UMSI celebrates first-gen students, faculty and staff

The University of Michigan School of Information will participate in a university-wide celebration of first-generation college students from Wednesday, Oct. 30 to Friday, Nov. 8. 

“Our goal for this celebration week is to promote the visibility of the first-gen community at UMSI and celebrate their achievements — and to continue to educate the UMSI community on ways to support our first-gen students,” says Shannon Gass, assistant director of academic success and student support at UMSI. 

At U-M, undergraduates and graduate students are considered first-generation college students if they don’t have any parent or guardian who has completed a four-year degree. This includes students who have siblings in college and students whose parents received an associate’s degree.

The first-generation community at UMSI includes many members of faculty, staff and school leadership. 

“As a first-generation college student, I know what it’s like to not know how to make connections, who to connect with or even what questions to ask,” says LeAnna Level, assistant director of diversity recruitment and admissions. “That’s why I’m always open to meeting with students and offering support, even if they’re unsure where to start.”

“Earning a degree can change a family’s trajectory for generations to come,” says Dale Parry, director of marketing and communications at UMSI, who was in the first generation of his family to earn a degree. Now, Parry has the opportunity to introduce students to UMSI. “Being part of that process, telling our school’s story and inviting them to be part of it, makes it easy for me to find meaning in my work.” 

First-generation students face unique challenges in navigating higher education. Many lack familial guidance in their college journeys because they are embarking on an experience their parents don’t share. Some students encounter barriers because of intersecting identities, like being low-income. Others feel unprepared to navigate the internship and job search processes.

In addition to supporting students through academic success, career development and diversity, equity and inclusion resources and programming, UMSI works to connect first-generation students to university-wide resources. 

The First-Gen Gateway serves as a hub for all first-generation undergraduate and graduate students at U-M, offering community-building opportunities, mentorship, and a study and meeting space. 

During First-Gen Celebration Week, UMSI will host a first-gen community dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

On Monday, Nov. 4, UMSI students are invited to attend an internship panel featuring first-generation students, held-in person in the Ehrlicher Room from noon-1 p.m. ET and live-streamed on Zoom. Register on CareerLink. 

Staff, faculty and all community members are also invited to participate in a workshop on supporting first-generation students, presented by the First-Gen Gateway. The training, “Agency and Affirmation: Supporting Our First-Gen Trailblazers,” will be hosted virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 1-2 p.m. ET. Register here. 
 

LEARN MORE

View university-wide events during First-Gen Celebration Week.