First-Generation Faculty Initiative

The UC strides to send a clear message to all first-generation college students: "You belong here and you are capable of achieving at the highest levels".

The University of California (UC) serves large numbers of first-generation college students: Nearly half of in-state students who began their studies on UC campuses in fall 2016 are the first-generation in their families to attend college. The First-Generation Faculty Initiative aims to elevate the visibility of UC faculty and academic leaders who were themselves first-generation college students. The main purpose of the initiative is to foster a sense of belonging that can boost retention and success rates among UC's first-generation students.

The First-Generation Faculty Initiativeis a network of first-generation faculty committed to supporting first-generation students. They are active in the community, promote their first-generation identities, and advocate for the first-generation community at UCLA.

As the First To Go Office tries to re-establish the First-Generation Faculty Initiative, we hope to accomplish the following goals:

Greater transparency of first-generation faculty across campus
An established community of students, faculty, and staff through First To Go events and networking opportunities
Increased cross-campus support for first-generation students

Are you a UCLA faculty member and identify as first-generation college? Join the faculty campaign by filling out this brief form!

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UCLA faculty who were first-generation college grads aim to encourage, inspire. They share their stories with new students who are first-gen.

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UCLA faculty who were first in their families to go to college help others like them overcome fear, self-doubt.

First-generation college student Denise Peralta, class of 2016, has decided to purse a Ph.D. on her path to being a math teacher, thanks to UCLA professor Gerardo Ramirez, who was the first in his family to earn a degree.

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself there is a lot you are bringing to the table.

— Professor Gerardo Ramirez

Over 180 UCLA professors have self identified as being the first in their family to graduate from a 4-year institution.

Check out a few of those faculty below!

Miguel Unzueta

Professor of Management and Organizations

Inaugural Dean, Eileen L. Strempel

Inaugural Dean, UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

Inmaculada M. García Sánchez

Professor of Social Research Methodology, Department of Education, and Associate Director of the Center for the Study of International Migration (CSIM)