The University of Michigan School of Information will take part in a university-wide celebration of first-generation college students from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. 

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

The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives at U-M defines a first-generation college student as "a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. This may include students who have siblings in college, students whose parents received an associate’s degree or students whose parents received their degree outside of the U.S." UMSI invites all students, faculty and staff who self-identify as first-gen — using their personal definitions — to attend events and engage with the first-generation community. 

In response to an email announcing First-Gen Celebration Week, over 120 UMSI students, faculty, staff and alumni submitted a voluntary form to identify themselves as first-generation college students. 

“Our first-gen students bring diverse life experiences to the classroom, student organizations and their work,” Gass says. “They serve as advocates and foster a sense of belonging for other first-gen students.”

First-generation students face unique challenges in navigating higher education. Because they are embarking on an experience not shared by their parents, many lack familial guidance. The transition to college can be overwhelming both academically and personally. 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 its academic success, career development and diversity, equity and inclusion offices, UMSI works to connect first-generation students to university-wide resources. These include free mental health counseling, emergency funds for students facing a temporary hardship, tutoring and academic success workshops. 

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 swag and sweet treats event, a celebration dinner for first-generation community members and a panel discussion featuring first-generation students, faculty and staff. 

“We are hoping this celebration week at UMSI will be a catalyst for further efforts to celebrate our first-gen students and provide more opportunities for them to connect during their time at UMSI,” Gass says. 

View the full calendar of events:

Monday, Oct. 30, 2-4 p.m. ET
Swag & Sweet Treats (North Quad outside of UMSI Student Lounge)

Audience: All UMSI community members and those who identify as first-gen 

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6-7:30 p.m. ET
Celebration Dinner (Ehrlicher Room, North Quad 3100)

Audience: Students, faculty, staff and alumni who identify as first-gen. RSVP by Oct. 23.

Thursday, Nov. 2, 12-1 p.m. ET
First-Gen Panel Discussion (North Quad 2255 and online via Zoom)

Audience: All UMSI community members. RSVP by Oct. 23.
 

LEARN MORE

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

View academic success resources and student life resources offered by UMSI. 

See a full list of campus resources available to first-gen students at U-M.