Throughout the year, we will have a number of I AM FIRST events that foster meaningful connections between first-generation students and the campus community and celebrate students, faculty, staff, advocates, and alumni.
Flashes 101 Instructors Talk First Gen Workshop
Description: In this interactive workshop, we will begin by looking at a snapshot of data related to First Generation students, particularly those who are first semester students in our Flashes 101 courses. We will then invite Flashes 101 instructors and all other interested attendees to join in conversation related to how we can best support our first year, first gen students. We encourage attendees to “pack a lunch” for our virtual gathering, if they wish to do so.
Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Location: Virtual
Contacts: Jenny Marcinkiewicz
Audience: Staff/Faculty
Teams Link
Meeting ID: 252 920 696 263 902
Passcode: jq9K2qc2
Kent State Women's Basketball vs. Troy - I AM FIRST Gen Night
Description: Come join us for I AM FIRST Gen Night at the Kent State Women's Basketball Home Opener! We will honor and recognize 1st Generation College students throughout the game!
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MACC)
Contacts: Grace Adams
Audience: Students, Staff, Faculty and Alumni
Its Sweet to be First Gen
Description: Opportunity for Sciences & Humanities first-gen students to be honored, celebrated, and recognized for being first-gen. S&H students are invited to enjoy Insomnia Cookies, hot chocolate, SWAG, and take a picture with Flash. First-gen shirts will be given to first 100 students. Graduating S&H students will also receive a First-gen graduation cord
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Integrated Sciences Building Main Lobby
Contacts: Kris Braxton
Audience: Students
First-Gen Data Party
Description: The program is designed to expand engagement and awareness among student support professionals by strengthening their confidence and comfort in using institutional data tools, including the PDP and Institutional Research resources. Through the intentional use of institutional data and first-generation student voices, participants will identify and develop strategies to address equity gaps in academic performance, career readiness, and student success.
Time: 9:00am-11:30am
Location: Moulton Ballroom
Contacts: Dr. Kelly Cichy and Melanie Jones
Audience: Staff/Faculty
Register
First-Gen Fuel Up
Description: Join us for the First-Gen Fuel Up, a high-energy event designed to recharge your spirit, connect you with powerful campus resources, and celebrate your strength as a first-generation college student and advocate. Whether you're a first-gen student or a proud supporter, this is your space to refuel emotionally, socially, and mentally. Meet the Division of Student Life First-Gen Staff and Advocates who are here to walk alongside you.
•Explore resources for mental wellness, belonging, and success.
•Earn a free t-shirt and wear your story with pride.
•Enjoy music, snacks, and good vibes in a welcoming space.
Let’s build community, share stories, and remind each other: you don’t have to do college alone.
Time: TBD
Location: Kent Student Center Room 218
Contacts: Mavis Sugden and Yvonna Washington-Greer
Audience: Students, Staff and Faculty
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Career Prep for First-Gen Business Students
Description: Not sure where to start with your career journey? Join us for Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Career Prep for First-Gen Business Students, an empowering, interactive workshop that will help you explore career options, create a career development plan, understand what employers want, and start building your network. Plus, you’ll connect with first-gen upperclassmen, alumni, and employers who’ve been in your shoes and can help you navigate your next steps.
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Brinzo Entrepreneurial Lab 116 - Crawford Hall
Contacts: Michelle Adkins
Audience: Students
I AM FIRST: Connections & Conversations with First-Gen Friends
Description: During the celebration, attendees will hear exciting updates about I AM FIRST initiatives, hear from a panel of current KSU first-generation students, engage in meaningful roundtable discussions on a variety of topics relevant to first-generation students and advocates, and learn what exciting I AM FIRST things are planned for Spring 2027!
Time: 1pm-2:30pm
Location: Kent Student Center - Ballroom Balcony
Contacts: Melanie Jones and Adam Cinderich
Audience: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Staff/Faculty and Alumni
Register
