First-Generation College Celebration ’26
Join First-Generation Student Success during First-Generation Week 2026! The First-Generation Tour honors the resilience and achievements of students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree, with a week of events designed to connect, empower and celebrate our first-generation community. Whether you’re a first-gen student or a proud supporter, we invite you to get involved and celebrate with us.
Headliner Events
First-Generation
Tailgate
Friday, October 30, 2026,
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Located by Health Sciences 1,
Yellow Zone 8 & 9
Kick off First-Generation Week with a blast and join fellow first-generation Knights, faculty, staff and alumni at the tailgate. Join in on all the fun and games engaging with community and school spirit.
Yellow Zone 8 & 9
Road to Generational
Wealth
Monday, November 2, 2026,
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
John C. Hitt Library, Room 402
Join the Office of First-Generation Student Success and 8 Cents in a Jar for an interactive financial literacy workshop. Learn practical strategies for managing money, building credit and saving toward lasting generational wealth.
First-Generation
Graduate Panel
Monday, November 2, 2026,
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Dixon Career Development Center, Room 121
Get an inside look at graduate school from current and recent graduates who’ve walked the first-generation path. Hear their experiences and advice to help you decide if graduate school is right for you.
The Who and How of Networking
Tuesday, November 3, 2026,
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Virtual
Everyone says to network, but what does that really mean?
Join Project BASTA and learn how to identify who’s in your network and recruit them onto your job-search dream team, with tips grounded in today’s networking trends.
ProConnect Networking
Panel
Wednesday, November 4, 2026,
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Student Union, Key West Ballroom, Room 218
Grow your professional network at the Fall 2026 ProConnect Networking Panel! Industry professionals share their best networking practices to help you land your next opportunity. Free refreshments.
Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony
Thursday, November 5, 2026,
1:30 to 4 p.m.
Student Union, Cape Florida Ballroom, Room 316
Celebrate the newest members of Tri-Alpha, the national honor society for first-generation college students, as we recognize their academic achievement and dedication to first-generation success.
Invitation Only
Line-up of Featured Events
|
DATE |
EVENT |
TIME (ET) |
LOCATION |
REGISTER + CONTACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MON, NOV |
How To Summarize Literature DescriptionTechniques for reading, organizing, and synthesizing academic literature. Compare across studies to build a strong review to support your research. |
9:30 a.m. |
ONLINE |
Contact: our@ucf.edu |
|
TUE, NOV |
UCF Alumni Book Club Virtual Discussion – Hazelthorn by CG Drews DescriptionConnect virtually with other alumni, bond over books, and have the opportunity to learn more about UCF alumni. |
7 p.m. |
ONLINE |
Contact: Thad Anderson, knights@ucfalumni.com |
|
TUE, NOV |
Knights Trumpet Ensemble DescriptionRecital by the UCF Trumpet Studio, directed by Dr. Cook. |
7:30 p.m. |
In person |
No registration required. Contact: jesse.cook@ucf.edu |
|
WED, NOV |
Get Started in Undergraduate Research DescriptionGetting started in understanding what research is, and having a chance to meet faculty members. |
11 a.m. |
ONLINE |
Contact: our@ucf.edu |
|
WED, NOV |
Graduate Counseling Program Information Session: MA, EdS and PhD DescriptionAn extensive overview of the masters and doctoral degrees in all types of counseling, learn when applications requirements and deadlines, and meet with the Counseling Program Director. |
4 p.m. |
ONLINE |
Contact: Dr. W. Bryce Hagedorn, bryce.hagedorn@ucf.edu |
|
WED, NOV |
Wellness Wednesdays DescriptionA quick movement break, helping you combat the fatigue that comes with sitting to study or work. There will be a functional movement challenge to win a library swag bag! |
2 p.m. |
In person |
No registration required. Contact: lauren.kehoe@ucf.edu |
|
WED, NOV |
Career and Wellness Peer Support Group DescriptionAdvice in navigating difficult career-related decisions through guided discussions and shared experiences. |
4 p.m. |
In person |
No registration required. Contact: career@ucf.edu |
|
WED, NOV |
How to Start Your Business DescriptionAn overview of what to know, important actions to take, and steps to avoid common misconceptions about starting a business. |
9 a.m. |
ONLINE |
Contact: Lana Lia Garcia, lanalia.garcia@ucf.edu |
|
WED, NOV |
Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Pre-Grad Planning Drop-In Session DescriptionConnect with someone to help you build a strong application for law school, graduate school, or health professional programs. |
1 p.m. |
Contact: Kelsey Limonta, kelsey.limonta@ucf.edu |
|
|
WED, NOV |
Bachelor’s in Nursing Online Information Session DescriptionAn opportunity for prospective students to learn about unique admission requirements for the BSN track. |
2 p.m. |
ONLINE |
Contact: Jacob Lawhon |
|
WED, NOV |
Guest Artist Recital: Juan Álamo, percussion DescriptionRecital by renowned marimbist, educator, and composer Juan Alamo. |
8 p.m |
In person |
No registration required. Contact: Thad Anderson –tra@ucf.edu |
MON, NOV 2, 9:30 A.m.
