Student Resources

OWU Resources

  • Term Sheet (PDF) – What does “first-gen” mean? Who is first-gen? What does it mean to be working-class or in solidarity with us? This term sheet has your answers!
  • Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) – The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) is committed to providing access and support services to first-gen students at OWU. Among other services, we provide mentorship for students through our OMSA Achievement Mentor Program, a program committed to attracting and supporting first-gen students, LGBT+ students, and students of color. The focus of the mentor-mentee relationship in this program will build community, provide positive encouragement, campus engagement, personal growth, and transitional success to the university environment. If you are a first-year student and would like to be a part of this program, email omsa@owu.edu.
  • First-Gen Campus Internships – On-campus internships are designed to give students the opportunity to advance their professional and personal development while fostering marketable job skills while they attend Ohio Wesleyan. Some internships are reserved only for first-gen students, and are supported with alumni donations. Applications are generally due in mid-spring for work in the following academic year.
  • Other On-Campus Employment – On-campus jobs are preferable to off-campus jobs because they are more likely to work with your academic schedule and some jobs enable you to do academic work on the job.
  • Career Connection – First-Gen students tend to have fewer people in their personal lives that can help them navigate professional work environments. So the Office of Career Connections is here to help! Come get help to figure out a major, explore career fields, write a resume or cover letter, prepare for job interviews, and more!
  • OWU Connection Support – First-gen students participate in all dimensions of the OWU Connection. Stop by Slocum Hall and speak with a Merrick Mentor to learn more!
  • Student Assistance Programs – Students come from a range of economic backgrounds at OWU. For those who could use some additional assistance, we offer a variety of programs, such as emergency funds, laptops to borrow, and more.
  • First-Gen Faculty and Staff at OWU (link coming soon!) – We have many faculty and staff who are first-gen graduates and happy to get to know you, share experiences, and support you on your OWU journey!

External Resources

See our Recommended Readings for more information.