As the University of Illinois Springfield continues to grow and evolve, one student population stands out for its resilience, drive and increasing presence on campus: first-generation college students. These students are the first in their families to navigate the world of higher education – a journey that often comes with unique challenges.
Our enduring mission
The commitment to serving first-generation students is part of UIS’ foundation. Established in 1969 as Sangamon State University, the institution began as an upper-division university serving juniors and seniors. Its early student body was largely composed of adults, many of whom were the first in their families to earn a degree. Today, UIS continues that tradition, serving the greater central Illinois region and supporting the many first-generation students that live in and around Springfield, across the state and throughout the Midwest.
Who is a first-generation student at UIS?
At UIS, the term “first-generation student” is broadly defined. It includes students whose parents or guardians have not earned a bachelor’s degree, as well as those whose parents completed a degree later in life, through an online program, or at an institution outside the United States. This comprehensive definition acknowledges the different experiences a student attending a traditional, residential campus like UIS may face compared to their parents’ experience.
This population is growing at UIS, increasing from 24% of the overall student body in 2015 to 36% in 2024. This fall, about 35% (822 out of 2,337) of all undergraduate students identify as first-generation. Among this year’s incoming first-year students, a notable 51% identify as first-generation.
The unique journey of a first-generation student
First-generation students are characterized by their resilience. They are adept at “figuring things out” because they often have been the first in their families to face many educational and life experiences. However, this resilience is often born of necessity. Nationally, only one in five first-year, first-generation students will complete a bachelor’s degree, compared to 59% (or three out of five) continuing-generation students. This disparity is not due to a lack of academic ability, but rather to differences in access to support systems. Continuing-generation students often benefit from families with experience and connections that help them navigate college life, from academics and finances to campus resources and career opportunities.
The UIS First Generation Initiative
To address the challenges first-generation students face, UIS has significantly expanded its programming through the launch of the UIS First Generation Initiative. The initiative serves as a central resource to help students navigate the complexities of college life by answering questions, guiding them through university processes and creating awareness of resources.
The goal is to create a structured and comprehensive support system that spans a student’s four years at UIS. Programs focus on three key areas:
• Personal development and success
• Academic development and success
• Career exploration and development
Offerings include the Necessary Steps Living Learning Community, established in 2008, as well as workshops, speakers, panels, social activities and immersive experiences such as job shadowing. The ultimate vision is to cultivate an environment where first-generation students are empowered to complete their degrees to become confident, contributing members of the university community and beyond.
The power of peer mentorships
The success of the initiative is grounded in the insight provided by student leaders such as Cassie Goudreau, a junior Capital Honors Scholar student, first-generation college student and newly appointed peer mentor. Goudreau’s experience is familiar: her parents were supportive but lacked the experience to help her navigate the transition to college, leaving her to figure out much on her own. Today, as a high-achieving and involved student, she serves as a strong role model for others.
Student leaders like Goudreau transform the initiative into a supportive network. Having navigated the college journey themselves, they offer relatable, firsthand advice that faculty or staff cannot. They help build a community where first-generation students feel seen and supported, serving as a bridge to resources and examples of what is possible. They “pave the way for others,” which is essential for helping the university build a more engaging campus culture.
Looking ahead
UIS’ commitment to first-generation student success has received national recognition, with UIS selected this year to become a member of the FirstGen Forward Network.
Next steps for the initiative include increasing awareness, collaborating with other campus offices and launching a faculty and staff mentor program for sophomores and upperclassmen. UIS also plans to engage first-generation alumni, whose experiences and perspectives represent an invaluable resource for current students.
The message to our first-generation students is clear: You are not alone. The UIS First Generation Initiative is here to provide support, guidance and resources to help every student succeed.
Lisa McGuire is the program director for retention and student transition in the Office of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield.
