It takes courage and determination to break new ground and try new things, to be FIRST. This includes being among the first in your family to attend and graduate from college. While going off to college can be challenging for all students, it can be especially intimidating for even the bravest first gens.
This website seeks to provide first-generation students at the University of Michigan with resources, insight and inspiration that can help you thrive and succeed on campus as you pursue your degree.
We’re collecting and sharing stories from other first-generation college students and graduates to inspire and offer advice to current and future first gens. We’ve also compiled useful information about college life, paying for college and other programs and services.
Above all, we hope this site helps you open doors and connect with U-M’s community of first-generation students and those who will support and encourage you throughout your journey.
“If you are the first member of your family to attend college, I am proud to welcome you to our University of Michigan family! Thank you for choosing our university. Your talents and perspectives are making our campus a better and more vibrant educational environment. Good luck with your studies, and GO BLUE!“
– U-M President Mark S. Schlissel
Meet the Project Manager
Adan Hussain is the First Generation Project Manager whose office is embedded inside the Student Gateway! In his role, Adan aims to continue to actively research and coordinate efforts to promote first generation student success at the University of Michigan. Adan’s focus and interests are in diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. He received his MA in Higher Education at The Ohio State University.
Adan’s Projects:
•Central First Gen Programs
•FGS Commission
•FGS Undergraduate Advisory Board
•FGS Graduate Advisory Board
•FGS UM Website
•Advisor to FGCS @ U-M
You can seek Adan by:
•Finding him at the Gateway
•Emailing him at adanah@umich.edu
Meet the Project Assistant
Amrita Das is the First Generation Project Assistant who you’ll also see in the Student Gateway! Amrita supports Adan on community initiatives for first-generation students. This includes working on first-generation signature programs, supporting the first-generation committee, and connecting Student Life Learning Outcomes to first-generation initiatives. Amrita is currently pursuing an MS at the School of Information focusing on User Experience Design. She received her BA in International Studies at the University of Michigan in 2018.
Amrita’s Projects:
•Central First Gen Programs
•FGS Undergraduate Advisory Board
•FGS – Student Life Learning Outcomes
•FGS UM Website
You can seek Amrita by:
•Finding her at the Gateway
•Emailing her at amrdas@umich.edu
