Events

Every semester events for first-generation and/or limited-income students are organized by the staff of the Student Center for Equity and Inclusion. From social get-togethers to informative workshops, panels, and networking opportunities, there will be many ways to connect with your peers, as well as helpful staff, faculty, and alumni. Events will often feature free food, giveaways, and fun. Follow us on Instagram @urspidersfli, sign up for our listserv, or join our Group Me for more information about upcoming events. We hope to see you often.

Fall, 2024 Events

Escape Room Adventure
Sunday, January 28, 12:30 pm, Transportation Hub at the Commons

There's room for 30 FLI students to head to Gnome and Raven at Stony Point Fashion Park, and participate in one of 3 Escape Rooms. We'll provide the ticket and transportation for those who need it. Registration is required and will open on Thursday, Jan. 18. Tinyurl.com/FLIescaperoom. We'll return to campus by 2:30 pm. 

Mentor/Mentee Welcome Social for New Mentor/Mentee Pairs
Monday, January 29, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Wilton Center Multifaith Room, 1st floor

All new spring FLI mentees, or mentees who have new mentors, are welcome to come to our Mentee Social and get to know the FLI program, your mentor, and each other. Hear about all the events coming up this semester and enjoy some pizza as we kick off the spring semester together. 

Study Abroad Workshop for FLI Students
Monday, February 5, 5:00 - 6:00 pm, THC 321

Experts from International Education, Financial Aid, and Scholars and Fellowships will answer your questions about how Study Abroad works, and what the University offers to make it affordable for everyone. FLI students who have studied abroad will also attend to share their experiences. No registration is required. 

Valentine's Day Crafting Social
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-4 pm, The Pier, first floor, THC

Make Valentine's, Galentine's, or Palentine's cards for the special people in your life, decorate cookies or make friendship bracelets, enjoy some delicious snacks, and hang out together in the Commons for some Valentines-themed fun. 

Mindfulness Study Break
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Well-Being Center Mind/Body Studio

Who doesn't need to chill out before midterms? Explore gentle yoga, get a 10-minute massage, practice breathing exercises, stop by the demonstration kitchen for some healthy snacks, or start journaling in our Gratitude Journals, while supplies last. There will be something for everyone so stop by after class and find your perfect version of chill. Raffle for two personal massagers for everyone who goes to at least two stations. 

Adulting Workshop
Monday, March 4, 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Wilton Center Multifaith Room
More info tbd

SCEI Alumni/Student Networking Reception
Thursday, March 7,  6:00 - 8:00 pm, The Veil Brewery, Scott's Addition
More info tbd

Senior Cording and FLI Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, April 2, 6 pm, Breed Pavillion, Admissions Building
More info tbd

Watch for more events posted as the semester goes along.

Get a Jump on Your Career with Career Launch

The Career Launch program is back this December with another 4-week virtual program to learn how to find and talk with professionals in your field of interest. Many FLI students don't have large personal networks of professionals who can guide them to internships or jobs, or explain what their worklife is really like. Career Launch teaches you how to build your own professional network and how to practice having meaningful career conversations with them. You get a workbook, micro-learning videos sent to your phone or email 3 times a week, and a group coaching session with UR Career Advisors once a week over Zoom to support you. You will have to do a little homework, no more than 1-2 hours a week, which is why we offer it over breaks. 

The meeting times will be 10:00 - 10:45 am EST on December 21, January 4, and January 11th, and once you are back at school the final session will be in-person on Thursday, January 18 at 4:00 pm. 

If you are ready to register, and plan to participate in the entire series, you may go to https://tinyurl.com/wintercareerlaunch. If you have questions you should direct them to Beth Chancy, bchancy@richmond.edu or Brandy Ewell, bewell@richmond.edu in Career Services. 

Celebrate National First-Generation Student Celebration Week, Nov. 3-11

There will be something for everyone at this year's First-Gen Week. Please join us at all the events that you can! Note that some require registration and the link to register is included in the event description. 

Opening Reception, First-Gen Display in Boatwright
Friday, Nov. 3, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, Boatwright 2nd floor
Join us for light refreshments as we come together to enjoy Boatwright Library's display for National First-Gen Week which includes books by and about the first-gen experience and famous first-gen folks, as well as the honest and inspirational stories of first-gen members of our community. Each story will be highlighted along with a photograph of the student, staff, or alumni writer. Wondering if you fully understand the first-gen experience? Come read our stories, and celebrate our many strengths with us. The display will remain up in the library through November.

The Changing Landscape of Financial Aid
Monday, November 6, 4 pm, THC 321
The national financial aid procedures are changing for 2024. Come hear from UR Financial Aid staff about what the FAFSA might look like, and other ways to be prepared for the changes which are designed to make the process easier. The staff will answer questions related to the session and then can work one-on-one with students if they have questions specific to their own situation. 

Headshots and Career Talk
Tuesday, November 7, 2:30 - 5:30 pm, Multicultural Space, Whitehurst
Come have your professional headshot taken for your LinkedIn profile or other professional materials for free! Professional attire is recommended. (Did you know that you can apply for funding to purchase professional clothing through UR's Career Opportunity Fund?) While you are waiting for your headshot, chat with Career Services advisors about your job or internship search, get your resume reviewed, or learn more about their numerous programs that support your career development. Registration for Headshots is full, but you are welcome to drop by and talk with a career advisor. The Technology Learning Center in Boatwright Library also offers headshots. 

