Arkansas Tech University will participate in the national First Generation College Celebration 2020 with a series of socially-distanced activities and programs Nov. 11-12.
The observance will begin with a first-gen festival from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Hindsman Tower. Sponsored by the First to Shine Living Learning Community, the festival will include games, giveaways and information about resources designed to serve first generation students.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, will also provide two opportunities for the ATU community to learn from Dr. LT Rease Miles, executive director of first year experience at the University of California, Los Angeles and member of the Center for First-Generation Student Success advocacy group.
Beginning at 11 a.m., Miles will provide a professional development program entitled “Intentional and Intersectional: Taking First-Generation Student Outreach in Your Department to the Next Level.” The program is intended for faculty and staff members. It will be accessible by clicking on the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84883892308?pwd=VmROZHpRVDg0OTMwYThwVnBucnBRdz09
Miles will speak to ATU students beginning at 3:30 p.m. That program is entitled “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story? An Ode to Hamilton.” It will be accessible by clicking on the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88475780991?pwd=aEdqWXNiTHdjenpMZk95ZmU0SmpCUT09
The celebration will conclude with first-gen popup tables on the ATU campus in Russellville from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. First generation students and their advocates are encouraged to visit the tables and gain informational resources about first generation student success. In addition, first generation students will learn about ways in which they can express their appreciation to those who have supported them on their educational journey.
More details about the pop-up tables will be available at www.facebook.com/ATUCampusLife and www.instagram.com/atucampuslife.
Arkansas Tech is one of 31 institutions of higher learning around the United States that was selected to receive a grant supporting First Generation College Celebration 2020 programming.
The funds were made available by the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Center for First-Generation Student Success and the Suder Foundation. .
Learn more about the ways in which ATU supports first generation students by visiting www.atu.edu/firstgen.
