First-Generation Students

Menu

First-Generation Students

What are First-Generation Students?

Are you the first in your family to attend college? You are considered a first-generation student and we are proud to have you as part of the MTC Family. Welcome to Marion Technical College! The following information will provide you with tips and resources to facilitate your academic success and transition at MTC! A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a higher educational degree. This means that you are the first in your family to attend a college to attain a degree. Being first-generation is a very proud accomplishment. We recognize that you will face unique experiences as you begin this exciting journey, and we look forward to supporting you here at MTC.

New and Current First-Generation Students

The mission we are hoping to develop is a sense of community among first-generation college students at MTC and to support the academic success of first-generation students through programming, including general meetings, study sessions, workshops, mentoring, and socials. A degree or certificate will provide you and your family with better opportunities and you will earn more over the course of your lifetime, more than those with high school diplomas alone. Your perseverance, resourcefulness, and hard work have helped you make it to this point and will serve you well during your time at MTC and beyond! Through this process, we look forward to providing you with tips and insight on navigating your journey through higher education, since first-generation students may be entering with limited knowledge about the language and traditions of higher education and the resources available to facilitate your success in the college setting.

Recommendations for First-Generation College 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 New Student Orientation Page 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!

Testimonials

See First-Generation Stories here. 

Tips from Current MTC First-Generation Students

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.

Campus Resources

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?

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

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

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

Searching for off-campus housing?

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

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

Questions about your student account and billing?

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

Need Library resources?

Parents and Families need more information?

Visit the Parents and Families of First-Generation Parents.

Resources for First-Generation College Students: 

“MTC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 recipient borrow additional funds to cover the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.”

Career Planning

We can help you with career counseling, resume development, interviewing skills, and job searching strategies. Contact Kristi Butler at 740-386-4110 to start building your career strategy.

Disability Services

We are committed to serving students with disabilities equally. Our Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE) houses the Office of Disabilities and will advocate on behalf of students for reasonable accommodations for physical, mental, learning, and/or emotional disabilities.

We strongly encourage veteran or active duty students with a disability to contact the Office of Disabilities by emailing DS@mtc.edu or stopping by room BR 183F, located in the SRC during the admissions process.

Counseling

We employ a licensed professional clinical counselor to help students address personal challenges and barriers to academic success. Consultations with the counselor are confidential and free to MTC students. For more information, visit the Center for Student Success and Engagement or contact Mike Stuckey at 740-386-4171.

Scroll to top