Discover Fox

Being the first in your family to attend college is a milestone worth celebrating. But for many first-generation students, once they arrive, a new challenge begins: figuring out how to navigate a world that may be unfamiliar to them and their families.

At Temple University’s Fox School of Business, a new initiative is designed to help answer those questions.

First-Gen Fox Den is a resource community for first-generation undergraduate students and their advocates at the Fox School. The initiative connects students with people, programs and resources while creating a space where they can meet others who share similar experiences.

The message is simple: you belong here, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Turning “first” into a strength

The university defines “first-gen” as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree and is the first in their family to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree. At the Fox School, there are many students who have self-identified as first-generation.

Yet, being the first in a family to attend college can come with challenges that aren’t always visible.

“When students access the First-Gen Fox Den community, our hope is that they come away feeling welcome and included,” A.J. Kreimer, an associate professor of accounting, said.

First-generation students may have less access to family members who can provide firsthand advice about navigating college. Students may be unfamiliar with university systems and resources or find it challenging to build networks that can contribute to academic and professional success.

The transition to college life can be particularly important during the first year. The First-Gen Fox Den team sees this time as an opportunity—not simply to help students when they encounter difficulty, but to create a community that supports them from the start.

For Mike Schirmer, an associate professor of marketing, first-generation students should lean in and take advantage of the wealth of resources and opportunities available.

“Being a trailblazer can be daunting, but first-gen students are part of a large and supportive community at the Fox School and Temple. Asking for help is a sign of strength,” Schirmer said.

More than a student organization

First-Gen Fox Den will serve as an affinity-based community rather than a traditional student organization. Through workshops, resource sharing, social events and meaningful connections, students can ask questions, exchange experiences and discover opportunities at the Fox School and across campus.

The goal is to help students navigate some of the experiences that can accompany being a first-generation college student—from imposter syndrome, figuring out a complex campus environment and balancing academic responsibilities.

“Rather than expecting students to know where to find help, First-Gen Fox Den aims to make those pathways clearer,” Sarah Williams, an undergraduate enrollment coordinator, said.

First in line means you’re not behind

One of the most important messages the Fox School wants first-generation students to hear is that being first does not mean being behind.

“It’s key to emphasize that first-gen students are not behind,” Claudia Bereshnyi, Fox’s associate director of undergraduate enrollment management. “In many cases, they will be in a class with a faculty member or fellow student who is also first-gen.”

That perspective is central to the initiative’s approach. It recognizes the value, strengths and experiences they bring to the Fox and Temple community.

A network invested in their success

For Liz Ulivella, an associate director of advising, a key point first-gen students should know is just how many people are invested in their success.

“From faculty who are teaching their classes, to student services staff who help guide them through their journey, to other students they meet through Student Professional Organizations, to the highest-level administrators who are continually assessing and improving the experience for students—we are here to champion their success,” Ulivella said.

A key to its mission, First-Gen Fox Den is designed to help make that network more visible and accessible.