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Resources for First-Generation Students

First-generation college students are those in the first generation of their families to earn a four-year degree. Approximately 24 percent of our students at St. Norbert are first-generation. Being first-generation is a proud accomplishment because it means you’re bold enough to embark on a new and exciting journey. We’re here to support you on that journey. Below you can find some resources to help you and your family navigate this experience:

Student Resources

Academic and Career Planning
  • Our academic advisement office can help you determine what classes to take and help you stay on track for graduation.
  • The office of academic success, support and accessibility offers academic mentors to help you enrich your study skills and better manage your time. They can also arrange tutoring services.
  • The office of the registrar handles all questions about your student academic record and transcripts, including evaluations of transfer credits.
  • The office of career and professional development can help you explore potential careers, spruce up your cover letter and résumé, and pursue internships or full-time job opportunities. They offer walk-in hours where no appointment is necessary to get career-related support.
  • The Mulva Library is the intellectual hub of the campus. It offers many study spaces and the staff there can provide research assistance and advice on accessing library materials.
  • The Writing Center stands ready to assist with all of your writing projects; think: research papers, lab reports, case studies and more. 
  • The Center for Global Engagement facilitates short-term and long-term study-abroad opportunities, as well as global seminars, for academic credit.

Campus Life

Financial Concerns

  • The office of financial aid assists with all financial aid questions including those related to loans, scholarships, grants, etc.
  • Our bursar office handles student accounts and tuition billing.
Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Support
  • Health & Wellness Services offers physical assessments, lab testing, immunizations and illness and injury treatment.
  • Counseling & Psychological Services can help you deal with the transitions and challenges of life. They offer a variety of free services all covered by the student health fee.
  • The Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center has an airy and well-equipped fitness center featuring treadmills, stationary bikes and weights. There is also a pool that is available for student use.
  • The Emmaus Center for Spiritual Life & Vocation supports students interested in exploring issues of faith and spirituality.
Diversity and Inclusion
  • Multicultural Student Services cares for our multicultural students by offering culturally relevant services and programming that foster successful transition, persistence, achievement and graduation.

Family Resources

Here are some tips for parents and families of first-generation students:
  • Learn everything you can about St. Norbert College. Our About SNC website is a good starting point.
  • Visit our parents website for more information and resources specific to parents.
  • Parent and family support is key to the success of college students. You should attend First-Year Summer Orientation to become knowledgeable about the resources and services available to your student.
  • Keep in mind that pursuing higher education does not mean that students will lose the values they were raised with.
  • Your student may not be able to come home every weekend – even if it is only 5 or 10 miles away from campus – since there will be other curricular and co-curricular demands on their time.
  • Be patient with yourselves and one another, especially since this is a first-time experience for everyone.
  • Allow your students the space to manage their own on-campus transactions and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. This is an important life skill that they will not learn unless they are able to exercise it. Our campus community is a safe space for them to practice this skill.
What some first-generation college students wish their parents knew:
  • There can be a lot of pressure and stress that comes with being in college.
  • When I feel overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is provide support and encouragement.
  • Knowing you believe in me goes a long way.

Student Resources

Academic and Career Planning
  • Our academic advisement office can help you determine what classes to take and help you stay on track for graduation.
  • The office of academic success, support and accessibility offers academic mentors to help you enrich your study skills and better manage your time. They can also arrange tutoring services.
  • The office of the registrar handles all questions about your student academic record and transcripts, including evaluations of transfer credits.
  • The office of career and professional development can help you explore potential careers, spruce up your cover letter and résumé, and pursue internships or full-time job opportunities. They offer walk-in hours where no appointment is necessary to get career-related support.
  • The Mulva Library is the intellectual hub of the campus. It offers many study spaces and the staff there can provide research assistance and advice on accessing library materials.
  • The Writing Center stands ready to assist with all of your writing projects; think: research papers, lab reports, case studies and more. 
  • The Center for Global Engagement facilitates short-term and long-term study-abroad opportunities, as well as global seminars, for academic credit.

Campus Life

Financial Concerns

  • The office of financial aid assists with all financial aid questions including those related to loans, scholarships, grants, etc.
  • Our bursar office handles student accounts and tuition billing.
Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Support
  • Health & Wellness Services offers physical assessments, lab testing, immunizations and illness and injury treatment.
  • Counseling & Psychological Services can help you deal with the transitions and challenges of life. They offer a variety of free services all covered by the student health fee.
  • The Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center has an airy and well-equipped fitness center featuring treadmills, stationary bikes and weights. There is also a pool that is available for student use.
  • The Emmaus Center for Spiritual Life & Vocation supports students interested in exploring issues of faith and spirituality.
Diversity and Inclusion
  • Multicultural Student Services cares for our multicultural students by offering culturally relevant services and programming that foster successful transition, persistence, achievement and graduation.

Family Resources

Here are some tips for parents and families of first-generation students:
  • Learn everything you can about St. Norbert College. Our About SNC website is a good starting point.
  • Visit our parents website for more information and resources specific to parents.
  • Parent and family support is key to the success of college students. You should attend First-Year Summer Orientation to become knowledgeable about the resources and services available to your student.
  • Keep in mind that pursuing higher education does not mean that students will lose the values they were raised with.
  • Your student may not be able to come home every weekend – even if it is only 5 or 10 miles away from campus – since there will be other curricular and co-curricular demands on their time.
  • Be patient with yourselves and one another, especially since this is a first-time experience for everyone.
  • Allow your students the space to manage their own on-campus transactions and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. This is an important life skill that they will not learn unless they are able to exercise it. Our campus community is a safe space for them to practice this skill.
What some first-generation college students wish their parents knew:
  • There can be a lot of pressure and stress that comes with being in college.
  • When I feel overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is provide support and encouragement.
  • Knowing you believe in me goes a long way.
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