The Office of New Student & Family is excited to announce First-Generation College Student Week! We are dedicating this week, Nov. 6-10, to celebrate first-generation college students, graduates and supporters.

A "first-generation" college student is defined as someone whose parents/guardians did not graduate from a four-year institution. Almost a quarter of the University of Arkansas students are considered first-generation.

Events will be held throughout the week in collaboration with offices and departments across campus, including the Student Success Center, Center for Community Engagement, Honors College, ASAP, 360 Advising, School of Art, Student Support Services, and the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Events are designed to support and celebrate first-gen students through community and resources.

Here's the full calendar of events.

Colleges and universities across the country will celebrate National First-Generation College Student Day on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Join us from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for food, resources, and free swag in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge.

Last year, New Student & Family Programs launched a First-Generation Student Support website. The website has first-gen success stories, a 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-gen students. You can view the website here: First-Generation Student Programs | (uark.edu)

We are still collecting and compiling submissions of your first-gen stories! All students, staff, faculty, and alumni are welcome to share their insights.

For additional information, please contact Taylor Bugh, Graduate Assistant, tbugh@uark.edu or (479) 575-5002.