The Office of Graduate Student Life celebrates and supports first-generation graduate students across the graduate and professional schools at Rutgers–New Brunswick. In partnership with academic schools and campus collaborators, we celebrate first-generation identities, foster belonging, and expand inclusive support through intentional programming, community-building opportunities, and shared knowledge.
Who Is a First-Generation Graduate Student?
A first-generation graduate student is someone who is the first in their immediate family (parents, guardians, or primary caregivers) to:
- Earn a Bachelor's degree
- Enter graduate school
- Enter graduate school in the United States
- Navigate the grad school process, with limited or no access to the knowledge of navigating grad school, even if they have a family member who earned a graduate degree.
In partnership with academic schools and campus collaborators, the Office of Graduate Student Life supports first-generation graduate students by creating opportunities for peer connection, networking, resource sharing and creating meaningful programs across our campuses. We focus on:
- Increasing visibility and recognition by celebrating first-generation graduate students, including National First-Generation College Celebration Day.
- Highlighting the contributions and elevating the strengths of first-generation graduate students through academic, professional, and community-based programs that highlight the diverse experiences and assets of first-generation graduate students.
- Fostering connection and belonging by bringing together first-generation graduate students through socials, workshops and community-building spaces.
- Sustaining and expanding support by growing inclusive programming across all graduate and professional schools and welcoming student input along the way.
Connect
Join the Rutgers First-Generation Graduate Students GroupMe
Contact
E-mail the Office of Graduate Student Life at gradstudentlife@echo.rutgers.edu for questions and inquiries. We are here to assist you!
First-Generation Graduate Student Coalition Committee
A campus wide committee of student, faculty and staff, passionate about supporting first-generation graduate students' thriving and success at Rutgers, meet monthly to engage in dialogue on strategies for providing intentional support and facilitating community building opportunities for first-generation graduate and professional students. Committee participation is open to everyone.
For further information on involvement, please contact committee co-leads,
Ghada Endick, Assistant Dean Graduate Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, gendick@echo.rutgers.edu
Daniel Rice, Assistant Dean for Student Success and School Climate, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), drice@rutgers.edu
Fall 2026 Events
First-Generation Graduate Student Welcome
Friday, September 18, 2026 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Location: Graduate Student Lounge, 126 College Avenue (behind Panera Bread)
RSVP Link
Join us for a welcoming and social event for new and returning first-generation graduate students. Connect with peers who share similar experiences, meet supportive staff, learn about Rutgers resources, and enjoy lunch and community. The event will also include informal opportunities to share your experiences, ask questions, and reflect on what support matters the most to you. For more information on First-Generation Graduate Student programs visit our website. Questions? Email gradstudentlife@echo.rutgers.edu
Seeking First Gen Graduate Student Affinity Group Peer Facilitator
Students interested in creating and facilitating a first-gen grad affinity group for their peers fill out an application. For more information on grad affinity groups visit our website.
Money Matters Series
- Thursday, October 1 | Psychology of Money: Understanding Your Money Mindset
What influences the financial decisions you make? Explore the psychology behind your relationship with money and gain greater awareness of the habits, experiences, and beliefs that shape your financial choices. - Thursday, October 22 | Student Loans & Loan Forgiveness: Know Your Options
Have student loans or questions about borrowing? Learn about your loans, repayment options, and potential loan forgiveness programs. - Thursday, November 19 | Build Your Credit: Creating Your Financial Foundation
Credit is more than just a number. Learn how credit works, what influences your credit score, and how to build a strong credit history.
Event start/end time along with registration link will be posted 9/4. Please check back. Email gradstudentlife@echo.rutgers.edu for questions. Series is hosted by Rutgers Office of Financial Aid.
Understanding and Navigating the US Education System
Wednesday October 7, 2026 | 12pm - 1pm
Location: Zoom
Registration link will launch first week of September
Hosted by Ramazan Güngör, PhD, School of Graduate Studies, Assistant Dean for Professional Development
The U.S. higher education system is incredibly diverse, with many types of institutions that shape faculty work, research expectations, and hiring in different ways. This session will help you make sense of that landscape, enabling you to plan your next career steps with confidence.
What We’ll Cover
1. Institution types: Community colleges, regional public universities, research-intensive institutions (R1/R2), liberal arts colleges, and for-profit institutions, and how each serves its students and communities.
2. How they operate: The essentials of governance, accreditation, and funding, and how these structures influence mission and priorities.
3. Career implications: How teaching, research, tenure and promotion, and service vary across institution types, and what that means for your CV, portfolio, and job search strategy.
You’ll Leave With
1. A clear visual map of U.S. higher education and how different institutions compare.
2. A short self-assessment to help you identify which environments best fit your values, strengths, and long-term goals.
For questions, email Ramazan Güngör at rg835@rutgers.edu
Slice of Connection: A First-Gen Grad Meet-Up and Networking
Monday, November 2, 2026 | Time TBD
Location: Graduate Student Lounge, 126 College Avenue (behind Panera Bread)
RSVP Here
In recognition of National First-Generation College Celebration Week (November 2-8), join the Office of Graduate Student Life in the Graduate Student Lounge for a low-pressure drop-in event for first-generation graduate students. Whether you're just starting grad school or deep into the journey, Slice of Connection is your chance to pause, reflect, and build your campus network. Chat with veteran first-gens over pizza and mingle with staff who have also navigated the first-gen grad journey.
GSA Coffee and Conversation: First-Gen Grad Student Edition – Wednesday, November 4, 9:00am – 11:00am
Location: Graduate Student Lounge (Behind Panera Bread, 126 College Ave., College Ave. Campus)
No registration necessary!
Join us for a delightful morning of warmth, conversation, and scrumptious delights at our Coffee and Breakfast event at the Graduate Student Lounge. GSA will be celebrating first-generation graduate students with swag giveaways! All students are welcome! Whether you're here to kickstart your day or savor a leisurely morning, GSA would be delighted to host you! Contact the Events Manager, events@gsa.rutgers.edu, with any questions.
National First-Generation College Celebration Week Nov 2-8
Throughout this week: Monday November 2 through Sunday November 8, 2026, campus-wide events will be held in NB, Newark, and Camden to celebrate the National First-Generation College Celebration. The celebration is led by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward (FGF, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success). This week celebrates first-generation college undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni and highlight the important contributions made to our communities. The week will include a celebration kickoff, first-gen panel, social media spotlights, resource fair and more! In recognition of this week the Office of Graduate Student Life will be hosting a meet up on 11/2 in the Graduate Student Lounge. Rutgers NB will launch a social media campaign throughout the week to share stories and advice about being a first-generation student. If you are interested in being spotlighted or know others who may be interested, please email Executive Director for The Collaborative Center for Community Engagement Brian Patrick Kurisky, Ph.D.
Financial Resources
Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) -- Financial Aid Resources
The OBBBA introduced significant changes to federal student aid that took effect on July 1, 2026. This act impacts borrowing caps and lifetime borrowing limits, elimination of the Graduate Plus loans with exceptions and direct federal loans are prorated based on credit load. Get educated now so you can plan for your current and future educational goals. Make sure to review information on the Scarlet Hub website. Still have questions and concerns? Reach out to One Stop to confirm your individual eligibility under the new act. We are here to help you navigate these changes. For Rutgers NB students contact information can be found on this website. For Newark, Camden and Rutgers Health students visit our contacts page.
Scarlet$ense Financial Resource
Scarlet$ense is a money management toolkit tailor-made for the Rutgers student community. Comprising a diverse array of resources, including engaging in-person workshops, enlightening seminars, and an interactive online hub of self-paced modules,
Visit the website for more information and upcoming fall 2026 workshops: https://emnb.rutgers.edu/financialaidresources/
GradSense: A Financial Planning Resource Developed Specifically for Graduate Students
GradSense is a website designed specifically for grad students like you to help you make informed financial decisions throughout your grad school journey. It provides guidance on funding your degree, essential tips on managing your finances while in school, and, once you complete your degree, information on evaluating and negotiating job offers, and resources on federal loan repayment.
Key Features of GradSense:
- Funding Options and Financial Aid: Offers guidance on finding and applying for financial assistance.
- Managing Finances: Provides practical tips on budgeting and managing money while in graduate school, including an online budget calculator developed specifically for graduate students.
- After Grad School: Includes information on evaluating and negotiating job offers and resources on federal loan repayment.
GradSense is free and available to anyone who is interested in financial wellness. The site is managed by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and supported by TIAA. Rutgers University is a member of CGS.
This page was updated August 17, 2026
