First-Generation College Student, Matthew Lassus

First-Generation College Students

If you are a First-Gen student, Commonwealth University of PA is committed to supporting and empowering you. You can use the resources on this site to navigate the University, get connected, and find community.

What is a First-Generation College Student?

The Department of Education, in the Higher Education Act of 1965 and 1998, clearly defines a first-generation college student as a student both of whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree, or in the case of students who live with and are supported by only one parent, a student whose only such parent did not complete a bachelor’s degree.

Resources for First-Gen Students

Act 101 (Bloomsburg and Lock Haven)
The PA Act 101 (Act 101) Program is a state-funded program which allocates funds to Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions that operate an approved Act 101 program. The funds support services to academically and financially disadvantaged students to assist them in successfully completing postsecondary study.
Academic Advisement
Academic Advisement collaborates with students to help them reach their academic potential. We offer support services and engaging programs designed to assist in achieving personal and professional success.
Alumni and Professional Engagement
At Commonwealth University, career and professional development is combined with alumni relations to create the Department of Alumni & Professional Engagement (A&PE) within the Division of University Advancement.
Athletics
The athletic department websites provide news, scores, schedules, and information about Huskies, Bald Eagles, and Mountaineers athletics.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center provides mental health counseling to all students, services are strictly confidential and no additional charge is added to students. Call us or send us an email to learn more!
Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students assist students with a wide range of situations, issues, or concerns that may have potential to adversely affect their academic success or holistic growth as a student at CU.
Financial Aid
Your education and college finances matter to us. We are here to help you prepare and be financially fit for your education.
Food Pantry
Here, students find more than just sustenance; they find a sense of belonging and care. Whether it's a nutritious meal to fuel their studies or basic necessities to maintain their well-being, the campus cupboard offers a lifeline, ensuring that no student has to face hunger or hardship alone.
Housing and Residence Life
No matter which campus you call home at Commonwealth University — Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield — choosing on-campus living opens a world of benefits. You'll be steps away from your classes, libraries, and study spaces, allowing you to maximize your academic focus.
Learning Centers (Tutoring)
The University Learning Centers at Commonwealth University offer peer tutoring (content and writing support), supplemental instruction, and academic coaching for undergraduate students.
LGBTQA Resource Center
The LGBTQA Resource Center is committed to making Bloomsburg a safe and welcoming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, and allied students through education, programming, advocacy, and public policy. The resource center welcomes all members of our campus community.
Multicultural Center
The Bloomsburg Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) was established in 1994 with the support of the University, The State System of Higher Education, and the Community Government Association.
Military and Veteran Services
What makes CU different from many other colleges and universities is our unique appreciation for the fact that military students have different needs and attributes than non-military students. The centerpiece of our efforts is the Office of Military and Veterans Resources, or as we like to call it — The Military Office.
Orientation
Commonwealth University is excited to welcome our new students to our campuses for an exciting and informative orientation program. Below you will find information regarding our orientation programs, but first, let's talk about why it is so important. We require that students attend orientation... yes, it is required.
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services provides academic support, career exploration, personal development resources, financial aid counseling, financial literacy programs, graduate school and career readiness, and social and cultural events.
TRIO Upward Bound
TRIO Upward Bound at Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg is a free college prep program for eligible high school students. It's not a summer camp, it's not just an after-school club. It's a holistic college preparatory program for incoming eligible high school students who will be the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree.
University Disability Services
Commonwealth University Disability Services (UDS) collaborates with students, supporters, faculty, and the greater campus community to promote self-advocacy and ensure a comprehensively accessible environment.
Women's Resource Center
The Bloomsburg Women's Resource Center is dedicated to improving the status of women students, faculty, and staff. We do so through the development and implementation of educational programs, community outreach, victim advocacy, and referral services. The resource center welcomes all members of our campus community.
Writing Center (WALES)
The University Learning Centers at Commonwealth University offer peer tutoring (content and writing support), supplemental instruction, and academic coaching for undergraduate students.

Scholarships are available for first-generation college students who meet the required qualifications and criteria. Visit our scholarship page and search using keyword, "First Generation", to find current scholarships.
The University Foundations provides scholarship funding to students each year thanks to support from generous donors. Search for scholarships on these sites using keyword, "First Generation".

FirstGen Forward

Commonwealth University is a member of the FirstGen Forward network of higher education institutions.

FirstGen Forward

First-generation at Commonwealth University

25%

First-Generation Students

About twenty-five percent of incoming first-year students at Commonwealth University are first-generation.

First-Gen Alumni Student Testimonials

News

All News Stories

A black and white photo of a man, writing in a book, at a desk.

First-Generation Family Patriarch Honored with Memorial Endowment Through LHU Foundation

Lock Haven

Jun. 6, 2023

In honor of the remarkable life and career of 1954 Lock Haven alumnus William "Bill" Ira Vance and his 35 years of dedicated service to educating and mentoring students, the Vance family has graciously endowed the William I. Vance Memorial Scholarship through the Lock Haven University Foundation.