First Generation College Students - Dean of Students

Student Support Services is one of the TRIO programs funded through the U.S Department of Education. The program goals are to increase the retention and graduation rates of first generation and low income students and students with disabilities seeking a baccalaureate degree.

If you are a first generation college student where neither parent has earned a baccalaureate degree, you may qualify for acceptance into the SSS program. Each participant accepted into the program works with an advisor to develop an individualized plan of support. This plan includes goals a student would like to achieve during the academic year and what the SSS program can do to assist them in achieving their desired goals. Services that participants often use include:

• Academic and personal advising
• Exploration of academic majors and related careers
• Tutoring support in 100-400 level coursework
• Assistance with securing financial aid including SSS grants for eligible students
• Exploration of graduate school
• Free printing services
• Referral and advocacy within the NMU and Marquette communities

We firmly believe First Generation students have the ability to excel at NMU. Students accepted into the SSS program develop excellent academic credentials. In the past five years:

• Annually 40% of participants maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Each semester 25% have earned Dean’s List Honors
• Five SSS participants have been named top graduating seniors in their academic departments

The SSS program serves as a supportive ‘home base’ for many First Generation students who continue their involvement with the SSS program until completion of their baccalaureate degree.

The mission of the McNair Program at NMU is to increase post-baccalaureate success among underrepresented students. We are dedicated to supporting students in their pursuit of critical inquiry through research experiences and to fostering productive relationships between students and faculty researchers. The McNair Scholars program also seeks to encourage students to embrace diversity and cultivate lifelong learning goals through cultural activities and individual academic support.

The McNair program works with students who are sophomores, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. Other eligibility requirements include first-generation and low-income status. If neither of your parents have earned a bachelor’s degree and you come from a low-income family, you may be eligible for the McNair Program. You may also be eligible if you are a member of an underrepresented minority group.

The McNair Program affords its participants many benefits, including:

• Faculty guided research internship with stipend and housing allowance.
• Funding for travel to regional and national conferences.
• Funding for travel to visit graduate school programs.
• Group seminars covering a range of topics related to research and graduate school preparation.
• One-on-one academic advising to guide you through the process of exploring and applying to graduate school.
• Referral and advocacy within the NMU community.

Graduates of the McNair Program have gone on to great things, including enrollment at prestigious universities, including:

• University of Michigan  - Ann Arbor (Medical School, Biopsychology, Cell Biology, etc.)
• California State University – North Ridge (STEM Cell research)
• Georgia State University
• University of Tennessee
• Michigan State University – (Veterinary school, Medical School, etc.)
• Columbia University

Applications for this prestigious program open in the fall of each year. The McNair Program works with only 28 students per year, so participants get lots of individual attention. For more information send an email to mcnair@nmu.edu or stop by our offices in 2807 West Science.

First Wildcats is the first generation student organization on campus. The purpose of First Wildcats is to build and strengthen connections between first generation college students and other NMU students, faculty, staff and campus resources. On average, about 35% of NMU students are the first in their family to attend college. As a first generation student you can be a part of the First Wildcats organization and we invite you to become involved with us during your time here at Northern. Find a support system of other students going through the same things as you, learn more about how to succeed at Northern, and make lifelong connections. 

Membership is open to any student who is a first generation college student or who would like to connect with first generation students. For more information contact us at dso@nmu.edu.

Get connected with First Generation Services

• Getting Connected Outside of the Classroom 
• Balancing Academics and Social Life
• Financial Literacy and FAFSA
• Make a Difference Day  - volunteer opportunities
• Selecting your Classes for Fall- tips for meeting with your Academic Adviser
• Preparing for Summer
• Time Management 
• February Volunteer Opportunities
• Applying for Summer Employment
• Staying engaged with NMU During Summer
• Finals Prep and Stuff Swap

Do you have any of these questions?

How do I find a book, website, or article on my topic?
How do I get a copy of something that our library doesn’t have?
What can I use other than Google to find information on my topic?
Can the library provide me with stuff to read for fun? Or movies?
How do I use the library’s databases? What if I’m not on campus?
What kinds of equipment are available at the library to check out?
What kinds of computing services are available in the library?
How do I print in the library?
How do I reserve a study room in the library?
I need help with citations in my papers.

Don't sweat them! Come find Bruce Sarjeant for assistance in the Olson Library, Harden 224, back near the Map Collection. All librarians are available to help you, but Bruce works directly with the First Generation program to keep students on the right track. Connect with him to discuss your assignment.