Hopefully, you all saw the message below that came from the campus-wide First-Generation Faculty and Staff Collaborative. 

As we gear up for First-Generation Week (early November), CLAS UP is interested in learning about any First-Gen initiatives your department has planned. We are hoping to keep better track of how CLAS is engaging with the First-Gen Week. We also want to highlight your events for students and compile a list of CLAS First-Gen activities. 

If your department is planning any First-Generation Week activities, please email the details and/or the schedule to CLAS Director of Retention and Student Services, Monica Madura, by Wednesday, October 30th. We would love to hear from you! 

If your department would like guidance on how you can participate in 1st Gen Week, we would be happy to help. Feel free to contact Monica by email (above) or by phone at 319-335-2633.

Thank you so much for supporting our students!

What is the 2024 National First-Generation College Celebration Week?

The annual National First-Generation College Celebration is quickly approaching! I hope you and your colleagues will choose to participate by planning an event or activity in your area to help us celebrate. Looking for ideas or want to learn more? Visit our National First-Generation College Celebration homepage.

In 2018, the University of Iowa began participating in the National First-Generation College Celebration. This annual event occurs on November 8th each year, but our institution has historically chosen to mark the occasion with a full week of activities. This year’s celebration will be November 4 – 8. During the university’s week-long celebration, dozens of events are organized by departments, colleges, and student orgs from across the university.

You can join us by:

• Planning or co-coordinating an event in your department (or partner with another unit). Our celebration tool kit provides helpful information and ideas for possible events. And remember… events do not have to cost a fortune or take months to plan. Even simple, smaller activities can make a huge impact!
• Are you hosting an event or activity? Don’t forget to let us know so it can be added to our full celebration schedule. 
• Follow 1stGen@Iowa on social media! Find 1stGen@Iowa at https://www.instagram.com/uiowafirstgen.
• Sharing the attached PowerPoint or image files in your communication networks.

Thank you for helping us recognize and celebrate all those who identify as first-generation college students. We’re looking forward to another great year!

Angie Lamb, MA (she/her)
Associate Director, Academic Support & Retention
Chair, 1stGen@Iowa Faculty & Staff Collaborative