George Mason University's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8
2023 First-Generation College Celebration
George Mason University will celebrate First-Gen Week from November 6th - November 10th. This is the 4th year that the First-Gen+ Center and campus partners at Mason have created events to celebrate, center, and empower their first-generation Patriots! The events of this week serve to highlight the experiences of first-gen students, including those who identify as undocumented, protected by DACA or TPS, and those who have refugee status at Mason. Events and initiatives of the week, include a game night, graduate student panel, and a First-Gen+ Center information session for parents. Mason will conclude the week with our Immigration Monologues event. This program aims to promote awareness about the challenges impacting the immigrant community and to empower members of the community and allies to take action, advocate, and promote safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces for undocumented and refugee students. A complete list of events can be found here.
2022 First-Generation College Celebration
George Mason University will celebrate First-Gen Week from November 7th - November 11th. This is the 3rd year that the First-Gen+ Center and campus partners at Mason have created events to celebrate, center, and empower their first-generation Patriots! The events of this week serve to highlight the experiences of first-gen students, including those who identify as undocumented, protected by DACA or TPS, and those who have refugee status at Mason. Along with programs planned across campus by various departments, the First-Gen+ Center events and initiatives include a game night, scholarship workshop, and community art project.
In order to amplify first-generation voices, the First-Gen+ Center will launch a storytelling project with support from the NASPA First-Generation College Celebration Grant, that will assist the department in increasing visibility and affirmation of first-generation college students (and graduates). This project will incorporate students, faculty, and staff and will include a podcast, a photo project and the first edition of a zine comprised of student art, poems and stories. To increase the visibility of faculty & staff that identify as first-generation they will also debut the I Am First Faculty & Staff List. Mason will conclude the week with First-Gen Friday where students, faculty, and staff will represent their first-gen pride by wearing their first-gen t-shirt on campus!
2021 First-Generation College Celebration
George Mason University will celebrate First-Gen Week from November 8th - November 15th. The First-Gen+ Center and campus partners at Mason have created events to celebrate, center, and empower their first-generation Patriots! A few of their events and initiatives include a game night, financial literacy workshop, discussions with first-gen professionals, and building connections with companies through the School of Business Career Services. They will also highlight the undocumented student experience through a showing of Immigration Monologues. Their Rock Painting Project will raise awareness and show support to their refugee and undocumented student communities. They will conclude the week with a collaborative book talk and faculty conversation with University of San Diego about supporting and engaging first-gen students. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to all events as they amplify the narratives and experiences of their students through open dialogues, community building, and meaningful engagement.
2020 First-Generation College Celebration
In 2020, George Mason University celebrated with panels discussing post-graduate life for first-gen students and the intersections of the first-gen identity. In collaboration with the student organization, F1rst Gen @ Mason, students discussed the first-gen experience and how the community could support them throughout their academic journey. There was also a chance for some fun with Wheel of First-Gen game night. Additionally, they built community and identity pride through their First-Gen T-Shirt Giveaway.
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