First-Gen Students
- First-Year Students
- Tools & Resources for Students
- Campus Resources for Students
- Supporting First-Gen Students
Supporting First-Gen College Students
As of 2022, 42% of UC San Diego's undergraduate population identified as a first-generation college student. Use the resources on this page to learn more about our program and supporting first-gen Tritons.
About our Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How do students become a part of the success coaching program?
The Student Success Coaching Program provides holistic, personalized support for a specific cohort of California residents whose parents / guardians did not graduate with a four-year university degree. Our cohort is selected in collaboration with campus partners so that we may provide support for students not already connected to another support program on campus. If you are, or know, a student that may benefit from the support of a success coach, please see the student referral information in the section below.
What happens in a coaching meeting?
We believe that students join the university with all the strengths and skills needed to be successful. During a coaching session, coaches connect students to institutional resources, ask powerful questions, reframe to challenge students about their processing of new ideas, participate in goal setting, and encourage/ empower students to become an active participant in their success.
Where is success coaching located?
The Student Success Coaching program does not have one central location. Each success coach is strategically placed in a physical location within each of the undergraduate colleges to best support their cohort of students.
Are Success Coaches available to coach all UCSD students, including first year students?
Success Coaches support an invited cohort of students. Students are invited to join the program the summer prior to their first quarter at UC San Diego and are supported throughout their duration as an undergraduate. Students are encouraged to meet with any Success Coach to discuss topics such as:
- Navigating transition and adjustment to being a college student
- Connections to campus resources and support services
- Motivation and organization in the virtual environment
- Balancing home responsibilities with academic expectations ... and much more!
Refer a Student
The Student Success Coaching Program (SSCP) accepts referrals from campus partners for students to participate in the program.
More information coming soon.
Working with First-Gen Students
Using Powerful Questions
A key component to coaching is reflecting with students about their strengths, challenges, and goals using open-ended questions, which we refer to as powerful questions. Through reflection, we can grow and develop an understanding of our strengths and aspirations more deeply. Below are some powerful questions to use with our students:
- What do you hope for you/ your family/ your community?
- What is a lesson your family has taught you that stays with you today?
- What are ways you stay in touch with people who are important to you?
- What are ways you get your questions answered about college life?
- What kind of people do you need in your support system to achieve your future goals?
- What would you like to see different for other first-generation college students?
Strengths-Based Approach
Grounded in psychological theory, literature, and research, a strengths approach starts with an individual’s positive characteristics and helps them to develop to their full potential in areas including academics, career, leadership, relationships, and engagement. We believe that the more students have an understanding of their personal style, motivation and unique talents, the more they will be able to maximize their educational experience.
By weaving a strengths-based approach into your work with students you can contribute to student success by:
- Increasing students’ self-awareness and their understanding and appreciation of others
- Developing students to their full potential in areas including academics, career, leadership, relationships, and engagement
- Creating a common language across campus that contributes to a sense of community
- Increasing students’ overall confidence, engagement and sense of responsibility in pursuing their undergraduate goals
- Advancing student achievement of the Student Learning and Development Outcomes
- Positively impacting retention, graduation, and satisfaction
All programs and initiatives coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life and its units are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy.
More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.
More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.
