First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income Programs

Helping our Hoosiers succeed in college

As the newest area in the Office of Student Life, First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income Programs provides support, community, and connection for students who are the first to attend college in their family and who display an exceptional financial need.

The office is designed to enhance the work already serving First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income students at IU Bloomington by giving our Hoosiers a central place to learn more about how to navigate their experience and contribute to their development and overall success.

12% (5,773)of IU Bloomington students identify as first-generation.

FirstGen Forward Network

With nine campuses included, Indiana University has the most locations in the FirstGen Forward Network. Learn more about how the network helps us serve our first-generation college students.

Advisory group

The advisory group is designed to advise the Director of First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income Programs about how the office can best serve First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income students within the context of IU Bloomington and how First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income students experience the university. The group discusses potential changes that can be enacted to foster better belonging, engagement, retention, and persistence for our First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income students.

The advisory group includes:

  • Sarah Booher – Office of Enrollment Management, Retention
  • Jen Berry – Office of the Vice President for Student Success, First-Generation and Low-Limited Income Student Support
  • Jocelyn Maul – Housing Operations and Assignments
  • Vicka Bell-Robinson – Office of Student Life
  • Greg Siering – Center for Integrative Teaching and Learning
  • Representatives from Student Central, Office of the Registrar, Office of the Bursar, and Financial Aid
  • Students who identify as First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income

Coalition group

The coalition group is designed to bring together various offices who are already working on First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income initiatives. This group is on the frontline of our efforts, as the First-Generation and Limited/Low-Income Programs office will design, coordinate, and implement new initiatives, but also work to support and amplify the initiatives that are currently being enacted across campus. The coalition group works closely with the advisory team.

The coalition group includes:

  • Gabriel Escobedo – Mauer School of Law
  • Sachet Watson – Hudson & Holland Scholars Program
  • Sam Young – Groups Scholars Program
  • Rocio Suarez – O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
  • Rebecca Spang – Hutton Honors College
  • Niki Messmore – School of Medicine
  • Vivian Halloran – College of Arts + Sciences
  • IU Bloomington Students

Additional resources