National First-Gen Celebration Dinner
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6 - 7:30 pm, Richmond Room, Heilman Dining Center
It's time to celebrate you and all your accomplishments! Join us for a special National First-gen Day Celebration Dinner, (with really yummy food) featuring some words of wisdom from a former first-gen student herself and faculty member of the Jepson School, Dr. Crystal Hoyt. Also attending will be lots of supportive faculty and staff, most of whom are first-gen so you can build your UR network of friends, allies, and mentors. Register here at https://tinyurl.com/URFLIDinner by Nov. 1 to guarantee your spot. 

Inside the Graduate School Experience
Thursday, Nov. 9, 7:00 pm Zoom
Join some FLI alumni as they discuss their graduate school experiences. Learn how they decided where to apply, what degree to pursue, and how to get it all financed. Ask questions about what they wish they'd known and the tips they have to make it as smooth a process as possible. Zoom link will be sent to those who register here, https://tinyurl.com/FLIGradschool

Navigating Your Health Care as a College Student
Friday, Nov. 10, 12 noon, Multicultural Space, Whitehurst
Join staff from the Student Health Center and the folks in Risk Management who run the UR student health insurance plan for information about how to access and pay for health services. Few things are more challenging than managing your health, but to do it on your own as a student for the first time is serious adulting! Bring your questions and we will provide a light lunch. 

Apple Picking at Carter Mountain
Saturday, Nov. 11, 12 pm departure, return by 5:00 pm
Spiders FLI go to the mountains!  Travel to Carter's Mountain in Charlottesville where you can pick your own bag of apples, and enjoy some apple cider and an amazing apple cider donut. Dress for the cool, fall weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and get off campus with us! Registration is required and space is limited. We were able to obtain more transportation so we are currently accepting folks for the waitlist, https://tinyurl.com/FLIApples. 

Earlier Events from Fall, 2023

Spiders FLI Lunch for new Spiders
August 21, 12:30 - 2:00 pm, Tyler Haynes Commons, Room 305
Will you be here for a pre-Orientation program like Endeavor, Thrive, or International Orientation? Join us for lunch, meet incoming FLI students from the other programs, hear from some returning FLI students who will share their best advice on how to settle in and be successful at UR, and learn how you can get more involved with the Spiders FLI program. Registration by August 14 is highly encouraged so we have enough boxed lunches. 

First-Gen/Limited Income Student Mixer and Ice Cream Social
Sunday, August 27, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, The Current, first floor of the Tyler Haynes Commons
Join members of the FLI community for an early afternoon social for all incoming and returning FLI students. Kick off the new academic year with new and old friends, get your free FLI t-shirt while supplies last, try your luck in our raffle of useful or fun things for your dorm room, and pick up our schedule of fall events, all while enjoying a sweet treat. 

Student Center for Equity and Inclusion Block Party
Friday, Sept 1, 4:30 - 6:30 pm, Whitehurst Lawn
Everyone is invited to enjoy food, music, and fun as we kick off the year with a celebration of community. There will be brief presentations about each of our programs, including LGBTQ+ Campus Life, and Multicultural Student Programs. Spiders FLI students are invited to stop by and get some swag, and our events calendar for the semester at our info session at 5 pm in the Whitehurst Living Room. 

FLI Peer Mentor Program Kick-Off and Induction
Saturday, Sept. 2, 2 pm. Whitehurst Living Room 
New peer mentees and mentors are invited to officially kick off the program together. Meet the other program members, have a little fun together, and learn about the ways the program can help you settle into Richmond. 

Spiders FLI Field Day
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2-4 pm, Westhampton Green. Rain location Weinstein Gym.
Bring your competitive juices and compete for prizes at our first-ever FLI Field Day. Play classic games like limbo, water balloon toss, egg and spoon races, and musical chairs. Try your luck on the giant inflatable Hungry Hungry Hippos game! If you're not feeling competitive, there will be plenty of things to do just for fun, or you can cheer on your friends. 

FLI Trip to DC - Application Deadline, Sept. 17
A Spiders FLI Trip to Washington, DC is being offered over the weekend of October 20 - 22. The trip is designed for students who have limited familiarity with Washington, DC to have a chance to explore our nation's capital. We'll visit a Smithsonian Museum, meet with some FLI alumni living in the DC area, and have lots of sightseeing time. There is no cost to participate and all transportation, meals, and hotel fees will be covered. The firm application deadline is Sunday, Sept. 17. The link to the application is here.

FLI Kayak Trip to the James River
Saturday, Sept. 23, 10:00 - 2:00 pm
Join the Outdoor Recreation department and try your hand at kayaking on our beautiful James River. Appropriate for beginners or experienced kayakers, it will be a great chance to enjoy the beautiful outdoors right in our backyard. Space is limited to 14. Registration will open on Monday, Sept. 11 at 6 pm. Space is limited. Sign up at tinyurl.com/FLIkayak

FLI Vision Board Making
Tuesday, September 26, 6 pm, Whitehurst Living Room
What do you want your Richmond experience to be? What are your goals for the semester or the year? Come join us as we envision, together, what our futures can look like, and think about ways that we can intentionally make it happen. No registration required.