What is FUNL?
The First-Gen, Undocumented, and Low-Income (FUNL) Network is one of the Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE)’s signature programs, aiming to expand cross-institutional community and resources to ensure that FUNL-identified students thrive at Northeastern.
The FUNL Canvas Module
Northeastern offers a range of resources across its global network for students who identify as First-Generation, Undocumented, and/or Low-Income. The CIE has created a FUNL Canvas course to help learners find these resources when needed.
If you have any questions about the CIE’s FUNL network or any resources available, please reach out to cie@northeastern.edu and/or visit us at 144/ 328 Curry Student Center!
FUNL Definitions
First Generation
First-generation college student is often defined as a student whose parents or guardians have not earned a four-year degree in the U.S.
However, definitions vary between states, schools, and institutions, and we want to include you if you identify as first-generation based on your family’s level of educational attainment and limited exposure to or knowledge about attending college.
Undocumented
An undocumented student is someone who has entered the United States with no formal checkpoint, inspections, or verification, or who has overstayed a temporary visa.
We also want to recognize students who are DACA recipients, have undocumented family members (mixed-status families), and anyone else who identifies with the undocumented experience (“undocu-plus”).
Low-Income
Low-income college student is often defined as a student who qualifies to receive the Pell Grant, a federal grant provided to students who qualify based on information on their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
You might also identify as low-income if you experience food or housing insecurity, are eligible for government assistance programs, or cannot afford other basic needs. We want to include you if you identify as low-income based on your financial situation.
CIE’s FUNL Network Signature Programs
First Gen Week
Offices and departments across Northeastern’s Global Network offer panel discussions, workshops, and celebratory events to amplify the voices and experiences of first-generation students.
Click here to learn more.
First-Gen Graduation
During graduation week, we gather to celebrate First-Gen graduates and their support systems! Each graduate receives a stole to recognize their achievement of being the first in their family to receive a degree.
FUNL Canvas Course
Northeastern has a variety of resources available across the global network for students who identify as First-Gen, Undocumented, and/or Low-Income. The CIE has created a FUNL Canvas course to help learners find these resources when needed.
Interested in getting involved?
Connect
The CIE’s FUNL Network provides opportunities for FUNL-identifying students to build community and connect with one another through student organizations, events, newsletters, celebrations, and more.
Support
The CIE’s FUNL Network offers campus education for faculty and staff to develop the cultural competency that is necessary to ensure the success of FUNL-identifying students via intentional support.
Elevate
The CIE’s FUNL Network seeks to elevate the voices of FUNL-identifying students and to center their experiences within the broader Northeastern narrative.
U-F1RST
U-F1RST (previously known as FGLISU) is a student-led organization that aims to close the information and support gap for first-generation and/or low-income college students. To fulfill this mission, the union’s student leaders will facilitate weekly programming that creates a warm and informative environment that U-F1RST members can utilize at any point in their college tenure. U-F1RST leadership and general members also convene to discuss ways in which they can work with other student organizations on campus to bring attention to larger institutional issues and have the proper authority figures make structural improvements.