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First Generation Community Welcome Eagles!

First Generation Student Support, illustrations of eagles flying over confettiAmerican University celebrates each year’s incoming first-generation students with First-Gen Welcome—an event that takes place during New Eagle Welcome Week and allows first-year and new transfer students to connect with their peers, familiarize themselves with campus resources, and take part in AU culture and traditions! 

Being First Gen at AU, we realize that holding the identity of a first-generation student is complex. First-generation students are academically skilled and contribute greatly to the campus community; it is the lack of critical cultural capital necessary to navigate the “hidden curriculum” of universities and colleges successfully that impact first-generation students adversely. Students with one (or more) parent(s) or guardian(s) that have completed a 4-year institution often have greater sources of support in understanding how to traverse the policies, procedures, jargon, and expectations of collegiate life. To open opportunities for additional support for students that are first-generation but do not fully meet the federal guidelines to qualify as a first-generation student, the Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CDI) has resources to aid in the success of first-generation students.

First-Generation students are more likely to exhibit the following traits: 

  • Resilience 

  • Ingenuity 

  • Drive 

  • Dedication 

  • Passion 

  • Strong Work Ethics 

  • Critical Thinking 

  • Problem Solving 

  • Independence 

  • Present-oriented instead of future-oriented 

What Does It Mean to Be a First-Generation Student?

First-generation (or first gen, for short) college students are students whose parents or guardians have not had the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in the United States. Many students whose parents have degrees from outside of the U.S. also identify as first-gen. First-Gen Eagles —including first-gen faculty and staff—are a fundamental part of our campus and a strong and proud part of the AU family.

Center for First-Generation Student Success First Forward Institution

The Center for First-Generation Student Success has named American University a First Gen Forward institution—one of 58 U.S. colleges recognized for improving the experiences and outcomes of students who are the first in their families to attend a four-year college.

Am I a First-Generation college student?

There are a few different definitions of “first gen.” This section may help you to determine whether you’re a first gen student.

At American University, undergraduate students are considered first-generation college students if neither parent has completed a 4-year college or university degree.

At American University, the definition of a first-generation graduate student is the same as it is for undergraduate students. You are considered first-generation if neither parent has completed an undergraduate college degree.

If your parents took a few college classes or even completed community college, you will often be considered first-gen.

Yes. Being a first-gen student means that your parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member’s level of education. Older siblings and family members who attended college may be a great resource as you navigate your college journey!

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Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri Alpha) National First-Generation Honor Society

Tri-Alpha, also known as Alpha Alpha Alpha, is a national honor society for first-generation scholars. UC San Diego is the first UC to be chartered for Tri-Alpha and is known as the Beta Kappa Chapter. This honor society is a way to celebrate the academic achievements of our first-generation students and is open to undergraduate, graduate, professional, medical, and pharmacy students. Faculty and staff may also be inducted. We hope that you will join! To learn more about the Tri-Alpha Honors society, visit their official website. 

Eta Sigma Chapter

American University’s Tri Alpha First Generation Honor Society
The Eta Sigma Chapter of Tri Alpha here at American University was officially Installed in November 2023. This was a part of our annual National First-Generation Celebration Week.  

History
Tri-Alpha was founded on March 24, 2018, at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with the induction of 100 members of the Alpha Chapter. Moravian College then took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha as a not-for-profit organization so colleges and universities across the country could start their own chapters of the society. Boston University joined Tri-Alpha in 2021 and inducted 553 members (491 students and 62 faculty and staff) into its chapter during an April 2021 induction ceremony. 

Leadership

American University Chapter Advisors
Quintenilla Merriweather, Associate Director of Student Equity, Access, & Retention, Center for Diversity & Inclusion

Allison Wallen, Assistant Director of Student Success, Transition, & Retention, Center for Diversity & Inclusion 

Vicky Wilkins, Acting Provost & Chief Academic Officer, American University 

American University Chapter Student Executive Board
Our elected chapter officers for 2024-2025: 

President: Alexei Habermehl, B.A | Kogod 2025
Vice President: Rodrigo Velasco-Hernandez, B.A | SPA 2027 
Treasurer: Hanna Hajdu, B.A | SPA 2027 
Secretary: Emelyn Sanchez Calzada, B.A. | SPA 2026 
Historian: Jessa Holton, B.A. | CAS 2025 

National Tri-Alpha Leadership
Please visit the national Tri-Alpha website for a current list of the members of the national executive board of directors.

Students qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha if they meet the following criteria:

  • The student has earned at least 15-30 credit/semester hours towards a baccalaureate degree 

  • The undergraduate student has achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. (For schools using a pass, high pass, etc. system, a "high pass" average is required.) 

  • Neither of the student's parents, nor step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's degree 

  • Graduate students who are first-generation students can be admitted if they have completed the equivalent of at least one term of study (9 or more graduate credits) and have a GPA in their graduate program of at least 3.5 and or are in satisfactory standing with their program (NOTE: The executive board voted to change the GPA requirement to 3.5, but now allows for part-time students in graduate programs to be admitted.). (For schools using a pass, high pass, etc. system, a "high pass" average is required.) 

  • Faculty and staff may be inducted as well. To qualify, they must have met the definition of a first-generation student listed above at the time they completed their bachelor's degree. Faculty and staff must be willing to serve as mentors for first-generation students. 

Undergraduate Students
If you meet these criteria and would like to join, submit your membership application here. The first 100 scholars will have their induction fees waived.
Apply Here

Graduate Students
If you meet these criteria and would like to join, submit your membership application here. The first 100 scholars will have their induction fees waived, as sponsored by the Graduate Division. For information, email us at cdi@american.edu. 

Faculty and Staff
If you are a faculty and staff member who would like to be inducted to the Eta Sigma chapter of Tri Alpha at American University (AU), please email us at cdi@american.edu. Also, if you haven’t yet shared your first-gen story with us please complete this form:
Eagle Firsts Survey Response

The national initiation fee is $10 for students and $20 for faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as a local initiation fees (where applicable).

You will receive a certificate and pin signifying membership, which is for life. 

As a member of Tri Alpha, you will receive the outward recognition of personal accomplishment and an incentive for continued high scholarship. You will also be identified by employers, professionals, and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and commitment.

  • Have the opportunity to meet other first-generation scholars from all academic disciplines on your campus and to join them in promoting academic excellence and creating a supportive environment for first-generation college students. 

  • Mentor younger first-generation students. 

  • Get mentoring from more senior first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni who were first-generation students. 

  • Build your resume and connections through networking. 

  • Gain local chapter leadership opportunities.

Center for First-Generation Student Success First Forward Institution

First Forward

Because of our commitment to first-gen students, AU was designated as a First Forward Institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success.

First-Gen Forward

Alpha Alpha Alpha Est. 2018

Tri Alpha

Tri-Alpha, also known as Alpha Alpha Alpha, is a national honor society for first-generation scholars. Learn more about AU's Tri-Alpha chapter.

Tri-Alpha at AU

First-Gen Yearbook 2020

Yearbook highlighting the advice and experiences of AU Faculty & Staff who identify as first-gen college students. 

Download the Yearbook