Events

What is National First-Generation Day?

On November 8th, colleges and universities across the country recognize First-Generation students, faculty and staff. This date commemorates the day Congress approved the Higher Education Act (HEA) in 1965. The HEA legislation made critical investments in institutions and funded programs to increase the access, retention, and graduation of First-Generation, low-income students. 

November 8, 2023, marks the 58th anniversary of the signing of the HEA. Since its passage, millions of First-Generation, low-income/under-resourced students have been helped along their path to completing college degrees by programs created by the act. Here at MSU Denver, we feel that one day is just not enough to honor our amazing first-generation students, faculty, and staff, so we are taking the day to celebrate them. 

MSU Denver defines a First-Generation college student as a student who comes from a family where neither of their parents/guardians obtained a four-year degree. Additionally, students whose siblings went to college are classified as First-Generation.  

During National First-Generation Day, MSU Denver’s First-Generation Initiatives Program will facilitate programs and events that highlight the awareness of First-Generation students, staff, and faculty. The community will learn about, but not limited to Imposter Syndrome and strategize ways to overcome it; the needs of First-Generation students on MSU Denver campus; how First-Generation MSU Denver Alumnae navigated their college experience; and the transition they experienced into the workplace. 

Schedule

9:00am – 11:00am: First-Gen & Juice Breakfast

9:30am – 10:30am: (Identifying and Disrupting Deficit Thinking)

Join us for an engaging conversation on redefining the conventional definition of a first-generation college student. Our discussion will delve into the unique qualities of first-generation college students and how we can harness those traits to thrive academically and professionally.

11:00am – 12:15pm: (First-Generation Employer Tip Panel and Roundtables)

Round table discussion with First-Generation employers as they discuss how the First-Generation identity assisted them in navigating the college experience and transition into the workplace.

12:30pm – 2:00pm: Attend Fall Job/Internship Fair (Tivoli Turnhalle)

For more information on National First-Generation Day, please reach out to First-Generation Initiatives at [email protected] or visit First-Generation Initiatives.