About Us

Carolina Firsts is not only how we refer to the first-gen students here at UNC, but we are also dedicated to supporting and empowering the first-gen population to achieve their academic and personal goals through programming and one-on-one support.

Examples of events and programming include:

• Events and workshops focused on holistic student success
• Events during Family Weekend
• National First-Gen Day Celebration
• Graduation & Pinning Ceremony

First-Generation College Student Definition

Carolina Firsts defines a first-generation college student as one whose parent(s)/guardian(s) did not complete a four-year degree in the United States.

You are still considered a first-generation college student even if any of the following are true:

• Your sibling(s) graduated from a four-year university.
• Your parent(s)/guardian(s) attended community college and have an Associate’s degree.
• Your parent(s)/guardian(s) have taken college classes but do not have a degree.
• Your parent(s)/guardian(s) received a four-year degree outside of the United States.

To learn more, visit our FAQs page.