The Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) works with first generation college students by developing sustained developmental programs to support these students' college success. Beyond managing retention, persistence and empowerment programs, OMSS also serves as an advocacy office for marginalized college students during their time at DePaul.
Generation Success
Generation Success is a new initiative at DePaul aimed at supporting those who are first in their families to attend college in the U.S.
Check out our video of first generation college students, faculty and staff sharing some wisdom on being first gen at DePaul:
The Generation Success Community Oath
As the staff and faculty of DePaul University who support first generation college students we promise to:
- Support you and be there when you need us
- Celebrate your wins and motivate you through your losses
- Let you make mistakes and give you grace when you do
- Help you take responsibility for your learning and growth
- Help create a community of
care,
compassion, and
love.
How can you engage with Generation Success?
With a focus on community building and individualized attention, this program seeks to provide 360 degrees of support to ensure that first generation college students have what they need to achieve success.
As a participant in Generation Success First Year Cohort a student will:
Generation Success is much bigger than the cohort. Student can still access the resources that they need to succeed and attend many of the open events throughout the school year.
Students should join our DeHub page, so that they are kept aware of any programs and opportunities available for first generation college students here at DePaul.
Other Opportunities for First Gen Students
DePaul has a myriad of opportunities for first generation college students. Below is a small sampling of the other programs and services available.
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) provides advising, academic assistance, mentoring and career-related services to eligible first-generation and low-income undergraduates at DePaul to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and help students make the transition from college to career. Since 1997, DePaul's SSS program has assisted approximately 2,000 students on the path to timely attainment of the baccalaureate degree.
The McNair program prepares carefully selected undergraduate students from low-income and/or first-generation college families, or who are members of underrepresented groups, for doctoral study and faculty careers. It is a challenging program that provides opportunities for undergraduate research and faculty mentoring along with intensive advising and assistance with the graduate school admission process.
The Arnold Mitchem Fellows program, named after Arnold L. Mitchem, PhD, is a DePaul University program designed to prepare sophomore status undergraduates from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education who possess excellent academic records and a commitment to complete a graduate degree for doctoral study and entrance to academic careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
At DePaul, we define any student whose parent or guardian did not earn a bachelor's degree in the United States as first generation.
Yes, if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us and we’ll be sure to assist you. We also will provide a quarterly newsletter specifically for parents. If you would like to receive this newsletter, email us to be added to our mailing list.
The Office of Multicultural Student Success has a number of specialized programs and opportunities aimed at supporting students who are first in their families to attend college in the United States.