First-Generation College Celebration

Upcoming First-Generation College Celebration Week

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"

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.

Learn more about the history of first-generation college celebration.

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.

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.

My parents or guardians graduated with a Bachelor Degree from an online program, am I first-gen?

No, online Bachelor's are considered full Bachelor's degrees; you are not a first-gen student.

Friday 06: F1rst Talk

Friday, November 6, 12-2pm, Forten 123, next to Starbucks. For first-gen students!

Join the First-Generation Student Success Center for our F1rst Talks, Hot Cocoa and Hot Topics, a casual conversation where we’re sharing on all things first-gen — from navigating college life to tackling common challenges. Enjoy hot drinks, cold drinks, and wings , connect with fellow first-gen students, and build community while keeping it real.

Stop by Central Dining to eat a “F1rst Cookie” or try for an unusual pairing at the Ice Cream Station!

Saturday 07: First-Gen Summit Conference at Harvard University

Saturday, November 7, all day, Harvard University. Full

The First-Generation Student Success Center takes students to Harvard University for the annual First-Gen Summit Conference. SSU will have a presenter! Event is full.

Tuesday 10: F1rst-Gen Campus Walk

Tuesday, November 10, all day. For first-gen students!

Take part in for the First-Gen Campus 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 staff and hear more about the services available to you as a First Viking!

Find us by going to North Campus Bookstore, and follow the arrows to our Center, or use this google pin 42.504041, -70.890568, enter the Administration Building and follow the signs.

Stop by Central Dining to eat a “first-gen Rice Krispy Treat”!

Tuesday 10: Faculty and Staff Workshop

Tuesday, November 10, 12-1:30pm, LIB 215 Berry Library. For Faculty and Staff!

Join the CTI and First-Gen Center to hear from classroom practices that support first-gen student success, lessons learned from the inaugural summer 2026 First-Gen Academy, share a collaborative activities to spark practical ideas for supporting first-gen learners. Be the first to review and comment on the new canvas site for faculty and staff serving first-gen! Lunch provided with giveaways!

Sign up for this event Ask for your first-gen magnet or "welcome first-gen" door sign

PARTICIPATE IN OUR FIRST FACULTY AND STAFF 2027 YEARBOOK.

Thursday 12: Fearless First Photoshoot

Thursday, November 12, 3- 6pm, Commuter Lounge, Ellison Campus Center. For first-gen students!

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

Reserve your spot

Stop by Central Dining for an Ice Cream Station

Friday 13: First-Gen Celebration

Friday, November 13, 11am-2pm, MLK room Ellison Campus Center. Open to all SSU members!

Join us in our yearly celebration of the first-gen SSU community and our first-gen students! Food and fun games provided! Prizes! Raffles!

Stop by Central Dining to eat a “F1rst Cupcake”!

First-Gen Week at Salem State: Celebration, Communities, Pride

We Celebrate

We celebrate by featuring the successes of first-gen on campus, offering our signature free “Fearless First Photoshoot”, collaborating with our dining hall staff to offer special treats through the week, and ending the celebration with a gathering filled with food, games, and prizes.

We Build Community

We build community by offering programs that bring together first-gen organizations, groups, and advocates. Together, we amplify our collective voices, share experiences, and build awareness.

We Show Pride

We show pride by featuring the successes and stories of first-gen Vikings, and helping campus members show their support and personal journey as first-gen with swag, t-shirts, office door signs, magnets and more!

We Grow, We Honor the Reality

We Grow

We grow by offering professional development workshops and resources to faculty and staff, by bringing students to the “First Gen Summit” national conference, and by connecting students to SSU support offices with our “F1rst-Gen Campus Walk”.

We Honor the Reality

We honor the reality of being first-gen by hosting “Mind over Myth” and “RealitTEA” talks, and inviting students to share their experiences so that we can, together, become a more first-gen forward campus.

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!