At USC, we define first-generation students as those whose parents do not have four-year degrees. Even if you have older siblings who are currently attending or have graduated from college, you are considered part of the first generation to enroll in, and eventually complete, college. At USC, nearly 20% of the total undergraduate population are first-generation students.

We are proud to have you here at USC. We have many resources and support services to help you navigate your college experience.

USC is a big place with many offices and support services to assist you. Below are some of the resources you may find helpful in various areas of your undergraduate experience. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at sdpesd@usc.edu if you have any questions or need help finding resources on campus.

Academic Resources
Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity (KCLC)
Math Center
Writing Center
Tutoring Services

Academic advising resources by department
Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Dornsife Pre-Health Advising
Marshall School of Business
Pre-Business/Internal Marshall Transfer Advisement
Leventhal School of Accounting
Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Jimmy Iovine and Andrew Young Academy
Viterbi School of Engineering
Pre-Engineering Advisement
Keck School of Medicine
Price School of Public Policy
Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Occupational Therapy

Personal Resources
Student Support and Advocacy
Health Center and Wellness
Office for Diversity and Strategic Initiatives (ODSI)
Food Pantry

Campus Involvement and Community
Cultural Centers
Rec Sports
Campus Activities

Jobs and Career Resources
Career Center
ConnectSC

Publications
First-Generation Strategies for Success Booklet
Resource Guide

Events for USC First-Generation Students

First-Generation Student Leadership Program (SLP)

Are you interested in helping new first-generation students integrate into USC? Do you want to build leadership and public speaking skills? First-Gen SLP might be the program for you!

First-Gen SLP is designed to have a community of student leaders who are in the first generation of their families to go to college and eventually obtain a college degree. These students will represent the USC first-generation experience to incoming first-generation students. First-Generation Leaders will serve as a resource to students, parents, and legal guardians in order to provide a student perspective. They will also staff Student Development Program events such as First-Generation Welcomes during Summer Orientations, Welcome Week activities (both fall and spring), and First-Generation Success Workshops. First-Generation Leaders will also support other campus partners as requested, such as the Office of Admission.

You can apply for First-Gen SLP here. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 22. Group interviews will take place October 1-11.

First-Generation Success Workshops (FGSW)

Throughout the school year we will host workshops to introduce first-generation students to various resources on campus.

Fall 2019 First-Generation Success Workshops

RSVPs are required to attend workshops. You must be logged into myUSC in order to access the RSVP form. These workshops are open to all currently enrolled first-generation students at USC. Space is limited and therefore workshops may close before the indicated deadline due to maximum capacity.

Each workshop is offered twice in order to accommodate as many students as possible. Please only RSVP for one date under each workshop theme. Students will be permitted to leave workshops 10 minutes early, if needed, to be on time for classes or other commitments.

FGSW: Finding Community

• Wednesday, September 11: 3:30-5 PM. RSVP here by Monday, September 9.
• Tuesday, September 17: 3:30-5 PM. RSVP here by Friday, September 13.

FGSW: Time Management and Study Skills

• Tuesday, October 1: 3:30-5 PM. RSVP here by Friday, September 27.
• Wednesday, October 9: 3:30-5 PM. RSVP here by Monday, October 7.

FGSW: Financial Fitness

• Wednesday, October 30: 3:30-5 PM. RSVP here by Monday, October 28.
• Tuesday November 5: 3:30-5 PM. RSVP here by Friday, November 1.

Career Center First-Generation Mentor Program

Event Submission

The form below allows you to submit a USC event to be publicized on this website and to our listserv subscribers. Events must be sponsored by USC departments or student organizations.

Submitting this form simply adds your event information to our website. This does not initiate a process of assisting with the planning of your event. It is your responsibility to make all necessary arrangements for your event (space reservations, logistics, catering if applicable, etc.). You should confirm and finalize your planning prior to submitting this form.

Jessica Frey Nielsen
Director, Student Development Programs
sdpesd@usc.edu

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