The First-Gen Den is a space for first-generation students to feel welcome around campus. Created by the First-Gen Pride Committee, the hope is that first-generation students find the space and feel at home within it.
“Having such a space in [room 219 of the Sondra and David S. Mack] Student Center … gives first-gen [students] a place to eat, study or simply hang out,” said Russ Smith, senior assistant dean of students and director of the Office of First-Generation Support and Engagement. “The creation of a staffed lounge for first-gen students was a long-time goal of the committee, and we were finally able to make that happen.”
The First-Gen Den offers a space for students to interact with faculty or staff in a casual, comfortable environment. The room features couches, chairs and table seating options.
“Every day [looks] different, but [the First-Gen Den] tends to be more of a quiet, chill space,” Smith said. “You will find students working on papers at the computers, studying or eating at the tables, and lounging, chatting and charging their devices on the couches.”
Smith mentions that other students have become more aware of the space, asking to shoot film projects or host Student Government Association committee meetings there. The First-Gen Pride Committee stays active on social media to promote the space, but Smith finds that most students are invited by him or their friends.
“I hope that more and more students find the space and make it their home base,” Smith said.
During midterms and finals week, the First-Gen Den hosts study sessions, supplying students with free snacks, study supplies and a comfortable setting.
“We also have a program series called ‘Chat N Chill’s,’ where I invite campus resources to come hang out in the space for a few hours and be available for any students who may have questions,” Smith said. “This year we’ve had Student Financial Services, [the Center for University] Advising, the Writing Center, the Center for Academic Excellence, [the Office of Study Abroad Services], [Residence] Life, Orientation and others. Even Senior Vice President [for Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success] Jess Eads has done her office hours there to meet with students.”
Outside organizations have also been hosted in the First-Gen Den. Hofstra alum Amy Flores hosted financial literacy workshops in the space, using her career at Chase Bank as a guide. Enterprise and Northbridge Capital each came to the space to talk about internships and career development. Northbridge Capital selected four first-generation students to attend a full day summit in New York City and paid them $300 each for the day.
“I think the most rewarding part of my role is that I’m in the process of creating it,” Smith said. “Hofstra has never had a professional staff member focused on first-gen initiatives before.”
Smith conducts research, talks to students and designs programs, spaces and training, all focused on first-generation students.
“It’s very creative, and the fact that I’m doing it because I was a first-gen student and understand the experience is very rewarding,” Smith said. “I love working with first-gen students, especially when I see the barriers between student, administration and faculty begin to crumble. No matter how big someone’s title is, or how intimidating their business suit is, they were once a student just like you – and many of them were first-gen also.”
The First-Gen Den was established after the First-Gen Pride Committee spent years coordinating places for first-generation students to use. This committee is responsible for establishing the First-Gen Living Learning Community in Amsterdam House in the Netherlands complex, which was the first residential community for first-generation students on campus.
“As first-gen students, we often don’t know how things work or how to navigate specific processes,” Smith said. “It can be intimidating to ask for explanations, so my hope is that the First-Gen Den is the kind of place where you can go and get your questions answered – either by me or by another student who had to figure it out before you.”
