MSU's Office of Student Support Services and its TRiO Program, along with other departmental units at Mississippi State, are hosting several events through Thursday [Nov. 12] to honor all MSU first-generation students, faculty, staff and administrators. 

Events are geared toward first-generation students, but all members of the campus community are welcome to participate. 

—Friday [Nov. 6], 1-2:30 p.m., "Virtual First-Generation Scholars Celebration Kick-Off" at MSU's G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans

Join the TRiO Student Support Services staff as we tune in to the Virtual First-Generation Scholars Celebration sponsored by NASPA’s Center for First-Generation Student Success. This joint celebration will kick off with opening remarks from Sarah E. Whitley, Ph.D., assistant vice president, Center for First-Generation Student Success and Maureen Hoyler, J.D., president, Council for Opportunity in Education. There also will be a panel discussion about the history of the first-generation student definition, utilizing an asset-based lens. Limited seating is available. Click here to RSVP.

—Monday [Nov. 9], 11 a.m.-2 p.m., "First-Generation SWAG" giveaway on the Drill Field and by the MSU TRiO office (located in the Meyer Student Media Center next door to Subway)

—Tuesday [Nov. 10], 11 a.m.-noon, "Supporting First Generation College Students with Dr. Cynthia Mosqueda"

During this one-hour session, Cynthia Mosqueda, faculty coordinator for the First-Year Experience Program at El Camino College, will share best practices for first-generation students inside the classroom. To register for this virtual event, visit https://bit.ly/3myBVPp.

—Thursday [Nov. 12], 5-6:30 p.m., "Virtual First-Generation Student Alumni Panel" via Cowbell Connect (https://msstate.campuslabs.com/engage/event/6580882)

MSU graduates will share their stories about the challenges and triumphs of navigating higher education as first-generation college students.

For questions or assistance with registration, contact the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at oidi@msstate.edu or Teretha Conner, MSU interim director of TRiO Services, at tconner@saffairs.msstate.edu.