Mission Statement

The First-Generation Advisory Committee aspires to establish Wheaton College as a premier destination for talented first-generation students. Convened by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, the committee includes faculty, staff and students. This support network offers academic advising, programming and advocacy to ensure first-generation students thrive academically, professionally and personally.

First-Generation Students

First-Generation is defined as someone who is the first in their family to attend a four-year college institution, regardless of domestic or international status, income level or age.

Specifically, a first-generation student:

  • Is the first person in their family to attend and potentially graduate from a four-year college.
  • Comes from a family where neither parent nor guardian has obtained an educational qualification beyond high school.
  • May be from any geographical background, including students from abroad whose parents did not attend college in the United States.
  • Includes individuals whose parents may have pursued non-traditional post-secondary education, attended college but not graduated, or earned degrees that are not equivalent to a four-year college degree in the U.S.

This inclusive definition recognizes the diverse backgrounds and experiences that contribute to the rich tapestry of Wheaton College’s first-generation student body. Visit our Marshall Center and our First-Generation Student Support page to learn how we help first-generation students thrive at Wheaton.

Committee Members

  • Cary Gouldin, Humanities and Student Success Librarian
  • Tim Jordan, Assistant Dean, Residential Life
  • Luis F. Paredes, Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement
  • Mike Pratt, Assistant Director of Social Justice and Community Impact
  • Raquel Ramos, Dean, Marshall Center
  • Srijana Shrestha, Associate Professor of Psychology

Contact Us

The First-Generation Advisory Committee would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected].