46% of undergraduate students at CMU identify as first-generation, placing the university above the statewide benchmark of 37%
For most first-generation students, college brings a long list of firsts, like navigating financial aid, choosing classes and figuring out campus resources.
At Colorado Mesa University, nearly half of the undergraduate student population is the first in their families to attend college. Their experiences, along with the support CMU provides, are part of why the university holds a First-Generation Serving Institution designation from the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
At CMU, first-generation students make up 46% of the undergraduate population, surpassing the statewide benchmark of 37% and qualifying the university for the state designation.
Established through House Bill 24-1082, the enrollment distinction honors institutions whose first-generation undergraduate enrollment meets or exceeds the statewide average over three consecutive years. It also recognizes institutions participating in the FirstGen Forward Network, a national network of colleges and universities focused on improving the first-generation student experience.
CMU is one of seven four-year institutions in Colorado to receive the First-Generation Serving Institution distinction. For the university, the recognition points to a student population that CMU has consistently served across its campuses and programs.
“It’s a huge deal for CMU to be recognized as a First-Generation Serving Institution because we have so many students who identify as first-gen,” said Director of Student Support Programs Paige Cadman. “This designation gives us another opportunity to celebrate those students and recognize the work we do every day to ensure first-generation students have the guidance and resources they need to thrive.”
Behind many of those efforts is a campuswide commitment to listening and improving. CMU’s First-Gen Taskforce brings faculty, staff and students together each month to discuss initiatives, identify barriers and strengthen support for first-generation students.
That support shows up across campus. Programs and initiatives like the CMU Promise, TRIO Student Support Services, Upward Bound, the Springboard Fellowship, targeted scholarships and peer mentoring opportunities help first-generation students find resources, build confidence and stay connected throughout their college experience.
“A lot of times, first-gen students may not know where to go with questions or who to ask for help. Our work is about helping these students navigate college and get the support they’re looking for. We want every student we serve to know they belong here and feel proud to be a fearless first-gen,” said Cadman.
For students who are the first in their families to attend college, that kind of support can shape how they experience campus, ask for help and see themselves as part of the university community. As CMU continues to serve first-generation students, the designation offers one way to recognize the students shaping the university and the campuswide work helping them move forward.