Families of First-Generation Students

As the family of a first-generation college student at Cornell University, your support has played an essential role in helping them reach this exciting milestone.

We understand that the college experience—especially as the first in the family to attend—can feel both exciting and unfamiliar. This page is here to help guide you through the journey alongside your student, offering resources and suggestions to support their academic and personal growth at Cornell.

First-generation students are trailblazers. Your encouragement and involvement are incredibly meaningful as they navigate this transition. Below are some key ways you can help support and uplift your student:

Ways to Encourage and Support Your Student

Embrace the Journey

This is a transformative time for your student—and for you. Be open to learning and growing together. Celebrate your student’s milestones and offer a listening ear when they need to talk.

Example: If your student calls to share their excitement about a new class or club, take a moment to celebrate with them. Your encouragement builds confidence and connection.

Participate in Orientation and Family Events

Joining gatherings like orientation programs and campus events like Family Weekend help you get to know Cornell, meet faculty and staff, and learn about the many resources available to your student.

Example: Attend family orientation sessions to explore academic expectations and support services. These opportunities help you feel more connected to your student’s new environment.

Maintain Open Communication

Keep the lines of communication open while giving your student space to grow. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences—both highs and lows.

Example: Try scheduling a weekly phone or video call. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was something that made you smile this week?” or “Is anything feeling especially tough right now?”

Encourage Exploration

Support your student in trying new things—joining clubs, making new friends, and discovering their interests. These experiences can help them develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.

Example: If your student mentions an interest in a club or organization, encourage them to attend the first meeting and give it a try.

Normalize Seeking Help

Reassure your student that asking for help is a smart and strong step forward. Cornell offers many resources—like academic advising, tutoring, and counseling—to help students succeed.

Example: If your student is having a hard time with a course, suggest visiting the Learning Strategies Center or talking with a professor during office hours. These tools are part of the support system at Cornell.

Focus on the Big Picture

Remind your student that college is about more than just grades. It’s about developing life skills, forming meaningful relationships, and discovering their path forward. Celebrate their progress and remind them that every step they take is part of something bigger.

Example: Instead of focusing solely on GPA, highlight how much they’ve learned or how they've grown. Acknowledge effort, resilience, and milestones along the way.

How You Can Stay Involved

Stay connected: Keep in touch regularly while encouraging independence and self-confidence.
Celebrate milestones: Recognize both big achievements and small wins.
Explore Cornell’s support services: Learn about resources like the Learning Strategies Center, the Writing Center, and mental health and wellness offerings.
Be patient and understanding: First-generation students may encounter unique challenges—your empathy matters.

Available Resources

First at Cornell

Cornell is committed to fostering a supportive environment for all students, including those who are the first in their families to attend college. These offices and resources offer personalized support, mentorship, and opportunities to help students thrive:

First-Generation and Low-Income Student Support (FGLI): Offers dedicated programming, mentorship, and resources for first-generation and low-income students. Families can explore services that range from academic support to financial guidance and community building.
FGLI Peer Navigators: Peer-to-peer support for navigating academic, financial, and well-being resources, with a particular focus on first-generation and/or low-income students.
Kessler Presidential Scholars Program: A cohort-based program that provides financial, academic, and community support to first-generation students.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Community Liaisons: Culturally responsive mental health support tailored to specific communities on campus.

Parent & Family Programs

Our office is your partner in supporting your student. We offer guidance, communication, and programming to help families feel connected to Cornell:

Regular newsletters, webinars, and family events keep you informed and engaged.
Our Resources to Support Your Student page provides an overview of academic advising, health and wellness, safety, career services, and more.
We’re always here to answer your questions and help you navigate the Cornell experience alongside your student.

Understanding Cornell

College often comes with new language and unfamiliar terms. Our Cornell Vocabulary guide breaks down commonly used campus terms to help you better understand your student’s world and feel more at ease when talking with them about their experiences.

We’re here to support you and your student every step of the way. If you have questions or need additional guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for supporting your student--we’re so glad you’re here!

Student & Campus Life