Chelsea Santandrea
"Within my family, I am the first person to go away for college. The first semester I fell off but with the support of RISE and my success coach along with my family and roommate, I turned it around and completed my first year successfully. I’m thankful that this exists on campus because having that extra support is a huge help."
First-Gen Student
"I think the First-Gen Center offers some amazing tools for First-Gen students here at Salem State! I had the privilege of presenting at the National First Generation Student Summit, a conference aimed at connecting First-Gen students from all over! I was able to meet some amazing people, share great ideas with them, and connect with other First-Gen students from nearby states. I had never met that many first generation students before, and I was able to learn from their success and really make some great connections!"
Celia Carbone
"RISE has not only been a resource center for me, but has also served as a welcoming community full of unconditional support throughout my first two years as a first-generation student. I am incredibly thankful for how this program has guided and educated me through uncertain times. With the help of my coach, I have become a better student, friend, teammate, and member of the SSU community. RISE has launched me on a great path toward my future academic, athletic, and professional careers throughout my time at Salem State and beyond. I could not recommend this program enough to students representing the first in their family to pursue higher education."
First-Generation Student
A first-generation student is broadly defined as neither of your parents or guardians graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college/university in the US. In 2026, over 60% of Salem State students identify as first-generation.
Who is First-Gen at Salem State
My sibling/s went to college
You are first-gen, even if your siblings went to college and/or already graduated with a Bachelor degree from a 4-year college/university in the US.
My parent/s went to college
You are first-gen, even if your parents graduated with an Associate degree, OR with a Bachelor degree outside the US.
My parents or guardians graduated with an online Bachelor Degree
You are not first-gen: online Bachelor's degrees are considered full Bachelor's degrees.
We support all first-gen vikings
Students, families and supporters, faculty and staff are invited to take advantage of the many programs, resources and events offered through the center. From academic success to community, we have something for you!
Student success coaching for first and second year first-gen.
programs and events for all first Vikings.
Our communities for you...
There are a number of thriving first-gen communities at Salem State. Depending on what you are looking for we encourage you to:
Apply for our success coaching program RISE (1st and 2nd year)
Become a member of our Tri-Alpha honors society (Sophomore and above)
Celebrate your upcoming graduation at our first-gen cording ceremony (Seniors)
Join our student organization: First-Generation Association (all years)
Meet fellow first-gen at our First Friday Socials, without joining anything (all years)
First-Generation Celebration Week
Explore our annual campus-wide first-gen celebration week events
First-Gen Academy
A FREE one-credit online course for new first-gen students, to support your first steps at SSU.
First Friday Socials and Celebrations for First-Gen
Connect with other first-gen students.
Workshops
Study abroad, apply for scholarships, complete your FAFSA or improve your career readiness.
Resources for You
We gather information for you, from scholarships to campus life and academic tips. Join our events and contact us to learn and benefit from these resources. Contact us.
Faculty and Staff Resources
Support first-gen students
Learn more about resources and events for faculty and staff serving first-gen students. Access our canvas for strategies to more effectively teach and
Meet the staff / FYE / Contact Us
Assistant Director
Damien Boutillon, PhD
Damien comes from the TRIO Student Support Services Program of Berkshire Community College, where he worked as an Academic Advisor for First-Generation, Low-Income, and Student with Disabilities.
First-Generation Student Success Coach
Meet all of the Student Success and First Year Experience Staff
Student Success Coaches
Student Success Coaches assist in the overall supervision and management of the office including, but not limited to: providing outstanding direct support and service to students, faculty, staff and families; supervising undergraduate student, staff; and creating/developing/facilitating programs and events.
Program Coordinators
Program Coordinators develop programs with the first-generation coaching team and participate in the Center’s mission to support first-generation students navigate both their academic and social life at Salem State University.
Office Assistants
Office Assistants assist in managing the Center, including staffing the reception desk, answering phones and supporting a variety of projects dedicated to first-generation learners.
Contact Us
The First-Generation Center is part of the First Year Experience Office. Meet our First Year Experience staff.
Contact Us
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970