BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Memento EPFL// BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:FirstGen Network - Being the First in the Family to Attend Univers ity DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260427 DTSTAMP:20260506T090503Z UID:fcc325f17b7ad6a09560855aeb5a6d8af7f35add0b70553f7d90110c CATEGORIES:Miscellaneous DESCRIPTION:FirstGen Network \nFirstGen Academics Network (FirstGen Netwo rk) is an emerging network dedicated to supporting university students\, a cademics\, and graduates across Switzerland who are the first generation i n their families to attend or have attended university or Swiss higher edu cation.\n\nJoining this community means recognising that the journey of be ing a first-generation academic\, graduate\, or student extends beyond ach ieving a university degree. It’s about acknowledging the persistent unce rtainties\, the feeling of not fitting in\, and the ongoing challenge of a dapting to the academic environment—even after graduation. Moreover\, i t’s about celebrating the unique strengths and resilience that individua ls develop on this journey\, qualities that continue to shape their lives long after their university experience is over.\n\nThe primary goal is to create a space where first-generation students\, doctoral candidates\, aca demics\, and graduates at various stages of their careers can connect\, ex change experiences\, and find mutual support. The network understand the questions and obstacles that first-generation individuals face\, and toget her\, it provides valuable insights\, encouragement\, and inspiration. Ad ditionally\, the network strives to raise awareness within Swiss universit ies about the experiences and needs of first-generation students and acade mics.\n\nThe FirstGen Network is currently planning to expand the network to various locations to establish a local FirstGen Network community. \n\ nTwo events are planned at EPFL : \n\n27 APRIL 2026\nShared Roots\, Diffe rent Routes: A Dialogue on Being the First in the Family to Attend Univers ity\nOnline Event - 17:00 to 18:30\nWhat does it really mean to be the fir st in your family to enter the academic world? Whether you are a student j ust starting your studies or a researcher establishing a scientific career \, being the “First in the Family” to attend university brings a uniqu e set of perspectives—and challenges.\nShared Roots\, Different Routes  is a dialogue bringing together voices from various career stages. The ses sion will explore how coming from a non-academic background influences lif e decisions\, research paths\, and resilience within the scientific commun ity.\nThis event offers a platform for students to hear from those furter along the path\, and for scientific staff to reflect on their own journeys . It is a unique opportunity to exchange experiences on navigating academi a without a family legacy.\n>>>>Register Here (and get the online link) < <<<\n\n5 MAY 2026\nFrom Roots to Results: An Interactive Reflection on Edu cational Family Background\, Privileges\, and Achievement\nMeet and Greet Event on Campus (Lausanne)\, Room CE 1 104 - 17:30 to 19:00\nJoin the Firs tGen Network for From Roots to Results\, an interactive reflection on how your family’s educational background influences your own academic path. While our careers are shaped by many complex factors\, the specific dimens ion of academic lineage—or being the first in the family to attend unive rsity—is often overlooked. In this event\, the goal is to zoom in on thi s specific dimension. The FirstGen Network will look at how family educati onal background sets aspects of the stage\, while celebrating the resilien ce and achievements that brought all of us to where we are today. This isn ’t just about looking back—it’s about understanding the power of you r own journey.\nThe event will be followed by an Apéro offered by EPFL's Equal Opportunity Office (VPH-WINC-DEI).\n>>>>Register Here<<<<\n\nBoth ev ents are co-organised by EPFL's Equal Opportunity Office (VPH-WINC-DEI) a nd the FirstGen Network LOCATION: STATUS:CONFIRMED END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR