ASMSU traditionally plans this annual event, Vice President of Academic Affairs Ahmed Amir said.

Amir, who organized the event, said he wanted first-generation students to understand there are offices and resources available to support them throughout their college experiences.

“MSU is a really big campus, and it can be really difficult to navigate sometimes, especially if you're a first-gen student who is navigating a space that nobody else in your family has necessarily been through,” Amir said.

A new addition to the fair involved several breakout rooms that occurred throughout the event, Amir said. Breakout rooms featured presentations by MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services and MSU Education Abroad, while others included presentations by career services and discussed financial literacy. 

These sessions allowed for a more intimate setting where students could learn and inquire about a specific resource or office.

Marlene Villa, coordinator for first-generation student success and chair of the first-generation week planning committee, said she collaborated with ASMSU for this event and others held later in the week. 

The "big hallmark" of the week is the Vanderploeg First Generation Reception and Awards, Villa said. The event will be held Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Union Ballroom.  

The first half will be a networking reception, with the latter an award ceremony for first-generation students and faculty and staff who have advocated for first-generation students in the past.

One of the primary goals for this week is to make it known to first-generation students that they are seen and supported by the university, Villa said. 

Villa wants to bring awareness to what it means to be first-generation, as she said many are not even aware they fall into this category. 

“What that means here at the university is a student who's neither parent or guardian completed a four-year university or college degree,” she said.

Villa wants to use this week to not only provide information and academic resources, but also celebrate the work and successes of first-generation students.

“We are here to celebrate them and support them," Villa said. "That's what the week is about."

Criminal justice and psychology junior Selena Salinas tabled for the First Generation Leadership and Innovation Scholars Program (FLI) at the event. Salinas said the program works to inform students of first-generation resources.

Salinas, who is a first-generation student herself, joined FLI her freshman year. 

FLI provided her with resources on how to network, apply for jobs and create a resume, she said.

“Being a part of FLI really helped me break out of my shell and not be ashamed that I'm a first-gen,” she said.

Salinas wants to use her position as Program Lead for FLI to bring more awareness and resources to students who may not even realize they are first-generation, she said. 

“That's why I'm thankful that we do these networking events,” Salinas said.

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz attended part of the fair, speaking with attendees and those tabling as well as organizers.

Guskiewicz said first-generation students comprise 21% of the incoming class this semester. One of his goals is to make sure those students can thrive by taking advantage of the university’s resources, he said. 

“Unfortunately, a lot of these resources are unknown to the students,” Guskiewicz said, adding that he hoped the event could help students gain easier access to resources. 

A breakout room hosted by Olivia Scott, the CAPS assistant director of multicultural initiatives and community engagement, highlighted some of the challenges faced by first-generation students.

Scott said first-generation students can struggle with the transition to the college environment, whether that be with navigating class structures, schedules or the demands of different courses and majors.

Additionally, she said she often hears from first-generation students that creating long lasting relationships and a sense of belonging can be challenging. 

“I hear a lot from first-gen students that (it) can be an isolating identity to have at a school like this, where it feels like other students know what they're doing, or they have more family support around their degree,” Scott said.

Other challenges faced by first-generation students included a lack of self-confidence, family stressors and balancing the roles and responsibilities as a college student, Scott said.

Scott then discussed how students can deal with these challenges in a healthy way, including reflecting on personal strengths, recognizing signs of stress and incorporating self care.

Scott also pointed to CAPS as a service that offers formal and informal support to students, with some facilitators dedicated to the pathways program aimed toward first-generation students. 

She hopes having someone in an environment students see weekly will make them feel more comfortable to reach out for help.

“It's kind of like a community based approach, showing up in places where students are and cultivating relationships that way,” she said. 

Other First-Generation Week events include a graduate student panel, roundtable discussions and a destressing event. Further details on the week's events can be viewed here.