First Generation Students

NYU Meyers recognizes and proudly provides support to first-generation college students to enhance and enrich their educational experiences as they develop into nurses.  At NYU, first-generation students are defined as the first in their families to attend a four-year institution of higher education. We offer outstanding academic programs and comprehensive services, as well as a supportive team of faculty, administrators, and staff who are committed to making first-generation students get the most out of their experience.

The Office of Advising & Academic Services provides email/newsletter notifications on events, activities and resources that are specially geared to support first-generation students. Our first-generation program aims to provide important resources and information from key offices at NYU and NYU Meyers – covering everything from relevant campus events, housing options, and student services, to the student experience. There is also information designed for first-generation parents.

Learn more below on what it means to be a first-generation student.  

Secrets to Success Panel: NYU students and faculty share college experiences as first-generation students.

Taking My Parents to College: What is it like to introduce your parents to college?  An English professor shares her story.

From First-Generation College Student To Nurse: A first-generation nursing student shares her journey to becoming a nurse.

I’m First: An online community providing first-generation college students with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college.

Common terminology

Syllabus: A document given out by professors at the beginning of each semester, a syllabus outlines class content, expectations, and grading scale, and usually contains a detailed lecture, reading, and exam schedule. It also provides contact information for the professors and teaching assistants and office hours.

TA: An abbreviation for teaching assistant. Usually, teaching assistants lead class recitations and exam reviews outside of the class lectures, grade exams and papers, and serve as a resource for questions and class support. They are employed by the university and are graduate students who are usually working toward a PhD.

Office hours: Set times when students are able to meet with professors or TAs outside of class. Typically, office hours are available one or two days a week for walk-in appointments. Many professors also allow students to schedule appointments outside of office hours.

Albert: A section of the NYU website, which allows students to schedule classes, check grades and graduation requirements, and pay tuition bills.

NYU Classes: An online system that students may use to access course materials, collaborate with others, engage with interactive assessments and assignments, and track their progress in a course gradebook.

Recitations: Certain classes will have recitations sections along with lecture. Recitations classes are smaller than lectures and are usually taught by teaching assistants to clarify concepts and lead discussions.

Pre-Nursing Courses: Pre-nursing courses must be taken before students start the nursing courses.  These courses are primarily liberal arts courses and basic science courses. Nursing courses consist of didactic (known as lecture), clinical and simulation labs.