RHSA First-Generation Family Circle

Supporting Families. Empowering Students.

Welcome to the RHSA Family Circle. We are so glad you are here.

Being a first-generation college family is a powerful achievement. Your support, encouragement, and sacrifices play an important role in your student’s success.

College can feel new, complex, and sometimes overwhelming — not just for students, but for families too. This space was created for you.

Here, you will find information about navigating the college experience, important dates, campus resources, and ways to stay connected with River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA). As an academic enrichment pathway and holistic student success program, we are here to partner with you throughout your student’s journey.

You belong in this journey with us. Go River Hawks!

Our Mission

The RHSA First-Generation Family Circle exists to empower, inform, and connect families of first-generation RHSA students at UMass Lowell.

We are committed to:

  • Providing accessible information about UMass Lowell processes
  • Strengthening family engagement and partnership
  • Supporting student persistence, academic success, and degree completion
  • Celebrating the strength and resilience of first-generation students and their families

Together, we build confidence, community, and success.

RHSA Programs

RHSA offers structured programs that support the first-generation experience from entry to graduation. These programs focus on academic enrichment, leadership development, peer mentoring, research opportunities, and strong community connections to help students thrive.

Through RHSA, students gain:

  • Strong academic foundations
  • Leadership and professional skill development
  • Faculty, staff, and peer mentorship
  • Career readiness and graduate school preparation
  • A close-knit community of scholars

Visit the RHSA Signature Programs page to explore these opportunities in greater detail.

Meet the RHSA Success Coach

The RHSA Success Coach helps students navigate academic, personal, and campus-related questions and challenges. Success coaches work closely with students so they feel supported, informed, and connected throughout their time at UMass Lowell.

The RHSA Success Coach:

  • Connects students to tutoring, advising, workshops, counseling, and other campus resources
  • Guides students in mapping out and staying on track with their academic and career plans
  • Supports goal setting, time management, and study strategies
  • Supports students during stressful periods
  • Encourages confidence, independence, and personal growth 

Learn more about RHSA Success Coaching.

If you have questions or would like guidance, complete the family support form. Share your questions with us, and our team will reach out with support and solutions.

Resources: College Navigation Made Simple

College introduces many new systems, offices, and support programs. Below are just a few of the important resources at UMass Lowell that support first-generation student success.

Our goal is to help families understand where support exists and how students can access it.

Academic and Success Support

Academic Advising

Academic advisors help students choose courses, stay on track for graduation, and understand degree requirements. Students meet with advisors regularly to plan their academic path and discuss goals.

Success Coaching

RHSA Success Coaches work one-on-one with students to help with time management, goal setting, academic planning, and staying on track throughout the semester. Being part of RHSA also opens the door to opportunities in and outside the classroom, including leadership development, mentoring, and career-connected experiences.

Faculty and Peer Mentors

RHSA students are paired with:

  • A faculty mentor who provides academic and professional guidance
  • A peer leader who supports their transition to college life

Students also participate in RHSA Pod Meetings, which are small-group sessions designed to build community and teach college success skills.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Staying informed about important academic and financial deadlines helps students stay organized, reduce stress, and remain on track toward graduation.

Throughout the academic year, families should pay attention to semester start and end dates, as well as add/drop deadlines.

View the academic calendar and add/drop deadlines.

We encourage families to review this calendar each semester and check in with their student about upcoming deadlines. Staying proactive can help prevent unnecessary challenges later in the term.

Financial Information and Scholarships

Understanding how college finances work can feel overwhelming at first, but many resources are available to support students and families.

Students may receive financial aid in the form of:

  • Grants, which do not need to be repaid
  • Scholarships, which may be merit-based or need-based
  • Loans
  • Federal Work-Study employment

We encourage families to review these resources and reach out early if concerns arise. Financial clarity and planning can help students focus confidently on their education.

Connect With Us

Family involvement plays a meaningful role in student confidence, motivation, and long-term success. When families stay informed and engaged, students feel encouraged and supported throughout their college journey.

RHSA Family Zoom Roundtable

Join the RHSA Family Zoom Roundtable to connect with RHSA staff, learn about resources, and ask questions.
Date: March 31, 2026
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Virtual: RHSA Family Zoom Roundtable on Zoom

Topics include:

  • Programs and services tailored to each class level
  • How students use success coaching, mentoring, and academic supports
  • Key campus resources to support the first year, including accommodations, employment, engagement, financial literacy, deadlines, and campus navigation
  • How families can encourage persistence and well-being

The role of the RHSA Academic Success Coach and the individualized support they provide in academic planning, goal setting, time management, and navigating university resources

Contact and Stay Connected

The RHSA team is here to support students and families throughout their time at UMass Lowell.

Contact the RHSA team.

We look forward to partnering with you during your student’s time at UMass Lowell. Together, we support. Together, we celebrate. Together, we succeed.