First Gen Week
Since the inception of the National First-Generation College Celebration day on November 8, 2017, Virginia Commonwealth University joins colleges and universities around the country every year in recognizing first-generation college students. Launched by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-generation Student Success, the selection of November 8 was to honor the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which increased access to higher education through grant and loan programs as well as TRIO programs.
The definition of a first-generation college student is that neither parent or guardian graduated from a four-year institution in the United States. Siblings who are in college or who have graduated are all considered first-gen since siblings are in the same generation (you’re all first-gen!). All of our events are inclusive, so if you feel like your life experiences align closely with those of first-gen students, we encourage you to connect with us and attend these events.
Participate in this year’s activities for a chance to win prizes! Register for these events through RamsConnect.
First-Gen Week Events
First-Gen Alumni Mixer
Thursday, Nov. 6, 6-8:00 p.m.
Richmond Salons
Hosted by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations
At VCU, first-generation refers to students whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree. This event is all about celebrating the resilience, determination, and success of first-gen Rams—past and present.
Why Study Abroad?
Friday, Nov. 7, 12-12:45 p.m. (Virtual)
Hosted by the VCU Global Education Office
Join the Education Abroad Office for this virtual overview session to discover how easy it is to fit a study abroad experience into your degree program. Funding options will also be discussed.
Finals Fuel Up: First-Gen Fall Study Success Bags
Monday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Grace Street Center, 912 W. Grace St., 7th Floor
Hosted by Orientation & Transition Programs
Get ready to crush finals with everything you need to study smart and finish strong. Stop by to make your own Fall Study Success Bag, picking out the snacks, tools, and treats that will help you stay locked in all study season long.
Alpha Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony
Monday, Nov. 10, 12-1 p.m.
Virginia Rooms
Hosted by You First, McNair Program, and TRIO SSS Programs
Come celebrate the newest members of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), VCU’s first-generation honor society! This special ceremony recognizes students for their dedication and academic success.
Commuter Coffee & Cocoa
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Grace Street Center, 912 W. Grace St., 7th Floor
Hosted by the Orientation & Transition Programs
Swing by the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs for coffee, cocoa, and small breakfast bites to kick off your day.
First-Gen Perspectives: FILL Peer Mentor Roundtable
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 3-3:45 p.m.
The FILL, Harris Hall 5116
Hosted by the Department of Focused Inquiry
Join FILL peer mentors for a roundtable discussion on the first-gen experience! Hear real stories, share your own, and connect with peers who understand the ups and downs of being first-gen at VCU.
First-Gen & Grad School Mixer
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 5-7 p.m.
Cabell Library room 303
Hosted by the Graduate School
Join us for the First-Gen Grad School Mixer — a space to connect with first-gen graduate students and alumni, get advice on applications, and build your network for the next step in your academic journey.
First-Generation Transfer Center BINGO
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 12-1:30 p.m.
Academic Learning Commons room 1102
Hosted by The Transfer Center
Come join fellow first generation and transfer students for bingo! We will be gathering in MCALC Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave, Room 1102 for some almost end of the semester fun and games in celebration of First Generation Student Week! There will be music, prizes and of course, bingo!
The You First, TRIO, and McNair Open House
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 1-3 p.m.
Hibbs Hall 201 & 211
You First, TRIO SSS, & McNair
In celebration of First-Gen Week, join You First, TRIO SSS, & McNair for a fun-filled open house with treats, crafts, and chats. You do not have to be active in these programs to attend! All first-gen students, faculty, and staff are welcome.
Candy & Chat: Discover Transformative Learning at VCU
Thursday, Nov. 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Academic Learning Commons 4100
Transformative Learning | University College
Sweet treats + sweet opportunities! Stop by for candy and an informal chat about the unique experiences that can transform your VCU journey — from research and service-learning to community engagement and beyond.
Writing Center Info Session and Writing with Confidence Workshop
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2-3 p.m. (Virtual)
Hosted by the Writing Center
Find out what the VCU Writing Center offers and build your confidence as a writer in this combined info session and skills workshop.
First-Gen Group Photo
Thursday, Nov. 13, 12:20 p.m.
Ram Horns (Commons Plaza)
Pick up your You First t-shirt ahead of time (check your email for details)
Join all of You First and First-Gen Students at VCU in a Group Photo by the Rams Horns. This is a great way to meet other first gen students and be amazed by how many first gen students are at VCU!
School of Social Work: First Gen Mocktails & Mingle
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2-5:00 p.m.
Academic Learning Commons 3100
This drop-in event is for first-generation social work students to join School of Social Work first-generation students, faculty, and staff for some fun mocktail making and mingling!
Honors College Paint and Sip
Thursday, Nov. 13, 4:30-6 p.m.
701 W. Grace St.
Honors College Multipurpose Room 1303
Hosted by the Honors College
Join the Honors College during First-Gen week at the Paint and Sip!
School of Pharmacy First-Gen Social
Friday, Nov. 14, 12-1 p.m. | Smith Building room 129
Hosted by the School of Pharmacy
Join the School of Pharmacy for a First-Gen Social! Meet fellow first-generation pharmacy students, connect with faculty, and enjoy some snacks and conversation in a supportive space.
You First Mentor-Led Paint and Sip
Friday, Nov. 14, 3-5 p.m.
Hibbs Hall 207 | Hosted by You First
Unwind with your mentor at our Paint and Sip! Enjoy a creative evening of painting, conversation, and connection — no experience needed. Participation in the mentoring program is not required. All first-gen students are welcome.
Cabell Library You First Exhibit
Starting Thursday, Nov. 6
First Floor walls behind Starbucks
Read about First-Gen Week and take photos with the Selfie Wall