Saturday, November 9
9am-5pm
Willard Straight Hall

 

REGISTER HERE

Interested in presenting? Session proposals can be submitted here.

 

What is this conference?

This event is hosted by the First-Generation & Low Income Student Support office at Cornell - and run by staff from across campus that way to support YOU! This is a chance to meet your peers, find community, be celebrated and learn about all the resources available on campus.

Who is this conference for?

Any student on campus who identifies as a first-generation college student. At Cornell, we consider you a first-generation college student if you come from a family in which neither of your parents or guardians has obtained a four-year college degree.

Although you may feel like you are alone in that experience, 19.9% of the students in the incoming class of 2026 identified as first-generation college students!

What should I expect at the conference?

The conference will touch on a wide variety of topics that may interest you including things such as campus life, financial literacy, life transitions, and well-being. Themes will include learning about yourself, defining your passions and taking action.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Conference schedule:

9:00 - 9:40am | Welcome & Refreshments (40 min)
9:40 - 10:30am | Breakout Sessions (Concurrent) (50 min) 
10:40 - 11:30am | Breakout Sessions (Concurrent) (50 min) 
11:30am - 12:50pm | Sit-Down Brunch & Keynote (1 hr 20 min)
1:00 - 1:50pm | Life Skills Fair (50 min)
2:00 - 2:50pm | Panel Discussion (50 min)
3:00 - 3:45pm | Conference Closing/Alma Mater ( 45min)

*Please be aware that the committee is still finalizing aspects of the conference, so details may change.

 

We can't wait to meet you!

REGISTER HERE

 

Faculty & Staff:

We want you to be involved, too!

 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Request to Become a Presenter

    We invite you to submit a proposal to present at this conference. We are seeking engaging sessions, workshops, and presentations that will empower, inspire, and equip first-gen students with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally. This is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise, connect with trailblazing students, and contribute to the success of future first-generation college graduates. We welcome proposals from educators, professionals, alumni, and organizations who are passionate about supporting this incredible community. We look forward to receiving your submissions and creating an impactful experience for our first-gen students!

    Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

    • Navigating the transition from high school to college
    • Building networks and support systems
    • Academic success strategies for first-gen students
    • Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence
    • Financial literacy and managing student debt
    • Preparing for internships, jobs, and post-graduation success
    • Mental health and wellness for first-gen students

    Submission Details:

    • Deadline: October 9, 2024
    • Submit your proposal here!

  • Become a Sponsor

    We offer several sponsorship opportunities that provide visibility for your organization, along with the chance to directly contribute to the success of Cornell’s trailblazing first-gen students. By becoming a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable exposure while directly supporting first-gen students’ academic, personal, and professional journeys. Together, let’s empower the next generation of leaders!

    Sponsorship Opportunities:

    Champion: Keynote Sponsor ($3,000+)

    • Company logo featured on all swag bags distributed to conference attendees. Logo submission deadline October 11th.
    • Premier branding on all conference materials and promotion
    • VIP access to meet the keynote speaker
    • Invite two students to join the keynote session

    Advocate: Swag Bag Sponsor ($1,500+)

    • Company logo featured on all swag bags distributed to conference attendees. Logo submission deadline October 11th.
    • Include two branded promotional items in each bag (125)
    • Recognition on the conference website, program, and signage

    Supporter: Conference Ribbon Sponsor ($300+)

    • Company name/logo on custom ribbons worn by all attendees
    • Recognition on the conference website and program

    Interested in Sponsorship?

    Contact Shannon Musgrove at smm448@cornell.edu  for more details or to confirm your sponsorship.

    Commitment Deadline: October 20, 2024.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Conference Planning Committee Members

  • Shannon Musgrove, Associate Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Empowerment; Committee Chair-Person
  • Max Mandeville, Senior Conference and Event Planner; Logistics
  • Bridget DuBrey, Student Engagement Systems Analyst; Registration
  • Foula Dimopoulos, Senior Advisor for EOP, HEOP & Pre-Professional Programs (P3), First Gen Program Coordinator; Registration
  • Laura Gallup, Communications Lead; Marketing and Communications
  • Carrie Bauer, Upward Bound Program Coordinator; Life Skills Fair
  • Pa Nhia Yang, Assistant Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Empowerment; Sponsors & Keynote
  • Elaine Lu, Career Readiness Coach; Breakout Sessions
  • Erika Crawley, Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards; Breakout Sessions
  • Victor Cuicahua, Associate Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Empowerment, Undocumented/DACA Student Support; Breakout Sessions
  • Dannemart Pierre, Associate Dean of Students, Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Empowerment; Conference Advisor & Breakout Sessions