The Office of New Student and Family Programs is excited to announce First-Generation College Student Week! For the first time in University of Arkansas history, the university is dedicating Nov. 7-11 to celebrate first-generation students, graduates and supporters. 

We define "first-generation" as someone whose parents/guardians did not graduate from a 4-year institution. About a quarter of the University of Arkansas student population is first-generation.

Partnering with a multitude of offices and departments across campus, including the Student Success Center, Volunteer Action Center, Honors College, University Recreation, TRIO, Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Associated Student Government, there will be events held throughout the week! Events are designed to support and celebrate first-gen students through community, resources, and of course, free food and goodies.

Calendar of Events

Monday, Nov. 7

12:30-2 p.m. — Lunch with first-generation student mentors, RSVP required. Sponsored by the Office of New Student and Family Programs

Tuesday, Nov. 8

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Celebration 2022, Union Connections Lounge. Sponsored by the Office of New Student and Family Programs. 
5-7 p.m.— Cooking Matters, RSVP required. Sponsored by the Volunteer Action Center.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Pop-up UREC, Union Ballroom. Sponsored by University Recreation.
Noon to 1 p.m. — Personal Branding Workshop, Union 403. Sponsored by Trio Student Support Services.
3-5 p.m. — Coffee and Chat, Harrington Center of Excellence. Sponsored by Student Success Center.

Thursday, Nov. 10

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — First-Generation Entrepreneurial Experience, RSVP required. Sponsored by the Division of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
3-4:30 p.m. — First-Generation Celebration at Recess, Honors Lounge of Gearhart Hall. Sponsored by the Honors College.
4-5 p.m. — Flip National Interest Meeting, Harrington Center of Excellence. Sponsored by the Student Success Center.

Friday, Nov. 11

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Goodie Bags With ASG, Union Mall. Sponsored by Associated Student Government.
2-4 p.m. — Engagement in NWA With VAC, RSVP required. Sponsored by Volunteer Action Center.

New Student and Family Programs is also excited to announce the launch of our First-Generation Student Support website. The website has over 50 first-gen success stories posted, calendar of events for the week including details and any RSVP options, as well as a page for downloading email signatures, Zoom backgrounds, and more. In the future this website will be a lading page that brings all first-gen resources and programs together for easy access for first-generation students. You can view the website here: First-Generation Student Programs | (uark.edu)

Additionally, we are still collecting and compiling submissions of your first-gen stories! All students, staff, faculty, and alumni are welcome to share their insights. The University of Arkansas Library system is collaborating with us to archive these stories for future generations to come, so do not miss out on the opportunity to have your story included! 

We cannot wait to celebrate first-generation students and we hope to see you throughout the week! For any questions or additional information, please contact Emily Cook, assistant director, ebcook@uark.edu or (479) 575-5002.