Be the First in your Family to Complete a 4-year College Degree!
1 in 4 undergraduate students at Friends University are first-generation students (first in your family to complete a 4-year college degree) and we would like to provide more of the academic and personal support that you may need to be successful in college and beyond.
Start your future as a First Generation Falcon.
First Gen Falcons
As a first-generation student, we understand the unbelievable achievement you have experienced in attending college. The transition can be difficult, so we have created the First Gen Falcon program to assist you in navigating the college environment, engaging in academic work and making meaningful connections to launch your career.
Throughout the year we will send you emails informing you of upcoming events and resources to help you succeed throughout your time at Friends University.
For more information, please contact:
Preston Todd, Ph.D.
Associate Academic Dean
Davis 311
todd@friends.edu
Meet some of our First Gen Falcons and learn about their experiences:
First Gen FAQs
How do I complete the FAFSA and learn about what type of financial aid I qualify for?
The FAFSA is available starting October 1st and is based on last year’s tax information. For more information regarding Financial Aid, please visit https://friends.edu/admissions/costs-financial-aid/financial-aid/
What additional scholarships or opportunities can I seek to help pay for college?
We understand students and families are seeking for ways to make college more affordable. We want to provide resources and opportunities to help students and families navigate the cost of higher education. In addition to this list, students should talk with Financial Aid about Scholarships, Grants, and Loans available.
- http://www.kscolleges.org/mwet-scholarship (Due in February, inquire in the Financial Aid office)
- https://www.kansasregents.org/scholarships_and_grants
- https://wichitacf.org/scholarships/available-scholarships
- https://www.prospanica.org/scholarships
- https://gmsp.org/a-gates-millennium-scholars-program/ (apply while in high school)
- https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory
- https://success.ua.edu/first-generation-programs/first-generation-scholarship-programs/coca-cola-first-generation-scholarship-program
- https://www.fastweb.com/
- https://uncf.org/scholarships
- https://www.hsf.net/scholarship
- https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/applicants/application-overview/ (for study abroad)
- https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarships-for-first-generation-students/
- Ask about the Financial Aid team about the CASH program
I am nervous about starting college and don’t know if I’ll be able to connect with others. What do I do?
We understand and you are not alone! College is an amazing—and challenging—journey and we are here to help! You will also be receiving communication from your First Year Mentor (upper-class student who will serve as your New Student Orientation and Friends Experience guide) to help you feel at ease and answer all of your questions before you even step foot on campus. For more information about getting involved on campus, you can also visit https://friends.edu/student-life/involvement-activities/
What is Friends Experience?
This course is required for all first-year (two credit hours) and transfer (one credit hour) students and is designed to acclimate you to Friends University and to introduce you to the development of critical thinking skills, continued development of communication skills, and an understanding of the history and traditions of Friends. It is a small discussion-oriented class based on academic interest.
What do I do if I’m struggling in a class?
It’s OK to ask for help! The Academic Resource Center (located in Edmund Stanley Library) offers one-on-one and group assistance in a variety of subjects. For more information and to set up an appointment with one of our certified tutors, visit https://friends.edu/academics/resources-support/academic-resource-center/
How do I know what classes to take?
You will be assigned an advisor based on your major to help you choose your courses every semester. Your advisor will help you choose your classes based on course availability and your schedule. In order to graduate on time, it is recommended that you take 15 credit hours every semester. Summer school can also help you stay on track.
What is a credit hour?
The equivalent of one hour sitting in a class per week. Most traditional courses are 3 credits, meaning you will be spending 3 hours a week in one class. Typically you will attend a class Monday, Wednesday, Friday for 1 hour per day or you will attend a class Tuesday and Thursday for 1.5 hours per day.
What is a semester?
An academic year is split into 2 semesters: August-December in the fall and January-May in the spring. Classes will either last an entire semester (16 weeks) or half a semester (the first or the second 8 weeks of the term).
What are general education courses?
These are courses that every student is required to take, regardless of major: English, math, science, religion, etc.
What is a pre-requisite?
Sometimes called a pre-req, these are courses that must be taken prior to enrolling in another course (ex. College Algebra is a pre-requisite for Calculus)
What is a syllabus?
An outline of what is expected in each class, including course assignments and due dates. Often given to students by instructors the first day of class.
What is Moodle?
This is our Learning Management System. Each course will have a Moodle component, where you can find the course syllabus and additional information regarding the course. If you are enrolled in a course that is strictly online, all tests, homework assignments and discussions will take place within Moodle. For more information, visit https://lms.friends.edu/login/index.php
What if I can’t log on to my email or Moodle?
Call the Help Desk at 316-295-5767 for assistance.