Celebrate all day, every day!
Celebrate all week with special activities, Zoom backgrounds, 1stGen Emblems, and more! Be sure to visit the area of our schedule that lists ways you can celebrate all week long!
Monday, November 3
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯 Scavenger Hunt
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯
Scavenger Hunt
DATE: Every Day This Week!
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (perfect stop between classes!)
LOCATION: CLAS Academic Success Centers
AUDIENCE: All CLAS Students
Contact: CLAS UP Office
Whether you're adjusting to college-level coursework, learning how to manage your time, or just figuring out how to balance it all, we’ve got your back.
CLAS UP is hosting a Scavenger Hunt 🕵️♂️ this week to help you discover the variety of CLAS Academic Success Centers that are here to help you thrive, not just survive, your courses. During their regular business hours, each location has a stamp or sticker waiting for you to add to your passport. Download and print your CLAS Scavenger Hunt Passport Here.
Be sure to swing by CLAS UP to score an awesome CLAS Sticker 🏈🔥.
Participating CLAS Academic Support Centers are the Center for Language and Culture Learning (CLCL), the Chemistry Center, the Math Tutorial Lab, the Physics and Astronomy Help Center, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Student Center, and the Writing Center.
☕ Coffee & Donuts
☕ Coffee & Donuts
DATE: Monday, November 3
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION: University Capitol Centre (UCC), Academic Excellence & Support Suite, 2750 UCC
AUDIENCE: All UI Student Visitors to the AES Suite
Contact: Osei Akomeah
Start your First-Gen Celebration Week with good vibes and fresh coffee! Drop by for a cozy morning of donuts, caffeine, and conversation. Whether catching up with friends or meeting someone new, this casual gathering is all about connection and community.
Chalk the Walk
Chalk the Walk
DATE: Monday, November 3
We're celebrating National First-Generation College Celebration week festivities by unleashing our creativity. Be on the lookout around the Pentacrest area for words of encouragement and celebration written for first-gen students, by first-gen students (members of our 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board).
1stGen@Iowa Awards Nomination Period Opens!
1stGen@Iowa Awards Nomination Period Opens!
DATE: Monday, November 3
The nomination period for the 2025-26 1stGen@Iowa Awards opens today! Nominations for this year's awards will be accepted until Friday, January 16, 2026. Established in 2019, by the 1stGen@Iowa Faculty and Staff Collaborative, formally the First-Generation Task Force, the 1stGen@Iowa Awards recognize first-generation student achievements as well as outstanding advocacy and support efforts of faculty and staff. Recipients of these awards are honored at the annual 1stGen@Iowa Awards and Recognition Ceremony, which is held every March.
All current faculty, staff, and students are invited to make nominations for any four of the awards. Click here to learn more about these awards and the nomination process.
Tuesday, November 4
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯 Scavenger Hunt
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯
Scavenger Hunt
DATE: Every Day This Week!
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (perfect stop between classes!)
LOCATION: CLAS Academic Success Centers
AUDIENCE: All CLAS Students
Contact: CLAS UP Office
Whether you're adjusting to college-level coursework, learning how to manage your time, or just figuring out how to balance it all, we’ve got your back.
CLAS UP is hosting a Scavenger Hunt 🕵️♂️ this week to help you discover the variety of CLAS Academic Success Centers that are here to help you thrive, not just survive, your courses. During their regular business hours, each location has a stamp or sticker waiting for you to add to your passport. Download and print your CLAS Scavenger Hunt Passport Here.
Be sure to swing by CLAS UP to score an awesome CLAS Sticker 🏈🔥.
Participating CLAS Academic Support Centers are the Center for Language and Culture Learning (CLCL), the Chemistry Center, the Math Tutorial Lab, the Physics and Astronomy Help Center, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Student Center, and the Writing Center.
