Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Presenting Sponsor:
Student Government Association
The First-Generation Experience is designed to introduce college life to first-generation students. A first-generation student is one who does not have a parent or guardian with a four-year university degree. You might have older siblings or cousins who have gone to college, but you are still among the first in your family to pursue higher education. Joining the ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ family will be an exciting and sometimes unknown experience, but we are here to help make that transition easier. This event will help introduce you to the people and services on campus that are invested in your success at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½!Ìý
Join us on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. This is a conference-style event allowing you to choose which informational sessions you want to attend.Ìý You will customize your day to meet your needs!Ìý See below for tentative workshop topics and the day’s schedule. All sessions will be held in the Bollinger Memorial Student Union unless otherwise noted on the schedule.
The students said...
All students are welcome and we hope to see you there. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Registration is open, click below to register. Please use the email you used to log in when you applied for admission.
The Details
Colonel Concierge
A very important part of this experience will be your Colonel Concierge.Ìý Before the event you will be contacted by a ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ faculty, staff member, or student who will work with you to plan your day. This person will also join you once you check in and they will accompany you during the day. Your Colonel Concierge will be there to answer questions and guide you around campus as you go through the First-Generation Experience.
Workshop Topics
Join the staff from our Student Life and Student Wellness and Support units to find out how you can make the most of your campus experience by getting involved in campus life and student organizations.Ìý You will also learn about all of the student support services and wellness services we have on campus including campus recreation, the counseling center, and health services.
Preparing for success in college is so much more than buying books and decorating your dorm room.Ìý Join some of our excellent faculty as they take you through some practical steps that you can apply to to help you be successful in your courses.Ìý While this session has roots in science and math courses, the concepts apply to all college courses.
This workshop is intended for students who will be living in one of our residence halls.Ìý Join the housing staff as they fill you in on everything you need to know to get ready to move-in on campus.
By now, you’ve done a lot to get your finances settled in time to start classes, but do you really know everything you need to know?Ìý In this workshop, representatives from Financial Aid will help you make sure everything is in order for classes to start and fill you in on what you need you know.
Our library director and the coordinator of the Tutoring Center will help you prepare for your first semester.Ìý They will introduce you to the resources in our university library and how to sign up for tutoring.
Join the coordinator of our learning management system, Ms. Nicole Cotten, as she introduces you to Canvas.Ìý Canvas is the online platform for your courses.Ìý She will also talk about AI and how college students can be responsible while using it for courses and avoid academic dishonesty.
Join our presenting sponsor, OnPath Credit Union, as they help you understand smart financial decision making.Ìý
Schedule
This is the tentative schedule for the day’s events.Ìý All sessions are located in The Bollinger Memorial Student Union unless otherwise noted on the schedule.Ìý During breakout sessions, students may choose which workshop to attend.ÌýÌý
- 8:30 – 9:00: Check-In (Student Union Lobby Snack Bar Area)
- 9:00 – 9:30: Welcome Session/Meet with Colonel Concierge (Student Union Lobby)
- 9:45 – 10:30: Breakout Session 1Ìý(student’s choice)
- 10:45 – 11:30: Academic Colleges Session (designated rooms)
- 11:45 – 12:45 Lunch (cafeteria)
- 1:00 – 2:00: Breakout Session 3, First-Gen Student and Alumni Panel and Group Talk
- 2:15 – 3:00: Breakout Session 4 (student’s choice)
- 3:00 – 4:30: Campus Business (various locations) and After-Party (Student Union Snack Bar Area).Ìý Admissions will be available for campus tours and schedule walk-throughs (weather permitting).Ìý Hang out with us and get your event t-shirt and sign up for door prizes.
Following the last breakout session, you will be able to visit campus offices to complete any business you may need to attend to on campus.ÌýÌý
We will also be hosting an after-party in the Bollinger Student Union snack bar area.Ìý Please join us for refreshments, prizes, or to shop for Colonel gear in bookstore.Ìý Colonel eSports will also be open for gamers and you will be able to pick-up your event t-shirt.
Volunteer Sign Up
Faculty and staff: Use the button below to access the sign up form for volunteers and presenters.
Thank you for being a part of our event.
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