About

A place for first-generation success

Are you the first in your family to go to college? That's something to celebrate! Join us for events designed especially for you and discover resources to support your experience here at IU Indianapolis. You're not alone. Many of our faculty and staff were also the first in their families to attend college.

IU Indianapolis cares about the experiences of first-generation students and works to be a welcoming and supportive environment for students who are the first in their families to attend college. While our weeklong celebration is important, we're also committed to the other 51 weeks in the year and all of the experiences that students have.

We have held First-Generation Celebrations since November 2018 and expanded to include other ways to engage our first-generation students, faculty, and staff year-round. No matter your role at IU Indianapolis, we have a way for you to get involved.

Share your experience

If you were the first in your family to graduate from college, tell us your story. We are looking to feature stories about the experiences of IU Indianapolis students, faculty, and staff.

Tell us about your experience

IU Indianapolis: A First-Gen Forward Institution

IU Indianapolis is truly committed to first-generation student success; and our designation as a First-Gen Forward Institution proves that.

The First Forward designation is given by the Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the center's research and resources.

Opportunities we receive because of this recognition help us, help you.

First-Generation Committee

Ready to do even more? The IU Indianapolis First-Generation Committee is comprised of various individuals from across campus. Their charge is to identify ways to celebrate first-generation students, faculty, and staff at IU Indianapolis and to empower the campus to join in the annual celebration. Want to learn more or join? Contact us at imfirst@iupui.edu.

Committee members

Emily Hunnicutt (co-chair)
Ernest Evans (co-chair)
Ashley Msikinya
Kevin Lema
Carlos Zapata
Brandi Gilbert
Tonya Hall
Janice Bankert-Countryman

Evan Downey
Allison Wigginton
Cornealious Cook
Chelsea French
Karina Cruz
Erica George
Craig Bixler
Tonya Shelton

Get connected

Have questions about resources for first-gen students? Want to learn more about how you can get involved to help first-gen students? Just reach out to us!