National First-Generation Week 2025
Why Do We Celebrate?
First Generation College Celebration takes place each year on November 8, marking the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. At Rutgers, the celebration has grown into a weeklong, campus-wide tradition.
See what each campus has planned!
First-Gen Week 2025 was a tremendous success, bringing together 50+ partners across Camden, New Brunswick, and Newark to honor and uplift our remarkable first-generation students. This weeklong celebration showcased the strength, resilience, and brilliance of our first-gen community and the collective commitment across Rutgers to ensure they feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the alumni, faculty, staff, and campus partners whose contributions made this celebration possible. From hosting events and sharing stories to creating spaces for connection and belonging, your efforts helped reaffirm that first-generation students are a vital part of Rutgers’ identity and future.
Kick off First-Gen Week by joining Tri-Alpha, B1GS, and the Student Academic Success Team for tabling, games, giveaways, and on-the-spot interviews to learn more about the first-gen communities at RU-C!
Monday, November 3, 2025 | 11:00AM-1:00PM | Campus Center-Lounge | Rutgers Camden
Hosted by Student Success Coach Office
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 12:00PM-2:00PM | Campus Center | Rutgers Camden
Hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority & Career Advancement Center
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 12:45PM-1:45PM | West ABC | Rutgers Camden
Hosted by TRIO Student Support Services & Transfer Student Services
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 12:45-1:45PM | West ABC | Rutgers Camden
This dynamic event brings students face-to-face with accomplished professionals across a variety of industries.
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 6:00-9:00PM | Raptor Roost | Rutgers Camden
Students, faculty, and staff, are welcomed to join for a night of bingo with the Tri-Alpha Honor Society!
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 5:00-7:00PM | Campus Center-MPR | Rutgers Camden
Join us for a fun and welcoming mixer designed for first-generation students! Connect with peers, share experiences, and build community over snacks, music, and good conversation. Whether you're looking to make friends, find support, or just relax—this space is for you!
Monday, November 3, 2025 | 11:20 AM-12:20 PM | Campus Center-MPR | Rutgers Camden
Hosted by the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising and Tri-Alpha Honor Society
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 4:00-5:00PM | West ABC | Rutgers Camden
Scholars, come hear from the experience of First-Gen faculty and staff at the university.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 5:00-6:30PM | Campus Center-Executive Meeting Room | Rutgers Camden
Hosted by Bridging 1st Generation Students
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 6:00-8:00PM | Campus Center-MPR | Rutgers Camden
Hosted by TRiO Student Support Services
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 2:00-5:00PM | Cathedral Kitchen | Camden, NJ
Join a week of events, food, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with fellow first-gen students, staff, and alumni. Tabling will take place in front of Starbucks all 3 days, come by for a chance to win a RU-N swag bag!
Practice your pitch, connect with professionals from multiple industries, and enjoy delicious empanadas 🥟 while you’re at it!
Monday, November 3, 2025 at 11:30 AM-1:00 PM | Dana Library, 320/321 | Rutgers Newark
Stop by for cookies🍪and a chance to discover helpful resources for first-gen students.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 2:30-4:00PM | PRCC Student Street (in front of Starbucks) | Rutgers Newark
Enjoy lunch 🍴 and hear from a panel of inspiring first-gen leaders who’ve navigated the college journey and beyond.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 2:00-4:00PM | Hahne 213 | Express Newark
Kick off National First-Generation Student Week with a celebration of first-gen pride and community!
This event marks the start of a week dedicated to recognizing and uplifting first-gen voices across campus—come celebrate, meet new people, and learn about upcoming events all week long!
Monday, November 3, 2025 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM | Morrell Street-College Ave. Campus | Rutgers New Brunswick
Hosted by the Office of the Provost, the Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony recognizes the academic achievements of first-generation college students, an outward recognition of personal accomplishment and an incentive for continued high scholarship. During the induction ceremony, Tri-Alpha scholars and First-Gen Campus Champions are inducted into the Delta Pi Chapter of Tri-Alpha.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 4:30 PM-6:00 PM | Rutgers Club-Livingston Campus | Rutgers New Brunswick
This special Access Granted workshop for faculty & staff for National First-Generation College Celebration Week will be facilitated by Pauline Carpenter, Instructional Design & Technology Specialist from the Office of Undergraduate Education and Leslin Charles, Instructional Design Librarian from Rutgers Libraries, Rutgers-NB.
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 12:00-2:00 PM | Collaborative Learning Center-Livingston Student Center | Rutgers New Brunswick
Join the Office of Graduate Student Life in the Graduate Student Lounge for a low-pressure drop-in event for first-generation graduate students. Whether you're just starting grad school or deep into the journey, Slice of Connection is your chance to pause, reflect, and build your campus network.
Monday, November 3, 2025 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM | Graduate Student Lounge-College Ave. Campus | Rutgers New Brunswick
Join the Rutgers First Generation Student Union & the Office of Student Orientation and Transition Programs as we celebrate National First-Generation College Student Week! Come hear from First-Gen students and alumni and enjoy tasty food together.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 7:00-9:00 PM | Multipurpose Room-College Ave. Campus | Rutgers New Brunswick
The First-Gen Resource Fair will connect students who may be first-generation to campus resources like Student Support Services, Rutgers Basic Needs, and other academic programs that supports that will support student success. These fairs aim to raise awareness of first-gen identity, celebrate students' achievements, and help them navigate challenges.
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM | Livingston Plaza-Livingston Campus | Rutgers New Brunswick