First-Generation Tigers
First to Roar, Next to Succeed
First-Generation Students at LSU
Being a first-gen student at LSU is something to be proud of. It also means you may be figuring out a lot on your own: how financial aid works, what office hours are for, how to choose a major, or even what questions to ask. At LSU, we've got a network ready to support you in academics and involvement, from your first semester through graduation.
Learn what it means to be first-gen at LSU.
Take Your Next Step
First-Gen Celebration Week
Celebrate your first-gen experience while connecting with other first-gen students and the resources you need most.
First-Gen Career Mentor Program
Get matched with a first-generation professional to build your career skills during virtual sessions offered each spring.
At LSU, first-generation students are those whose parents or guardians did not complete a bachelor's degree, regardless of the education level of any other family member. First-generation students may also be those whose parents or guardians earned a college degree outside the United States.
First-Gen Celebration Week
Join us as we celebrate and recognize the powerful and valuable contributions of first-gen students, faculty, and staff at LSU. All week long, you'll connect with others who share your unique experience, join conversations that matter, and discover resources to help you thrive at LSU.
Schedule of Events
10 - 11 a.m.
Make Networking Work for You
Location: Career Classroom, 256J LSU Student Union
Networking is often described as essential to career success, but students are rarely taught how to do it confidently. Drawing from her 15-year career and experiences teaching at LSU’s Manship School, Connie Silva developed a practical approach to networking that helps students overcome hesitation and build meaningful professional connections. Connie will help students take the “scary” out of networking by reframing it as simply being kind, making connections, and staying in touch, while providing practical tools they can use to build a supportive professional network.
1 - 2 p.m.
Legends Come First - Building Your Winning Team Through Networking
Location: Virtual, register on Handshake https://lsu.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/2041620.
Success is rarely a solo journey. For first-generation students, building relationships with mentors, peers, faculty, alumni, and professionals can open doors to academic, personal, and career opportunities. This interactive virtual workshop will help students build confidence in networking, strengthen existing connections, leverage LinkedIn and alumni networks, and develop authentic relationship-building habits. Through practical activities, students will create a personalized networking plan and learn how to build a supportive professional “team” for their future success.
5 -7 p.m.
Celebrating First-Gen with the Alumni Network
Location: Alumni Association
Kickoff celebration where students can come to mix and mingle with other First-Gen students and get informational handouts on how the alumni network can be beneficial now and post-graduation. We will provide heavy appetizers and beverages. RSVP at https://lsu.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/2034941
2 - 3 p.m.
Handling the Stress of Being First
Wellness presentation with group discussion focusing on Coping Mechanisms, Stress Management, and Self-Efficacy.
Location: Career Classroom, 256J LSU Student Union
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
First-Gen Celebration Networking Dinner
Location: The Club on Union Square
First-gen students will gather to celebrate being first-gen and to network with employers, practice their networking skills, gain career insights, and build connections. Dinner is included as well. RSVP: https://lsu.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/2034825
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Resume Drop-Ins
Location: Olinde Career Center, LSU Student Union
Drop by to have your resume reviewed, get helpful feedback, and explore resume resources to strengthen your application materials. No appointment is needed.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Brewing Conversations: First-Gen Graduate Legends
Location: Hatcher Hall, Room 226
Brewing Conversations is a gathering designed to bring first-generation graduate students together with the Dean of the Graduate School over coffee, tea, and light refreshments. This event will provide a relaxed, welcoming environment where students can connect with one another, build relationships with Graduate School leadership, and share experiences navigating graduate education as first-gen students. The Dean will circulate among students and participate in small-group conversations. The focus is on celebrating their experiences, accomplishments, and contributions while fostering a sense of community among first-generation graduate students across disciplines.
5 - 6 p.m.
First-Gen Tigers and Tide: From Campus to Career – Building Momentum Together
Location: Virtual, https://ua-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/5oVsbjqKTqOm7hMvbE835g
This virtual event will feature a college-to-career alumni panel and bring together first-generation students from LSU and the University of Alabama for an evening focused on career development, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Two Sessions:
Noon - 12:30 p.m. &
5 - 5:30 p.m.
First Gen to Finish: How SSS Supports Your Success
Location: TBD
This interactive information session will introduce first-generation students to TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and the academic, personal, and professional resources available to help them navigate and succeed in college.
Times:
Noon p.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Capital Chambers, Room 329 (3rd floor of Student Union)
and
5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Geaux Center (1st floor of Student Union)
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Legend in the Making - Dreaming Up Your Future Through Student Employment
Location: Career Classroom, 256J LSU Student Union
This interactive First-Generation Week workshop connects student employment to long-term career and personal success. After a brief overview of student employment opportunities and the job search process, students will create a vision board centered on a word that represents their future selves! Through reflection, goal setting, and visualization, students will explore their aspirations, values, and the life they hope to build.
5 - 7 p.m.
Cozy Craft & Game Night
Location: Main Library, Room 109
Come to the library for a fun, relaxed experience featuring board and card games, crafts, and opportunities to explore library resources and collections. The librarians will lead interactive game stations while students can also enjoy creative activities, displays, and light refreshments. Students are encouraged to bring their favorite cozy items, such as blankets, slippers, or stuffies, as we create a welcoming environment that highlights the library as a comfortable space for connection, discovery, and academic support.
9 - 11 a.m.
First to Roar Breakfast
Location: Atchafalaya Room 339 in the Student Union
Join us for breakfast and connection! Meet the LSU First-Gen Forward committee, connect with fellow first-generation students, discover helpful campus resources, and learn about upcoming first-gen events.
All Day
Social Media Takeover
Location: Social Media Platforms
We invite first-generation students to share what being first-gen means to you, celebrate the experiences that shaped your journey, and help inspire others along the way.
Post a photo, video, or message sharing your first-gen experience and use these hashtags to connect with the first-gen community:
#FirstToRoar #LSUFirstGen #LegendsBeginWithFirsts
Get Your First-Gen Grad Cord
Celebrate your accomplishments with a distinguished First-Generation Student Cord at graduation.
For First-Gen Families
You provide immense support and even serve as great resources in your Tiger's journey! In addition to encouraging your student to seek help when needed and recognize that the college experience is new and will present unique challenges for each student, LSU encourages family members to get involved in the following ways:
- Attend First-Gen Student & Family orientation sessions
- Stay informed about LSU resources and events by connecting through the LSU Family Hub and Parent & Family Programs
LSU is a proud member of the FirstGen Forward Network. A national model inspired to successfully engage and positively impact the college experience of first-generation students. Under this model, LSU offers social and academic resources to assist students and their families in navigating the higher education landscape for the first time.