🎓 Meet Your Major
🎓 Meet Your Major
DATE: Tuesday, November 4
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: University Capitol Centre (UCC), Academic Excellence & Support Suite, 2750 UCC
AUDIENCE: All UI Undergraduate Student Visitors to the AES Suite
Contact: Osei Akomeah
Find your people and celebrate your career path. Stop in to meet other first-gen students in your major, ask questions, swap stories, and share advice about classes and professors. This is a relaxed, come-and-go event that helps you build friendships and confidence in your academic journey. A schedule of mentors who will be available to meet with students will be sent to students in the First Gen Hawks program, but all undergraduate students are welcome to stop by as well. Check out the First Gen Hawks Instagram (uiowafirstgenhawks) page for more information as well.
P.S. While you're at it...stay in the know about all things first-gen at the University of Iowa by following us at First-Gen Student Success on Instagram too!
Sip and String: First-Gen at the Pentacrest Museums
Sip and String: First-Gen at the Pentacrest Museums
DATE: Tuesday, November 4
TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Old Capitol Museum, Keyes Gallery on the 1st floor
AUDIENCE: All UI Students, Faculty, and Staff (everyone!)
Contact: Amanda Stout
Celebrate First-Gen Week with a cozy creative break! Stop by the Pentacrest Museums to enjoy hot cider and make your own beaded bracelet—a small symbol of your journey, identity, and connection. Whether you stay to chat or just swing through, we’re here to honor and support our First-Gen community.
First-Gen Tabling at Tippie
First-Gen Tabling at Tippie
DATE: Tuesday, November 4
TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Pappajohn Business Building (PBB), Tippie Howe Galleria S101
AUDIENCE: All UI Students, Faculty, and Staff (everyone!)
Contact: Justine Retz
The Tippie College of Business joins the University of Iowa First-Generation Celebration Week with tabling events taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and Thursday, Nov. 6, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm in the Howe South Galleria at the Tippie College of Business; join us, as we all celebrate our First-Generation students!
Wednesday, November 5
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯 Scavenger Hunt
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯
Scavenger Hunt
DATE: Every Day This Week!
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (perfect stop between classes!)
LOCATION: CLAS Academic Success Centers
AUDIENCE: All CLAS Students
Contact: CLAS UP Office
Whether you're adjusting to college-level coursework, learning how to manage your time, or just figuring out how to balance it all, we’ve got your back.
CLAS UP is hosting a Scavenger Hunt 🕵️♂️ this week to help you discover the variety of CLAS Academic Success Centers that are here to help you thrive, not just survive, your courses. During their regular business hours, each location has a stamp or sticker waiting for you to add to your passport. Download and print your CLAS Scavenger Hunt Passport Here.
Be sure to swing by CLAS UP to score an awesome CLAS Sticker 🏈🔥.
Participating CLAS Academic Support Centers are the Center for Language and Culture Learning (CLCL), the Chemistry Center, the Math Tutorial Lab, the Physics and Astronomy Help Center, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Student Center, and the Writing Center.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: 🍩 Donuts with the Deans
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
🍩Donuts with the Deans
DATE: Wednesday, November 5
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (perfect stop between classes!)
LOCATION: Schaeffer Hall (SH), Room 120
AUDIENCE: All CLAS Students, Faculty, and Staff
Contact: CLAS UP Office
Calling all CLAS students! Whether you're a first-generation student or just want to support your friends who are, this is your chance to celebrate, connect, and grab a free treat. This event offers an opportunity for members of the CLAS community to come together to celebrate and support first-generation college students in a casual setting. Bring a friend (or a few!) and join the CLAS community for a great time.
No registration. No pressure. Just good vibes, free donuts 🍩, and a chance to celebrate YOU!
Self-Care Stop-In
Self-Care Stop-In
DATE: Wednesday, November 5
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: University Capitol Centre (UCC), Academic Excellence & Support Suite, 2750 UCC
AUDIENCE: All UI Student Visitors to the AES Suite
Contact: Osei Akomeah
Take a break! Come unwind with calming activities like fidget toys and simple crafts. This chill, drop-in space is all about slowing down, recharging, and reminding yourself that self-care is part of being a successful college student.
