First Cats
The UA’s first-gen community is represented in every facet of campus life – from classrooms to cultural centers, playing fields to research labs, behind a desk or up on stage – there are over 10,000 UA students, faculty, and staff who are proud to be the first in their family to attend college.
Connect with First Cats.
Important Updates (revised 8/18/2020)
*All First Cats & Thrive Center programs will be virtual and on-line for fall 2020.
According to the July 7/24/2020 Provost Message, Staged Launch for In-Person Instruction for Fall 2020, "Student support beyond the classroom (advising, student aid counseling, career development, tutoring, supplemental instruction, cultural centers, etc.) will continue in a remote format until further notice." We are online and ready to meet with you!
Watch these videos for more information:
Do your part (general health & safety)
Thrive Center is currently closed. All student success services have been moved online. For more information regarding the program you are a part of within Thrive Center, please refer to email communication from the staff of those programs. You can also contact us at thrive@email.arizona.edu if you have not received any emails. If you would like to connect with a program, please email us and we'll have a staff member reach out to you. For more information on how to access mental health services, please visit the STUDENT WELLNESS website. There you will also be able to find more information on Coping with COVID-19 Related Stress.
Spotlight! Upcoming Events
STAY IN THE KNOW OF ALL THINGS First Cats BYJOINING OUR NEWSLETTER!
First Cats Family Welcome 2020
Thank you for joining us! This welcome event was for first-generation college students and their supporters at the University of Arizona. Our 2020 program occurred on Aug. 29 at 1pm with interpretación en Español Proporcionada. A special appreciation goes out to Paren & Family Programs for helping us plan this event and to SOS and CALS First Cats for helping staff the event along with Thrive Center. We at Thrive Center appreciate all those who attended, participated, and worked the event. Resources shared at the event will be posted on our website soon.
Learn More!
The First Cats STUDENT Experience
Whether you're a first year student getting used to campus or a senior getting ready to graduate, First Cats is here for every step of your UA journey. We look forward to welcoming you into the First Cats community!
Learn MoreFirst Cats Events & Programs
First Cats offers first-generation college students, faculty, and staff opportunities to explore and take pride in their first-generation experience. We host campus-wide events and programs open to all first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and supporters.
Join UsFirst Cats Mentoring Program
Calling all First Year/Freshman or Second Year/Sophomore first-generation college students! First Cats offers a mentoring program to support you in your transition into college, developing relationships with faculty,staff, and peers, and make connects to the campus community.
Sign Up NowOutreach Request
Share who First Cats is with your students and community! If you are visiting campus or wanting more information, complete our short request form now. We cannot wait to meet you.
Submit RequestFaculty & Staff Involvement
Learn more about first-gen students at Arizona and how you can center them in your classes, programs, advising and more. Sign up for our professional development session today!
Register NowShare Your First Cats Story
Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with others. If you are a first-generation college student or graduate, we would love to hear your unique story.
Share Your Story