Spider FLI 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, 2023 Events

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.

Celebrate National First-Generation Student Celebration Week, Nov. 6-11

There will be something for everyone at this year's first-gen week. Please join us at all the events that you can! Stay tuned for information about even more events.

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 will open in October.   

National First-Gen Celebration Day 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 the Associate Dean of the Jepson School and a former first-gen student herself, 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. Registration will open in October. 

Apple Picking at Carter Mountain
Saturday, Nov. 11, 12 pm departure, 4:30 pm return
Spiders FLI go to the mountains!  Travel to Carter's Mountain in Charlottesville where you can pick your own bag of apples to bring home, 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 will be required, and will open in October.