The Office of Graduate Student Life celebrates first-generation graduate student success, which includes providing intentional support and facilitating community building opportunities for first-generation graduate students across the graduate and professional schools at Rutgers–New Brunswick.
The Office of Graduate Student Life would like to increase awareness about the experiences of first-generation graduate students as a means to share knowledge and best practices for supporting first-generation graduate student success.
A first-generation graduate student is someone who is the first generation of their family to...|
- Earn a Bachelor's degree
- Enter graduate school
- Enter graduate school in the United States
- Navigate the grad school process, without receiving access to the knowledge of grad school, even if they have a family member who earned a graduate degree
Signature Events for First-Gen Grad Students
First-Generation Graduate Student Welcome Social
Friday, September 12th | 5pm – 6:30pm
Location: Graduate Student Lounge, 126 College Avenue (behind Panera Bread)
New and returning first-generation graduate students are invited to a welcome social to meet other first-gen grad students, network with staff and learn about resources. Join us for a pizza dinner, fellowship, and connection! All participants will receive a free Rutgers tote from the Office of Graduate Student Life!
Slice of Connection: A First-Gen Grad Meet-Up
Monday, November 3 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Graduate Student Lounge, 126 College Avenue (behind Panera Bread)
In recognition of National First-Generation College Celebration Week (November 3-8), join the Office of Graduate Student Life in the Graduate Student Lounge for a low-pressure drop-in event for first-generation graduate students. Whether you're just starting grad school or deep into the journey, Slice of Connection is your chance to pause, reflect, and build your campus network. Chat with veteran first-gens over pizza and mingle with staff who have also navigated the first-gen grad journey.
