The Office of First-Generation Student Success at UCF supports students through community, resources, and celebration which empowers students to thrive.
Who is considered a First-Generation student at UCF?
A student whose parents or legal guardians have not received a bachelor’s degree or higher in the USA.
A first-generation college student is commonly defined as an individual whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not earned a baccalaureate (four-year) degree. As a result, these students are considered the first within their immediate family to pursue or complete higher education at a four-year institution. This classification extends beyond a descriptive label and reflects a distinct social and educational position shaped by limited familial exposure to postsecondary systems.
About First-Gen
First to Charge Forward
“First to Charge Forward” represents the courage and determination of students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.
Our Mission
Our program empowers students to navigate the university experience, connect with the community, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Our Home
The First-Generation program is housed within the Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement, which is located on the second floor of the Student Union, room 207, in the back of the Office of Student Involvement.
Meet the Team
-
Dr. Paul-Arthur Pierre-Louis
Director, Access and Student Support -
Edgar Carrasco Acosta
Academic Support Coordinator II
Pillars
EMPOWER first-generation students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
CONNECT first-generation students to essential campus resources that support persistence and graduation.
CELEBRATE the academic success and personal growth of first-generation students.
Empower
First Gen Knights support student success by fostering belonging while providing academic support, professional development, campus connections, and meaningful opportunities to celebrate and recognize first-generation students’ achievements.
Opportunities for Growth
- Career readiness through professional workshops
- Application revision
- Resume and portfolio support
- Academic support
Resume Feedback
First-Generation Knights’ partnership with UCF Career Services provides VMock to support first-generation students as they prepare for their careers. VMock uses advanced technology to deliver instant, personalized resume feedback based on employer expectations and global best practices—available anytime, anywhere.
- Get 24/7 resume support with instant, personalized feedback
- Learn how to turn classes, work, and life experiences into career-ready skills
- Prepare confidently for internships, jobs, and interviews at your own pace
Student Voice
As a first-generation student at UCF, the Office of First-Generation has played a central role in helping me recognize my academic potential… Thanks to that support, I was able to grow as a researcher and proudly present my poster on the Chlamydia trachomatis CTL0338 effector: an experience that became a meaningful and successful milestone in my academic journey.
– Santiago Romero
Connect
Finding Your Community
Students connect through First Gen Knights events by meeting peers, mentors, and campus partners in welcoming, low‑pressure spaces that build relationships, confidence, and a sense of community throughout their college journey.
Events are free to attend and registration is not required but encouraged. View Upcoming Events
January 21, 2p.m.
Building Your Rich Life: Creating a Spending Plan that Works
In collaboration with Project BEST
Location: John C. Hitt Library Room 402
February 4, 11a.m.
Ask Me: How to Prepare for the Interview Process?
In collaboration with Career Services
Location: Key West Ballroom Student Union Room 218
February 24, 11a.m.
Ask Me: About Studying Abroad?
In collaboration with Study Abroad & The Cultural Center (FREE FOOD)
Location: Key West Ballroom Student Union Room 218
March 4, 11a.m.
Atrium Takeover
In collaboration with Best Buddies
Location: Student Union Atrium
March 5, 5:30p.m.
Together Through Art with Best Buddies
In collaboration with Best Buddies
Location: Ginsburg Lounge Suite 207
March 26, 11a.m.
Spring Farmers Market
In collaboration with Dining Services
Location: Student Union Patio
April 6, 2p.m.
First-Generation Celebration and Tri-Alpha Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Location: Pegasus Ballroom
Student Support Services
Academic Support Services
Tri-Alpha
The National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students
Mission
To encourage academic excellence, create enthusiasm for scholarship, promote leadership, and provide a community and support for first-generation college students.
Requirements:
- UCF Student
- 3.2+ GPA
- 30+ Credit Hours
Stay Connected
Subscribe to The Office of First-Generation Student Success email list and follow us on our socials.
Celebrate
The Office of First-Generation Student Success celebrates student achievements through the First-Generation Celebration at the end of every Fall and Spring semester.
This celebration recognizes graduating first-generation seniors, students inducted into the Tri-Alpha Honors Society, and GPA achievements through Excellence in Action.
First-Gen Regalia
Earn Your First-Generation Regalia
The Office of First-Generation Student Success celebrates student achievements through two special graduation items: a stole and a cord
Stole Requirements:
- Identify as a first-generation student
- Attend four professional development events
- Eligible graduating senior
Cord Requirements:
- Complete stole requirements
- Additional 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher
How Participation Is Tracked
Attendance is tracked through KnightConnect. Students will need to sign into their UCF KnightConnect account, click on their profile icon at the top right of the screen, and navigate to the Event History section. There students will be able to see all the past events and count the amount of professional development events they have attended that will count towards their stole credit.
Regalia Distribution
- Distributed at the First-Generation Celebration at the end of the year.
- Alternate Distribution: April 27th & 28th from 11am – 3pm at the UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center.