Kindness Rocks! Rocking Painting with TRIO SSS
Kindness Rocks! Rocking Painting with TRIO SSS
DATE: Wednesday, November 5
TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: University Capitol Centre (UCC), Academic Excellence & Support Suite (2750 UCC), Training Room 2766
AUDIENCE: All UI Student Visitors to the AES Suite
Contact: Angelica Hernandez
Join TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) for a creative and uplifting event during National First-Generation College Celebration Week! Participants are invited to paint rocks with kind messages and hide them around campus to spread positivity and raise awareness for first-generation students. This hands-on activity is a fun way to celebrate the first-gen community while promoting kindness and connection across the University of Iowa. Come and be part of the movement!
FAFSA Pop-Up Event with the Office of Student Financial Aid
FAFSA Pop-Up Event with the Office of Student Financial Aid
DATE: Wednesday, November 5
TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Hillcrest Hall (H), Outside Market Place
AUDIENCE: All UI Students
Contact: Alex Almazan
Join the Office of Student Financial Aid for an in-person FAFSA Pop-up event! Get help completing your 2026-27 FAFSA and answers to all your financial aid questions. Plus, you'll have a chance to win prizes!
Therapy Dogs and Healthy Snacks in the Lindquist Center
Therapy Dogs and Healthy Snacks in the Lindquist Center
DATE: Wednesday, November 5
TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Lindquist Center (LC), Devlin Family Cafe
AUDIENCE: All UI Students
Contact: Jeremy Penn
Come join the College of Education to visit a therapy dog, grab a healthy snack, and get some tips on how to prepare for a strong finish to your semester!
1stGen Students WERQ!
1stGen Students WERQ!
DATE: Wednesday, November 5
TIME: 7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
LOCATION: Campus Recreation & Wellness Center (CRWC), AR1
AUDIENCE: All UI Students, Faculty, and Staff (Everyone!)
Contact: Jamie Poch
Come join our fitness team to dance and celebrate all the hard WERQ that first-gen students have put in and all they've accomplished.
Thursday, November 6
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯 Scavenger Hunt
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯
Scavenger Hunt
DATE: Every Day This Week!
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (perfect stop between classes!)
LOCATION: CLAS Academic Success Centers
AUDIENCE: All CLAS Students
Contact: CLAS UP Office
Whether you're adjusting to college-level coursework, learning how to manage your time, or just figuring out how to balance it all, we’ve got your back.
CLAS UP is hosting a Scavenger Hunt 🕵️♂️ this week to help you discover the variety of CLAS Academic Success Centers that are here to help you thrive, not just survive, your courses. During their regular business hours, each location has a stamp or sticker waiting for you to add to your passport. Download and print your CLAS Scavenger Hunt Passport Here.
Be sure to swing by CLAS UP to score an awesome CLAS Sticker 🏈🔥.
Participating CLAS Academic Support Centers are the Center for Language and Culture Learning (CLCL), the Chemistry Center, the Math Tutorial Lab, the Physics and Astronomy Help Center, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Student Center, and the Writing Center.
First-Gen Neuroscience Breakfast
First-Gen Neuroscience Breakfast
DATE: Thursday, November 6
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Carver Biomedical Research Building (CBRB), Room 1289
AUDIENCE: UI Students, Staff, Faculty Interested in Neuroscience
Contact: Mary Kenyon
Stop in for breakfast and conversation among first-gen neuroscientists, including faculty members. Share experiences, ask questions, make connections. The Iowa Neuroscience Institute supports your journey.
First-Gen Tabling at Tippie
First-Gen Tabling at Tippie
DATE: Thursday, November 6
TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Pappajohn Business Building (PBB), Tippie Howe Galleria S101
AUDIENCE: All UI Students, Faculty, and Staff (everyone!)
Contact: Justine Retz
The Tippie College of Business joins the University of Iowa First-Generation Celebration Week with tabling events taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and Thursday, Nov. 6, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm in the Howe South Galleria at the Tippie College of Business; join us, as we all celebrate our First-Generation students!
