While National First-Generation College Student Day takes place on Friday, Nov. 8, UNC Charlotte celebrates its first-gen students all week long!
First-Generation Celebration Week takes place from Monday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 10 with a variety of events across campus meant to show appreciation for the students at the University whose parents and/or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.
Nearly one-third of students at the University identify as first-generation college students, and they are an integral part of the Charlotte community.
“First-Gen Celebration Week is the highlight of my semester,” Shayauna Newsom, program director for transition and belonging with Transition & Success Initiatives, said. “Our First-Gen Niners deserve to be celebrated for all that they have done and all that they will do. This week is an opportunity for our First-Gen Niners to feel celebrated, supported and proud.”
Below is a list of the events happening for First-Generation Celebration week. More information on the events, and on first-gen support, can be found on the I Am First Gen website.
Monday, Nov. 4
- First-Generation Kickoff, Belk Plaza, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Jamil Niner Food Pantry Volunteer Hours, 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
- First-Generation Resource Fair, CHHS/CoEd Plaza, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
- First-Gen Speed Friending, Popp Martin Student Union 200, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- First-Gen Niners Drop-in Space, Atkins Library Annex, 1 p.m.
- Jamil Niner Food Pantry Volunteer Hours, 2-4 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 7
- First-Generation Game Night, Cone University Center After Hours, 6-8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8 — National First-Generation College Celebration Day
- First-Generation Cookout, Star Quad/West Quad 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- First-Generation Graduation Celebration, Cone University Center: McKnight Hall and Lucas Room, 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 10
- Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony, Cone University Center McKnight Hall, 2-3:30 p.m.
There are also ways to get involved during the week past the events, with a First-Gen Display at Atkins Library that has books written by, or about, first-generation college students. The display is located on the Popular Reading Collection shelves by the first floor entrance.
First-generation students, faculty and staff also have an opportunity to share their stories, which will appear in part or in full on the I Am First website and on social media.
More information can be found on the I Am First Gen website.