By Wyatt Crosher, Assistant Director of Communications for Student Affairs
As the first in their families to attend college, first-generation students are an integral and significant part of the UNC Charlotte community.
Next week — Nov. 6-10 — the University is celebrating this part of the community with First-Generation Celebration Week, multiple events meant to honor the 33 percent of Niners who identify as first-generation college students and are proudly forging their own paths at Charlotte.
“First-Generation Celebration Week is a collaborative effort to showcase pride for our first-gen Niners and celebrate them for all that they are and will be,” Shayauna Newsom, assistant director of transition programs for Transition & Success Initiatives (TSI), said. “Charlotte’s campus has a first-generation Niner at every corner and we need our first-gen students, staff and faculty to know their identity is one to be proud of.”
Here are the events happening around campus for First-Gen Celebration Week:
Monday, Nov. 6
First-Generation Week Kickoff: Picture This: Navigating College as a First-Gen Niner through Photovoice
12:30-2 p.m., Cone University Center, Lucas Room
Tuesday, Nov. 7
First-Generation Photos and Food Truck
1-3 p.m., CHHS/CoEd Plaza
Wednesday, Nov. 8
National First-Generation College Student Day: First-Generation Cookout
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Star Quad
Thursday, Nov. 9
First-Generation Graduation Celebration
5-7:30 p.m., Popp Martin Student Union 340
Friday, Nov. 10
No Classes in honor of Veterans Day
For more information about what Charlotte does to support first-generation college students year round, visit the I Am First Gen website.