First Generation Students

At Williams College we define “First Generation” as anyone who will be the first generation of his or her family to graduate from a four-year college or university. The average enrollment of First Generation students is about 16%.

Williams College First Generation Initiatives

A series of initiatives that engage First Generation students at Williams offering students the educational resources and support needed in order to have a successful transition into the college environment. There will be many more events and programs that occur through out the year in collaboration with other offices and departments at the college. Call the Dean’s Office (413.597.4171) for more information.

View the Williams First Gen Initiatives Calendar for more information.

• Annual Events
  First Year Orientation Program

  The First Gen Pre-Orientation is an exciting program designed to give incoming first gen students and their families an early opportunity to become acclimated with Williams College. During the three-day pre-orientation program students will connect with various faculty, staff, and upper class first gen students. In addition, the program will have facilitated workshops and activities designed to help students thrive academically and personally at Williams.

  Fall Meet & Greet

  Designed for first generation students to have an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and other students. The goal of the program is for students to develop the connections and support networks that will foster their social and academic success at Williams.

  Rites of Passage Graduation Celebration

  This event represents one of the many ways that the Williams community acknowledges and celebrates the academic achievement of first generation students as they reach the major milestone of becoming the first in their family to graduate from college.

• Programs
  Lunch & Learn Sessions

  Informal sessions to address the specific needs of first generation students such as meeting Academic Resources staff, Career Center staff, Alumni Relations, Financial Aid staff and many more.

  First Gen Student Advisory Board

  Select group of first generation students representing all of the class years. The group works closely with the Dean of First Generation Initiatives and informs programs and services for their peers at Williams. The board also coordinates a monthly newsletter and activities through out the year.