Background
The First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) is recognized annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRiO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students (Center for First-Generation Student Success, 2020).
FGCC Week: November 6-10, 2023
The "I Am F1rst Breakfast" is a guided dialogue to advance first-generation student success. This event aims to foster a supportive community for first-generation students, promote student leadership development, and create a space for faculty and students to connect on shared experiences.
| Date: |
Monday, November 6, 2023 |
| Time: |
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
| Location: |
Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Dining Hall - Room 220 |
| Audience: |
Invitation-only |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS, TRIO, and Career Center |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r383462 |
This FGCC Week event is an opportunity to raise awareness about and celebrate first-generation student success within the DePaul community. Additionally, current first-generation students at DePaul can network with alumni and employers at the game.
| Date: |
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 |
| Time: |
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. |
| Location: |
Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak Road |
| Audience: |
The DePaul Community, especially First-Generation DePaul students |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS, Career Center, Athletics, and Alumni Relations |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r383467 |
The purpose of this event is to celebrate the success of first-generation students at DePaul University, as well as create an opportunity for current students to network with peers. The celebration will be hosted on both DePaul campuses.
| Date: |
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 |
| Time: |
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Lincoln Park Location: |
Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Suite 105 - OMSS Lounge |
| Loop Location |
DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Boulevard, 11th Floor, Suite 11017 |
| Audience: |
First-Gen Students and First-Gen Allies |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS and Academic Continuity & Engagement (ACE) |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r383468 |
In addition to enjoying a tasty treat—paletas—this event is an opportunity for current students to learn about educational opportunities that advance their success on and off campus.
| Date: |
Thursday, November 9, 2023 |
| Time: |
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Location: |
Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Suite 105 - OMSS Lounge |
| Audience: |
First-Gen Students and First-Gen Allies |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS, Center for Latino Research, SGA, and TRiO |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r383470 |
This event will provide tools to promote holistic wellbeing and better stress management for First-Gen students and allies.
| Date: |
Friday, November 10, 2023 |
| Time: |
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m |
| Location: |
Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Suite 105 - OMSS Lounge |
| Audience: |
First-Gen Students and First-Gen Allies |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS, Academic Continuity & Engagement (ACE), and Health Promotion & Wellness (HPW) |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r383469 |
FGCC Objectives
The following objectives are designed to guide the planning and execution of FGCC Week, ensuring that it effectively supports the success of first-generation college students and promotes a culture of inclusivity and collaboration on campus.
To create a welcoming and inclusive environment where first-generation students, faculty, and staff can connect, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging.
To provide first-generation students with valuable resources, insights, and tools that empower them to navigate their academic journey successfully.
To encourage open and productive dialogues among participants, helping them explore the challenges and opportunities unique to the first-generation college experience.
To disseminate best practices, strategies, and success stories related to supporting first-generation students, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration.
To increase awareness and understanding among faculty and staff regarding the specific needs, strengths, and potential challenges of first-generation students.
To engage faculty and staff in a meaningful discussion about their roles in supporting first-generation student success and encourage their active participation in this endeavor.
To gather feedback from participants for continuous improvement, ensuring that future events and support initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs of first-generation students.
To inspire attendees to take action and commit to ongoing support for first-generation students in their respective roles, creating a lasting impact on campus.
To explore opportunities for collaborative partnerships with other campus organizations, departments, and external entities to expand resources and support for first-generation students.
To assess the impact of programs by collecting and analyzing data on student success and satisfaction, allowing for evidence-based decision-making, and reporting of outcomes.