Division of Student Affairs > Events > First-Generation College Celebration Week

First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) Week

First-Generation College Celebration Week

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 4-8, 2024

The Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) in collaboration with Academic Continuity & Engagement (ACE)Career Center, TRiO, and First Gen DePaul will host a series of programs and celebrations aimed at fostering a sense of belonging for First-Generation College Students at DePaul. 

B
elow are the events taking place in honor of First-Generation College Celebration Week (visit DeHUB to register). You can also show your support by using FGCC materials in the a virtual toolkit and/or donating to First Gen DePaul. First Gen DePaul is raising money to create micro scholarships for DePaul students who identify as first-generation.

Flyers

Print and display FGCC flyers in your office, student lounge, etc.

First-Generation College Celebration Week Lineup
• November 4: First-Gen Student Appreciation Night @ DePaul Men’s Basketball vs. USI
November 5: F1RST-Gen DePaul Carnival
November 6: First Gen DePaul Movie Night
• November 7: OMSS Library Study Jam
November 7: We are F1RST Network Mixer
November 8: Men of Color Barbershop Talk

Virtual Background (for Zoom or Teams)

Taking a virtual class or attend virtual meetings? Add these backgrounds to your Zoom or Teams account. 

FGCC Virtual Background - Option 1
FGCC Virtual Background - Option 2
FGCC Virtual Background - Option 3
FGCC Virtual Background - Option 4

Social Media

Below are helpful tips and graphics if you're interested in posting during FGCC Week.

FGCC Week Social Media Tips
FGCC Week Social Media Image (1080x1080 pixels)

Door Dec

Live in the DePaul dorms or have an office on campus? Print and display one of these door decs outside of your room. 

FGCC Door Dec - Option 1
FGCC Door Dec - Option 2
FGCC Door Dec - Option 3
FGCC Door Dec - Option 4
FGCC Door Dec - Option 5

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 4, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 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/r391198

Welcoming all First-Gen students and allies to join us for fun and prizes in the STU Atrium!

Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Atrium
Audience: DePaul First-Gen Community and Allies
Hosted by: First Gen DePaul and ACE
Registration link: https://cglink.me/2cC/r391201 

Follow @depaul_OMSS on Instagram and tune in to engage with DePaul First-Gen students, participate in some trivia, and more!

Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Time: All day
Location: OMSS Instagram account, @depaul_OMSS
Audience: DePaul First-Gen Students and Allies
Hosted by: First Gen DePaul and OMSS

Join student organization First Gen DePaul for a movie and snacks!

Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Latinx Cultural Center, O'Connell Hall, 1036 W. Belden Avenue, Room 360
Audience: DePaul First-Gen Students and Allies
Hosted by: First Gen DePaul

Join the Office of Multicultural Student Success for breakfast, self-care packages, research assistance, Writing Center assistance, video games, study breaks, and access to prayer and meditation spaces

Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Time: 10:00 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/r390733 

This mixer is for current students to learn about educational and research opportunities that advance their success on and off campus.

Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Room 314
Audience: DePaul First-Gen Students, Faculty, and Staff
Hosted by: Career Centers and TRiO
Registration link: https://cglink.me/2cC/r391200 

November 8 is officially First-Generation Celebration Day! Celebrate the achievements and successes of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni at DePaul.

Date: Friday, November 8, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m
Location: Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Suite 105 - OMSS Lounge
Audience: DePaul First-Gen Students and Allies
Hosted by: OMSS and ACE
Registration link: https://cglink.me/2cC/r391203 

This engaging and community-focused gathering will take place at the Black Cultural Center. The Barbershop Talk event provides an open space for meaningful discussions, connection, and support among men of color.

Date: Friday, November 8, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m
Location: O'Connell Hall, 1036 W. Belden Avenue, Room 300
Audience: DePaul First-Gen Students and Allies
Hosted by: OMSS and Black Cultural Center
Registration link: https://cglink.me/2cC/r391203 

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.