As we prepare for the upcoming National First-Generation College Celebration Week, I want to encourage your department to participate in this important campus-wide initiative. The celebration will take place from November 3–7, culminating on November 8, the nationally recognized First-Generation College Celebration Day.

CLAS Undergraduate Programs (CLAS UP) is working on highlighting how our college is engaging with First-Gen Week. If your department is planning any events or initiatives to support first-generation students, we’d love to hear about them and amplify your efforts.

How You Can Participate

• Plan or co-host an event in your department, or collaborate with another unit.
• Share your planned activities so they can be included in the university-wide schedule.
• Use the celebration toolkit for ideas: events can be simple and low-cost but still impactful.
• Follow and promote 1stGen@Iowa on Instagram.

If your department would like guidance or support in developing First-Generation Week activities, CLAS UP is available to consult. Please contact Monica Madura or call 319-335-2633 with questions or to discuss ideas.

Thank you for your continued support of our first-generation students. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Note: this memo was also published on Oct. 22, 2025.