While the transition to university can be overwhelming for any student, it has been shown to be particularly challenging for first generation students (those whose parents have not graduated from a four year college). First generation students drop out at higher rates when they receive only standard advising. Peer mentoring programs have been shown to improve student performance and adjustment to college life. Two areas of particular concern are (1) difficulties in recognizing and relating to the culture of the university, and (2) problems with learning to navigate the complex university system.

Although Portland State University offers a wide range of support services, many new students are so overwhelmed by the process of learning a new campus environment that they never find the resources they need. Even if students do manage to find these resources, they may not know the right questions to ask in order to get the help they need. SFMP was designed to address these and other issues of first generation students who are new to the PSU campus.