How To Summarize Literature
Techniques for reading, organizing, and synthesizing academic literature. Compare across studies to build a strong review to support your research.
Online
Contact: our@ucf.edu
TUE, NOV 3, 7 p.m.
UCF Alumni Book Club Virtual Discussion – Hazelthorn by CG Drews
Connect virtually with other alumni, bond over books, and have the opportunity to learn more about UCF alumni.
Online
Contact: Tenley Sterkel, knights@ucfalumni.com
TUE, NOV 3, 7:30 p.m.
Knights Trumpet Ensemble
Recital by the UCF Trumpet Studio, directed by Dr. Cook.
In Person – Rehearsal Hall: Auditorium
No registration required
Contact: jesse.cook@ucf.edu
WED, NOV 4, 11 a.m.
Get Started in Undergraduate Research
Getting started in understanding what research is, and having a chance to meet faculty members.
Online
Contact: our@ucf.edu
WED, NOV 4, 2 p.m.
Wellness Wednesdays
A quick movement break, helping you combat the fatigue that comes with sitting to study or work. There will be a functional movement challenge to win a library swag bag!
In Person – John C Hitt Library
No registration required
Contact: lauren.kehoe@ucf.edu
WED, NOV 4, 4 p.m.
Graduate Counseling Program Information Session: MA, EdS and PhD
An extensive overview of the masters and doctoral degrees in all types of counseling, learn when applications requirements and deadlines, and meet with the Counseling Program Director.
Online
Contact: Dr. W. Bryce Hagedorn, bryce.hagedorn@ucf.edu
WED, NOV 4, 4 p.m.
Career and Wellness Peer Support Group
Advice in navigating difficult career-related decisions through guided discussions and shared experiences.
In Person – CSEL 115
No registration required
Contact: career@ucf.edu
Wed, NOV 5, 9 a.m.
How to Start Your Business
An overview of what to know, important actions to take, and steps to avoid common misconceptions about starting a business.
Online
Contact: Lana Lia Garcia, lanalia.garcia@ucf.edu
Wed, NOV 5, 1 p.m.
Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Pre-Grad Planning Drop-In Session
Connect with someone to help you build a strong application for law school, graduate school, or health professional programs.
In Person – Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center
Contact: Kelsey Limonta, kelsey.limonta@ucf.edu
Wed, NOV 5, 2 p.m.
Bachelor’s in Nursing Online Information Session
An opportunity for prospective students to learn about unique admission requirements for the BSN track.
Online
Contact: Jacob Lawhon, 407-823-2744, UCFNurse@ucf.edu
Wed, NOV 5, 8 p.m.
Guest Artist Recital: Juan Álamo, percussion
Recital by renowned marimbist, educator, and composer Juan Alamo.
In Person – Rehearsal Hall: Auditorium
No registration required
Contact: Thad Anderson, tra@ucf.edu