Full course description
9th Annual First-Generation Symposium
Thursday, February 12, 2026 and Friday, February 13, 2026
Rowan University’s First-Generation Task Force invites you to our 9th Annual First-Generation Symposium!
Trailblazers Today, Leaders Tomorrow: The First-Gen Future
The Rowan University First-Generation Symposium elevates the voices, innovations, and experiences of first-generation students, faculty, and professionals. As higher education rapidly evolves, this event reimagines support systems, celebrates success stories, and empowers first-gen leaders of today and tomorrow.
Through keynote presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and the return of the student-led panel, participants will explore how policy, pedagogy, mentorship, mental health, and innovation can transform the first-gen experience. Symposium tracks include pathways to access and success, cultivating leadership, identity and belonging, technology and curricular innovation, balancing life and education, and first-gen graduate school experiences.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and a renewed commitment to equity and access. Bringing together educators, administrators, policymakers, students, and community partners, this symposium fosters environments where first-generation individuals don't just survive-they thrive.
Inclement Weather: If hazardous weather conditions impact the in-person day, February 12th, all events will be transitioned to an online platform and links will be shared via email and the website (go.rowan.edu/flyingfirst)
Dates
February 12th, 2026 (In-person) and February 13th, 2026 (Virtually)
Payment Options
- External Purchase Order
- Rowan Department Sponsorship
- Gold sponsorship - $450 (15 staff)
- Silver sponsorship -$300 (10 staff)
- Bronze sponsorship - $150 (5 staff or less)
Symposium Fees (includes lunch on Thursday):
- Early registration: $60 (12/9- 1/23)
- Regular registration: $70 (1/24 - 2/7)
- Rowan employees 50% off, promo code: 50AFGS2025
- Students Free with student email, promo code: STFGS2025
NOTE: All invoices or billing not paid at time of registration will be due within 30 days of the event. To pay by invoice, please email firstgen@rowan.edu.
Refunds
Typically no refunds are allowed. For inquiries, please contact firstgen@rowan.edu.
Have Questions?
Please contact firstgen@rowan.edu for any questions.