Programs

Faculty/Staff First-Gen Champions

If you’re a faculty or staff member who was a first-generation student, we want to hear from you! Submit our Faculty/Staff First-Gen Champions form to be considered a resource for our first-generation tigers, to share your own experiences as a first-generation student, and have the opportunity to be featured on our social media! Follow us on Instagram at @UofMFirstGen. For more information contact firstgen@memphis.edu.

First Scholars Program

The mission of the First Scholars Program is to dramatically improve the graduation rate of first-generation college students and to prepare each scholar for a life with self-awareness, success, and significance. First Scholars' comprehensive program was created to specifically address the holistic development of first-generation students throughout their college experience. Our program delivers multiple levels of support, including a full-time program coordinator and peer mentors to help First Scholars address the unique challenges first-gen students face. Each year the First Scholars Program accepts 20 students to participate in this special cohort. Scholars selected for the program will receive an annual $5,000 scholarship over their four-year experience at the University of Memphis, for a total of $20,000 in scholarship funding. In addition to the scholarship, students will receive a number of social, academic, and leadership activities designed to guide scholars through key transitions pivotal to their success. For more information, contact Nicole Taylor Tartt at 901.678.6041 | nmtylrtr@memphis.edu.

OFGSS Peer Mentoring Program

Over 50% of the UofM campus is first-generation. We graduate hundreds of first-generation students every year. You can be successful here! The OFGSS Peer Mentoring Program focuses on connecting first-year students with a mentor who has been successful at the UofM! You can create a relationship with someone who will look out for you and understand where you've been! For more information contact firstgen@memphis.edu.

Career Closet

To visit the OFGSS Career Closet, current UofM students must schedule an appointment. The Career Closet is open weekdays from 8:30-3:30 by appointment only. If you have an immediate need, please email firstgen@memphis.edu. .

National First-Generation Week

The first week of November, the UofM and universities across the country recognize first-generation students, as well as faculty and staff who were first-generation. For more information contact firstgen@memphis.edu.

Special Events

Please follow our Instagram @uomfirstgen for more info on upcoming events such as Community Service Events, Pop-Up Career Closets, Sapphire Awards Tie-It Tuesdays, Jaws Movie Dive-In, and more.

Workshops and Training

Regsistered Student Organizations, UofM departments and outside organizations can request a presentation or workshop led by OFGSS staff by contacting us at firstgen@memphis.edu.