Rutgers First-Generation College Celebration Week
An annual celebration of the first-generation college student experience at Rutgers-New Brunswick
What is First-Gen Week?
Led by the Division of Access and Community Engagement, First-Gen Week is a celebratory week of events and an opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student experience. First-Gen Week uplifts the Rutgers-New Brunswick first-generation community and honors their contributions to the University and greater New Jersey community. The week-long celebration also sparks synergies and solutions, bringing together those working towards dismantling barriers to first‑generation student success and moving towards systemic change. Our week of programming encourages university partnerships and knowledge-sharing in support of Rutgers' first-gen populations and introduces first-gen students to resources for successful scholarship and expanded academic & career pathways.
Signature Events:
Rutgers Voices in Leadership Reception
Wednesday, November 4th, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Gary and Barbara Rodkin Academic Success Center
In partnership with the Rutgers University Foundation, the Rutgers Voices in Leadership reception brings together professionals across industries to connect, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships rooted in a shared interest: being the first in their families to attend college. Attendees will enjoy an inspiring evening of conversation featuring thought leadership and contributions from Rutgers first-generation graduates, networking, and storytelling as we continue to elevate Rutgers voices shaping leadership today.
The Rutgers Voices in Leadership reception in New Brunswick will feature these alumni:
Access Granted Workshop: First-Gen Voices
First-generation college students will share their insights and lived experiences from student life on-campus, highlighting their unique academic experiences, college navigation, and ways they thrive through meaningful connections and support. Through reflective and collaborative discussions, attendees will transform their approach to challenges and better meet the needs of first-generation students, unlocking their potential for creativity and innovation.
Thursday, November 5, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Livingston Student Center, Collaborative Learning Center
First-Gen Week Events
Monday, November 2
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Graduate Student Lounge, 126 College Ave
Join the Office of Graduate Student Life for a low-pressure drop-in event for first-gen grad students. Whether you're just starting or deep into the journey, take a chance to pause, reflect, and build your campus network. Chat with veteran first-gen students and staff over coffee & bagels.
Monday, November 2
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Livingston Student Center
Rutgers-NB student access programs including TRIO programs, Bonner Leaders, mentorship programs and more will be on-hand to provide information, encourage, motivate and support first-generation college students. Stop by to build community with fellow first-gen students and the Rutgers program here to support you.
First-Gen Chat & Chew
Tuesday, November 3
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM | Douglass Student Center, Meeting Room B
Join the First-Generation Student Union for a panel discussion exploring the undergraduate and graduate student first-gen experience. Hear stories on how to navigate college life, understand the first-gen identify, and find belonging. This interactive session will include an activity highlighting campus resources and networks.
GSA Coffee and Conversation: First-Gen Grad Student Edition
Wednesday, November 4
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Graduate Student Lounge, 126 College Ave
Join us for a delightful morning of warmth, conversation, and scrumptious delights. The Graduate Student Association will be celebrating first-generation graduate students with swag giveaways! All students are welcome! Whether you're kickstarting your day or savoring a leisurely morning, GSA would be delighted to host you!
No registration necessary!
5th Annual Tri-Alpha National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Wednesday, November 4
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | The Rutgers Club
Hosted by the Office of the Provost, this ceremony recognizes the academic achievements of first-generation college students, recognizing individual accomplishment and incentivizing continued scholarship excellence. Nominated Rutgers undergraduate scholars are inducted into the Delta Pi Chapter of Tri-Alpha National Honor Society. Note: this event is by invitation only.
Wednesday, November 4
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Virtual
Learn how to manage your money and how to make it work for you.
Rutgers Voices in Leadership Reception
Wednesday, November 4
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Rodkin Academic Success Center
Voices in Leadership celebrates the influence and impact of our alumni. This reception brings together professionals across industries to connect and share experiences, rooted in a common interest: being the first in their families to attend college.
Thursday, November 5
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Livingston Student Center, Collaborative Learning Center
First-generation college students will share their insights and lived experiences on campus, highlighting their unique academic experiences, college navigation, and ways they thrive through meaningful connections and support.
Recognizing Your Strengths as a Grad Student: Moving Beyond Imposter Syndrome
Thursday, November 5, 2026
5pm - 6:30pm | Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Busch Campus
This workshop invites grad students to explore imposter syndrome through a strengths-based lens. Hosted by Tracy E. Scott (School of Graduate Studies RBHS-NB), PI for Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD).
First-Generation Resource Fair
Friday, November 6
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Livingston Plaza
Connects college students with essential academic, financial, and community support services. It's a chance to meet peers, find community, be celebrated, and learn more about the academic, social, and cultural resources available on campus.
National First Generation College Celebration Day
Sunday, November 8
Celebrate with us on social media! #CelebrateFirstGen
Celebrated annually on November 8th, National First Generation College Celebration Day commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act in 1965. This act established federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations, especially the TRIO programs which support access to higher education and student success for limited-income, first-generation college students.
Resources & Opportunities for First-Generation Students
First-Gen Week Partners
