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:

• First-Gen Fridays: Once a month we hold space for first-gen students to build community through fun, social activities
• I am First: Workshop Series: These monthly workshops cover various topics related to students’ personal, professional, and academic success
• Events during Family Weekend
• National First-Gen Day Celebration: Usually held around November 8, we plan several events to recognize and celebrate our first-generation students
• Graduation & Pinning Ceremony: Graduating, first-generation seniors receive “Carolina Firsts” pins. Friends and family are invited to attend

For more details on our events, check out the Events page or visit our Heel Life page

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.