Who Are First-Generation Students?
Our Commitment to First-Generation Success
At EIU, we celebrate the resilience, determination, and leadership that first-generation students bring to our campus community. We understand that being the first in your family to attend college can bring moments of both excitement and uncertainty. Our goal is to ensure that every first-gen student feels seen, supported, and equipped to thrive—academically, personally, and professionally.
The First-Gen Hub exists to provide a welcoming space, comprehensive resources, and programs designed to empower you throughout your college experience. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, community connections, or guidance in navigating university life, we’re here for you every step of the way. Explore this site to find information about first-gen initiatives, success programs, and helpful tools—including our glossary of common college terms—to help you make the most of your EIU experience. Because at EIU, we believe that when first-generation students succeed, our entire community grows stronger
What the First-Gen Hub Is All About
The First-Gen Hub is designed with you in mind. Everything we do is grounded in ecological validation—a holistic approach that recognizes your strengths, values your identity, and connects you to the resources you need to thrive. Here’s what that looks like in action:- Connecting the Dots: We bring together resources and information from across campus so you can easily find what you need in one place.
- Being Proactive: We can support you through major academic transitions—because we know asking for help shouldn’t be a barrier to success.
- Focusing on Strengths: We see you as capable and growing. Our programs are built to help you develop confidence, skills, and self-advocacy.
- Centering Identity: We honor who you are—your background, experiences, and goals—and tailor our services to fit your unique journey.
- Working Together: We partner across departments to identify challenges, share information, and make it easier for you to access support and opportunities.
- Always Improving: We listen, learn, and adapt to make sure our programs and services evolve with your needs and experiences.
TRiO
Offers academic assistance to low-income students, first-generation students, and college students with disabilities.
Career Services
Offers personal career counseling, with resume workshops, mock interviews, connections to internships, and more.
Office of Belonging, Access. and Engagement
Provides programs that heighten the awareness, presence, and success of minority students and other under-represented groups.
The Writing Center
Helps students with writing assignments for any class at any stage of the writing process.
Student Success Center
Provides programs and services to empower students and connect them with the resources they need to achieve both academic and personal goals.
Center for Student Innovation (CSI):
Provides laptop computers, webcams, and other technology to aid students.
Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society
Provides mentoring from first-generation students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni who were first-generation students.
Health Education Resource Center
Serves as a resource for students, faculty, and staff by providing programs, campaigns, interventions, and one-on-one consultations regarding health-related topics.
Counseling Clinic
Helps to enhance psychological/emotional health, as well as promote the overall wellness of the campus student community through education, outreach, counseling services, consultation, and crisis services.
EIU Campus Food Pantry
Supports students who may not have access to affordable, nutritious food.
Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships encourages all students to apply early for financial aid and scholarships. To ensure full consideration for aid, submit your FAFSA as soon as possible and search for scholarships using our scholarship search engine
Academic Advising
Students who have not enrolled at EIU in a previous semester should contact New Student Programs for registration information.
Beginning first-year students,PACK students, are assigned a full-time academic advisor from Academic Advising Services.