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.

Check out our video about what it’s like to be a first generation student at the University of Southern California.

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.

Publications
First-Generation Strategies for Success Booklet

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

Events for USC First-Generation Students

We look forward to seeing you at our various virtual events for first-generation students during the 2020-2021 academic year!

Please check back in August for dates and RSVP information for the following events:

• Welcome Experience Events: We will host a variety of opportunities to meet other first-generation students new to USC.
• First-Generation Success Workshops (FGSW): Throughout the school year we will host workshops to introduce first-generation students to various resources on campus.
• First-Generation Student Leaders: Throughout the school year we will host programs and opportunities for you to connect with our first-generation student leaders.

First-Generation Peer Mentorship Program

Beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, we will launch a mentorship program for new first-generation students at USC. New first-generation students received an invitation email in July. If you are unable to access the invitation and are interested in participating, please email us at sdpesd@usc.edu.

Event Submission

The form below allows you to submit a USC event to be publicized on this website and to our newsletter 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.

USC’s First-Generation Student Leadership Program consist of current USC students who are also in the first generation of their families to attend and eventually graduate from college. These leaders are a great resource for providing their insight, advice, and perspective for navigating university life as a first-generation college student. Please click here to learn more about our leaders. You can even schedule an appointment to chat with them online!

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

Nathalie Quintero
Graduate Assistant, Student Development Programs
sdpesd@usc.edu

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Would you like to share information with the USC First-Generation community through the newsletter? Email sdpesd@usc.edu and we will share your content on an upcoming newsletter.