supported, connected, and valued.
Through intentional programming, leadership development opportunities, mentorship, campus partnerships, and student-centered support services, Flagship First-Gen helps students build meaningful connections, develop a strong sense of connection, and access the resources needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. We are a member of the .
Who We Are
The Flagship First-Gen program provides comprehensive, person-centered, and holistic support that empowers first-generation to thrive academically, socially, and professionally through intentional programming, mentoring, and partnerships that promote community connection, student success, and wellbeing.
Simply put, are you the first person in your family to go to college?
At ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø, we are committed to helping our first-generation college student community thrive.
The term ‘‘First Generation College Student” means:
- An individual whose parents/guardians did not complete a four-year degree
- In the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent/guardian, an individual whose only such parent/guardian did not complete a four-year degree
- An individual who does not know the status of parent/guardian’s educational attainment
- Student Success and Wellbeing
- Community Connection and Engagement
- Access and Opportunity
- Leadership Development and Experiential Learning
Impacting Our Community
How many first-gen students are there at UM?
Around 11% of students at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø identify as first-generation college students.
Creating Community
Flagship First-Gen and the First-Gen Student Network hosted 15+ events, workshops, and community connection opportunities throughout the 2025-2026 academic year that reached 400+ members of our campus community?
Celebrating and Connecting
Over 300 students, faculty, staff, and community partners participated in our 2025 National First-Gen Celebration Week.
Honoring Perseverance
96 graduating first-gen students across undergraduate, graduate, law programs were honored and recognized at the 2026 First-Gen Evening of Excellence.
Programming Priorities
We aim to support year-round connection to wellness, campus, academic, and career resources by hosting community-building experiences, empowering workshops, and leadership development opportunities. Our goal is creating one connected community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to champion first-generation success.
Programs and Initiatives
The First-Generation Student Network is a registered student organization dedicated to the empowerment of first-generation students and their social, cultural, and professional development at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø. Through enriching experiences such as guest-speaker sessions, networking seminars, writing workshops, club hangouts, and more, students can expect to grow both as people and as professionals. We are the campus-wide organization made for and by first-generation college students.
You can learn more about the First-Generation Student Network through the . The ForUM is your place to discover opportunities at Ole Miss. You can also find information about events, service activities and student organizations.
Email honorsfirstgen@go.olemiss.edu for more information on membership or to get involved.
The Flagship First-Gen Empowerment Series is a structured, multi-track pathways program designed to support first-generation undergraduate students, graduate students, and the faculty and staff who serve them. Through intentional curriculum design, monthly themes, and specific learning tracks, the series builds knowledge, confidence, and coordinated campus support systems that strengthen first-generation across our campus community.
Focus Areas:
- Pathway to Success (Undergraduate)
- Pathway to Strategies (Graduate)
- Pathway to Support (Faculty and Staff)
Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honor Society is a chapter-based membership organization and promotes academic excellence and provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and campus and community service for first-generation college students.
Induction into Tri-Alpha is earned by outstanding academic achievement (3.2 GPA or higher for undergraduates) and lasts for a lifetime. The Society’s mission is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-generation college students.
·¬ÇÑÉçÇø is home to the first chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha in Mississippi and accepts new members every spring. If you would like to know more about becoming a member of Alpha Alpha Alpha, please email flagshipfirstgen@olemiss.edu.
First-Generation college students who receive the Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship are eligible to join the Opportunity First-Scholars Program starting their freshman year.
The Opportunity First Scholars Program is a cohort-based student success initiative designed to support Ole Miss Opportunity (OMO) scholars throughout their college journey.
Learn more about the program by visiting the Ole Miss Opportunity Program website.
In recognition of National First-Gen Day on November 8, our National First-Generation Celebration Week is an annual campus-wide celebration recognizing the achievements, resilience, and impact of first-generation students at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø. Through engaging events, networking opportunities, educational programs, and community-building experiences, the week highlights the strength of the first-generation community while connecting students with valuable resources, support, and opportunities for success.
This year’s annual celebration will take place November 8-14.
The First-Gen Evening of Excellence is Flagship First-Gen's annual recognition ceremony celebrating graduating first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. This special event honors the accomplishments, perseverance, and contributions of first-generation graduates while bringing together students, families, faculty, staff, and supporters to celebrate this significant milestone.
Save the date for the 2026-27 school year's celebration on April 26, 2027.
Stay Engaged
Events
View upcoming events and connect with others by following the First-Gen Student Network on the , , and .
Email Signatures
Access to add to your email signature.
To download, click the link, search the Box folder for your respective sticker, and click “Download.” Once you have downloaded and saved the image to your files, add it to your email signature by accessing your email account settings.
Student Success Stories
Edward Hunter
Former Flagship First-Gen president Edward Hunter shares his journey from self-doubt to Capitol Hill and back to Oxford. Inspired by the legacy of James Meredith, he committed himself to leadership and service, including to his fellow first-gen students.
Suezette Salazar
First-generation college student Suezette Salazar discusses the growth she experienced by overcoming adversity and opening herself to new experiences, people, and places. She cites the First-Gen Network as a critical source of support.
Noah Watts
Noah Watts, a first-generation college student, earned his bachelor's degree and stuck around for his master's. He credits the First-Gen Network with helping him find his place, build community, and navigate campus resources.
Find Out More About Flagship First-Gen
If you would like to know more about our ongoing efforts to support First-Generation College students, don't hesitate to get in touch! Reach out below or stop by Martindale-Cole (3rd floor, Suite Q).
Seneca Crump and Kenesha Barnes
Access Resources and Support
Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience
The Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience promotes student success through comprehensive, multifaceted, and dynamic initiatives to ensure a quality collegiate experience for our diverse student population.
Office of Financial Aid
We are responsible for assisting students in navigating various financial aid options and providing guidance on scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to make higher education accessible and affordable. FAFSA# 002440.
Career Center
We provide services, resources, and professional networking opportunities. We educate students in the exploration of occupational pathways and in the development of career readiness skills that prepare students to compete in the global market.
William Magee Center
The William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education transforms students’ lives by providing education, intervention, and support services to enhance well-being and foster success at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø.
UMatter: Support for Every Student
UMatter serves ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø community by coordinating support efforts both on and off campus to assist students facing challenges in order to promote personal and academic success.