Who are first-generation students?

Geisinger College uses the national definition for identifying first-generation students: those students whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree. We ask that you use this definition for official Geisinger College recognition of your status as a first-generation student. However, we recognize that each student’s family circumstances and life experiences can vary significantly. If you believe your individual life circumstances align with the first-generation-to-college experience but do not meet the technical definition, reach out to the chair of the First-Generation Student Support Committee, Tanja Adonizio, MD, at tkadonizio1@geisinger.edu or the Vice Dean of Health Equity and Inclusion, Valencia Walker, MD, MPH, at vwalker1@geisinger.edu.