First Gen Week |
Are You a First Gen? Check Out What’s Going on in November!
First Gen Week at RIT kicks off Monday, November 2nd. What’s it all about? Aubrey Hillman, coordinator for Community and Education in the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success says, “First Gen Week recognizes the trailblazing spirit and resilience of individuals who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. It is an intentional effort to celebrate their achievements, empower them through community support, educate them on resources within RIT as well as the campus community on the unique journeys of First Gen students, and uplift their voices throughout this journey." The division is partnering with CaPS, the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS), the College of Engineering Technology (CET),Case Management, Alloy ,Center for Engagement and Student Success ( CES), McNair, and First Byte to bring you these events. There’s a lot happening! Take a look:
First Gen Week Kickoff
Monday, November 2 / 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. / Golisano Hall Atrium
Celebrate your journey and step into First Gen Week! Join the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success, the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS), and the College of Engineering Technology (CET) as we celebrate our vibrant first-generation student community. Drop in to connect with fellow students, meet campus partners to learn about resources and support tools across RIT, pick up awesome swag, and enjoy tasty treats as we celebrate you!
First Gen Week Tabling
Tuesday, November 3 / 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. / SAU Atrium
Be sure to stop by and connect with the people and programs important to you!
Failing Forward
Tuesday, November 3 / 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. / MOSAIC Center.
Setbacks happen, but they do not define you. Learn how to bounce back from challenges, reframe mistakes as opportunities for learning, and build the resilience and confidence needed to thrive in college and beyond.
First Gen Week x McNair Scholars Panel
Thursday, November 5 / 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m./ Bamboo Room (CPC-2610)
Join the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success and the McNair Scholars Program for an inspiring panel discussion celebrating the power, resilience, and achievements of our first-generation community. This session brings together first-gen students, faculty, and staff to share personal journeys, offer candid advice, and discuss navigating academia from undergraduate study to graduate school and beyond.
Discover McNair: Career Options with an Advanced Degree
Friday, November 6 /11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. /MOSAIC Center
For decades, Ph.D. and master’s programs focused almost exclusively on training the next generation of professors. Today, the landscape looks entirely different. Global industries, government agencies, elite think tanks, and the tech sector are aggressively recruiting scholars with advanced degrees. Join this session to explore how a graduate degree translates into high-impact, high-earning careers outside the traditional classroom. Make informed decisions in the face of the “immediate entry” workforce push facing all undergraduates including first-gen students.
First Gen Mixer
Friday, November 6 / 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. / BOO-2700 University Gallery (James Booth Hall)
Join the Center for Engagement and Student Success (CES) for a fun mixer open to any students, faculty, or staff who identify as first gen! Connect with folks from across campus as you get creative with bracelet making, leave words of advice for other first-gen students and enjoy our mocktail bar!