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 3-7, 2025
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: |
Monday, November 3, 2025 |
| Time: |
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. |
| Location: |
Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak Road |
| Audience: |
DePaul First-Gen Community and Allies |
| Hosted by: |
Athletics |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r397321 |
Join the Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) for coffee and breakfast, exam cram kits, and a space to study in community as we prep for finals!
| Date: |
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 |
| Time: |
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Location: |
Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Avenue, Room 103 |
| Audience: |
DePaul First-Gen Students and Allies |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r397324 |
Stop by the Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) to celebrate First-Gen Week! Chat with peers and staff, drink hot chocolate, and grab a slice of cake!
| Date: |
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
| Time: |
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Location: |
Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Suite 105 |
| Audience: |
DePaul First-Gen Students, Faculty, and Staff |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r397325 |
Join the Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) to continue celebrating First-Gen Week with a carnival in the Student Center! Play games, chat with staff from impactful offices, and celebrate First-Gen students on campus!
| Date: |
Thursday, November 6, 2025 |
| Time: |
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Location: |
Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Atrium |
| Audience: |
DePaul First-Gen Community and Allies |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r397326 |
Join the Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) in creating vision boards in celebration of First-Gen Week! Art supplies, light snacks, and refreshments will be provided!
| Date: |
Friday, November 7, 2025 |
| Time: |
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m |
| Location: |
Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Atrium |
| Audience: |
DePaul First-Gen Students and Allies |
| Hosted by: |
OMSS |
| Registration link: |
https://cglink.me/2cC/r397327 |
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.