UTulsa is celebrating first-generation students during National First Generation Week and beyond.
The Student Success Team celebrated this last week with a series of events and giveaways aimed at recognizing the accomplishments of The University of Tulsa’s first-generation students. Typically, a first-generation college student refers to a college student who is the first in their family to receive a bachelor’s degree and in many cases are the first in their families to attend college in any capacity. Frequently recognized in the first week of November, events drew to a close on Nov. 8, National First-Generation Day. The day is observed in honor of the anniversary of former President Truman’s signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This act created essential federal financial aid programs including the Federal TRIO programs that particularly help promote equitable access to higher education for limited-income, first-generation students.
Starting off this week on Monday, Nov. 5, the Department of Student Success invited first-generation students to Hardesty Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to sign the first-generation pledge of success and to enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts. After signing the pledge, students received a coupon for a free latte to redeem outside of Hardesty Hall from 2 Brews Coffee. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, first-generation students were invited to the First-Gen lounge on the first floor of the Holmes Student Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. where they could pick up an assortment of the university’s first-generation merch including items like shirts, cups and stickers. Bringing the week to a close on National First-Generation Day, students could participate in a photo booth in the Union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where they received their own individual photos.
Fortunately, the celebration of the university’s first-generation students will not be ending on Nov. 8. In addition to the Student Success Team, student-run organization 1GenTU is also gearing up for upcoming events aimed at garnering community and celebrating students’ successes. The upcoming general body meeting for 1GenTU on Thursday, Nov. 14 is a chance for students to talk and meet with other first-generation students as well as the current executive team. Students are invited to come pick up a free Red Bull and play board games at 3:30 p.m. in Helm 213. Gen1TU is also planning a hot cocoa and bingo party during the first week of December in which first-generation students and friends will be invited to celebrate the end of the semester. The organization will release the date and location in the upcoming weeks.
