Raymond Baccari
Editor-in-Chief
Rhode Island College is hosting several events to celebrate its first generation college students. First- generation students are students whose parents didn’t earn a four-year college degree. The college welcomes all of those in the RIC community to celebrate these students who are achieving a major milestone in their lives and making their families proud.
This is the second year RIC has organized events that honor these students. Last year, the Center for Scholar Development held a ceremony in RIC’s student ballroom on the same day that the National First-Generation College Celebration fell on.
These events will take place from Monday, Nov. 14 to Thursday, Nov. 17.
The first day of events includes a resume and internship 101 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., coordinated by RIC Student Support Services. This event will help teach those who attend how to seek an internship, which most professions students pursue after college, and what potential employees will want them to have on their resume. Alongside guidance on seeking an internship, students attending also get an opportunity to build their resume. Afterward, students will be able to have a professional headshot of them taken, which can also be used in a resume or portfolio.
The SSS also provide a number of resources for those who are first-generation college students such as:
Access to SSS Grant Aid Scholarships (for eligible students).
One-on-One Advising & Counseling.
Support in adjusting to Virtual Learning.
Assistance with the Financial Aid Process.
Work with SSS Tutors.
Seminars & Workshops with your SSS community.
Advice through the Graduate School Application Process.
Cultural Events & Leadership Activities.
Then on Tuesday is a graduate school workshop. This workshop is for students considering going to graduate school. During this event from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., attendees will get to hear from current first-generation graduate students of color, and hear about their experiences. In addition, students get to learn more information about and how to apply for the McNair Scholars program.
On that same day is a live webinar at 2 p.m. with Dr. Vicki Johnson, founder of ProFellow about how professional fellowships can help those interested in pursuing a career in public service.
The day after, on Nov. 16, is a celebration for these students similar to the aforementioned event from last year. This takes place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the student ballroom, and animal therapy will also be present.
The final event is on Thursday, Nov. 17, and is organized by the RIC Alumni Association. This event will give current first-generation students a chance to connect and network with fellow first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni. Lunch will be available, and this event takes place in the student ballroom from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
These events are helpful for first-generation students, because they face a different set of challenges than students who aren’t the first in their immediate family to obtain a four-year college degree.
Those who have questions about the events can contact the Center for Scholar Development by phone at 401-456-8062 or via email at mmuccio@ric.edu.