Counseling Center Services for First Generation Students
Counseling Center Services for First Generation Students
College provides a pathway for students to expand their social and cultural experiences, and to build a more promising career and future. While college life provides a plethora of richness and diversity, it can be particularly arduous for first generation college students (FGCS). FGCS are students who have little or no family collegiate history, and as a result, may enter college with little knowledge about certain transitions or the used jargon. Many FGCS come from different ethnic and racial backgrounds and may not commonly receive a lot of familial support while attending college. FGCS face particular struggles that other non-FGCS may not face, regardless of their intellect or perseverance, including:
- Lack of college readiness
- Financial challenges
- Lack of familial support
- Low a academic self-esteem and self doubt
- Racial/ethnic underrepresentation
Although FGCS face many obstacles during their college career, they also demonstrate great resiliency and perseverance, including:
- Educational commitment
- Academic engagement
- Campus engagement
- Flexibility and adaptability
How Counseling Can Help
A counselor helps students to discuss their concerns in a safe and friendly environment, while working with students to find the best way to help. At the PCC, FGCS find benefit in:
- The unconditional support
- Increased strategies to improve resilience
- Referral for other on-campus resources
- Help with the acclimation to college
We Can Help With:
- Relationship conflicts
- Academics
- Sleep difficulties
- Substance use
- Depression
- Anxiety
- LGBTQ+ related issues
- Trauma and assault
- Identity development related issues
- Balancing the life of a student athlete
- Eating/Body image related issues
- Family and personal crisis
- OCD and Panic disorders
Additional Campus Resources
- Dean of Students: 401-865-1782
- Health Services: 401-865-2442
- Campus Ministry/Chaplain: 401-865-2216
- Public Safety: 401-865-2222 (Emergency)
- Title IX Confidential Advocates (Sexual Assault & Dating Violence)
- The Center @ Moore Hall – Center for Arts, Culture, and Social Justice
- The Center for Orientation, Transitions and Leadership (PC1G, Peer Mentor)
- SHEPARD Club (Stopping Homophobia Eliminating Prejudice and Restoring Dignity)
Click here to download a PDF brochure of this information
Contact Information
Personal Counseling Center
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm during the academic year
Lower Bedford Hall
401.865.2343
Emergency:
If you are experiencing an emergency on campus, please contact Public Safety at 401-865-2222. For off campus emergencies, contact 911.
After hours mental health support:
Call 401-865-2343 and press option 2 to speak with an on-call crisis counselor when the office is closed.
Please do not use email to contact Personal Counseling Center staff for urgent/crisis purposes
