Nov. 3-8, 2025
Join us as we celebrate the stories, strengths, and successes of UGA’s first-generation students, faculty, and staff.
What is First-Generation Celebration Week?
First-Generation Celebration Week highlights the achievements and contributions of UGA’s first-generation community.
Held Nov. 3-8, 2025, this celebration overlaps with UGA Family Weekend and culminates on Nov. 8 with National First-Generation College Celebration Day.
Why Nov. 8? This date marks the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The act expanded access to college by creating financial aid programs and investing in student success. Key initiatives like the Federal TRIO programs began and continue to support first-generation students in reaching their goals.
At UGA, a first-generation college student is defined as someone whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.
Why We Celebrate
UGA is home to more than 4,500 first-generation undergraduate students. This event is an opportunity to celebrate first-gen stories, build community, and support students on their path to graduation.
Schedule of Events
All students are invited to participate in First-Generation Celebration Week! Don’t miss the lineup of fun, informative, and community-building events.
See OSSA’s event calendar for event descriptions and RSVP info.
Monday, Nov. 3
Navigational Capital: First-Gen Student Panel
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tate Intersection
Mocktails and Masterpieces
6-8 p.m.
Tate Intersection
Tuesday, Nov. 4
First-Generation Celebration Week Resource Fair
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tate Atrium
First-Generation Celebration Week Kickoff Fair
2-4 p.m.
Reed Quad
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Career Coaching Drop-Ins
12-2 p.m.
Career Center, Clark-Howell Hall
Future Focus: Network Skills
12:30-2 p.m.
Milledge Hall #227
(Limited audience, invite required)
Powerful Professional Presence
6-7:30 p.m.
Tate Intersection
Thursday, Nov. 6
First-Gen Finances
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tate #472
First-Gen Journaling
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Milledge Hall #132
Navigating Imposter Syndrome: Strengthening Professional Self-Esteem
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tate Intersection
Friday, Nov. 7
Rural and First-Gen Family Reception
2-4 p.m. (Drop-in)
MLC #369
Saturday, Nov. 8
Support First-Gen Initiatives
All Day
Online
Get Involved
Departments, schools, and colleges across campus are encouraged to participate in the celebration. Some ways you can get involved are by hosting an event and celebrating first-gen students online.
Host an event
Plan your own event honoring first-generation college students. This could be a casual gathering, reception, workshop, or panel.
Email [email protected] to add your event to the official First-Generation Celebration Week schedule.
Celebrate first-generation college students online
Spotlight first-gen students, faculty, or staff on your website and social media. Every story shared helps build understanding and pride.
Questions?
Email [email protected].
