KU to host inaugural First-Generation Student Conference

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will join institutions across the country by participating in the National First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) on Nov. 8.

The inaugural First-Generation Student Conference will provide an opportunity for making connections, discovering community and developing skills for students, faculty and staff. This full-day event is one of many activities taking place throughout the weeklong celebration of first-generation college students.

The 2023 theme of Breaking Barriers was chosen to shine a spotlight on a shared experience by first-generation college students. Being a first-generation college student means neither of the student’s parents or guardians has a bachelor's degree, and graduate students are in the first generation of their family to earn a bachelor’s degree and are now earning a graduate or professional degree.

All the speakers and facilitators at this year’s conference identify as first-generation. The day’s activities include a welcome address by Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, KU provost and executive vice chancellor, as well as four concurrent sessions, two discussion panels, a faculty/staff plenary professional development session and a keynote from nationally renowned youth engagement speaker Carlos Ojeda Jr.

“Navigating college as a first-gen student can feel daunting and lonely,” said Dalton Allen, Hawk Link Coordinator and chair of the conference planning committee. “Our goal is to help first-gen students gain insights into their strengths and build a community to help them persist to graduation and beyond.”

There are two tracks for the conference: a full day for students and a shorter professional development block for faculty and staff. 

Student sessions

Undergraduate and graduate students attending from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. will have the opportunity to choose from multiple workshops and student panels, attend a resource fair, a student-focused plenary session and enjoy a luncheon keynote. Interested students should register before Nov. 6. While all students are invited to attend, space is available for 150 students, and preference will be given to students who are first-generation and who can attend the full event.

Faculty and staff sessions

KU faculty and staff are invited to join the event from noon to 2 p.m. for a free luncheon keynote with students followed by a professional development session on engaging first-generation students. Interested faculty and staff should register before Nov. 6.

“This event demonstrates KU’s commitment to serving our first-generation students,” said Misty Chandler, assistant vice provost of academic success. “This is a powerful combination of a student learning experience and staff professional development in support and celebration of our first-gen initiatives. This is a critical strategic priority that we are approaching in partnership with others on campus, and that is what our students deserve.”

KU’s celebration of first-generation college students goes beyond the conference. Events hosted by the KU community throughout the week include a Celebration Kick Off, professional portraits for students, the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs I Am First Too Poster Reception, Tea at Three and Donut Feel Good To Be First-Gen. The week concludes with a FIRST Hawk Link Tailgate at the Nov. 11 KU football game. The full-week schedule and details can be found on Hawklink’s website. 

KU has been recognized as a First-Gen Forward Institution by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.