The Firsts

A community for first-generation students

About

The Firsts for First-Generation Students LLC - icon of a two-headed crocodile, an Adinkra symbol of unity in diversity, giving a common destiny.

The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) invites incoming first-year and transfer students who are first-generation to join a close-knit and dynamic Living Learning Community dedicated to academic success and community building at the University of Minnesota.

The primary focus of The Firsts is to increase visibility and recognition of the first-generation college experience while building a supportive community for students navigating academic life at the University of Minnesota. The Firsts is designed for students who are the first in their family to pursue higher education because their parents have not earned a college degree.

Through holistic support and meaningful connections, The Firsts empowers students to thrive by building a strong peer network with fellow first-gen students and providing access to resources that support academic success and well-being. Bridging the worlds of school and home, The Firsts honors students’ backgrounds and celebrates the resilience and achievements of first-gen scholars.

About MCAE LLCs

The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) welcomes incoming first-year and transfer students to join a vibrant, close-knit community at the University of Minnesota. As part of MCAE, you will have the opportunity to live and learn alongside peers who share a commitment to academic success, personal growth, and community building.

Join our dynamic LLC community, where you’ll explore your social and academic identity and grow as a leader in a supportive, cross-cultural environment. Through meaningful conversations, holistic support, and one-on-one coaching from MCAE staff, you will build confidence and self-efficacy, foster a deep sense of belonging, and gain the tools to thrive academically and socially on our campus!

The MCAE Living Learning Communities, open to all regardless of identity, include:

Details

The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) LLCs are located in Pioneer Hall, in double rooms, and are limited to the first 80 students who apply.

Contact

Daniel Morales Morales 
Interim Assistant Director of Inclusive Classroom Climate

Email
[email protected]

Additional Information

Benefits

Students who become residents of an MCAE LLC should expect the following:

  • Support from a MCAE LLC Peer Mentor
  • Intentional connections with various on-campus resources
  • Biweekly LLC Community connections led by their Peer Mentor
  • Semesterly all-LLC Gatherings
  • Engagement with Alumni from the LLCs
  • Individualized holistic support from MCAE staff
  • Access to enroll in LEAD 1961W: Personal Leadership in the University. This is a MCAE partnership with the leadership minor for students to explore leadership on a personal level, while building community and a sense of belonging in an intentionally small classroom.
  • Academic grade checks at the midpoint and end of each semester 

Requirements

Students interested in participating in an MCAE Living Learning Community must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a first-year student 
  • Submit a completed Housing Application AND supplemental MCAE LLC Application (to be emailed from MCAE)
  • Attend the LLC Retreat (hosted late-August)
  • Attend the MCAE Kick-Off prior to the start of the academic year
  • Attend two holistic support meetings each semester with an MCAE or Center of Indigenous Nations (COIN) professional staff
  • Attend biweekly community meetings and events 
  • Live on campus for the entire duration of the academic year (fall and spring)
  • Must follow Housing & Residential Life community/conduct expectations as well as University’s Student Code of Conduct
  • Participate in at least two MCAE events per semester (outside of your LLC events) 

Roommates

  • Students selected to participate in an MCAE Living Learning Community will be assigned a roommate. Roommate requests are not accepted.
  • Most students are housed with a roommate participating in an MCAE Living Learning Community. Roommate matches are NOT specific to specific LLC designation. For example, you can be accepted into Huntley House and have a roommate participating in CASA SOL.

Process

  1. Complete a Housing & Residential Life application and select the MCAE LLC(s) you are interested in joining.
    • Important Note: Space in LLCs is limited so we encourage you to apply early for housing. Students who apply prior to March 1 will have a higher chance of being assigned to one of their preferred LLCs.
  2. Check your UMN email: If you expressed interest in one of MCAE's LLCs you will receive an email communication from MCAE with complete application information in mid-summer.
  3. Submit your MCAE LLC application! Only students who submit a completed MCAE LLC application will be considered.
  4. Check your UMN email: The first round of LLC application reviews begins in early summer.
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