Jemima Gedeon

As Director for First-Generation Student Initiatives, I am responsible for providing support, training, and programming to the College’s highly diverse student body. I work closely with students, faculty and other campus offices to create a positive and inclusive experience for underrepresented students. In addition to advising and mentoring the College’s first-generation students, low-income students, and other underrepresented groups, I am working closely with the Dean of Studies office and other campus stakeholders to develop effective programs to support and enhance the student’s academic experience. 

As a first-generation college graduate myself, I want you to know that being the first in your family to attend college is a major accomplishment. I also know that at times it can feel a bit daunting and overwhelming to be the first person to walk through the gates of higher education. First-generation and/or low-income college students may experience the following:

• Homesickness
• Anxiety about fitting in on campus 
• Intimidated when speaking with professors or other campus administrators
• Feeling like no one understands your situation or story
• Struggling with balancing college life and responsibilities at home
• Feeling guilty about not being home to help family members
• Affording textbooks, course materials, and other day-to-day expenses
   

About Me

Jemima Gedeon joined Barnard College as the inaugural Director for First-Generation Student Initiatives in April 2008. In her role, she provides specialized advising and programmatic support to all students who identify with the first-generation and/or low-income college experience. Jemima seeks to empower and enrich the experience of FLI students both inside and outside of the classroom as they navigate college. She was born and raised in New York and is a first-generation college graduate. She received her B.S. in Applied Psychology from New York University. She received an M.Ed. in College Student Personnel from University of Maryland, College Park. Jemima has over 16 years of experience working in student affairs.

Best,
Jemima Gedeon
Director for First-Generation Student Initiatives