Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer content
First Generation Students

Families

Thank you for visiting this website and encouraging your student to become a college graduate!

If you are the parent or guardian of a middle or high school student who wants to go to college, you can find helpful information about getting into college here.

You are also encouraged to visit Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships and Student Aid.

With your support, your student can make the most of his or her undergraduate experience.

 

If your student is the first member of your family to attend college, he or she is likely to face some unique challenges. There are several things you can do to help your student succeed.

Families can help students by:

  • Becoming familiar with university resources on the academic and students affairs side and encouraging your student to utilize resources. Parents can remind students that successful students take advantage of university resources.
  • Letting your student know that it is normal for students to seek help at IWU and that smart students take advantage of university resources.
  • Encouraging your student to meet with their professors during office hours. All professors have faculty office hours for meeting with students outside of class time.
  • Discussing the importance of time management and goal setting and challenging your student to make the best of the collegiate experience by getting involved, studying abroad, and participating in undergraduate research.
  • Understanding that first generation college students often struggle with unique issues. Many first gen students begin their college experience with little or no knowledge of the expectations, resources, or the college culture. This lack of knowledge may prevent students from taking full advantage of academic and social opportunities. Encourage your student to participate in campus activities that will facilitate their sense of belonging on campus.