Dear Triton Families,

As we near the end of winter quarter, your students are juggling a lot — enrolling in spring classes, securing housing for next year, preparing for finals or all of the above. It’s a busy time, and stress levels may be high.

While academics and campus life may be top of mind, they likely aren’t the only things weighing on your students. The world beyond their studies — whether on campus, in their communities or beyond — can feel overwhelming, and with a university as large and multifaceted as UC San Diego, what happens outside our campus inevitably impacts our students, our campus and our Triton families. In times of uncertainty and change, building and celebrating community becomes even more important.

As parents and supporters, you play an important role in helping your first-generation student find their place within the Triton community. Encouraging them to build connections — whether through shared experiences, peer support or simply taking a break — can make all the difference. Here are a few ways they can find belonging and support:

• Community and Belonging: Finding a sense of belonging can happen in many ways — such as connecting with campus community centers or signing up for a spring break adventure where they can connect with fellow Tritons in a new environment.
   
• Wellness and Peer Support: Triton2Triton offers an online space where students can connect with peers for support, while Willo is a self-care app designed specifically for UC San Diego students.

Every student is different, but no matter how your student prefers to connect, we’re here to ensure they have the support they need — and that you feel supported in supporting them.

Sincerely,
Margot Clifford
Director, Parent and Family Programs

Community and belonging are essential to student success. This section highlights efforts across campus to celebrate and foster first-gen community and spotlights individuals from across our Triton community who share their first-gen experience. 

First-Gen Staff Spotlight: Kayana Hudson '22

Scholarship Opportunity: A First-Gen Art Gallery

Triton Firsts is hosting an art gallery that reflects the first-generation student experience. Students who submit an art piece will be eligible to receive up to a $1,000 scholarship. Mediums can include but are not limited to: 

If you are interested in this opportunity, sign up here. 

Each student’s academic journey is different. This section focuses on resources and support systems at UC San Diego that help your student take full advantage of their academic ability, discover opportunities to excel, gain transferable skills, and achieve.

Finding Academic Support on Campus

Teaching + Learning Commons Serving First-Generation Students

First-generation students can access academic and experiential learning support at the Commons, including study groups and tutoring sessions where students can master class content, improve their writing and build bridges between academic and co-curricular activities, such as on-campus student employment, academic internships and peer mentorship. These on- and off-campus experiential learning opportunities enable students to “learn by doing,” preparing them for success at UC San Diego and beyond.

Resources are offered in Spanish, too. Learn more here or contact the Commons directly at m7reyes@ucsd.edu, (858) 822-199.

Meeting the cost of an undergraduate education is a significant investment. In this section, you'll find resources dedicated to ensuring that students and families have the support and information they need to navigate financial challenges and build pathways to the future.

Connect with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office

As parents and family members, you are important members of our Triton community. We hope you'll get involved and take advantage of all this community has to offer!