Generation HC Program

Program Overview

The Generation HC Program (Gen HC) engages, celebrates, and supports first-generation Honors College students throughout their first year at college. Being a first-generation (first-gen) student, the first in their families to go to college, is an exceptional accomplishment and a testament to their academic strength, grit, and determination.

From the opportunity to move into the Honors College before the rest of the first-year class, to access to a yearlong Gen HC Mentor, specific Gen HC programming, tailored student success workshops, and more, first-gen Honors College students—known as Gen HC Fellows—get the support they need to help transition to college and succeed.

Gen HC Fellows

Gen HC Fellows are a select group of students invited to participate in the Honors College Gen HC Program, including:

A unique pre-orientation designed to connect Gen HC students with first-gen faculty and staff from across Rutgers
A special family welcome and discussion to engage family members
Access to a first-generation Peer Mentor, an upper-class mentor, based on their specific needs
Yearlong programming focused on success, wellness, and maximizing the Rutgers student experience

Gen-HC Parents and Families

When a first-generation student goes off to college, it is not only a new experience for the student, but also their family. Parents, guardians, siblings, and often extended family members are all deeply involved and deeply invested in their student's successful outcomes.

Our Gen-HC program includes parents and family as partners in the growth and development of our first-generation students. We invite you to prompt your student to always ask questions if they don't know something, to remind them that they have resources, and to encourage them to engage. And as family, you should do the same.

Here, in Rutgers Honors, the Dean himself is first-generation, as are several of our other team members. We know what it means to not always know the acronyms, the traditions, or even the "commonly accepted" pathways of getting something done. We are here to help you in this regards, to guide you, and to ensure that you understand and know what we are sharing with your student.

Parent and Family Resources

Get connected with Parent and Family Engagement within Student Affairs and sign up for their weekly "R Family Hub" newsletter, where they share important dates and deadlines, messages, stories, and advice for all family.

Parent Resources will get you the direct links to many RU offices and programs, as well as provide answers about visitor parking, dining services, and more.

The RU Parent & Family Guide can be a wonderful resources for further information and ways to address the most challenging matters that you or your student might come across. Be sure to download and print the PDF and keep it handy throughout the year.

In need of quick resolution? The Supporting Your Student's Success page is a list of numerous offices and programs, with active links, for the quickest contact to staff members who can offer the necessary assistance.

Finally, don't forget that the Honors College team is your student's best line of access to experienced staff (Program Directors, Faculty Fellows, Deans) who can assist them, and you, as needed. And as part of a Learning-Living Community, we are available beyond normal business hours and work days. Just reach out to honorscollege@rutgers.edu or to one of our team members directly: Meet Our Team.

Gen HC Leaders

Gen HC Leaders are upper-class first-gen Honors College students who serve as a resource for Gen HC Fellows. Together, they plan collaborative events designed to address the unique needs of high achieving first-gen students. Gen HC mentors foster a sense of community through group meetups and one-on-one interactions. They also serve as role models and referral agents for student questions and concerns.