First-Generation Students

• Attend New Student Orientation – this will help get you connected to the campus community and resources from the very start. Please check out the Orientation brochure for more information and questions.
• Get Support – join clubs and organizations that are of interest to you to get involved and develop your support system on campus! Talk with people whom you trust, such as family members and friends, about what you are experiencing as you transition into the new college environment. Also seek out support from faculty/staff on campus to assist you!
• Find and Maintain Balance – while in college you will have a lot to juggle! Balance, organization, and time management will be key to your success. With your academic, social, work, and family responsibilities, it will be important for you to find a way to balance competing needs and obligations. Remember the hard work that got you here will also help keep you here.
• Ask For the Support of Your Parents/Family – since your parents did not pursue a degree, they may not understand what you are experiencing and the amount of time and effort you will be putting into your academics. Provide your family members with an idea of what college is like by sharing with them your daily activities and let them know how they can best support you!

We asked our current first-generation students: “What advice would you share with incoming first-generation college students at MTC?” and they responded:

• Get involved! Join clubs and do community service.
• Try not to be shy. Introduce yourself! There are people to help.
• It can sometimes be hard to find a sense of belonging, but don’t be afraid, because the MTC community is welcoming. Get involved and you will grow so much.
• Use resources that are available to you.
• It’s important to be open-minded.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions; if you are looking for help, you will find it.

Many different resources are available to you to facilitate your success at MTC. Please check out and utilize the resources below to assist you throughout your time here:

Not sure what classes to take? Want to stay on track for graduation?

• Visit your First-Year advisor

Interested in pursuing an internship? Want to develop and strengthen your resume? Questions about career exploration, the job search process, and more?

• Visit Office of Career Services

Would you like to sign up for a tutor and take advantage of our tutoring and writing center resources?

• Visit the Tutoring, and Testing Center

Interested in getting involved in a student club/organization? Interested in getting involved in civic engagement, service, diversity/social justice opportunities, and sustainability initiatives?

• Visit Activities

Searching for off-campus housing?

• Visit the Housing Options

Questions about your student academic record? Need to find the form to add a course from the waitlist? Requesting transcripts? Need transfer credit evaluated?

• Visit the Records and Registration

For all financial aid questions (loans, scholarships, grants, etc.)

• Visit Financial Aid

Questions about your student account and billing?

• Visit My Info

Questions about university policy? Interested in checking out the requirements for academic majors/minors on-campus?

• Visit College Catalog

Need Library resources?

• Visit the Marion Campus Library

Parents and Families need more information?