First-Generation Students
First-Generation Support at The University of Akron
College is a big step.
Being the first in your family to take it?
That’s even bigger.
At The University of Akron, we don’t just recognize first-generation students — we celebrate them. You are part of a community built on ambition and the confidence to say “yes” to something new. And you won’t make this journey alone.
Support at Your Fingertips
Questions or concerns about going to college? Contact us at firstgen@uakron.edu.
Visit firstgenforward.org for more support as a first generation student.
What does ‘first-generation’ actually mean?
A first-generation (first-gen) college student is someone whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree — regardless of other family members’ education. At Akron, we proudly recognize students who are the first in their family to enroll in and complete a college degree, including an associate degree or higher.
That courage matters here.
Your story matters here.
A Campus That Champions First-Gen Students
The University of Akron is proud to be recognized as a First-Gen Forward institution, demonstrating our commitment to students who are taking their family’s first steps into higher education.
In 2024, The University of Akron was chosen as one of 80 institutions in the FirstGen Forward Network for its commitment to enhancing the success and experiences of first-generation college students.
The network employs a three-phase approach to transform the first-gen student experience, improve outcomes and foster inclusive institutional structures.
A core team established by UA stewards the FirstGen Forward Network objectives and guide campus efforts.
Campus Resources You Can Count On
Your success goes beyond the classroom. Akron offers a wide network of support offices to help you stay on track academically, personally and professionally.
Through scholarships, academic support, specialized programs and our dedicated staff, the goal of the Office of Academic Retention and Support is to provide you with tools and support to succeed at and graduate from UA.
The Office of Accessibility provides reasonable accommodations and a supportive, well-resourced environment to students with disabilities in order to promote student success in the university environment.
Our team helps students and alumni explore and reach career goals. We connect you to employers for internships, jobs and careers.
The Counseling and Testing Center is a full-service center staffed with licensed psychologists and counselors who are experts in collegiate mental health. They provide free counseling (individual and group), low-cost psychological assessment, crisis intervention, outreach and consultation services to the UA community.
Your go-to hub for support throughout the Akron Experience. From orientation and first-year programs to advising, tutoring, learning communities, and education abroad, the Student Success Center connects you with the people, programs, and resources that help you find your path and move confidently toward graduation.
UA’s Counseling and Testing Center also serves as secure, certified testing environment that supports academic integrity at UA. Testing Services administers exams in accordance with National College Testing Association (NCTA) guidelines, following instructor-provided instructions to ensure consistent, reliable, and fair exam administration for University of Akron courses.
Free, flexible academic support to help you succeed in writing and math. Offered through the Office of Student Academic Success, tutoring is available to currently enrolled students at Bierce Library, the Polsky Building, and online, with support tailored to individual learning styles and needs throughout the fall and spring semesters.
UA’s student advocacy and support hub, connecting Zips to essential resources. ZipAssist coordinates programs like the Campus Cupboard, financial wellness education, family and parent relations, commuter and off-campus student support, and the Help-A-Zip program—so students can focus on learning and thriving.
Technology and Tools to Help You Thrive
Having the right tools makes a difference. Akron offers a range of technology resources to support your academic success.
Technology support includes:
- Access to or rental of laptops
- Campus computer labs and learning spaces
- IT services and support for students
- Technology discounts through The Computer Store
- Library resources for research, learning and media
- Job aids and guides for tools like Workday, Microsoft Teams, Stellic and more