Contact: Carl Smith
STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State is celebrating First Generation Scholars Week starting Monday. [Nov. 6] Numerous events are held to recognize and support those who are the first in their families to graduate with a college degree.
That week coincides with Wednesday [Nov. 8] National First Generation College Celebration Day. Events include:
—Monday [Nov. 6], 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Drill Field. First kickoff. Stop by his table to gather resource information, get a free his t-shirt, and learn more about first-generation student support at this event hosted by his MSU Academic Access and Support Office.
—Tuesday [Nov. 7], 2-3 p.m., Mitchell Memorial Library, John Grisham Room. First-generation graduate student workshop: Become a scholar and interact with faculty. Sponsored by the MSU Graduate School, this workshop provides insights tailored to first-generation graduate students. Learn the intricacies of becoming a scholar and discover how to foster effective interactions with faculty.
—Wednesday [Nov. 8], 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Drill Field. National First Generation Day. Join OAAS to celebrate with treats from the Food Truck, capture memories in the 360-degree photo booth, and enjoy live music.
—Thursday [Nov. 9], 11 a.m. to noon, Forks Auditorium, Colvard Student Union. Workshop: Best practices for supporting first-generation students. Faculty and staff can gain insight into best practices for supporting the needs of first-generation students. His OAAS-sponsored event will feature Jason Wallace, assistant professor of higher education at MSU.
—Thursday [Nov. 9], 1-3 p.m., Dawg House, Colvard Student Union. First generation campus mixer. Hosted by OAAS, the event allows students to connect and network, includes a welcome speech from Vice President for Access, Diversity and Inclusion Rasheda Forbes, a preview of MSU’s first-generation student documentary, and light entertainment. Hors d’oeuvres will be held.
—Friday [Nov. 10], 1-3 p.m., OAAS front lawn, 236 Famous Maroon Band St. First-Gen Tailgate. He will end his week with a classic tailgate experience hosted by OAAS.
This fall, MSU will receive the first award from the National Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA, the Administrator of Student Affairs in Higher Education, and the Suder Foundation, based on the university’s commitment to improving the college experience and outcomes. It has been designated as generation forward. A first-generation student, or the first student in her family to complete her four-year bachelor’s degree.
These MSU students are supported by TRiO Student Support Services, which provides additional guidance for navigating higher education in addition to the student support resources available across campus. The Department of Access, Diversity, and Inclusion sponsors programs that celebrate their accomplishments and help them connect with their peers. Additional events will help educate faculty and staff across campus about how to support them.
Established in 2017 by the Council on Educational Opportunity and the Center for First Generation Student Success, First Generation College Celebration Day commemorates President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the Higher Education Act, which created federal financial aid programs, including the federal TRiO program. Commemorate. Promoting postsecondary access, retention, and completion for first-generation students with limited income.
Mississippi State University is doing something important. For more information, visit www.msstate.edu.