First-gen & Limited-income

The Student Center for Equity and Inclusion is proud to support Richmond’s first-generation and/or limited-income students. Formerly called Spider Firsts, with the inclusion of limited-income students we have changed our name to represent both groups of students we support through this initiative F (first-generation) and LI (limited-income), FLI. Thanks to all the students who helped select our new name.

Check out the resources we have on our site, from events we have scheduled, ways to follow us on social media, and tips for managing your finances. We are glad you are here. 

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  • What does the Spiders FLI program do?
    Spiders FLI is a program that offers information about college and beyond, networking opportunities, leadership experiences, mentoring, community-building events, and recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of our first-generation and low-income students. There is nothing you need to do to join the program and attendance is not required. However countless students over the years have found that if they connect with this community early in their college career they will gain a wealth of connections and resources which can support them throughout their college career and after.
  • Who is considered a first-generation student?
    At Richmond, first-generation refers to students for whom neither parent or guardian have completed a four-year college degree. They may have attended some college, or obtained an Associate’s degree, and might even have an older sibling who completed college, but you still qualify as a first-generation college student and can participate in all aspects of the Spiders FLI program.
  • Who is a limited-income student?
    Limited-income students generally receive a substantial financial aid package from Richmond, covering most of the cost of their education, and/or are eligible to receive the federal Pell grant. There are often individual circumstances which effect whether these criteria are true for all students, so you may contact Lisa Miles in the Student Center for Equity and Inclusion if you would like to see if you qualify.
  • Do you have to be both a first-generation student and limited-income to participate in Spiders FLI?
    Absolutely not. You may fit into either category, or both, to participate in programs and services designed for Spiders FLI.
  • How do I know what is being offered?
    All first-generation students are sent emails in advance of all events so please check your email for Spiders FLI information. We also have an active Instagram account so follow us at @urspidersFLI. Finally, join our Group Me group chat which is the most active and easiest way to get information and advice from your peers.

The University of Richmond declared a First-gen Forward Institution

 First Forward Logo

In the spring of 2019, the University was recognized by the National Center for First-generation Student Success to be a First-gen Forward institution. This recognition reflects the depth of programming offered to first-gen students, the many partnerships that have been formulated with departments around campus to support first-gen students, as well as the commitment of the University to meet 100% of demonstrated need for all students. We take this honor very seriously and are constantly looking for new ways to support our pioneering Spider FLI students.