The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will celebrate first-generation students during First-Gen Week – November 7-11. The week-long series of events will recognize these Vols who are trailblazers and creating their own unique path here on Rocky Top. First-gen students will have the opportunity to join their peers, faculty, and staff to celebrate and enjoy themselves as they finish the semester strong.
List of Events
First-Gen Week Kickoff Celebration
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
HSS Plaza Lawn
This week each year we celebrate first-generation students, faculty and staff who are trailblazers in their families. First – But Never Alone! Join in the festivities as we kick off UT’s 5th Annual First-Generation Student Celebration Week with a community meet-up, a catered lunch, and lots of free first-gen swag.
First-Gen Movie Night
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Student Union Plaza
Join us for First-Gen Movie Night as we view Top Gun: Maverick. There will be popcorn, snacks, exclusive First-Gen swag, and a great opportunity to meet others in the First-Gen community!
First-Gen Paint the Rock and Pizza
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Rock
Meet up for lunch with other first-generation students, faculty, and staff. Add your signature alongside other proud first-generation Vols. Don’t forget to stick around for the group photo at 12:45 p.m.
First-Gen Resource Fair
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Student Union, Room 262
Join First-Generation Initiatives and other campus partners at the First-Gen Resource Fair to learrn tips on how to end fall semester strong and start spring semester off on the right track! Lunch and free first-gen swag will be provided.
First-Gen Lady Vols Basketball Game Takeover
6:30 p.m.
Thompson-Boling Arena
Calling all first-generation students, faculty, staff, and supporters to cheer on the Lady Vols basketball team as they take on the University of Massachusetts. All attendees will receive an exclusive first-gen rally cloth. RSVP here.
First-Gen Family Fellowship
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
International House, Great Room 100
All first-generation scholars, faculty, staff and supporters are invited to attend a First-Gen Family Fellowship at the International House to celebrate the last day of first-gen week. There will be food, games, giveaways, and opportunities to network and fellowship one another!
Celebration of First-Generation Veterans
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Veterans Success Center
A special shout out to all Veterans who are also first-generation college students! Stop by the Veterans Success Center for free swag and goodies. This drop-in event is open to the entire campus community. Happy Veterans Day!
ATTN: FACULTY & STAFF – Sign up to be included in our directory!
Do you identify as a first-generation faculty or staff at UT? Join the First-Generation Faculty and Staff Directory to share your first-gen story and your contact information with the Volunteer community.