You Are the First, but You Are Not Alone
West Virginia State University proudly serves a significant community of first-generation college students. A first-generation college student is someone whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree. Because first-generation status is self-reported, some students may not realize that they meet this definition.
Housed within TRIO Student Support Services, the WVSU First-Gen Network offers workshops, events, information, and community-building opportunities that help students and families navigate the college experience. The Network also connects students with the appropriate campus offices and resources that support persistence and graduation.
Being first-generation represents courage, determination, leadership, and the opportunity to create new possibilities for yourself, your family, and your community.
How the First-Gen Network Supports Students
The First-Gen Network complements the services provided by WVSU departments by:
- Offering workshops on topics that affect first-generation college students
- Hosting peer networking events where first-generation students can connect, build relationships, and share experiences
- Hosting First-Gen celebrations, resource fairs, and student-success activities
- Sharing information about campus programs, services, and opportunities
- Connecting students with the appropriate campus offices for direct assistance
- Creating opportunities for students to connect with supportive faculty, staff, alumni, and campus partners
- Collaborating with campus departments to address the needs and experiences of first-generation students
The First-Gen Network is a campus-wide initiative. Students do not have to participate in TRIO Student Support Services to attend First-Gen Network activities.
Events and Calendar View the First-Gen Network Calendar
Stay informed about upcoming workshops, peer networking events, celebrations, resource fairs, and other First-Gen Network activities. Event dates, times, locations, and updates are maintained through the First-Gen Network Google Calendar.
Student Resources Explore the First-Gen Student Resource Guide
College success sometimes requires support in more than one area. The WVSU First-Gen Network helps students identify and connect with campus offices that provide academic, financial, personal, health, career, accessibility, and basic-needs support.
Get Connected
The First-Gen Network welcomes students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus partners who want to support and celebrate first-generation student success.
For additional information, contact:
Krystal Tolliver
Director of TRIO Programs
Email: ktolliver@wvstateu.edu
First-Gen Student Resource Guide
You Do Not Have to Navigate College Alone
West Virginia State University offers services that support students academically, financially, personally, and professionally. The First-Gen Network works alongside WVSU offices to help students identify and connect with the resources they need. Each office listed below provides direct assistance within its area of expertise.
Academic Planning and Learning Support
Academic Advising Center Receive assistance with course selection, degree planning, academic concerns, and graduation requirements.
Office of Retention and Student Success Connect with academic support, retention initiatives, and services that help students remain enrolled and progress toward graduation.
Tutoring Services Find academic assistance and tutoring opportunities for WVSU courses.
Drain-Jordan Library Access research assistance, study spaces, technology, and other learning resources.
Financial Support
Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Find information about completing the FAFSA, grants, loans, work-study opportunities, financial-aid eligibility, and institutional scholarships.
WVSU Foundation Scholarships Explore annual and endowed scholarship opportunities supported by the West Virginia State University Foundation.
Office of Student Accounts Receive assistance with tuition and fees, student account balances, billing, payment options, refunds, and related questions.
Health, Wellness, and Accessibility
Counseling and Wellness Services Access confidential counseling and support for emotional well-being, personal concerns, and mental health needs.
FamilyCare Health Centers Find information about healthcare services available to members of the WVSU community.
Disability and Accessibility Resources Learn about accommodations and accessibility services available to eligible students.
Basic Needs and Personal Support
Student Advocacy and Support Receive help navigating academic, financial, personal, or unexpected challenges. Student Advocacy can also connect students with emergency assistance and resources related to food, housing, and transportation.
Housing and Residence Life Find information about campus housing, residence-hall services, applications, and residential support.
Campus Dining View campus dining locations, menus, meal plans, hours, and other dining information.
Career and Professional Development
Career Services Explore career planning, internships, employment preparation, résumé development, and professional-development opportunities.
Connection and Belonging
Student Life and Engagement Discover student organizations, leadership opportunities, campus activities, and ways to become involved.
TRIO Student Support Services Eligible students can access academic support and advising, tutoring, mentoring, financial-aid and scholarship assistance, career development, graduate-school preparation, workshops, and other services at no cost.
Veterans’ Education Benefits and Resources Find information and assistance for veterans, service members, and eligible dependents.
Concerned About a Student?
WVSU CARE Team The CARE Team evaluates concerns, coordinates appropriate assistance, and connects students with campus and community resources.
Student Technology and Information
MyState Student Portal Access student records, registration information, financial information, and other university services.
MyOnline Learning Portal Access online courses, course materials, assignments, and other digital learning resources.
Need Something Else?
Visit the WVSU Current Students Resource Directory for additional offices, services, forms, and student information. If you are unsure where to begin, contact the First-Gen Network. We will help you identify the appropriate campus resource
.