Celebrating First-Generation Students at IU Indianapolis

Being the first to do anything can be rewarding and daunting. Being the first in my family to attend college was daunting at first and remains to this day the one thing I will never regret doing. Education is access, education opens the doors to opportunity, and education is the ultimate equalizer in our society.  For all these reasons, last week was special to me as we celebrated First Generation Week at IU Indianapolis. Nearly 30% of IU Indianapolis students are the first in their families to pursue a college degree and we could not be more honored to serve them.

If you are a first-generation student at IU Indianapolis, we want you to know that we are dedicated to supporting you in multiple, meaningful ways. Our designation as a First-Generation Forward Institution is one example of this commitment, awarded by the Center for First-Generation Student Success. This national recognition underscores our commitment to building programs that empower first-generation students to succeed. Since 2018, we have proudly hosted an annual First-Generation Celebration, a campus-wide tradition that honors their achievements and fosters a strong sense of community.

Our support goes beyond a celebration – we are focused on providing resources tailored to meet the unique needs of first-generation students, including:

• Student Support Services: Established on the IU Indianapolis campus in 1997 as part of the federal TRIO programs, Student Support Services provides counseling, academic peer mentoring, and financial aid guidance designed around the needs of first-generation, low-income, and physically challenged students.
• Bepko Learning Center: As one of only three Learning Centers of Excellence in the U.S., the Bepko Learning Center offers peer support through academic mentoring, success coaching, and tutoring to help students succeed in college.
• Diversity Enrichment and Achievement Program (DEAP): DEAP helps traditionally underrepresented first-generation students by addressing academic, social, and personal needs. The program offers retention support that connects, affirms, guides, and engages students.

Every day, our first-generation students bring fresh perspectives and a spirit of perseverance to the vibrant life of IU Indianapolis. By investing in these students, IU Indianapolis not only fosters social mobility and opportunity but also helps build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Go Jags!

Latha Ramchand
Chancellor