Home | First-Generation Students | Illinois Student Affairs First-Generation Students First Gen Directory Events First Gen Series Signature Programs First Gen Week Resources Campus Resources National Resources Meet the Staff Get Involved Check / Update Your First-Gen Status Campus Steering Committee Campus First Generation Definition Campus Program Directory Steering Committee Accomplishments First Gen Fast Facts First Gen at Illinois Being the first in your family to attend college is a tremendous accomplishment. We are delighted that you have chosen to attend Illinois! Body At this point in your educational journey, you likely had to independently navigate an extensive college admissions process to arrive on campus. It is that type of hard work, dedication, and resiliency that will ultimately help propel you toward your goal of graduation. Now that you have officially joined the University of Illinois family, we want you to know that you are not alone. This website serves as a shared virtual space to support first generation student success. Who is a first generation student at Illinois? The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign defines first-generation as “neither parent nor guardian have earned at least a bachelor's degree” (Source: Campus Profile Glossary, Division of Management Information). According to First Gen Forward's 2020 fact sheet, fifty-four percent of students identify as first-generation (pdf) . Still, many need to be made aware of their status, given their unfamiliarity with the concept. Upcoming First Gen Events View all events Check / Update Your Status For instructions on how to check or update your First-Gen status at the University of Illinois, please visit our online form. Check / Update Your Status Join the First-Gen campus directory! The directory is aimed at creating a centralized place online where the First-Gen community can locate mentors who also identify as First-Generation. Tell Us About Yourself Body Body Student Affairs First-Generation Students 610 E. John Street, Suite 410 M/C 306 Champaign, IL 61820 217-333-0054 Email: firstgen@illinois.edu Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging