Montana State to host annual first-generation college celebration and nontraditional student week Nov. 2-6

BOZEMAN - Montana State University will celebrate its first-generation and nontraditional students, faculty and staff with a series of events Nov. 2-6.

A first-generation student is one whose parents did not graduate with a four-year college degree. Nearly 18% of MSU's total undergraduate population and 15% of MSU's graduate students identify as first-generation students, according to TRIO Student Support Services. Nontraditional students are those who have found a unique path to college, including adult learners, transfer students, veterans and students without a traditional high-school diploma.

The event series is a collaboration between First-Generation at MSU and Forge: Pathways and Belonging, recognizing National Nontraditional Student Week and leading up to the National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Sunday, Nov. 8. Throughout the month of November, the MSU Library will host a first-generation photo exhibit - reflecting on what it means to be first-generation through stories from students, faculty and staff - and a display of famous first-generation individuals.

MSU's Forge: Pathways and Belonging, which supports nontraditional students on their path to a degree, will host activities and giveaways throughout the week. Its student hub will host a grand opening on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the Strand Union Building.

A complete schedule of planned events is listed below:

Monday, Nov. 2

• First-generation and nontraditional celebration kickoff, 9 to 11 a.m. on Malone Centennial Mall. The First-Generation Celebration Committee and Forge: Pathways and Belonging will provide snacks, hot beverages, giveaways and photo opportunities. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the MSU Library.
• Career readiness workshop, noon to 1 p.m. in the SUB, Room 102. Forge: Pathways and Belonging will host a workshop in which participants will take the National Association of Colleges and Employers self-assessment, make goals to level up their skills before graduation and receive a NACE card deck. Registration can be found online.
• Campus services and resources tour, 1 to 2 p.m. starting in the SUB, Room 201.
• Bridges to First-Generation Students workshop, 1 to 4 p.m. in the SUB, Room 168. Attendees will learn what being a first-generation college student means, current national and local trends, and best practices to better support first-generation students at MSU. Students will discuss their college experience during a panel. Registration is required.

Tuesday, Nov. 3

• Grand opening of the Forge Student Hub, 1 to 3 p.m. in the SUB, Room 102. The Forge Student Hub supports nontraditional students with resource navigation, scholarships, workshops and community. Food and prizes will be provided.
• Igniting student stories, 3 to 5 p.m. in the SUB's Leigh Lounge. The First-Generation Students Association will host nontraditional and first-generation students as they share their stories with attendees.

Wednesday, Nov. 4

• Campus services and resources tour, 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. starting in the SUB, Room 102.
• FAFSA workshop, 1 to 3 p.m. in the Renne Library, Room 152. Attendees will receive support from MSU's Office of Financial Aid in filling out their FAFSA for the 2027-28 academic year.

Thursday, Nov. 5

• First-generation study abroad coffee corner, 1 to 2 p.m. in the Renne Library, Room 152. Attendees can ask first-generation students about their study abroad experience and speak with representatives from MSU's Office of International Programs, First-Generation at MSU and the First-Generation Students Association.
• First-Generation College Celebration Showcase, 3 to 5 p.m. in Norm Asbjornson Hall's Inspiration Hall. First-generation students will showcase their research, art, writing and other projects.

Friday, Nov. 6

• Welcoming prospective students and parents, all day starting in the SUB, Room 102. While visiting campus through MSU Friday, prospective students and parents can visit with Forge: Pathways and Belonging staff to learn about MSU's Access and Success programs and student support.

The events will be presented by First-Generation at MSU, the First-Generation Celebration Committee, the First-Generation Student Association and Forge: Pathways and Belonging. For more information, visit the first-generation events page or the Forge website.