First Things First

Wesleyan’s FGLI Student Community


Wesleyan is proud to support and to celebrate our first generation and low-income college (FGLI) students.

Through FTF programming and advocacy, FGLI students at Wesleyan are connected with the mentors, community, guidance, and resources that will support them throughout their time at Wesleyan.

  • FTF Pre-Orientation is a program created to welcome incoming FGLI students as they transition to Wesleyan. The discussions and activities are designed to build community and to empower students they begin their college journey.

  • FTF Welcome Reception is a multi-generational event at the beginning of the academic year, bringing together FGLI students from all class years, as well as faculty and staff who were FGLI students themselves.

  • FTF Next Steps is a series of supportive and informative conversation spaces throughout the year on a range of topics related to campus life, family life, and academic life as an FGLI student.

  • First Cardinals is a mentorship program connecting new FGLI students with upper-level students who share this identity. This initiative is in partnership with the FGLI Student Advisory Board and the Wesleyan Student Assembly.

  • National First-Celebration Day is celebrated in November with discussion spaces, visibility campaigns, and special festivities.

  • Honoring the Legacy is a graduation celebration centering the special joy and meaning in reaching the milestone of Commencement as an FGLI student.

 For questions about FTF, please contact:
Demetrius Colvin, Director of The Resource Center
April Ruiz, Dean for Academic Equity, Inclusion, & Success