At USC, we define first-generation students as those whose parents do not have four-year degrees. Even if you have older siblings who are currently attending or have graduated from college, you are considered part of the first generation to enroll in, and eventually complete, college. At USC, approximately 23 percent of the total undergraduate population comprises first-generation students.

We are proud to have you here at USC. We have many resources and support services to help you navigate your college experience.

Check out our video about what it’s like to be a first generation student at the University of Southern California.

USC is a big place with many offices and support services to assist you. Below are some of the resources you may find helpful in various areas of your undergraduate experience. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at sdpesd@usc.edu if you have any questions or need help finding resources on campus.

Publications
First-Generation Strategies for Success Booklet

Academic Resources
Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity (KCLC)
Math Center
Writing Center
Learning Support and Resources

Academic advising resources by department
Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Dornsife Pre-Health Advising
Marshall School of Business
Pre-Business/Internal Marshall Transfer Advisement
Leventhal School of Accounting
Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Iovine and Young Academy
Viterbi School of Engineering
Pre-Engineering Advisement
Keck School of Medicine
Price School of Public Policy
Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Personal Resources
Student Support and Advocacy
Health Center and Wellness
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Food Pantry

Campus Involvement and Community
Cultural Centers
Rec Sports
Campus Activities

Jobs and Career Resources
Career Center
ConnectSC

Academic Year Programming
The First-Generation Plus Success Center hosts workshops and events for the USC community during the academic year. Follow FG+SC on Instagram to learn more about events and resources.

Jessica Frey Nielsen
Executive Director, Student Development & Visitor Relations
sdpesd@usc.edu

Aylin Solis
Graduate Assistant, Student Development Programs
sdpesd@usc.edu

Would you like to share information with the USC First-Generation community through the newsletter? Email sdpesd@usc.edu and we will share your content on an upcoming newsletter.

Our team is pleased to offer student panels and sessions for prospective student groups who are in the first generation of their family to attend college.

If your group is interested in planning a session with us, please email our office at sdpesd@usc.edu with the following information:

• Name of the school or community organization
• Name of main contact for your group
• 3-4 preferred date and time options (in Pacific Time) for a session
• Any requests for topics to be covered

Please note, our sessions focus on the first-generation identity and cover topics such as the transition from high school to college, how to prepare for college, etc. Please visit our colleagues in the Office of Admission if you would like to learn more about the admission process.