NOVEMBER 8th-13th, 2026
Welcome to KU's week-long recognition of the National First-Generation College Celebration! On campus events begin on Monday, November 9th!
Visit Rock Chalk Central to RSVP and save your spot at your favorite events
First-Gen Week Planning Team
TRIO Student Support Services
Hawk Link
Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society
Mentored Scholars Program (MSP)
Sunday, November 8th
National First-Generation College Celebration
First-Gen students are celebrated every November 8th nationally in accordance with the signing date of the Higher Education Act of 1965 which helped start support programs and college access for First-Gen students.
Our on-campus week of celebration will begin the following day and continue through the end of the week.
Monday, November 9th - Time TBD
First-Gen Shirt Giveaway
Kansas Union, Fourth Floor Lobby
Stop by our table in the Union lobby to get your First-Gen Shirt designed by KU Students.
Monday, November 9th - Time TBD
I am First Too Poster Unveiling
Kansas Union Ballroom
Sponsored by KU's TRiO office, join us for the unveiling of this year's "I am First Too" poster recognizing our First-Gen Faculty and Staff.
Monday, November 9th- 4:45pm-6:15pm
Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen
Jayhawk Welcome Center
Learn to network and get a chance to meet other First-Gen students, professionals, and supporters brought to you by the University Career Center and the KU Alumni Association.
Students can register here and networkers (alumni, faculty/staff, friends of the community can register here.
Wednesday, November 11th - 5:00-7:00pm
Tri-Alpha Honor Society Induction
Burge Union Forums C and D
Invitations to join the third class of KU's Tri-Alpha honor society will be sent out at the start of the Fall 2026 semester. If you believe you qualify and did not receive an email, please contact hawklink@ku.edu.
For more information, visit Tri-Alpha's page.
Friday, November 13th - Afternoon - Time TBD
KU Medical Center Visit and Information Session
KU Medical Center, Free Bus Departing Lawrence Campus
Join Hawk Link as we take a trip to KU Medical Center to learn about admissions, support for First-Gen students, and how to gain shadowing experience. Lunch to be provided.
RSVP required.
A Proud First-Gen Forward Network Member
The University of Kansas is a First-Gen Forward Network Member Institution committed to building a foundational understanding of first-generation student success through participating in monthly workshops, networking and professional development opportunities, sharing knowledge and resources, and contributing to a peer community.
In addition, campus partners collaborate to host the events for the First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) which is an annual opportunity celebrated nationally to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes.