First Generation Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs common to first-generation students
Questions & Answers
- What to do if you’re homesick
For many of students, coming to Emporia State will be the first-time being away from home for extended period of time- homesickness is a common and shared feeling. An important strategy to push through homesickness is to connect here at Emporia State -- with peers, faculty, and staff. We suggest, “Be open to meeting others. You might just meet your best friend or find a community within ESU that makes you feel welcome and transports you back home. For first years, especially, try your best to become friends with people who live on your residence hall floors. These are people that you will live with or live near for eight months. They’re people you’ll be grabbing lunch and dinner with over the course of your freshman year and whom you might be living with as an upperclassman.” Reach out to the First-Gen community, peer leaders, registered student organizations, participate in intramurals or other fitness opportunities, or join student groups. Stop by your advisor’s walk-in office hours in the Advising Center or talk with the staff in one of the offices in the Center for Student Involvement (including Community Helpers, Diversity and Inclusion). We also encourage students to make an appointment with Counseling Services.
- My professor said to meet during “office hours.” What are office hours?
Office hours are a designated time set aside by your professors where they are available to speak with you on an individual basis. At the beginning of the semester, a professor should tell the class when and where office hours will be held. Don’t be shy or embarrassed about seeking out a professor during office hours. Professors are one of your most valuable college resources, and office hours may be the best way to get to know them better.
- Where to go for free help/tutoring
The Academic Center for Excellence and Success (ACES) is located on the 2nd floor of the library to help with most subjects, and the Writing Center, also on the 2nd floor of the library, is structured to help with writing-specific assignments. Tutors are available to help you for FREE!!! See the ACES Website for specifics: , and the Writing Center website:
- How to change a class at the beginning of the semester
If you attend a class and decide it may not be the one for you, please see your advisor immediately. The first five days of the semester, you are able to make changes to your class schedule. Your advisor can talk with you about other class options (if available) for your major.
- How to drop or withdraw from a class. And the difference between dropping a class and withdrawing a class
You have the first 10 days of the semester to drop a class. You need to speak with your academic advisor. When you drop a class during the first 10 days of the semester, it will not show up on your transcript. When you withdraw from a class, you will receive a W on your transcript. This does not impact your GPA.
- Definition of Academic Advisor
Academic advising at Emporia State University is an ongoing collaborative relationship between the student and academic advisor. Advisors will help you make a satisfactory transition to university life while helping you set personal and academic goals.
- Resources Emporia State offers first-generation students
ESU offers students the opportunity to work with a Peer Mentor to answer questions and help navigate college life. ESU also offers programs each semester linked directly to First Generation Students to help them get involved on campus.
- Not sure what something means? Use this glossary of terms.