First Generation Café
What is the First-Generation Café?
The First-Generation Café is an open, informal space for exchange for everyone who identifies with—or is interested in—the topic of being the first in their family to attend university and/or pursue a doctorate. It offers a low-threshold opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, discuss challenges, and connect with others—no registration required and independent of participation in the mentoring program.
Goals
· Provide space for exchange and mutual support around studying/doing a doctorate as a first-generation academic
· Strengthen belonging and reduce isolation
· Enable orientation (e.g., informal rules, resources, strategies)
· Build community across status groups and disciplines
· Support inclusion: everyone is welcome across all languages, cultures, and nationalities
How does it work?
The Café is a drop-in format: you can join and leave at any time.
Typically, we start with a brief welcome and shared guidelines (open, respectful, confidential), and then participants bring in the topics. Depending on needs, conversations take place in a plenary circle or in small groups.
Who can attend?
The First-Generation Café is open to all status groups—from students to doctoral researchers, postdocs, academic staff, science management, and professors. First-generation academics are warmly invited, as well as anyone who would like to learn, connect, or support the topic.
Time & location
Summer Semester 2026 | 14:00–16:00 | GCSC, Room 101
Dates: 23 April, 21 May, 18 June, 16 July
Contact
ggk@uni-giessen.de
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