Towson University is ready to spend the week celebrating its first-generation students.

Gen One Week starts on Monday, Nov. 4, and the Division of Student Affairs will be hosting events that not only celebrate first generation students but provide them with information on how to navigate college.

TU's week of events coincides with national First-Generation College Celebration Day, which takes place on Friday, Nov. 8. TU will mark the occasion with a day full of events and programming focused on first gen students.

With over 17% of Towson University’s undergraduate population identifying as first gen, Towson University continues to provide support and a sense of community for these students who are the first in their family to experience college.

“Gen One Week is all about the celebration of our first-generation community,” says Charla Fowlkes, assistant director of Student Success Programs. “The week provides space and opportunity for the community to share stories, connect with on and off campus resources, and build strong bonds across faculty, staff, and student populations.

“This year, we are amplifying the student voice through each activity to acknowledge their persistence and positive impact on TU and the surrounding communities.”

Here is a complete list of events to celebrate Gen One Week on TU’s campus.

Monday - Gen One Week Kickoff

  • 11 a.m.–3 p.m. — Gen One Game Room. (University Union, Room 322)
  • 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m. - Gen One week Kickoff Mixer. (University Union, Room  322)

Tuesday - Gen One Votes: Election Day

  • 11 a.m.–5 p.m. - Gen One Creatives – Paint/ Bracelets/Press & Go and more. (University Union, Room 349)
  • 3:30–5 p.m. - Destressing the Vote - Dialogue Session: Experiences of a first-generation student around voting/election. Presented in collaboration with the Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity and Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility. (University Union Ballrooms)

Wednesday — Gen One Career Day

  • 4 – 5 p.m. - Resume 101 with the Career Center: First-Gen Edition. (University Union, Room 224)
  • 5:30 – 8 p.m. – Gen One and SGA present Open Mic Night. (PAWS)

Thursday — Gen One Movie Night

  • 5 – 9 p.m. - Gen One Watch Party and reception – In the Heights ( University Union 324)

Friday - Gen One Day

  • 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. – Gen One Day Celebration (University Union Ballrooms)
  • 2 – 5 p.m. - Gen One Resource Fair (University Union Ballrooms)
  • 6  p.m. – Gen One Night Men’s Basketball game vs. Penn State Wilkes Barre (TU Arena)

Gen One Week provides space and opportunity for the community to share stories, connect with on- and off-campus resources, and build strong bonds across faculty, staff, and student populations.

Charla Fowlkes

Along with Gen One Week, Towson University provides resources and programs throughout the year. Here are just a few examples of ways TU is helping first gen students.

The SAGE Program

Students Achieve Goals through Education (SAGE) program resources are used to foster academic achievement, personal development and campus-wide involvement among new students from diverse backgrounds.

The SAGE program’s original mission has expanded to include any entering freshman who wishes to participate. Participants are assigned a peer mentor and take part in various activities to improve, among others, academic, budget management and decision-making skills.

The program also provides a unique, on-campus residence program as part of Housing & Residence Life’s residential learning communities. The SAGE Learning Community offers

Man 2 Man

In a partnership between the Counseling Center and Student Success Programs, Man 2 Man serves as a support group that provides a confidential space for male-identifying