F1rst Gen Shockers Events

Fall 2025

First-Gen Week is almost here! 🎉 We’re excited to celebrate and support our First-Generation students with a week full of events.

Monday, November 3 |  Mobile Monday.   11:30am - 1:00pm.  First Gen Council will be driving around campus on Monday with First Gen Carts for FIRST GEN WEEK!  Visit the golfcart for event information on how to  participate in First Gen Week!!  Golf carts are giving out prizes to students who sign up for a First Gen event. 

• • Free boxed lunch
  • Shocker Career Accelerator bucket hats
  • Limited edition First Gen Keychain
  • First Annual First Generation laptop sticker!

Monday, October 27 thru Friday, November 7 |  6th Annual First Gen Art Exhibition, Cadman Art Gallery in Rhatigan Student Center.  Exhibit Theme is IDENTITY.  Prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and Honorable Mentions.  No fees to enter.  For Information and registration click here.   

Tuesday, November 4 | TRIO/GEAR UP Takeover Tuesday.  TRIO programs were the first to use the term first-generation student in the late 1960s, identifying students whose parents had not earned a four-year college degree. For over 50 years, TRIO has been a national leader in advocating for first-gen and limited income students. At Wichita State University, TRIO and GEAR UP programs continue this legacy by providing academic support, mentorship, and college access services—empowering students to succeed and break barriers through education. To celebrate First Gen Week, you're invited to TRIO/GEAR UP Programs Take Over Tuesday! Join us on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the RSC from 10:00am-1:00pm to learn how you can benefit from the TRIO and GEAR UP Programs at WSU. Limited edition First Gen Keychains will be available. 

Enjoy treats, swag, and valuable resources—we look forward to seeing you there!  Contact: Vanessa Souriya-Mnirajd

Wednesday, November 5 | Wellness Wednesday.  Physical, Career, and Mental Wellness! 

• Physical Wellness
  • 12:00–12:45pm | Livestream – Yoga Live Stream | Location: YMCA
  • 5:30–6:00pm | YMCA – Yoga In-person Class | Location: YMCA
  • 6:30–7:30pm | YMCA – Zumba Fitness | Location: YMCA
• Career Wellness | Shocker Career Accelerator, Marcus Welcome Center – Building Your Professional Brand Event- “How can I, as a first generation student, stand out when applying for jobs or internships?”
  
  • Shocker Career Accelerator Certified Career Coaches will coach students through ‘building their professional brand’. Including information with one-on-one coaching assisting students with their specific LinkedIn profile, a resume review for their particular industry and free professional headshots. Students can ‘drop by’ anytime from 10am-1:30pm and Shocker Career Accelerator  will guide them their building their professional brand!
• Financial Wellness: 12:00–1:30pm | Shocker Hall Multi-Purpose Room – First-Gen Finances |
  • Celebrate National First-Generation Day with a powerful financial wellness workshop designed specifically for first-gen college students! Hosted by Shocker Financial Wellness and the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, this event will help you build confidence in managing your money during and after college.

• Mental & Academic Wellness | 9:30–11:00am 

  • Ablah Library – Finding Wellness and Success at the Library

  • ADHD Workshop. Location and Time TBD. 
  • CAPS Program.  Location and Time TBD. 
  • SOS/CARE Team: "Gratitude Pumpkins" 11am-12:30pm | Location TBD | Students will create paper pumpkins and write expressions of gratitude on the paper strips used to make the pumpkins. Students can also decorate cards and give to someone who has made an impact on their academics or well-being.

Thursday, November 6 | First Gen Art Gallery Exhibit Reception. Cadman Art Gallery in Rhatigan Student Center, 3:30-4:30pm. 

The First Generation Coordinating Council (FGCC) and the First Generation Students Organization (FGSO) invite all Wichita State University’s first-generation college students to apply and participate in our Sixth Annual All Media Art Exhibition.  Limited edition First Gen Keychains will also be available. 

This art exhibition will showcase Wichita State’s creative and talented first-generation students through the display of unique artwork.

• Register here: First-Gen Art Registration
• Contact Person:  Marco Hernandez-Guillen 

Friday, November 7 | Bridging the Gap: Supporting First-Gen Success.  8:30am–10:00am.  Shocker Hall Building A Multipurpose Room. Join faculty & staff for continental breakfast and discussion on supporting First-Gen students. Please RSVP by Oct 31, 2025. 

Monday, November 17 | Hot Cocoa with the LAS Dean!  9:00am - 12:00pm.  Hosted by Fairmount College Student Advisory Council. Lindquist Hall 200.  Come and go event.