In a significant step toward enhancing support for first-generation college students, University of the Pacific has established a First Gen Hub, a dedicated space where first-generation students can find community, connect with resources—and each other.

First-generation college students, defined as students whose parent or parents did not complete a four-year college degree, often face unique challenges when navigating the college experience.

“Sometimes, since we didn’t have anyone guiding us, we don't know what the resources are,” says Paloma Morales ’25, a senior in the Community Involvement Program. The program offers scholarships to first-generation students from Stockton who demonstrate strong leadership potential.

“We don't know how to file a FAFSA, where financial aid is, or how to register for classes. It's those little things that maybe other students know how to do because their parents went to college.”

The First Gen Hub aims to change that.

Housed on the ground floor of the McCaffrey Center, the hub is the genesis of years of collaboration among Pacific’s equity programs, including the Community Involvement Program, Success TRiO and Promise Scholars. 

“This collaborative space has expanded to include all first-generation students at Pacific, regardless of whether they are enrolled in one of these specific retention programs,” said Allison Dumas, associate vice president of community engagement and enrollment strategy. “We’re building community and embracing the unique value each first-gen student brings to Pacific.”

Equipped with study areas, a computer lab, kitchen, and spaces for socializing, the hub offers students a place to relax, connect and grow both academically and socially.

Karen Collins, director of the Community Involvement Program, emphasizes that the hub provides a critical sense of community for first-gen students. “That sense of belonging is really important. The data shows across different measures that even if students are high performers, if they don't have that sense of belonging, we start to see trends of academic decline. So it’s really important that students find belonging and build affinity, especially in the first year.”

To raise awareness of the hub and its resources, staff have partnered with the Office of Admission to showcase the space to prospective students during Admitted Student Day and other key occasions. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to hold office hours in the space to create additional touchpoints with students. Special events like “First-Gen Fridays” bring students together for bonding activities like trivia, karaoke and more. The hub also held numerous events throughout the week with food trucks, selfie-stations, a bonfire and a cake-cutting ceremony leading up to First-Generation College Student Day on Nov. 8.

A dedicated program specialist position was created to offer personalized guidance for first-gen students, connecting them with tutoring and other academic resources.

Anahitza Lopez ’25, a first-generation student and mentor in the SUCCESS TRiO program, says the hub helps first-gen students feel more comfortable seeking support.

“It's a place where students can come and relate to one another. It is very hard for students who are first gen to ask for help. If they're around other students who face the same struggles, they can relate on a personal level and create deep connections.”

Rosie Montes, director of the Success TRiO program, underscores the hub’s essential role in ensuring first-gen students don’t fall through the cracks.

“We’re talking about retention,” she said. “We’re able to intervene early on and ask, ‘What do you need? What can we help with? What resources can we provide?’ Having those relationships with students makes a big difference. It connects them not only to us, but also to other campus resources, allowing us to offer support earlier on.”