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! Click on the hyperlinked events below to register through RamsConnect.
First-Gen Week Events
Friday, November 1, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Make a First-Gen Pride Bracelet
Join VCU’s Rural Rams in making Pride bracelets in honor of First-Gen Week. Everyone is welcome! Location: Hibbs Hall room 107, Campus Learning Center’s Drop-in Tutoring Room
Monday, November 4, 12-1 p.m.
Alpha Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony
The newest members of VCU’s Delta Theta chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) will be celebrated at this recognition ceremony. Want to learn more about Tri-Alpha? Visit the information page on our website. Location: Richmond Salons, University Student Commons
Monday, November 4, 2-4 p.m.
Hot Chocolate Bar
VCU’s Office of Adult and Non-Traditional Student Services is hosting a celebratory hot chocolate bar to celebrate undergraduate first-gen students. Stop by to grab a treat and hang out if you can. Location: 912 W. Grace St., 7th floor
Monday, November 4, 3-4 p.m.
Global Learning 101 - Virtual
Join this Zoom session to learn more about studying abroad. Designed specifically for first-generation college students, you’ll learn what it’s like to study abroad, how it can be quite affordable, and how to discover options that would be a good fit for you. You’ll also hear about a special study abroad experience taking place this summer in the United Kingdom, which will be geared towards first-gen students. This session will be virtual, so log in on Zoom.
Monday, November 4, 4-5 p.m.
Writing Center Info Session and Writing with Confidence Workshop for First-Gen Week
Come to this specialized info session and workshop designed for first-generation college students. Learn about how the Writing Center works, how it can benefit writers at every level, and how you can build your writing confidence. Location: This session will be virtual, so register through Zoom.
Wednesday, November 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Curation Lab Open House for First-Generation College Students
Come to the Virtual Curation Laboratory and be amazed by 3-D printed wonders, including mammoth and mastodon tusks, artifacts from Ancient Egypt, and the skull of a vampire. Location: 911 W. Grace St.
Wednesday, November 6, 3-4 p.m.
CHS First-Gen Mixer
Calling all undergraduate students in a College of Humanities and Sciences major! Come meet faculty from various departments and disciplines. This is a great way to connect, get to know, and network with faculty and staff in your college. You never know what kind of opportunities might arise from these connections, whether it's research projects, internships, mentorship, or career guidance. Location: STEM Building, 2nd floor (817 W. Franklin St.)
Wednesday, November 6, 3-4 p.m.
Global Learning 101 - in person
Join this in-person session to learn more about studying abroad. Designed specifically for first-generation college students, you’ll learn what it’s like to study abroad, how it can be quite affordable, and how to discover options that would be a good fit for you. You’ll also hear about a special study abroad experience taking place this summer in the United Kingdom, which will be geared towards first-gen students. Location: 912 W. Grace St., 4th floor, conference room 4113
Wednesday, November 6, 4-5 p.m.
Happy Hour and Games
VCU’s Business Services and VCUdine are hosting this fun hour of games and appetizers to celebrate VCU’s first-gen students. Come enjoy free food and games and meet new people! Location: Game room/west wing of Market 810 in Shafer Dining Court
Thursday, November 7, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lunch with the Transfer Peer Coaches
Did you transfer to VCU? Getting involved on campus as a transfer student can feel like a struggle at times, but the transfer peer coaches are excited to help you get connected. Come meet them, ask them questions, and get to know other transfer students. Location: Alumni Board Room, University Student Commons
Thursday, November 7, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lab Tour: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Location: Godwin Research Building, 401 College St.
Friday, November 7, 4-5 p.m.
VCU Libraries Celebrates First-Gen Students
VCU Libraries recognizes and celebrates first-generation students at VCU! Join us for a reception, including snacks, games, music, a selfie station, and a “1st Gen Yap Sesh.” Location: Cabell Library, room 205, 2nd floor
Thursday, November 7, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
SNAP to it: Navigating Food Benefits Made Easy
Stop by this information session to learn more about applying for SNAP, or food assistance. Navigating this system can feel tricky, but the Office of Student Advocacy is here to help. Location: Ram Pantry, 930 W. Grace St.
Friday, November 8, 12-1 p.m.
You First Group Photo
Join first-gen students, faculty, and staff for this annual group photo on National First-Generation College Celebration Day! Meet at the Ram Horns in the Commons Plaza at noon. A short announcement will be made about the significance of November 8, and participants can pick up a You First Crocs charm. Location: Commons Plaza
Friday, November 8, 1-2p.m.
First-Gen Day at GRC
Are you a first-gen student living in Gladding Residence Center? Stop by the First-Gen Day table in the lobby for a fun treat on your way in or out! Location: Gladding Residence Center
Friday, November 8, 3-5 p.m.
Honors College First-Gen Student Mix and Mingle
Join the Honors College in a celebration of first-generation college students. Come meet new people, grab a snack, take home an arts/crafts project, and enter for a chance to win a raffle prize. This event is open to all first-gen students in the Honors College and first-gen students interested in learning about the Honors College. Location: Honors College Multipurpose Room 1301, 701 W. Grace St.