Celebrating our First-Generation Badgers

A person seen from behind with long red hair wearing black graduation gown and cap holds their hands in the air with a University of Wisconsin–Madison diploma binder while the sun shines down from a mostly clear sky.

Tuesday, Nov. 8, is national First-Generation College Student Day, when we salute all of the Badgers who are the first in their families to attend college.

Being the first is a source of great pride. It takes drive, persistence and determination to be the first, and many first-gen students and their families have to make tough choices and sacrifices to pursue their dreams. At UW–Madison, about one in every five undergraduate students is first-gen, and their college experiences vary widely depending on their backgrounds, identities, support networks and resources. On First-Gen Day, we also acknowledge and show gratitude to all of the mentors, friends, family members, and others who support and help smooth the way for our scholars.

To our First-Gen Badgers,
we’re proud of you and we’re here to support you!

Here are some ways to celebrate on social media and on campus as we observe First-Generation College Student Day.

Jump to a section:
Social media graphics
Campus events
Resources

Use the hashtag #BadgerFirstGen to join in the celebration!

Share your first-gen pride
Tag and thank a mentor or advisor
Send encouragement to other first-gen scholars
Share tips for what has helped you most as a first-gen student
Offer support to first-generation Badgers

Download Graphics

Red background with illustration of graduation caps, bells and firework with the UW–Madison crest and words "First Generation College Student Day. #BadgerFirstGen"

Yellow background with illustration of graduation caps, bells and firework with the UW–Madison crest and words "First Generation College Student Day. #BadgerFirstGen"

Blue background with illustration of graduation caps, bells and firework with the UW–Madison crest and words "First Generation College Student Day. #BadgerFirstGen"

White background with illustration of graduation caps, bells and firework with the UW–Madison crest and words "First Generation College Student Day. #BadgerFirstGen"

Instagram story graphic with Bucky Badger illustration and a bingo game grid layout with text in red circles: "Bucky's first generation bingo! 1. applied for a scholarship, 2. visited office hours, 3. met with advisor two times, 4. pulled an all-nighter studying, 5. FREE, 6. have a 4-year degree plan, 7. joined a student group, 8. looked at studying abroad, 9. planning a vacation this summer.”

Six white boxes with red outlines on a dark grey grid background with text in the boxes reading "My life as a first-gen student emoji challenge. My current mood. My biggest supporter. My therapy. My biggest challenge. Top 3 emojis that describe college for me. #BadgerFirstGen."

Illustration of a blue sheet of paper with white horizontal lines on a yellow grid background with text reading "First-gen goals. Tag your friends. #BadgerFirstGen."

Words on a grid background with the UW–Madison crest reading "To our first-gen badgers, We're so happy that you're part of the UW–Madison community! Never doubt that you're exactly where you were meant to be. We are here to support you on your academic journey. #BadgerFirstGen."

Download Graphics

Ways to celebrate on campus

Multicultural Student Center First in the Family open house

Are you the first in your family to attend college? The Multicultural Student Center (MSC) is celebrating first-generation college students with an MSC-wide event. Drop by the Red Gym any time between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to grab an exclusive “First in the Family” sticker, use our photo booth, and share about your first-generation college experience.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022
Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Art Gallery on the 2nd floor of the Red Gym, 716 Langdon St.

CeO Open House

The Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO) will host an open house with a trivia, food, games, prizes and good people to celebrate First-Gen Day.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: CeO Main Office, Ingraham Hall room 16

First-Gen Student Panel

The First Generation Student Success student group and Center for Educational Opportunity will host a first-gen faculty panel with free food and drinks from Potbelly Sandwiches.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: Student Activity Center (SAC) room 4210, University Square 4th floor, 333 East Campus Mall

Writing the First-Gen Experience

The Center for Educational Opportunity invites first-generation scholars to stop by on Nov. 10 for free bagels and coffee and an opportunity to write about what it means to be a first-generation college student, which will then be displayed on the bulletin board outside the CeO office.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Location: CeO Main Office, Ingraham Hall room 16

Resources for first-generation Badgers

Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)

CeO empowers eligible students to engage and achieve through holistic advising, connecting students with campus resources, and fostering a supportive climate for all students. Students are eligible if they are the first in their family to earn a four-year degree, meet certain federal family income guidelines, or have a documented disability. Learn more

McNair Scholars Program

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program creates a bridge to graduate education for undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The program aims to increase the number of students from underrepresented segments of society who earn their Ph.D. Learn more

First Generation Student Success (FGSS)

FGSS is a student organization for enrolled first-generation students dedicated to supporting them along their college journey. The group offers an opportunity to connect with peers and faculty from all across campus, pursue mentorships, locate resources, and participate in social events. It seeks to provide a comfortable space for first-generation students to share their stories, struggles and thoughts. Learn more

Badger Promise

The Badger Promise guarantees a period of free tuition and segregated fees to transfer students from any of the two-year UW Branch campuses or from liberal arts associate-degree programs at Madison College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Western Technical College, Nicolet College, the College of Menominee Nation, the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College, and Chippewa Valley Technical College. Learn more

First Generation Students Abroad

Wondering about studying abroad at UW? The Study Abroad office has advisors who can answer your questions, show you your options and connect you with resources to help you enjoy the benefits of studying in other countries. Learn more

FAFSA Frenzy 2022

UW hosts FAFSA Frenzy events most Fridays from 12 – 2 p.m. at locations around campus. Bring your laptop and a team of experts will help you through the FAFSA process and answer any of your financial aid questions. Learn more

Emergency Financial Support

Badgers may face financial emergencies during their time at UW. If you are experiencing current emergency circumstances that are preventing you from meeting immediate and essential expenses, then there may be financial assistance available to support you. Essential expenses may include limited access to food, lack of housing, or an emergency medical situation. Funding is limited and financial assistance may not be available to fulfill each request. Learn more

The Biden-Harris Student Debt Relief Plan

Learn how you can take advantage of the new federal student debt relief program. Learn more

#BadgerFirstGen social media toolkit