Top 10 Reasons to Attend #FGSS19!

As the Center team prepares for the inaugural First-generation Student Success (FGSS) Conference, we continue to find ourselves overwhelmed with the exciting opportunities and experiences we are planning. We hope you are getting as excited as we are and will be joining us in Orlando! Because the FGSS Conference is co-located with three other events, the Assessment, Persistence, and Data Analytics Conference, the Closing the Achievement Gap Conference, and the Student Financial Wellness Conference, to comprise the 2019 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education (SSHE); we also have a fantastic team of NASPA colleagues working to make this the most engaging student success offering yet!

As if spending a few days surrounded by colleagues deeply-committed to first-generation success topics wasn’t enough, we wanted to make sure you had a solid list of what you can expect. (Plus, it gives you some additional reasons to present to your supervisor when asking to attend!)  

Here are the Top 10 Reasons to Attend #FGSS19:

1. Participate in the INAUGURAL First-generation Student Success (FGSS) Conference. (We wouldn’t want you to have a case of FOMO!)

2. For ONE registration fee, you gain access to not only the First-generation Student Success Conference but also:

• Assessment, Persistence, and Data Analytics Conference;

• Closing the Achievement Gap Conference; and

• Student Financial Wellness Conference.

3. Engage in dialogue and community-building with colleagues from institutions across the country; over 50% of currently registered conference attendees personally identify as #firstgen, too!

4. Attend multiple social events to expand your networks and meet colleagues. Plus, who doesn't like a free appetizer!

5. Hear from an incredible slate of keynote speakers who will help us stitch together the complete picture of student success across higher education.

6. Select from 50+ #firstgen specific educational sessions representing institutions of differing types, selectivities, locations, and more!

7. Extend your experience with a pre-conference workshop! Attend Increasing Institutional Sustainability of your First-generation Student Program, co-sponsored by The National Resource Center For The First-Year Experience And Students In Transition, on Sunday, June 16 morning, right before the conference begins. *Spots are limited and additional registration is required.

8. Attend the FGSS plenary address with Dr. Rebecca Covarrubias, assistant professor of psychology and faculty director of the Student Success Equity Research Center at UC Santa Cruz. To learn more about Dr. Covarrubias, click here.

9. Catch the Unlikely screening, a new documentary film chronicling the stories of 5 individuals fighting for a second chance at opportunity in the world of higher education. Learn more by visiting www.unlikelyfilm.com.

10. Stop by the Swag Wall to see how institutions across the country are celebrating the #firstgen identity and building community on their campus. You will find great ideas to support your 2019 First-Generation College Celebration event.

Now, there should be no reason why you aren’t registering to attend! We can’t wait to see you in beautiful Orlando, Florida from June 16-18, 2019! Don’t forget to follow @FirstgenCenter and use #FirstgenForward, #FGSS19, and #SSHE19 to let us know you are planning to attend!