Free Hot Cocoa, Cider, and Swag with the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board
Free Hot Cocoa, Cider, and Swag with the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board
DATE: Thursday, November 6
TIME: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Kautz Plaza, T. Anne Cleary Walkway
AUDIENCE: All UI Students, Faculty, and Staff (everyone!)
Contact: Emily Kelly
Warm up with some free hot cocoa and hot cider and meet members of the 1stGen@Iowa Student Advisory Board. While you're here, grab some free 1stGen swag! Additionally, Jenny Jin, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) First-Generation Constituency Senator, will be available to meet with students and discuss being first-generation at Iowa.
First-Generation Graduate Student Panel
First-Generation Graduate Student Panel
DATE: Thursday, November 6
TIME: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Iowa Memorial Union, Room 335
AUDIENCE: All UI Students, Faculty, and Staff (everyone!)
Contact: Lupita Morales Aguilar
Prior Registration is Requested. Click Here to Register.
As part of the University of Iowa’s First-Generation College Celebration Week, the Office of Graduate Success: Recruitment & Retention is hosting a First-Generation Graduate Student Panel! Join us for an engaging discussion that centers the voices and experiences of first-generation graduate students as they share their personal stories, challenges, and achievements throughout their academic journeys. Whether you're a current first-generation graduate or professional student, an undergraduate interested in graduate school, or a faculty or staff member looking to learn more and support first-gen students, this event is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and build community!
Catered food will be provided so come grab a bite and join the conversation!
Center for Teaching First-Gen Coffee Hour
Center for Teaching First-Gen Coffee Hour
DATE: Thursday, November 6
TIME: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION: University Capitol Centre (UCC), Center for Teaching Library (2nd floor UCC above Hills Bank) enter through the CoWork Commons
AUDIENCE: UI Faculty, Staff, First-Gen Students
Contact: Tamar Bernfeld
Join us for coffee, tea and cookies in the Center for Teaching and learn more about the First-Gen student experience at Iowa.
🎨 Stick(ers) With Us Social
🎨 Stick(ers) With Us Social
DATE: Thursday, November 6
TIME: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: University Capitol Centre (UCC), Academic Excellence & Support Suite, 2750 UCC
AUDIENCE: All UI Student Visitors to the AES Suite
Contact: Osei Akomeah
Celebrate connection and creativity at our “Stick(ers) With Us” Social! Stop by to pick out fun stickers and decorate your gadgets or water bottle, take pictures at our photo booth, grab a snack, and spend time with your first-gen community. This is a lighthearted space to relax, laugh, and show that we all stick together.
Friday, November 7
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯 Scavenger Hunt
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯
Scavenger Hunt
DATE: Every Day This Week!
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (perfect stop between classes!)
LOCATION: CLAS Academic Success Centers
AUDIENCE: All CLAS Students
Contact: CLAS UP Office
Whether you're adjusting to college-level coursework, learning how to manage your time, or just figuring out how to balance it all, we’ve got your back.
CLAS UP is hosting a Scavenger Hunt 🕵️♂️ this week to help you discover the variety of CLAS Academic Success Centers that are here to help you thrive, not just survive, your courses. During their regular business hours, each location has a stamp or sticker waiting for you to add to your passport. Download and print your CLAS Scavenger Hunt Passport Here.
Be sure to swing by CLAS UP to score an awesome CLAS Sticker 🏈🔥.
Participating CLAS Academic Support Centers are the Center for Language and Culture Learning (CLCL), the Chemistry Center, the Math Tutorial Lab, the Physics and Astronomy Help Center, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Student Center, and the Writing Center.
Social Media Takeover
Social Media Takeover
DATE: Friday, November 7
Today we're recognizing the official First-Generation College Celebration day (Saturday, Nov. 8) by taking over the @uiowa Instagram account! Be on the lookout for stories from first-gen students and information about important campus resources.
Sip and String: First-Gen at the Pentacrest Museums
Sip and String: First-Gen at the Pentacrest Museums
DATE: Friday, November 7
TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Museum of Natural History, Iowa Hall
AUDIENCE: All UI Students, Faculty, and Staff (everyone!)
