If you need support, you may find the resources below helpful. You can always contact First at WSU if you have questions or need help. 

Student Care Network

The Student Care Network Campus-specific support for academic, fundamental needs, and health and well-being needs.  

Mental Health

  • Counseling and Psychological Services provides a variety of mental health support services, including brief, focused individual therapy; group therapy and workshops; psychological assessment; biofeedback; and crisis support.
    • If you are in crisis, call 509-335-4511 during business hours. 
  • WellTrack offers free, 24/7, mobile mental health tools and resources, including self-guided therapy and an anonymous peer support space. 

Accommodations

The Access Center can help you with classroom, testing, and other accommodations. 

Academic Advising, Career Coaching, and Mentoring

  • The Academic Success and Career Center has academic advising and coaching, tutoring, career coaching, internship exploration, student employment, and more. 
  • The Compass Mentor Program helps new Cougs navigate life at WSU. Mentors and mentees are matched based on shared identities and communities. 
  • The Team Mentoring Program provides faculty and peer mentorship to underrepresented students pursuing STEM fields.

General Resources

  • Jobs on Campus: Campus jobs not only give you an income – they provide valuable work experience for your resume and help you meet fellow Cougs.  
  • Glossary: There are a lot of unfamiliar terms and acronyms at WSU, especially for first-gen students who have never been in a college environment. The glossary of common WSU terminology can help! 
  • First-Year Questions: Find out more about the first-year student experience at WSU, including our First-Year Focus Living Learning Community and UNIV 104, our first-year success seminar. 

Other First-Gen Programs at WSU

If you’re struggling and not sure where to go, contact the Office of the Dean of Students. They can help you with a variety of needs, including access to support systems, crisis/emergency support, housing and food insecurity, academic policies, and more.

 

FAQs

  • How do I know if I'm a first-gen student?

    If your parents and/or guardians did not have or complete a bachelor’s degree from an institution in the United States during your formative years (that is, while you were growing up), you’re first gen!  

    If your siblings have gone to college, you’re still first gen.

  • What does being first gen mean for my WSU experience?

    Being first-gen means different things to different people. It may mean that you experience some obstacles that non-first-gen students don’t, or that you require different resources in some areas. Or it may not affect your experience at all! However you experience being first gen, First at WSU is here to support you.

  • What is the First Gen Student Center?

    The First Gen Student Center is dedicated to supporting first-gen Cougs. We provide support, guidance, opportunities, and community that help first-gen students thrive at WSU. 

    WSU's first-gen support includes both a physical space located on the Pullman campus (the First Gen Student Center) and a virtual resource for students on all campuses (First at WSU). There are programs, tools, and resources that are available on all campuses and some that are at specific locations; check the Programs page for more information. 

  • Where can I go if I need help?

    You can always visit First at WSU or the Office of the Dean of Students to find help navigating an issue.

  • How can I find other first-gen Cougs?

    Engaging with First at WSU is a fantastic way to connect with your fellow first-gen Cougs! You can meet people while participating in our programs and events on your campus. If you’re located in Pullman, hanging out in the center is a great way to meet other first-gen Cougs.