As someone who works closely with students at SUNY Morrisville, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how powerful intentional support can be—especially for our first-generation college students. Being a first-generation student is something to be proud of, but it also often comes with unique challenges that aren’t always visible on the surface. At SUNY Morrisville, we recognize that success in college is about more than academics alone. It’s about care, connection, and having someone in your corner when things feel overwhelming. That’s where our work—and the role of the Student Care and Case Coordinator—becomes essential.
First-generation students often arrive on campus navigating unfamiliar systems without the benefit of generational knowledge. Many are learning how college works in real time—how to communicate with faculty, understand policies, manage financial pressures, balance family responsibilities, and advocate for themselves. While these students bring resilience, determination, and a strong sense of purpose, they shouldn’t have to figure everything out alone.
The Student Care and Case Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring that they don’t have to.
At SUNY Morrisville, student care is proactive, not reactive. When a student is struggling—academically, personally, financially, or emotionally—the Student Care and Case Coordinator helps connect the dots. Rather than sending students from office to office, this role serves as a central point of support, helping students understand their options, access resources, and feel seen and supported during difficult moments. For first-generation students especially, this can make all the difference.
What I’ve seen time and again is how powerful it is when a student realizes that asking for help is not a failure—it’s a skill. The Student Care and Case Coordinator works to normalize help-seeking and break down the stigma that many first-generation students carry with them. Whether it’s coordinating academic support, connecting students to counseling services, assisting with emergency needs, or helping them navigate a personal crisis, the approach is always grounded in empathy and respect.
This work is also deeply collaborative. Supporting first-generation students at SUNY Morrisville means working across departments—academic affairs, student success, residence life, financial aid, and faculty governance—to ensure students don’t fall through the cracks. When concerns are raised, communication happens thoughtfully and with the student at the center of every decision. That coordination allows us to respond holistically, not just to a single issue, but to the full context of a student’s experience.
Equally important is the emphasis on empowerment. The goal isn’t to “fix” students—it’s to help them build confidence and agency. Through care conversations and case management, students learn how to navigate systems, advocate for themselves, and recognize their own strengths. Over time, many first-generation students move from feeling uncertain to feeling grounded, capable, and proud of how far they’ve come.
SUNY Morrisville also understands that first-generation success often involves families and support networks. Many of our students are balancing expectations from home while learning how to define their own paths. The Student Care and Case Coordinator helps students navigate those dynamics with compassion, ensuring they feel supported both on campus and beyond it.
What makes me most proud of this work is seeing students persist—not because everything suddenly becomes easy, but because they know they are not alone. They know there is a campus that cares about them as whole people. They know there is someone who will listen, guide, and advocate when they need it most.
Being a first-generation student means being a trailblazer. At SUNY Morrisville, we are committed to walking alongside those trailblazers every step of the way. Through intentional care, strong coordination, and a belief in the potential of every student, we are creating an environment where first-generation students don’t just survive college—they thrive.
Learn more about SUNY Morrisville’s first-generation student success initiatives here.
