First Gen Week @ Illinois
Monday, November 3 - Donuts at the Quad: First Gen Kick-Off
- Time: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
- Location: Illini Union - Anniversary Plaza
- About the Event: Join the FGSI team to celebrate the kickoff of First-Gen Week and National First-Generation Student Celebration Day! We will give out mini donuts and coffee on the quad. Open to all students. If the weather does not permit us to stay outside, the Southeast Vestibule inside the Union will be our backup location. RSVP is encouraged- go.illinois.edu/firstgenseries.
Tuesday, November 4 - First Gen Serves
- Time: 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
- Location: Turner Student Services Building
- About the Event: We will be making items to give to first responders in the local community. Supplies and snacks will be provided, no crafting experience necessary. You can also come out to meet other students on campus and forego the service activity. This event is open to all students, you are not required to identify as a first-generation college student to attend. Service hour sign-offs provided, if needed. Help us account for our supplies by completing an RSVP at https://go.illinois.edu/FirstGenServes.
Wednesday, November 5 - FAFSA & Alternative Application Workshop
- Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Location: 1001 Huff Hall/Khan Annex (1206 S 4th St, Champaign, IL 61820)
- About the Event: Come join us for our FAFSA and Alternative Application workshop to get started on your application and have an open space to ask questions. Please bring materials and login information for the FSA ID. Snacks will be provided. Open to all students. Bring your I-Card for the fastest option to sign in. RSVP is encouraged- go.illinois.edu/firstgenseries.
Thursday, November 6 - FGSI Brunch and Letter Writing
- Time: 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
- Location: OCVDEI 3rd Floor - Room 3080 (614 E Daniel St Third Floor, Champaign, IL 61820)
- About the Event: Meet fellow first-gen students, enjoy brunch, and write a letter to your future self or another first-gen student. Food is first-come, first-served. Open to all students. Bring your I-Card for the fastest sign-in option. RSVP is encouraged- go.illinois.edu/firstgenseries.
Friday, November 7 - Celebrating First-Gen Through Dance: Bachata Class
- Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Location: ARC MP7
- About the Event: Join fellow first-gen students to learn or show off your Bachata skills! Learn from fellow Illinois grad student instructors. Open to all students regardless of dance background. I-Card and signed waiver form is required for participation.
Saturday, November 8 - National First-Generation College Student Day Celebration
- Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Location: Illini Union Ballroom
- About the Event: Come celebrate with us! Join us for our largest celebration yet, featuring a keynote speaker, Illinois first gen panel, and light refreshments! Open to all students. RSVP is encouraged- go.illinois.edu/firstgenseries.
Proud to be First Gen Spotlights
November 8, 2025
Are you a First Gen student, faculty, staff, alumni?
We're thrilled to honor and celebrate our incredible First-Generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni throughout the week of November 3rd to November 8th!
- As part of the celebration, we'll be featuring proud first-gen voices in our "Proud to Be First Gen" Spotlight Series across social media.
- We're also looking for panelists to join us for our National First-Generation Day Celebration on Saturday, November 8th, from 6-8 PM. Whether you're a student, faculty, or staff member, your lived experience can inspire others. No preparation needed!
Applications to be featured in our spotlight or considered as a panelist were due on Monday, October 27 at 11:59 PM.