First-Generation College Celebration

Celebrate our First-Generation Vikings!

Every November, Salem State University and colleges across the United States celebrate the presence, experience and successes of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff.

At Salem State, the First-Generation Student Success Center, in partnership with other offices, leads the annual celebration with events for students, staff and faculty. With a week of events, we showcase the strengths of our first-gen community, promote and advance college support structures, and otherwise celebrate the first-generation community in a multitude of ways.

Salem State student holds up signs that say "I Can, I will" and "First-gen and fabulous"

Who is first-generation?

Who is first-generation?

A first-generation student is broadly defined as neither parent nor guardian having graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college/university in the US.

FAQ

My sibling/s went to college, am I first-gen?

Even if your siblings went to college and/or already graduated with a Bachelor degree from a 4-year college/university in the US, you are first-gen.

If neither of your parents or guardians graduated with a Bachelor degree from a 4-year college/university in the US, you are first-gen.

My parent/s went to college, am I first-gen?

If your parents graduated with an Associate but not a Bachelor degree from a 4-year college/university in the US, you are first-gen.

If your parents graduated with a Bachelor degree from a 4-year college/university outside the US, you are first-gen.

If neither of your parents or guardians graduated with a Bachelor degree from a 4-year college/university in the US, you are first-gen.

Monday: F1rst-Gen Campus Walk

Monday, November 3, all day

For first-gen students! Start in First-Gen Center (go to North Campus Bookstore, and follow the arrows to our Center!)

Join us for the First-Gen Campus Walk, a campus-wide trail to kick off First-Gen Celebration Week!

Go to the First-Generation Student Success Center at any time and get your First-Gen Trail trail map, then follow the trail to explore different offices supporting your success at Salem State. Collect stamps on your trail card from each location you visit, meet friendly staff, and learn more about the services available to you as a First Viking! Stop by Central Dining to eat a “first-gen cupcake”!

Tuesday: Faculty and Staff Workshop

Tuesday, November 4, 12-1:30 pm | Ellison Campus Center

Join us to explore how relationship-rich education can boost first-gen success. Building on the summer symposium’s themes of cultural wealth, coaching, and inclusive teaching, this workshop features student voices and collaborative activities to spark practical ideas for supporting first-gen learners.

Sign up.

Tuesday: Mind Over Myth

Tuesday, November 4, 12-1 pm | North Campus Dining

Test your knowledge and bust some myths! Stop by our Mind Over Myth table to spin the wheel, answer trivia questions about first-gen experience, wellness and imposter syndrome, and win fun prizes.

Wednesday: Fearless First Photoshoot

Book your spot and get your photo taken by a professional photographer and receive a Fearless First t-shirt!

Reserve your spot.

Thursday: RealiTEA Talks: Spilling the Tea on All Things First-Gen

Join the First-Generation Student Success Center for RealiTEA Talks, a casual conversation where we’re spilling the tea on all things first-gen — from navigating college life to tackling common challenges. Enjoy discounts on drinks and free food samples, connect with fellow first-gen students, and build community while keeping it real.

Friday: First-Gen Celebration

Join us to celebrate our first-gen SSU community and our first-gen students! Food and fun games provided!

RSVP.

Friday: Support our F1rst Athletes

Finish a week of celebrations by joining us at the Women’s Ice Hockey Game, and support our first-gen student athletes!

Salem State first-gen students hold up a shirt that says "#fearless #first" and a sign that says "First-gen and fabulous"

Other Events and Happenings Around Campus

SSU Dining Commons

For SSU faculty, staff and students

Enjoy first-gen cookies and cupcakes on Monday and Tuesday; unusual ice cream and smoothie recipes Thursday, and more!

Read about “Featured Firsts” as you sit at a table in central or north dining!

SSU Berry Library

Explore the “Idea Den” at the entrance of the Berry Library, see the book displays and browse through resources on first-gen teaching and learning!

SSU Bookstore

Do you want to get a first-gen t-shirt? A first-gen decal? Go to the bookstore, buy them and showcase your pride in our first community!

Resources you can use to celebrate First-Gen Week with us!

First-generation students: Learn about the RISE program and the First-Generation Student Success Center! Learn about the Tri-Alpha honors society! Join the First-Generation Student Community! Download the “first-gen voices” PDF, write your story of what it means for you to be a first-gen student, and send it to firstgen@salemstate.edu!

Faculty and Staff: Join the First-Generation Yearbook initiative! Browse existing profiles, and contact us to be a part of it! Send us tips and tricks for our first-generation students! Contact us at firstgen@salemstate.edu

All SSU students/faculty/staff: Post and follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Learn More About the History of the First-Generation College Celebration

The November 8 date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This was the founding act that created federal financial aid programs to fund educational opportunities for underserved communities across the United States, and make key investments in colleges and universities.

The national first-generation celebration was launched in 2017 by the Center for First-Generation Student Success and the COE. Since then, a growing number of institutions have used this celebration to create their own events, enter the First Scholars Network, and promote systemic change for first-generation learners.

What is the First-Generation College Celebration?

The FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 since 2017 to promote greater awareness of the experiences and successes of first-generation college communities across the nation. On and around that day, colleges, universities, corporations, non-profits, and K-12 schools celebrate their first-generation communities. The objective of November 8 is threefold: commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965; celebrate the successes of the first-generation communities; and advocate for systemic change to eliminate barriers to first-generation student success. Read more about its history below.