The University of Michigan’s First-Generation initiative will host a week-long series of events in support of first-generation college student success, beginning October 29-November 2.
Supported by the Office of Academic Multicultural Affairs (OAMI), Office of New Student Programs (ONSP), Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP), Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA), and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), the inaugural First-Generation Student Week provides opportunities for the University community to engage with, and learn more about First-Generation students at the University of Michigan.
“Whether it’s being the first in their family to go to college, leading the way for other students, or taking on leadership roles across campus, first-generation students blaze the trail in many ways,” says Adan Hussain, First-Generation Project Manager. “First-Gen Week celebrates the different ways that first-gens are pioneering across higher education and highlights the resources available to them on campus.”
The culmination of the week-long activities will take place on Wednesday, November 7 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with the First-Generation Symposium: Blazing a Trail to First–Gen.
The symposium will engage the campus community by promoting the success and impact of first-generation students at the University of Michigan, while also noting the challenges that these students face.
“First-Gen students may experience imposter syndrome, burnout, and issues navigating higher education, which are both commonly researched and stated concerns of first-generation students,” says Hussain. “There are programs throughout the year to help address the challenges of first-gen students, but the First-Gen Week and Symposium put a significant emphasis on showcasing the ways that first-gens leverage their resilience to succeed at a premier institution like the University of Michigan.”
This year’s symposium encompasses four core components: understanding first-generation students and their intersecting identities; teaching and advising; data, evaluation, and assessment; and admission, retention, and graduate success.
Registration for the First-Gen Symposium runs through November 2.
To Learn more about First-Gen Week and Symposium, visit firstgen.studentlife.umich.edu.