Contact: Amanda Stout
Celebrate First-Gen Week with a cozy creative break! Stop by the Pentacrest Museums to enjoy hot cider and make your own beaded bracelet—a small symbol of your journey, identity, and connection. Whether you stay to chat or just swing through, we’re here to honor and support our First-Gen community.
"Crafternoon" at the Main Library
"Crafternoon" at the Main Library
DATE: Friday, November 7
TIME: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Main Library (LIB), Group Area D, Main Library Learning Commons, 1st Floor
AUDIENCE: All UI Students
Contact: Jenay Dougherty
Enjoy a "crafternoon" at the Main Library! Learn about paper engineering and try your hand at creating daisy paper chains, pop-up cards, and volvelles (paper crafts with movable parts), incorporating images from Special Collections and inspiring messaging for first-gen students. Instructions and materials will be provided and assistance from library staff will be on site.
Students will also learn more about the newest exhibit, Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education in the Main Library Gallery, featuring movable books and paper technologies.
Light snacks will be provided to enjoy.
🧁 Cupcakes & Gratitude
🧁 Cupcakes & Gratitude
DATE: Friday, November 7
TIME: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: University Capitol Centre (UCC), Academic Excellence & Support Suite, 2750 UCC
AUDIENCE: All Students, Faculty, and Staff (everyone!)
Contact: Osei Akomeah
Come join the First Gen Hawks (FGH) team to eat some delicious cupcakes and take time to write a note of gratitude to someone in your life. Stop by the AES Suite, where there will be plenty of thank you cards and cupcakes to enjoy. If your note is to someone on campus, the FGH staff will be able to deliver the note for you!
Ways to Celebrate All Week Long
Psychological and Brain Sciences 1stGen Showcase
DATES: November 3 - 7
LOCATION: Psychological and Brain Sciences Building (PBSB), Outside of G60 (PBS Main Office)
Contact: Kelly Danaher
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is celebrating all week long! Stop by Room G60 in PBSB, where we'll be showcasing first-gen students, staff, and faculty on our digital display monitors located just outside our main office.
Celebrating First-Generation Alumni at the AAC
DATES: November 3 - 7
LOCATION: Pomerantz Center (PC), Academic Advising Center Lobby, PC 210
Contact: Ryan Pratt
During National First-Gen College Celebration, the Academic Advising Center will be highlighting several first-gen alumni of (mostly) the University of Iowa on our bulletin board. While you're waiting to meet with your academic advisor, read about first gen alumni across multiple industries, their educational pathway, and any advice they have to share with current students.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Stamp Your Way to Success! 🎯 Scavenger Hunt
DATES: November 3 - 7
LOCATION: Various (see below)
Contact: CLAS UP Office
Whether you're adjusting to college-level coursework, learning how to manage your time, or just figuring out how to balance it all, we’ve got your back.
CLAS UP is hosting a Scavenger Hunt 🕵️♂️ this week to help you discover the variety of CLAS Academic Success Centers that are here to help you thrive, not just survive, your courses. During their regular business hours, each location has a stamp or sticker waiting for you to add to your passport (link below).
Be sure to swing by CLAS UP to score an awesome CLAS Sticker 🏈🔥.
Participating CLAS Academic Support Centers are the Center for Language and Culture Learning (CLCL), the Chemistry Center, the Math Tutorial Lab, the Physics and Astronomy Help Center, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Student Center, and the Writing Center.
Zoom Backgrounds
Are you participating in a meeting via zoom from November 3 - 8? Upload a zoom background in your video settings that lets others know we're celebrating first-gen students all week long.
Three options available
Display the 1stGen@Iowa Emblems!
Download our "Proud to Support First-Gen" and "Proud to Be First-Gen" emblems. Add them to your syllabus, print and display them in your workspace or office, use them online...the possibilities are endless!
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of these events, please contact the host department or Angie Lamb in advance at angela-lamb@uiowa.edu or (319) 335-2062.