Ringling Firsts: Supporting First-Generation Students

Programs and resources for First-Gen students

Who is a first-generation college student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. This means that you are the first person in your family to attend a four-year college/university in the U.S. to attain a bachelor’s degree, regardless of other immediate family member’s level of education such as a sibling.

Am I first-gen?

You are first-gen if:

• Your parent(s) did not receive a bachelor’s degree
• Your parent(s) received a bachelor’s degree in a country outside the United States

Did you know?

41% of our 2024 incoming class identifies as first-generation students.

That’s why we created Ringling Firsts, a community to uplift and support first-gen students through connections and resources.

Our Mission

Ringling Firsts provides a welcoming and supportive environment for first-generation students. We are committed to creating a campus culture that celebrates first-gen identity, builds connections with faculty, staff and other students and promotes student success from day one through graduation and beyond.

What We Offer

Community and Connection

• First-Generation Student Success Committee: Includes faculty, students, and senior leadership committed to first-gen success
• First-Gen Student Celebration Day every November
• Monthly social media features highlighting first-gen students, faculty, and staff
• Rising Together podcast episode spotlighting first-gen voices
• Panels/webinars led by current first-gen students for incoming first-gen students and their families

Mental Health & Wellness

The Peterson Counseling Center offers first-generation therapy groups, drop-in sessions, and workshops to support first-generation students.

Recognition & Leadership

• First-gen graduation cords at Commencement
• First-Gen Student Leadership Award (launching Spring 2026)
• Featured sessions for first-gen student support in:
  • DEEP Certificate Program (faculty, staff, and student development)
  • Faculty Professional Development Day, Fall 2025

Have questions or want to get involved?

Contact: studentsuccess@ringling.edu