First-Gen at KU

For undergraduate students: Being a First-Generation undergraduate student means that neither your parents or guardians have a bachelor's degree.

For graduate students: Being a First-Generation graduate student means you are in the first generation of your family to earn a bachelor’s degree and are now earning a graduate or professional degree.

Being the first in your family to get a bachelor’s degree is something to be proud of but may add extra challenges. Not all First-Gen students will have the same experiences at KU or run into the same problems. Because a student is First-Gen, they may have questions that they aren’t able to get answers from family about. Hawk Link is here to support First-Gen students however they need and help them adjust and be successful at KU.

Hawk Link is open to all students at KU from the time they first apply to after they graduate. We specifically look to support First-Gen students but any student is welcome to see our coordinators.

Visit our homepage to set up an appointment with one of our coordinators!

Hawk Link runs Jayhawk JumpStart which is a program for First-Gen students to come to campus a week early in the Fall, meet their peers, and learn how KU works. If you’re not able to attend, you can also schedule an appointment with a Hawk Link coordinator to ask any questions you have. 

The Mentored Scholars Program (MSP) supports first-generation students both by connecting you to a faculty mentor in your area of study as well as through scholarships.