Spider FLI Events
Every semester events for first-generation and/or low-income students are organized by the staff of the Student Center for Equity and Inclusion. Follow us on Instagram @urspidersfli or join our Group Me for more information about upcoming events.
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. We hope to see you often.
Spring, 2023
Join us for a semester of informative, fun, and celebratory events with the Spiders FLI program. Remember to follow us on Instagram and through our GroupMe (see above) for information about these events and more.
Study Abroad for Spiders FLI, Monday, Feb. 6, 5:30 pm, Whitehurst Living Room
Did you know that first-generation and limited-income students go abroad less frequently than their peers? We think that should change because studying abroad, whether for a couple of weeks or a full semester, is an amazing experience, and one that is within reach for most Spiders FLI students. Come get some basic information from the Office of International Education, Financial Aid, the Office of Scholars and Fellowships, and a number of your peers who have gone abroad, about how you, too, can become a global traveler while at UR. It's more accessible than you think.
Valentines Craft Extravaganza, Friday, Feb. 10, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Multicultural Space, Whitehurst First Floor
Join us for food, drinks, music, and crafting, and a chill time to hang with your Spiders FLI friends. Chocolate will be in abundance. A great way to end the school week.
Demystifying Housing Selection, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 4:30 - 5:30 pm, Westhampton Center Living Room
Wondering what the Housing lottery will be like? Curious about the process, your housing options, or how to find a roommate? Folks from Housing and Residential Life will come and explain the housing lottery and answer all your questions. Refreshments will be provided.
Spiders FLI Student/Alumni Mixer, Thursday, March 2, 6-8 pm, Hardywood Craft Brewery, downtown Richmond location, all ages welcome.
Come meet some young Spiders FLI alumni who have lots of great advice to share about their careers, what it's like to transition from college to the workplace, or how to get the most out of your time here. A super easy way to learn from folks who have successfully made the transition to the workplace, and really want to help other Spiders FLI do the same. Free food and beverages, alcoholic and non, will be provided, as will transportation to and from campus. Casual, but neat attire welcome. Register here.
Mentor/Mentee trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), Friday, March 17, 1:30 - 4:30 pm. We will provide the snacks and transportation and take you to one of Richmond's most iconic museums. The VMFA is free to enter, but the grounds are equally nice to stroll through or sit under a tree and take in the scenery. So whether it is a beautiful day or not, you will enjoy getting away from campus and seeing a beautiful part of the city and a world class art museum. Some highlights include an immersive 25-minute film on Frederick Douglas and their beautiful exhibit of Faberge Eggs. Registration link will be sent to all mentors/mentees.
Bowling at River City Roll, Saturday, April 1, 1-3 pm.
The coolest bowling in the city, this venue features great food, leather couches, and high-tech scoring. But most importantly you can get off-campus and enjoy some fun with your FLI friends, and all expenses will be paid for and transportation provided. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration link coming shortly.
Spiders FLI Senior Cording Ceremony, Tuesday, April 4, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Brown Alley Room, Weinstein Hall.
Come celebrate our graduating seniors on completing their degrees as first-generation and/or limited-income students and receive the cords they will wear at commencement (a fancy word for graduation). Enjoy student reflections as well as remarks from President Hallock and others. A reception and group photos to follow.
Fall, 2022
Celebrate National First-Generation Student Week, Nov. 4-11
There will be something for everyone at this year's first-gen week. Please join us at all the events that you can!
Apple Picking at Carter Mountain, Friday, Nov. 4, 2 pm departure, 6:30 pm return
Spiders FLI go to the mountains! Sign up today to come to Carter's Mountain in Charlottesville. Pick your own bag of apples to bring home, get a free cider donut, and a hayride. Dress for the cool, fall weather and wear closed-toe shoes and get off campus with us! Registration required as space is limited.
Krush the FAFSA, Monday, Nov. 7, Multicultural Space, Drop in between 2-4 pm
Members of the Financial Aid staff will offer private consultations about your financial aid questions, and no question will be off-limits. Wondering about the difference between a private loan and a government loan? Or what your monthly loan payment will be when you graduate? Has your family's financial situation changed since you last applied for aid? Get some advice, from the experts. There will be a limited amount of Organic Krush's most popular smoothies for the first folks to come by. No appointment is necessary.
Headshots and Career Talk, Tuesday, Nov. 8, Multicultural Space, Drop in between 2-4 pm
Need a professional headshot for your LinkedIn account, or other professional materials? Get one for free today with the ever-popular and talented campus photographer, Kim Lee Schmidt. First come, first served. Solid shirts, simple make-up, and minimal jewelry are recommended.
Career Services Drop-In Hours will also take place in the Multicultural Space that day from 2-4 pm. Come meet Elizabeth Soady, Assistant Director of Career Services and ask her about how to find an internship, have her review your resume, or point you to good interview prep questions. All are welcome. Snacks will be served.
Mastering the Hidden Curriculum of College, by Dr. Rachel Gable, Thursday, Nov. 10, 5 pm, Alice Haynes Room
Weaving data from large-scale public databases and her own longitudinal research and work with first-generation, low- and middle-income, and international students, Rachel Gable offers key lessons in understanding the hidden curriculum of highly selective American colleges. She offers specific guidance for how students from a wide range of backgrounds, beliefs, and family experience with college-going can learn to navigate and thrive on a prestigious college campus. Through personal stories, sometimes humorous and often deeply poignant, she shows how first-generation students are as varied as any other demographic group, and urges university leaders to make the most of the diverse perspectives and insights these talented students have to offer. The presentation addresses common challenges that all students face when navigating the tacit rules of college and will be beneficial for all students; however, key takeaways and guidance are geared primarily toward first-generation, low- and middle-income, international, and immigrant students. Open to students, staff, and faculty, and registration is required.
From Surviving to Thriving, Student workshop with Dr. Rachel Gable, Friday, Nov. 11, 1-2 pm
This 50-minute interactive workshop will feature topics and exercises including peer connections, extracurricular commitments, academics, finding mentors, and off-campus engagements. All topics and exercises will be framed in the context of self-reflection, self-advocacy, and self-care. Lunch is included and registration is required.
Previous Events
Spiders FLI Community Gathering: An Introduction to Opportunities and Resources for First-Generation and Limited-Income Students
New Student Orientation, Friday, August 19, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, THC 305.
Join us as we introduce incoming FLI students to our programs and services, to the wisdom of our returning students, and to each other, as we build connections among our FLI community. Attendance is optional but encouraged, and there will be giveaways. No RSVP is required.
Student Center for Equity and Inclusion Block Party
Friday, August 26, 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 get your free t-shirts and other swag at the 5:30 pm presentation.
Spiders FLI Mentor/Mentee Kick Off
Saturday, August 27, 2 - 3:30 pm, Whitehurst Living Room
All new FLI Mentees and Mentors will meet for a meet and greet and introduction to the program in the Whitehurst Living Room. All mentees applied to this program and received information about their mentor in August.
FLY with FLI - Finding Your Place at UR
Friday, September 9, 12-1, Multicultural Space
Join our conversation series as we discuss what it's like for FLI students to find their place at UR. Bring your stories, questions, anecdotes, and advice, and enjoy free pizza.
FLY with FLI - Managing College on a Budget
Friday, September 23, 12-1 pm, Multicultural Space
This week our conversation takes on the University's wealth gap, and the realities of managing college life on a limited budget. From simple tricks and tips to important scholarship opportunities and emergency fund access, we will share lots of useful information. Students, bring your best advice about where to get textbooks for cheap, Dining Dollar hacks, and more.
Fall Break FLI Trip to DC - Application Deadline
The application is now closed
A brand new Spiders FLI Trip to Washington, DC is being offered over Fall Break. The trip has been ideally designed to be a space for students who live too far to go home over break, and have limited familiarity with Washington DC. We will see a Broadway show at the Kennedy Center for the Arts (yes, it's Hamilton!), visit a Smithsonian Museum, and meet with some FLI alumni living in the DC area. There is no cost to participate and all transportation, meals, and hotel fees will be covered. The firm application deadline is Sunday, Sept. 18. The trip will take place from October 8-10. The link to the application is here.
Halloween Study Break
Tuesday, October 25, 7:30 - 9:00 pm, THC 305
Come have a spooky study break with Spiders FLI! Come decorate pumpkins, grab a bite, and take home a goodie bag full of tricks and treats, as long as supplies last. We hope to see you there! No registration is required.