First Gen Mocs
First Gen Mocs qualifications: neither parent having completed a four-year degree
Ways to Get Involved
Being recognized as a first-generation student is just the beginning. UTC offers several programs that will strengthen your relationships, build you up academically and make your college experience successful:
First Gen Summit
A First-Gen exclusive pre-orientation event taking place the days before Move-In to help our First-Gen Mocs settle in to school, learn about available resources, and be paired with their Peer Mentor. Students will have Early-Move-In, attend workshops and activities, and bond with other first-year first-generation students before the semester begins.
Register for First Gen Summit 2026 here
*log in to Microsoft Forms using your UTC network ID and password.
Peer Mentor Program
Our Peer Mentors are here for YOU! If you're looking for someone who's been in your shoes to help you connect and settle in to UTC, let us know in the interest form at the bottom of this page if you'd like to be paired with a First Gen Mocs Peer Mentor.
First Gen Week
November 8 was selected as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Each year, UTC hosts a week-long celebration to recognize first-generation college students, faculty, and staff. Check back here in the fall for the First Gen Week schedule.
Tri Alpha
Alpha Alpha Alpha or Tri Alpha for short is the national honor society recognizing the academic achievement of first-generation college students. UTC is home to the Alpha Eta chapter. New members are inducted every spring semester. Members receive a certificate, pin, and honor cord. Learn more about Tri Alpha here.
President – Stormy Elrod
Vice President – Anna Jenkins
Treasurer – Madison Tyler
Secretary – Autumn Thompson
First-Gen Forward Institution
UTC is proud to be one of the first institutions to receive the First-Gen Forward designation, a program designed for colleges and universities committed to first-generation student success. Learn more about First-Gen Forward here.
Let us know you're interested in First Gen Programs!
To apply for the First Gen Mocs program, click the button below and it will take you to the UTC Application Portal.
- Please select “Sign In” and enter the same email address and password used to complete your admissions application to UTC.
- Once logged in, select the blue button that says, "Other Applications"
- Finally, select "First Gen Mocs" from that drop-down list.